Stop and Fix iTunes Error 310

Vikas Medhekar Windows

iTunes — a free music player from Apple is widely used to play music files, sync them with other iOS devices such as iPhone, iPad or iPod. This helps make matters really simple as well as convenient for users.

However, sometimes they fail to either access iTunes Store or purchase content online and come across the following error message:

An unknown error has occurred (310). Make sure you network connection is active and try again.

If iTunes is running slow, optimize your PC by cleaning junk and applying best settings for faster performance. Use Reginout System Utilities for this purpose:

Turn Off Parental Control

This tip usually works wonders for many iTunes users experiencing error 310.

  1. Launch iTunes.
  2. Open iTunes Preferences dialog box. (Alt Key > Edit menu > Preferences option).
  3. In the dialog box that opens, click the Parental tab.
  4. Disable access to iTunes Store by checking the box labeled as iTunes Store.
  5. The grey colored Allow access to iTunes U checkbox will be automatically enabled. Select it.
  6. Click OK, exit and reopen iTunes.
  7. You’ll now be redirected to iTunes U. Repeat Steps # 2-3 above; uncheck the Allow access to iTunes U box and save changes. Exit & re-open the program. In case you aren’t redirected, skip this step.

 

Perform Re-login

Click the Store menu and choose to Sign out. Now exit and re-launch the app. Choose Sign in option from the same menu.

 

Do Not Use Proxy Server

Proxy server may be enabled for your Local Area Network connection. If this is the case, disable it using inetcpl.cpl.

  1. Open Internet Explorer. (Start > All Apps > Windows Accessories > Internet Explorer).
  2. Show the menu bar by pressing Alt key on your keyboard.
  3. Click Tools menu in the main menu; choose Internet Options.
  4. In the new dialog that appears, go to Connections tab.
  5. Click the LAN Settings button.
  6. Uncheck the box named Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections).
  7. Click OK | OK.
  8. Exit Internet Explorer.

 

Resolve Network Connectivity Issues

Here are some common solutions for this problem:

  • Check whether your Wifi router is in range
  • Check the signal strength. Open your Router Configuration page that typically looks like 192.168.X.X
  • Reset your Wifi Router while it is turned on. Unpack the device, press and hold the small Reset button for 5-10 seconds. You’ll then need to re-login with the default login configuration
  • Use the Network Diagnostic wizard. In the Search Box on your taskbar, type and open the “Troubleshooting” keyword
  • When it opens into Control Panel window, click Network and Internet icon. Try both Internet Connections and Network Adapter categories to sort out any issues that result into iTunes error 310

 

Temporarily Switch to 3G or Change Wifi

Lack of persistent network signals cause interruptions during data transfer. One way of diagnosing iTunes error 310 is to temporarily connect with a 3G connection or change your Wifi network

 

Set Time Automatically

In the Time & Language page of the Settings window, there is an option to automatically set your computer’s date and time updates.

  1. Click Start | Settings.
  2. Click Time & Language icon.
  3. Click Date & Time tab.
  4. Turn the Set time automatically slider to On.
  5. Exit.

 

Update Device Software

Download new iOS version from the Settings screen > General > Software Update. Downloading it on a wifi connection is recommended due to higher data transmission speed.

 

Unblock iTunes from Hosts File

The Hosts file may be blocking iTunes. Resetting it to system defaults may fix iTunes error 310.

  1. Run Notepad as Administrator. Type “Notepad” in the Search Box of your Taskbar. In the Search Results, right click Notepad, choose Run as administrator. You cannot modify the Hosts file without adequate Administrative permissions to Notepad.
  2. Press Ctrl + O, locate this file:
  • C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\ETC\HOSTS
  1. Click File | Save as. Name the backup as “HOSTS_BACKUP” and store it on your Desktop.
  2. Repeat Step # 2.
  3. Select all (Ctrl + A) and delete all text (Del).
  4. Save the file (Ctrl + S).
  5. Exit Notepad and restart the system.

Note: The error shouldn’t appear after restarting the system. If it does, simply restore the HOSTS backup file. Rename it as HOSTS, and then replace the original file.

 

Reset Program Cache

If your iTunes cache has been corrupted, delete all cache contents to start a fresh session.

  1. Open iTunes Preferences dialog.
  2. Click the Advanced tab.
  3. Click Reset Cache button.
  4. Exit and re-open the program.