I am unable to uninstall Apple Software Update

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I am unable to uninstall Apple Software Update

Yesterday I had a big crash-fest with my iTunes. I couldn't open it. I couldn't uninstall it. I couldn't re-install it. Any of those actions would result in crashing and the blue screen of death.

I run Vista.

I came to the conclusion that I had all these registry issues, which I repaired. With renewed resolve, I was able to uninstall iTunes and try again.

The first attempt led to it telling me it needed Quicktime. I had Quicktime, but not matter. Uninstalled it, installed it again. Tried once more.

This time, it is telling me "The older version of Apple Software Updater cannot be removed". Puzzled, I attempt the same solution, but when i attempt to uninstall the Updater, it tells me that "The feature you are trying to use is on a CD-ROM or other removable disk that is not available. Insert the "Apple Software Update" disk and click Ok".

I do not have this disk. There is no repair option. I am at a complete loss once again. Can anyone help me?

Windows Vista

Posted on Sep 8, 2010 2:44 PM

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Answer 1

b noir

Level 9

72,336 points

Oct 16, 2010 10:21 PM in response to GarcianSmith

This time, it is telling me "The older version of Apple Software Updater cannot be removed". Puzzled, I attempt the same solution, but when i attempt to uninstall the Updater, it tells me that "The feature you are trying to use is on a CD-ROM or other removable disk that is not available. Insert the "Apple Software Update" disk and click Ok".

Just in case you're still about, Garcian ...

You've got problems with the AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi file that contains the installation database for your existing ASU.

Unfortunately, these sorts of msi-related troubles have gotten more complicated to deal with ever since Microsoft pulled the Windows Installer CleanUp utility from their Download Center on June 25. First we have to find a copy of the utility.

Let's try Googling. (Best not to use Bing, I think.) Look for a working download site for at least version 3.0 of the Windows Installer CleanUp utility. After downloading the utility installer file (msicuu2.exe), scan the file for malware, just in case. (I use the free version of Malwarebytes AntiMalware to do single-file scans for that.)

If the file is clean, to install the utility, doubleclick the msicuu2.exe file you've downloaded.

Now run the utility ("Start > All Programs > Windows Install Clean Up"). In the list of programs that appears in CleanUp, select any *Apple Software Update* entries and click "Remove".

Quit out of CleanUp, restart the PC and try installing iTunes again. Does the install go through properly this time?

(If you do find a clean download site for the correct version of CleanUp, please don't tell me where it is. Without wishing to sound paranoid (although I grant it does sound paranoid), there is a non-zero chance that posting links to download locations for the utility here at Discussions leads to that download location being shut down.)

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Answer 2

Dec 5, 2010 1:29 PM in response to b noir

Thank you so much for posting this solution. I cannot tell you how many times I have crashed this old clunker of an HP pc each time I've forgotten & automatically updated itunes with the newest version. I can't wait to get rid of the hp, but due to recent time constraints, have not.

Signing off, can't wait to follow your steps.
smittycdm

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Answer 3

b noir

Level 9

72,336 points

Dec 5, 2010 5:23 PM in response to smittycdm

🙂 Fingers crossed in New Zealand, smitty.

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