iPod service on Windows Server

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Level 1

7 points

iPod service on Windows Server

I plan to install iTunes on Windows Server 2019. I can not install the full pack, due to Bonjour, because it can cause some issues regarding the server functions on the machine, so I can unpack with 7zip the iTunes installer and install the rest of the packages. iTunes itself bring the iPod service, even without Bonjour. What does it do, exactly? Does it make legacy iPods to be visible into Windows, like a removable drive? Does it work together, somehow, with Bonjour? If so, how? I am asking to make sure the server functions, both the ones that are enabled now, and others that may be enabled in the near future, shall not be affected. I need iTunes to access iTunes Store, Apple Music and the rest of the online services and installing the desktop iTunes (Windows Store is not available) is the only way, right now.

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Posted on Nov 30, 2018 2:03 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Dec 4, 2018 11:50 AM in response to Lotusisrael

I'm pretty sure that iPod Service detects the connection of iPods and iOS devices, launching iTunes if there are options set to open iTunes when the device is connected and/or sync automatically.

tt2

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Answer 2

Lotusisrael Author

Level 1

7 points

Dec 12, 2018 8:25 AM in response to turingtest2

It shouldn't, but the iTunes package was designed to run on a standard Windows, not on a server edition of Windows. Those are not listed as supported on the iTunes page. There are some people who are forced to use Windows Server, not a standard Windows, not another desktop OS, due to legal and technical restrictions. This machine may get its DNS server role activated, if it would be required by some software. I prevented Bonjour from installing, but now I think iPod service might work along Bonjour into creating a mDNS function. And that can spell trouble for a future DNS server that works, at least partially, without virtual hosting. Virtual hosting on DNS exists because of the need to provide multiple DNS services to multiple machines. Without it, DNS shall be very restricted. Sometimes, although mostly not, DNS can be ran without virtual hosting. So any different, non-virtualised DNS service, like mDNS from Bonjour, could disturb it or even prevent it from working altogether. My fear is that, even if Bonjour is absent, that iPod service might attempt some things on the DNS side, expecting to work together with a Bonjour installation that is absent. Doing so, it has a potential to crash the DNS role in the Windows Server. I was told several times that Bonjour and iPod service are present to do only a particular job and that is it. But, like when you take a medicine for a reason and nothing more, it can have some clear side affects.

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