How can I convert the download.m4a and Info.plist into the right audio file

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How can I convert the download.m4a and Info.plist into the right audio file

The topic is actually the problem that I have.

I have bought music and it was downloaded successful (all of it) but iTunes had a strange freeze while converting the files into the right audio file. Some files were converted but after the freeze no more.

I'm now left with these .tmp folders in the downloads folder which have the download.m4a and Info.plist files.

My iTunes is able to play these download.m4a files, but they show no information and covers and this is really annoying. I could write and change it all by myself, but than I would still miss some information (and covers).

Is there any way for me to convert or combine these files?

Note: I'm not able to restart any downloads, because they were successful.

Windows 7, AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+

Posted on Apr 8, 2010 3:43 AM

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Answer 1

diviator Author

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Apr 8, 2010 2:44 PM in response to diviator

I forgot some details:
iTunes Version: 9.1.0.79

I had no problems like that in the past and I couldn't find anything in the Archive, only topics with a similar (or even the same) problem.
Obviously I can't contact the iTunes Store support because I had no problem with the download itself. I did it anyway and got a helpful try with a second chance (thanks to the iTunes Store support at this point it was great we tried that). The problem is that it happened again.

The files were downloaded and during the converting process iTunes hung itself again (this time after it had finished at least one album).

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Answer 2

ed2345

Level 9

63,632 points

Apr 8, 2010 4:27 PM in response to diviator

It sounds like the download was OK but you are ecnountering problems in the conversion process.

For converting, make sure to follow the instructions in the support article "iTunes: How to convert a song to a different file format" which can be found here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1550

Since you mention converting "at least one album" can I assume you are trying to convert a whole bunch of songs at once? If so, try them again in smaller batches, like 5 at a time.

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Answer 3

diviator Author

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Apr 9, 2010 3:36 AM in response to ed2345

Hello ed2345,

Thanks for the help, but this is not the problem.
It's hard to describe the problem, but I'll try it again, this time with pictures.

I was left with the following folders in the iTunes Downloads folder.
http://www.picfront.org/d/7yb3

These TMP Folders have a download.m4a and a Info.plist file.

After moving the audio files in iTunes a bit I get this.
http://www.picfront.org/d/7yb2
As you can see no other Information for the download.m4a than the length.

That's how the .m4p file looks like
http://www.picfront.org/d/7yb1

And this is how the same .m4a file currently looks
http://www.picfront.org/d/7yb0

Like I said, I could edit all these download.m4a files by myself but that would leave some information out.

Note: Sorry, I hope the links do not spam you with annoying ads. I don't get any but I was told that there can be some annoying one.

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Answer 4

ed2345

Level 9

63,632 points

Apr 9, 2010 5:46 AM in response to diviator

The one in your 3rd picture is indeed a protected (.m4p) file. But the iTunes Store has not sold protected music for almost a year.

I do not know why your new purchases (.m4a) are not downloading correctly. Maybe someone else here knows. You can contact the iTunes Store and indicate that your purchases did not download correctly. Their contact page is here:
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/contact.html?form=account&topic=iTunes%20Sto re%20Account%20and%20Billing&subtopic=Billing%20Inquiries

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Answer 5

diviator Author

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Apr 12, 2010 4:45 AM in response to ed2345

Again, they are downloaded correctly the converting process from a temp status to the actual audiofile status simply didn't work. Usually the download.m4a and Info.plist are combined into the right audiofile.

In my case iTunes hung itself during this process. The downloads themselves were done correctly.

I think I'll give it up to look for an easy way and start changing the information and covers myself. I still have the m4p files so all I have to do is to put them all in one list and them change everything one by one. The final file will than miss a few information but I'll have to live with that.

Thank you, for the help!
I even tried the support before I came here, but I actually don't know which one was the right one. The guy from the iTunes Store support suggested the forum.

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Answer 6

Apr 15, 2010 7:34 PM in response to diviator

I'm having the same issue. Itunes really ***** sometimes. it's moronic you can't download the files again, especially with all the problems Itunes has regularly.

POS

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Answer 7

Nidlae

Level 1

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Apr 23, 2010 7:46 AM in response to norma stitz

I have the same proplem, but my download.m4a are still encrypted and I can't use them at all.

Message was edited by: Nidlae

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Answer 8

mgw4jc

Level 1

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Apr 26, 2010 3:42 AM in response to Nidlae

I had this same problem and since there was no answer here or anywhere else, I used the iTunes Customer Service contact form. In less than 24 hours someone responded saying they had reposted the entire album to my account and to retry the "Check for Available Downloads" item under the Store menu. I did and all songs downloaded again, this time without interruption. I was impressed at the quick response and resolution for my support request. Here is the form I used:
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/contact.html

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Answer 9

Padidas

Level 1

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May 3, 2010 1:53 AM in response to diviator

I have the same problem. I just bought an album a few days ago and realized 2 of the tracks are missing. When trying to locate the album by "show in windows explorer," I found the 2 missing tracks, only they were stuck in my Downloads folder and titled download.m4a Neither of them work. So i spent a frustrating 2 hours trying to find some support online, and failed. I feel cheated!

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