"The installer encountered errors before itunes could be configured...

How are you getting the iTunes installer, Runion? Are you using Apple Software Update for Windows, or are you downloading installers (using a web browser) from the Apple Website?

I haven't seen this solution mentioned yet with regard to this error message so I wanted to add my $0.02.

I ran into the same error message yesterday installing iTunes 9.02 on my Vista Home Prem. system and didn't notice right away that I was saving the installation file to the Desktop instead of my Downloads folder, where I usually save files. I downloaded the file to the Downloads folder and the installation worked without having to use the Windows Cleanup Utility, change any settings or uninstall anything. I'm guessing it's a permission/UAC issue that doesn't allow the installer to work correctly when started from the Desktop, possibly affecting both Vista and 7.

Okay ... were you running the installation online? If so, let's try william's suggestion. Download and save a copy of the installer to your Downloads folder. Then start the installation by doubleclicking the iTunesSetup.exe (or iTunes64Setup.exe) that you downloaded.

Does that work any better for you, Runion?

Okay.

What version of windows are you using, Runion? XP, Vista or 7?

What browser have you been using for the downloads? Does it make any difference if you use (say) IE instead of Firefox (or vice versa)?

(If you get different error messages using one browser than you get with another, let us know what the other messages say.)

Exectly the same issue - so following all responses with great interest. My original Iphone (1st gen) crached with 8.2 Itunes on my computer - I just got a blank yellow bar across the sysnc screen and no inof at all in my iphone although the phone still worked. I uninstalled Itunes and associated products although not in the assigned order - I have since tried all suggestions offered downloading updates to windows elements - cleaning up the installer files - serched and removed all references to Aplle Itunes Quicktime even Safari to no avail - thinking of re formatting disk and starting from scratch unless anyone has any ideas???

One last question here - Is there a verbose option to the Itunes install that could actually show you what is causing the program to stop - it is obviously checking some thing in its preparation to install. Alternatively does/can Apple share teh initial locations it needs to access/configure so we can check them for consistency with expected condition?

*Replying to Runion*

I have XP and I have used aol browser and IE.

There's a couple of different ways we can go with this. I'm not sure whether you're getting a variety of installation problems being caused by the installers getting damaged when they are being downloaded to the PC ... or whether your installers are perfectly fine, but there's an issue on the PC causing them not to work.

I think we'd better try working out which is which before moving further. (Fingers crossed, the "test" may even get iTunes installed for you.)

Download and save a copy of the iTunesSetup.exe installer file to a different PC. (Preferably, one on which iTunes 9.0.2.25 has already installed successfully ... or if there isn't an iTunes on the other PC and you're able to, check to see if the installer can successfully install iTunes on the other PC.) Then copy the iTunesSetup.exe to an external hard drive (or a large enough thumb drive), or burn it to a CD-R.

Carry the installer back to your PC. Copy the iTunesSetup.exe to your hard drive. (Don't run the install from the external, thumb or CD-R.) Now start the install by doubleclicking the iTunesSetup.exe.

Does that go through properly? Or do you get the same error message on the install?

*Replying to 300cman*

One last question here - Is there a verbose option to the Itunes install that could actually show you what is causing the program to stop

Normally I'd try generating a standard windows installer log for the installation ... however, if we take the message at its word the installation procedure is bailing even before we get to the point of starting iTunes-specific parts of the install.

A quick question. (Actually I should have asked Runion this too.) What's the precise and full text of the error message you're getting? Does it say anything after the parts that Runion has already described?

Did you ever get a successful solution to your problem? If you did please share it with me. I am gettting the same error message. I think it is ridiculous that Apple does not provide better tech assistance for these issues.

My apologies for time to response I travel a lot with work.

Exact sequence is to click on the itunessetup.exe file in my downloads folder. Click on run - click on next in welcome screen - accept Terms - then click install without changing offered options - ITUNES INSTALLER COMPLETED Window then comes up with the following text:

"The installer encountered errors before it could be configured - Your system has not been modified. To retry operation at a later time, please run the installer again. Click finish to exit the installer"

It would appear there are some relatively simple quick checks being run by the installer to set up the install but no further information is available.

*Replying to 300cman*

🙂 no need to apologise.

"The installer encountered errors before it could be configured - Your system has not been modified. To retry operation at a later time, please run the installer again. Click finish to exit the installer"

Hmmmm. If it had said in there that "A program required for this install to complete could not be run", I'd be pretty confident I was sure what we're dealing with. At this stage, however, I'm not sure if (a) the installers are getting damaged when they are downloaded to the PC, or (b) if the installers are fine and you've got a permissions problem with some of your program-file-related folders.

I'd like to check on the (a) possibilities first. How are you connecting to the internet?

For example, my Lenovo T61 laptop is connecting wirelessly to a LinkSys WRT54G wireless router that is plugged into a Motorola SB5100 Surfboard cable modem.

Do you have a similar sort of set-up? Or are you connecting in a different way?