Run iTunes on a headless server

There's probably not that many people running Windows Home Server and iTunes. Those that are running a "server" likely are running some sort of "desktop" type box or homebuilt whitebox which would have a sound card, thus no error.

Not everyone is on the forums everyday, so you may have to be patient in the hopes that maybe-possibly-perhaps there is someone else running iTunes on a WHS appliance. "Appliance" because I'm assuming you can't add a PCI sound card. Just for the sake of asking: can you add a USB sound card?

Perhaps you can ask your question in the [OSX Server|http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=96] or [XServe|http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=854] forums since an Apple Xserve doesn't have a sound card, so perhaps someone there has tried to run iTunes on an Xserve. (But don't hold your breath.)

I am running iTunes 10 on a Headless "server" (it runs Windows 7). I do have a sound card so don't have the same issue, but I have the problem that you have to be logged into the server with an interactive account (e.g. using a Remote Desktop connection) at all times in order for iTunes to work (e.g. synch with any devices, using the Apple Remote, etc.). In my case, this means that I have to have at least 2 machines running all the time (rather than just the headless server). This all used to work prior to iTunes 9 and kind of defeats the purpose.

I'm having the Exact same issue. Did you figure out the command line parameter? I went as far as to install virtual sound card but that didn't work either. So frustrated.

I finally found help for setting up itunes on startup with no sound card. This worked for my HP Smartmedia server so it may work for you as well.

Copied from another forum (Mediasmartserver)

Step 1: Remove iTunes

Remove any install of iTunes form the server by logging in using RDC (Remember: Administrator, servername /console or /admin), After iTunes uninstall, go to Add/Remove Programs from Control Panel and also uninstall the following:

"Apple Application Support", "Bonjour", " Apple Software Update" and "QuickTime" (don't worry if some are not there to uninstall)

Now restart the server.

Step 2: iTunes Service Errors

Dial back into the server using RDC, Download the latest version of iTunes installer (32bit) from Apple, Run the installer, when the installer gets to "running services" it will hang for a bit then a error message will pop up regarding "ipodservice failed to start", Click IGNORE and the iTunes install will complete.

After install has completed you may get several windows error messages regarding "iPodservice 32bit" and, or "iTunesHelper" simply keep clicking "Don't Send" until the messages stop appearing.

Now disable iTunesHelper and the iPodService. Do this by:

iPodService:
Start > Run > type msconfig > Services Tab > Uncheck iPodService.
iTunesHelper:
Startup Tab > Uncheck iTunesHelper (you should also uncheck "Logon Warning" also to stop the annoying popup warning every time you login using RDC)

Apply Changes, Click Restart LATER.

Step 3: Add iTunes to the DEP list

Now you need to add iTunes components to the DEP exempt list. Do this by:

While in your server desktop using RDC,

Right click "My Computer" > Properties > Advanced Tab > Under Performance section click Settings > Data Execution Prevention tab >Ensure "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" is selected > Click ADD > Add "iTunes.exe", "iTunesHelper.exe", "iPodService.exe", "iTunesPhotoProcessor.exe"

you will find iTunes.exe, iTunesHelper.exe and iTunesPhotoProcessor.exe at C:/Program Files/iTunes/ (default location)

you will find iPodService.exe at C:/Program Files/iPod/bin/ (default location)

Restart the Server.

You may think why not just select "Turn on DEP for essential windows programs and services only" I thought the same but I can ensure you, you will run into issues if you do this!

Step 4: Audio Configuration Error

Login in using RDC, you should hopefully not see any iTunes/iPod related error messages when logging into Windows. If you do check your DEP list to ensure all of the above are on there, OR you could try disabling Windows Error Reporting:

Right click "My Computer" > Properties > Advanced Tab > Error Reporting > Disable Error Reporting.

Launch iTunes, You will notice you get a " iTunes had detected a Audio Configuration Error" Click OK, iTunes will launch. Close iTunes

this happens because the server has no Audio Hardware, You need to install a "virtual audio cable" Download the following free program:

http://www.softpile.com/Multimedia/Audio/Review13135index.html(this is the virtual audio cable)

Now disconnect from the Server by closing RDC connection

Now for this to work you must change a setting in the RDC program: Sound output MUST be selected to: "from the windows based computer only" (RDC for Mac) or "leave at remote computer" (Windows RDC) you need to do this for the Virtual Audio Cable to install correctly on the server. Log back in using RDC and run the Virtual Audio Cable setup file. Now start iTunes, you should not see any Audio configuration error messages.

If you do,

close iTunes, go to: Start > Control Panel > Quick Time > Audio Tab > Select "Direct Sound" > Apply settings and close > Try iTunes again.

If you still have a issue make sure you changed the sound option in RDC correctly or try a restart of the server.

This should now mean iTunes can start without any user input.

You should also add your iOS remote device now if you are going to be using one.

Step 5: iTunes auto launch on startup

Now that iTunes is free of errors, we need to make it auto start up when your server starts without needing to login into your server via RDC every time to start iTunes.

Simply add iTunes to the Start up folder, by either dragging the desktop shortcut to the start menu > all programs > and drop it into the startup folder OR place the iTunes shortcut into C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\

Now to make the Administrator console login automatically on Windows start up, To do this you need to edit the registry of windows, Don't be afraid its simple and easy!

Start > Run > type regedit.exe > HKEY LOCALMACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT >CurrentVersion > Winlogon

Double-click the DefaultUserName entry, type Administrator, and then click OK.
Double-click the DefaultPassword entry, type your password, and then click OK.

NOTE: If the DefaultPassword value does not exist, it must be added. To add the value, follow these steps:
On the Edit menu, click New, and then point to String Value.
Type DefaultPassword, and then press ENTER.
Double-click DefaultPassword.
In the Edit String dialog, type your password and then click OK.

Now Double-click AutoAdminLogon entry
In the Edit String dialog box, type 1 and then click OK. (delete the zero (0) if there is one)
Quit Registry Editor.

As a nice touch (you don't have to do this)but if your like me, when logging in using RDC you see iTunes open, really you want it to startup minimized to the tray right? Yes! Do so by downloading and installing iTunes Control onto your server, its a free program.

You can get iTunes Control form here:

http://itunescontrol.com/download.php

Once installed, open iTunesControl > Startup & Shutdown > Select Minimize iTunes on Startup > Apply setting and close.
Also in iTunes go to: Edit > Preferences >Advanced > Select "Show iTunes icon in system tray" and also select "Minimize iTunes window to system tray"

Your Done! if you restart the server it should automatically launch iTunes without ANY user input, easy way to check is by using a iOS device remote app to see if it connects after a server restart. or by using your apple tv to confirm iTunes is running. If you are streaming to a AirPort Express make sure it is selected as the speaker output from iTunes or via Remote App.