Cannot Connect to the iTunes Store (UPDATED)

Question

I know there are many threads on this forum about the topic of not being able to connect to the iTunes store, so I'm sorry for posting another one. I've read many of the threads, but I'm either very confused by them, the circumstances are different than mine, or I've already tried the solutions offered (and they failed). Here is my situation:
About 4 days ago, my Internet connection went down. I figured this out when I couldn't connect to the iTunes store. I quickly fixed my Internet problem. One of the cords in the monitor or external power outlet (I don't remember) had to be plugged into the router. I did so and my Internet connection worked. However, iTunes didn't work. I still couldn't connect to the iTunes store. It said "iTunes could not connect to the iTunes store. Your network connection timed out. Make sure your network settings are correct and your network connection is active, then try again."
I have restarted and reopened iTunes. I have also used the support tips at this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1368. I have turned off/configured my Windows Firewall. I have turned off my pop-up blocker. I have flushed my DNS settings. My Internet works. The checkboxes for Use SSL 3.0 and Use TLS 1.0 are checked.
I believe I have iTunes 7. Help is greatly appreciated. Also- I am not super tech-savvy so simple instructions would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

I had a similar problem, but this email from Apple helped to solve it.
Good luck!!
Dear Michael,
Thank you for the information you've included. I have information for your
system that should have you connected, and able to retain a stable connection
for downloading.
There are two web domains and two executable applications the iTunes Store uses.
If blocked or in conflict with other software, this causes information traveling
between the iTunes application on your system to lose communication with the
iTunes Store on the Internet. Here are a few examples of software that can cause
this:
* Virus Scanners
* Web accelerators
* Ad filters or pop-up blockers
* Firewalls
If you have installed any of this software, then you can consult the Help or
documentation for this software. It is more likely, however, that you will need
to contact your Internet Service Provider and/or computer manufacturer for
information on what software they have installed. They can tell you whether or
not they pre-install any of this software, and should be able to assist you in
configuration. When you're ready to configure, be sure to close both iTunes and
QuickTime.
Pop-up blockers, ad filters and privacy services oftentimes block the two web
domains used by the iTunes Store. These two domains will need to be configured
as "Trusted Domains" or as "Allowed Cookies:"
phobos.apple.com
phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net
Virus Scanners and Firewalls will often allow the main iTunes.exe application
access to the Internet, but often block the iTunesHelper.exe application used by
the iTunes Store. You will want to allow these two program full access to the
Internet:
iTunes.exe
iTunesHelper.exe
NOTE: Your Windows Firewall is currently set to "Off." When your system’s
default firewall has been disabled, it has most likely been disabled by
third-part security software that replaces this firewall with its own version.
Be sure to focus on configuring the third-party firewall for both applications.
If you find that your firewall can block or allow your network's connection
ports directly, then be sure to allow all three of these TCP ports used by the
iTunes Store:
Name: Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
Port Number: 80
Name: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL, or "HTTPS")
Port Number: 443
Name: Digital Audio Access Protocol (DAAP)
Port Number: 3689
You should be able to create and maintain a connection to the iTunes Store at
this point. Simply restart your system and, once it has started up, open iTunes
and test various actions on the iTunes Store. You should be able to sign in and
download purchases without error.
If, after troubleshooting, you still cannot connect and maintain a connection to
the iTunes Store, then you will need to call our AppleCare technical support
team. A representative will be able to tell you about Apple's complimentary and
fee-based support options and can help you determine which option might be most
helpful in this case. To find the appropriate phone number, please visit:
http://www.apple.com/support/contact/phone_contacts.html
I hope this information is helpful in getting you to gain access to the iTunes
Store.