iTunes 10 may generate the error message “The network connection was reset” for some users, especially when attempting to purchase music or other media from the iTunes Store.
In most cases, the fix for this issue is to change DNS servers to those offered by OpenDNS as follows:
- Go to the Apple menu in the top-left portion of the screen and select System Preferences
- Click the Network pane
- Select your current type of Internet connection from the left-hand pane (AirPort, etc.) and click “Advanced”
- Select the DNS tab.
- Tap the plus (+) button in the lower-left of the System Preferences window and enter the following DNS entries: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
- Remove other DNS entries using the minus (-) button.
- Click “Apply Now.”
September 14, 2010 at 5:02 AM
Simply changing to OpenDNS servers is not enough. Users should also register with OpenDNS on its website and download the free update program so that their connection stays current if their IP address changes.
September 14, 2010 at 10:43 AM
@Terry Freedman-While having the update program for the DNS service for remote (server/file sharing) access is needed, it’s not for this issue. Switching from your ISP’s DNS server to the OpenDNS servers can make a big difference for many users’ browsing and e-mail responsiveness.
September 14, 2010 at 5:16 PM
I already had these DNS settings and still have the problem.
February 22, 2011 at 12:07 PM
What is the “Apple menu”? Is it under iTunes 10? Am using window 7 and iTunes 10. I don’t see the damn thing the article calls “system preferences” and so can’t do the suggested changes. Am I looking at a different thing?
March 27, 2011 at 2:06 PM
That answer was for Mac users, typical of answers that are not complete, it didn’t say so. For Windows users, go to your network control panel and change the DNS settings there. I use a Mac so can’t give you more details. If it works for you, please post the complete steps.
October 12, 2011 at 3:02 AM
Enter your router via a browser. Find where you can change DNS settings. Type in OpenDNS addresses, 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220, in Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields.
October 12, 2011 at 3:03 AM
…and for Jerry’s sake, I’m on a Mac.
March 20, 2012 at 10:36 AM
For PC users:
Find “My Network Places” in your start menu or on your desktop. Right-click it and select “properties.” On the properties tab that pops up, scroll down the list of protocols to the TCP/IP protocol. Highlight it and select the “properties” button below it. From there you can DE-select auto-DNS and instead enter those two DNS addresses mentioned in the article and on previous posts.
April 22, 2012 at 3:57 PM
I just followed George’s instructions for this problem, and I still get the error. The address above, the 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 have a different number of digits than the spaces provided in my internet protocal window. I am allowed three digits for the 67 part. When I only had two digits, I just used them. Wonder if that’s the problem.
May 30, 2012 at 1:26 PM
hi Laura
no – you can enter 2 digits just fine even though you can fit 3
July 13, 2012 at 3:03 PM
What a joke. A World-wide front end like the apple store and they expect people to go through this nonsense to make it work? Amazon here I come…
July 22, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Thank you for the reminder. just recently upgraded my rogers modem to one of their new router / modem pieces of …. and had to reset a lot of network settings. forgot about this. duh. it appears to have cleared up some issues. Not sure what spoonlamp means about “Amazon here I come” though. I actually think Amazon’s Cloud may be the downfall of civilization that the Mian’s were predicting.
August 1, 2012 at 6:09 AM
Yep, that fixed it. As soon as I added those DNS entries, the error went away.
August 21, 2012 at 4:13 PM
I’m on a VMWare Windows XP virtual PC running iTunes 10. Was getting the error every time I downloaded a song. Would have to his resume 5-10 times per download to get it to complete. Updated the DNS settings and downloaded two songs without issue. We’ll see if it sticks.
Like Weebsurfer I’m also on a Rogers wireless router with Extreme High speed internet. This problem started happening for me about 3 months ago. No idea why, but if this fixes it I’m happy.
September 2, 2012 at 7:24 AM
I had the same problem which (apparently) is solved simply by unchecking “allow simultaneous downloads” at the bottom of the Download page in i-Tunes. I’m using a PC with system 7.
September 16, 2012 at 6:23 PM
@Yvon: Thank you! That worked just fine for me.