iTunes could not connect to the iTunes store

[Kirt]

I have iTunes installed, and each time I try to connect to the iTunes store I receive the message:

iTunes could not connect to the iTunes store. The network connection was refused.

Make sure your network settings are correct and your network settings are active, then try again.

I have tried everything as suggested by iTunes support and Microsoft support. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Dutta]

There are two possibilities: either proxy is enabled or some anti virus software is blocking your connection.

Go to Internet Explorer (or which ever browsers you use) and try to disable the proxies. For IE, go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Select "Connections" tab -> Settings -> Uncheck "Use a proxy server for this connection"

or

Try to disable any virus software you may have enabled..

[Shen]

According to Apple the only resolution to this problem is update to iTunes 7.5 or later.

For Windows: Choose Help -> Check for Updates.
For Mac: Choose iTunes -> Check for Updates.

[5parts]

You might want to check your firewall settings. On Windows, just check the Windows Firewall to make sure that connection protocols initiated by itunes are allowed and not blocked. If still the same then try restarting the computer or reinstalling itunes.

[mandy87]

There are two possibilities: either proxy is enabled or some anti virus software is blocking your connection.

Go to Internet Explorer (or which ever browsers you use) and try to disable the proxies. For IE, go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Select "Connections" tab -> Settings -> Uncheck "Use a proxy server for this connection"

THANK YOU!!! I've looked high & low and tried so many solutions. Yours is the most simple and the only one that worked for me!