With more and more people buying Apple iPods, and thus using iTunes, we are hearing of more and more people running into the iTunes activation limit.

If you have your computer reloaded or you move your iTunes to a new computer, you are supposed to “deactivate” the old PC first. The problem is, that the reason most people reload or replace their computer is because it has stopped working, and you don’t have a chance to deactive in that instance.

Apple will only let you activate iTunes on 5 machines; If you hit the five machine limit, there is a way to reset the whole thing;

To deauthorize all computers associated with your iTunes account

If you find you have reached 5 authorizations, you can reset your authorization count by clicking Deauthorize All in the Account Information screen.

1. Click iTunes Store in the menu on the left side of iTunes.
2. If you’re not signed in to the store, click the Account button, then enter your account name and password.
3. Click the Account button again (your ID appears on the button), enter your password, and then click View Account.
4. In the Account Information window, click Deauthorize All.

Note: You may only use this feature once per year. The Deauthorize All button will not appear if you have fewer than 5 authorized computers, or if you have used this option within the last 12 months. If you need assistance on using this feature, please contact the iTunes Store support via email (http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/ww/)