Problems updating iTunes

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Sandra2010 Author

Level 1

10 points

Problems updating iTunes

I am running version 8.01.11 and just tried to update to 8.02.20.

I get the following message. Any ideas?

There is a problem with this windows installer package.A program required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.

Many thanks.

PC, Windows XP

Posted on Jan 13, 2009 6:08 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

polydorus

Level 6

11,967 points

Jan 13, 2009 6:29 AM in response to Sandra2010

This message often relates to a problem with Apple software update.

Go to Add remove programs and find Apple Software update. Try repairing it.
Select Change>>repair.

That probably will not work
Then try uninstalling any instance you find of Apple Software update. That probably will not work either.

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/

To run the program – All Programs>>Windows Install Cleanup

Remove any instance you find of Apple software update with the cleanup utility.

Download a fresh copy of the iTunes installer and save it on your desktop.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Restart your computer and try installing iTunes.

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Answer 2

Sandra2010 Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 13, 2009 6:57 AM in response to polydorus

Before downloading the fresh copy of iTunes, should I uninstall the program completely or is that what the Windows Install Cleanup is going to do?

I'm in the process of backing up my entire iTunes folder to an external harddrive.

Many thanks.

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Answer 3

polydorus

Level 6

11,967 points

Jan 13, 2009 7:30 AM in response to Sandra2010

It doesn't matter when you download the new copy of iTunes.

You do not touch My Music iTunes, so your music library should not be affected, but it is always prudent to have a back up.

The Microsoft Installer clean up utility is used to clean up the installer files for Programs that will not uninstall with add remove programs.

So if you can't uninstall ASU, you use the cleanup utility to remove references to Apple software update.

Hopefully that will allow the iTunes install to go through. Sometimes a more thorough removal and cleanup is required.

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Answer 4

Sandra2010 Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 13, 2009 7:58 AM in response to polydorus

I'm happy to report that the issue was solved on my first attempt with -->
Go to Add remove programs and find Apple Software update. Try repairing it.
Select Change>>repair.

Many thanks!!!

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Answer 5

polydorus

Level 6

11,967 points

Jan 13, 2009 8:05 AM in response to Sandra2010

Glad to hear it worked!

Thanks for reporting back, that's only the second time I have seen "repair" work for this one.

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Answer 6

Jan 13, 2009 9:23 PM in response to polydorus

Actually I had the EXACT same problem, and the repair button worked for me too. I'm so thrilled that I finally found the answer to this annoying problem, and it was pretty darn easy. Thank you SO much!!!

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