Error 1003/8003 when downloading iTunes extras for Avatar

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Error 1003/8003 when downloading iTunes extras for Avatar

So I have recently purchased Avatar, and I saw the nifty iTunes Extras badge, which further encouraged me to buy it.

Lo and behold, I can download the core movie, but the extras won't download. I researched the error codes on the web, tried all the suggestions I could find to no avail. As a last resort I contacted iTunes Store support. They insist the problem is on my end, even after I thoroughly described all the steps I've taken to resolve any possible reasons on my end. They reset something on my account, and I was able to download the artwork, but the file itself (1.7+GB) won't download. Out of desperation/curiosity I clicked the "In the Store" button while viewing the extras artwork. The message there says that the file isn't in their Store - screenshot below:

So I send them this file and the representative STILL wants me to contact AppleCare support for technical support for issues on MY end. Clearly the message in the iTunes Store screenshot above indicates the problem is on their end, and they refuse to fix it, or offer me a partial refund for only receiving half of what I paid for, nor will they issue me a store credit equal to the same.

I realize I'll probably never be refunded or get any kind of a store credit, but I'm hoping Apple does the right thing, or fixes their problem.

I have tried downloading the extras on no less than 3 computers; 2 Windows 7 Pro 64-bit, and 1 27" iMac running 10.8.x. All with the latest versions of iTunes installed, and on no less than 4 different networks.

Anyone else have problems like this?

Posted on Aug 23, 2013 7:26 PM

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Answer 1

EBDTech

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Aug 26, 2013 11:54 AM in response to KI6JPE

I have the same problem here but the iTunes Extra won't even get to the download point!

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Answer 2

RdTree

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Aug 30, 2013 3:57 PM in response to KI6JPE

Also i'm fighting with the support to explain to them that the issue is because the file is offline or corrupt but they seeam to not understand.....

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Answer 3

markdl64

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Aug 30, 2013 5:20 PM in response to KI6JPE

Yep, same problem here too

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Answer 4

KI6JPE Author

Level 1

1 points

Aug 31, 2013 8:27 AM in response to KI6JPE

Yep, got about a week+ back and forth emails; of Apple ignoring what I was telling them, denying the problem could be with their system and insisting I keep checking the stuff I'd checked even before contacting them. Their latest tactic seems to have been handing off the ticket to a tier 2 person who is "checking into it" in order to shut me up and stop me from emailing and inquiring about the successful resolution.

I've been in the tech support / customer service business 18 years and if I, or any of the techs I work with, or who had worked for me when I was manager, gave a customer the run-around that I got - there'd be a closed door discussion with said tech, or if it was a third offense, the tech gets escorted out the door.

Still waiting now for the successful resolution of the issue. Not a sound from them yet...

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Answer 5

Aug 31, 2013 3:13 PM in response to KI6JPE

I'm having the same issue. This, by no means, is a coincidence. Apple needs to resolve this!

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Answer 6

RdTree

Level 1

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Sep 3, 2013 8:29 AM in response to KI6JPE

Well, i'm still waiting for the support to solve this.....

I think this is quite simple, the file is corrupt or either offline, just put it back online 😀

Pedro

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Answer 7

Sep 3, 2013 6:50 PM in response to KI6JPE

I have just had the exact problem discussed here.

I too received what must be a standard "cut and paste" reply from iTunes support stating it was MY fault and giving a list of things I should do to solve MY problem!

I have again this morning attempted to download the iTunes extra for "Avatar" whilst downloading the latest episode of "Under the Dome". Needless to say, "Under the Dome" is currently downloading PERFECTLY and the "Avatar" iTunes extra WILL NOT. Strangely the download failing, reports TWO errors ( both being this error 8003 ).

I've replied to iTunes support requesting my complaint be passed up the chain of command to someone who can offer more than platitudes and condersation!

If I receive ANY useful reply I will post it here; but I'm not holding my breath!

Christine

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Answer 8

Sep 3, 2013 6:59 PM in response to Christine1956

Sorry, I meant codescention. I'm so mad about being treated like an idiot by iTunes support, I've lost the ability to SPELL!

Christine

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Answer 9

Sep 5, 2013 9:20 AM in response to KI6JPE

I have the exact same issue with Avatar iTunes Extra (the main reason I purchased the movie from the store). Apple support sent the same boilerplate response. I'm glad its not just me but VERY frustrated with Apple.

Apple needs to sort this ASAP!

Dave

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Answer 10

KI6JPE Author

Level 1

1 points

Sep 5, 2013 1:10 PM in response to davidfromlucan

Still waiting on their 2nd tier person and the engineer(s) they have contacted (?) to come up with a solution. I am not even sure if someone's navigated through the store's directory structure to verify the existence of the file and compare the spelling of it with the XML link to verify the link is trying to call the right file, and not misspelled which would certainly cause an FTP error.

If or when I hear any positive news, I'll update this article.

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Answer 11

robdeez

Level 1

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Sep 8, 2013 11:42 AM in response to KI6JPE

Same problem here. What's up Apple!?! I'm not even all that intrested in the extra features, but I payed for them and I should have access to them!!

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Answer 12

Sep 10, 2013 5:15 AM in response to KI6JPE

I have just received an e-mail from Apple iTunes Support and they have issued me with a FULL refund of the purchase price of Avatar and the ( seemingly ) unobtainable iTunes Extras!

I seemed to be getting nowhere after Apples iTunes Support put me through the ringer making me re-try the download ( twice! ); delete my downloads folder and re-try the download AGAIN; and finally having to re-setup my old HP DV7 laptop ( I'm currently using a 17" MacBook Pro Retina ) and retry the download yet AGAIN!

Needless to say the outcome in each case was exactly the same! Avatar the movie downloads perfectly and The Extras file fails at zero% with TWO error 8003s!

Through all this I did everything, no matter how seemingly stupid it seemed that was asked of me and CONTINUED to insist that the fault was on their side and NOT mine!

iTunes support have finally advised me that they don't know when or even IF the file will be checked/repaired and in view of that and that I am a valued customer ( I'd want to be after buying 1.5TB of Music, Movies and TV Shows ) that they would refund me the FULL price I paid for the Movie and Extras!!

So, I would urge ALL of those who have written to this forum to write again to iTunes Support and DEMAND full refund for a faulty product ( the Movie PLUS Extras ), citing MY SUCCESS as precedent for that refund.

I'm saddened that it seems impossible to make Apple fix this file, but at the very least we should be re-imbursed for our trouble ( and our ability to put up with sh*t <sigh> )

So, good luck and start demending your right to a FULL refund!

Christine

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Answer 13

Sep 10, 2013 6:08 AM in response to Christine1956

Nice Work Christine! I'll be on demanding the same and will update as soon as I hear back from apple.

Thanks for keeping us all posted!

Dave

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Answer 14

Sep 10, 2013 6:41 AM in response to davidfromlucan

Update. I have received a full refund from apple. Pity not bothered about the refund I just wanted the iTunes Extras. 😐

Dave

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Answer 15

KI6JPE Author

Level 1

1 points

Sep 12, 2013 8:53 PM in response to davidfromlucan

I have likewise given up on obtaining the extras file - especially as I have just last night gotten out of the hospital after spending a few days recovering from a heart attack (not claiming that's related at all to this issue - I've had heart problems for 3-4 years). Awaiting the Tier 2 person I have communicated with now to issue the refund.

I need to keep the stress down from now going forward, so I just don't need to try and battle this out further. I'll update again once I have received the full refund, which the T2 person did offer, but at that moment I was still interested in obtaining the featurette.

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