iTunes 7.1.1 (#3): Problems installing: Make sure iTunes is in root /Applications directory; Problems with AirPort Express

Problems installing: Make sure iTunes is in root /Applications directory We continue to report on an issue where iTunes 7.1.1 fails to properly install, or at least appears to do so.

In many cases, it appears that these issues are due to the user having moved iTunes outside the root level of the /Applications folder, or into a subdirectory of the /Applications folder. The iTunes 7.1.1 installer is indeed placing the current version of iTunes at the root level of the /Applications directory, but users are checking their moved copies of iTunes and finding that they remain at version 7.0.2 or 7.1.1. Again, iTunes 7.1.1 will only install itself at the root level of /Applications. It will not update a copy of iTunes located anywhere else on your startup drive or another volume.

MacFixIt reader Revere Thomson offers an apt example:

"I had the same problem as others i.e. tried updating from iTunes 7.0.2 directly to 7.1.1, and found that, even though the update seemed to install, iTunes remained at version 7.0.2. When I looked at my application folder I found the iTunes icon there, and on clicking it it opened to the correct 7.1.1 version.

"The problem was that I had set up subfolders in my application folder, and moved all the Apple applications into one of these subfolders. As soon as I moved the new version of iTunes into the subfolder it replaced (after asking) the older version and all has worked well since."

As described in this article (published yesterday), you should never move applications (especially those from Apple) from their default locations -- generally the root level of the /Applications folder to prevent the aforementioned problem and others.

More problems with AirPort Express streaming (AirTunes) We previously reported on problems using the "multiple speaker" option when streaming through AirPort Express under iTUnes 7.1.1. Users are also reporting drops, skips and other issues with AirTunes streaming.

MacFixIt reader Jeffe writes:

"My installation seemed fine. But when I'm using external speakers on Airport Express, sometimes the music jumps, stops, and skips. When I change it back to the computer speakers, it's fine, then when I go back to airport speakers, it happens again."

Fixes

Change your IPv6 settings In order to change this setting, open System Preferences then the Network pane and click on your currently used interface (Ethernet, AirPort, etc.). Click on the TCP/IP settings for the interface -- at the bottom if you see a button which says 'Configure IPv6...' click it make the setting "Off." Press the Apply Now button.

Update firmware Make sure that you are using the latest AirPort Express -- currently version 6.3.

Switch between internal speakers and Express Some users report an issue where putting a system to sleep then waking it up makes AirPort streaming problematic. The solution in this case (where the indicator goes to 'play' mode, but the time doesn't change) is to switch to the computer's internal speakers, then immediately switch back to the AirPort Express.

Going wired Some users have been able to solve this problem through an awkward and purpose-defeating workaround -- linking their AirPort Express directly to the Mac streaming audio.

More fixes Fore more potential fixes, see the mini-tutorial "Fixes for AirPort Express streaming issues -- Drops, skips and more" and our wireless troubleshooting tutorial.

Front Row remote cannot control remote speakers Some users are reporting an issue where the Front Row remote can no longer control the volume of remote speakers connected via an AirPort Express after the update to iTunes 7.1.1.

MacFixIt reader Joe Kriz writes:

"To the best of my recollection this started happening after the last updates. I use Front Row on my Mac Mini connected to a large screen TV a couple of times a week. I have the sound ported out to 2 remote stereo systems (remote speakers if you will) via 2 Apple Express Base Stations with AirTunes. I can no longer control the volume to these remote stereo system via Front Row. The Front Row volume bar goes up and down but the volume of the stereo(s) do not change. They used to."

One potential workaround for this problem involves using the shareware application Airfoil, which allows you to send any audio (not just that from iTunes) to AirPort Express units. The software has an option called "Link Volume to System," which allows you to control remote speaker volume by turning the regular system volume up or down.

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Previous coverage:

• iTunes 7.1.1 (#2): Vertical line distortion still present for some; Playlists, music missing; Problems installing; more
• iTunes 7.1.1 released: Addresses "stability and minor compatibility" issues

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