Itunes Troubleshooting

By: Helen Rogers

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Chances are you’re reading this because you have an issue with your copy of iTunes and you’re desperate for some iTunes troubleshooting tips. iTunes is one of the best media players for computers, but it’s certainly not perfect. If you’re getting an annoying error message every time you try to complete a task or things just aren’t acting quite right, this is the right place to start.

  1. Reinstall your copy of the software. Many people seeking iTunes troubleshooting will find that reinstalling their copy will eliminate most problems. This is because your installation may be corrupt or outdated. To eliminate this possibility, it’s a good idea to uninstall your current copy and re-download it from the Apple website again. Additionally, this will get you the latest version of the software.
  2. Maybe your Apple device isn’t being detected in the program. This is a very common problem among those that own iPhones, iPods and iPads, and the simplest solution is to first unplug the USB cord and plug it back in firmly. This often helps for those who find that the computer detects the device but not iTunes. If the program still fails to detect your device, navigate on your device to Settings>General>Reset and select “Reset All Settings.” Wait for the device to finish this process and try reconnecting it to your computer.
  3. Remove any third party plugins that you have. This is possibly one of the most important iTunes troubleshooting tips if you are a frequent user of plugins. Plugins are somewhat notorious for making the program act strangely especially because they are not official. If you use plugins, make sure to remove them all to see if it solves the problem. If the problem seems to be cured, reinstall each one by one to narrow the problem down to a specific plugin.
  4. If your music is missing after an update, use iTunes to import it again. Your music still exists on your computer; it’s just not showing up in the program. To remedy this, click File then Add Folder to Library and browse for the folders that contain your music.
  5. If your issue resides with iTunes Store not being able to connect, this could very well have something to do with your firewall or antivirus software. Disable both your antivirus and firewall product, and try connecting to the iTunes Store again. If the connection is made, be sure to add the program as an exception to both programs. The programs were under the impression that iTunes was a virus and was denying it access to the internet.
Posted on: Mar. 31, 2011