Re-Rip and preserve tags

If you want to re-rip existing tracks while preserving your tags, use the following steps:

1. Backup your library: File->Library->Back Up Library (so you can restore if something goes wrong).
2. Disable Auto-Import: Tools->Auto Import Options (uncheck 'run auto-import in background')
3. If you want to change formats, ie mp3 to FLAC, or your ripping file-naming convention has changed:
   • Select all the tracks you are re-ripping and Tools->Library Tools->Rename, Move, & Copy Files
   • Select Rename (moves files if directory changes).
   • Fill out the Directories, Filename fields to ensure that the old file naming convention matches your current convention so that the original filenames will match the re-ripped filenames.
   • If changing formats, fill out Find & Replace 'Find What' field with the old file format extension, eg mp3, and the 'Replace With' field with the new format extension, eg 'flac'
   • Check that the Action window shows correct information for Original and New and then select 'OK'. You will be asked whether to move the files, select 'Yes'.
4. Re-rip your tracks and ensure they replace the original files
   • If ripping with J.River Media Center:
     • Rip to a temporary location, and once ripped, delete the new files from the library (do not delete the actual files!)
     • Use an external file manager to replace the original files with the new ones.
5. Select all the original tracks in J.River Media Center and perform the following operations:
   • Tools->Library Tools->Update Tags (from library)
   • Tools->Library Tools->Update Library (from tags)
6. Re-enable Auto-Import if you use it: Tools->Auto Import Options
7. Your library should now point at your newly ripped files and have preserved the original files' tags.

Discussion Thread: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=49951