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User profile for user: mgroovin
mgroovin Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

AppleMobileDeviceService.exe floors CPU and won't sync iPhone 4 with iTunes 10.4 and XP

I just updated iTunes to 10.4.1.10. After the upgrade, the AppleMobileDeviceService.exe runs one of the two cores at 100%, resulting in 50% CPU utilization.


When I connect my iPhone 4 (4.3.5) the sync starts but hangs on the first backup step. At that point, both the AppleMobileDeviceService.exe and iTunes are flooring the CPU's... now at 100%.


I've reintalled iTunes without luck. I've also re-booted the phone, which has solved sync issues in the past, with no luck.


I can see others having issues like this, but I haven't seen a resolution yet.



Thanks!

iPhone 4, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Aug 24, 2011 12:36 PM

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65 replies
User profile for user: mgroovin
mgroovin Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Aug 26, 2011 8:59 AM in response to mgroovin

I haven't found a fix as of yet, but for those of you wanting to save your battery or keep you laptop more cool, you should stop and disable the "Apple Mobile Device" Service. Once this service is off, you should restart iTunes and your CPU should be normal.


However, you iPhone / iPod will never sync as long as this service is off. So, this is only to deal with the CPU/Battery issue until there is a real fix. So, you'll have to enable the service once Apple or somebody else provides a real solution.


To disable the service:

Start Menu --> Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Services

-Then, double click on "Apple Mobile Device" and click "Stop."

-Then change the drop down to "Manual" or "Disabled" and click OK.


To reverse, just set the dropdown to "Automatic" and click "Start."

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User profile for user: bigdig2001
bigdig2001
User level: Level 1
10 points

Aug 29, 2011 3:48 AM in response to mgroovin

Hi folks,


had exactly the same problem. Could fix it by following "exactly" the uninstall at Apple Support. http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1925


Even the remove of uninstalled files and restart was important.


Then I downloaded the latest iTunes from Apple http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ and completed the new installation.


Hope that helps you all to fix it.

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User profile for user: mgroovin
mgroovin Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Aug 29, 2011 8:36 PM in response to mgroovin

I called Apple Support today and they instructed me to follow the same article. Follow it closely (use the detailed steps). It did work for me.


I did have a lot of trouble unistalling the bonjour service. It did unistall without error, but the service and the directory and app and DLL where still left. I could not delete the DLL, even after the restart. I manually removed the service and rebooted again, still no luck. I even ran a windows systool to look for open file handles to the DLL and found none... So, I can't explain why I couldn't delete it.


Other than that, the instructions went smooth. I simply ignored the bonjour issue, reinstalled, and my problems were solved.


Before unistalling, I would export my library (just in case). Do this from File --> Library --> Export. This may help you preserve you playlists if something goes south.


Also, I would backup all of my library in the MyDocument --> MyMusic --> iTunes Folder.


I didn't need either of the above, iTunes was able to read all of the original files and preferences when reinstalled. But it's better safe than sorry.

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User profile for user: peter.edmonton
peter.edmonton
User level: Level 1
0 points

Sep 3, 2011 7:11 AM in response to mgroovin

Exactly same problem since late July. AppleMobileDeviceService.exe runs at 50% on a dual core even before starting iTunes or connecting iPod. iPod sync hangs iTunes at start of first sync step to backup iPod.


Followed full uninstall instructions exactly. Note: manual removal of folders should be followed as most of them had not been removed in the Add/remove Programs remove step.


Appears to have completely resolved problems. Please note much frustration and loss of credibility for Apple.

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User profile for user: Mike S HT
Mike S HT
User level: Level 1
14 points

Sep 20, 2011 5:41 AM in response to mgroovin

Thanks to bigdig2001 -- the order of the uninstalls does appear to be crucial! I used a different order the first time I tried to fix the CPU hogging.


gchin, thanks for your solution. I didn't try it b/c the idea of running the latest and greatest iTunes software w/ an old version of the aplication library scared me. Could be security vulnerabilities, new problems due to an unsupoorted combination of software versions, etc. Glad it worked for you!

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User profile for user: marianafrompalmwoods
marianafrompalmwoods
User level: Level 1
0 points

Sep 26, 2011 9:29 PM in response to mgroovin

Ok, so I've done all the things that was suggested (some of it for a third time) and I still have the same problem.


I also found that since this problem started, some of my other hardware's (scanners) programs don't work - it wont even open it. I downloaded the latest drivers but it won't fix my problem.


I'm so over this Apple software problem - it steals my time!!!

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AppleMobileDeviceService.exe floors CPU and won't sync iPhone 4 with iTunes 10.4 and XP

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