iTunes won't start until I open Media Player

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Level 1

5 points

iTunes won't start until I open Media Player

Hi,

Here is a very strange problem. I've just applied a WIndows 10 update and the latest version of iTunes. Before I updated iTunes everything was OK, but now it won't open when I click the icon. All the right services and processes are running, they just appear to hang.

You may not think that is strange, this sort of thing happens from time to time with all sorts of software. What is strange though is that I opened Windows Media Player to see if I could access my Library and play my music and just afterwards, iTunes decided to start and seems to be working ok. I've tried this half a dozen times and it always happens the same way.

I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes but the problem persists.

Does anyone have any ideas?

iPod touch

Posted on Dec 15, 2016 3:29 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 17, 2016 5:49 AM in response to LythamBlue

Additional notes...

I am having this problem as well on my Windows 10 Surface Pro 3. I am able to replicate the problem with clean installs of iTunes 12.1.3.6 and 12.5.4.42. When I uninstall and reinstall iTunes, I completely delete the iTunes folder and run CCleaner to clear the registry of Apple entries. Also, if I close Windows Media Player, iTunes will open and close properly a couple times and then not open. Then I re-open WMP, and re-open iTunes and all of the sudden it opens properly again. BIZARRE!

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

272,743 points

Dec 17, 2016 12:34 PM in response to iHappyNOT

Try the following in turn until iTunes opens normally.

Delete the iTunes shortcuts from the start menu, desktop, task bar, or similar, then repair iTunes from the programs and features control panel.

Locate the new shortcut for iTunes, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator. Doing this once may fix certain launch issues.

Also try holding ctrl+shift as you launch iTunes so it opens in safe-mode. Again doing this once may sometimes help.

Otherwise try Fix unexpected quits or launch issues in iTunes for Windows - Apple Support or Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates.

tt2

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