iTunes 7.4.2 (#3): Authorization problems; iPhone sync issues

Authorization problems Several readers have reported issues with authorization of already-purchased tracks after updating to iTunes 7.4.2 (or other 7.4.x releases).

MacFixIt reader Tony writes:

"Since I updated to iTunes 7.4, I can't play some of my purchased music, because the songs are coming up as being authorized on 5 computers. iTunes actually says my account is only authorized on 4 macs. It seems to only happen on random songs, there is no pattern of download date, genre, artist or anything else I can think of. Updated to 7.4.2, didn't make any difference. I can play the tunes off of my iPod with no problem and the house laptop is fine because it hasn't been updated yet. It's just on my G5, because that's the only one I've updated so far."

Another reader adds:

"Since installing itunes 7.4.2, suddenly songs that were previously 'authorized' to play on my computer now won't play and require that I 'authorize' them. Yet, when I do so (and receive confirmation that 3 of my 5 authorizations have been enabled) I still can't play these songs that I paid for - I'm just repeatedly asked to 'authorize'. So far the issue occurs where: a.) the song shows the 'ringtone/bell' is an available option and b.) the song was purchased via a previous itunes account (though they were all authorized to my laptop, and playing just fine prior to the 7.4.2 itunes version change). "

Potential fixes

Remove third-party plug-ins It appears that in some cases, authorization problems can be resolved by removing errant third-party plug-ins.

Look in the following directory:

• ~/Library/iTunes/iTunes Plug-ins

and remove any third-party plug-ins (including visualizers) you have previously added, then quit and re-launch iTunes.

Double-clicking file again In some cases, the authorization issue is easily fixed by double-clicking the file (game, video, etc.) in question (from within iTunes), which will prompt the user for authorization credentials. After authorizing, re-attempt synchronization with the iPod.

Strip DRM A convoluted and time-consuming solution to this problem is to burn the DRM-protected tracks to a CD in iTunes, then re-import them, stripping the authorization requirement altogether.

Just restart Simply restarting your Mac may alleviate this problem, at least on a temporary basis

iPhone sync issues Several users have reported significant problems syncing their iPhones under iTunes 7.4.x. Read More...

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• iTunes 7.4.2 (and prior): Problems launching; unwanted full sync process erases music; more
• iTunes 7.4.2 released: addresses ringtone issue, other bugs

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