Can't watch rented movie. "Unauthorized" message

Question

Level 2

162 points

Can't watch rented movie. "Unauthorized" message

I got a new Macbook a couple of weeks ago and transferred everything from my old iBook -- including a rented movie I hadn't watched yet. Both computers are authorized for iTunes. Tonight I tried to watch the movie and got a message "Could not play the rented movie because it is authorized to play on another computer or device." Any ideas on how to fix this? Thanks.

Macbook unibody aluminum, Mac OS X (10.5.6), iPhone, iBook G4

Posted on Mar 21, 2009 6:11 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Mar 21, 2009 6:14 PM in response to Joseph Cohen1

I don't think you can transfer to another computer, only to a device such as iPod or Apple TV. Do you still have the old computer? Can you watch it on that?

Message was edited by: Diane Wordsmith

Reply

Answer 2

Joseph Cohen1 Author

Level 2

162 points

Mar 21, 2009 6:17 PM in response to Diane Wordsmith

Well, technically I did a migration of all the contents of my old computer to the new one, which I think is different than a transfer. I've been able to buy from the store, so I know this computer is authorized. It would be a hassle to watch it on the old computer, since I had moved all my media to an external hard drive (the iBook was full) and I'd have to set that up, too. (I have a new, larger external HD for this one, for Time Machine.) At least I'm only out 3 bucks if I can't figure this out.

Reply

Answer 3

Mar 21, 2009 6:21 PM in response to Joseph Cohen1

Well, movement of rental movies can be a bit tricky because of the limitations on them to make sure they aren't copied around and shared with friends. So even though you might not technically think of it as a transfer, I think iTunes does. The only other thing I might suggest it to try deauthorizing the other machine. (I don't know if that might mess up any hope of reauthorizing to try and watch it on the old machine, should it come to that.)

Reply

Answer 4

Joseph Cohen1 Author

Level 2

162 points

Mar 21, 2009 8:44 PM in response to Diane Wordsmith

Well, I wound up setting up the old computer and XHD. It seemed like the only solution. Thanks for your help.

Reply