iTunes 7.1 (#3): Problems installing, fixes (cont.); Lines of distortion in full screen Cover Flow (cont.); downgrading; more

Problems installing Users continue to report issues installing iTunes 7.1, both through Software Update and when using the standalone download.

Fixes

Rebuild iTunes Library It appears that for some users, iTunes installation is failing when the installer attempts to update the iTunes Library database file. The remedy, for some, is to rebuild the iTunes Library via these steps:

1. Quit iTunes if it is open
2. Navigate to ~/Music/iTunes/ [The tilde (~) represents the current home user directory]
3. Drag the file iTunes Music Library.xml to a safe location
4. Drag the file "iTunes Library" to the Trash
5. Relaunch iTunes
6. Choose "Import" from the "File" menu
7. Locate the iTunes Music Library.xml from step 3 and click "Choose"
8. Re-attempt the iTunes 7.1 update

Software Update-specific fixes If iTunes 7.1 fails to apply properly through Software Update, the first course of action should be to re-attempt installation using the standalone download. Failing that, try the fixes listed in our tutorial "When Software Update Won't Work (System cannot see or install updates)".

Lines of distortion in full screen Cover Flow Dozens of users have corroborated an issue where there are vertical lines of distortion when using the Cover Flow function in full screen mode. The majority of cases involve PowerPC-based Macs that make use of ATI Radeon 9000 series graphics cards.

One reader writes:

"Having the exact same problem after updating to iTunes 7.1. PowerMac G4 Mirrored Drive Door running OS 10.4.8 with an ATI Radeon 9000."

Another adds:

"I'm experiencing the same thing with the hairline black stripe from the top left to bottom right of all the covers. My Mac is a PowerMac G4 867 Quicksilver with a ATI Radeon 9200 PCI graphics card."

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

Reverting to an earlier version of iTunes (downgrading, uninstalling) If you are experiencing major issues with iTunes 7.1 you may want to use the following process to revert to an earlier version of iTunes.

Delete the following files:

• The iTunes 7.0 application (located in /Applications)
• com.apple.iTunes.plist (from ~/Library/Preferences)
• iTunes.pkg (from /Library/Receipts)
• iTunesX.pkg (from /Library/Receipts)

You can then download iTunes 7.0.1 from OldApps and run the installer (Apple does not maintain archived installers for iTunes 7.0.2 and older).

iPod fails to mount/not recognized Some users are reporting problems with mounting iPods after updating to iTunes 7.1.

MacFixIt reader Gary Coyne writes:

"I have two partitions and after updating 7.1 on one of the partitions I couldn't mount my G3 iPod. Later, before I really thought about it (busy day) I had updated my other partition and now I can't mount my G3 iPod on this computer."

Another reader adds:

"iPod 30 GB Video won't show up anymore with iTunes 7.1."

Fixes

Reset/restore iPod The first procedure to try in this case is an iPod reset, as described in Knowledge Base article #61705. Failing that, try restoring your iPod.

Turn off iPod, then connect Some users report that turning off their iPods, then connecting them to systems results in a successful transfers.

Connect and externally powered USB/FireWire hub As we've noted several times in the past, low power delivery can cause significant issues with FireWire and USB 2.0 transfers to iPods. Try adding an externally powered (plugs into the wall) USB or FireWire hard drive to your system, connect the iPod to it, and check for persistence of the issue.

Disconnect from PCI-based USB cards/switch ports If you are using a PCI-based USB or FireWire Hub, try disconnecting the iPod from it and connecting it directly to the Mac or to a powered hub. Incompatibilities with some installed cards can prompt iPod issues.

Previous coverage:

• iTunes 7.1 (#2): Problems installing; Podcast issues; Distortion lines through album covers in Cover Flow; more
• iTunes 7.1 released: Includes Apple TV support, full screen cover flow, new sorting options

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