How can I install iTunes on my Windows XP x64 computer?

Question

All in the question. Apple's installer whines I'm using the wrong one with 32bit and that I'm not using Vista or 7 with 64bit.

Solution

You can install the package by bypassing the unnecessary artificial restriction preventing installation in XP x64. Use 7zip to extract the files in the install package.

The complaint is from the SetupAdmin.exe file that simply invokes the msi files. You don't need to use this file, it provides one-click installation. You can install the component MSI files individually...

... except the iTunes64.msi because it is marked to restrict the file to OS versions that correspont to Vista or later. Use an MSI file editor (Microsoft's Orca MSI editor is free) to set the restriction to an OS version corresponding to XP x64 or later to allow the file to install.

For step by step instructions see the guide at; http://skunkwerks.wordpress.com/2008/04/13/getting-itunes-to-work-with-windows-xp-x64/

From a Google search it seems that some iTunes versions complain on startup that they are incorrectly installed on XP x64, and then operate correctly anyway. The message is harmless albeit annoying but reinstalling does not resolve the issue.

Comments

[MaQleod]

XP64 will never be officially supported by anyone. What do the notices that the installers give you when they install? Do they not let you or do they just notify you?

[Andrew G. Johnson]

@magleod "Your OS is the wrong one, click ok to continue" type of stuff

[Andrew G. Johnson]

Awful, awful answer. XP x64 doesn't have an SP3, most recent is SP2. Then you start saying how things worked for you on Vista 64. Vista 64 is officially supported by Apple, I'm assuming next, next, I accept, finish would have worked just as well.