ITunes user limit.

Question

I have crashed my Mac's a couple of times and had to install clean system. Will iTunes see this as a new Mac and will my user limit run out on me and start canceling bought songs.

Answer 1

If your computer isn't authorised then your purchases won't play, there's no reason for them to be deleted, I presume also that you have them backed up anyway. If your system crashes or you reinstall your operating system without deauthorising iTunes first, even a single computer can use up your limit of 5 authorisations. You can't deauthorise those dead installations individually. If you've reached your limit of 5 you have the option to deauthorise them all in one go from your iTunes Store account and start over again. *Just note that you can only use this option once a year*: About iTunes Music Store Authorisation and Deauthorisation
To deauthorise all computers associated with your account:
1. Click iTunes Store in the Source pane.
2. If you're not signed in to the store, click the Account button, then enter your account name and password.
3. Click the Account button again (your ID appears on the button), enter your password, and then click View Account.
4. In the Account Information window, click Deauthorize All.
See also this article: One computer using multiple iTunes Music Store authorizations