Music Library Doctor
Library repair

Fix missing tracks in Serato DJ

Bulk path repair across Serato's main DB and every crate file in one pass. External drives handled as 'offline'. Works with Serato DJ Pro and Lite.

The problem

Serato's library is file-based: each crate references absolute paths, and paths live in two places — Serato's main database AND each individual crate file. If your music folder moved, Serato marks every track as missing and there's no built-in bulk relocate. The workaround — re-importing folders manually — loses Smart Crates, breaks `%%` nested crate hierarchy, and often wipes hot cues.

How Music Library Doctor does it

  1. 1 Install Music Library Doctor and add your music folders (including external drives and network volumes).
  2. 2 MLD scans and cross-references every file against Serato's main database and every `.crate` file in `_Serato_/Subcrates/`.
  3. 3 It proposes re-links based on filename, file size, and audio fingerprint — and recognizes the Serato `%%` hierarchy for nested crates.
  4. 4 Review or auto-accept. Preview candidate files with the built-in player before committing.
  5. 5 MLD writes corrected paths to Serato's main DB and every affected crate in one pass. Open Serato — missing indicators clear up.

Supported today

Rekordbox · Serato DJ · VirtualDJ (incl. Favorite Folders) on Windows 10+ and macOS (Apple Silicon + Intel).

Why native integration matters

Serato stores paths in two places: the main library database and each individual crate file. Fixing one without the other leaves you half-broken — a known pitfall of manual re-imports. MLD updates both in a single coordinated pass and preserves the `%%` nested crate hierarchy. Unplugged external drives are treated as offline, not deleted, so you don't lose library entries when a drive isn't connected.

Frequently asked questions

Does this touch my Serato hot cues?

No. MLD only updates path references — cue points, loops, and beatgrids stay where they are.

What about tracks analyzed but not in any crate?

MLD repairs both the main library and every crate, so orphan tracks get fixed along with everything else.

Does it back up before writing?

Yes. The whole `_Serato_` folder is copied to a timestamped backup before any write.

Does this work on Serato DJ Lite?

Yes. The database and crate format is identical between Lite and Pro.

What happens when my external drive isn't plugged in?

Tracks from that drive are shown as *offline*, not missing. They won't be flagged for cleanup just because the drive is disconnected.

Get your library in shape in minutes

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