iTune Library Backups Aren't Loading - Why Even Bother Making Them?

[theALmighty66]

I frequently back up / export my iTunes library via .itl files. Then any time my external hard drive, where the current .itl playlist is stored, accidentally disconnects, it murders my iTunes library.

When I try to restore via Option + clicking the application icon, I know exactly which is the latest file to restore from—but it says it's damaged. It says the last, like, ten backups are damaged. I have to keep going back to, like, April of last year. Such a pain.

Any ideas why the backups are so useless? -ha-

ALSO: Anyone know of a way where I can house my song files on an external hard drive BUT keep the .itl file on the local drive? That would be amazing; I'm sure it would go a long way to killing this problem.

Thanks!

 

[Spawn_Dooley]

How long has your ext hd been accidentally disconnecting?

 

[theALmighty66]

Geez, maybe two years … 20+ times.

 

[Lufbrarunner]

Is the external HD connected directly to the computer or is it connected through a hub?

 

[theALmighty66]

Directly via USB

 

[Spawn_Dooley]

Geez, maybe two years … 20+ times.

What Mac OS version?

In System Preferences ~> Energy Saver, is there a tick in the box next to "Put hard disks to sleep when possible"?

 

[theALmighty66]

It's Mountain Lion, but does that have anything to do with it?

Yes, there is.

 

[Spawn_Dooley]

As an experiment, remove the tick & see if the ex hard drive continues to disconnect.

 

[theALmighty66]

I can try; thank you.