Troubleshoot QuickTime Errors Easier, Faster and Better

Although Macs and iTunes both come from the same company, they may still run into errors. Some of the most common errors include:

• Videos Unable to Play
• iTunes won't open
• Podcasts Not Playing
• Music not Playing/QuickTime Crashing
• Playback Language Changes

Of course, some of these problems might not be exclusive to iTunes and QuickTime, but there may be a QuickTime error that fixes each of these problems. So, how do you go about fixing these problems?

1. Videos Unable to Play

If you have a Mac and you use iTunes a lot, then the most common problem you're going to face is that your videos won't be able to play. The error message that pops up in this situation is often "This movie requires QuickTime, which is not supported by this version of iTunes." This can seem frustrating and confusing especially considering that QuickTime is likely installed on your computer and worked perfectly beforehand. If you receive this error message, then there are a few different problems that could be plaguing your version of iTunes. In some cases, the 64-bit version of iTunes has trouble with QuickTime and playing videos. Apple suggests this solution for your problem:

1. Quit iTunes by selecting "Quit iTunes" from the menu
2. Choose "Applications" from the Finder and go menu
3. Find "iTunes" listed in the new window
4. Click iTunes to select it and then open File > Get Info
5. Find the option "open in 32-bit mode"
6. Select that option
7. Reopen iTunes

The 32-bit mode may help your version iTunes process the videos much more smoothly. In some cases, however, that might not work. Sometimes the solution could be as simple as moving the file. Some have suggested that the video file becomes incompatible over time. You can move the video file to a new location on your computer, take it out of iTunes, and then reinsert it back in to iTunes.

If that doesn't work, then you may want to try updating Flip4Mac. This can help iTunes and QuickTime work more compatibly.

2. iTunes Won't Open

There are also times when iTunes simply won't open as required. You may get an error message that says "This version of iTunes requires QuickTime 7.5.5 or later." You may have QuickTime 7.5.5 or later, but iTunes still won't open. If that's the case, then you may need to go one step further and download QuickTime 7.7 for Leopard with .dmg downloader from the Apple website. In some cases, QuickTime 7.7 is the only applicable version of QuickTime for your OS or your version of iTunes. To download, go to this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL761.

3. Podcasts Not Playing

In some cases, you may get an error message with your podcasts that says "This podcast requires QuickTime which is not supported by this version of iTunes." This is similar to the message above for the defective videos, and you may be able to fix the problem by changing to the 32-bit mode of iTunes. But, that doesn't work in every situation.

The problem might not be with iTunes or QuickTime, but with the producer of the original file. If you trace back the file to its origins, it may be in a different format (for instance, Flash) that iTunes really doesn't support. In other situations, it could be the coding for the podcast creator. Instead of using code designations like "%20," they may have used actual spaces. If you want to listen to your podcasts in iTunes, then you may need to reach out to whoever codes the podcasts.

4. Music Not Playing/QuickTime Crashing

This is a problem that may occur simultaneously. Your iTunes won't play any music and your QuickTime won't play any videos (or it just keeps crashing). There are a number of reasons for this to happen, but the most common is that you have made a system modification (inadvertently or not). Any application that you cannot drag and drop into the trash or download in the applications folder is usually considered a system modification. Something like Google Gild could have an effect on the ability of iTunes to play music and QuickTime to play videos. Google Gild must be unloaded by typing in a command in the terminal. You cannot simply drag and drop it into the trash.

5. Playback Language Changes

In some rare circumstances, you may find that your playback language changes. For instance, if you live in France but prefer to watch movies in English (without dubbing), there is a small glitch that allows QuickTime and iTunes to change the playback language back to French. This would give you movies dubbed in French, but that might not be what you want. To fix this, follow the following steps:

1. Select file in iTunes
2. Control click and press "show in Finder"
3. Choose the file in the Finder
4. Control click and locate "Open with"
5. Select "Open with" and choose QuickTime
6. Locate the QuickTime menu bar
7. Choose, "View>Languages"
8. Select the accurate language

6. How to Convert QuickTime with iTunes

If you want to change one file format into another file format, then you can use iTunes to do so. iTunes can take audio files like MP3s and change them to other audio files. This means that you can take files from QuickTime and change them so that they will work optimally with iTunes. For songs, you merely have to go into Preferences (via "iTunes" with Mac and "Edit" with Windows). Go to the "General" tab and find "Import Settings" toward the lower end of the window. Another window will open that shows a pop-up menu called "Import Using." Click on that and then select the file format that you would like to use (e.g. AIFF, AAC, MP3, etc.). Then, click "OK."

After that, select one or more songs from your library. Click on "File" in the menu toolbar of iTunes. Find the "Create New Version" option. Click on it to reveal the option to change the content into your preferred version.

Errors for the Windows version of iTunes can also occur from time to time. Some of the same problems that you find with iTunes for Mac will occasionally occur with iTunes for Windows. Some of the most common errors include:

• Video not playing
• iTunes not starting up
• Error 2096 (compatibility mode)
• Error 42110 (computer authorization)
• Cannot install QuickTime

Again, QuickTime and iTunes are linked on Windows just as they are on Mac computers. Thus, it's important to make sure everything is working properly with both programs.

1. Video Not Playing

Just like with the Mac, one of the most common problems for Windows is that iTunes won't play videos. You may receive this message: "This movie requires QuickTime, which is not included in this version of iTunes. To play this movie, install QuickTime." This indicates that you do not have QuickTime installed. Usually, you just have to install QuickTime. Newer versions of iTunes do not come bundled with QuickTime when you download, so you won't automatically get the most updated version of the software. You may also have older media files in your library that require QuickTime to play (instead of just iTunes).

2. iTunes Not Starting Up

There are also some situations where iTunes simply won't start up properly. This issue may be caused by not having the most updated version of QuickTime available. If you download the newest version of QuickTime and your iTunes launched properly again, then you've solved your problem. Of course, that might not be your only issue.

You may also download the newest version of QuickTime and still receive the same error message when you try to launch iTunes. If this is the case, then the iTunes process may still be running. You have to go into the task manager (ctrl+alt+del) and click the tab labeled "Processes." In that list, you will find iTunes.exe. You should right-click and then select "End Process." Then, try to launch iTunes again. If it still doesn't work, restart your computer and try to start up iTunes. It should work at this point.

3. Error 2096 (Compatibility Mode)

This is a problem that is accompanied with an error message that looks like this:

"QuickTime failed to initialize. Error # -2096

Please make sure QuickTime is properly installed on this computer."

QuickTime may, in fact, be properly installed on the computer. The error message has to do with QuickTime's compatibility mode. The fix for this is relatively simple: just turn off compatibility mode. To do this, right click on the QuickTime application and select properties. Once in the Properties window, click on the "Compatibility" tab. Uncheck all the checked boxes and press "Apply." That should fix the issue.

4. Error 42110 (Computer Authorization)

This is a common problem that occurs when iTunes constantly prompts users to authorize their computer. You won't be able to watch videos or play music until the issue is fixed. In some cases, the fix for this error is simply uninstalling and reinstalling QuickTime. You may also need the most updated version of the software. In other cases, you may need to try other methods to stop this constant prompting. Removing the SC info folder is a common tactic for fixing this issue. You can find out how to do that at http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1389.

5. Cannot Install QuickTime

QuickTime may not be installing properly on your computer. This could be because you have an older version of it still installed on the computer. Clicking the installer.exe file for QuickTime will not provide you with the latest version. To fix this, you may need to go into your Program Files and change the name of the old QuickTime file so that the new QuickTime can be installed. Simply go to "Computer" and then select the C drive. Click on Program Files (x86) and find the folder that says QuickTime. Rename the folder to "QuickTimeOLD," and then try the installation process again. The new QuickTime should install properly.

Is There a 64-Bit Version of QuickTime Available?

One of the major gripes with QuickTime is that it runs in 32-bit version. The problem is that many programs that use QuickTime run in a 64-bit version (including many operating systems). For instance, Windows 7 runs in a 64-bit version and many people have experienced issues with their QuickTime players. Considering that QuickTime is one of the most important programs on your computer, this can get understandably frustrating. Indeed, many customers have taken to the Apple discussion and support forums to find an answer for their 32-bit problem.

Problems with QuickTime

One user talked about how the 32-bit version of QuickTime was incompatible with the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office. When using PowerPoint and trying to embed QuickTime videos, the user was left at a loss. Seeking and answer, he went to both Microsoft and Apple in search of a 64-bit version of QuickTime.

Another issue that arose occurred with QuickTime in browsers. On a 64-bit OS, the 32-bit version of QuickTime was incapable of playing audio files correctly. Instead of a menu bar, the QuickTime application merely showed a black bar. The user who experienced this issue also could not find a solution to the problem.

Other cases involved the QuickTime player not being able to adequately play MOV files. These video files can certainly be important for certain applications, but the QuickTime version simply could not operate well on 64-bit operating systems. Of course, QuickTime is still compatible with 64-bit systems, but it's constantly prone to crashing or causing errors. So, what does that mean for anyone with a 64-bit operating system? Is there any alternative that can help?

Alternatives for QuickTime Player

If you're looking for a 64-bit version of QuickTime, then you're going to be disappointed. A 64-bit version of QuickTime does not exist. But, that doesn't mean there aren't 64-bit media players available and free of charge. Below is a list of some of the best alternatives to QuickTime.

1. VLC Media Player

VLC Media player is versatile, powerful, and popular among users with both Macs and PCs. It's got a diverse array of codecs and it can seemingly support just about file format that comes its way. It provides support for subtitles and music files while also experimenting with Blu-ray support for Mac. The VLC Media Player is full of features, free of charge, and definitely worth a download. It requires OS X 10.5 or above on Mac and is available for virtually every Windows OS. Older versions can also be downloaded for the Mac. For more information visit the developer's website at www.videolan.org.

2. Plex

Plex is also a versatile media player that brings all your entertainment favorites into one application. Indeed, it organizes all of your videos and downloads information regarding TV shows, movies, and other media. You can watch other applications like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube all within the Plex software. Like VLC, it contains a wide array of video codecs making it a perfect alternative to QuickTime. Plex also provides the Plex Media Server—a mobile app that can stream all of your videos on your iOS device. It requires OS X 10.6 or above for Mac and Windows XP SP3 or above. Plex is free to download on your computer, but the mobile costs $4.99. Learn more about Plex at www.plex.tv.

3. XBMC

XBMC is a lot like Plex in that it provides an easy way to store and consume your media files. Another benefit of XBMC, however, is that it is open-source. Anyone can create features on it and the program has a number of skins so that you can customize it as you see fit. It is certainly an intriguing option, especially if you want a program that is constantly evolving. It has no minimum requirements and is, again, completely free. You can find out more at the developer's website here: www.xbmc.org.

4. MPlayerX

Designed for Mac computers, MPlayerX is a lot like the VLC Player in that it supports a wide range of file types and codecs. The design is minimalist (similar to QuickTime), providing ease of use and familiarity. It's also got some neat features like multi-touch and support for Apple Remote. The real kicker is that it has a bookmark function that saves your place in the video. It requires OS X 10.6 or later and is, of course, free. More information can be found at www.mplayerx.org.

5. Miro

Developed by Participatory Culture Foundation, Miro is another open-source software that allows you to create new features. The built-in torrent client and built-in video converter are nice touches. Miro allows you to share files over your network with other people using the program. A new iPad version is said to be in the pipeline that will allow you to transfer music and video from your device to your computer. Miro requires OS X 10.5 or above and is free of charge. You can find out more at www.pculture.org.

As many people may know, QuickTime tends to be riddled with errors. You will often run into problems with QuickTime playing videos or music. You may also have trouble getting QuickTime to even launch. This can be frustrating and confusing for many people, especially if the solutions aren't easy to come by. If you are experiencing trouble with your QuickTime player, then we've compiled a list of common QuickTime problems and how to fix them.

1. Audio Does Not Work

There are really two experiences that you might have with QuickTime and a lack of good audio. The audio might not play at all or it might be playing sporadically or weirdly. If either of those are the case, then there are a few solutions that you can try. For starters, you can download the newest versions of both QuickTime and iTunes. Older versions of these programs may cause the audio to come out improperly.

You may also want to check to ensure that you have the most recent audio drivers on your computer. The audio drivers need to be up to date if you want to play sound correctly on your computer.

You can also turn off speaker enhancements or turn on maximum audio hardware acceleration. Both of these are accessible in the control panel on your Windows computer. To turn off speaker enhancements, go to "Hardware and Sound" and then press "Sound." Then go to the Playback tab. Click "Speakers" and then "Properties." In the "Enhancements" tab, simply check the box that says "Disable all enhancements." This is only applicable for Windows Vista or Windows 7.

On Windows XP, you can go to the control panel and click on "Sounds and Audio devices." Go the "Volume" tab, click on "Advanced Audio Properties," and then go to the "Performance" tab. From there, just increase the hardware acceleration to its fullest capacity.

2. QuickTime Doesn't Work

In some instances, QuickTime will just stop working altogether. There are numerous reasons why this could happen, but you should first check to see if you have the latest version of QuickTime installed on your computer. You may also want to uninstall and reinstall the version of QuickTime that you have already.

If that doesn't do the trick, then you will have to try other methods to get QuickTime to launch properly. On a Mac, it may simply involve quitting the process. To do this, go to your Activity Monitor and find QuickTime Player under the "Process Name" column. Click on QuickTime Player, and then click on "Quit Process." A dialog box will ask you to confirm and you should press "Quit" again. Get out of the Activity Monitor and then restart your computer.

With PCs, the most common method of fixing a QuickTime player that doesn't work is by deleting and downloading and reinstalling the program.

3. QuickTime Error 50

There are a number of reasons a QuickTime error 50 would show up on your Mac. It occurs most often while exporting videos from Final Cut Pro X to the Compressor. The Compressor tends to fail giving a "QuickTime error -50" message. The simplest solution to this problem is to keep Final Cut Pro X running while the Compressor is doing its thing. The Compressor may need Final Cut Pro X to operate smoothly, even if most people would exit out of the application to free up space.

4. QuickTime Plug-In ErrorPlex

If you are getting a QuickTime plug-in error, then it's likely coming from your browser and not the QuickTime application itself. For instance, if you're having trouble with QuickTime pages not loading on the internet, then you may be experiencing a browser issue. You can try to exit out of your current browser and try a different browser to load the same page. If the page loads on the other browser, then you know that it's the initial browser's fault and not QuickTime's. There are numerous different web browsers and they all have their own troubleshooting options when it comes to QuickTime plug-in errors.

5. QuickTime Error 2048

QuickTime error 2048 occurs most frequently when you try to play MOV files in QuickTime Player. Although MOV files are usually optimized for QuickTime, you can occasionally see this error message: "Error -2048: Couldn't open the file because it is not a file that QuickTime understands." QuickTime itself might be corrupted in which case you would need to uninstall and reinstall the program. In some cases, the MOV files could be corrupted. This would require the use of good repair software that can fix the corruption.

6. QuickTime Error 2041MPlayerX

This error occurs with an error message that says, "Error -2041: an invalid sample description was found in the movie." The simplest solution is to rename your video file from a .mp4 to a .3pg. Of course, this only works in certain situations.

7. QuickTime Error 2093

This can occur while using QuickTime on Windows. The error message will say the following: "QuickTime failed to initialize. Error # -2093. Please make sure QuickTime is properly installed on this computer." This is generally caused by the fact that Quicktime.qts is unstable, absent, or has been moved. The quickest solution is to just uninstall and reinstall QuickTime.

8. QuickTime Error 8971

QuickTime error 8971 is referred to as an "Unknown Error." It occurs when you try to play specific file types in QuickTime Player. Again, the solution here might be to uninstall and reinstall the latest version of QuickTime. But, there are some instances in which that is not enough. You may need to download another media player in order to play the files if QuickTime continues giving you this error.

9. QuickTime Plays Audio, but No Video

If you're experiencing an issue with your videos only playing audio and not the video, then you have a common QuickTime problem. In some cases, the issue could be solved by downloading an earlier version of QuickTime (if applicable). This could also just be attributed to a bad download. For instance, if you didn't close QuickTime Player after downloading the newest version, then the program may not have downloaded all the necessary components. You could uninstall and reinstall QuickTime to get a better download.

There are a number of reasons why QuickTime might not work, and hopefully this list gives you some way to deal with those issues.