Why can't you connect to the iTunes store?

Before you start trying to fix the issue that is preventing you from connecting to the iTunes store check is that your computer meets the minimum system requirements to run iTunes. You can do this on the download iTunes page (See the related link below.) If your computer does not meet these requirements, you will not be able to run the programme correctly. If this is the case, you may be able to download an older version.

There are lots of reasons why it sometimes has problems. First thing to check is your connection to the internet. Make sure you are online when you are trying to access the store. I know if sounds like a really stupid thing to suggest, but sometimes computers do loose their internet connection, and that would result in iTunes not being able to connect.

Once you have checked that, make sure that your Virus Protection, or Firewall isn't blocking it from accessing the internet. If it is preventing it from sending and receiving data, you won't be able to connect to the iTunes store.

Next thing to try is to sign out of iTunes, and then sign back in again. Sometimes this is enough to restart the connection.

If it is still not working, next make sure that your computer is completely up to date. This differs depending on the operating system you are using.

For Mac OS X, simply choose Software Update from the Apple menu. For Windows, either visit the Windows Update Page (see the related links below), or use the system update software. Do do this Click Start, then control panel, and then System (or Performance and Maintenance and then System depending on your view) and then finally click the Automatic Updates tab.

After that, if it's still not working, check your certificates are up to date. This is a little more tricky, and it differs depending on if you are using Mac OS X, or Windows.

If you are using Mac OS X, you'll need to follow these steps:

• Go to the Finder and then in the Go menu, choose Utilities.
• Open Keychain Access.
• Then from the Keychain Access menu, choose Preferences.
• After that, you'll need to click on the Certificates tab.
• Then choose Off under Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP)
• And then choose Off under Certificate Revocation List (CRL).
• After you've done all that you'll need to restart your Mac.

If you are using Windows, you'll need to follow these steps:

• Go to the Start menu and then choose Control Panel.
• Select Internet Options (If you are using Windows Vista you may need to select Classic View on the left before you can see Internet Options. If you are using Windows 7 you may need to change "View by" to either Large icons or Small icons before you can see Internet Options.)
• Then click on the Advanced tab.
• When you are in the Settings box, scroll down to the Security section.
You will need to deselect the option to "Check for server certificate revocation (requires restart)."
• Then select the options for "SSL 3.0" and "TLS 1.0."
• Once you have done all that apply the changes.
• And finish by restarting your computer.

If after all this, if you are still having trouble, it would be best to contact iTunes Support and ask for their assistance. Please see the related link below for their contact details.