Error: Network Connection Timed Out

Question

I am beyond ****** off at the moment. My iTunes was working perfectly until two weeks ago, and now it insists my Network Connection Timed Out when I try to access the store or update podcasts.
It can't be my internet connection, because as you can see, I'm able to access the internet. For some reason it's this specific copy of iTunes (7.5), because the iT7 downstairs works perfectly. Of course, since Apple are so fecking stingy, I can't add a few files from there without wiping everything off my iPod.
So here's the run-down:
I'm using a Dell Inspiron 8600, Windows XP, browsing with Firefox and attempting to load the latest podcasts onto my iPod Shuffle. I don't give a toss about downloading songs, I just want to update my podcasts without having to search the net for the source file.
I ran the Network Diagnostics and it insists the Conneciton to iTunes failed, suggesting I adjust my cable (i don't have one - it's wireless) or flush my dns settings (which i've done several times).
I found a thread on these forums from March and tried every solution:
- uninstalling and reinstalling itunes... doesn't work.
- opening Internet Explorer 7, then opening iTunes... doesn't work.
- searching for a host file and removing the phobos apple line... doesn't work. The phobos line wasn't there
- using itunes 7... doesn't work.
- flushing my dns... doesn't work.
- turning off my firewall.... doesn't work.
- avoiding clashes with mcafee or zone alarm... doesn't work, cos i don't use those
I think it's appalling that I've tried all this, and i'm still no closer to knowing what the problem is, and that Apple failed to respond to any of the other people's problems in the earlier thread. And that i spent about ten minutes signing up to this fecking forum just to ask for help. Surely support should be readily available to anyone!
Can anybody help me? In the other thread, people found alternative sites for buying music, but has anyone got an alternative, ipod-compatible podcasting program?

Answer 1

I have this same problem. Here's what I can add to this discussion - iTunes accessed the iTunes store a day or two ago. I have a home network and can access the internet from all of the networked PCs. I can access the iTunes store from all of the networked PCs using Internet Explorer. I can access the iTunes store from my laptop iTunes. I can not access the iTunes store from my workstation PC. I get the same "network connection timed out" message. I downloaded and installed a new (same version) of iTunes on the workstation PC. both the laptop and the workstation are running the same OS (Windows XP SP2), both are Dell computers, both are accessing the internet via a wired connection to the same switch and the same router. All other internet connections work fine.
What's different? In the last couple of days my Workstation lost access to a network printer. I worked with HP for over an hour to re-establish network connection to that printer with no success. I have access to the same networked printer from my laptop.
The IP address for the network printer is identical to what it was when it was installed - HP suggests looking for a change to the IP address. I made no changes to the workstation PC, the home network or the router, ISP, or internet connection.
But, it seems to me that the loss of access to the HP networked printer and the inability of iTunes to access the iTunes store are related.
I also called Apple and attempted to get technical support. I own 4 iPods with 104 Gbs of storage on them, I own 1900 CDs and iTunes has 36.5 days of music loaded into it.
I purchased Apple Care on all of the iPods - it's expired and they never warned me. They want to charge me $29 to fix this problem - even though I no longer can purchase music via the iTunes Store, so I need to pay $29 in order to gain access to the iTunes store to spend more money with Apple?! Not a smart business decision. I own a few other PC based music programs and more than willing to transfer all of it out of iTunes and into one of the other products. I'll sell all the iPods on eBay and purchase other MP3 players if I must.
But, I suspect the problem is (1) Apple doesn't have a documented answer to this problem, (2) the level 1 techs that answer the support phone are clueless - they just e-mailed me the same article from the Apple website that I told them I read and does not apply to my problem, and obviously does not resolve my problem. (3) Apple is not setup to resolve this type of problem with their level 1 support, and they can't escalate the problem without charging us.
I'll try again on Monday, may even purchase Apple Care first and then use that. The Apple Care Tech Support is typically better than the free level 1 call in support.
Suggestions, comments, etc. are all appreciated.
nlc
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