Why can't I log in to iTunes?

Q I have a vinyl turntable that connects to my PC via USB. However, I have not used this gadget for some time and recently when I tried to transfer some recordings to Apple iTunes, the latter requested my password before it would proceed.

Unfortunately, not only have I have forgotten my iTunes password but the email address attached to iTunes is out of date, because I changed internet service provider over a year ago. So basically, I seem a bit stuck. Can you help?

Peter Charters

A It doesn’t matter to iTunes that your email address is ‘out of date’ because it is simply used by Apple as a unique ID with which to log in. This email address and password combination is more accurately called your ‘Apple ID’. In other words, if you could remember you password then this, in combination with your old email address, would still be a valid Apple ID.

Obviously once you are logged in, you should probably update the email address so that the Apple ID reflects your updated details – but that’s a chicken-and-egg situation if you can’t remember your password.

So, in the first instance we suggest trying to reset your password. Apple provides a facility to do this. Follow the prompts and you will be asked whether you want to authenticate yourself by email or by answering security questions.

As we assume you are no longer able to retrieve messages sent to the registered email address, you will need to choose the ‘Answer security questions’ option.

Assuming you are able to remember the answers to whatever security questions you set up, you’ll be able to reset your password and log in to iTunes using your old email address and newly reset password.

However, it would be sensible first to log in to the My Apple ID website to change your Apple ID so it reflects your new email address. Now launch iTunes. If prompted, type in your new Apple ID and password (if not, open the Store menu, choose Sign Out and then open the Store menu again and choose Sign In).

If all else has failed (you can’t remember the answers to your security questions) you will need to create a new Apple ID. If necessary, choose Sign Out from the Store menu and then open the Store menu again. Choose Create Account and then follow the prompts.