My iTunes Has a Delayed Startup
Issues with iTunes starting slowly can usually be attributed to a problem with the media library or with the software installation files. Another possibility is a problem with the installed optical drives or hard disks. It isn't always possible to successfully identify the root cause of the issue, but you can take general troubleshooting steps to attempt to rectify the problem.
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Reinstall iTunes
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Ensure you are running the latest version of iTunes by downloading and installing the software from apple.com/itunes. Installing the most up-to-date package on top of the existing installation replaces any program files that may have been erased or damaged. This does not affect your library files or playlists. If the problem persists, start iTunes in Safe Mode by holding down the "Shift-Ctrl" keys when clicking the program shortcut to prevent any third-party scripts or plug-ins from running. If the software starts up without a delay, remove the troublesome plug-ins from C:\Program Files\iTunes\Plug-ins and consult the plug-in developer to see if an updated compatible version is available.
Consolidate the Library
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If iTunes has to search in many different areas of the system for the content in your media library, this can cause a delayed startup. By consolidating the library, you can move all music and video files into one folder where they can be accessed quickly. To do this, select "Library" and then "Organize Library" from the "File" menu. Tick the "Consolidate files" button and then click "OK" to confirm. Any files outside the default iTunes Media folder are copied there, leaving the originals intact.
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Update Drivers
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Out-of-date drivers for internal or external drives or for optical disc drives can also cause start-up delays, as iTunes checks for present hardware as it starts up. Updated drivers can be obtained from the respective manufacturers' websites; look for a "Support" or "Downloads" link. Typically, you have to select the model number of your hardware and your current operating system to find the relevant setup files. After they download, launch them and follow the instructions on screen to complete the update process.
Further Troubleshooting Help
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If iTunes still suffers from a delayed startup, it's possible that the current user account has become corrupted in some way. Instructions for creating new user accounts as well as further troubleshooting advice can be found on the official iTunes Support section of the Apple website. If the problem remains unfixed, create a new post in the Apple Support Communities forum giving as much information about the issue as possible.
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