ExDC
Level 1 (4 points)
iTunes

Q: can't update or uninstall iTunes from PC

I cannot update or uninstall iTunes from my PC (Windows 10).  I have ver. 12.4.3.1.  If I check for updates, I am invited to download 12.5.1, but when it finishes downloading the program says there was an error downloading and I should use Tools/Download only.  I do that, but clicking on the downloaded update file gets a similar generic download message (no error code), as does downloading a new iTunes installer.

If I try to uninstall from Settings, I get the message that "errors occurred during installation before iTunes could be configured" and I should run the installer again. If i try to uninstall from the Control Panel I get "Fatal error during installation" and the program remains (and can be run).

Help.

Posted on Sep 19, 2016 8:56 PM

by ChrisJ4203,Solvedanswer
ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203
Level 9 (58,810 points)
iPhone
A:

See this ASC User provided tip sheet. Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates

 

It is the most comprehensive collection of iTunes and Windows troubleshooting. Before you do anything, read through the entire document and then work on your problem. You should not have any issues with it at that point. Seems your version of iTunes got corrupted in the process of uninstalling it. Turingtest2's instructions should help.

Posted on Sep 19, 2016 10:39 PM

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Q: can't update or uninstall iTunes from PC

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  • Helpful answers

  • by jhampton977,

    jhampton977 jhampton977 Sep 19, 2016 9:26 PM in response to ExDC
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 19, 2016 9:26 PM in response to ExDC

    I have the same issue. Also, Apple Software Update utility does not find the iTunes 12.5.1 update. Running Windows 10 build 1511.

  • by capcomnz,Helpful

    capcomnz capcomnz Sep 19, 2016 10:39 PM in response to ExDC
    Level 1 (69 points)
    iPad
    Sep 19, 2016 10:39 PM in response to ExDC

    Theres was another conversation/thread from 2012 where someone had a problem (like this) but got error codes and had to manually uninstall iTunes:

    The replyer (b noir) gave a suggestion that might help you:

    how do i manually uninstall intunes

     

    I'm not sure if the program Windows Uninstaller Cleanup is available for Windows 10, but it might help.

     

    Have you tried using the Repair option. When I go into (I am on Win 7, so i'm guessing Win 10 slightly different) Control Panel -> Programs/Features and go to delete iTunes it gives me an option to either Change,Delete or Repair.

  • by ChrisJ4203,Solvedanswer

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Sep 19, 2016 10:39 PM in response to ExDC
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 19, 2016 10:39 PM in response to ExDC

    See this ASC User provided tip sheet. Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates

     

    It is the most comprehensive collection of iTunes and Windows troubleshooting. Before you do anything, read through the entire document and then work on your problem. You should not have any issues with it at that point. Seems your version of iTunes got corrupted in the process of uninstalling it. Turingtest2's instructions should help.

  • by ExDC,

    ExDC ExDC Sep 20, 2016 12:39 PM in response to ExDC
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 20, 2016 12:39 PM in response to ExDC

    Okay, a follow-up: both capcomnz's and ChrisJ4203's replies, and the links they pointed to, were very helpful, particularly Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates .  I had already tried to uninstall using the Control Panel AND Settings (Windows 10) without success. For anyone else with the same problem,  4 things seemed to do the trick:  A cold boot (power off, sit for 60 seconds, power on), uninstalling all the enumerating programs and folders in the order listed (including the iCloud program, which was not listed in the article linked in b noir's reply mentioned by capcomnz), rebooting, and doing it all again. Removing iCloud seemed to be the key, and uninstalling remnants after that seems to have finally gotten rid of whatever junk was causing the problem.  Did a clean download of iTunes and it installed fine.

    Thanks guys.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Sep 20, 2016 12:48 PM in response to ExDC
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 20, 2016 12:48 PM in response to ExDC

    Glad you got it taken care of. The thing about some of the hints others provide, some little step can sometimes be forgotten, or things that one person believes is obvious is not always obvious to others. Complete removal is generally the best to start out clean, but I'm not sure exactly how Windows 10 will react, since I'm not using it exclusively yet. I'm still using Window 7 for most work.

     

    Either way, I would save the URL for that tip sheet I provided. Turingtest2 has compiled the best troubleshooting measures for iTunes and Windows, and updates that document regularly. Take care.