Charged again for downloading a second time a film I have already paid for?

Question

Recently main computer crashed. iTunes films purchased not backed up externally. Have iTunes on another authorised computer - to recreate library of films have started to download same films a second time until I found I am being charged again. Is this correct - or how do I get them free as they have already been paid for ?

Answer 1

Sorry, but you can't. Officially Apple does not allow redownloads of purchased items other than iPhone/iPod touch applications. It's your responsibility to make backup copies in case something goes wrong with your system, as unfortunately it apparently did in your case, and you lose all the information on your hard drive. The official statement of their policy can be found here, among other places. If your hard drive was erased and you don't have a backup of your purchased items, and don't have them on an iPod, you're probably out of luck and will need to repurchase your films.
If you have your films on an iPod, post back and someone here can help you get them restored. Otherwise you can try contacting iTunes Store Customer Service (select the category and subcategory closest to the issue you're reporting and you'll find a button to send e-mail to them) and explaining what happened. Reportedly in some cases Apple has allowed redownloading on a one-time basis. But don't count on it, particularly since you appear to be accessing an iTunes Store from outside of its country which is a violation of the terms of use.
Good luck.