iTunes: Troubleshooting issues with third-party iTunes plug-ins

Resolution

There are several ways in which an add-on can cause iTunes to act erratically, such as those listed below:

• Loss of iTunes functionality, such as the Visualizer.
• Distortion or irregularity in the iTunes interface.
• Slow performance.
• iTunes won't open or quits unexpectedly.
• You see an alert while syncing stating "... cannot be synced. A duplicate file name was specified."

If you notice any of the above symptoms or other unusual behavior, you can disable any plug-ins not manufactured by Apple by opening iTunes in Safe Mode. This is done by holding down the Option and Command keys (on Mac OS X) or holding down the Shift and Control keys (on Windows) while opening iTunes. If performed correctly, you should see the following dialog before iTunes finishes starting up:

"iTunes is running in Safe Mode. Visual plug-ins you have installed have been temporarily disabled."

Note: This is different than Safe Boot/Safe Mode for Mac OS X. It may be necessary to test both at the same time to isolate all third-party interference.

Click Continue and test to see any issues persist. If your issues are resolved with iTunes running in Safe Mode, check the following:

1. Consult the vendor of any plug-ins you have installed to determine if they are compatible with the version if iTunes you wish to use and to check for any updates that may be available.
2. Close iTunes and try moving add-ons not manufactured by Apple temporarily to the Desktop to troubleshoot the behavior. iTunes stores these plug-ins and scripts in the following locations:
   
   • Mac:
     /Users/username/Library/iTunes/iTunes Plug-ins/
     /Library/iTunes/iTunes Plug-ins/
   • Windows Vista and Windows 7:
     C:\Users\username\App Data\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins\
     C:\Program Files\iTunes\Plug-ins
   • Windows XP:
     C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes Plug-ins\
     C:\Program Files\iTunes\Plug-ins

   Note: These folders may be invisible in Windows. Either type the path name directly in the Address field or modify Windows Explorer so you are able to see invisible directories. To view invisible files, follow these steps: 

   In Windows Vista:

   1. From the Start menu, click Control Panel and click Folder Options. Alternately, in Classic View of Control Panel, click Folder Options.
   2. Click the View tab.
   3. In the Advanced settings area for "Hidden files and folders" ensure the "Show hidden files and folders" option is selected.
   4. Click Apply and then click OK.

   In Windows XP :

   1. In the Start menu, choose My Computer.
   2. In the Tools menu, choose Folder Options.
   3. Click the View tab.
   4. In the Advanced settings area for "Hidden files and folders" ensure the "Show hidden files and folders" option is selected.
   5. Click Apply and then click OK.