iTunes won't install, insufficient privileges, can't access program files itunes folder.

Question

Level 1

4 points

iTunes won't install, insufficient privileges, can't access program files itunes folder.

Hey guys, I'm just about at my wits end with this. I'm pretty much ready to sell all my apple gear and go android I'm that annoyed with it.

I've had dramas with iTunes in the past not updating back when I had Windows 7 and now with Windows 10. I plugged my iPad into my computer the other day to transfer some movies to it and it wouldn't recognise it. It would charge the device but nothing would show up. I tried to update my iTunes but it wouldn't have a bar of it, said I had to do it manually. I uninstalled it and downloaded the latest copy from Apple. Upon trying to install it I got the error message below.

The installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory: C:\Program Files\iTunes. The installation cannot continue. Log on as administrator or contact your system administrator.

I've tried just about everything I could find on the internet and wouldn't have resorted to writing this if I hadn't tried everything.

As it is I'm already the Administrator and have tried running the install as administrator as well.

I've tried installing iTunes to C:\Program Files (x86) as well but it still throws the same error message as above. I've tried it with my anti virus off as well.

Windows did a compatibility check on the 'iTunes6464Setup' installer and it came back as incompatible. I then downloaded the 'itunes64setup' which is meant for older video cards thinking that that might have been an issue but again, I keep getting the same error message. I've also done a Disk Check and that came back fine.

I've tried giving full control to myself of the file C:\Program Files\iTunes. but it just keeps saying Location is not availableC:\Program Files\iTune is not accessible. Access is denied. If I go into properties of the folder and go into security then click on advanced it says that its 'Unable to display current ownership' There's an option to change this but it doesn't work.

Posted on May 24, 2016 2:13 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Ulupoi

Level 1

4 points

Oct 31, 2017 4:18 PM in response to Grylls89

I had this same problem. Fortunately, restarting the computer was enough to solve it. It seems that restarting the computer is required to complete the deletion of the Programs > iTunes folder.

Reply

Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,567 points

May 31, 2016 5:30 PM in response to Grylls89

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 third party software.

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

tt2

Reply