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Inability to access iTunes store in older versions of iTunes
We continue to report on an issue where Apple appears to be indirectly blocking users of iTunes 4.9 or earlier out of the iTunes store. Those with iTunes versions 4.9 and earlier often receive the message:
- "Could not complete your request. The store may be busy."
Meanwhile, Macs running iTunes 5.x and later on the same network have no issues accessing the store (a few scattered reports have indicated issues when using iTunes 5.x and 6.x as well, though these may be unrelated)
Apple has barred access to the store from old iTunes versions in the past, but has not yet made an official statement indicating a lack of compatibility with iTunes 4.9.
MacFixIt reader Nick writes:
"I noticed that my PowerBook G4 which came with iTunes 4.9 would not connect over the weekend. [...] My trusty Pismo running Panther that hasn't been rebooted in a month or more runs iTunes 4.7 and has all of my music purchases. It too would not connect. The store 'may be busy...' On Monday morning I tried on my work PC (where I am this moment) with iTunes 4.7.1.30 and it too could not connect."
Alan Earhart adds:
"I'm running Mac OS X 10.3.8 and QuickTime v6.5.2. Once version 7 of iTunes was released, I was unable to purchase music using version 4.9. I could browse and add songs to my cart; but, when I went to purchase them I received a message telling me to update to the latest version of iTunes."
Possible workaround It appears that this issue may be worked around -- in some cases -- by clicking on an iTunes store link on a Web page or other medium while having iTunes open. For some reason, bypassing the default store home page (accessed by clicking the "Store" button in iTunes) appears to allow store access for some.
A reliable, and easy-to-find iTunes store link is the "Free download single of the week" located on Apple's primary iTunes Web page.
MacFixIt reader RB writes:
"In my case I must have iTunes running for access to occur, for others it seems the link will launch iTunes and the music store for them, thus giving them access."
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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In my case, I wasn't complaining about it and I was simply following up to a question. The reason I didn't originally update was because I thought the latest version of iTunes required v7 of QT (I have v6.5.2). I'm not upgrading QT to the latest version because I don't want to purchase QT Pro again and I need Pro.
I have a working system and I didn't want to mess with it too much. I upgraded to v7 of iTunes once I found out that you only need v7 of QT for video.
And v4.9 of iTunes was working fine for me not only for listening to music but for purchasing music which I do sometimes. I didn't want to risk problems by updating.
Don't mistake people asking questions for crying and complaining.
Alan
Yes, I am 100% agree with you. The old fossils in the museum !
If an app functions as it was designed, persons who wish to continue using THEIR apps should NOT be FORCED to update. THEY'RE exercising THEIR right to keep on keeping on because for them it's not out-of-date software.
And please define 'generation' as it applies to iTunes. Changing the version number doesn't make it a new generation: THERE needs to be some outstanding difference in performance.
Wow, and there are people out there who will always be a**holes. Why do we waste our time and space on you? Some people use older versions because they don't need new and unnecessary functionality or increased DRM. Maybe they keep reading about all the problems with newer versions and wish to keep the problem free version they have. People with older versions still have money to spend but Apple clearly doesn't want it.
When the cutting edge technology (iTunes 7.02) is unreliable, buggy and otherwise not trust worthy, older versions must be supported. I still use 6.05, why? Because I am not willing to risk my large music library until the issues with the current versions are fixed. Don't be so condesending, we all want to use the new version... when it's ready.
There's nothing buggy about version 7. I've used it since it came out and I'm having no problems with it. Apple has stated in there updates that older versions will no longer be supported.
Easy there Leo (ljocampo). Try decafe.
Many audio pros (and other wise men) retain older versions of iTunes & QuickTime due to the fact that earlier versions do not have restrictive DRM. Most audiophiles would never purchase compressed audio files anyway, so the inability to access the iTunes store is not a significant disadvantage when compared to a DRM free life.
- by jhorvatic_dotmac November 10, 2006 9:04 AM PST
- You people really need to upgrade to the latest version. And if you read Apple's disclaimers they said they will no longer support older versions of iTunes. You're 3 revs behind and that's why you're having problems. These upgrades are put out for a reason.
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