iTunes 10+ installed but suddenly wont run

Sammy888 · 27 Dec 2010

I did some registry cleaning recently using CCleaner and Advance System Cleaner. I also did a system restore where I had to uninstall Zone Alarm bcuz System Restore wouldn't restore one of my points.

Now, when i select the iTunes icon, my mouse icon/cursor flickers for a moment but that's it. I created a different profile and I got up to the point where iTunes is trying to create a new profile and it just fails then.

The following attempts were made with no success:

1. Downloaded iTunes and did repair
2. Uninstalled iTunes
3. Reinstalled iTunes
4. Tried a different restore point from several days ago
5. Ran SFC and no changes were made or necessary
6. Reinstalled iTunes

Any suggestions on the next process to troubleshoot? I dont want to delete all my apps since I have over a two hundred from different accounts. I havent gone in to see if my app files are even present since my uninstall

Johnathan Lyman · 27 Dec 2010

Does the iTunes.exe process start up at all (check task manager, processes tab)?

If you have the mDnsresponder.exe process running, too, try killing that and starting itunes.

Report back :P

Sammy888 · 02 Feb 2011

I had to uninstall and reinstall iTunes and then use a registry cleaner. I had backed up my content as per instructions on the iTunes forum. It was a tricky process and unfortunately, I don't remember the commands but involved copying everything from my store folders for iTunes and then directing iTunes to import from that location. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751.

There was this one step which was kinda tricky and somewhat of an easter egg within iTunes:

When you need to restore your backed up iTunes Library from your external hard drive to your computer, follow these steps:

Quit iTunes.
Locate your external hard drive.
Mac: On the Desktop or Finder sidebar.
Windows: In My Computer
Drag the iTunes folder (backed up earlier) from your external hard drive to whatever location you desire on your internal hard drive. It is recommended that you choose the default location for the iTunes folder, which is:
Mac OS X: /Users/username/Music
Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\
Windows Vista or Windows 7: \Users\username\My Music\
Open iTunes while holding down the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows).
In the resulting dialog, click the Choose Library button.

Perhaps a sticky may be a good idea since over there at Apple/iTunes there is very limited PC support. Everyone I know seems to dislike iTunes on a Windows PC.

Johnathan Lyman · 02 Feb 2011

Sammy888 said:

Perhaps a sticky may be a good idea since over there at Apple/iTunes there is very limited PC support. Everyone I know seems to dislike iTunes on a Windows PC.

That's because Apple itself dislikes iTunes on a PC. They only did it to make more money off their iPods and iTunes store.

Gornot · 02 Feb 2011

Srsly, I am very tempted to REP you lol

Sammy, have you simply tried another media player? I mean, not that you mentioned it but, if you're not using Apple's devices like the aforementioned iPods and stuffs, a different media player is a warm recommendation. Nowadays there are tons, and you'd surely find a good substitute.

Sammy888 · 02 Feb 2011

@gornot. I hear you completely. I don't use iTunes for the music aspect of it. I do have to admit, it is pretty good though. I love my old little Creative Player but from day one it likes to just shut down randomly or when it gets to warm.

The ONLY reason I have the iPod is because it's an iPod Touch 4G which is really for apps and the internet. I wanted to get an Iphone but now I have the touch so that won't be happening. I will very likely be getting an Android phone (they haven't made mine yet lolz) some time in the summer. But I have over 200 apps right now on my iTunes.

Johnathan Lyman · 03 Feb 2011

How have they not made "your" android phone yet? what are you expecting?

sygnus21 · 03 Feb 2011

Been using iTunes on Windows since 2004 and haven't had any issues. In fact it's been my only music player since. Currently running the latest version on Windows 7 x64 without issue.

Sammy888 · 04 Feb 2011

Johnathan Lyman said:

How have they not made "your" android phone yet? what are you expecting?

If you look at ALL the android phones out there including the newer HTC Desire HD (not yet in North America) but available in Asia since 10/2010, they're all playing catch-up with the iPhone 4G in terms of processor/network speed. It would seem very logical to me to assume the CPU will be faster in the iPhone 5G when it's launched in the early summer (when they're always launched). If nothing catches my eye this summer, I'll either be forced to buy the 5G (not likely) or wait it out. Sooner or later, some manufacturer(s) will come out with a faster and more capable smartphone and not play "follow the leader".

sygnus21 said:

Been using iTunes on Windows since 2004 and haven't had any issues. In fact it's been my only music player since. Currently running the latest version on Windows 7 x64 without issue.

That's quite unusual. You're ok with the sluggish launch and navigation of iTunes for starters? I use Media Monkey instead of iTunes whenever possible. I hate iTunes. :)

Johnathan Lyman · 04 Feb 2011

Sammy888 said:

Johnathan Lyman said:

How have they not made "your" android phone yet? what are you expecting?

If you look at ALL the android phones out there including the newer HTC Desire Z (not yet in North America) but available in Asia since 10/2010, they're all playing catch-up with the iPhone 4G in terms of processor/network speed. It would seem very logical to me to assume the CPU will be faster in the iPhone 5G when it's launched in the early summer (when they're always launched). If nothing catches my eye this summer, I'll either be forced to buy the 5G (not likely) or wait it out. Sooner or later, some manufacturer(s) will come out with a faster and more capable smartphone and not play "follow the leader".

sygnus21 said:

Been using iTunes on Windows since 2004 and haven't had any issues. In fact it's been my only music player since. Currently running the latest version on Windows 7 x64 without issue.

That's quite unusual. You're ok with the sluggish launch and navigation of iTunes for starters? I use Media Monkey instead of iTunes whenever possible. I hate iTunes. :)

iPhone 4G -- No such thing. There's an iPhone 4, but it's 3G.

And we're looking at 1ghz, 1.2ghz processors in phones now. Like all tech, they will ALWAYS get better. You'll end up waiting forever if you look at one phone then see something better and want to wait for that, etc. etc.

And when it comes to sluggish launch, mine is actually quite fast (as fast as it can be anyways). I'll have to find a link that lists a bunch of crap to turn off.