Synchronizing an iPhone with iTunes for Windows

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Synchronizing an iPhone with iTunes for Windows

My iTunes for Windows on Windows 10 suddenly hangs when synchronizing with iPhone 13 Pro Max with the message "Preparing for synchronizing" in Step 2. It still works for my iPad. The iPhone is recognized and I can copy music there. But it does no longer synchronize so I don't know which music I heard last on the computer or my iPhone. Also my Calendar and Contacts in Outloook would not be synchronized. It stopped working around the day when a new update for the iPhone was available (around Dec. 16th, 2023) and after I Installed it. I tried reinstalling iTunes for Windows but it did not help (of course, since my iPad still works).

Windows

Posted on Dec 28, 2023 02:33 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

277,717 points

Dec 29, 2023 04:55 AM in response to dieter249

You can use Windows Task Manager to terminate MDCrashReportTool.exe which should allow the sync in progress to continue. Another user suggested renaming this file as a workaround, but that isn't possible if you're using the Microsoft Store version of iTunes. You might also choose to roll back to the previous build of iTunes. See Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates - Apple Community if required. Download links for recent builds are at the very bottom of the page.

tt2

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Answer 2

dieter249 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 31, 2023 09:25 AM in response to turingtest2

I couldn't belive what I saw the other day. When I rename the MDCrashReportTool.exe then everything seems to work as expected, but although it now syncs my music, it did not sync my Outlook calendar and contacts. The info dialog stated that Outlook is not installed, which is wrong. And what's more: The local backup also stopped working. Only because MDCrashReportTool.exe is no longer available? That is crazy. If I rename it again to the correct name then the Outlook options and the local backups are back. It seems to me that iTunes checks if there are all the installed files and if not, it declines some functionality. So for me it means: Only if I need to sync the music, then I start iTunes first (everything is there) then rename the MDCrashReportTool.exe and start syncing music and Outlook. If I need to do a local backup I have the tool its original name and continue. Crazy. Any comments to that?

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

277,717 points

Dec 29, 2023 06:53 AM in response to dieter249

The workaround has been posted elsewhere on this forum. Use Feedback - iTunes - Apple to let Apple know that you're affected. They don't fix issues they're unaware of.

tt2

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Answer 4

dieter249 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 29, 2023 06:44 AM in response to turingtest2

Wow. I just can't believe it. It works! Thanks so much. You saved my life. How did you find out this? If that file has such a problem, why can't Apple repair the problem?

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Answer 5

dieter249 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 29, 2023 09:22 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks. I used your link to give feedback to Apple. I didn't know that I am the first one who has this problem. Or probably the first one who submits feedback.

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