Q: Apple Mobile Device failed to start

my thoughts are that we will need to wait until the next version of itunes and that there will be a fix. I have seen a lot of threads with this issue, I hope someone understands there is a compatibility issue.

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.

This FREAKING worked, you did it FurryMutts!!!! I followed the process to the letter and my phone is syncing as I type!!!!! I would buy you the biggest and  best tasting beer right now!!!!!

Cheers and Thank YOU!!!!!

I'm so glad it worked for you too.  I practically screamed when it worked for me. I was finally able to go out and get my iPhone 5.  I've book marked the site, saved the instructions in an email, etc, etc in case I need it for future updates. In reading the comments on that site it seems to come back every few updates or so.

Cheers to you too!

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.

It is not a simple answer and I never found an Apple endorsed solution.  But this worked for me: 

http://randomwindowstips.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/windows-7-itunes-9-software-is -not-installed/

worked perfect for me many thanks.

This absolutely and totally worked for me.  iTunes 11 now installed completely and working correctly.  Thanks!

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,

I got the same issue (with Windows 7 64-bit, iTunes 11) when installing iTunes.

I re-download iTunes from Apple. Then I follow the link http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923 to completely remove previous (and unsuccesfully) installation of iTunes (note on the order of removing software and we may have to manually remove all directories if they are not removed by Windows' Uninstall program feature). Then I reboot Windows and reinstall iTunes (the newly downloaded file). Note, I right click it and "Run as administrator". It works with me.

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

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!!

I am having that problem as well

Many thanks, furrmutts. for your research, your links, and your concise instructions.  Your solution worked perfectly for me, and I am grateful.

I had the same problem...

Solution

Allow Windows Updates to finish installing its updates... reboot your machine and it should work.  After that, iTunes worked for me.