Cannot Backup Library - Unknown error occurred (261)

Yikes! I think I followed the instructions, but after trying to install the program, I got an error that some files are missing and iTunes cannot open. Suggestions?

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.

make that 53!!!! I am happy I have a backup now, but I still can't burn an audio cd, onlt DVD ???
Nikki

I would guess that something went wrong with the uninstall and/or the install. Do it over again and I am sure you will be fine.

I won't be back on the forum after now but you can click on my name to get my e-mail address if you need any other help.

Good luck everyone. It's time for me to get back to my real life. 🙂

Did you reboot after the uninstall? Carefully follow all prompts. Login as the same user as used for the uninstall before installing. Make certain you have the proper permissions.

Try reinstalling again. If that fails, see if you can uninstall it, then reinstall.

Hi,
apart from going back to 7.2, any news on a fix from apple yet?

Same Problem here. ugh.

Let me leave you with some parting advice since I no longer have a need to visit the forum.

Those of you who have followed the procedures given are now running version 7.2 without any of these NEW problems. The 2 main errors are the 261 message and blank discs being ejected over and over with a message to put in a blank disc. Both of these errors did not exist in version 7.2.

Apple has been notified and they have personally responded to me to say that they are aware of these errors and that corrections are being made. No timeframe was given.

Version 7.3.1 has already been released and these problems were not fixed. I'm sure another version is coming in the near future.

Here is my suggestion. If 7.2 has all the features you need and want stay with it. You do NOT have to accept further updates to be able to use Itunes or your Ipod. The major enhancement in 7.3 was for IPHONE support. If you don't own one you probably don't need to stop using 7.2. I did not see any other major changes.

If you wish to always have the latest release, you can test it yourself before keeping it. When you get a message that version 7.3.2 or any other later version is available for download, you can say OK to the download. Try some of the features that gave you problems in the past. If they still don't work, you already know how to go back to 7.2. There is really no risk involved in trying out future releases as long as you keep the procedure to go back to 7.2.

You should never have to wait for Apple to correct a serious error again. If you are not happy with a future release, go back to 7.2 for a while and wait for yet another correction. This way you will always be up and running until they have a version that supports the IPHONE and also correctly supports the rest of us. 7.2 will always be your ace in the hole.

Good luck everyone.

Jeff

Is ANYONE able to backup there iTunes with v7.3xxx ?

kat sass

Kat,

Version 7.3.1 was released but it did not fix the problem. Apple told me that it is currently being worked on for the next release. I guess when you see a message that 7.3.2 is ready, you can try it.

If it still is no good, I suggest going back to 7.2 and staying there for a while, if not forever. I'm sure further enhancements will be mostly for the IPHONE and won't add any tremendous value to the rest of us.

To everyone who cannot back up files after
downloading v7.3:

I removed the itunes and quicktime from my computer.
Then I went to:

http://filehippo.com/download_itunes/?2736

and download the v 7.2. Now I am able to backup all
my purchases. I received no help from apple except
telling me to call customer support for a fee. This
seems to have done the trick for me. I did not lose
any of my library either. Hope this helps some of
you.

Thanks for your help with this - followed your advice and it looks to be sorted. Well done for helping out - hours of frustration are ended!!

Dell Windows XP

Same problem happened to me--error 261 when I'm trying to back up my itunes. Unfortunately, the discussion on this "Answered" topic, which is vital to me, has been conducted at a technical level far above my own. Guys: I'm a 58-year old single mother with a college degree in humanities. I need a "For Dummies" style answer to how I should cope with the problem...
Sorry for the ignorance
Thanks
Barbara Smith

Barbara,

E-mail me at linyjeffr@aol.com and I will send you an e-mail with the steps to go back yo version 7.2.

Jeff

I just want to weigh in on this discussion that I am also experiencing this issue.

I understand the going back to v7.2 issue and will do so.

However, I don't consider this "Answered" until Apple fixes it, and wish to place my objection to the lack of response (and quality testing) from Apple relating to several flawed versions of iTunes from the recent past.

On the other hand, thanks for the 7.2 link!

D

I understand what you are saying but I will politely disagree. As far as I am concerned this issue is solved.

I have no plans to buy an IPHONE. Version 7.2 has everything I want from Apple and their music service.

Unless I read someday that some new feature has been added that I MUST have, my computer will stay with 7.2.

I don't want to be subject to anymore buf infested downloads for things I don't want or need, especially since there will probably be a whole new host of error in that version too.

7.2 works perfectly for me and it's a keeper. So, for what it is worth, the problem is SOLVED for me. I have turned off the automatic update feature and will stay this way for a very long time, if not forever.

New releases don't mean better releases. The IPHONE was announced and they had to release 7.3 to support it, ready or not. To make it worse, they offer no real fixes in the meantime. Believe me, I have written them a few times.

Please note:

You might want to consider this. You can always go back to version 7.2, make your backups and then go back to the latest version if you care to. Switching versions has no effect on your music files.

If your happy with 7.2, the problem is solved. If not, just use it to back up and then remove it.

I already downloaded v7.2 but im afraid to remove v7.3 because im afraid all my music will be lost. Will all my music be lost if i remove v7.3 and install v7.2?