cannot delete Apple file from common files

Could someone offer a solution to the problem I have. I cannot fully uninstall ITunes in order to reinstall as I am unable to delete the Apple file from the common files on my C drive - it tells me that I do not have permission.

iPod touch (4th generation), Windows Vista

Posted on Aug 28, 2013 5:50 AM

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4 replies

Sep 3, 2013 4:22 PM in response to L0B062

Are you using the Administrator account on your computer?

Do you have any security software on your computer? If so, I would recommend disabling it.



If you are and have tried the steps in trouble installing iTunes KBase posted above, I would recommend that you (trying again after each step):


1. Empty your trash and then open the folder and delete all you can from it


2. Create a new admin user on your computer and then try deleting the file there. If you are able to delete it there, then you can log off of the new user and delete the user account and its files, and then be done.


3. Try a Microsoft based resource on troubleshooting permissions issues, ie: (windows 7) http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/windows-7-access-denied-permission-own ership/


4. Boot your computer into Safe Mode in case a process is (or thinks it is) using it. (You can find directions here --> http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm#03) And then try to delete the file.


5. This thread has some additional ideas and a possible workaround - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/5932-63-logged-admin-account-delete-anything

Workaround 2 - Rename the file, then it won't matter to iTunes or anything else.


6. IF this all fails, I would either call the manufacturer of your computer to assist with the permissions issues, OR attempt to use a third party product to remove the file...I would suggest Unlocker, at http://lockhunter.com. You can of course find alternative programs on Google search.


I hope this helps! Good luck! 😉

Sep 3, 2013 4:49 PM in response to heather1021

And I just remembered this too, there's also this handy Microsoft Uninstall wizard:


Problems Uninstalling iTunes on Windows Computer:

iTunes Install and Uninstall Windows

1. Download this Microsoft installation utility: http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall

2. Run this utility.

3. Will need to accept the License Agreement on the first screen.

4. After the Microsoft Fix It installs, click the option that says "Detect problems and let me select the fixes to apply".

5. When asked whether they have having a problem installing or uninstalling a program, click "Uninstalling".

6. When asked to select the program you are trying to uninstall/install, select "iTunes" and click Next.

7. After a few minutes the Apple software should remove. If you find that this process is taking more than 5 minutes, close this Utility and then close/reopen the Add/Remove control panel (or "Uninstall a program" list) and confirm that the software was removed.

8. Repeat steps 2-7 for any other Apple software package your are unable to remove.

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cannot delete Apple file from common files

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