iTunes + Vista = Corrupt iPod, Apple: Wait Weeks Before You Install Vista

Windows Vista Beta 2 released in February of 2006, was the first build of Vista for the general public. However, with the ample time Apple had to develop a working iTunes product for Vista’s RTM build, they failed. Instead of coming up with solutions to the multiple Vista/iTunes compatibility issues, they’ve developed software to change your PC to have the proper settings.

The iTunes Repair Tool for Vista 1.0 will repair permissions for important files required by iTunes to play your iTunes Store purchases.

Along with this completely abysmal “fix”, they’ve also suggested users not upgrade to the latest version of Windows for weeks to come.

Apple recommends, however, that customers wait to upgrade Windows until after the next release of iTunes which will be available in the next few weeks.

If you’ve recently bought a PC with Vista, or upgraded they give some advice.

Deauthorize all iTunes Store accounts.
Enable Disk Use on all iPod models.
Uninstall iTunes.
Perform a clean install of Windows Vista (Highly recommended but not required).
Reinstall the latest version of iTunes.
Open iTunes.
Choose Authorize Computer from the Store menu in iTunes.

Some of the Vista compatibility issues with iTunes are rather pathetic. They say that music you purchased might not play if you’ve upgraded from Windows XP or Windows 2000. As bad as that is, my favorite is something that is far worse than not being able to play music. Using the built in “safely remove hardware” feature might corrupt your whole iPod!

If you’re interested, here is the full list of compatibility issues.

iTunes Store purchases may not play when upgrading to Windows Vista from Windows 2000 or XP.
iPod models with the “Enable Disk Use” option turned off may be unable to update or restore iPod software, and make changes to iPod settings.
iPod models configured to Auto Sync and have the “Enable Disk Use” option turned off may require being ejected and reconnected to resync.
Ejecting an iPod from the Windows System Tray using the “Safely Remove Hardware” feature may corrupt your iPod. To always safely eject an iPod, choose Eject iPod from the Controls menu within iTunes.
Cover Flow animation may be slower than expected.
Contacts and calendars will not sync with iPod.

In all honesty, I’m normally a huge fan of Apple products, but this is flat out pathetic. Technically Vista has been live for two months, because the business version was released in late November. There is just no excuse for so many critical bugs in their software.