Setting up iTunes on Windows Vista 64-bit
Many of my co-workers and friends have been having trouble setting up iTunes on Windows Vista 64-bit. So I thought I would put together a quick reference sheet that will make it easier, since Apple hasn’t quite got their act together yet.
Background on Windows 64-bit
In the 64-bit versions of Windows there are two locations for programs to be stored by default.
- Program Files – All the 64-bit applications that can run with out any assistance from the 32-bit emulator.
- Program Files (x86) – All the 32-bit applications that need the 32-bit emulator to help then run under the 64-bit versions Windows.
Problem
When installing the latest version of iTunes (7.0.2) on Windows Vista 64-bit the install of the QuickTime software completes successfully, however when the iTunes software tries to install the application it produces an error message saying that it cannot find the QuickTime installation.
This is happening because QuickTime software is getting installed in the Program Files (x86) since it is not a 64-bit application. And the iTunes application specifically looks for it in the Program Files directory. I don’t know why the Apple iTunes programmers thought hard coding a path was a good idea, because they definitely could have looked up the install directory in the Windows Registry. As every programmer knows and has been slapped on the wrist by a more experienced programmer you should never hard code possible variations to your program. Especially if it is a hard drive path, because a non-standard install of QuickTime would lead to the same problem.
Solution
Basically the solution is very easy and involves a new feature in Windows Vista called a symbolic link.
- Open up the Command Prompt as an Administrator (Go to All Programs > Accessories and Right Click on Command Prompt and then choose Run as administrator)
- Create a QuickTime folder in both Program Files (x86)
mkdir "c:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime" - Now we create a symbolic link to the Program Files directory
mklink /d "c:\Program Files\QuickTime" "c:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime" - Now install iTunes as you normally would by double clicking on the install program.
If all the steps were followed from above you will have no problem getting iTunes to install correctly on Windows Vista 64-bit.
Update: If you are still having trouble you are probably experiencing the VB Script issue, where Apple wants you to run in an unsecured mode to install iTunes. I have outlined the steps to install iTunes in the following article.
Update (2007-7-12): I have been getting many thanks for this article as well as my other iTunes articles relating to Vista. If you would really like to do something for me, please visit one of the sponsors to the right or the left. They are how I support this site and keep it running.
Update (2008-1-21): One of the commenter’s below, found out that if you download iTunes from your Internet Explorer 64-bit version you get a version of iTunes that is 64-bit compatible. Now if Apple would only notify its users of this. Or fix their downloading software, or even the iTunes installer, to better detect Windows Vista 64-bit everybody would be in perfect shape. This is still a problem that could be easily avoided by Apple.
Tags: 64-bit, Apple, iTunes, Microsoft, Windows Vista
Social:
February 8th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Maybe Apple designed it that way on purpose to conflict with microsoft products..
February 9th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
I really have little doubt that is what they are doing, because the operating systems API has been stable for 6 months. In addition it has been 2 months since it was released as a gold version at the end of November.
March 12th, 2007 at 8:23 am
[...] may remember my previous article talking about how to install iTunes 7.0.x on Windows Vista x64. Well I am getting ready to install [...]
July 13th, 2007 at 2:29 am
I’ve tried the above fixes, both this article’s and the vbscript.dll solution referenced with iTunes 7.3, and the cursed application still will not run in Vista Ultimate 64-bit. Prior versions had worked fine, but after this automatic update of iTunes, the program stopped running entirely. I received the useless “iTunes has stopped working. A problem has caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available.” alert from Vista.
Also, the “regsvr32 /u vbscript.dll” command, I receive an error message saying: “The module “\u” failed to load. Make sure the binary is stored at the specified path or debug it to check for problems with the binary or dependent .DLL files. The specified module could not be found.”
Could you help me with these problems?
July 13th, 2007 at 7:22 am
That is a very odd error. I believe it is happening because iTunes is crashing. Try doing a full uninstall then deleting the directories in the program files after the uninstall and try installing again.
Apple seriously needs some Windows developers. Windows Vista x64 has been out for 9 months now, and Apple cannot even get the install working correctly.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:35 am
That did the trick for the iTunes install, Nick – thanks very much!
I got the same vbscript.dll error message, though, when I tried the unregister command line. Is there another way to close that door?
You know, Apple FINALLY put out a great product with the iPod, (the first time they’d been cutting edge since the late 70s, in my opinion!), and iTunes is even a decent application – nothing special, but simple and straightforward. Why would they alienate the Windows 64-bit market so cavalierly? Granted, it’s a smallish market right now, but those of us on the 64-bit platform are there for a reason, and with Apple preparing to launch their new 32/64-bit hybrid platform, they aren’t making themselves very attractive as a company to any of those existing 64-bit users who might consider an Apple platform in the future. It’s the same butt-headed attitude that allowed DOS to leave Apple in the dust 30 years ago.
From a programming standpoint, what are we talking about, really? How many programmers for how many days/weeks/months to create easy 64-bit functionality to iTunes – the keystone software component of their most widely-infiltrated and only “best-in-class” hardware product line?
I would never own an Apple computer, but own a 60GB Video iPod, because I believe it’s the best personal music system out there – far better than Zune or Zen. There are likely millions of diehard PC users just like me in that respect, and Apple doesn’t seem to give a hoot in hell about that market share. I’d wager that the PC+iPod demographic dwarfs the Mac+iPod group by orders of magnitude. It’s a short-sighted business practice to say the least.
July 24th, 2007 at 7:01 am
[...] (2007-07-24): Many people have also found this article helpful in installing iTunes on Windows Vista x64, it is an easy hack that allows you to fool QuickTime in [...]
July 27th, 2007 at 5:32 am
Thanks! After setting up the symlink, I had to run the iTunes installer twice (it failed first time) but it’s working fine now.
August 1st, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Hey I dont understand the steps once inside the cmd. ” Create a Quicktime folder in both Program Files (x86)” but there is only one. Do you mean both program and program x86. And do you do that manually via opening my computer or use a command.
Then I don’t understand mklink /d (why d). I do understand the two file locations. Also do you use the ” in the commands or not.
So to recap what you type in the cmd line.
1. mkdir “c:\Program Files (x86)\ QuickTime
This makes a folder here but what about in the other programs folder.
2. mklink\d “c:\Program Files\QuickTime” “Program Files (x86)\QuickTime”
IS THIS ALL ONE COMMAND?
Please help!!! It make sense what your trying to do I just dont understand the instructions. Please email me to help.
aagarchive@gmail.com
THANKS
Andrew
August 2nd, 2007 at 6:21 am
Hi Andrew,
(1) Step one you create a folder in the 32-bit directory.
(2) Step two you create a symbolic directory link (that is what the /d is for) in the normal programs directory against the folder in step one. This will create the other program folder for you.
You type it exactly as it is written with the quotes and all. Note that this is only for if you are using the 64-bit version of Vista, you do not need this with the 32-bit version.
Nick
August 7th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Hmm. I’ve installed iTunes 7.0.x on 3 Vista x64 machines and one Server2008 x64 Machine and have not had any of the problems folks have indicated. Guess I’ve been lucky.
And No, I haven’t used the default directories for installing them.
August 16th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Installing iTunes 7 on 64-bit Windows Vista…
…
August 24th, 2007 at 10:20 am
David,
It could be the fact that you aren’t using the default directories which has saved you from this problem. Because this problem seems to only occur when you do use the default directories provided by itunes and quicktime.
August 24th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Hello,
i was about to buy a Apple Ipod… did some research and ended up here.
to be sure Itunes works i have downloaded it and tried your solution.
in Command Prompt i get a error when trying to do :
mklink\d “c:\Program Files\QuickTime†“Program Files (x86)\QuickTimeâ€
it says :
‘mklink’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,operable batch file or program
did i do something wrong?
Thanks in advance!
August 24th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Are you using Windows Vista?
August 24th, 2007 at 11:59 am
I use Windows xp professional x64
August 24th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Hmmm,
Eventhoguh command prompt gave the error listed above^
i just tried to install Itunes.
Had a problem, but cant remember just completed the installation.
No problems so far….
It seems it works!!
thanks!
September 1st, 2007 at 9:40 pm
I have the same error message as Vincent Cohen, mklink is not recognized as an internal or external command…, but I am using Vista, and running cmd as an administrator. I’m stumped.
What I’m trying to do is create a link so that my wife and I can share the same iTunes library, so that if I download a song she sees it whe she opens up iTunes under her profile, and vice versa. I had done this successfully with the journal command in XP, but can’t seem to get it to work in Vista. Can you help?
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:40 am
Hi MBN,
What version are you running. This could possible be a problem of Microsoft just not including certain tools in lower editions of the OS.
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Hi, Nick. I’m using Vista Home Premium. Came preloaded on my Gateway laptop back in March.
If in fact this version doesn’t have access to mklink, do you know of any other way I can achieve what I used to have with the journal command?
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Also, it’s 32-bit, if that makes a difference.
September 10th, 2007 at 3:38 am
please some one help me i got vista 64 and i just got a iphone it sucks i cant use it on my pc so im reading all this but when i tpye it in the commad prompt it says incorrect is there a way some one can show me what to type in thank you
September 13th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
I have Vista Ultimate x64. Before I read how to regsvr32 jscript.dll & vbscript.dll, I loaded Photoshop & an old version of AutoCAD onto the computer by downloading Microsoft’s free Virtual Computer 2007 & running it as Windows XP. They both loaded, but didn’t run that well (but they did run). When I saw how to do the above, I tried it on AutoCAD first. After unloading it from XP, I made the above changes and tried to load it into Vista. It wouldn’t take it. Said it is not 64 bit. So, I tried to put it back into XP, but now that wouldn’t take it either. It now said it’s not 64 bit. Now I can’t run it at all and I’m afraid to try it on Photoshop until I can get AutoCAD reloaded. Any suggestions?
September 14th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
[...] Setting Up iTunes on Windows Vista 64-bit [...]
September 26th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Thanks for the tips. They worked for me and itunes installed successfully.
Everytime I do start the itunes program, a warning window appears, telling me that “itunes was not properly installed. If you wish to import or burn CDs, you need to reinstall itunes.” I click OK, the only option and I can use itunes.
Is this a known issue? Not that i really want to import or burn anything, don’t want or need the message popping up. My wife is the only one using it and i know she’ll nag about it. Any solutions? Thanks!!!
October 18th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Christoph H. Hochstätter wrote a mklink for windows xp 64 bit.
http://www.hochstaetter.org/Software/mklink.aspx
October 19th, 2007 at 1:28 am
Thank you, I was able to get iTunes installed. And I too had to run it a second time before it took, but it worked. Now I’m having the same issue with my iPhone, it’s asking for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows. Can you help?
October 19th, 2007 at 8:59 am
There is no way to get the iPhone working on the 64-bit machine. I have had numerous readers try and fail. It is basically Apple just saying they don’t care about the consumer unless you use a Mac. Even though Windows users account for an overwhelming majority of iPod and iPhone sales.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:59 am
I am running windows vista ultimater 64-bit, I-tunes is telling me it is not installed properly and I am not able to export or copy files…I can download and play fine…and even add to I-tunes with music with a CD..but I cannot export or inport ..recently when I had computer problems I exported all my I-tunes..now I cannot import them…do you know why………thanks michael
November 13th, 2007 at 4:12 am
Bad news from the XP 64-bit front. Hochstäter’s MKLINK utility functions perfectly– but here is what “perfectly” means:
“Little known is the fact, that junctions are functional in Windows versions 2000 and higher. This is an implementation of the Windows Vista MKLINK command for use on computers running Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows 2003.
“Even though symbolic links cannot be used in Pre-Vista Windows, you are able to create them on any NTFS drive. This makes sense on network drives hosted on a Vista computer or hard disks, which are dual booted into Vista and previous operating systems.”
I can now use XP64 to CREATE a symbolic link… which is functional if and only if the file system is accessed by Windows Vista or later. Great for network drives. Useless for the task at hand.
have two 64-bit machines, and this bug has surfaced again in iTunes 7.5. Any suggestions?
November 13th, 2007 at 5:27 am
ahhhh… sorry I was having two different problems. MKLINK may have worked on my Vista machine, and I didn’t notice because I started getting the same error as Michael Baranik, “iTunes did not install properly. If you wish to….”, which I recognized as soon as I saw someone ELSE type it.
Michael: if you haven’t already tried this, download the GEAR drivers:
http://www.gearsoftware.com/support/drivers.cfm
Is that blasphemy? Maybe there’s still a command-line solution. [crosses fingers and prays].
November 13th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I have tried installing iTunes on Windows Vista 64 bit several times and the program seems to install fine. Then, when I open iTuens, I get an error message to says (paraphrasing): itunes did not install properly. You will not be able to burn discs, itunes must be reinstalled.”
All the other functions work fine, but it is true that I cannot burn CDs. I have uninstalled and reinstalled to no avail.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
November 21st, 2007 at 1:33 am
Thank you for your information. My troubles with itunes have been resolved!
December 4th, 2007 at 1:01 am
im having the same problem as Omri Chaimovitz, “error message to says (paraphrasing): itunes did not install properly. You will not be able to burn discs or import music, itunes must be reinstalled.†But oddly i have not had any problems, i can import music fine, if anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated.
December 8th, 2007 at 10:32 am
I HAVE WINDOWS XP 64 AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM TO THE POINT OF MULTIPLE FREEZES, AND FINALLY BEING ADVISED(BY GEEK SQUAD) TO UNINSTALL ITUNES. WOULD THIS WORK FOR MY XP64? ESPECIALLY SINCE THE UNINSTALL I CANNOT BURN A CD WITH OTHER PROGRAMS FOR SOME STRANGE REASON. PLEASE HELP!!!!!
December 13th, 2007 at 6:42 am
It’s ridiculous that Apple still doesn’t have a true 64-bit version of Itunes. After seeing the rave reviews the Zune 2 is getting – Apple just lost a customer.
December 14th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Does anyone know how to email Apple to complain about the Iphone not working on Vista 64? It seems that it may be helpful if we could inundate them with emails about this issue. I can’t seem to be able to find a way to email them!
Thanks!
December 14th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Call apple care.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:13 am
I’ve found this fix also:
http://tinyurl.com/3d2wpz
It uses these drivers from Gear:
http://tinyurl.com/7hw3q
Anyone know if one or the other is a preferential solution to the x64/iTunes problem?
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:37 am
Update. I installed the Gear drivers for the Vista/64 (Intel EM64T processor) and now when iTunes 7.5.0.20 starts up without the error. I have an Intel C2D processor.
I already had the QuickTime folder in the x86 program folder with files in it, so the instructions here might have caused a problem unless I uninstalled QT first.
Installing the gear driver may be the simplest and easiest solution if you already have 7.5.x already installed.
January 6th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Thanks Rick thats solved my itunes problem x
January 16th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Just an FYI…
There is a 64-bit version of iTunes available that works perfectly with Vista 64-bit. Apple just doesn’t mention it anywhere.
To get this version you have to use a 64-bit browser to download iTunes. Just go download iTunes normally.
(Apple tech support told me it is wise to remove ALL 32-bit Apple software from your machine first).
Hope this helps anyone else… it was a hassle for me until I decided to call Apple tech support about it.
January 21st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Thanks Dan. That is correct. I downloaded iTunes using my IE 64 bit browser and was given the version of iTunes that works for Ultimate. Once downloaded, I simply hit ‘repair’ and the ‘cannot burn’ issue went away.
January 21st, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I think Dan may have found the solution. I updated the post to reflect your findings Dan.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Hello!
I have now read everything I could find on the subject “iTunes problems in Vista 64-bit”, even called apple support twice, but with no luck!
I have recently purchased a iPod Nano (3rd generation), and I am running Windows Vista Business 64-bit.
My problem is that my iPod won’t show in iTunes. I know there are no problems with my iPod as I can use it on my laptop (Windows XP 32-bit). The iPod connects and on the screen I can see it’s charging and showing “Connected. Eject before disconnecting”. I have alsow tryed to manualy put it in “Disk Mode”, but it would’nt show as a disk on “My Computer”. The odd thing is that when I safely removes the iPod it says “Safely remove Apple iPod”. So the “drivers” are working fine. I have tryed using other programs as MediaMonkey (that supports iPods), but that did’nt help!
Hopefully someone can help me! This is getting frustrating!
Best Regards,
Frank
February 26th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hello,
My wonderful wife just got me a 16G itouch for Valentine’s Day. I am running Windows xp 64-bit professional. When I connect it to the usb port, there is an error “Please connect itouch to a 32-bit machine or a machine that is running Vista”.
I have been looking for fixes to get my itouch to work (which lead me here) for hours…..
It appears that the people running xp-64 are out of luck if they have an iphone or itouch.
Does anyone know if there is a way to make it work? or maybe even a different itunes-like program that will allow me to use my new itouch?
The only things i can think of to fix this is to;
1. buy a 32-bit xp and partition one of my harddrives
(
2. buy vista 64-bit and go that route
3. return it and piss my wife off….. she even had it engraved
thanks for the help,
Chris L.
February 26th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Hey guys and gals!!
I just stumbled upon the fix to using an ipod touch or iphone when using windows xp 64-bit.
It is fairly easy and the guy really did a great job of explaining the steps and shows multiple screenshots.
http://yukichigai.googlepages.com/iphonex64
Give it a shot…..i got my Ipod touch working with my xp-64!!
Chris L.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Ive found a simple way to make it work on Windows XP x64
Simply download the x32 version from here using your 32 bit browser and then get the 64 bit installer from here.
run the 32 bit installer and then open the 64 bit installer with WinRAR or a similar program and extract Bonjour.msi and AppleMobileDevices.msi (or something like that).
open Add or Remove Programs (usually in Control Panel or can b accessed from Set Program Access Defaults link on the start menu) and uninstall Bonjour
Run the 2 programs u just took out of the 64 bit installer (bonjour and applemobiledevices)
Now u should have iTunes working with iPhone support however to get CD burning you must download GEARS 64 bit drivers from here.
March 4th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
It’s now March 2008 and I for one cannot install iTunes or Quicktime on my new 64-bit Vista. The download file is called ‘iTunes64Setup.exe’. When I run it as myself or as administrator, I get the “iTunes requires QuickTime” error. I just switched back to Windows after 2 years on the Mac because of a similar deal-breaking problem (my Mac was rendered unusable) and now this. I’m about 5 minutes away from buying a Zune (or some other device). This is simply unforgivable.
March 5th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Rhywun, I wouldn’t blame you. In fact the Zune is now my #1 audio player.
March 6th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I really don’t understand how to do this
I’m so bad with computers. Could you please add my email address to explain it a bit more because I tried this one but I still didn’t understand.
Sorry if I’ve caused any troubles.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
i have itunes 7.4 (i have a third generation nano it requires 7.4 itunes) and quicktime all downloaded succesfully and after every thing my computer says that i still need the correct software to get the songs from itunes onto my ipod…WHAT IS THE SOFTWARE I NEED?????
….Itunes 7.4
….Quicktime
……. What ELSE????????????????????????????
April 5th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
At last! After months of trying each iTunes update to see if my Vista 64 bit system will finally recognize my iPod, I downloaded Vista Service Pack 1 last night. After it installed, I plugged in my iPod and it connected!
April 6th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Jon,
Well you know if Apple can’t get it working after 1.25 years then it’s time for Microsoft to step in and fix Apples product.
April 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
[...] you might have gathered from the title Apple has screwed up in this area yet again. In their never ending battle to try and forcibly get an install base, from some of their [...]
May 28th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Will this work in Windows XP Pro x64 Edition?
May 29th, 2008 at 11:55 am
No it requires linking which is only available for NTFS on Windows Vista and 2008
June 10th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Help! I am trying to install i tunes on windows Vista Home Premium and it goes through the installation process then flashes up an error sayng ” that the sytem administrator has set policies to stop prevent this action” . I am the administrator and it is a home laptop, brand new. Any ideas? i have already tried setting up a new account and that did not work either. thanks
June 10th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
i download it, but it doesnt appear anywere on my system help!!!
June 19th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Thanks for the help on getting this going. I clicked a bunch of links in return.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Has anyone encountered problems with Vista AFTER going through the whole I Tunes debacle? After finally getting I Tunes worked out, Vista has crashed and it’s telling me that I have downloaded incompatible software. Not sure what to do!
July 9th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I have windows Vista and I can download Itunes just fine but when I go to play a song it won’t play, and yes I have my sound on and yes I have it turned up. Dell, Microsoft, and Apple were no help to me, anyone have any suggestions?
July 14th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Itunes now has a 64-bit version installable.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 w/ x64 iTunes:
3gb Ram = No Worries
4gb Ram = Crash/BSOD every day!!!! WTF Apple!?!
(no its not the RAM… i have had it replaced 3 times, and the crash only shows up when there is more than 3gb of ram in the system!!)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:02 am
15.4″ Lenovo T61p
256mb(dedicated) Quadro nVidia 570m
2.0ghz Dual Core (core2 Duo)
2gb Ram + 2gb Ram
this machine is new’ish (purchased Chistmas 2007) with no trauma of any kind.
July 26th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
HELP! My command box, even signed in as an Administrator, says “you do not have sufficient privilege to perform this operation”
July 26th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Hey Nick!
Amazing work on this. I have a question relating to QuickTime running on my Vista 64 bit machine. I haven’t been able to update my version of Quicktime since version 7.1.6 – every time I install a new version and try to launch it – I get an error saying that it’s only compatible with Windows version 2000 and later. I unchecked the run with Compatible in the Quicktime.exe – but that didn’t work.
The only thing that has worked is running the symbolic link you mentioned in your article.
My problem is basically that I can now launch QuickTime through the symbolic link, but most of my programs are trying to launch it through the normal (x86) location – therefore I get an error. Example: I use Maya constantly – and if I try to do a playblast, I get the error. If I have Quicktime open already (from the symbolic link) – it will work, but that’s the only way it seems to do so.
Is there a way to make my default programs look for the Quicktime through the symbolic link Program Files directory? I would LOVE any suggestion you have.
Thank you so much!
- Teri
August 4th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Well i had the same issue as all those others.
.
So i googled and came here
Followed the procedure and downloaded Itunes again ( thought i had it ) and to my surprise it started dl-ing the 64 bit version.
I use Firefox 3.0.1
Just though i let you all know.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:45 am
I have an issue in that if I try to run the windows installation I get a message that the windows installer cannot be accessed but I only get this message with Itunes. It wont let me upgrade through Itunes and it wont un-install ? Im running Itunes on a Vista 64 Home Premium edition.
Very very frustrating
Maybe the main tip will help but im climbing the walls already.
August 10th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I have put the codes into the Command Prompt, and then closed the window. Do I need to leave it open, or is it ok to close it during the installation?
Second question, how long does it take!?!?! I have dial-up, but all other updates and praograms that I have downloaded were faster than this. I can only get it to download so much before my internet connection times out. Help!
August 14th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Hi
This were great advise. Especially the update regarding downloading iTunes via the 64bit browser.
Thank you
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
i have the same issue as James above.. i get a windows installer error message when trying to download or uninstall itunes, although quicktime installs fine along with any other software. help?? you can email me at skadas4@gmail.com please…
September 4th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I had been having trouble with the same as everyone above. I had loaded itunes from a stick and could not get it to work right. I then loaded it from the internet THRU a 64 bit system and it worked great. I am syncing now. Thanks for the help with this.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I have an issue in that if I try to run the windows installation I get a message that the windows installer cannot be accessed but I only get this message with Itunes. It wont let me upgrade through Itunes and it wont un-install ? Im running Itunes on a Vista 64 Home Premium edition.
Has anyone got a fix for this. All other programs install/uninstall ok its only Itunes that I have an issue with. I am trying to install the 64 bit version.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I have a similar problem with iTunes as one mentioned (and resolved) above, except mine is on Vista 32-bit. I’m really hoping you can help me with this so I don’t pull the rest of my hair out!
I’m running Vista 32-bit, and I had iTunes 7.7.1 installed and running fine. I just installed iTunes 8, and now every time I try to run iTunes, I get a message window that says the following:
1. “Preparing to install”
2. Then it says, “Please wait while Windows configures iTunes”
3. Then it says, “You must restart your system for the configuration changes made to iTunes to take effect”
I’ve tried uninstalling iTunes and every piece of Apple software, then reinstalling iTunes 8… but I still get the same messages every time I try to run it. I’ve tried starting iTunes from the desktop icon as well as Start/All Programs/iTunes/iTunes… still no good. I’ve tried switching User Account Control on and off, switching antivirus and firewall off. I’ve gone into msconfig and disabled everything except iTunes and QuickTime and rebooting… still no luck. After 3 calls to Apple support, including Level 2 support, they’ve given up.
If anyone can help me figure this out, I will be eternally grateful! I did go back to iTunes 7 and it ran fine again, but alas I must have iTunes 8 in order to sync with my new iPod 120GB… it won’t work with anything pre-iTunes 8. Thanks for any help you can provide. I’m willing to try anything to get this working!
September 24th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I will add this update to the post directly above… I just discovered this morning that, even though iTunes 8 will not start when I click any of the iTunes icons, it DOES start up when I connect my iPod to my PC. Does this make sense at all? Could this maybe give a clue as to how to fix the other problem?
September 30th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I have tried installing quicktime on my new 64 bit vista computer, to no avail. After several abortive attempts yesterday, I found your page and downloaded quicktime using the 64 bit version of IE.
I’m still getting the same message as yesterday…”Another installation is in progress. You must complete that installation before continuing this one.” I did a system restore to before I downloaded the first copy of quicktime yesterday and I have no idea what it’s referring to.
Any ideas would be most welcome. Thank you.
October 4th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Plain and simple. Apple does not care if it runs on Windows or not. Does not matter if you call their support either. They say well it works on OSX 10.x you should try running a mac instead. Screw them, I will never use Itunes again.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:05 am
my itunes keep freezing when it says, downloading artwork thumbnails…\and, where is the exact url fo the itunes vista 64? they won’t give that option when i download i tunes from apple
October 27th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Dear Nick,
I do not know how to do this:
2.Create a QuickTime folder in both Program Files (x86)
mkdir “c:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime”
3.Now we create a symbolic link to the Program Files directory
mklink /d “c:\Program Files\QuickTime” “c:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime”
could you help me?.
sincerely luisa
October 30th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Thanks guys for all your help with this. it worked even tho the cmd said there was a parameter error it installed fine
thanks
November 1st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Goto…
http://www.oldapps.com/quicktime_player.htm
…download Ver. 7.1.5 (19meg). Loads into XP x64 and plays .mov file no probs!
Also… itunes 7.1.1 will load. http://www.oldapps.com/itunes.htm
Happy viewing.
December 5th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Thanks.. Its ok. Right now im running itunes 8.0.2 on my windows vista ultimate x64
June 11th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I have windows home vista premium 64 bit. i have itunes 8.2. i have a dell computer. i have an HP printer. All new to me. ever since itunes was installed on my computer, things dissappear out of my tray at the lower right hand of the screen. where do they go? how do i get them back and make them stay??? thanks for help!
June 13th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Unbelievable…. it’s now 2009, this bug stilllllll in the install files, and your fix, still works! Note, I installed Quicktime separately first, then did the mklink thing. Don’t try and create a directory in Program Files first, the mklink is sufficient.
June 17th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I am also having problems with itunes and windows vista. I recently replaced my old laptop with a new dell studio running Vista Home Premium. I copied over all my directories and files from a backup drive, including itunes. I just downloaded and installed the 64 bit version of itunes 8.2. It found the data and music files and loaded everything fine, but when I attach my iphone, I get an immeadiate notice that says “this iphone can not be used because the required software is not installed. Run itunes installer to remove itunes and then install the 64-bit version of itunes”. This is very frustrating, as I have done this proceedure several times, and I redownload and install the 64 bit version, but I still get the error message. Does anyone have any idea how to fix or work around this?
June 19th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Vista 64-bit. Not exactly the same problem but similar.
The 32-bit install (8.0.2.23) did give the warning “This iTunes installer is intended for the 32-bit versions of Windows. It is highly recommended that you download and install the 64-bit iTunes installer instead. Continue with install?”
It seemed to work without having the link, except iTunes didn’t launch when finishing the install, and opening it gave an error “iTunes was not properly installed. If you wish to import or burn CDs, you need to reinstall iTunes.”
Doing a repair intall, adding the link, and doing a repair install again didn’t help.
Downloading the 64-bit version (8.0.2.20) of iTunes gives the following when trying to install. “A later version of iTunes is already installed on this computer.”
After removing the 32-bit version, the 64-bit is okay, but still wants to install into the x86 program files folder. Accepting the defaults, it intalls.
But it still doesn’t launch after install. There is an error, that since the “iTunes Library.itl” is from a newer version of iTunes, it can’t be read. So iTunes won’t open.
Nice.
I’m sure uninstalling, removing iTunes folders, rebooting and trying it all again might work.
July 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 am
I have all the same issues, i keep installing and removing and nothings seems to change I can’t synch my iTouch or I get error message noted in the post above. It is really frustrating to say the least. Does anyone have the solution to this issue? Is anyone with a Vista 64 bit able to use iTunes and synch with their iTouch or iPhone? if so, how did you do it?
July 8th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I have used the 64 bit quicktime 8.0.2 installer which worked fine on my Vista x64 PC , however I cannot open quicktime movies it only shows a partial Quick Time screen and no movie…anyone else having this problem or can reccomend a solution?
Thanks
July 8th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
I can download and install itunes 8.2 fine. but i can not navigate through it or change songs or anything of that nature. i just got my computer…brand new out of the box yesterday and it won’t work. any help would be huge.
July 25th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Hi Nick,
I have tried to use the syntax as you have listed it but I keep getting an error message that says
the syntax of the command is incorrect. I think maybe it is because there is one missing part of the command: The Link name. Below is the syntax I typed in but there is no link name listed. So what do I need to type between the /d and the target path? Thanks for your help!!
C:\Program Files>help mklink
Creates a symbolic link.
MKLINK [[/D] | [/H] | [/J]] Link Target
/D Creates a directory symbolic link. Default is a file
symbolic link.
/H Creates a hard link instead of a symbolic link.
/J Creates a Directory Junction.
Link specifies the new symbolic link name.
Target specifies the path (relative or absolute) that the new link
refers to.
C:\Program Files>mklink /d c:\program files\quicktime c:\program files (x86)\qui
cktime
C:\Program Files>
August 6th, 2009 at 9:29 am
@mike Make sure you include the quotes (“) around the paths “C:\Program Files\QuickTime” and “C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime” or the command will not be interpreted correctly.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Has anyone tried to get iTunes 8.2.x working with Windows 7 (RC Build 7100) 64-bit?
I have tried several times to install using instructions above, but everytime I check Task Manager, iTunes shows up running in 32-bit mode and does not write to the iShuffle connected to the system.
My downfall may have been first installing 32-bit iTunes when I first built the machine a few months back.
So far, I have…
- removed all Apple programs, deleted directories and delete registry entries,
- created the symbolic link,
- ran the iTunes64Setup.exe (QuickTime installer indicated it was installing 64-bit version),
- changed default iTunes directory from “Program Files (x86)\iTunes” to “Program Files\iTunes”,
- cursed the boys and girls at Apple,
- repeated above procedures after removing all Apple programs, deleting directories, deleting registry entries,
- cursed the boys and girls at Apple…
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks -
September 10th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
It seems like I can’t even get this to install properly, because every time I try to start Quicktime Player, I get the “QuickTime Player has stopped working” message. I’ve tried everything I can think of, with no solutions. Anyone have any thoughts, please? I really want to get my touch running, so I can sync music and vids.
Thanks
September 11th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Would this at last be the place where i might get an sollution to the following ITunes problem????
I’ve installed ITunes on my Windows Home Server SP2 wich is connected to a router (Linksys WRT610N)All computers (3-XP32&Vista32+64) and server have the same networkgroup and are recognised in vista network-centre. The server is only used as storage and no speakers are attached, and ITunes is set to “share in my network”
My Pentium 4, 2.6Ghz XP Pro 32bit pc and the Pentium 4, 2.6Ghz Vista Home Premium 32bit are set to “search for shared libraries” and do find these so the stored music can be played on those two pc’s.
So far so good you might think but alas here is the problem:
The thirth PC is a Pentium Core 2Duo E6400 2.13Ghz with Windows Home Premium 64bit (and ITunes 64bit)also set to search for shared libraries and nothing-nada is found.
Anybody there who can help me out, i would be truly greatfull.
Chears
September 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Nick,
For months you struggle with a problem and at last you ask for help.
And then after uncountable tries you find the sollution.
I found that my problem was within the firewall settings.
So if possible you can remove my request for help.
Greetings Ton from Holland
September 21st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Hello, I’m having an issue with i-Tunes. It won’t open up because it said it was not there or something like that. Now, when I try to install it again it says I can’t because I am not the administrator? I do not have the privilege? Please help!
-Ali
October 5th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Could you help me.I use itunes for vista 64 bit ,when i add songs or folder to itunes’s library.If i don’t close Itunes ,the songs and applications still in the library. But When i close iTunes,shut down my laptop,the next time i open iTunes,the library is empty ,there’s no songs,no appication,seems like a brand new iTunes,then i have to add all songs again.
Everytimes I close iTunes,then reopen ,I have to re-add once again.I don’t know what happens
October 8th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I want Quicktime so I can view the previews. I installed the 64 bit version and it STILL tells me I need to a new Quicktime?
November 5th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
hi nick, ive installed itunes on my computer whitch is windows vista 64 bit and i am getting ( the file “itunes library. itl” cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes ) comming up so i cant get any music or even get into itunes. i downloaded itunes 8.0 could u please help. thanks
November 11th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Hi,
I tried your Command Prompt solution and also downloading itunes from Explorer 64-bit, but it still doesn’t work for me.
I tried installing itunes. It says that the file is going to be installed in C:/Program Files (x86)/iTunes/ but halfway through the installation, it stops and gives me an error message:
An error occurred during the installation of assembly ‘Microsoft.VC80.CRT, version=”8.0.50727.4053”,type=”win32”,publicKeyToken=”1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b”,process or Architecture=”x86”. Please refer to Help and Support for more information. HRESULT: 0×80070424
Can you please help me? I’m starting to get really frustrated. I’ve downloaded and uninstalled and tried the Command Prompt solution mulitple times but it still doesn’t work. Please get back to me as soon as possible.
Thank you.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
im not very good with computers-ive just bought a 64bit laptop transferred itunes songs to new laptop, when i open itunes it say it wasnt installed properly, i have re installed it many times doesnt change. thats not my problem though, it recognises an ipod on the computer but not on itunes and tells me to disconnect then reconnect. have done this to no avail
thankyou
lucy
December 8th, 2009 at 8:11 am
i am the computer administrator but i cant install itunes because it says im not the administrator. this sucks! what should i do?
December 8th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I am having a problem with Itunes, or rather, have been having problems since I installed
Itunes on my Dell Desktop Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit platform. I have had problems ranging from my Iphone being detected but not my ipod to receiving a time-out error when copying music or videos from my external drive/Desktop to my iphone. I have uninstalled and reinstalled several times, but the inconsistency continues to exist.
If you have any advice or solutions, I would be most appreciative.
Thank you for your time.
Ryan
December 8th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Hello again…
Also, to answer possible questions relating to the itunes I installed…
yes I installed the Itunes 64 bit version on my 64 bit OS
December 15th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
can u pliz gave the page of iTunes (7.0.2) so i can get it easy pliz
December 19th, 2009 at 5:21 am
I have tried to install Itunes on 32 bit vista with no success ” Itunes was not installed correctly, Please reinstall error 7″ does anyone have a fix for this?
Thanks
January 9th, 2010 at 1:57 am
Hi Good day;
my name is Rome, I have had installed itunes on my windows vista home basic 32 bit, and i didnt have problems installing it at first but i installed the ADvanced pc twaeker software which clean up pc and delete unwanted stuff down there then one day, i opened my itunes then i got a message saying “itunes could not find the cd or dvd ……” something like that, so i thought uninstalling it and reinstalling would help but when i re install it, the computer prompted to restart the computer after installing but when i opened it, it says “pls wait while windows configure itunes” then in a while it says “preparing to install” but when i try to open it, still thesame process again and again, its not opening anything. Pls help, pls
Rome
January 25th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I don’t know if this applies to my problem or not. I run my laptop at the school where I work and we have a proxy server. After I upgraded to itunes 9, itunes no longer brought up the “connect to” box so that I can connect itunes to the internet, so I can no longer use the itunes store on my laptop. I can’t find any settings for how to make sure to connect to the internet, so I really don’t know what to do now. I didn’t know if I should try the advice above or if this did not apply. Any help would be great.