ITunes 7.7 not connecting to the internet (Windows XP)

Question

I downloaded iTunes 7.7 a few days ago and since then I cannot go to the iTunes store to buy songs, update podcasts, or even find track names or album art. The connection with iTunes does not work. It tells me my network connection has failed and to try again after hooking it up. It is in fact hooked up, and I have run diagnostics only to find unhelpful answers. I have tried them all and they don't work, and even the Apple support website tells me the same unhelpful hints. ( seen here at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iTunesWin/7.5/en/15485.html ) I also deleted my iTunes 7.6, which I probably should not have done. But who knows if that was even the problem?
Somebody please help. I need to establish a connection with iTunes and my fully functional (and connected) internet network that worked a mere 5 days ago. Thank you.

Answer 1

This happens a lot on iTunes upgrades. Security software programs like Norton, McAfee, NOD, etc. block the new iTunes version.
Apparently it is not enough to check the security software settings to see if iTunes is allowed - you have to actually remove itunes from the programs list, and then add it back in.
Go into Norton/McAfee/NOD/etc. and tell it to allow these programs:
itunes.exe
ituneshelper.exe
mDNSResponder.exe
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302488
The "Search Discussions" feature is back, so you can find other posts where this has helped many people.
If you don't have Norton or whatnot, try these MSCONFIG steps. This article is for XP, but it has a link to the Vista directions.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1275