ITunes Crashes When Synching Contacts
Several issues can cause iTunes to crash during a sync. Potential contributing factors include what type of device you're syncing, what version of iTunes you have, what contacts program you're trying to sync, your operating system and any other software that could be causing errors like viruses or even third-party add-ons to Outlook. It will probably require some updating and trial and error to fix the problem.
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Software Updates
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Many software errors and conflicts are easily resolved when you download updates. Check for updates available for iTunes and your operating system and ensure that you're running the latest versions available. ITunes will notify you when you first open the program if there's a newer version you can download, which is available from Apple. If you download iTunes and it doesn't start installing automatically, you must double-click the downloaded file to start the process. Another often overlooked step in installing updates is restarting your computer once they're downloaded, so save all of your work, close programs and do a complete reboot.
Viruses
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Some viruses have been known to affect the functionality of iTunes during syncing. The easiest way to isolate and remove a virus is to update your anti-virus software and run a security scan on your computer. Install new security software if your existing software is out-of-date or you have an expired subscription. If your anti-virus software detects a virus but can't remove it, you can remove it manually. Note what the virus is called on your anti-virus software and visit the anti-virus manufacturer's website to determine what steps you need to take to remove it. In some cases, especially if you're an inexperienced user, you may need professional help to remove viruses from your computer.
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Compatibility
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Syncing contacts only works with certain programs. An unsupported process may be causing the iTunes to crash. ITunes syncs Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Address Book, Windows Contacts on PCs and Address Book, iCal and Microsoft Entourage on Macs. If you're syncing Outlook, only versions from 2003 and later are supported. Outlook 2000 and any trial versions of Outlook won't work. When you sync the full version of Outlook, Outlook prompts you for permission every time you try to sync.
Syncing With iOS
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Some syncing errors apply only to iOS devices like the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad. If you have one of these, you may be encountering errors because of too much duplicate information during sync. Clearing your sync history can resolve this. To do this, click the "Edit" menu and click "Preferences." Then click the "Devices" tab in the Devices Preferences window and click "Reset Sync History." Try syncing again once the history is reset.
Clearing Contact Sources
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If resetting your sync history in iTunes doesn't help with your iOS device, you may resolve the error by clearing one of the sources of your contacts. If all of your contacts are stored on your computer, clear out your device's contacts. In iTunes, click your device under Devices. Click the "Info" tab, and scroll to Advanced and click "Contacts" under Replace Information on This iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch. Click "Apply" and then try syncing again. Alternatively, if all of your contact information is stored on your iOS device, remove all of your information from Outlook or comparable program. Click your device in iTunes and click the "Info" tab. In the Advanced section, deselect "Calendars" and "Contacts" under Replace Information on This iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch. Then click "Apply" and sync again.
Other Software Solutions
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If syncing contacts doesn't work, iTunes may be malfunctioning from software conflicts. If you're using Outlook, disable all third-party add-ons except for the iTunes add-in. To do this, click the "File" menu in Outlook and then click "Options" followed by "Add-Ins." Click "COM Add-Ins" followed by "Go." Then deselect all add-ons except iTunes and click "OK." When all else fails, uninstall and reinstall your iTunes program.
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References
- Apple: IOS: Syncing With ITunes
- Apple: ITunes: "Error 13001" When Syncing
- Apple: ITunes for Windows: Troubleshooting IPod Contact and Calendar Syncing
- Apple: ITunes 10.1 for Windows: ITunes May Stop Working and Need to Quit While Importing or Syncing Audio
- Apple: Syncing Contacts and Calendars to IPod with ITunes for Windows
- Microsoft: How Do I Remove a Computer Virus?
Resources
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