iBooks required software

Question

Level 1

5 points

iBooks required software

Hello,

I have spent a considerable time trying to find out how to read a epud formatted ebook that my friend sent via email. I download it from my gmail and instantly it ends up in my ibooks app. However once I click on the book it says "Cannot open book: This book cannot be opened because required software cannot be downloaded".

I would like to download the required software but I have no idea what that is! Has anyone else else had this problem?

I have read the requirements on the iBooks FAQ page but I have all of them. I am attempting to read it on an iPad that is operating iOS 7.0.4. I don't know what else to do!

PLEASE HELP!

Thanks

iPad, iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Feb 3, 2014 5:37 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

BeetlebroxSlartibartfast

Level 1

18 points

Aug 3, 2016 1:46 AM in response to bcbulmer

I had this same issue, which I think was triggered when I changed my iTunes Store account to the one which purchased the book, and at the same time synced the book to the iPad from my mac. I got the "this book cannot be opened because required software cannot be downloaded" error. Restarting iBooks, iTunes, and the iPad didn't work. Logging out and logging back in to the store account didn't work. Finally I deleted the book and re-downloaded it. That triggered a DRM-check, and the book opened.

Reply

Answer 2

Jul 15, 2014 8:55 AM in response to bcbulmer

The ePub file your friend sent is protected by DRM. Here's how you can solve that issue, if you still have that ebook in your iBooks library:

- Launch the iBooks app on your iPad and select Store

- Sign out of your existing Apple ID and sign in with the Apple ID used to purchase the ebook (you may have to ask your friend).

- In the iBookstore, search for the title of the ebook. There should be an 'Update' button next to it.

- Select 'Update' and that ebook should begin updating and become readable. You can now sign back in to your original Apple ID.

Do note that a single Apple ID can have up to 10 devices and computers (combined) associated with it, with a maximum of 5 computers at any time.

Reply