Unable to download some podcasts due to unknown error 301 in itunes for windows

The reply from the podcast host, swap.fm:

We double-checked our logs and can confirm we don't see any errors. We also have robust safeguards in place, so that if there ever is an issue on our side it won't impact show playback. (Our top priority) :) 

It's very possible the Microsoft issue today impacted some playback, as it was fairly widespread. It's also worth noting that Apple podcasts can sometimes give "playback errors" from time to time even if a show has no prefix inserted. 

Please keep me in the loop if this issue persists. We will continue to monitor on our end.

So, no solution yet. I can confirm the issue still persists.

Just to add more info, iTunes version 12.13.2, Windows 10 Pro version 22H2.

It seems like when this problem occurs for a podcast, that's it, I'm never able to download from it again. Is there some sort of cached info that I can flush? or some other reset of a particular podcast? I've tried deleting the folder for downloaded episodes. Restarted the computer, reset the internet connection etc Yes, done that.

Ideas please??!

I've got some more information from one of the podcast providers:

Apple is aware of the problem and has supposedly been investigating it for several months now. They've told us their engineers have been able to replicate the issue, and are working on a fix. I've passed along your report to them as well.

The latest guidance Apple gave us was:

As a workaround until we have a fix in place, users on Windows can listen to the show by copying and pasting the show URL into any browser and playing from the web preview screen.

So, apparently we will have to wait. I hope to see the fix soon!

Still, I must say we, the users of iTunes, are let down by Apple. No feedback. Has anyone at Apple seen this? I'm really disappointed with iTunes overall. It doesn't seem like Apple allocate enough resources to iTunes development and maintenance. Time to look for alternatives?!

Hi the fiend,

thanks for your reply. I'm glad there is life 'out there'!

I haven't seen any App alternatives to iTunes on Windows. If iTunes is abandoned, yes, we are indeed out of luck. I'd be happy to learn of any apps for Windows that I can use.

Here are some issues with iTunes for Windows (ideas for improvement):

1. Syncing with my iPhone: music files are not synced correctly. Some songs are missing from my phone. There is no way to ensure that all songs are synced. Maybe you are not supposed to have 6000 songs synced...

2. iTunes does not support managing media files on a network e.g. when I need to move files.

3. iTunes can't sync media without taking a backup first. This should be a user choice.

4. The screen real estate is badly used. The top box switches between different information e.g. synchronisation progress and what is played. It would be easy to just separate information using different parts of the window and show everything all the time.

5. It is not possible to change the location of backups. The Windows C drive gets bloated.

6. It isn't possible to manually move individual device backups to external drives.

7. When things go wrong, there is no online help to support fault finding. What is error code 301 "unknown error".

All for now. Still waiting for that podcast to work...

Error 301! Arrrrgh!

Where can I find a list of error codes and what they mean??

I still can't download those podcasts. Could this be a problem with the source? Any point in contacting the podcast hosts?

Thanks for the respons. I have contacted them, so hopefully it will start working soon.