Q: itunes store song preview only plays for 8 seconds

I'm having this same problem too.  Appears to be with all songs and they only play 5-10 seconds for me.

I just started having this problem as well.  Nothing seems to help.  It worked fine yesterday, then just stopped working this morning. It plays 12 seconds in the store.  I'm afraid to purchase more music.

I'm having the same problem.  It just started yesterday.  I'm not sure what to do at this point.  I have sent itunes a feedback question with no response.  If anyone finds a solution soon, please let me know.

I've been having the same problem for a few days.  I use Norton but I disabled temporarily and still the same problem.  No reply from Apple yet.

I was previewing songs yesterday with no problem and then all of a sudden I started having the same problem where it would only play for about 5 - 10 seconds. After reading this thread and seeing the suggestion to download the latest Java update, I tried that, and it is working now. Try it and see if it works for you!

I have the same problem. I have yet to see a clear and simple solution from Apple. I don't have time for this. It s very frustrating.

How do I try this Java update solution?

I just doscovered this bug today.  I am running version 10.6.3.25 and no, I am NOT going to do a re-install!  This is obviously an Apple issue.

Ironically, the cutoff does not happen all the time.  When I am previewing genius recommendations on the Music main page, about half of those 10 songs played a full 90 second preview.  Others did the 5 second version.  When I go into search mode, it seems that EVRYTHING only plays 5 seconds.

Fix your crap, Apple.  The last time you sent out an "update/improvement" it loccked up my 3rd gen touch, so that version will never be installed.

Same problem here since May 25 as Amazon Jackie denotes in a previous post. You can drag the diamond around and continue the preview(limited success). Appears to be strictly isolated to the song preview option. Been in discussion with Apple Support, to no avail. Here's what I've tried to without resolution some at "their" suggestion and some from scouring the web.

Flush DNS - Multiple times - No help.

MSCONFIG - Disable all start up programs except iTunes & Quicktime - No help.

Created different user id for Apple Store - No help.

Disabled my spyware/antivirus program - No help. Managed to get the Trojan Maljava in the process. Thanks Apple! Interesting that prior versions of iTunes worked fine with my spyware/antivirus installed. Seems to be a common default answer to any iTunes issue.

Registry cleans - No help.

A complete uninstall/install of all Apple software and files per their prescribed methods and ordering. - Guess what...No help.

Sent email to Tim Cook - No response. Really didn't expect one.

Sent an email link of various postings describing the frustrations of users regarding this matter - No help.

At this juncture, I've given up. Over several days, I've spent countless hours trying to troubleshoot this issue. I'm flabbergasted that Apple doesn't acknowledge and provide more intense support to their users in these situations. I guess since it's not a massive failure, no reason for urgent help. Will migrate my song previews and purchases via other venues until this issue is resolved.

Here is what apple support e-mailed me, nothing was of use. I'm not sure how much effort they're putting into locating the problem, or commonalities with those having the problem.  They're just throwing pages for you to research.  You know what's easy to research?  Other music download sites.

Here goes:

My name is David with the iTunes Store Support and I'll be assisting you today. I see that you are unable to preview songs through iTunes for longer than around eight seconds. I understand how eager you are to have this issue resolved regarding this issue which was under investigation.

Dale, the error you describe may be caused by the presence of web acceleration or firewall software. While the iTunes Store is unable to provide technical support, I can recommend that you either test your connection to the iTunes Store without the presence of this software or configure your system to allow access to the iTunes Store's address.

For assistance in configuring your firewall or accelerator software, you may need to contact its manufacturer or your Internet Service Provider. When contacting support representatives, it may be useful to have the following information: 

"Well Known" TCP and UDP Ports Used By Apple Software Products

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1629

iTunes: Troubleshooting security software issues

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3125

You may also find a resolution in the following article:

iTunes: Possible iTunes Store errors

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1424

If you use Windows, this article can help you pinpoint any software conflict that might be causing this error:

Using Msconfig to troubleshoot conflicts in Windows Vista and Windows 7

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2292

Apple Support Communities are another source of information about iTunes, where everyone from new users to professionals can interact and share their knowledge and experiences. You may find another user with the same operating system or ISP that may be able to help resolve this issue. You can find the iTunes discussions group at:

http://discussions.info.apple.com/itunes

Thank you for choosing iTunes. Apple appreciates your business Dale.

Sincerely,

David

iTunes Store/Mac App Store Customer Support

Please Note: I work Thursday to Monday, 8AM-4:30PM EST

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assist you.

Check out the huge thread over here. We've been talking and troubleshooting since 5/22. Still no resolution:  https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3970684?start=120&tstart=0