Q: I am hoping to buy my wife a fifth-generation iPod nano but need to sync it with an older version of iTunes (iTunes 8.1.1.10). I was wondering if this is going to be possible? I cannot upgrade my iTunes to the latest version as there is an issue with Quicktime – I always get an error message when upgrading iTunes that says there is already a newer version of Quicktime on my computer so I cannot upgrade (this is not the case). So, can I use a new iPod on older software? If not, do you have any suggestions on how I can deal with my Quicktime issue?
– Matt
A: Unfortunately you will not be able to sync any current model iPods with versions of iTunes older than iTunes 9.
As a rule, Apple only introduces support for new iPod models in the versions of iTunes that are released when those iPod models come out, and this even applies to firmware updates for the iPhone and iPod touch—iTunes 9 is also required for iPhone OS 3.1.
In terms of dealing with your Quicktime issue, your best option is to completely uninstall both iTunes and Quicktime from your computer via the “Add/Remove Programs” option in Windows and then reboot your computer and reinstall iTunes 9. You will not lose any of your iTunes content or settings by uninstalling iTunes as this only removes the application and not its data.
If you want to be extra cautious, however, you can simply backup the “iTunes” folder from under your “My Music” folder before uninstalling iTunes. With both iTunes and Quicktime completely removed this should eliminate any errors from the iTunes installer about conflicts with existing versions of Quicktime.
.
