Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

0 points

iTunes 9 install problem: software for communicating with ipods not install

I downloaded and installed the update for iTunes 9 via apple software updater last night, and when I started iTunes I got the error "The software required for communicating with iPods and Mobile phones was not installed correctly. Do you want iTunes to try to repair this for you?" I click yes, and it says it couldn't fix the problem.

I followed the instructions here ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923) to completely uninstall itunes and quicktime and all supporting components, including mobileme and bonjour and then reinstalled iTunes9 using the setup file downloaded from apple.com. Still no luck! I get the same error when I start iTunes.

any suggestions? Help! Should I go back to the older version of iTunes?

btw, when I uninstalled iTunes, I kept my library files and two plugins around: last.fm scrobbler and mmkeys. Does this matter? I don't think so: I tried removing the plugins and I still got the same error.

I'm running Vista 64bit, and I used the 64 bit installer.

Dell XPS1530, Windows Vista, Vista x64

Posted on Sep 10, 2009 5:30 PM

26 replies

Sep 16, 2009 6:44 PM in response to Peter Lee

Well, I spoke too soon. Although iTunes did install without displaying the error message as it had previously done, it has suddenly started to display the message. I've also lost the ability to sync and backup my iPhone. I now get the error message:

iTunes was unable to load dataclass information from Sync Services. Reconnect or try again later.

Sigh. This is really the crappiest software version of iTunes in quite some time and that's quite a dismal achievement.

Back to iTunes 8.

Sep 16, 2009 8:00 PM in response to Peter Lee

Peter, try the instructions I typed up here for Windows 7...I had similar frustrations with my iPhone until I started experimenting a little.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2028881&tstart=0

I hope that helps!

For Vista users, those very same instructions may work (with some modifications based on the UI and options between W7 and Vista) - I will test it on a spare box as soon as I have the time to, though that may be Saturday before I get the chance. I think the big issue is that UAC protects certain files and folders that Windows doesn't normally want anyone to touch.

To the OP - I happen to have a spare XP-based laptop lying around that has not been upgraded to iTunes 9. I'll take a stab at that tomorrow and see if I can recreate the issue and explore it some.

Sep 17, 2009 7:43 PM in response to Nightborne

Nightborne,

Thanks for the link to your suggested workaround. I tried it but unfortunately, it didn't resolve the problem for me. I continue to get the communication error message. I've uninstalled iTunes 9 and returned to 8.2.1. 64-bit iTunes 9 is seriously broken and I'm going to stay away from it until it gets fixed. I'm quite surprised it hasn't been fixed yet given how serious and big the bugs are. These aren't obscure bugs that crop up only in rare or obscure configurations.

Message was edited by: Peter Lee

zon3d

Level 1

8 points

Sep 21, 2009 11:32 PM in response to Peter Lee

I've figured it out, simply run iTunes 9 in compatibility mode for Vista SP2 and it works fine and can sync.

iain580

Level 1

0 points

Sep 22, 2009 11:09 AM in response to zon3d

really silly question, how do i run it in compatibility mode? was sure I have done it before but cant remember how!!

Thanks in advance!

zon3d

Level 1

8 points

Sep 22, 2009 5:08 PM in response to iain580

Right click on the iTunes 9 icon -> Properties -> Compatibility tab -> 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:'

Sep 22, 2009 5:48 PM in response to zon3d

Compatibility mode didn't work for me but I just installed the newly released iTunes 9.0.1 without using compatibility mode or administrative rights and it installed without problems and I synced both an iPhone and iPod. I recommend giving up on iTunes 9.0 and giving 9.0.1 a try.

Sep 22, 2009 8:34 PM in response to Peter Lee

Argh, spoke too soon. I still get the "software required for communication with iPods and mobile phones was not installed correctly..." message when I quit and restart iTunes 9.0.1. Strangely enough, I am able to sync my iPhone but not an iPod; connecting the latter results in "the software required for communicating with the iPod is not installed correctly. Please reinstall iTunes to install the iPod's software."

Back to the drawing board (and iTunes 8.2.1).

zon3d

Level 1

8 points

Sep 22, 2009 9:42 PM in response to Peter Lee

Yeah, the first time after install it works fine. But then every other time you open it, it will come up with that error. That is why you need to run iTunes 9 in compatibility mode and it works everytime you open the program.

Sep 25, 2009 5:59 AM in response to zon3d

We also had problems with Itunes 9 and Vista 64.
After trying everything mentioned, we finally switched to the 32-bit version, and it works fine.

There is definitely something wrong with the 64-bit version of ITunes 9.

I'm surprised Apple is so silent on the issue!

Oct 12, 2009 1:54 PM in response to Ryan Brucks

i tried the link you mentioned, and the 32-bit version isn't there anymore. the only option is to try the 64-bit.

iTunes 9 install problem: software for communicating with ipods not install