Apple to iTunes users: hold off on that Vista upgrade

"iTunes 7.0.2 may work with Windows Vista on many typical PCs," the company said in a notice posted on its website. "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."

The Cupertino-based Apple said it has detected a number of compatibility issues between Vista and versions 7.0.2 and earlier of its ubiquitous jukebox software that could prove troublesome for users.

Specifically, the iPod maker said Vista users upgrading from Windows XP or Windows 2000 may find that songs purchased from the iTunes Store will not play. Some iPod users may also experience problems updating settings, sync contacts and calendars, or ejecting their players.

"Ejecting an iPod from the Windows System Tray using the 'Safely Remove Hardware' feature may corrupt your iPod," Apple added. "To always safely eject an iPod, choose Eject iPod from the Controls menu within iTunes."

iPod users who have already upgraded to the Vista are recommended to follow a series of steps to improve their iTunes experience. Apple is also providing an iTunes Repair Tool for Vista (Download - 88K) for those users who continue to experience problems.

As reported exclusively by AppleInsider last month, Apple plans to release iTunes 7.1 by the end of February. In addition to adding support for Vista, the new version will be required for both Mac and PC users who wish to use the company's Apple TV wireless media hub.

Around the same time, Apple will also release QuickTime 7.1.5.