Sign in to use this application on this computer

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Level 4

1,523 points

Sign in to use this application on this computer

"Sign in to use this application on this computer"

Occasionally this error message appears when I launch an app. When I sign in, the app launches as normal. However, my problem is that I do not always have Internet access. When an app won't launch & I can't connect to sign it, obviously the app won't run — & despite what some people have said to me in person, that IS a real problem. And in case it isn't clear, these are my apps, purchased by me using my one & only account, on this computer… so the error message is inappropriate.

I have searched online for others with this problem, & for fixes, but everything stops at the bottom line — namely: connect to the Internet to fix it (either by signing in or by downloading the app again or reinstalling the system or…)

This is going to be a very serious issue for me during those times when I have no Internet connection. I need a solution that does not depend on my having to connect!

Can anyone help?

I should also point out that this problem is the indicator for a more widespread phenomenon: your computer may stop working altogether if the Internet goes down. We don't all live in California with 24/7 Internet access, & if, for whatever reason, the Internet becomes unavailable, are we ready to write off our computers? I do still own computers that work fine without a connection, but of course I don't want to go back to the 'bad old days'. Why can't the 'good new days' include a tolerance for independence from the Internet?

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), Logic Pro X 10.1.1, Occam's Razor

Posted on May 15, 2016 10:10 AM

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Answer 1

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,727 points

May 15, 2016 4:18 PM in response to Caramby

Just for kicks, would you open the iTunes app, go to the iTunes Store, on the right hand side in Music Quick Links choose Account and sign in to view your account details. In the section iTunes in the Cloud click on Manage Devices and verify that the Mac that you are using is listed as an authorized device.

Late 2012 Mac mini, OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 beta 4;  Watch, 38 mm silver AL, Watch OS 2.1; iPad Air 2 & iPhone 6+, iOS 9.3.2 beta 4;  Apple Airport Express

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Answer 2

Caramby Author

Level 4

1,523 points

May 23, 2016 2:59 AM in response to Dah•veed

Thanks, Dah•veed. This is a good tip, but of course I had tried it myself. It's not very clear how you can tell for sure (it just says 'Mac'), but since I only ever use two computers, & two computers are listed as authorised, I'm sure this is not the problem.

Well… having said that, in a way it IS the problem. The fact that you have to authorise your computer over the Internet is a giant step backwards in usability. Before Apple went Unix, if you could boot a computer you could simply use it without depending on any other factors (certainly not depending on the Internet).

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