next to it, iTunes displays the issue notification, “Original file could not be found.”

This situation occurs because songs aren’t stored in the iTunes app.

Instead, iTunes functions like a directory for the music files stored on a computer’s hard drive.

iTunes files on a laptop with headphones

Pikrepo

If the music file isn’t in the location the system expects, it can’t play the song.

Also, another media software may have moved the file without telling you.

In the dialog box that appears, selectLocate.

Double-click the song with the exclamation point (!) next to it.

Locate the missing song on the local or external hard drive, go for the file, then selectOpen.

In the dialog box that appears, selectOK.

snag the song in iTunes to play it.

iTunes with the Locate button highlighted

The exclamation point should be gone.

This method doesn’t move the location of the music file.

Instead, it updates where iTunes expects to find the file.

iTunes' Find Original window with the Open button highlighted

Instead, you may be able to solve the problem by consolidating your iTunes Library.

InOrganize Library, select theConsolidate filescheck box, and then selectOK.

iTunes scans the entire hard drive to find the files it’s missing.

iTunes with the Find Files button highlighted

This process makes two copies of every song, taking up twice the disk space.

If you don’t want duplicates of songs, delete the old files from their original locations.

Select a song in iTunes to play it.

The OK button

The exclamation point should be gone.

InGeneral Preferences, select theAdvancedtab.

InAdvanced Preferences, go to theiTunes Media folder locationsection, then selectChange.

Select the song in iTunes to play it.

InAdvanced Preferences, selectOK.

iTunes with the Organize Library command highlighted

iTunes with the Consolidate Files command highlighted

iTunes with the Preferences menu option highlighted

iTunes preferences with the Advanced tab highlighted

iTunes Advanced preferences with the Change button highlighted

The Select Folder button

The OK button

iTunes Advanced Settings with the “Keep iTunes Media folder organized” option highighted