iTunes 7.3 (#4): Kernel panics and AppleMobileDevices.kext; Another option for recreating the library to resolve -50 errors

[Published Thursday, July 5th]

Kernel panics and AppleMobileDevices.kext iTunes 7.3 installs a new kernel extension called AppleMobileDevices.kext, and it appears that this new kernel extension can be the cause for kernel panics on some systems -- perhaps due to problematic installation of the iTunes 7.3 package. If you are experiencing kernel panics after installing iTunes 7.3, try removing AppleMobileDevices.kext from /System/Library/Extensions then restart. If the problem is resolved, try deleting the following files:

• The iTunes 7.3 application (located in /Applications)
• com.apple.iTunes.plist (from ~/Library/Preferences)
• iTunes.pkg (from /Library/Receipts)
• iTunesX.pkg (from /Library/Receipts)

then re-installing iTunes 7.3 while performing no other system operations and having no other open applications. You may also want to disconnect unnecessary external USB devices and other peripherals while installation is taking place.

If kernel panics still occur, remove the file /System/Library/Extensions/AppleMobileDevices.kext permanently and restart.

Another option for recreating the library to resolve -50 errors We previously reported that a full library deletion and restore may be required to eliminate -50 errors that occur while iTunes 7.3 is launching. The process we mentioned involves backing up the music library to another location, then deleting the original library and finally re-importing. However, you can also simply backup then create a new library at launch and re-import, as follows:

1. Quit iTunes
2. Backup your iTunes library (the folder ~/Music/iTunes) to a separate location (can be on the same volume)
3. Launch iTunes while holding down the option key and follow the steps to create a new library
4. In iTunes, choose Import from the FIle menu
5. Select the backed up ~/Music/iTunes as a source folder
6. Restore any deleted preferences

Fix for problems launching -- do not install mobile devices If you have installed iTunes 7.3 and are having problems launching the application after exhausting all previously published workarounds and do not need mobile device support, try deleting the following items:

then restarting. These items are installed by AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg package included with iTunes 7.3. You can avoid the installation of these files by clicking the Customize button at the "Installation Type" phase of iTunes 7.3 installation, then unchecking "Apple Mobile Device Support."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• iTunes 7.3 (#3): Downgrading to iTunes 7.2; Deleting and restoring the library for -50 errors; more
• iTunes 7.3 (#2): Fails to launch (-50 errors), fixes; Display bug in podcasts; more
• iTunes 7.3 released: adds iPhone support, Apple TV features; -50 errors (cannot save library) at launch

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