I have an iPod Touch and 3 MacBooks all of different age. I wish to play certain songs on the newest MacBook. It say I need the same Apple ID and Password as when I bought the songs. That was years ago. I have no idea. How do I authorize all 4 devices

You should only make purchases for all your devices using a single Apple ID. There is no need, and indeed a good reason not to, set up a new Apple ID with each new device purchase. While items purchased under different IDs can be played on a single device, you cannot merge Apple IDs and it makes it cumbersome.

Apple IDs do not expire but may become dormant and require reactivation if they are not actively used.

You should make note of your Apple ID and passwords and keep a record of it. Like a bank account it contains access to items with value. Update your Apple ID email address as they change.

I see you were guided to this forum by a help page on recovering your password. If that is not sufficient try the links below. Apple will need to verify you are indeed to owner of the accounts to which you are trying to gain access.

http://www.apple.com/support/appleid/contact/

Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT5699 "This article provides country-specific Apple Support contact information for customers seeking help with their Apple ID password or other security-related issues."

Frequently asked questions about Apple ID - http://support.apple.com/kb/HE37

dirigo9871 wrote:

Thank you, Limnos.

I believe the issue began when, at some point years ago, I wanted to retrieve an apple ID. I think after following the process recommended I ended up only changing the password. That resulted in 2 devices with the same ID but different passwords.

You cannot have same AppleID on different devices with different passwords.
When you change your AppleID password, it is changed on Apple servers. Any device then using that AppleID will require the same password.

As ChrisCA observes, an Apple ID can have only one password. The Apple ID is what you use to log into the Store to make purchases and to authorize computers. Devices can have their individual security passwords or codes which are independent of the Apple ID (well, some exceptions which are not relevant here) which are optional and used to securely access a device locally.

dirigo9871 wrote:

Thanks, Chris.

My newest machine and the iCloud work just fine using the same apple ID and password.

My iTouch has the same ID, but it will not accept my present password.

Settings > iTunes & Stores.

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