iTunes and Blackberry Link conflict

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iTunes and Blackberry Link conflict

Hi, Blackberry Link stopped working following latest iTunes update in Windows 10.

I have performed Blackberry's suggest workaround, as follows:

"Rename the iTunesPrefs.xml file and relaunch BlackBerry Link

Please note: Completing the below steps may have adverse effects on the iTunes functionality. For further information, please contact Apple support.

To rename the iTunesPrefs.xml file;

Turn on Show hidden files and folders
Navigate to C:\Users\<userid>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\
Rename the iTunesPrefs XML file file to iTunesPrefs.old

Once completed, it would be recommended to turn off Show hidden files and folders."

My question is, how will this affect iTunes functionality, if at all?

Windows 10

Posted on Oct 7, 2016 3:10 AM

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Answer 1

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turingtest2

Level 10

276,119 points

Oct 7, 2016 3:57 AM in response to JohnnyKid77

Renaming iTunesPrefs.xml will reset various settings within iTunes. If your library is at the default path of <User's Music>\iTunes and you have the options for Keep... and Copy... enabled you may not notice a change, but settings that will have been reset include the active library file, media folder, XML sharing, import settings, etc. Check through each tab in Edit > Preferences to see if there is anything you want to change back to the way you had it before.

tt2

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Answer 2

JohnnyKid77 Author

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Oct 7, 2016 4:02 AM in response to JohnnyKid77

Thanks, that's helpful. I have checked the settings and all seems ok. Keep and Copy both checked, and I've unchecked Share iTunes Library XML with other applications as I have no idea what it means, but I'm pretty sure the default is unchecked!

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Answer 3

turingtest2

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276,119 points

Oct 7, 2016 4:10 AM in response to JohnnyKid77

You're welcome. 🙂

The XML file can be used by third party software such as Plex or Last.FM to read the contents of the iTunes Library without needing to run iTunes and interrogate it directly. It used not to be optional, but various iTunes updates of late seem to have turned it off for some users when it was still wanted.

tt2

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Answer 4

JohnnyKid77 Author

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Oct 7, 2016 4:27 AM in response to turingtest2

Ah, sounds like I definitely don't need that setting then.

Incidentally, I've noticed that the option to upload my library to icloud is now checked, although I'm sure that I never selected this option before. I only use iTunes on this device, to listen directly or stream to hifi via Airplay, so presumably I have no need for iCloud?...

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Answer 5

turingtest2

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276,119 points

Oct 7, 2016 6:29 AM in response to JohnnyKid77

Perhaps the setting is Show iCloud Music Library? Uploading your library requires a subscription to either Apple Music or iTunes Match.

tt2

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Answer 6

JohnnyKid77 Author

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4 points

Oct 7, 2016 6:38 AM in response to turingtest2

Ah yes, I should have added that I subscribe to Apple Music. Again, only on the one device and for direct listening or streaming via Airplay. I have unchecked the upload to cloud option, as I see no need for it. Perhaps I have always unwittingly had this setting, although I suspect it was changed as a result of renaming the XML file.

A little suspicious that Apple provided an iTunes update that knocked out Blackberry link. There are only a few of us dedicated BB users left in the world, so there was really no need for them to make life more difficult for us! 😉

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Answer 7

turingtest2

Level 10

276,119 points

Oct 7, 2016 6:51 AM in response to JohnnyKid77

Hmm, it wouldn't surprise me if Blackberry Link is another tool that actually wants access to the shared iTunes Library XML. Leaving the option enabled doesn't cause any harm unless perhaps you have a really large library in which case there is a minor performance gain from disabling it.

tt2

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