Installation of iTunes freezes at "Registering iTunes automation server"

Same issue. I've tried updating to 10.1.1 through iTunes, and got 100% cpu (services.exe file); now it's got so far through the reinstal that I've lost all access to iTunes, and it's frozen at unregistering automation server.
Got son iPod nano for Christmas, but computer won't see the device - hoped that new version would solve that issue, but now I'm worse off than I was yesterday.
The pedometer won't keep him interested all day tomorrow... AARGH!

FINALLY got it working. I uninstalled iTunes completely http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/
takes you through removing iTunes, iPod, Quicktime, Bonjour, apple x3
restart
delete all the folders (follow the instructions!)
then reinstal new version of iTunes.
Good luck!

If you're sure you've really uninstalled iTunes & all the other bits completely... (I only did it thoroughly the 3rd time, make sure you restart etc)
what processes are running? mine was services.exe (ctrl alt del, then look at the processes tab)
you could check for virus versions of services.exe - think it should be on C\...system32\ -if it's anywhere else, you have a problem.
That's all I got from an internet search, and I'm now outside my knowledge. There were suggestions about removing parts of iTunes (e.g. Bonjour, Quick Time) to prevent the computer locking up with data transfer to unnecessary processes, but again, you'd need to look further for details on exactly how to do this...
Look at exactly what your PC is doing when it 'locks up' and then search on that detail. Good luck - sorry the above didn't work!

Glad you're all working now.