How to deauthorize nonexistant computers with iTunes?

[blurredvision]

I got my new system up and running tonight, and during my long reinstall process, iTunes found it's way in. I copied over all my purchased music, and went to play one to make sure my X-Fi sounded good (just installed those drivers also), and it asked to authorize the computer. I put in my login info, and it tells me that I have already authorized 5 other computers, and I needed to deauthorize one of them.

Problem is, I only have two current comps that I regularly use iTunes on, and a third that doesn't even have it installed. My only guess is where I've had to reformat a couple of times between my two comps, I've never thought about deauthorizing them before doing so (didn't know you could/had to do it.

What can I do about this? Is this something to contact Apple about, and will they fix it? Or am I SOL?

 

[kd2777]

http://forums.anandtech.com/categories.aspx?catid=38&flcache=6570723&entercat=y

 

[CKent]

Ain't DRM great? ...

 

[pkananen]

same problem here

 

[microAmp]

Look at the paragraph below this "To deauthorize a computer" in this link: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93014

If you find you have reached 5 authorizations due to system upgrades, you can reset your authorization count by clicking Deauthorize All in the Account Information screen. Note: You may only use this feature once per year. The Deauthorize All button will not appear if you have less than 5 authorized computers or if you have used this option within the last 12 months.

To deauthorize all computers associated with your account:

1. Click Music Store in the Source list.
2. If you're not signed in to the store, click the Account button, then enter your account name and password.
3. Click the Account button again (your ID appears on the button), enter your password, and then click View Account.
4. In the Account Information window, click Deauthorize All.


Hope it helps.
µA

 

[blurredvision]

Thanks microAmp, worked great for me. Now that I know, hopefully I can remember to deauth before any future system upgrades or reinstalls.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

I am going to reformat my computer this weekend, and need to copy over my music in iTunes. Anything I should know or be sure to do before I do that?

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: ShotgunSteven
I am going to reformat my computer this weekend, and need to copy over my music in iTunes. Anything I should know or be sure to do before I do that?

It's as simple as backing up the entire iTunes folder within My Music, then copying back over. I would imagine you'd might need to make sure you reinstall the same version, but if you are already using iTunes 5, then you won't have anything to worry about.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

I'm using an old version, I will be sure to update before I reformat though. Thanks.