Apple releases iTunes Store patch for Vista

 

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By Simon Aughton

Posted on 2 Feb 2007 at 07:12

Apple has released a software tool that enables iTunes Store compatibility with Windows Vista.

The patch repairs permissions for files that iTunes requires to play DRM-restricted files purchased from the accompanying downloads service.

Previously, Vista users had to enable administrator permissions for the iTunes.exe application file, with the corresponding risk to security that entails.

The software is a free download from apple.com/support/downloads.

Apple has also published a list of other known issues with iTunes and Vista. These comprise: the inability to update or restore the iPod software if 'Enable Disk Use' is turned off; models with that option turned off and also configured to AutoSync may need to be ejected and reconnected in order to resync; ejecting an iPod from the Windows System Tray using the 'Safely Remove Hardware' feature may corrupt the iPod - to safely eject choose Eject iPod from the Controls menu within iTunes; Cover Flow animation may be slower than expected; and contacts and calendars will not sync.

The same document provides a step-by-step guide for iTunes users who are upgrading to Vista.

However because of these issues, Apple's general advice it to avoid installing Vista until the next release of iTunes which will be available in the next few weeks.