Getting iTunes to Work with Windows XP X64

Since Windows XP X64 is the abandoned, left for dead son on Microsoft, it’s actually a very nice and pleasant product to work with.
This of course has to do with the fact that the kernel and most of the OS shared the features/service packs and the general respect that Microsoft gives to it’s server line of products.
In other words, what I’m trying to say, is that generally speaking Microsoft’s behavior very much reminds that of Sauron of LOTR, while it’s eye is fixed on the Vista / Desktop users, and actively Harming them and trying to amputate them, Windows XP X64 users are left, just like Frodo, to calmly walk the land of Mordor undisturbed.

Unfortunately, this is where the metaphor ends, since many other software companies, seem not to respect the legitimacy of Windows XP X64’s users to peacefully exist… What’s more interesting is that in some cases it’s even Microsoft that seem to no support it’s own dog food:

Now, while in the particular case I’ve just mentioned, there is a well documented fix (and in all fairness it appears to be more of a braindamage somewhere deep in redmondian since the actual MSI files install without a hiccup), this does not seem to be the case with iTunes.

Even though iTunes supports Windows Vista X64, it does not seem to show love for Windows XP X64:

The reason I write about this is because I’ve found a FIX!, From what I can tell, this seems to work perfectly fine, but keep in mind… YMMV.
From my personal experience, iTunes will complain about not being able to burn CDs (Who cares?), but everything else works well.. including iPhone support…

In case you are experiencing some iPhone related problems after the install, scroll down to the Troubleshooting section for a possible fix.

So… How?:

Installing iTunes

1. Download the 64 bit iTunes installer, the links are not always easy to find, but google comes in handy: Generally speaking try looking for: iTunes [Version #] iTunes64Setup
   In my case it was: iTunes 7.6.2 iTunes64Setup, which was found here
2. Use some extraction tool to open up the iTunes64Setup.exe into a folder, in my case I used ever so useful 7-zip, and named the folder iTunes64Setup-x64patch, since I plan to zip it up for later use… This should look like this:
   
   Now, we shouldn’t care for the iTunesSetupAdmin.exe file, we only care about the MSI files. All of the MSI files are compatible with XP X64 to begin with, EXCEPT for iTunes.msi, which is kind of important… so now we need to make it work with XP X64…
3. Download Microsoft’s Orca MSI editor, you can either google it, or download the entire Windows SDK (1.4 GB and counting…), install Orca
4. Edit the iTunes.msi file with Orca (You can do this by right-clicking the .msi file and choosing "Edit with Orca"
5. Navigate to "LaunchCondition" section, choose the Conditions that spells: "VersionNT64>=600", and change it to "VersionNT64>=501"
   Or in pictures from this:
   
   To this:
   
6. Choose to save the file, exit Orca, then double-click iTunes.msi and complete the install…

Troubleshooting iTunes <-> iPhone Link/Sync

It has come to my attention that some people are experiencing some issues with having the iPhone accessible after the installtion of iTunes is finished.
I’ve found the following procedure, as described in the comment by hip63 can provide the much desired fix.
Just to be on the safe side: DO NOT DO THIS IF YOUR ITUNES/IPHONE LINK IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.

1. Plug your iPhone into the computer
2. Go to the device manager, in any way you know how to, for those of you who need more directed help:
   Open System Properties (in the Control Panel, or right-click “My Computer” and select “Properties”), then go to the Hardware tab and click the “Device Manager” button
3. You should be able to find a “Imaging Devices” section with an appropriate “Apple iPhone” entry
4. Right click the “Apple iPhone “ Entry and select “Update Driver…”
5. When the Hardware Update Wizard opens up, it may ask if you want to connect to Windows Update. select “No, not this time” and hit Next.
   
6. On the next screen, select “Install for a list or specific location” and click Next.
   
7. On the next screen, select “Don’t search…” and hit Next.
   
8. The next screen should show you two entries, “Digital Still Camera” and “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver”. (or similar) Select “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” and click Next.
   
9. After a while you will be presented with that same “this driver might make your face melt off” warning screen from earlier. Click “Continue Anyway”.

Plug the iPhone out, and back in, restart your computer (might not be necessary, but what the heck) and everything should be back online.

~ by damageboy on April 13, 2008.