iTunes 5.0 Special Report: Reverting (downgrading) to iTunes 4.9

A number of users have experienced such severe issues with iTunes 5.0 that they wish to downgrade (revert) to iTunes 4.9.

If you choose to revert, do not attempt to simply replace the iTunes 5.0 application with a copy of the iTunes 4.9 application. Instead, use the following more complex, but also more comprehensive and safe process:

1. Make a full backup of your current Mac OS X installation
2. Extract, specifically, the iTunes Music Library.xml located in the ~/Music/iTunes folder.
3. Perform an Archive and Install, via the following steps: 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.
4. Bring your installation back up to the point of revision right before you started having problems. This means applying the Mac OS X 10.4.2 Combo Updater (available through Software Update) and any Security Updates released since the pressing of your Mac OS X retail disc.
5. Place the iTunes Music Library.xml file from step 2 back into the ~/Music/iTunes folder.

Index:

• Release Notes
• iTunes 5.0.1 coming with several bug fixes
• Album art not displayed, solutions
• Disc burning issues: Drives not recognized, more
• New interface design complaints
• iPod mini problems
• iPod not recognized
• iTunes encoded tracks not playing correctly in other applications
• Jumping from song to song erratically
• Entire library lost, fix
• Make sure your iApps are updated
• Sharing not working; fix
• Persistent "Quit iTunes before installing" message, fix
• Podcasts lost
• Purchased music playlist lost
• Reverting (downgrading) to iTunes 4.9
• Some music (particularly purchased tracks) not transferring to iPod
• Playback problems
• Tracks demanding re-authorization
• Improvements

Resources