iTunes 7.3 (#2): Fails to launch (-50 errors), fixes; Display bug in podcasts; more

Fails to launch, fixes Several readers have reported a problem where iTunes 7.3 fails to launch, bouncing a few times in the dock then proceeding no further or unexpectedly quitting immediately after launch.

Meanwhile, as previously reported, some users are experiencing an issue after updating to iTunes 7.3 where they receive the error message:

• "The iTunes Library cannot be saved. An unknown error has occurred (-50)"

when launching the new version. The error usually occurs during the "Updating iTunes Library" process. We previously noted that users may want to try re-creating the iTunes Library via the instructions in this Apple Knowledge Base article, or seeking out potentially problematic files in the ~/Music/iTunes Music/ folder.

MacFixIt reader Orlando Santos writes:

"This morning using "software update" in my MacBook Pro 2GHZ Core Duo, 2GB RAM, 100GB HD, 15" screen, Mac OSX 10.4.10, I downloaded the iTunes update to 7.3 and the installation process was fine like always. But when I went to try to open iTunes the app wouldn't launch, the little black triangle next to the icon in the dock when an app is being open was flashing but then it vanished. I did several restarts and one shutdown and no luck, then this afternoon I went to your page and tried the steps for the itunes library, that didn't work either for when you get to the step to launch the app it still wouldn't do it. Then I tried downloading the standalone DMG and did a second successful installation according to the installer, but still the app won't launch."

Another reader adds:

"I installed iTunes 7.3 on 10.4.10 on my 2.33GHz MPB, and it fails to launch - bounces a couple of times in the dock, then quits."

Fixes

Check for other applications/add-ons that access iTunes Some instances of this issue can be resolved by quitting applications or system processes that have the capability to launch iTunes, or otherwise rely on the application.

This includes Widgets, iTunes-based alarms and more.

If you cannot find a running application or add-on that is using iTunes in some way, check for hidden processes using Activity Monitor (per instructions in this article) that may be forcing iTunes to stay launched.

Disable APE for iTunes In some cases the problem can be caused (or at least traced to) haxies that run under the Application Enhancer (APE) umbrella.

As such, you can try excluding iTunes from from Application Enhancer's (APE) effective list via the following instructions:

1. Open System Preferences
2. Click on the Application Enhancer Preference Pane located in the "Other" section.
3. Select Application Enhancer at the top of the haxie list.
4. Once selected, there will be a tab entitled "Master Exclude List" - select the "Master Exclude List" tab.
5. Use the plus ( ) sign at the bottom of the window to open a navigation window. Navigate to the Finder, which is located in /System/Library/CoreServices. Select the Finder to add it to the Master Exclude List.

Failing the above steps, try uninstalling APE completely by re-downloading the Application Enhancer installer, then launching it and selecting the "Uninstall" option.

MacFixIt reader Padmavyuha writes:

"Okay, disabling APE until the License screen was passed fixed this."

Restart in Safe mode Some users have been able to resolve this issue by simply restarting in safe mode once, then restarting back in normal mode. Booting in safe mode clears specific cache files and performs other maintenance routines that may work to eliminate the iTunes launching problem.

Display bug in podcasts A few users are reporting problems with displaying some data in podcasts.

One reader writes:

"In the Podcasts folder, change from list to group view. The artwork column will not get refreshed and will retain some leftover text from the list view. My system: 10.4.10, PowerMac Dual G5 2GHz 3.5 GB Ram. Problem does not appear in Music, Movies, or TV Shows folders."

Songs not displayed, but are playable Some MacFixIt readers have reported an issue where songs are not displayed in the main iTunes window, but are present and playable.

One reader writes:

"After applying the update for itunes, my main screen is empty. I can see my albums on the left, but if i click one nothing shows up, window is empty. The odd part is, everything is playable already deleted the .plist but no effect."

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

Previous coverage:

• iTunes 7.3 released: adds iPhone support, Apple TV features; -50 errors (cannot save library) at launch

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