Housekeeping tips: moving your media files and removing duplicates
[Recent article updates in
blue.]
Basic facts:
* WMP does not store your media files in the library: it simply points to files located on your hard drive(s). It keeps a database of file locations and other information about your files, as part of your Windows XP user profile.
* WMP 9/10 tracks media file moves on Windows XP.
A "copy" is not the same as a "move".
* It doesn't matter where your media files are stored on your local drives (modulo some unverified problems with storing them under other user profiles or shared folders, or SUBST'd drives, or drives only connected via network routers).
So, if you are not happy with WMP ripping music to the folder structure
Album Artist\Album then you can move them elsewhere post-ripping and the library will track the new locations. NB *move* the files, don't copy them.
That can be done with an Explorer Edit > Move Folder, or with the indispensable robocopy command-line utility.
If you have copied your files rather than moving them, and wish to quickly get rid of the duplicates, here's a simple procedure. Sort the
All Music list by the
File Path column and then bulk-select the duplicates and hit the DEL key to remove them from the library. If you don't see the
File Path column, use menu command View > Choose Columns.
Please note that static playlists are *not* updated
when referenced tracks are moved. So moving your files will cause WMP to skip over them on playback. If you copy playlists (stored as .WPL and .W3U files in My Playlists) to another computer, they will not work unless the file paths are the same as the original computer.
Since .WPL files are text files, you can use a tool like Notepad to search-and-replace file paths in these playlists.
I also suggest:
* first make sure the destination folders are monitored (WMP Tools > Options > Library)
* ensure your files are backed up away from WMP (
eg on DVD or tape), so you can recover from any tag overwrites or file deletions it may carry out.
Having your entire collection on a single external HDD is NOT a backup. At least have a second external drive which is NOT monitored by any media library like WMP or iTunes.
Moving your library .WMDB database file to another computer is not guaranteed to work, especially if the folder structure differs from the original computer. Even WMP ignores this file when it goes through a major version upgrade: it rebuilds the database from data embedded in your media files, and ignores any data it may have cached previously and not written out to your files.
Backing up that file should take much lower precedence than backing up your actual media files. Migrating ratings to a new PC: if you have not elected to store ratings
in your MP3 and WMA files (Tools > Options > Library) then this power-toy may work for you:
Windows Media Player 9 Series Ratings Migration power toy.