This computer is already associated with an Apple ID.

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Level 1

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This computer is already associated with an Apple ID.

I have read other people's questions and answers on this topic but it is still not answering my problem.

I have had iTunes on Windows for about 7 years. Then about a year ago, me and my family bought a Mac Computer, which I have a profile on myself. So I added my iTunes login onto here as well. I understand that you can only have your music on 5 devices. But I only have it on these 2 devices. I still use my Windows iTunes as well though. So this message appeared (only on my Mac): This computer is already associated with an Apple ID.

So I actually waited for 90 days before I could play my music. I thought it was just a hiccup on my iTunes. But I bought an album last night (from my Windows iTunes), and wanted to download it onto my Mac iTunes. And now it's saying the same message again. I don't know whether this is because my family also have iTunes accounts, and this is why 'another apple ID is associated with this account' but I don't think its fair that I cannot listen to the music I pay for. Is this a problem that can be fixed or do I have to live with this?

HELP!?

Posted on Feb 3, 2015 2:33 AM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

411,121 points

Feb 3, 2015 6:43 AM in response to lisaxoxo

Transfer your library directly from the Windows computer, do not try to re-download from the iTunes Store if another person has associated the computer in the last 90 days. You can make new purchases, just can't re-download.

iTunes Store: Associating a device or computer to your Apple ID - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4627 and - Manage your associated devices in iTunes - http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204074 - In connection with, "When you turn on iTunes Match, Family Sharing, or Automatic Downloads, or when you download past purchases on an iOS device or computer, that device or computer becomes associated with your Apple ID." "Your Apple ID can have up to 10 devices and computers (combined) associated with it. Each computer must also be authorized using the same Apple ID. Once a device or computer is associated with your Apple ID, you cannot associate that device or computer with another Apple ID for 90 days." - Additional instructions for "Removing an associated device or computer from an Apple ID"

Moving a library: Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its sub-folders and files) intact to the other drive. Hold down the option (alt) key (shift on Windows) and open iTunes. At the prompt to create or choose a library choose the copied iTunes folder.

Depending upon how much you want to transfer and how you might want to set up Home Sharing:

iTunes: How to share music and video - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2688 - about Music Sharing and Home Sharing

Home Sharing Support page - http://www.apple.com/support/homesharing/

iTunes: Setting up Home Sharing on your computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4620

Understanding Home Sharing - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3819

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