iTunes 9 causing problems with AirTunes connections
updated 06:55 pm EDT, Mon September 14, 2009
Update causes connection failure to remote speaker
Following the recent iTunes 9 update, many users have begun reporting problems establishing AirTunes connections. In a post on Apple's Support forums, Ryan Brucks claimed to have received an error dialogue stating that "the software required for communication with this iPod is not installed correctly..." Another user reported a different error involving a broken connection to the AirPort Express speaker.
While a number of systems are experiencing complete failure, others are working intermittently or with poor quality. The issues appear affect connections even if the devices are listed in iTunes.
Macs running either Leopard or Snow Leopard have experienced problems, along with the latest v10.6.1 maintenance update and even Windows computers. Reports also suggest the problem exists with AirPort Express devices supporting either 802.11g or 802.11n.
Forum poster RisingDown allegedly corrected the bug by enabling the firewall through System Preferences and Security, then disabling and rebooting. Another post, authored by is200tt, claims to have resolved connection problems by using the AirPort Utility to reboot the AirPort Express device. Both reports, however, have not appeared to work for everyone.
It is unclear if Apple is preparing a software update to address the issue. The company has been releasing several updates to resolve compatibility issues following the recent Snow Leopard update.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2009
No problems here
I updated 6 computers to Snow Leopard so far and have not experienced a single issue with the updates. My Airport Express still works great with iTunes as everything else.
I made sure I did a fresh install and restored my data from backups. This is the best way to ensure everything is going to work as expected. Specially if you have any third party applications that may not behave well when updating.