iTunes 7.0 Special Report: Downgrading (reverting) to iTunes 6.0.5

CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 12:07 a.m. PT

3 min read

In order to revert to an earlier version of iTunes (if you cannot solve playback problems, or for other issues), you will need to use the following process:

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)

Then use the iTunes 6.0.5 (or earlier) installer.

MacFixIt reader Fielden Lundy writes:

"I installed iTunes 7.0 and had all kinds of problems. My screen appeared fragmented with portions of windows underneath showing through and pieces of the top window scattered around the desktop. I couldn't play anything. If I tried to switch playlists, or go to the iTunes store, nothing happened, but if I quit and reopened iTunes, the new playlist I wanted to change to was now open. A pity as several of the features are very appealing. Gapless tracks, album art.

"I decided to return to iTunes 6. I read several posts on how to do it; delete the iTunes 7 application, plists and plug-ins. But I couldn't get it to work. I could download iTunes 6 but it would not install. Then I read about deleting all of the old iTunes package files from Library/Receipts. Success! And I was able to rename and reopen my old iTunes music file."

If you are still experiencing issues downgrading, and absolutely need to revert to an earlier version of iTunes, you might want to try performing an Archive and Install of Mac OS X, then re-updating to Mac OS X 10.4.7 and again running the iTunes 6.0.5 installer.

First, make a backup of your current Mac OS X installation, problematic as it may be. If there is an issue along the way, your current data will at least be intact.

Next, you'll need to perform an Archive and Install process to remove the components that are causing you to be unable to install iTunes 6.0.5, and replace them with the components of a fresh copy provided by the Mac OS X disc that shipped with your system, or a retail Mac OS X disc. Unfortunately, this means you will lose some system settings and some or all third-party system add-ons.

To begin the process, insert your Mac OS X CD or DVD. Restart your machine and hold down the "C" key to boot from the newly inserted disc. Follow the on-screen instructions, and after accepting the license agreement, click "Options." Select "Archive and Install," and check the "Preserve User and Network Settings" option if you'd like to do so.

After the installation process is complete, you will be left with an earlier Mac OS X system onto which you should be able to install iTunes 6.0.5.

Index: