iTunes Match error on some songs

This solution makes sense to me and I tried to do it, but I never got the pop-up you're talking about. I can only select the ALAC versions of each file and choose to "Keep Duplicate" or "Delete Duplicate."

Are you actually ripping the songs from a CD or are you just adding the ALAC files back in? I was ripping from a CD when I got that popup.

I was adding the ALAC files back in.

If you have the CD try actually ripping it instead that may give you the option to replace tracks rather than just making extra copies.

Hi,

Getting "keep duplicate" or "delete duplicate" is not an option than appears in iTunes.

When you import music from a CD, you get a message if you have already ripped that CD. The message indicates that the tracks are already in your library and you are asked whether you wish to replace the existing track or add it as a separate item.

If the track was originally added as 320 kpbs AAC, this version will have been matched or uploaded. When the match process is complete, you can then reimport the CD as ALAC and will overwrite AAC version if you select to replace track. The result is that you have ALAC version on your computer and the AAC has been match or uploaded - this version will be played on your iOS devices.

Jim

I have confirmed @Brandonshire's work around. Here is the 1, 2, 3 version:

1. Rip the CD to AAC format (I used 256K, @Brandonshire used 320K).

2. Wait for the tracks to finish iTunes Match.

3. Re-rip the CD to ALAC.

Note that step 3 must rip a CD. I have not found a way to replace the AACs with ALACs directly.

R/Scott

While I know the issue still exists for tracks I uploaded earlier, all tracks I've been running through iTunes/Match lately seem to be working. I'm just curious if this holds true for everybody?

I really don't have any updates from Apple Support. I did receive an email yesterday from my assigned support person just stating that he had sent an inquiry to engineering for a status.

If they have fixed the issue moving forward, I would be happy to load the issue tracks in as AAC and move on. I just need them to state that.

Ugh... Spoke too soon. Just had another go into waiting:

37. 2/4 - Creed - Higher (Tour EP) - To Whom It May Concern - 4/25/2013

I'm still having the issue with the majority of the tracks I add.

I am experiencing the same issue. I downloaded an album in ALAC format from Bandcamp.com and added it to iTunes. It has been in "Waiting" status for over two months. I also ripped Frank Zappa-The MOFO Project/Object this morning and over 50% of the tracks on the two disc version of that album have gone to either "Waiting" or "Error".

So, in short, the problem is definitely still happening.

I am extremely frustrated right now:

"Our engineering department has contacted me again regarding this issue. They believe that the issue may be related to your firewall or internet security software."

My response:

"I'm going to be honest. I'm very frustrated by this email. This is something that got checked at level 1 troubleshooting. I have Windows Firewall disabled. I have the firewall on my router disabled. I have tried multiple ISPs, multiple DNS servers, flushing my DNS cache, and probably other things I am forgetting. While I am running Microsoft Security Essentials, I have had the same issue on a fresh installation of Windows XP with Firewall disabled and no anti-virus or security software whatsoever.

In one topic in the Apple Support Communities, alone, I counted 21 unique people experiencing the issue. I know there are other topics with more people experiencing this issue. So for engineering to come back and think it's my anti-virus, firewall, and/or security software is grossly misguided. These people are running Macs and Windows.

You're probably not getting widespread issue reports, because it took me approximately six hours of my time, including two disconnections where I never got a call back, to even get to you in the first place."

<begin-rant>

Facinating response from the engineering department. Perhaps if the engineering department would spec out some informative error messages or point us to a session log we could give them better information. As a Computer Scientist with 40+ years in this field, I find "Error" to be an incredibly lame error message.

<end-rant>

Anyway, none of the firewall/security considerations apply to me:

1. I have no security software installed on my iMac.
2. The iMac's firewall is off.
3. My border firewall is a fully-up-to-date Apple TimeCapsule.

If this combination doesn't work due to firewall or security issues, it is still Apple's problem.

--Scott

What about file size?

After posting my last message, it occurred to me that although firewall and security software would be unlikely to discrimiate against ALAC files, size could be a source of the problem. ALACs are generally larger than other formats and, therefore, more likely to experience size-based failures. Although I don't consider any of my ALACs large compared to other files I routinely upload and download, it may be worth exploring. I would like to suggest that those of us who have posted song lists, repost them with file sizes. I will later today or tomorrow.

--Scott

Good information. Thank you @tridentinecanon. I figured file size was a long shot, but at least it was something the community could try.

--Scott