Why does iTunes repeatedly think I'm logging in with my Apple ID from a new computer?

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Level 1

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Why does iTunes repeatedly think I'm logging in with my Apple ID from a new computer?

To start, I figure I should give a little background... I have three computers authorized for use: Home PC, home laptop and work laptop (all Windows). I also have my iPhone 5 and an iPad Mini authorized as devices for use. I do 90% of my iTunes purchasing from the work laptop. I'll launch iTunes, attempt to purchase a song and go through the usual of logging in with my Apple ID... no sweat. Unfortunately, sometimes I'll get a subsequent screen stating:

"Because this is your first time making a purchase from this computer, you must verify your identity by answering the following security questions..."

The thing is, just two days prior, I purchased songs from iTunes on this laptop! I know that answering the questions shouldn't be an issue, but unfortunately, I tend to forget the answers (Sorry, I work for an Internet-based company, and we use A LOT of passwords and set up a bunch of security questions).

I'm just curious why iTunes thinks I'm using a "new" computer... Does it also use the IP address from which my requests are coming, for validation? (Apple ID Login/Password isn't enough security?) As I go between WiFi to an ethernet-connected docking station intermittently at the office, I can see how IP addresses might be rotated. If this is the case, will this impact the "five system authorization maximum" (i.e., is iTunes adding new systems to my "authorized list" each time this happens)?

In a time of constant hacking and Internet security weaknesses, I figure I should be happy this is in place... I gues I'm just looking for some answers.

Thanks,

- Vern

Windows 7

Posted on Dec 11, 2013 8:37 AM

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Answer 1

sterling r

Community Specialist

Dec 13, 2013 7:13 AM in response to Vernholio

Hey there Vernholio,

It sounds like you are repeatedly being asked to authorize your computer even though you have made many purchases oh it from the iTunes Store. Generally this issue is caused by permissions or restrictions on the user account. I have 2 articles to recommend for you here. The first is:

iTunes repeatedly prompts to authorize computer to play iTunes Store purchases

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1389

and

iTunes: Missing folder or incorrect permissions may prevent authorization

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1277

And to answer your question about whether or not the IP address changing might count against your authorization limit, no it will not. iTunes uses the computers installed hardware and software to keep track of that. Check out this info about authorization and deauthorization:

Remember to deauthorize your computer before you sell it, give it away, or get your computer serviced. Also, make sure you deauthorize your computer before you upgrade your RAM, hard disk or other system components, or reinstall Windows. If you do not deauthorize your computer before you upgrade these components, one computer may use multiple authorizations.

From: iTunes Store: About authorization and deauthorization

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1420

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

Sterling

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

272,881 points

Dec 13, 2013 7:18 AM in response to Vernholio

McAfee AntiVirus by any chance? See the thread Why does iTunes delete my itunesprefs.xml?

Or it could be an issue with the SC Info folder. See TS1277 - iTunes: Missing folder or incorrect permissions may prevent authorization for details.

(Also covered above)

Or a repair install of iTunes from the Programs and Features control panel might fix the problem.

tt2

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Answer 3

Ex_Brit

Level 1

93 points

Feb 21, 2014 9:26 AM in response to turingtest2

turingtest2 wrote:

McAfee AntiVirus by any chance? See the thread Why does iTunes delete my itunesprefs.xml?

Or it could be an issue with the SC Info folder. See TS1277 - iTunes: Missing folder or incorrect permissions may prevent authorization for details.

(Also covered above)

Or a repair install of iTunes from the Programs and Features control panel might fix the problem.

tt2

The latest theory is that Microsoft Updates may be to blame and Apple have even conceded that much to one of the latest posters in that first link, and no particular antivirus is to blame. Personally I can't vouch for same as I have hardly experienced any of these issues.

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Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

272,881 points

Feb 21, 2014 10:32 AM in response to Ex_Brit

I've participated in the other thread too. Issues with the latest release from Apple notwithstanding, there does seem to have been a strong corellation with McAfee and the lost iTunesPrefs.xml issue and, for those affected, a correlation between removing McAfee and the problem going away. No doubt respective build numbers, the state of various Microsoft updates, and other factors will have played their part in why some machines were affected and others not. I'd still suggest that anyone who repeatedly has the missing preferences issue investigates what happens if McAfee is disabled and then draws their own conclusions.

tt2

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Answer 5

Ex_Brit

Level 1

93 points

Feb 21, 2014 10:42 AM in response to turingtest2

Well, considering the problem apparently no longer exists in relation to any antivirus, but, by Apple's own admission, does exist in soime coding issues in their software, then I would rather lay blame at Apple's door.

Considering in my experience, iTines has always been somewhat unpredictable anyway, I would tend to believe that line rather than lay blame elsehwere.

But that's only my opinion.

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