How to Uninstall and Reinstall iTunes in Windows XP

Apple iTunes can be reinstalled on your desktop or laptop computer.

If your computer crashes, you might find it necessary to uninstall iTunes and possibly other apps that you've installed recently. Worse yet, if you are forced to do a system restore, these programs might be removed automatically by Windows. Either way, once you’ve recovered from the crash, you’ll undoubtedly want to reinstall iTunes on your PC. Learn how to uninstall and reinstall iTunes in a few basic steps.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP with SP2+ installed
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Click the Windows “Start” button on your desktop and select “Control Panel.” Click on the "Add/Remove Programs" shortcut. A list will populate showing all of the programs installed on your computer.

2. Uninstall the six iTunes components, one at a time, in this order – iTunes, Quicktime, Apple Software Update, Apple Mobile Device Support, Bonjour and Apple Application Services.

3. Restart your computer by clicking the “Start” button and then clicking “Restart.” Alternately, you can shut the computer down and turn it back on.

4. Open your Web browser and download iTunes from the Apple website. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Reboot your computer once more. ITunes is now installed.

Tips & Warnings

• During the installation process, iTunes will ask whether you want certain settings to remain checked. Leave all default settings checked unless you have a reason for doing otherwise.

• Uninstalling iTunes and its components from your PC will not remove any of your music – iTunes is merely the program that plays your music files.

References

• Apple: Removing and Reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and Other Software Components for Windows XP