Apple: Vista Compatibility Patch For iTunes, Problems Remain

This weekend, Apple Computer released iTunes Repair Tool for Vista 1.0 which is designed to "repair permissions for important files required by iTunes to play your iTunes Store purchases" when using the Windows Vista operating system. The computer maker warns users should not to upgrade to Windows Vista because of more serious compatibility issues between iTunes, its iPod digital music player and Windows Vista that the patch does not yet address. Apple says iPod users could corrupt their digital music players if they try to eject the devices from a desktop port using Vista's "Safely Remove Hardware" feature instead of the "Eject iPod" control in the iTunes software.

Other problems with Vista and the iPod are also present, including contacts and calendars syncing issues and problems with making changes to iPod settings. The current version of iTunes on Windows Vista reportedly spits out error messages when attempting to play songs purchased and downloaded from the iTunes Store. According to Apple's support forum, a new version is supposed to fix all these issues with the next version of iTunes available "within a few weeks."

Link: Forum Discussion (Thanks Hurmoth)
View: Apple Support Web (Thanks Fred Derf)
News source: InformationWeek

Some currently known compatibility issues with iTunes 7.0.2 and earlier versions include:

• 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.