How to find cause for iTunes not exporting library XML?
My iTunes XML export has not been working for months but I need it for DJ software like Traktor Pro. I would like to find and fix the problem and can't reset the database.
When trying to export the whole library as XML manually (File -> Library -> Export Library) I can see Assertion failure: success == noErr (-8753) in the system log but that is ALL I know right now.
What can I do find the root cause of this problem?
macOS version: 10.12.5
iTunes version: 12.6.1.25
These are my relevant settings:
I've seen these libraries get a bit corrupted many times even though they'll still work perfectly in iTunes.
I think that's probably what's going on here so I don't have a lot of faith in my first three suggestions but they're a lot less dangerous / serious & could definitely fix the issue. The 'nuclear' option I've listed last is safe to do but it involves rebuilding your entire iTunes database which if you're a DJ might be more than you'd like to jump to. If you have backups though it will always be fine to take the riskier route first.
Just in case you haven't tried, uncheck 'Share iTunes Library XML with other applications' hit ok, open up preferences and check it again. Try to export.
We can test this on a clean slate with a new user. Copy (move if there's not enough space) the entire iTunes folder over to the shared area of your computer, and then create a new administrator over in System Preferences > Users & Groups. Restart & log in to that one, add your iTunes library by selecting it in the same advanced tab of iTunes preferences shown in your screenshot. This might take a little bit of time. Then try out an export.
If that still doesn't work, the last thing I would recommend to try is to replace the 'System' folder where iTunes & other system functions are kept in case there's an issue there. You can do this by booting into recovery mode by holding CMD + R while the Mac is starting, and install onto your disk. This won't affect your data or users at all - in only replaces the System folder where OS stuff only is at.
When none of those work take the nuclear option and rebuild your iTunes library using these instructions. Backing up before this is a good idea.