Why does iTunes delete my itunesprefs.xml?

Yeah, it is definitely a McAfee realtime scanning issue. Turned it off and iTunes works perfectly...

I'm no computer expert by no means, but does everyone agree that Apple(iTunes) and McAfee need to work out this ongoing problem and not rely on us the customers. It seems like this is happening to a lot of Windows 7 & 8 users currently using iTunes 11.0.4 and McAfee. We should not have to take care

of this problem.

Tiresome wrote:

.... does everyone agree that ...

Not really. Developers can test software to death in the lab but if there is an unknown interaction with some other software it takes the users of that software to provide feedback. Action will be taken, but it takes time to make sure it is the right action and doesn't cause other problems. In the meantime the workarounds are either to disable McAfee's real-time scanner while using iTunes, or switch to another product until a proper solution is in place.

tt2

Thanks for the info tt2. I am just reluctant to turn off the real time scanning and have the computer infected with viruses. I guess we all need to send both Apple and McAfee feedback and hopefully the problem gets resolved sooner than later. Thanks again!

You're welcome.

tt2

I would argue verification versus validation. It may do what it is supposed to do in the lab, but does it do what it is supposed to do when it reaches the customer. One would think having testing with products from the world's largest security software company may have been included in their test plan prior to release. Guess that was overlooked.

That said, discussed with Apple support today who was totally unaware of this issue. She did assure me that these boards are monitored and that if we are commenting on this, someone, somewhere in Apple is looking at the problem. Presonally I am getting frustrated accepting the licensing agreement everytime I start iTunes. The trade off is not to turn off real time AV protection. I too will discuss with McAfee. The solution will be either Apple or McAfee fixes the issue or I switch software solution, either Apple or McAfee.

For me, iTunes has been pretty flawless since 2004. That said, since 11.x it has been one problem after another. The magic is rapidly waning.

As far as I know the problems started after an update to McAfee's AV engine. A similar issue occurred a couple of months ago with AVG trashing some user's .itl files (actually it prevented the renaming of the new .tmp version into the .itl to be specific). There would seem to be fewer users affected by this problem so I doubt that it is affecting all McAfee+iTunes users, but it does seem to be affecting those that it affects pretty consistently.

Theoretically these boards are not monitored for technical problems but it wouldn't surprise me if some attempt is made to keep an eye out for trending issues. It may well be that the recent introduction of the Community Specialists may improve that aspect of things over time.

tt2

Just wanted to give anyone interested a quick update:

The problem started with an update to Security Center on or about 6/16/2016. Since then McAfee pushed at least two updates to Security Center that didn't fix the issue.

Good news is that, I think I have a version of SC/AV/AS that is working correctly with iTunes.

The versions are:

Securty Center
Version 12.1
Build 12.1.353
AffID: 0
Last Update: 7/1/2013

Anti-Virus and Anti Spyware
Version 16.1
Build:16.1.190
Engine version: 1575.0

Please note, that I have not been able to test on the other two Win7_64's that have the same problem because... well McAfee has no way in the software to force an update of the program software (only has a way to update the virus dats).

I have been running this version since the 1st and haven't had to reset my preferences or acknowledge the license agreement (so far, several reboots, and at least 10 different times opening adn closing iTunes).

I'll just have to wait to see when the other two systems get updated (via McAfee lazy program update process), if these versions in fact fix the issue.

One thing everyone needs to realize is that it's always possible that issues arise even with the most through testing. What is odd is that McAfee was slow to get a fix out (reported on the 16, not fixed until weeks later...). In my mind they could have rolled back to the verson of SC that worked.

R_X

Good news for you then!

My Anti-Virus/Anti-spyware has Engine version 1577.0 created on 7/5/13. All other settings match yours.

I'm still having the issue.

I also have this problem and have had an active service request with McAfee since 2013-06-18.

Last update from them was on 2013-07-05 saying that they were still researching the problem.

Yes - McAfee - i will try the disable and let you know. Jane

Apple - SR Tech (two of them) - sent to programing. So far they have not figured it out! I do have Apple Care. Thanks

what version did they update you with (mcafee)? Thanks

There is nothing to figure out - every antivirus program has false positives. Last April life has become so much better when I uninstalled AVG and installed MSE. Otherwise it's just a waist of time. That is what programming is going to say - uninstall McAfee.

you are SO RIGHT! I just finished 'chat' with them - proved my point with the iTunes scan on/off. They told me to uninstall/reinstall and call them if that did not work!!!!!

CJ Green