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iTunes problem downloading, an unknown error occurred (-54).

I am getting unknown error occurred (-54) message from iTunes and can't seem to get ride of it. I have tried deleting it in downloads, but the next time I check for available downloads... there it is again.

Posted on Feb 25, 2015 8:08 AM

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Posted on Feb 25, 2015 8:56 AM

From an OS9 reference, error -54 is a software lock on a file or a permissions error. (Although there is no formal list of OSX error code some of the old codes still apply to OSX .)


First, try simply restarting your computer.


Try quitting iTunes, then deleting the .xml (not .itl !) version of the library file in the iTunes folder (iTunes will generate a new one).


iTunes Library cannot be saved (Error -54) - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1912814 - various things to try.


Unknown error (-54) while syncing ipod - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1082953 - problem was locked files


Why does iTunes keep showing a -54 error when I sync my iPad? - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3727114


Error -54 possibly related to Touch Copy - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3727114 - cleared by deleting preferences on iPad.


iTunes: Missing folder or incorrect permissions may prevent authorization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1277


Troubleshooting permissions issues in Mac OS X - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2963

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Feb 25, 2015 8:56 AM in response to jwtate

From an OS9 reference, error -54 is a software lock on a file or a permissions error. (Although there is no formal list of OSX error code some of the old codes still apply to OSX .)


First, try simply restarting your computer.


Try quitting iTunes, then deleting the .xml (not .itl !) version of the library file in the iTunes folder (iTunes will generate a new one).


iTunes Library cannot be saved (Error -54) - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1912814 - various things to try.


Unknown error (-54) while syncing ipod - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1082953 - problem was locked files


Why does iTunes keep showing a -54 error when I sync my iPad? - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3727114


Error -54 possibly related to Touch Copy - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3727114 - cleared by deleting preferences on iPad.


iTunes: Missing folder or incorrect permissions may prevent authorization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1277


Troubleshooting permissions issues in Mac OS X - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2963

iTunes problem downloading, an unknown error occurred (-54).

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