iTunes 6.0.2 (#2): Unable to run disk utility after update; Gone from Apple's download page; more

[Originally published yesterday, January 11th]

Unable to run Disk Utility after update Several users have reported that they are unable to properly run Disk Utility after applying the iTunes 6.0.2 update, receiving the error message:

"Disk Utility lost connection with Disk Management Tool and cannot continue."

part-way through the repair process.

The problem generally affects users running Mac OS X 10.3.9.

MacFixIt reader Philip Wheelock writes:

"I installed iTunes 6.0.2 via Software Update; restarted and found I could not repair disk permissions with Disk Utility, even starting from system installer disk. Disk Utility stalls approximately 1/3 of the way through and displays this error message: 'Disk Utility has lost its connection with the Disk Management Tool and cannot continue. Please quit and relaunch Disk Utility.' Never seen this before."

There are two potential workarounds for this issue:

• Delete the "Chess" application and its associated .plist file (com.apple.Chess.plist, located in ~/Library/Preferences -- the Library folder inside your user directory) and attempt to re-run Disk Utility
• Delete iTunes 6.0.2 and its associated .plist file (com.apple.iTunes.plist, locaed in ~/Library/Preferences). Re-install iTunes 6.0.1 (from a backup, if available) and attempt to run Disk Utility again.

If you are still having issues, note that you can still startup from a different volume (or the Mac OS X installation disc) and repair permissions successfully on your normal startup volume.

Interestingly, iTunes 6.0.2 is no longer available from Apple's download page, indicating that the company may have pulled the software. However, the update is still available from the standard iTunes download page and through Software Update.

Hiding the music store bar (MiniStore) Several readers have inquired about how to remove the music store "related" browser bar, placed at the bottom of the main iTunes window by default in version 6.0.2.

As noted in Knowlege Base article #303066, uou can show or hide the MiniStore by choosing Show MiniStore or Hide MiniStore in the Edit menu or by clicking the "Show or Hide the MiniStore" button (a downward facing arrow in the lower right portion of the iTunes window)

Blank Library view For some users, the Library (track listing) pane appears blank (white) when iTunes 6.0.2 is launched, or at various other times. This issue can usually be alleviated by clicking on the iTunes music store or another item in the left navigation bar then toggling back to the Library listing.

AirTunes now works with multiple speaker sets One reader notes that the AirTunes feature (when used in conjunction with an AirPort Express) in iTunes 6.0.2 works with multiple speaker sets.

The reader writes:

"I just tested it playing a song simultaneously through the speakers on my PowerBook as well as in the living room. To make it even more interesting, the laptop was reading the song from my desktop PowerMac G4 in my office. Lots of wireless delivery going on...and there was no lag between the speakers' sound either. Awesome. Thanks Apple!"

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Apple releases iTunes 6.0.2

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