Apple Issues iTunes Patch for Vista

Apple has released new software to ensure iTunes is compatible with Windows Vista.

Microsoft shipped its new operating system to consumers this week, and reports quickly emerged that claimed tracks acquired through the iTunes Store couldn’t be played back on Vista-upgraded PCs.

Apple has responded fast, delivering its iTunes Repair Tool for Vista 1.0. This is a tiny 88K download.

The company says the software update—which is for Vista users only (whether the operating system is installed on a Mac or a PC)—will: “Repair permissions for important files required by iTunes to play your iTunes Store purchases.”

ITunes 7.0.2 may work with Windows Vista on many typical PCs, but Apple is recommending Windows users delay an upgrade to Vista until “after the next release of iTunes, which will be available in the next few weeks.”

According to Apple, the following snags may be encountered by iTunes users moving to Vista on their PC:

• iTunes Store purchases may not play when upgrading to Windows Vista from Windows 2000 or XP.

• iPod models with the “Enable Disk Use” option turned off may be unable to update or restore iPod software, and make changes to iPod settings.

• iPod models configured to Auto Sync and have the “Enable Disk Use” option turned off may require being ejected and reconnected to resync.

• Ejecting an iPod from the Windows System Tray using the “Safely Remove Hardware” feature may corrupt your iPod. To always safely eject an iPod, choose Eject iPod from the Controls menu within iTunes.

• Cover Flow animation may be slower than expected.

• Contacts and calendars will not sync with iPod.

-Jonny Evans, Macworld.co.uk