Found a way to test iTunes codes! - Blu-ray Forum

ready2play · 11-16-2013, 04:46 PM

***UPDATE*** As of July 2019, the SOME of the updated versions of itunes DO WORK AGAIN. Some may still redeem your code during the process into your itunes account. Proceed with caution depending on the version you have. One sure way is to uninstall your current (new) version of itunes, and install an older version. Then, do NOT accept updates when alerted by itunes, otherwise you will just end up with the newest version again.

I am currently using version 12.4.3.1 and am able to test just fine.

Some older versions:

https://support.apple.com/en_US/downloads/itunes

Also to note, you can NOW ALSO TEST XML! Itunes will now state a message of either invalid code, redeemed code, or insert disc for XML codes. If it states insert disc, 9/10 times it is a GOOD CODE now. They are showing as redeemed when they are in fact redeemed. If it shows as invalid, then the code is likely expired (but I would check it on Movies Anwhere http://www.moviesanywhere.com/welcome to make sure that they didn't just change the redemption platform, as many WB XML codes have shown valid there.
__________________________________________________ _______

So......as many of you may know, you can test UV codes without an issue to make sure they work before trading etc. This is done by being logged out of your Vudu account/Flixter/whatever, and entering the code. If it asks you to log in, code is good....if not, code is used or typed wrong.

This step by step will show you how to test itunes codes without redeeming them into your account. This has only been tested on Windows based PC's, but if you can append this with how to test on Mac, please do so.

STEP 1
First thing to do is, open iTunes. In the upper left corner, click the drop-down menu and go to preferences as shown below:

STEP 2
In the preferences, click on the Store Tab. Ensure that "Always Check for Available Downloads" is checked. Confirm your edits by hitting ok.

STEP 3
Select on itunes Store on the upper right hand side of the screen if you are not already there

STEP 4
Select the redeem button for entering your code. You are usually prompted for your login info here, go ahead and log into your account. At this point, you will have the standard redemption box.

STEP 5
Now that you have itunes set up and ready, you will want to open Task Manager in Windows. The easiest way to do this is to right click anywhere on the Start bar, and scroll down to Task Manager

STEP 6
Once the Box is open, you will want to select on the Processes tab at the top.

STEP 7
Next, you will want to organize the list of items so that the itunes Process is easier to find. Do this by clicking on the Image Name bar so that it alphabetizes the list. Now, scroll down to where you see the process itunes.exe. Once you see where that is located, we are ready to begin the actual testing process.

STEP 8
Go Back into your itunes redemption window, and input the code that you would like to test. Click the Redeem button, but DO NOT select anything on any dialog boxes that show up. Typically you would likely select Download by second nature. DO NOT SELECT DOWNLOAD OR LATER. Now, if the code is redeemed, it will still give the appropriate redeemed message under the redemption box. IF it is invalid or incorrectly typed, it will state invalid under the redemption box as normal. IF, HOWEVER, you have a Dialog box pop up as in the image below, that indicates that the code is VALID.

STEP 9

Once you confirm you have a valid code, click back over to Task Manager (itunes and the small dialog box will still be open in the background). Scroll down to the itunes.exe process and right click. Select "End Process" and confirm when the dialog box pops up.

STEP 10
At this point, you have successfully stopped itunes from fully redeeming the code, and it is still valid for use. You can test the code again and see that the same dialog box will pop up, and just repeat the process to cancel this redemption to retain the code for future use.

**I am not responsible for accidental redemption**

diskspinner · 11-16-2013, 05:05 PM

Well, it is not too bad. Will try this next time I redeem a code

AZBrowncoat · 11-16-2013, 06:42 PM

Interesting...that should help a lot of folks out!

neoz · 11-16-2013, 07:16 PM

Thanks op great tip.

Evil · 11-17-2013, 03:35 AM

Great find, ready2play.

ready2play · 11-17-2013, 03:50 AM

Glad you guys are seeing this! Hope it can be useful across the board.....always trying to find new things regarding DC's and UV's....I have a bunch of secrets I have found so far, a couple I have kept closely guarded :P

Wasgo · 11-17-2013, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready2play

Glad you guys are seeing this! Hope it can be useful across the board.....always trying to find new things regarding DC's and UV's....I have a bunch of secrets I have found so far, a couple I have kept closely guarded :P

Now I want the closely guarded ones.

diskspinner · 11-24-2013, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready2play

Glad you guys are seeing this! Hope it can be useful across the board.....always trying to find new things regarding DC's and UV's....I have a bunch of secrets I have found so far, a couple I have kept closely guarded :P

Something like "how to redeem a code 100 times"

lukewin · 12-08-2013, 11:00 PM

Big Thanks for finding this out.

midgat0 · 12-09-2013, 12:04 AM

Wonder if it will work if you force quit on mac?

midgat0 · 12-09-2013, 12:23 AM

It does. Cool, good to know!

Gold Ranger · 01-15-2014, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready2play

So......as many of you may know, you can test UV codes without an issue to make sure they work before trading etc. This is done by being logged out of your Vudu account/Flixter/whatever, and entering the code. If it asks you to log in, code is good....if not, code is used or typed wrong.

Ok.....so up until now, I have only been able to test SOME itunes codes. Those would be Universal Studios codes, and some Paramount directly through their redemption websites.

Well, I tried something......In Itunes, I have it set to where it ASKS me first if I'd like to download the movie when I enter a code instead of automatically downloading the movie. When it asks, I know the code is good. I open Windows task manager (ctrl+alt+del or right click on Start bar and scroll to TM), and kill the itunes program completely without clicking continue on the question it asks. Tried with several codes now, and it seems to work! Codes remain valid, and you don't accidentally redeem them if you are careful...

A bit tedious, but may be something good to know!

**Note, I have NOT gotten this to work yet with disc/xml based codes redemption, but working on sorting that out as well.

I've never used i tunes before. I just installed it and set up an account.
How do I set it up they way that you did?

Evil · 01-16-2014, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaineKinetic

I've never used i tunes before. I just installed it and set up an account.
How do I set it up they way that you did?

I think that's the default setting now. After you redeem a code or buy a movie or TV show, it asks you whether you want to download it then or wait until later.

You can test it on a freebie, like the pilot of "Murder Comes to Town":
https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-seaso...09?i=791301885

trilix · 01-31-2014, 08:18 PM

any updates on xml-based redemption?

ready2play · 01-31-2014, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trilix

any updates on xml-based redemption?

no.......testing without the disc causes it just to say "please insert disc to redeem". Inserting the disc, and then entering a code, it ALWAYS prompts for login, even with a used code..... and then automatically redeems after you do so with a good one.....so haven't been able to figure out how to test them yet

trilix · 01-31-2014, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready2play

no.......testing without the disc causes it just to say "please insert disc to redeem". Inserting the disc, and then entering a code, it ALWAYS prompts for login, even with a used code..... and then automatically redeems after you do so with a good one.....so haven't been able to figure out how to test them yet

Ah man...

Hmm just thought of something. What if you login and go to the code redemption screen, then disable your internet? It's a longshot.

ready2play · 01-31-2014, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trilix

Ah man...

Hmm just thought of something. What if you login and go to the code redemption screen, then disable your internet? It's a longshot.

too much work lol....VERY much a longshot, because redemption starts instantaneously, and would be saved in the temp files within the installed itunes platform on your computer....so even if somehow you had it timed right, itunes would still "pick up" where it left off when net is back online

trilix · 01-31-2014, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready2play

too much work lol....VERY much a longshot, because redemption starts instantaneously, and would be saved in the temp files within the installed itunes platform on your computer....so even if somehow you had it timed right, itunes would still "pick up" where it left off when net is back online

Well I guess it's a lost cause then

Sucks cuz I have like 10 itunes codes that I'm not sure will work.

ready2play · 01-31-2014, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trilix

Well I guess it's a lost cause then

Sucks cuz I have like 10 itunes codes that I'm not sure will work.

just do what I do and list em up as "honor system" codes.....meaning only trade with reputable members, who will be honest with you if they work.

trilix · 01-31-2014, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ready2play

just do what I do and list em up as "honor system" codes.....meaning only trade with reputable members, who will be honest with you if they work.

Good idea! Thanks!

11-16-2013, 04:46 PM	#1
ready2play Special Member Member since:Dec 2012 Location:Auburn, GA 4K collection:36 Blu-ray collection:3766 DVD collection:1585 Digital collection:68 Trading Score:391	Found a way to test iTunes codes! *UPDATE* As of July 2019, the SOME of the updated versions of itunes DO WORK AGAIN. Some may still redeem your code during the process into your itunes account. Proceed with caution depending on the version you have. One sure way is to uninstall your current (new) version of itunes, and install an older version. Then, do NOT accept updates when alerted by itunes, otherwise you will just end up with the newest version again. I am currently using version 12.4.3.1 and am able to test just fine. Some older versions: https://support.apple.com/en_US/downloads/itunes Also to note, you can NOW ALSO TEST XML! Itunes will now state a message of either invalid code, redeemed code, or insert disc for XML codes. If it states insert disc, 9/10 times it is a GOOD CODE now. They are showing as redeemed when they are in fact redeemed. If it shows as invalid, then the code is likely expired (but I would check it on Movies Anwhere http://www.moviesanywhere.com/welcome to make sure that they didn't just change the redemption platform, as many WB XML codes have shown valid there. __________________________________________________ _______ So......as many of you may know, you can test UV codes without an issue to make sure they work before trading etc. This is done by being logged out of your Vudu account/Flixter/whatever, and entering the code. If it asks you to log in, code is good....if not, code is used or typed wrong. This step by step will show you how to test itunes codes without redeeming them into your account. This has only been tested on Windows based PC's, but if you can append this with how to test on Mac, please do so. STEP 1 First thing to do is, open iTunes. In the upper left corner, click the drop-down menu and go to preferences as shown below: STEP 2 In the preferences, click on the Store Tab. Ensure that "Always Check for Available Downloads" is checked. Confirm your edits by hitting ok. STEP 3 Select on itunes Store on the upper right hand side of the screen if you are not already there STEP 4 Select the redeem button for entering your code. You are usually prompted for your login info here, go ahead and log into your account. At this point, you will have the standard redemption box. STEP 5 Now that you have itunes set up and ready, you will want to open Task Manager in Windows. The easiest way to do this is to right click anywhere on the Start bar, and scroll down to Task Manager STEP 6 Once the Box is open, you will want to select on the Processes tab at the top. STEP 7 Next, you will want to organize the list of items so that the itunes Process is easier to find. Do this by clicking on the Image Name bar so that it alphabetizes the list. Now, scroll down to where you see the process itunes.exe. Once you see where that is located, we are ready to begin the actual testing process. STEP 8 Go Back into your itunes redemption window, and input the code that you would like to test. Click the Redeem button, but *DO NOT* select anything on any dialog boxes that show up. Typically you would likely select Download by second nature. DO NOT SELECT DOWNLOAD OR LATER. Now, if the code is redeemed, it will still give the appropriate redeemed message under the redemption box. IF it is invalid or incorrectly typed, it will state invalid under the redemption box as normal. IF, HOWEVER, you have a Dialog box pop up as in the image below, that indicates that the code is VALID. STEP 9 Once you confirm you have a valid code, click back over to Task Manager (itunes and the small dialog box will still be open in the background). Scroll down to the itunes.exe process and right click. Select "End Process" and confirm when the dialog box pops up. STEP 10 At this point, you have successfully stopped itunes from fully redeeming the code, and it is still valid for use. You can test the code again and see that the same dialog box will pop up, and just repeat the process to cancel this redemption to retain the code for future use. I am not responsible for accidental redemption Last edited by ready2play; 07-17-2019 at 07:33 PM.

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11-16-2013, 05:05 PM	#2
diskspinner Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Dec 2011 4K collection:207 Blu-ray collection:1196 DVD collection:1 Digital collection:112 iTunes collection:85 Trading Score:691	Well, it is not too bad. Will try this next time I redeem a code

11-16-2013, 06:42 PM	#3
AZBrowncoat Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2013 Location:Sahuarita, AZ Blu-ray collection:126 DVD collection:8 MA collection:5 Digital collection:8 iTunes collection:7 Prime collection:10 Trading Score:1053	Interesting...that should help a lot of folks out!

11-16-2013, 07:16 PM	#4
neoz Moderator Top contributor Member since:Dec 2009 Home Theater Gallery:10 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:1664 DVD collection:8 Trading Score:84	Thanks op great tip.

11-17-2013, 03:35 AM	#5
Evil Contributor Top contributor Member since:Jun 2012 Location:USA 🦅 Home Theater Gallery:5 Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Digital collection:- iTunes collection:- Prime collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 101 Trading Score:107	Great find, ready2play.

11-17-2013, 03:50 AM	#6
ready2play Special Member Member since:Dec 2012 Location:Auburn, GA 4K collection:36 Blu-ray collection:3766 DVD collection:1585 Digital collection:68 Trading Score:391	Glad you guys are seeing this! Hope it can be useful across the board.....always trying to find new things regarding DC's and UV's....I have a bunch of secrets I have found so far, a couple I have kept closely guarded :P

12-08-2013, 11:00 PM	#9
lukewin Active Member Member since:Aug 2013 Digital collection:129 Trading Score:151	Big Thanks for finding this out.

12-09-2013, 12:04 AM	#10
midgat0 Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2010 4K collection:77 Blu-ray collection:1819 DVD collection:363 Digital collection:3042 iTunes collection:336 Prime collection:8 Trading Score:259	Wonder if it will work if you force quit on mac?

12-09-2013, 12:23 AM	#11
midgat0 Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2010 4K collection:77 Blu-ray collection:1819 DVD collection:363 Digital collection:3042 iTunes collection:336 Prime collection:8 Trading Score:259	It does. Cool, good to know!

01-31-2014, 08:18 PM	#14
trilix Member Top contributor Member since:Dec 2013 4K collection:1 Blu-ray collection:242 DVD collection:34 MA collection:7 Trading Score:31	any updates on xml-based redemption?

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