Why does iTunes delete my itunesprefs.xml?

Just a note that I'm using McAfee Total Protection. The McAfee SecurityCenter is version 12.8, build 12.8.310, last update 6/20/2013. I still have the problem. I was told that I would get a call from one of the McAfee engineers working the issue later this week (by Thursday, June 27?).

Fair enough with respect to the version of the virus file. I just got a new engine version today (1567) and the problem is back...

The McAfee program update to Total Protection which just installed for me at noon (CDT) 6/27/13 finally solved the problem of deleting the itunespref.xml file.

Well, went to do a sync, AFTER verifying a few hours ago the latest "update" from McAfee "fixed" the issue, and low and behold it's doing it again. I had to turn off Real Time Scanning to keep my itunespref.xml file intact. again....very annoying.

McAfee is really boneheaded on this. and Jim, unfortunately you cannot copy and paste the ****** About file with all the version information, but just on the off chance you are an engineer from McAfee, I'm gonna go through the PAIN OF MANUALLY doing this.....<sigh> (Yes, I'm angry about this)...

Mcafee security center

version 12.1

build 12.1.353

affld 0-3488

languag en-us

last update 6-22-13

antivirus and anti sypware

16.1

16.1.172

last update 6/27/13

engine 1569.0

engine create dat 6/27/13

firewall

13.1

13.1.132

last update 6/1/13

site advisor

3.6

3.6.2.168

last update 6/6/13

anit spam

13.1

13.1.154

last update 4/16/2013

content update 6/27/2013 3:02:27 PM

engine 3.0.0.429

parental controls

14.1

14.1.132

Last update 54/16/2013

file lock

3.1

3.1.128

last update 5/15/13

online backup

4.1

4.1.136

quick clean and shredder

12.1

12.1.147

last update 4/16/13

vulnerability scanner

2.1

2.1.220

last update 4/16/13

I submitted a McAfee support ticket this morning, it was escalated to Tier 2 but I have not heard back from them. Meanwhile, a new update was released after 1 PM CDT today, which included an Engine update to 1570.0 and a daily dat update. I have tested several times with Real Time Scanner on and Itunes is now holding its preferences. I tested both before and after multiple reboots of windows to make sure.

So it appears the problem has been solved with the engine update.

I have engine 1570 as of this morning and the problem still occurs. It doesn't happen with every reboot (why not?), but it is certainly not fixed.

I just spent over 3 hours with Tier 2.5 support. They spent a lot of time checking registry values. They will continue to investigate and call back tomorrow. The saga continues...

Yeah I rebooted about 4 times. Open and closed itunes, everything I could think of. and it worked fine. Then came back to the computer 5 hours later and crap, itunesprefs.xml gone again.

I'm done. McAfee Real Time Scanning (what we used to call On Access Scanner, is OFF OFF OFF until I see something on this thread saying it is definitely fixed.

Talked with McAfee today. It sounds like the developers are going to make a change to essentially put these itunesprefs files on the white list. They said I should expect to hear back by sometime on Monday.

I am having the same issue. Completely uninstalled iTunes via advanced installer, started it without any account information, deleted SC folder and did pretty much everything Doc Google recommends. Nothing worked and was that helpful, or let's say focussing so far.

I got McAfee Internet Security V. 16.1., B. 16.1.172, I will also get in contact w McAfee.

You can just turn off Real Time Scanning. The on demand (regular scan) does not delete itunesprefs.

I was called by Tier 2 yesterday and told they are still working on a fix and will contact me when it is fixed (not holding my breath).

I do encourage you to contact McAfee support though. The more people reporting the problem, the higher it's priority for getting fixed sooner.

To be more specific, as long as McAfee real time scanning is turned off at the time when iTunes is closed, the itunesprefs files are not deleted. I've resorted to this convoluted mode of operation while I wait for McAfee to resolve the issue (still no word from them). It may be easier to just turn off the real-time scanning all the time. I agree that everyone having this issue should call McAfee to raise the priority and shorten the time of resolution. They're definitely aware of the issue, but I assume they prioritize their to-do list based upon the number of users affected.

Maybe its just me, but it seems like a much more efficient methodology would be for Apple to contact McAfee. They are one of the largest and most influential software companies in the world. If an issue is impacting a segment of their customer base it would appear to be more prudent for them to contact McAfee to resolve the issue rather than to have all their customers call McAfee to complain on the same issue in hopes that McAfee raises its priority of effort.

It might be more efficient, assuming you can get someone at Apple to take ownership of the problem. They are a big company and it may take quite a number of reports to iTunes Feedback or Bug Reporter before anyone starts to take notice.

tt2