Uninstall iTunes - How To Uninstall iTunes

If you encounter any trouble either setting up, or uninstalling Apple iTunes, you should probably take some time and look over this write-up before you go completely nuts!

iTunes can often be very difficult to uninstall effectively because it leaves behind a number of computer registry codes included with extra software programs that it interfaces with when originally downloaded and installed. The reference article below clarifies what you must do item by item if you can't uninstall iTunes using your PC's System Control Panel program. This can be a great lifesaver if you have large numbers of iTunes songs on your PC. If you don't completely uninstall iTunes properly you're going to end up with a number of errors when attempting to install a new copy... even when you try to download and write over your existing copy with an updated version. The information below saved me personally several hours of frustration and I didn't lose my iTunes songs!

Before you can reinstall iTunes you must first remove all remnants of the following applications listed, including all "left over" files and entries from your registry. Yep... that scary place on your PC!!

First try removing each of the following programs with its own "uninstaller" or your ADD/REMOVE application in your Control Panel in the order you see them listed below. Check the ADD/REMOVE program list. If you are fortunate they will all be gone. Then try reinstalling iTunes if you want. However, you may find you cannot get some of these completely uninstalled.

iTunes Software
Quicktime
Apple Software Update
Apple Mobile Support
Bonjour (especially Bonjour, the most problematic and most difficult component to remove properly! )
Apple Application Support (iTunes 9 or later)
iPhone (if you have it loaded)
and anything else related to iTunes - that's the tough part
Enter your registry and remove all entries that are related to the applications above. If you are not sure how to do this there is a good reference guide listed at the end of this article.

While there is no 100% guarantee that some other issue might not be creating a problem with your installation, removing the above applications have been shown to be successful and we have received numerous positive responses on the success rate.

If you are still having problems and you still can't clean up these programs from your registry or iTunes still won't install, the following eBook: How To Uninstall iTunes Properly which includes special uninstaller software and additional step by step instructions will remove these applications as well and you don't need to go into your registry area and do it manually.