Apple Mobile Device failed to start

When I install itunes, I get the following error message: service 'Apple Mobile Device' (Apple Mobile Device) failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient privleges to start system services. Any ideas what to try?

itunes-OTHER, Windows Vista

Posted on Oct 16, 2012 7:31 PM

Reply
149 replies

Nov 5, 2012 11:48 AM in response to stuckintherough

I don't think the next version will help. It looks like people have had problems with past versions too.

I finally re-tried the process in this link: http://randomwindowstips.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/windows-7-itunes-9-software-is -not-installed/ and it worked. I had to do a few extra things though. I read every comment and noticed after I used this process I had the same problem as some others. My device was showing with an exclamation point in the device manager and said that the driver was unsigned or something. I then did a repair on all the itunes .msi files and tried to install the mobile device support. This time it worked. After trying everything else for over a month I couldn't believe I finally got it to work!


Not sure if everyone will have to do the extra steps that I did, but hopefully this helps someone.

Nov 8, 2012 8:53 AM in response to furrymutts

While it certainly improved the situation, and the phone now is recognized and partially sync's, it is not perfect. I am unable to sync my music. I chose/check appropriately, click the sync or apply button, it starts the process, but does not complete it. I get no error msg....strange. It is good enough for now, as I can transfer my songs wirelessly at home, but perhaps the next version of itunes will improve my situation.

Mar 24, 2013 3:08 AM in response to 8D-Dave

That did the trick for me, good work mate,


I had installed iTunes 64 before, and it was having problems, showing that Apple Mobile Device error, now at this point, everyone else should go to Services/Apple Mobile Device and make sure, its not disabled, then make sure it starts, Automaticly, then click start, and run iTunes again, it should not, show an error now,


I made the mistake of taking iTunes off the computer, then trying to put it back on again, which gives you the same error, but as ins installing iTunes, if you are also having that problem, then follow what i said above, and everything should install,

Jun 24, 2013 7:40 AM in response to djeanne

I had the same problem and was going crazy over it and was going through all my files looking for the problem. I discovered that I had the 32-bit version still installed on my computer from my previous PC and it was therefore incompatible.


You have to uninstall iTunes and all other programs that come with it (e.g. Bonjour) and delete ALL iTunes related files from your Progam Files folder. The locations of the files are:

C:\...\Program Files\iTunes

C:\...\Program Files\Common Files\Apple


Once these are deleted you can cleanly install iTunes without problems

Jun 29, 2013 6:32 PM in response to djeanne

The Fix!!!-- I just did a full system restore to clean my HD of that stupid FBI virus so 1. I had my iPod plugged in bc that's where my backup files were and 2. the privileges are a little jacked-- if this doesn't apply please disregard but just a little background info;

First make sure all your apple devices ARE NOT plugged into your laptop in any way shape or form.(I was charging my iPhone 5 and iPod 5th was connected as well)

Once this has been accomplished completely uninstall iTunes and all apple software from your computer, did this through control panel and it seemed to do the trick. Completely Shutdown (not restart) your comp for 5 mins then reboot.

Once youve verified the apple files are gone from your computer list go to the site and save the itunes install file and once its on your computer.

Once you have the file; right click it and click " Run as administrator" and voila.

I tried multiple erasures and reinstalls or repairs but I kept getting that same dumb services message, once I did the afore mentioned steps ITunes installed no problem!!

Aug 25, 2013 4:05 PM in response to djeanne

I Had The Same Problem, It`s Very Easy To Solve That Problem.

Follow That Steps:

Open Control Panel > Programs And Features.


There Will Lots Of Softwares But You Want To Uninstale Same:

Apple Application support

Apple Mobile Device Support

Apple Software Update

Itunes (If You Have Crashed Install)


Next Only Install Itunes And it Will Not Write Any Errors.


I Tryed And It`s True 100%.

Jan 22, 2014 8:50 PM in response to djeanne

This worked for me:


Uninstalled ALL Apple software.

Rebooted PC (Windows 64-bit Ultimate)

Renamed my iTunes folder (yes, it still exists in ProgramFiles (x86) after uninstalling ALL Apple software) to "iTunes_OLD".

Created a new folder entitled "iTunes"

Pointed latest install (11.1.4 for Windows [64-bit]) to the new "iTunes" folder

Right clicked on latest iTunes.exe and selected "Run as administrator"

Install went perfectly and even though my iTunes library in on a completely separate drive, the latest install found it without my intervention.


I hope this helps all of you. :~)

Jan 25, 2014 4:41 AM in response to semiaddict

Hi, I am sure that you are right. I did not spot the entry under Apple in Programs and Features until later. I have noted though that some posts say that removing all the Apple applications this way did not work. Maybe uninstalling it from Programs and Features first and then removing the Apple folder if it is still there would be a belt and braces approach. Rgds

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