Many of my co-workers and friends have been having trouble setting up iTunes on Windows Vista 64-bit. So I thought I would put together a quick reference sheet that will make it easier, since Apple hasn’t quite got their act together yet.
Background on Windows 64-bit
In the 64-bit versions of Windows there are two locations for programs to be stored by default.
- Program Files – All the 64-bit applications that can run with out any assistance from the 32-bit emulator.
- Program Files (x86) – All the 32-bit applications that need the 32-bit emulator to help then run under the 64-bit versions Windows.
Problem
When installing the latest version of iTunes (7.0.2) on Windows Vista 64-bit the install of the QuickTime software completes successfully, however when the iTunes software tries to install the application it produces an error message saying that it cannot find the QuickTime installation.
This is happening because QuickTime software is getting installed in the Program Files (x86) since it is not a 64-bit application. And the iTunes application specifically looks for it in the Program Files directory. I don’t know why the Apple iTunes programmers thought hard coding a path was a good idea, because they definitely could have looked up the install directory in the Windows Registry. As every programmer knows and has been slapped on the wrist by a more experienced programmer you should never hard code possible variations to your program. Especially if it is a hard drive path, because a non-standard install of QuickTime would lead to the same problem.
Solution
Basically the solution is very easy and involves a new feature in Windows Vista called a symbolic link.
- Open up the Command Prompt as an Administrator (Go to All Programs > Accessories and Right Click on Command Prompt and then choose Run as administrator)
- Create a QuickTime folder in both Program Files (x86)
mkdir "c:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime" - Now we create a symbolic link to the Program Files directory
mklink /d "c:\Program Files\QuickTime" "c:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime" - Now install iTunes as you normally would by double clicking on the install program.
If all the steps were followed from above you will have no problem getting iTunes to install correctly on Windows Vista 64-bit.
Update: If you are still having trouble you are probably experiencing the VB Script issue, where Apple wants you to run in an unsecured mode to install iTunes. I have outlined the steps to install iTunes in the following article.
Update (2007-7-12): I have been getting many thanks for this article as well as my other iTunes articles relating to Vista. If you would really like to do something for me, please visit one of the sponsors to the right or the left. They are how I support this site and keep it running.
Update (2008-1-21): One of the commenter’s below, found out that if you download iTunes from your Internet Explorer 64-bit version you get a version of iTunes that is 64-bit compatible. Now if Apple would only notify its users of this. Or fix their downloading software, or even the iTunes installer, to better detect Windows Vista 64-bit everybody would be in perfect shape. This is still a problem that could be easily avoided by Apple.
64-bit, Apple, iTunes, Microsoft, Windows Vista
Will this work in Windows XP Pro x64 Edition?
No it requires linking which is only available for NTFS on Windows Vista and 2008
Help! I am trying to install i tunes on windows Vista Home Premium and it goes through the installation process then flashes up an error sayng ” that the sytem administrator has set policies to stop prevent this action” . I am the administrator and it is a home laptop, brand new. Any ideas? i have already tried setting up a new account and that did not work either. thanks
i download it, but it doesnt appear anywere on my system help!!!
Thanks for the help on getting this going. I clicked a bunch of links in return.
Has anyone encountered problems with Vista AFTER going through the whole I Tunes debacle? After finally getting I Tunes worked out, Vista has crashed and it’s telling me that I have downloaded incompatible software. Not sure what to do!
I have windows Vista and I can download Itunes just fine but when I go to play a song it won’t play, and yes I have my sound on and yes I have it turned up. Dell, Microsoft, and Apple were no help to me, anyone have any suggestions?
Itunes now has a 64-bit version installable.
Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 w/ x64 iTunes:
3gb Ram = No Worries
4gb Ram = Crash/BSOD every day!!!! WTF Apple!?!
(no its not the RAM… i have had it replaced 3 times, and the crash only shows up when there is more than 3gb of ram in the system!!)
15.4″ Lenovo T61p
256mb(dedicated) Quadro nVidia 570m
2.0ghz Dual Core (core2 Duo)
2gb Ram + 2gb Ram
this machine is new’ish (purchased Chistmas 2007) with no trauma of any kind.
HELP! My command box, even signed in as an Administrator, says “you do not have sufficient privilege to perform this operation”
Hey Nick!
Amazing work on this. I have a question relating to QuickTime running on my Vista 64 bit machine. I haven’t been able to update my version of Quicktime since version 7.1.6 – every time I install a new version and try to launch it – I get an error saying that it’s only compatible with Windows version 2000 and later. I unchecked the run with Compatible in the Quicktime.exe – but that didn’t work.
The only thing that has worked is running the symbolic link you mentioned in your article.
My problem is basically that I can now launch QuickTime through the symbolic link, but most of my programs are trying to launch it through the normal (x86) location – therefore I get an error. Example: I use Maya constantly – and if I try to do a playblast, I get the error. If I have Quicktime open already (from the symbolic link) – it will work, but that’s the only way it seems to do so.
Is there a way to make my default programs look for the Quicktime through the symbolic link Program Files directory? I would LOVE any suggestion you have.
Thank you so much!
- Teri
Well i had the same issue as all those others.
.
So i googled and came here
Followed the procedure and downloaded Itunes again ( thought i had it ) and to my surprise it started dl-ing the 64 bit version.
I use Firefox 3.0.1
Just though i let you all know.
I have an issue in that if I try to run the windows installation I get a message that the windows installer cannot be accessed but I only get this message with Itunes. It wont let me upgrade through Itunes and it wont un-install ? Im running Itunes on a Vista 64 Home Premium edition.
Very very frustrating
Maybe the main tip will help but im climbing the walls already.
I have put the codes into the Command Prompt, and then closed the window. Do I need to leave it open, or is it ok to close it during the installation?
Second question, how long does it take!?!?! I have dial-up, but all other updates and praograms that I have downloaded were faster than this. I can only get it to download so much before my internet connection times out. Help!
Hi
This were great advise. Especially the update regarding downloading iTunes via the 64bit browser.
Thank you
i have the same issue as James above.. i get a windows installer error message when trying to download or uninstall itunes, although quicktime installs fine along with any other software. help?? you can email me at skadas4@gmail.com please…
I had been having trouble with the same as everyone above. I had loaded itunes from a stick and could not get it to work right. I then loaded it from the internet THRU a 64 bit system and it worked great. I am syncing now. Thanks for the help with this.
I have an issue in that if I try to run the windows installation I get a message that the windows installer cannot be accessed but I only get this message with Itunes. It wont let me upgrade through Itunes and it wont un-install ? Im running Itunes on a Vista 64 Home Premium edition.
Has anyone got a fix for this. All other programs install/uninstall ok its only Itunes that I have an issue with. I am trying to install the 64 bit version.
I have a similar problem with iTunes as one mentioned (and resolved) above, except mine is on Vista 32-bit. I’m really hoping you can help me with this so I don’t pull the rest of my hair out!
I’m running Vista 32-bit, and I had iTunes 7.7.1 installed and running fine. I just installed iTunes 8, and now every time I try to run iTunes, I get a message window that says the following:
1. “Preparing to install”
2. Then it says, “Please wait while Windows configures iTunes”
3. Then it says, “You must restart your system for the configuration changes made to iTunes to take effect”
I’ve tried uninstalling iTunes and every piece of Apple software, then reinstalling iTunes 8… but I still get the same messages every time I try to run it. I’ve tried starting iTunes from the desktop icon as well as Start/All Programs/iTunes/iTunes… still no good. I’ve tried switching User Account Control on and off, switching antivirus and firewall off. I’ve gone into msconfig and disabled everything except iTunes and QuickTime and rebooting… still no luck. After 3 calls to Apple support, including Level 2 support, they’ve given up.
If anyone can help me figure this out, I will be eternally grateful! I did go back to iTunes 7 and it ran fine again, but alas I must have iTunes 8 in order to sync with my new iPod 120GB… it won’t work with anything pre-iTunes 8. Thanks for any help you can provide. I’m willing to try anything to get this working!
I will add this update to the post directly above… I just discovered this morning that, even though iTunes 8 will not start when I click any of the iTunes icons, it DOES start up when I connect my iPod to my PC. Does this make sense at all? Could this maybe give a clue as to how to fix the other problem?
I have tried installing quicktime on my new 64 bit vista computer, to no avail. After several abortive attempts yesterday, I found your page and downloaded quicktime using the 64 bit version of IE.
I’m still getting the same message as yesterday…”Another installation is in progress. You must complete that installation before continuing this one.” I did a system restore to before I downloaded the first copy of quicktime yesterday and I have no idea what it’s referring to.
Any ideas would be most welcome. Thank you.
Plain and simple. Apple does not care if it runs on Windows or not. Does not matter if you call their support either. They say well it works on OSX 10.x you should try running a mac instead. Screw them, I will never use Itunes again.
my itunes keep freezing when it says, downloading artwork thumbnails…\and, where is the exact url fo the itunes vista 64? they won’t give that option when i download i tunes from apple
Dear Nick,
I do not know how to do this:
2.Create a QuickTime folder in both Program Files (x86)
mkdir “c:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime”
3.Now we create a symbolic link to the Program Files directory
mklink /d “c:\Program Files\QuickTime” “c:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime”
could you help me?.
sincerely luisa
Thanks guys for all your help with this. it worked even tho the cmd said there was a parameter error it installed fine
thanks
Goto…
http://www.oldapps.com/quicktime_player.htm
…download Ver. 7.1.5 (19meg). Loads into XP x64 and plays .mov file no probs!
Also… itunes 7.1.1 will load. http://www.oldapps.com/itunes.htm
Happy viewing.
Thanks.. Its ok. Right now im running itunes 8.0.2 on my windows vista ultimate x64
I have windows home vista premium 64 bit. i have itunes 8.2. i have a dell computer. i have an HP printer. All new to me. ever since itunes was installed on my computer, things dissappear out of my tray at the lower right hand of the screen. where do they go? how do i get them back and make them stay??? thanks for help!
Unbelievable…. it’s now 2009, this bug stilllllll in the install files, and your fix, still works! Note, I installed Quicktime separately first, then did the mklink thing. Don’t try and create a directory in Program Files first, the mklink is sufficient.
I am also having problems with itunes and windows vista. I recently replaced my old laptop with a new dell studio running Vista Home Premium. I copied over all my directories and files from a backup drive, including itunes. I just downloaded and installed the 64 bit version of itunes 8.2. It found the data and music files and loaded everything fine, but when I attach my iphone, I get an immeadiate notice that says “this iphone can not be used because the required software is not installed. Run itunes installer to remove itunes and then install the 64-bit version of itunes”. This is very frustrating, as I have done this proceedure several times, and I redownload and install the 64 bit version, but I still get the error message. Does anyone have any idea how to fix or work around this?
Vista 64-bit. Not exactly the same problem but similar.
The 32-bit install (8.0.2.23) did give the warning “This iTunes installer is intended for the 32-bit versions of Windows. It is highly recommended that you download and install the 64-bit iTunes installer instead. Continue with install?”
It seemed to work without having the link, except iTunes didn’t launch when finishing the install, and opening it gave an error “iTunes was not properly installed. If you wish to import or burn CDs, you need to reinstall iTunes.”
Doing a repair intall, adding the link, and doing a repair install again didn’t help.
Downloading the 64-bit version (8.0.2.20) of iTunes gives the following when trying to install. “A later version of iTunes is already installed on this computer.”
After removing the 32-bit version, the 64-bit is okay, but still wants to install into the x86 program files folder. Accepting the defaults, it intalls.
But it still doesn’t launch after install. There is an error, that since the “iTunes Library.itl” is from a newer version of iTunes, it can’t be read. So iTunes won’t open.
Nice.
I’m sure uninstalling, removing iTunes folders, rebooting and trying it all again might work.
I have all the same issues, i keep installing and removing and nothings seems to change I can’t synch my iTouch or I get error message noted in the post above. It is really frustrating to say the least. Does anyone have the solution to this issue? Is anyone with a Vista 64 bit able to use iTunes and synch with their iTouch or iPhone? if so, how did you do it?
I have used the 64 bit quicktime 8.0.2 installer which worked fine on my Vista x64 PC , however I cannot open quicktime movies it only shows a partial Quick Time screen and no movie…anyone else having this problem or can reccomend a solution?
Thanks
I can download and install itunes 8.2 fine. but i can not navigate through it or change songs or anything of that nature. i just got my computer…brand new out of the box yesterday and it won’t work. any help would be huge.
Hi Nick,
I have tried to use the syntax as you have listed it but I keep getting an error message that says
the syntax of the command is incorrect. I think maybe it is because there is one missing part of the command: The Link name. Below is the syntax I typed in but there is no link name listed. So what do I need to type between the /d and the target path? Thanks for your help!!
C:\Program Files>help mklink
Creates a symbolic link.
MKLINK [[/D] | [/H] | [/J]] Link Target
/D Creates a directory symbolic link. Default is a file
symbolic link.
/H Creates a hard link instead of a symbolic link.
/J Creates a Directory Junction.
Link specifies the new symbolic link name.
Target specifies the path (relative or absolute) that the new link
refers to.
C:\Program Files>mklink /d c:\program files\quicktime c:\program files (x86)\qui
cktime
C:\Program Files>
@mike Make sure you include the quotes (“) around the paths “C:\Program Files\QuickTime” and “C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime” or the command will not be interpreted correctly.
Has anyone tried to get iTunes 8.2.x working with Windows 7 (RC Build 7100) 64-bit?
I have tried several times to install using instructions above, but everytime I check Task Manager, iTunes shows up running in 32-bit mode and does not write to the iShuffle connected to the system.
My downfall may have been first installing 32-bit iTunes when I first built the machine a few months back.
So far, I have…
- removed all Apple programs, deleted directories and delete registry entries,
- created the symbolic link,
- ran the iTunes64Setup.exe (QuickTime installer indicated it was installing 64-bit version),
- changed default iTunes directory from “Program Files (x86)\iTunes” to “Program Files\iTunes”,
- cursed the boys and girls at Apple,
- repeated above procedures after removing all Apple programs, deleting directories, deleting registry entries,
- cursed the boys and girls at Apple…
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks -
It seems like I can’t even get this to install properly, because every time I try to start Quicktime Player, I get the “QuickTime Player has stopped working” message. I’ve tried everything I can think of, with no solutions. Anyone have any thoughts, please? I really want to get my touch running, so I can sync music and vids.
Thanks
Would this at last be the place where i might get an sollution to the following ITunes problem????
I’ve installed ITunes on my Windows Home Server SP2 wich is connected to a router (Linksys WRT610N)All computers (3-XP32&Vista32+64) and server have the same networkgroup and are recognised in vista network-centre. The server is only used as storage and no speakers are attached, and ITunes is set to “share in my network”
My Pentium 4, 2.6Ghz XP Pro 32bit pc and the Pentium 4, 2.6Ghz Vista Home Premium 32bit are set to “search for shared libraries” and do find these so the stored music can be played on those two pc’s.
So far so good you might think but alas here is the problem:
The thirth PC is a Pentium Core 2Duo E6400 2.13Ghz with Windows Home Premium 64bit (and ITunes 64bit)also set to search for shared libraries and nothing-nada is found.
Anybody there who can help me out, i would be truly greatfull.
Chears
Nick,
For months you struggle with a problem and at last you ask for help.
And then after uncountable tries you find the sollution.
I found that my problem was within the firewall settings.
So if possible you can remove my request for help.
Greetings Ton from Holland
Hello, I’m having an issue with i-Tunes. It won’t open up because it said it was not there or something like that. Now, when I try to install it again it says I can’t because I am not the administrator? I do not have the privilege? Please help!
-Ali
Could you help me.I use itunes for vista 64 bit ,when i add songs or folder to itunes’s library.If i don’t close Itunes ,the songs and applications still in the library. But When i close iTunes,shut down my laptop,the next time i open iTunes,the library is empty ,there’s no songs,no appication,seems like a brand new iTunes,then i have to add all songs again.
Everytimes I close iTunes,then reopen ,I have to re-add once again.I don’t know what happens
I want Quicktime so I can view the previews. I installed the 64 bit version and it STILL tells me I need to a new Quicktime?
hi nick, ive installed itunes on my computer whitch is windows vista 64 bit and i am getting ( the file “itunes library. itl” cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of itunes ) comming up so i cant get any music or even get into itunes. i downloaded itunes 8.0 could u please help. thanks
Hi,
I tried your Command Prompt solution and also downloading itunes from Explorer 64-bit, but it still doesn’t work for me.
I tried installing itunes. It says that the file is going to be installed in C:/Program Files (x86)/iTunes/ but halfway through the installation, it stops and gives me an error message:
An error occurred during the installation of assembly ‘Microsoft.VC80.CRT, version=”8.0.50727.4053”,type=”win32”,publicKeyToken=”1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b”,process or Architecture=”x86”. Please refer to Help and Support for more information. HRESULT: 0×80070424
Can you please help me? I’m starting to get really frustrated. I’ve downloaded and uninstalled and tried the Command Prompt solution mulitple times but it still doesn’t work. Please get back to me as soon as possible.
Thank you.
im not very good with computers-ive just bought a 64bit laptop transferred itunes songs to new laptop, when i open itunes it say it wasnt installed properly, i have re installed it many times doesnt change. thats not my problem though, it recognises an ipod on the computer but not on itunes and tells me to disconnect then reconnect. have done this to no avail
thankyou
lucy
i am the computer administrator but i cant install itunes because it says im not the administrator. this sucks! what should i do?
I am having a problem with Itunes, or rather, have been having problems since I installed
Itunes on my Dell Desktop Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit platform. I have had problems ranging from my Iphone being detected but not my ipod to receiving a time-out error when copying music or videos from my external drive/Desktop to my iphone. I have uninstalled and reinstalled several times, but the inconsistency continues to exist.
If you have any advice or solutions, I would be most appreciative.
Thank you for your time.
Ryan
Hello again…
Also, to answer possible questions relating to the itunes I installed…
yes I installed the Itunes 64 bit version on my 64 bit OS