"Unable to check for purchases" error

So I'm getting a strange message I've never seen. I gifted a video game for my girlfriend and after she clicked on the link and entered the code apparently something happened in the beginning of the download of the game which suggested that she "check for purchases music." I upgraded her ipod to 1.2, upgraded to the new itunes 7, upgraded to the latest quicktime and repaired permissions. We are stuck in this problem now. iTunes can never check for purchases. It keeps saying its busy but I don't think that's it. Is there something we can try? I feel like an idiot now that I bought this $5 game and it won't even download on her computer. Anyone else have this problem???

I was having the same problem, then read here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=6378
to try re-authorizing the computer in iTunes. I did,
then did a "check for purchases" again and it worked.
Thanks Cyno!!

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Unable to check for purchases, an unknown error has occured (5002)

Unable to check for purchases, an unknown error has occured (5002)
I was in the middle of download and got an error. (I didn't write down that error) I restarted Itunes and then got this error. I then upgraded to the latest patch (from 7.1 to 7.1.1) and the error above is what I get. Any Help?? Thanks

I closed and reopened Itunes again and it worked. So I'm not too sure why it's working, but it is. woo hoo

I need help! "Unable to check for purchases" for over a month!!!

I have been getting the same error message for over a month! Every time I try to check for purchases from the iTunes Store, I get a message saying: "Unable to check for purchases. The network connection timed out." I have 269 items waiting to be downloaded. I am SUPER frustrated, I contacted iTunes customer service twice now, the first time with no response and the second time the response I received didn't help any, I followed up to their answer, again with no response!! I really would like to download these items (most of which I paid for; some were free downloads...). I think this may have happened to me before when my computer crashed and I need to redownload everything from iTunes. I think there is just too many items to download all at once, but they won't even come up in my iTunes, so that I can download them a smaller number at a time! I also had a hard drive failure on my laptop about a week and a half ago (after this problem had already been occuring), and I'm pretty sure any of the items pending downloading that had already begun downloading and was stopped suddenly (a few; maybe a third of what is awaiting downloading...), those items' temporary files were deleted. Could this be causing a problem as well? I've read maybe trying to check for purchases at a less busy time of the day, really early in the morning, or really late at night...Will this work?? I've tried nearly 100 times repeatedly from 8-close to midnight since this has been occuring. I just want the items I paid for. I have been waiting for far too long. I've tried everything suggested and I don't know what else to do!!

First off, make sure Norton isn't blocking iTS access
Here are Norton directions
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nip.nsf/0/7fb6e478e2a1abf78825708b00558625? OpenDocument&seg=hm&lg=en&ct=us
Secondly, you're the third or 4th person to post here that having hundreds of downloads cuases problems.
Contact iTS again, using the email they already sent. Don't start a new ticket.
Give them the URL of this topic, and ask them to reduce the number of items in your download queue. The magic number mentioned in the other thread was 69 downloads didn't cause a problem. (Apparently, 70 does)
Message was edited by: Katrina S.

Cannot download songs - Unable to check for purchases...

Hello everybody,
This week-end I tried to upgrade my library to iTunes Plus. Everything went fine.
But the problem is that I have 228 files to download, and I cannot do it, because iTunes tries to check for purchases... and then it stops by saying that it was unable to check for purchases.
I can connect to iTunes Stores, I can check my account, I can see all purchases I've done since the beginning of my account, I can do everything!
Except that iTunes does not allow me to download my files...
I have checked on my Mac OS X 10.5 iTunes... and in a Windows XP iTunes.
It's the same story.
I have put the topic on Windows, but Mac/Windows... same problem for me now...
Do you have any idea what is wrong? I suppose since Apple is doing many maintenance... they could have some issue with the Purchasing server.
Can you buy and download songs? Am I the only one with this problem?
Just to inform you, I've read all the info and contacted the Apple tech support, and except giving me all sort of "not usefull" tips like firewall check/download accelerator removal (which I don't have). Checking for error codes (I have no error code, just that he cannot check the purchasing server), ... and check the internet connection (which works for EVERYTHING except for this purchasing server!).
So any help would be great!
Thank you in advance!
Alessandro

I have a hunch it is something wrong on Apple's end with having 200+ downloads queued. Some other folks with hundreds of DLs were having this same problem.
What I would do, is contact iTS support and ask them to clear your DL queue so you can have fewer DLs wiating in line. THen when you get the first batch, go on to the 2nd batch.
The magic number mentioned in the other thread seemed to be 69 DLs....you could try searching for it.
Use the "Contact Us" button on this page and give them the URL of this topic you started
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/store/download/

ITunes - check for purchases, error -206 as a result?

I just recently bought a 3G iPhone and then bought a nice application straight from the iPhone. It refused to download the app and instead stated something like "application is not downloadable" and advised me to use iTunes App Store instead. In iTunes (version 7.7, by the way) I'm trying to check for my purchases (and download some stuff as well), everything's ok for 5 seconds, after which an error message is displayed, saying "Unable to check for purchases. An unknown error occurred (-206)".
This reminds me of Windows 98.

I have exactly the same problem with the same Keith Urban album and contacted Apple support who is investigating. I'll keep you posted once resolved.

Unable to check for purchases problem . . .

Hi,
I mentioned this problem in another thread, but I think a new one is warranted.
I too have received the "Unable to check for purchases" message after upgrading some songs using iTunes Plus. After allowing for the initial congestion to die down, it has now been over a month since I bought them, yet I still can't get the songs.
But, my question is this. I emailed iTunes Customer Service, and I have received a reply requesting my billing details. I've checked, and this is information that Apple already holds. I'm a little suspicious about this request, here is the email:
"I am sorry that you are not able to download your items that are currently in your download queue. To help troubleshoot this for you, I would like for you to reply to this email.
In this email if you could please include the billing address associated with your account. I will also need your permission to test your account and reset your password.
Once we have received this information, we will verify, reset your password and test your account. You will then receive a follow up email with you new password and the results of our test."
Does this email sound realistic? Has anyone else received an email like this from iTunes Customer Service? I hope I can reset my password afterwards also.
Yours (in paranoia)
turkey101
15" MacBook Pro, 2.4GHz Santa Rosa Mac OS X (10.4.10) 12" Powerbook 1.5GHz G4 1.25GB, iMac 15 800MHz

Yes, this email is realistic and not an uncommon reply (I also had such a reply when once I had a problem with the iTunes Store). The iTunes Store customer service rep sometimes needs to be able log into your account and check things when a problem arises, and it's something they can't do without resetting the password since they don't have access to your current password, they can only change it. So I don't think you need to worry.

Unable to check for purchases..... timed out.

Hello.
On 7/1/08 I bought 353 tv episodes.
Initially a few downloaded while I slept that night, but then they stopped, and ever since then i've been getting this message.
"Unable to check for purchases. The network connection timed out.
Make sure your network settings are correct and your network connection is active, then try again."
1. I don't use any sort of firewall or router.
2. I don't have any anti-virus/adware/malware/etc software enabled.
I've tried flushing the DNS, I've tried deleting temporary internet files, i've deleted cookies, history files, all that. I added it to trusted sites. There is nothing blocking this connection, and I can connect to anything else just fine.
In fact, I can even connect to the store. If I purchase a song it will download.
And a few times i've been able to get it started in the past 13 days to where I am down to only 179 left to download.
It must have to do with how many things are in the queue is all I can imagine, although I have gotten it to work a few times.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.... 13 days and only able to download half of what I bought is really upsetting.
Thomas Cag
BTW I am using vista 32 bit
Oh, and i've tried connecting with WIFI, WWAN and a cable modem connection.

I am having the same problem, only a little more insidiously. What happened to me is I successfully downloaded a bunch of iPhone Apps, mainly with iTunes 7.7.0 under Windows XP. I then upgraded to iTunes 7.7.1 and when I tried to use the "Available Updates..." button on the Apps screen, I am told that I have not downloaded any of the purchases I already have. So I am told to "Check for purchases..." and I do this, but I always get the timed out message like you. It says it needs to download 292 things. It just doesn't make any sense! I can't update my apps because iTunes THINKS I haven't downloaded them, but I HAVE downloaded them. And what's more, iTunes thinks I need to re-download them, but when I try to do that, I get a Time out. And further, my theory is that it is BECAUSE there are 292 items it needs to download that it Times Out! I believe the connection is not actually timing out, but that the server is taking too long to assemble the message (plist) and thus the issue is really that the time outs in iTunes are set to short. I want to binary decompile iTunes and change the time out value but that would be illegal in my country, much as it would make people like you and me have a much sweeter life. Alas.

Unable to check for purchases. The iTunes Store is temporarily unavailable.

Every time I go to check for purchases I receive this message. Ive been recieving it for a couple weeks now and its reallly starting to annoy me.
Based on what info I found, I tried adding different program and port exceptions to my firewall, and I toggled my virus scanner and spyware. (and I dont have an internet accelerator so thats not the cause).
So then when that failed i just turned my virus scanner and firewall completely off. Still its the same problem.
I have almost 70 downloads that are incomplete (because of an error that apple support has worked out with me), but I have no way of accessing them.
PLEASE HELP / GIVE ANY SUGGESTIONS
iTunes 7.3.0.54, Toshiba Satellite Laptop, Windows XP service pack 2
Toshiba Satellite Windows XP

ya....
"I understand that you are still receiving a message about connection error when trying to download your purchases.
I have confirmed that the iTunes Store is functioning and accepting connections. Therefore, the issue is likely related to your Internet connection, local network, or computer. I'm happy to provide some information that should help you connect to the iTunes Store again.
I apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced with this issue and I can imagine how frustrating this could be for you. However, the nature of your question falls outside the type of support provided via email by the iTunes Store team. The iTunes Store team answers non-technical questions about billing, customer accounts, downloading music, and iTunes Store."
Im going to send them my exact connection details and such.. but if anyone knows the solutions to this PLEASE tell. It would save a ton of time and frustration.

Unable to Check for Purchases

Hey,
I've bought ALOT of music on iTunes and suddenly, I have trouble trying to download purchased stuff. Podcasts are fine, only music. I had to restart my computer in the middle of downloading songs then when i go Store<Check for Purchases, it won't work. The iTunes support staff are doing nothing. What can I do? The error message says try again later, and I have.... FOR A WEEK!
Thanks in advance to whoever can help me.
Matt

No, the server is NOT down. I downloaded songs fine. It is only when they aren't downloaded and I need to check for purchases is it not working.
Note: Will supply additional information to problem upon request.
Matt

Unable to check for purchase iTunes currently unavailable try back later

I keep trying, have for 3 days. I purchased a multi pass to a soap opera and only episode 1 downloaded. I also purchased a season pass to CSI and all have downloaded but 1. When I click on Check Purchases I get that error message. I've signed out, restarted the computer and nothing works. I check my purchase history and it is there but it won't download.
Please help.
Thanks

Hi Orangebird - I get the exact same error, only in my case it pertains to new (not previously downloaded) shows that I had ordered.
I just received an email from tech support letting me know that they've acknowledged this issues exists for multiple customers, hopefully this means they're moving towards a solution.

'Check for Purchases' Error message

I click on it anytime of the day, just says the same things over and over again. "Unable to check at this time, network timed out." The Network is fine on my end, I'm able to go on the internet and I even cut it off and restarted the network and the machine.
It happened with 7.0 and 7.5. I just need the lost music that they stuck in my queu!!
P.s. its been happening for at least a month. I can download music fine, but my season passes won't download!

I have exactly the same problem with the same Keith Urban album and contacted Apple support who is investigating. I'll keep you posted once resolved.

ITunes unable to check for purchase

I received a free download of an album and was able to redeem it. it has been sitting waiting to download for days. i get the above error. I have tried multiple computers with different security software and different versions of itunes. i have tried every suggestions.

It would be very helpful, if you would be very explicit with the information your post. Can you post EXACTLY what you mean by "I have tried every suggestion"? Can you post EXACTLY what the error is, when you say "I get the above error"? You also really need to post what version of iTunes you are currently using, what is your current OS, & the type of iPod you have. Basically, the more detailed information you post, the more likely someone will be able to help you.

Unable to check for Purchases - itunes Store is temporarily unavailable

I keep getting this message each time I try to download pending files in the queue.
Whats the problem ??

Received an email from Apple Support outlining the steps that I had already taken (listed in my initial post above). They asked me to reply if their suggestions did not work. So I replied, included a link to this thread.
I think that there is a general belief among Apple Support that if iTunes does not work, it must be our computers. It seems illogical given the variety in operating systems, ISPs, firewalls and personal settings represented in these forums.
I still think it might be a defect in the way they posted the episode or the function of the section of iTunes that distributes Army Wives. It seems like the most likely explanation.
I hope they read this. Will update on progress later.

Error with checking for purchases

i recently purchased many many songs, and i have dial up, so i couldn't finish the downloads all at once. I keep checking for purchases, but this error keeps coming up:
"Unable to check for purchased music. An unknown error occured (3)."
i'm not really sure how to get my purchases to download, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, that will work.
A lot easier than using your iPod as a hard drive.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61131

"cannot check for purchased music"

unknown error 11502. That's what it's telling me. what does it mean? how to I buy music?

Earlier today I was having problems like many iTunes users with downloading songs and connecting to the music store. Since then my pre-ordered music and purchased music has been downloading fine. I am having that same error (11502) that I am unable to check for purchased music. I had bought a pixar short video and don't see it in videos or in puchased music. When I try to purchase the movie again I get a message that it has already been purchased and just not downloaded. I tries to download and check which leads to the error message. Any ideas?
MAC OSX 10.4 QT 7.0.3

"Unable to check for purchases" error

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