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Level 1

12 points

Error Message - "This iPhone cannot be used because the required software is not installed."

Hi Apple Communities

I was trying to sync my iphone with my iTunes today. But the following error message came out of the blue which never happened before:

"This iPhone cannot be used because the required software is not installed. Run iTunes Installer to remove iTunes, then install 64-bit version of iTunes."

Hence, I uninstalled iTunes in my Windows Control Panel and then reinstall again the software which I downloaded from iTunes website. iTunes was installed successfully but I still have the same error message when I tried to connect my iPhone to my laptop to sync with iTunes.

I am using Windows 7 for my iTunes.

If anyone can help advise what to do will be much appreciated.

Many thanks!

iPhone 4, iOS 5.1

Posted on Apr 2, 2012 4:10 AM

Best reply

b noir

Level 9

72,324 points

Posted on Apr 2, 2012 2:05 PM

"This iPhone cannot be used because the required software is not installed. Run iTunes Installer to remove iTunes, then install 64-bit version of iTunes."

Let's try a standalone Apple Mobile Device Support install. It still might not install, but fingers crossed any error messages will give us a better idea of the underlying cause of why it's not installing under normal conditions.

Download and save a copy of the iTunesSetup.exe (or iTunes64setup.exe) installer file to your hard drive:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Download and install the free trial version of WinRAR:

http://www.rarlab.com/

Right-click the iTunesSetup.exe (or iTunes64setup.exe), and select "Extract to iTunesSetup" (or "Extract to iTunes64Setup"). WinRAR will expand the contents of the file into a folder called "iTunesSetup" (or "iTunes64Setup").

Go into the folder and doubleclick the AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi (or AppleMobileDeviceSupport64.msi) to do a standalone AMDS install.

(If it offers you the choice to remove or repair, choose "Remove", and if the uninstall goes through successfully, see if you can reinstall by doubleclicking the AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi again.)

Does it install (or uninstall and then reinstall) properly for you?

If instead you get an error message during the install (or uninstall), let us know what it says. (Precise text, please.)

View in context

21 replies

greennud

Level 1

0 points

Aug 11, 2015 7:35 AM in response to Beau3009

Please try these steps

1. Extract file "iTunesSetup.exe"

2. Go to Folder iTunesSetup you will see 6 files

- AppleApplicationSupport.msi

- AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi

- AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi

- Bonjour.msi

- iTunes.msi

- SetupAdmin.exe

3. install AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi

4. Restart computer

5. Test to sync again

I hope this can help you, Good Luck !!!

Aug 31, 2015 7:44 PM in response to b noir

Following b noir's instructions and performing an uninstall using "AppleMobileDeviceSupport6464.msi" and then running iTunes, closing iTunes and installing "AppleMobileDeviceSupport6464.msi" again worked for me. (Just choosing "Repair" did not work for me). 🙂

(Win 7 Ultimate x64)

Oct 21, 2015 6:13 PM in response to b noir

Even in 2015 with the same exact issue on a far newer version of iTunes, this method worked. Thank you so much!

de02239

Level 1

0 points

Nov 24, 2015 11:05 AM in response to jasncondit

perfect. stopped service, deleted folder, uninstalled then reinstalled itunes, perfecto. thank you

Nov 27, 2016 5:44 PM in response to Beau3009

i am sick tied of apple.Every time i have problem with connecting with itunes. my pc is upgraded to win 10 since then nothing worked. i have hundred time uninstall and reinstall itune including manually uninstall every file from apple.still din't worked. Tried every solution from internet, all in vein. I rest my pc still nothing.Itunes installs properly but applemobiledevicesupport driver doesn't insatll. Hope administrator and viewers help solve this problem.

turingtest2

Level 10

272,831 points

Nov 28, 2016 7:12 AM in response to ashoklama100

For general advice see Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates.

The steps in the second box are a guide to removing everything related to iTunes and then rebuilding it which is often a good starting point unless the symptoms indicate a more specific approach.

Review the other boxes and the list of support documents further down the page in case one of them applies.

The further information area has direct links to the current and recent builds in case you have problems downloading or need to revert to an older version as a workaround for installation or performance issues, or compatibility with third party software.

Your library and device backups should be unaffected by these steps but there are links to backup and recovery advice should it be needed.

tt2

Error Message - "This iPhone cannot be used because the required software is not installed."