X

iTunes 7.4.2 (#4): Problems play tracks, fixes; store credits used for free media

Playback issues may be plug-in related.

CNET staff
3 min read

Problems playing some (non-DRM) tracks We've received reports of some problems playing back certain tracks after the update to iTunes 7.4.2. MacFixit reader Clive writes:

"I've never really used iTunes to listen to music, only relying on it to sync my iPod. However the other day I needed to use it to play a track and there seemed to be some big problems with it which I suspect crept in since updating to 7.4.2 (though I have also updated my MacBook Pro with the recent system update).

"The problem is that some tracks play fine when I hit the space bar or the start button, but most don't play at all. After rebooting, the same files still didn?t want to play, and the same ones worked fine. I tried playing the non-working tracks through Amadeus and they worked just fine too. I haven't synched my iPod since and am a bit reluctant to do so just yet."

In some cases, the problem may be plug-in related. Look in the following folder:

  • ~/Library/iTunes Plug-ins

for any third-party plug-ins, then remove them. Quit and re-launch iTunes and check for persistence of the behavior. You can then add the plug-ins back one-by-one (quitting and restarting iTunes between each move) to isolate the offending item. Plug-ins that have been identified as potentially problematic include OSS 3D (a tool used for real-time audio enhancement)

You can also try navigating to the Sound pane of System Preferences, clicking on the Output tab and re-selecting the sound output device (e.g. Internal Speakers).

As a last resort, you can downgrade iTunes. If you did not keep a copy of the iTunes 7.3.x installer (as described here), Apple still (as is not typical) makes iTunes 7.3.2 available for download.

In order to downgrade to iTunes 7.3.2, follow these steps:

1. Delete the following files:

  • The iTunes 7.4 application (located in /Applications)
  • com.apple.iTunes.plist (from ~/Library/Preferences)
  • iTunes.pkg (from /Library/Receipts)
  • iTunesX.pkg (from /Library/Receipts)

2. Download and install iTunes 7.3.2

Store credits used by free tracks Some users have reported a strange issue where free tracks/movies downloaded from the iTunes Store use up paid or gifted credits.

MacFixIt reader Lowell Denning writes:

"I have a Macbook Pro, latest model, running the latest OSX and iTunes software with all updates installed. Recently the iTunes store offered many free Fox TV downloads of new shows, first episodes. I downloaded three and was not charged money for them, but instead the iTunes store subtracted three music download credits I had for my account. I thought that they would be restored after the free download was confirmed but nothing was restored. I've contacted Apple but no answer yet."

Authorization problems -- another fix We continue to report on authorization problems that occur after the update to iTunes 7.4.x. Previously reported fixes include removal of third-party plug-ins, stripping DRM and more. It now appears that a fix we noted in junction with the initial iTunes 7.0 release is also effective for those experiencing problems under iTunes 7.4.x: deauthorize and re-authorize your computer for digital media rights. This can be accomplished using the functions found in the "Store" menu in iTunes. First pick the "Deauthorize" command, then when our computer has been successfully deauthorized, go back and select the "Authorize" command, then quit and re-launch iTunes and re-attempt transfer of media.

MacFixIt reader Steve writes:

"I experienced the problem of not being able to play songs that were previously authorized after updating. When I tried to authorize the computer it gave me the response that there were already five computers authorized. I then de-authorized the computer and reauthorized it. Everything worked fine after this process."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

Resources

  • OSS 3D
  • here
  • iTunes 7.3.2 available for...
  • iTunes 7.3.2
  • initial iTunes 7.0 release
  • Late-breakers@macfixit.com
  • iTunes 7.4.2 (#3): Authori...
  • iTunes 7.4.2 (and prior): ...
  • iTunes 7.4.2 released: add...
  • More from Late-Breakers