Apple Mobile Device Service won't start; iTunesHelper not installed correctly

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Apple Mobile Device Service won't start; iTunesHelper not installed correctly

I recently upgraded my PC to Windows 10. I have an Acer Aspire with 4GB of Ram, a 450GB HDD (with 224GB free), and a dual-core 2.2GHz processor. I am the only user on the PC, and I have admin privileges.

After I upgraded to Windows 10, I tried to update my iTunes to 12.2.1. After battling a few errors, I ended up uninstalling all Apple software from my computer (in the proper order: iTunes, Apple Software Update, Apple Mobile Device Service, Bonjour, and both versions of Apple Application Support). I restarted, checked all related folders to make sure everything uninstalled properly (it did), and emptied my recycle bin. I checked for any updates to my PC and just found Windows Defender updates. I downloaded and installed them, and restarted my PC again. No more Apple software.

I then went to the iTunes download page and attempted to reinstall iTunes. Upon running the installer, I get this error: "Service 'Apple Mobile Device Service' (Apple Mobile Device Service) failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start system services." I know I have sufficient privileges. I have also tried to start the service manually, each time receiving an error that reads: "The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion."

When I tell the iTunes installer to "Ignore" the failure to start AMDS, iTunes finishes installing, but when attempting to open iTunes, I receive this error: "iTunes was not installed correctly. Please reinstall iTunes. \\ Error 7 (Windows error 193)" followed by this error: "iTunesHelper was not installed correctly. Please reinstall iTunes. \\ Error 7" and iTunes fails to open.

I experienced the exact same problem (down to the letter) when installing the last update to version 11, and the problem was not rectified until I found an alternate installation file online, which successfully installed iTunes, allowing iTunes to open and function properly. I cannot find a similar install file for version 12.

Please do not give me the instructions for uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes, as I have already tried that numerous times, following the instructions to a T every time, and the problem does not go away.

Other OS, Windows 10

Posted on Aug 3, 2015 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

cdavy8894 Author

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Aug 3, 2015 2:17 PM in response to cdavy8894

Note: when I experienced this problem with version 11, I was running Windows 7.

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Answer 2

turingtest2

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Aug 4, 2015 1:16 PM in response to cdavy8894

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.

The further information area has direct links to the current and recent builds in case you have problems downloading, need to revert to an older version or want to try the iTunes for Windows (64-bit - for older video cards) release as a workaround for installation or performance issues, or compatibility with QuickTime or third party software.

Your library and device backups should be unaffected by these steps but there are also links to backup and recovery advice should it be needed.

If the issue persists and you have a 64-bit system try the for older video cards version which is a 64-bit installer for mostly 32-bit code, similar to all 64-bit versions of iTunes up to 12.1.

tt2

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Answer 3

cdavy8894 Author

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Apr 12, 2016 6:23 AM in response to cdavy8894

It's been many months since I originally posted this question, but since I have finally found a solution (via the Microsoft support community, although the issue is with the iTunes installer). Installing this version: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1784?locale=en_US finally solved my problem. Updates since then have also gone without a hitch.

Get it together, Apple.

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Answer 4

turingtest2

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Apr 12, 2016 7:04 AM in response to cdavy8894

Shame you missed the potential solution offered at the time:

... or want to try the iTunes for Windows (64-bit - for older video cards) release as a workaround for installation or performance issues ...

The link you've posted is to the iTunes 12.1.3 older video cards version which is the last one that supports Windows Vista, but not the most recent version for Windows 7 or later.

tt2

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Answer 5

Jun 9, 2016 6:30 PM in response to turingtest2

Great, now iTunes is able to start up. Just one tiny little problem. When I plug in my iPad, I get "This iPad cannot be used because the required software is not installed. ... install the 64-bit version of iTunes". CATCH 22!!

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Answer 6

turingtest2

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Jun 9, 2016 7:22 PM in response to jfrickmann

If your iOS device isn't showing in iTunes try the following:

Open Control Panel > Device Manager
Plug in your device
Locate Universal Serial Bus Controllers > Apple Mobile Device USB Driver.
It is also possible the device may show under Imaging Devices, Portable Devices or Other Devices or as an MTB USB Device.
Right-click and select Update Driver Software...
Click Browse my computer for driver software
Browse to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers or
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers
Click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer
Click Apple Mobile Device USB Driver
Click Next, then Close and exit Device Manager

For step 3 above, open the device manager. Expand any of these sections that are listed.

Universal Serial Bus Controllers
Imaging Devices
Portable Devices
Other Devices

Connect the device. You should hear the telltale sound of Windows device connection and one section should gain a new entry. That should be your device. It may not be labelled correctly at this stage. If you don't hear a noise suspect a damaged cable.

Or try If iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support which is Apple's version of the advice above.

Failing that try a full tear down and rebuild of iTunes as set out in Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates. 64-bit users could also try the alternate Download iTunes for Windows (64-bit - for older video cards) build which is sometimes a useful workaround.

Or lastly try rolling back to the last build of iTunes that worked for you. See iTunes installers for download links. If you're rolling back from 12.4.0.119 to 12.3.3.17 or 12.3.2.35, for example, then you'll also need to roll back the library database in the manner described in Empty/corrupt iTunes library after upgrade/crash. The tip includes suggestions for reintroducing any recent purchases so at worst you lose a few playcounts and/or a recently created playlist.

tt2

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