Moving large numbers of audio files whilst maintaining track references in PlayIt Live requires careful planning to avoid breaking track links and losing important metadata like cue points.

Use the Missing Track File Analysis Tool:

When you need to move audio files to a new location, the best approach is to use PlayIt Live's built-in Missing Track File Analysis tool. Move your audio files to the new location using Windows Explorer first. Then go to Tools > Missing Track File Analysis in PlayIt Live. This tool will detect that tracks reference files that have been moved and allow you to redirect the references to the new file locations.

Step-by-Step Workflow:

First, move your audio files to the new location using Windows Explorer or your preferred file management tool. Keep the folder structure intact if possible to make the relinking process easier. Open PlayIt Live and go to Tools > Missing Track File Analysis. Click Scan for missing track files to identify tracks with broken file references.

For each missing track, you can choose to Update path (redirect to the new location), Delete track (remove from database), or Ignore (leave unresolved). Use the bulk selection options (CTRL or SHIFT keys) to select multiple tracks and apply the same resolution to save time. Click Mark selected to apply your chosen resolution to multiple tracks at once.

Alternative Methods:

If your files are already in monitored folders, be extremely careful as moving files between monitored folders treats this as a deletion followed by a new addition, which will lose all your cue points and metadata. Instead, disable the monitored folder settings temporarily whilst moving files, then re-enable them afterwards.

Important Considerations:

Never move files that are currently scheduled in your playout log whilst automation is running, as this can cause playback failures. Always perform file moves during maintenance periods when broadcasting is not active. Consider creating a backup of your PlayIt Live database before moving large numbers of files via Tools > Backup and Restore.

Monitored Folders Warning:

If you're using monitored folders with Delete tracks enabled, avoid moving files when your storage might be temporarily disconnected (such as network drives or NAS systems). PlayIt Live will treat disconnected files as deleted and remove all track information, including your cue points and metadata.

Best Practice:

For large music libraries, avoid using monitored folders entirely for your main collection. Instead, use Manage > Tracks > Add New to import tracks, as this creates more stable references that are easier to manage when reorganising your file structure.