"Check for Updates" vs Download iTunes from web

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Level 1

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"Check for Updates" vs Download iTunes from web

Hello collective wisdom!

I think my question should be easy to answer. I'm helping my mom fix an issue with her computer in CA, but I'm in SD so there's only so much I can do.

She's trying to install some books on her iPad and iPhone via iTunes on her PC. She has iTunes 8, but needs a more recent version. When she runs "Check for Updates" in iTunes, she gets the error that the iTunes server could not be contacted. I have already trouble shooted this error, but we cannot fix it because she does not know her admin password. My dad purchased the computer for her at Best Buy, which is two hours from where they live, and she doesn't want to pay $30 to have them fix it anyway. (I think the computer is running Win7, but it may be Vista.)

I could figure this out if I were there, but I probably won't be back in CA for at least a couple years. My question is simple... Will installing iTunes from http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ over her existing install fix the problem? If yes, will her music library be intact on the new install?

Thanks a bunch!

Paul

Posted on Feb 23, 2014 5:37 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,297 points

Feb 23, 2014 6:03 PM in response to Dissonance

It should be fine. But point them in the direction of Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates if they have any problems.

tt2

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Answer 2

Dissonance Author

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Feb 24, 2014 5:44 PM in response to turingtest2

I'll give it a try. Thanks!

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,297 points

Feb 24, 2014 5:57 PM in response to Dissonance

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

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Answer 4

Dissonance Author

Level 1

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Feb 25, 2014 10:37 AM in response to turingtest2

The install is giving the following error: "An error occurred while attempting to create the directory: C:\User\Public\desktop". I didn't see this on the troubleshooting issues on link, and a Google doesn't give anything specific to iTunes.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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Answer 5

turingtest2

Level 10

278,297 points

Feb 25, 2014 11:08 AM in response to Dissonance

Hmm, the folder C:\Users\Public\Desktop should already exist, though if you look for it then you will probably see C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop in the same way that Documents in one profile can be shown as Steve's Documents in another.

Locate the Public Desktop folder, right-click and select Properties, select the Security tab, tap the Edit button and grant Everyone and SYSTEM full control. Use the Add button if needed to add the Everyone or SYSTEM entries, click OK when done.

Try installing again.

tt2

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Answer 6

Dissonance Author

Level 1

5 points

Mar 4, 2014 11:59 AM in response to turingtest2

We got iTunes installed. Thanks!

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Answer 7

turingtest2

Level 10

278,297 points

Mar 4, 2014 12:25 PM in response to Dissonance

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

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Answer 8

b noir

Level 9

72,336 points

Mar 4, 2014 12:57 PM in response to turingtest2

That's an interesting one. I knew that iTunes installs could be compromised by problems with the registry entries for the \Public\Desktop, as per:

"Could not access network location %PUBLIC%\Desktop\" install errors

... so it makes sense that a permissions problem with the directory could cause an install error. But I don't recall seeing a case of it before. (Might be a memory failing of mine, though.)

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