iTunes Help!

[EstrellaAzul]

Hi everyone,

Can anyone please help with a PC-Mac-iTunes-technical-help plea? I am currently using an 8-year-old PC. While attempting to update to iTunes 11.0.1, my PC wiped out the entire program and did not install the update. iTunes is gone. I've been planning on getting a Mac anyway, so now seems like a good time. So... Question: will I be able to use the iTunes software on the new computer with my iPod and current iTunes username, since I technically did not "deauthorize" my PC - iTunes just disappeared?? Please, if anyone knows, I really appreciate it! I've been told you have to deauthorize one computer with your iTunes account before using another, and I'm wondering if that's true. Since the program disappeared, I kinda CAN'T! Thanks!

[radiocolin]

Yes. You get 5 authorized computers, and once per year you can deauthorize all other computers.

[EstrellaAzul]

Cool - thanks so much! I didn't know that. My PC has been slowly but surely becoming unreliable, so I'm ready for a change. We're all-Apple at work, so I'm good to go with a Mac. I would just be SO upset if I lost all my music. Thanks again!!

[RittenhouseGirl]

Estrella, I can't tell you how many times I repurchased songs in the past when moving to a new computer. I don't know if iTunes had the 5-computer rule in the past, but I was never able to import old purchases until recently. You will be good now. I recently was able to reupdate all of my old purchases to my new computer. Yayyy.

My iPod is almost seven years old now and going strong.

[radiocolin]

Estrella, I can't tell you how many times I repurchased songs in the past when moving to a new computer. I don't know if iTunes had the 5-computer rule in the past, but I was never able to import old purchases until recently. You will be good now. I recently was able to reupdate all of my old purchases to my new computer. Yayyy.

My iPod is almost seven years old now and going strong.

Being allowed to re-download purchased music is a relatively recent addition. I think it came about in 2010 or 2011.

[EstrellaAzul]

Sorry for the delayed response... Was sick all week and haven't logged in. I know what you both mean... Several friends also had to repurchase songs when moving to a new computer. I was thinking, though... If I back up my music library to a flash drive, wouldn't I just be able to open the song files on the new computer and add them to that library? Wondering if that's allowed...

I wish my iPod had as great longevity as yours, RGirl. I had the little square Nano, and it came with 3 buttons - power and volume. 2 out of the 3 buttons broke. It's out of warranty, so I just got a new one.

[radiocolin]

You can copy them yourself, yes. Especially now, because all music sold on iTunes is now DRM-free, so the authorization bull**** only applies to movies/tv/books/apps.

But that point is moot now because since 2011 you can redownload purchases for free.

[citykid]

I lost a whole bunch of songs several years ago (some purchased on iTunes before a certain date and some that I had transferred--with hours and hours of work--from CDs onto my iPod/iTunes library). Never did figure out what I did wrong--I pushed some sync/unsync button by mistake--and could never recover them. Now I don't trust myself doing anything on iTunes and am forced to rely on the music/techno expertise of my teenagers. I dread the thought of ever getting a new computer....

[radiocolin]

I lost a whole bunch of songs several years ago (some purchased on iTunes before a certain date and some that I had transferred--with hours and hours of work--from CDs onto my iPod/iTunes library). Never did figure out what I did wrong--I pushed some sync/unsync button by mistake--and could never recover them. Now I don't trust myself doing anything on iTunes and am forced to rely on the music/techno expertise of my teenagers. I dread the thought of ever getting a new computer....

You can now go to the iTunes store, and click on purchases, and redownload anything you have ever purchased.

[citykid]

I tried that, but no purchases from before a certain date showed up. I think what may have happened is that at some point I reinstalled iTunes or thought I was updating it and entered new and different registration information (password, etc). Live and learn.

[rojnish]

Hi Folks,
I got a new computer with Windows 8 on it (not in love so far I gotta tell you) and I cannot figure out how to get my iTunes library to show up. The iTunes page looks entirely different from before. It does say this computer is authorized, but I can't find my music. Any help/ideas/advice? Thanks in advance.

[radiocolin]

Hi Folks,
I got a new computer with Windows 8 on it (not in love so far I gotta tell you) and I cannot figure out how to get my iTunes library to show up. The iTunes page looks entirely different from before. It does say this computer is authorized, but I can't find my music. Any help/ideas/advice? Thanks in advance.

Upper right: Go to the iTunes store.

Right side, under Quick Links: Click on purchased.

To make it look like old iTunes: View > Sidebar.

[rojnish]

As always, Radiocolin, I thank you and bow to you. You have helped me on numerous occasions. I am now set to go with my new laptop and iTunes. But I ask you, how on earth did they expect someone to figure that out?

[rojnish]

Good morning again, Radiocolin.
So after you helped me successfully see all of my library on iTunes, I logged on this morning only to find that all my songs (800 plus) were gone, and all that was left in my library were the albums I just recently purchased. I'm so confused. Also, what will happen if I sync my iPhone with my iTunes? My iPhone currently has the ENTIRE music library on it. Thanks for your ongoing help.