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iPod, iTunes Have Problems with Vista

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

February 2, 2007, 2:52 PM

If you have an iPod, and plan to install Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, Apple has one word of advice for you: don't.

That's because issues with iTunes 7.0.2 and the next-generation operating system are creating havoc for some users, Apple disclosed on Friday. The problems include issues with purchased music tracks playing, syncing issues, and even incidents where the device becomes corrupted.

Apple advised consumers in an advisory to hold off on upgrading Windows until the next version of iTunes is available, which the company expects to release within a few weeks.

However, those who already have installed Vista, or received a computer with the operating system are advised to take several steps to improve the experience while the company works on a fix.

First, the user should deauthorize all iTunes Store accounts, followed by the enabling of the Disk Use feature on all of their iPods. From there, iTunes should be uninstalled. Apple recommends also reinstalling Vista using a "clean install," although that is not required.

Reinstalling iTunes and reauthorizing the computer should improve the situation, Apple says. But if problems still exist, the company has released a repair tool to assist in the process.

Neither Apple nor Microsoft have had any further public comment on the situation.

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By gerardt

edited Oct 18, 2007 - 9:15 AM

I have Windows Vista Ultimate, a 64 bit OS, andall the music I downloaded (legally from iTunes) and they now all appear on my computer with an '!' (exclamation point) beside them and, of course, they don't play. They played originally but thwn I tried to download the latest version is when I ran into trouble. I'm looking for the previous version to try that.
Gerard

Score: 0

By brillyfresh

posted Mar 18, 2007 - 1:16 AM

Apple's problem

they have had months to test their software with Vista and have failed to produce a compatible product, unlike dozens of other major companies who have successfully updated their software to work with Vista ... they got it right, why didn't Apple? other software works perfectly with Vista, why not iTunes? there is no avoiding the reality of that conclusion

Microsoft has its share of problems concerning Vista, but this is not one of them

Score: 0

By ds0934

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 4:33 PM

I've not had any serious problems at all using iTunes 7 on my Vista box, not even since RC2. It must be limited to some particular set of conditions that cause it to go weird. It's not Microsoft's fault. I don't blame Apple either, but if anyone had to be blamed it would be either (A) BETA USERS that didn't report it, or (B) Apple ignoring their reports. They sure had enough time to make sure their #1 product worked on the #1 desktop platform. After all, nobody (not even Apple) disputes that FAR more iPods are connected to Windows computers than Apple computers.

Score: 0

By only71stitches

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 2:22 PM

Man, reading some of this is like watching an afternoon talk show...

I think it's neither Microsoft nor Apple's fault. I bet Apple had it working fine on a handful of test computers, but once the beast (Vista) got out into the real world all them I.D.10.T. errors showed up.

It's not Microsoft's job to make sure all the 1000's of programs (shareware/freeware and what not) out there will still work.

And just like other people I bet, I have had no problems with ANY software yet on my Vista box. (Games such as the Need For Speeds and FEAR and programs like Photoshop CS2, Dreamweaver, iTunes and so on) NO PROBLEMS!

And I am not a FANBOY. It's just cheaper for me to buy parts at Fry's and keep upgrading my PC then it is to buy a MAC and Linux is not an answer for me.

Score: 0

By iSwitched

posted Feb 16, 2007 - 3:19 AM

What? So you're saying that PC users that upgraded to Vista are IDIOTS? I mean suffering with I.D.10.T errors? And yet you sit there saying that it's not MS's job to make sure applications work properly with it's operating system. Eh???

From a "Switched to Mac user" and a "Still a PC user: just fixing them type user" -myself, and on behalf of all other PC Windows users out there (my clients)... What planet did you come from?

As big as MS and all of it's security issues, you don't think that they should be responsible enough to have figured out by now how to make such applications work properly and be made as selfcontained apps so that does not interfere with it's operating system?

Yeah you're not FANBOY alright. You're a geek like me, updating things here and there, fixing things, getting your hard-earned moneys worth of it all, enjoying it as much like any other hobby. But in the "real world," the majority of end users are not geeks. They're just regular everday people. And they deserve something better than Windows.

'Don't like to see end users suffer,
"Peace"

Score: 0

By Program86

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 12:10 PM

Didn't YOU READ and do your research? Guess not...

MOST XP software will not work on Vista due to the new kernel code. MS did this purposely to "secure" Vista more than XP, even though its as unsecure as ever.

THIS IS NOT AN APPLE PROBLEM, IT IS A MS COMPATIBILITY ISSUE
(sorry for the caps but i need to get through some very thick skulls)

DO YOUR RESEARCH FANBOYS!

Score: 0

By Grazer

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 1:00 PM

When I was running the beta, "MOST XP software" I installed ran just fine. Many of them became annoying, as windows would prompt for permission everytime μTorrent wanted to put something in the non user directory I configured it to...but that is just a side effect of a more secure environment, as non-administrators shouldn't be able to toss data anywhere they want.

It is an Apple problem. Programmers develop for an operating system (or compiler and library set really), not the other way around.

Score: 0

By the_predator

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 12:54 PM

oh ok, it's microsoft's fault that apple sat on their rears and did nothing to make sure their product works with a brand new OS which was available for a long period of beta testing.

of course it's microsoft's fault :rolls eyes:

Score: 0

By iSwitched

edited Feb 16, 2007 - 2:18 AM

Gees... -:rolls eyes-
You would think that Microsoft was big enough to handle this. Apparently NOT! -:rolls eyes-
Funny, Zune doesn't even work with Vista. -:rolls eyes-

I mean c'mon now, iTunes works well with XP and below. And you didn't have to be an Administrator. What has changed? How can that be? -Well you upgraded to Vista. -:rolls eyes-
That is V-I-S-T-A, Vista. It is not Apple. It's a permissions issue people. -And where does it reside, Vista. -:rolls eyes-

Seriously, please... For users running Vista, direct your concerns about this to Microsoft. Link: http://www.microsoft.com...backonline/default.mspx -Instead of sitting on thier rear waiting for innovative ideas and stealing/buying/copying them (or howevery you want to interpret it) and trying to figure out their own MS security issues, they could have made this "one" unbias program that many PC users love(iTunes) work as it should.

Apple knows that this is an issue and will continue to assist Microsoft in getting it right. It is in Apples best interest.

Lastly, know this... Windows is getting worse. It may look cool, it's nothing like the orginal real thing. I switched to using a Mac, and it's been a great relief for a geek like me from viruses, spyware, critical security issues and vulnerabilities, and the millions of ways to go from point A to point B. I didn't believe many Mac users before until I switched: it's true what they said, "Apple products are user friendly." Don't get me wrong, I love Microsoft: they keep me employed fixing Windows issues daily for many end users. For that, I thank you. But please, from one good friend to another, switch. Otherwise it'll only continue to be a hassel for you and you'll be hiring a person like me to fix your PC.

'Don't like to see end users suffer,
Peace & Harmony

Score: 0

By bugmenot

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 4:46 AM

If I am to upgrade to Vista, I expect that Microsoft should at least make sure that all my programs work. If not, then why waste my time and money upgrading? Microsoft really needs to take things seriously. All I hear about Vista is glitches, bugs, etc, etc. Vista is becoming such a pain. I am switching to Linux now.

Score: 0

By iSwitched

posted Feb 16, 2007 - 3:25 AM

Good for you. It's frustrating isn't it? Windows is just getting worse. More hassels awaits Windows users.

'Don't like to see users suffer,
"Peace"

Score: 0

By Dev3lop3

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 12:21 PM

Just ignore the ignorant fanboy flamers. They have nothing better to do but spout ignorance on forum comments.

|
|
\|/

Score: 0

By jp_ext

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 6:41 AM

Are you retarded? Why should Microsoft make other companies products work?

Yeah.. Switch to Linux! We will not miss you.

Score: 0

By Dev3lop3

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 12:19 PM

"Why should Microsoft make other companies products work?"

That comment embodies the complete "F**K You, tough luck" attitude that has plagued Windows since its inception.

No wonder they are losing marketshare left and right to OSX and Linux (especially Ubuntu)

Score: 0

By Grazer

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 12:48 PM

That comment embodies the complete "F**K You, tough luck" attitude that has plagued Windows since its inception.

That's really hilarious considering the main reason Windows has remained insecure is due to its emphasis on backwards compatability. Are you one of those posters that b**** about MS maintaining a dll from win95, and then turn around and whine when the program that relied on it stops working?

Score: 0

By Matt2k7

posted Feb 4, 2007 - 10:44 AM

This is definately a Apple problem, NOT Microsoft. Apple had more then enough time to come out with drivers and software for itunes but they FAILED, AS USUAL.

nVidia, HP, Dell, Nero, Etc had NO problem having a version of theyre software/drivers available BEFORE Vista hit the shelvs.

BTW, i HAVE no problems running "OLDER" versions of iTunes or plugging in, downloading or using an iPod on my VISTA ULTIMATE PC. Apple is pulling this crp outa theyre arses.

NOW, im being spammed by apple to buy a MAC? Why would i want to spend "Thousands" when a few hundred upgraded me to VISTA. Look who's the monopoly NOW, mac and windows on an apple, but if you try putting mac on a PC "WE WILL SUE YOU"???

Score: 0

By Dev3lop3

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 12:16 PM

I just had to laugh. Dont you get tired of spamming for Microsoft.

Your IP is even from Microsoft. I guess being employed by MS turns you blind to innovation. How do you feel that Vista is a direct copy of Apple's GUI. Keep your Vista and fool yourself.

BTW, did you already download the critical exploit patches for Vista? Someone might be exploring your HD right now... haha

Score: 0

By bugmenot

posted Feb 4, 2007 - 8:13 AM

Why is this even a Vista problem. It's Apple's problem. Vista has open beta for so long, and a multi-billions company such Apple can't even get that right. Of course, when has Apple ever wrong? It's always other people's problems.

Score: 0

By Tenoq

posted Feb 4, 2007 - 5:21 PM

And yet there's already half a dozen bugs in Vista's release. Clearly they didn't fix all the problems, eh? :P

And for reference, the major graphics companies still have niggling issues with drivers: just check out the performance comparisons on XP and Vista gaming machines, using the same hardware. :P

Score: 0

By ds0934

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 9:27 PM

ok. Apple posted the fix. Everyone can shut up now. http://www.apple.com/sup...pairtoolforvista10.html

Score: 0

By ds0934

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 7:48 PM

I fail to see anything news-worthy in this anywhere. There are zero surprises here. Anyone that feels they were not expecting this is either an idiot or ill-informed. The same thing happens with anti-virus, backup, id-mgt, disk encryption, centralized inventory mgt, software deployment tools, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. When the OS changes it often breaks things. So what. If you work in IT, it's called JOB SECURITY. Enjoy it. :)

Score: 0

By iSwitched

posted Feb 16, 2007 - 3:44 AM

Not everyone is an IT geek. The majority of the end users are just everyday people and are for the most part ill-informed (I'm being polite.). They don't have time for these technical issues. They for sure deserve better than Windows.

It is unfortunate however that much of the IT community that I belong to continue to condone these issues for the sole purpose of your so called "JOB SECURITY." -Forgetting that: "Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." -John F. Kennedy -And might I add "Innovation."

'Don't like to see end users suffer,
"Peace"

Score: 0

By domino360

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 6:12 PM

This is no surprise from MS.
All MS is trying to do Zune marketing.

Score: 0

By jp_ext

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 6:43 AM

OMG! Don't post if you don't know anything about computers.

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Feb 4, 2007 - 1:01 AM

Your an idiot, stop posting and go back to school

Score: 0

By il-loostya

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 2:59 AM

His an idiot? You should go back to school as well.

Score: 0

By Arakiel

posted Feb 6, 2007 - 12:13 AM

"His an idiot?"

LOL... dumba**

Score: 0

By muka3d

edited Feb 2, 2007 - 10:02 PM

Winamp still updates my iPod just perfect in Vista. Winamp still does a better job of iPod management than iTunes ever did.

A quick 5MB Winamp install is all you need.
http://www.winamp.com

Score: 0

By bobthegoat2001

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 3:04 PM

With my iAudio X5 60gb, I don't need to install anything. Just plug it in and it works.

Score: 0

By Adrian79

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 8:41 PM

i'll be using XP for the next 3 or 4 years easily....

Score: 0

By briguy992

edited Feb 2, 2007 - 5:01 PM

I had problems authorizing my computer to play my purchased music.

The trick is, run iTunes once in administrator mode to set up all of those settings :) Then, after that you can just not run in admin mode and just play your music fine.

Score: 0

By Antichrist

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 7:35 PM

Here's a workaround: Sell your ipod and get a Sansa or something that works in disk mode and transfer your mp3's to it with Windows Explorer. No need to install additional software. Also, avoid any DRM'd audio files.

Score: 0

By k3of4

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 7:13 PM

As if Vista wasn't available for companies to test the function of their products and either repair or post their findings BEFORE the general public stumbles upon them.

I don't much care about itunes OR vista, but it just seems lazy on the part of Apple developers not to test their major export on a version of windows before it is in the wild. That's what RCs are for.. not to mention, the RTM build if vista has been in the hands of business for months.

Score: 0

By Tenoq

posted Feb 4, 2007 - 5:23 PM

And just like Vista, Apple probably did test their software many times over on Vista without finding any problems. Yet (as with Vista) when it hit public release, problems were found. The only difference between iTunes and Vista in this case is that it took longer to find the iTunes problems. :P

Score: 0

By bobthegoat2001

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 7:00 PM

It's funny how Apple is trying to make Microsoft look bad because of their own problems, when infact it's Apples problem. There probably trying to get people to buy a Mac instead. No sorry!

Yet another reason not to buy music from iTunes, or any other DRM'ed music download site. CD's IMO are still the best way to go. They are more compatible and you can rip it into any format (MP3, Ogg, Flac, AAC, WMA, Wav) or any bitrate you want. Plus there's no DRM attatched to it so it's not tied to any specific program (iTunes) or mp3 player (iPod). You can normally get CD's cheaper too if you know where to look. And you can also sell it, or trade it if you decide you don't want it.

Score: 0

By iSwitched

posted Feb 16, 2007 - 4:26 AM

Do a bit more research, you'll be surprise what you'll find. Long before Jobs made his comments about digital music, it was well known that it wasn't Apple that's behind the DRMs. Your barking at the wrong tree concerning DRMs. You should direct your concerns to the big music industries. They are the ones requiring it. Sure, buy CDs. -but how so "Old School" is that? If the music industry could DRM CDs it would. But they can't. There is now way. And since there's no way, would they then not sell CDs? Come on now.... They have to. It's all about money. But know this, Apple with it's iTunes would do away with DRMs in a heart beat if they could.

As far as not buying a Mac, that's cool. I've said that in the past myself. But you've just cursed yourself even more with more issues to come with Windows. Have fun. But hey, that is okay. Macs aren't for everyone. I truly respect that. The IT community thanks you for contributing to their job security in fixing your issues. If you don't seek an IT guy, have fun pampering your Windows operating system yourself. And more importantly, Microsoft thanks you too.

'Don't like to see end users suffer,
"Peace"

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 3:50 PM

Apple's software is not written very well, and it is no surprise.

Score: 0

By bobthegoat2001

edited Feb 3, 2007 - 3:01 PM

That's why I hate MP3 players that require software to transfer your music over. I have an iAudio X5 60gb MP3, Ogg, Flac, WMA, Wav player and I love it. It's kind of nice listening to the FM radio too.

I also have the Sennheiser PX 100 earphones and it makes it sound even better, with the X5's 96db SNR sound quality, compared to the iPods's 85db SNR (of the same class MP3 player).

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 5:35 PM

That is why I am not happy with the Zune. If it can't be used as a mass stoarage device and shown in Computer, then forget it

Score: 0

By Desides

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 3:54 PM

Or, perhaps more accurately, they have yet to release a version of their software that guarantees Vista compatibility. Which, in this instance, is the case!

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 7:19 PM

Agreed. Maybe they will write more stable code

Score: 0

By Desides

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 8:42 PM

The code is plenty stable.

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 5:34 PM

It is, then it should work in Vista. Programs that were stable and were written correctly for XP will work in Vista. What music player should add itself to startup without asking. What music player steals all music and CD file association. itunes, WMP11 ask first.

Score: 0

By Desides

posted Feb 4, 2007 - 1:55 AM

"It is, then it should work in Vista."

Stability and compatibility are two different things. You have a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation, compounded by your obvious and irrational dislike of Apple.

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Feb 5, 2007 - 7:31 PM

Have you ever checked iTunes with a limited account? It fails to work with that too.

Score: 0

By ogman

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 3:33 AM

True.

Score: 0

By Grazer

edited Feb 2, 2007 - 3:49 PM

Apple advised consumers in an advisory to hold off on upgrading Windows...
Can't say this is surprising.

Score: 0

By ogman

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 3:34 AM

Can't say any of this is surprising, from either company. The saga continues.

Score: 0

By iSwitched

posted Feb 16, 2007 - 4:37 AM

You must still be using those old typewriters with the ink ribbon rolls and the lever sticking out of it to do the return. :) Just kidding.

O p e n y o u r e y e s....

So true though, the saga continues.

"Peace"

Score: 0

By Daddy_Spank

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 2:46 AM

well said...

Score: 0

By irdepesca572

posted Feb 2, 2007 - 3:04 PM

I haven't had any problems...

Score: 0

By matt2971

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 11:18 AM

Advice:

1. Do not install Vista, or indeed any new MS OS until at least the first service pack.

2. Don't use iTunes. It makes a meal out something that should be extremely simple, in the name of bloat.

3. Don't buy an iPod, they are a fashion gadget - I've seen better MP3 players at a fraction of the price.

Follow these three simple advisories, and your life will be less worthless.

;-)

Score: 0

By Rolphus

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 6:11 PM

Matt:

1. Vista isn't half bad even at release.

2. iTunes does what it does pretty well. It handles the tasks of ripping CDs, purchasing music online, downloading podcasts, and syncing my iPod with far less fuss or hassle than any other application I've used. Including WinAMP.

3. Until someone releases something flash-based that's half as easy to use as my iPod Nano, I can't help but disagree.

Score: 0

By DaveBG

edited Feb 3, 2007 - 12:22 PM

Here Here Matt.

Well said.

Speaking of iPod, does iTunes convert every file to an .aac file or can you put .mp3's directly on the player?

Score: 0

By Squire72

posted Feb 3, 2007 - 2:12 PM

iPod supports MP3 directly... and converts WMA

Score: 0

By Fedie

edited Mar 17, 2007 - 11:15 AM

for the record Vista is a partial copy of OSX.

OSX is a copy of any of the LINUX GUI.

BTW I love them both.

grow up!

Score: 0

By brillyfresh

posted Mar 18, 2007 - 1:10 AM

sounds like you don't know too much about operating systems, or least you only know what you see

1. for what record? plenty of comparisons can be made, and have been made, between Vista and OSX, the same as they can be made between GNU/Linux, et al, but any person who will easily make the inaccurate claim that Vista is a copy of OSX seems to not know much about Vista, or operating systems outside XP and OSX for that matter

2. OSX is NOT a copy of Linux; it is based off the BSD kernel, which is Unix-based like GNU/Linux, but NOT Linux

you must have drunk the kool-aid, along with a good number of other posters here

Score: 0

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