Cannot install iTunes

[Steve Wilson]

I am trying to install iTunes on my Windows XP computer. The program downloads fine from the site, but when I try to install it it fails - saying that an older version of Apple Software update cannot be removed. I went into add/remove programs, found the update program, and tried to manual uninstall, but it would not let me. Apparently it has to be removed before the new version can be installed that supports iTunes. Anyone else have this issue? Any help appreciated!

[Andy Sandoval]

Have you tried to uninstall that program in "safe mode"?

[Steve Wilson]

Thanks Andy,
No, I have not tried that. Refresh my memory on how to get into safe mode. It seems you hold down one of the function keys while rebooting?

I just found out the F8 is the key to hold. I will try it a bit later. I have an external hard drive backing up right now and I don't want to stop it.
Thanks, I will let you know how it works

[Steve Wilson]

Thought I had it, but I was wrong! I went into safe mode and tried to remove the Apple Software Update from Add/remove programs. I got a message saying I could not remove it in safe mode. Then I went to the file location C:/Program Files/Apple Software Update and selected all and deleted. It would not me do that before. Then I reinstalled Itunes and things seemed to be going well until the very last moment when I got the Cannot remove older version of Apple Software Update again - please contact the program admin. Short of doing that, any other ideas?

[Chris Dorch]

There is a dangerous utility called MSICleanup that was offered by M$. It will remove that application with no fuss. However, it must be used with care... Finding it may be difficult since they stopped supporting it. If you need a copy, I can supply...

[Steve Wilson]

Thanks Chris,
I am a little afraid of scary utilities so I will use that as a last option. I was able to install Itunes on my laptop, so at least I can change the music on my iPod, etc. It is not as urgent now, so I may wait to install it on the other computer.
Thanks again,
Steve

[Wiz Feinberg]

Download CCleaner and run the Registry Cleaner section. Leave "Unused File Extensions UNchecked and all others checked, then scan for problems. You should find references to the old Apple updater. Then click Fix Selected Issues. It will ask if you want to save a backup of the previous settings. Do so! Then let it fix the references to missing files and folders.

Note, make sure there is nothing at all in Program Files, or your personal %AppData% folders pertaining to Apple Software Updater.

Once all references to the program are gone, from the hard drive and the Registry, reboot, then try to install the program.

[Steve Wilson]

Thanks Wiz,
I downloaded and run the CC registry cleaner as noted, it appeared to fix several problems it found, but still got the same message after reboot and re-install...Older version of Apple Software Update cannot be removed. Before reboot I did remove the Apple Software Update folder from my Program Files, but not totally sure where to look for the personal %AppData% folders pertaining to Apple Software Updater to delete references there.

[Wiz Feinberg]

Thanks Wiz,
I downloaded and run the CC registry cleaner as noted, it appeared to fix several problems it found, but still got the same message after reboot and re-install...Older version of Apple Software Update cannot be removed. Before reboot I did remove the Apple Software Update folder from my Program Files, but not totally sure where to look for the personal %AppData% folders pertaining to Apple Software Updater to delete references there.

Click on Start, then Run. Type %AppData% into the Run input field and press Enter. The Application Data folder for your logged in identity will open, assuming you have sufficient permissions.

[Steve Wilson]

Wiz,
Thanks again for your help. I found the folder you guided me to but could not find anything referencing Apple Updater. Also searched on apple update and did not find anything - expect for what I had deleted before was in the recycle bin. I tried the cleaner again and reinstalled but still get the same ole message. At least I have it on my other computer.

[Chris Dorch]

You don't have to use iTunes to update the music on your iPod. I personally detest iTunes... I use an application called CopyTrans Manager which is free and awesome. It has it's limits like it cannot create dynamic playlists nor can it load m4a or m4p files because they are Apple proprietary extensions.. You can always give that a looksee...

[Steve Wilson]

Thanks Chris,
I just now got iTunes to load. I found this discussion on an Apple Support forum. Basically it was similar to what was suggested with CC Registry Cleaner, but instead it advised me to use Windows Install Cleanup instead. I downloaded it, found the Apple Software Update reference, and hit remove. After re-booting iTunes installed perfectly. Here is the link for anyone interested.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/17419677#17419677
Thanks again everyone for all your help!

I was about to ask if one could use alternatives to iTunes, but now I have got it installed I will try it out for awhile. Seems pretty intuitive.

[Chris Dorch]

FYI the Windows Install Cleanup utility is the MSICleanup application that I suggested in the first place... :)

[Rick Barnhart]

I had an older ipod with a bad battery, that had all my favorite music loaded on it, but my account was registered on an old PC that I don't even have anymore. I wanted to load my music from that iPod onto my new iPhone but iTunes wouldn't have it.

I googled senuti which is iTunes spelled backwards. I found a work around and was able restore my music and put it on my phone.

(the key word here is MY music, for those who think I cheated a little)

[Steve Wilson]

Sorry Chris,
I did not realize it was the same utility you had recommended. If they had mentioned it being "dangerous" I might not have tried it. I think I will uninstall the utility now that my iTunes works. Thanks again for your help.