Q: When I attempt to preview a song on iTunes, it begins to play but stops after 5 seconds

It won't. You have to change your DNS server to point to a different server. I pointed mine to Google's DNS server which is IP address 8.8.8.8. For instructions on how to do this, go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/change-tcp-ip-settings?SignedIn=1.

Keep in mind that if you're using a work computer you may actually need the DNS servers you already have specified. You might want to write them down first.

Thanks bottman!  This worked great for now.  I guess I'll check with my IT guy to be sure it won't cause any other issues.

The thing that bugs me about the DNS server solution is that presumably all the computers in my house are using the same DNS servers (Verizon's in my case) but only my Windows computer has this issue.  Both of my Mac laptops stream complete previews with no issue.  I'm glad changing DNS servers is working for some people, and bottman's research is interesting, but I feel like there is something else going on, too.  I suppose it's possible that the Windows version of iTunes handles the akamai CDN hand-off differenly...

Still doesn't work for me.  I've tried changing the DNS servers multiple times, flushing, etc.  The bottom line is that it is extremely erratic.  Some songs I only get 3 or 4 seconds, some will go 20 or even 40 seconds, and even occassionally, I'll get the full 90 seconds.  And it doesn't have anything to do with a particular song.  I'll hit play, and it will go 4 seconds.  Then I'll hit play again, and it'll go 15 seconds.  Hit it a third time, maybe 8 seconds.  It's like playing Russian Roullette.

One interesting thing though is that I've had some success with using my mouse and skipping to about 20 seconds into the song preview and it will play to the end.  Other times, I just keep skipping around so I can listen to various parts of the preview.  It's better than having it cut out at 4 seconds in.

I've also launched Spotify and use it to preview songs before buying them.  Spotify doesn't always have the song, but more often than not, it does.

Honestly, this is Amazon's opportunity to capitalize and increase their previews to 90 seconds.  Heck, I buy from Amazon more than iTunes these days anyways since their songs are often cheaper or on sale.  The songs auto import into iTunes anyways, so it's a win-win.  I know, the bit rate isn't as good, but in my car or on my computer speakers, can't tell the difference anyways.  Besides, some day, we'll all be streaming from the cloud for everything and everyone will wonder why they ever spent $1.29 on a single song in the first place.

I still can't believe Apple doesn't give a **** about this issue. It's like popular brands going out of business. First with Firefox updating "way too often" for minor or no improvements, Firefox having issues with Adobe Flash player, and now iTunes having hiccups with song previews. I agree, these may look "small problems" in so many eyes, but for consumers like me, what's really ticking me is these companies' attitude about

"...as long as users keep our servers busy, we're fine. And we still make MONEY from them, right? Agh, let 'em bit ch a little bit longer. They can wait..."

The least thing i expect is a reply from a CERTIFIED Apple representative.

Too bad the original author already chose the best answer, so the future of this issue remains pretty dim....

Thanks for the extra help...still doesn't work though. I'm running through comcast on win 7 64bit.

What DNS servers are you using?

(Press Windows + R, type cmd, click OK, type ipconfig/all Press Enter)

Hi. This is what I got when I followed the steps that you sent:

192.168.1.1

After reading all these posts I feel actually more frustrated! I really don't want to go through changing ANYthing to fix this issue! I'm glad in a way that it isn't just me, but I agree it makes no sense that the problem isn't getting fixed on Apple's end. Just sayin'. But thanks to all who are suggesting solutions!

Sorry for the long delay spinderella. Here is a link to a YouTube video that shows you how to add Google's DNS server http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldftSp2MSvY.

I would also keep your existing setting (e.g., type 192.168.1.1 into the other box). This fixed the issue for me, though I should note that even with Comcast's DNS, it works now (for me) and I no longer need this fix. Hopefully this is true for you and Kamaladance, too.

I feel your pain. It would indeed be terribly frustrating if this were Apple's issue and they were doing nothing about it. From what I've seen this is a DNS issue involving third-parties and not something Apple has any control over. It would be analogous to the phone company printing your phone number incorrectly in the phone book and people getting mad at you because you don't answer the phone when they call the wrong number. They can either change the number they're dialing or wait for the new phone book.

In my case, the phone book (DNS entries) seems to have been updated and I no longer have the issue. Hope this is true for you also.

I was skeptical that changing the DNS was the fix, but it worked for me.  Thanks for the tip.

ISP: Verizon

OS: Win 7 64 bit

I have tried the cmd ipconfig flush as well as repointing the DNS to 8.8.8.8 and neither fixed this issue.  Any other thoughts?  I tried to follow the steps i the youtube video but I have wireless connection and did not get the same windows to change the DNS.  Follow the steps outlined earlier.  I have comcast gateway modem/router with netgear usb drive.  Do I need to change settings with the router?