Error when I try to turn on genius

Hello there Will,

I was researching the issue you are describing with trying to create genius playlists and found some troubleshooting in an article that may help. The name of the article is not what you are experiencing, but the troubleshooting will be relevant.

iTunes: Advanced iTunes Store troubleshooting

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3297

Isolate the issue: (Mac OS X, Windows, iOS)

1. Make sure the issue is with the iTunes Store only. (You need an Internet connection to access the iTunes Store).

   Open a secure website to test if you are online as is necessary for the iTunes Store. This also tests if the main ports 80 and 443 are accessible. If the website works but the iTunes Store does not, it is most likely a firewall blocking the iTunes software or servers. If this is the case, follow the steps in the "Blocked by software firewall" section below.

2. Test using another device.

   If possible, another device, ideally on a different network, would help troubleshooting any iTunes Store issues most efficiently. If another device on another network has issues, the iTunes Store may be undergoing maintenance, and will be available soon.

3. Test using another network.
   • Connect your computer or device to another network and testing helps determine the next step. This is also helpful if multiple devices are affected.
   • If your device can connect to Wi-Fi and a cellular network, larger downloads may not be possible over the cellular network.
   • If the issue disappears while connected to another network, you may need to work with your support options to open access to:
     • itunes.apple.com
     • ax.itunes.apple.com
     • ax.init.itunes.apple.com
     • albert.apple.com
     • gs.apple.com
     • ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net
     • mzstatic.com
   • Note: iTunes may use the fully qualified version of these addresses for additional security.
4. iTunes uses well known ports and these ports may need to be opened for iTunes: 80, 443, 3689, 5297, 5298, 5353, 8000-8999, and 42000-42999.
5. It is critical that your date, time, and time zone be correct:

   Windows:

   1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
   2. Click "Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options" and then click Date and Time.
   3. Click the Date & Time tab.
   4. Make sure that the date and time settings are configured to use the current date and time and then click OK.

   Mac OS X:

   1. From the Apple () menu, choose System Preferences.
   2. In System Preferences, click Date & Time.
   3. Enable the option to "Set date and time automatically" if it is not.
   4. Click the Time Zone tab and adjust the time zone to match your current location.

   iOS:

   1. From the home screen, tap Settings > General > Date & Time.
   2. If the option exists, turn off Set Automatically.
   3. Verify the time zone and time (in the status bar) are correct for where you are currently.
   4. If not, adjust the incorrect setting accordingly.
   5. If everything was correct and the option exists, turn on Set Automatically.

There are a few more steps in the article but these will get you started.

All the best,

Sterling