Recent Windows 7 update stalls iTunes

I have this problem as well, but without any error messages. As of today if I try to run iTunes on any of the 3 Windows 7 computers in my home network (one 64bit, 2 X 32bit) I get nothing. It won't launch in safe mode either. Trust me, I have tried ALL of the steps I can find in previous posts (inlcuding uninstalling ALL Apple software on my PC, deleting EVERY file and folder which has the word "apple" or "itunes" in it - including hidden files & folders - cleared all references to iTunes out of the Windows registry, rebooted then re-installed the latest, crispest downloaded version of iTunes.

However, iTunes will run if I disconnect the computer from the network, but then, of course, iTunes tells me it can't find my iTunes library and prompts me to create a new one. My iTunes library is on a networked drive and that now seems to be the issue. How can I get around this? I can still get at the iTunes netwroked library running iTunes on my MacBook Pro.

I've just tried creating a new user and, as expected, I get the same issue - iTunes will run as long as I don't try to connect it to an iTunes library on a networked drive.

It seems that this is a Windows 7 update issue and that whatever the latest W7 update did, it's stopping network access from iTunes. We're all assuming that it's an iTunes issue as there is no error message from iTunes. Click the icon and nothing happens (ie, when it's trying to find the "correct" library). Click the icon holding down the shift key and iTunes launches asking "Choose library". As long as I don't point it at my networked library I'm OK, but that's no use at all!

I've just copied my iTunes library file from the networked drive to my desktop. It works just fine from there and can find all the media files which are still on the networked drive, but now I'm stuck with only being able to use iTunes from one pc without screwing up the media folder

Go to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs (Win XP) or Programs and Features (later)

Remove all of these items in the following order:

• iTunes
• Apple Software Update
• Apple Mobile Device Support (if this won't uninstall move on to the next item)
• Bonjour
• Apple Application Support

Reboot, download iTunes, then reinstall, either using an account with administrative rights, or right-clicking the downloaded installer and selecting Run as Administrator.

The uninstall and reinstall process will preserve your iTunes library and settings, but ideally you would back up the library and your other important personal documents and data on a regular basis. See this user tip for a suggested technique.

Please note:

Some users may need to follow all the steps in whichever of the following support documents applies to their system. These include some additional manual file and folder deletions not mentioned above.

HT1925: Removing and Reinstalling iTunes for Windows XP

HT1923: Removing and reinstalling iTunes for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8

tt2

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

I am also receiving Error 7 (Windows 193). Attempts to reinstall iTunes go OK, and then eventually fail, with another Error 7. I understand your solution may work for me, but I don't understand why it should be necessary to go to such lengths.

If it is the latest iTunes version, why has Apple not addressed this with a bug fix or workaround?

If it is the latest Windows 7 update, why hasn't Microsoft addressed this with a bug fix, or workaround?

Has this been addressed in any area besides Community Forums?

I have no idea why the installer fails in some cases or not others. I don't work for Apple so I don't know what they see in testing or how much feedback they get regarding failed installations. All I can offer is a set of steps that should get iTunes working for you again. The advice has evolved in the year since this thread started, and the last paragraph below includes a new wrinkle/workaround with iTunes 12.1.

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.

Your library should be unaffected by these steps but there is backup and recovery advice elsewhere in the user tip.

If you are running 64-bit Windows and the above steps haven't helped try installing the version of iTunes that can be downloaded from this support document. iTunes 12.1 for Windows (64-bit — for older video cards)

tt2

The Turingtest2 fix above, iTunes 12.1 for Windows (64-bit — for older video cards) worked for me, without having to go through all the steps to do a complete uninstall. This is covered more completely in the discussion based on the following question:

Unable To Install iTunes on Windows 7