"The older version of itunes could not be removed"

It sounds as though you need to do an installer cleanup.

Here is a method for removal of iTunes and cleanup:

Download a fresh copy of iTunes and the stand alone version of Quicktime

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Download and install Microsoft Installer cleanup utility, there are instructions on the page as well as the download. Note that what you download is the installer not the program – you have to run it to install the program

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301/

Now use the following method to remove iTunes and its components:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93698

If you hit a problem with one of the uninstalls don't worry, carry on with the deleting of files and folders as directed in the method.

Restart your PC.

Run the Microsoft Installer Cleanup Utility. (Start > All Programs > Windows Install Clean Up)

Remove any references you find to the programs you removed - strictly speaking you only need to worry about those programs where the uninstall failed.

restart your PC

Install the stand alone Quicktime and check that it works.

If it does, install iTunes.

I just installed and ran the installer cleanup as well as the clean up of the temp files and still get the error message "older version of itunes can not be removed". I clicked on the quick time icon on my desktop and this allowed the itunes store to open up. I connected my IPOD to my computer and then I clicked on any link like carrie underwood in the store and itunes opened up fine. I hope this helps that person who needed their files opened. Still, I should not have to go through all this for itunes to come up. Any ideas?