Itunes Windows 12.6.3 latest with Appstore CANT SIGN IN and DOWNLOAD Error -50

You're using an old version of iTunes with old security methods that can no longer interact correctly with the iTunes Store. Realistically you want to run the current version of iTunes on Windows 10 or 11. Management of apps through iTunes was dropped in iTunes 12.7. Apps can be updated directly on device.

tt2

What version of iOS is on the iPad? Can it access the app store directly? I'm pretty sure there is no benefit in going back from 12.6.5 to 12.6.3, but even with 12.6.5 the oldest iOS devices may no longer be viable.

You might try iOS device not showing in iTunes for Windows - Apple Community. Sometimes Windows needs a little nudging to use the correct device driver.

tt2

For the sake of argument, say you had a legacy device (maybe even two) that you weren't quite ready to discard and NEED a version of iTunes with the App Store to function? Just S.O.L.?

In theory 12.6.3 is supposed to still provide access. Although there's supposed to be a 12.6.5 for IT customers which might be more robust in terms of connection but I cannot find a download.

Thanks. I think I found the list on one of your posts.

I am trying to hook up my day one, gen one iPad. Yes it is old!

I uninstalled current iTunes (working in Windows not iOS, could not even do that on my MacBook) and did a cleanup with CCleaner.

I found, I believe on a tt2 post, a download of 12.6.3.

That installed, and recognized the old iPad. However it would not “authorize” the computer or sign into the App Store. IIRC it was the -50 unspecified error.

So I deleted that version and reinstalled the current (Windows) version 12.10. With that I was able to both authorize the computer and sign in to the App Store.

Then I deleted THAT version (again) and reinstalled 12.6.5. And lo, I was able to access the App Store with iTunes and download a few apps!

But now, iTunes will no longer recognize the iPad! A Pyrrhic victory to say the least. I repeatedly get the same error, that some needed software element is not there and that I need to reinstall. Several attempts to repair, reinstall, reinstall a slightly earlier version (12.6.3 for instance) get me to the same place, ie I can access iTunes Store and App Store but it doesn’t matter because the device is not recognized.

Any tips?

Thanks.

Old iPad runs 5.1.1. Have an old 4S iPhone using 9.x that I’ll also try. As well as my relatively new mini using 17.x.

Appreciate the link and will poke around in the device manager a bit at some point. But point of diminishing returns on my time might be approaching! Really this whole thing started because Chrome hung so I deleted it with plan to restore but couldn’t do that.

I did notice that windows iTunes 12.10.x and 12.6.x both seemed to install the same version of AppleMobileDeviceSupport (everything is put away elsewhere, v14 something IIRC).

It sort of seems like I am doomed to either connect the iPad to iTunes 12.6.5, or connect iTunes to the App Store, but not both.

Excellent! LOL.

And as prove that either I am an utter klutz or that computers are funny sometimes, the iOS 17.x mini was successfully recognized by windows 12.6.5. Even tried to back up but that was taking a long time and not something I wanted, so I stopped it.

After that, the iPhone with 9.x was recognized, and finally the ancient iPad with 5.x is recognized. Now seeing if it will back up (yes) and perhaps update or install an app or two (no). I think this is the end of the quest. Hopefully the OP may benefit from my experience.

See Managing apps with iTunes 12.7 or later - Apple Community for some general background. It includes links to 32 and 64 bit versions of 12.6.5.3.

tt2

No version past iTunes 12.6.5.3 has the app store. Apple expect you to do all app management directly on your device these days, and have done for over five years.

tt2

The iOS 17.x device is likely to want a current version of iTunes, just to add to your woes.

tt2