Cannot Backup Library - Unknown error occurred (261)

v7.2 is not availableon that page. Any other suggestions?

Click on one of the other versions listed on the right. Then click back on 7.2 and choose 'Download this Version'.

The link above to 3726 is version 7.2. Just click on download this version. Besure to uninstall version 7.3 first by going to add/remove programs in your control panel. Scroll down the list until you see Itunes. When you click on remove it will take off version 7.3.

You will not lose any of your music or playlists. They are stored seperately in yout MY MUSIC\ITUNES folder. The Itunes software that is removed is in your PROGRAM FILES folder. Removing one does not affect the other. PROMISE!!

Promise, promise? As in I can hunt you down and kill you, promise? 🙂

My post has helped over 50 get up and running again. If you do not wish to try it, that's OK. Stay with 7.3 and wait for Apple to get around to fixing it.

My only intention was to share what works with other users so they don't have to go through the same frustration I went through. If you think I have other motives, then ignore the post.

Have a good day.

The iTunes settings are stored in \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes and \Documents and Settings\(username)\Local Settings\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes. These contains .xml files with preferences, paths, and other info. There may also be other information under \Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes.

On my computer, I changed the location of the actual data files are in E:\iTunes. The 7.2 downgrade had no problems finding them. All my settings, such as default encoding rate, didn't change.

I was 100% kidding. Sorry, trying to be funny. Your help is greatly appreciated!

iPod 5th Gen 30GB Video - iTunes 7.0.2.16 - Firmware 1.2.1 - Sony Vaio PCV-RZ44G Windows XP Pro Network+ & A+ Certified PC Technician. PC, not Mac 🙂

okay, I need a little hand holding. Is this correct?
1. Go into remove software and remove iTunes. Do I need to do anything to my library of music and audiobooks? Will they still be out there after I delete iTunes?
2. Go to the aforementioned website and download v7.2.
3. Install v7.2. (and I will be able to automatically access my libraries?)

Sorry. I always get anxious when deleting stuff like this. I just need to be sure that I don't miss some obvious step that all of the rest of you already know to do. Thanks!

That's pretty much it. Your libraries should be OK. Just uninstall iTunes, reboot, then install 7.2 (which probably requires another reboot.) On starting up 7.2, it should start up as if nothing had changed.

If you are extra cautious, consider using other backup software, or simply copying your library to another drive or other media first.

As of right now, 52 people have written me back to say thanks for the temporary fix. Your music and playlist will not be affected. Itunes will look exactly like it did one week ago when you had 7.2 on your computer. The software and files are kept separately.

In fact when you get a message from Apple that there is a new version and you say yes to the download, their process does the same thing automatically. It uninstalls the old version and then installs the new version. You are doing the same thing. The only difference is that you are reloading an old version. One that worked quite well I might add.

You will not lose your music or playlists.

I need to be spoon-fed a bit. Sorry. If I delete 7.3 and re-install 7.2, will I have to back up my whole library again? I usually just choose "Only backup items added or changed since last backup". I have 8 previous disks and don't want to start over.....

And another question. My music is stored in different folders all over my hard drive. If I reinstall 7.2 will I have to find it all and manually readd it to my library> Thanks for your help with this. Here is part of the email I sent to Apple.....

"...I realize iTunes is free and no support is implied, but I spent a lot of money on iTunes purchases, in your proprietary format, playable only on your software, and now I am not able to safeguard my investment? I am very unhappy."

I need to be spoon-fed a bit. Sorry. If I delete
7.3 and re-install 7.2, will I have to back up my
whole library again? I usually just choose "Only
backup items added or changed since last backup". I
have 8 previous disks and don't want to start
over.....

The status of your backups is kept along with your music in the MY MUSIC\ITUNES folder. The backup will work exactly as before. If you choose "since your last backup", that is what you wil get.

And another question. My music is stored in
different folders all over my hard drive. If I
reinstall 7.2 will I have to find it all and manually
readd it to my library> Thanks for your help with
this. Here is part of the email I sent to
Apple.....

I would guess that if you already put it in one place when you had 7.2, it should stay exactly the same. If you are not happy with the results after you go back to 7.2, you have a simple decision to make. If you think you were better off with 7.3, then just download the latest version again.

You can uninstall and reinstall either of the versions as often as you need to. It has no effect on your music or playlists.

jeffrliny,

you are a patient and generous soul. Thanks for all your help!