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Can't uninstall Apple Software Update program, getting error "There is a problem with this Windows installer package."

CA Bill asked on
I need to uninstall Apple Software Update program but can't.  Message reads: "There is a problem with this Windows installer package.  A program requirement for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.  I have Windows 7 Professional.
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I need to uninstall Apple Software Update program but can't.  Message reads: "There is a problem with this Windows installer package.  A program requirement for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.  I have Windows 7 Professional.


 

Hi, CA Bill,


 

Start the Windows Installer service.

1. Click Start, type Services.msc and press [ENTER]

2. Double-click Windows Installer.

3. Set the Startup type of Windows Installer to Manual.

4. Click Start to start the service. Note down the error message if any.

5. Click OK.

Retry uninstalling Apple Software

 

If the above fails, use CCleaner's uninstaller

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/screenshots

 

 

Refer to the below link for assistance -
For removing and reinstalling iTunes from windows 7 -

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923

 

Contact Apple  support website for additional assistance on the issue:
http://discussions.info.apple.com/index.jspa

OR http://www.apple.com/support

You know, you don't really miss something until you can't find it again.
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chancyswaffi replied on

I went to programs and features repaired that 'apple software update' then clicked uninstall and it's removed. Hope this helps.

 

 

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The answered status icon Answer
I need to uninstall Apple Software Update program but can't.  Message reads: "There is a problem with this Windows installer package.  A program requirement for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.  I have Windows 7 Professional.


 

Hi, CA Bill,


 

Start the Windows Installer service.

1. Click Start, type Services.msc and press [ENTER]

2. Double-click Windows Installer.

3. Set the Startup type of Windows Installer to Manual.

4. Click Start to start the service. Note down the error message if any.

5. Click OK.

Retry uninstalling Apple Software

 

If the above fails, use CCleaner's uninstaller

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/screenshots

 

 

Refer to the below link for assistance -
For removing and reinstalling iTunes from windows 7 -

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923

 

Contact Apple  support website for additional assistance on the issue:
http://discussions.info.apple.com/index.jspa

OR http://www.apple.com/support

You know, you don't really miss something until you can't find it again.
36 people found this helpful

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DuikaWatson replied on

I need to uninstall Apple Software Update program but can't.  Message reads: "There is a problem with this Windows installer package.  A program requirement for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.  I have Windows 7 Professional.


 

Hi, CA Bill,


 

Start the Windows Installer service.

1. Click Start, type Services.msc and press [ENTER]

2. Double-click Windows Installer.

3. Set the Startup type of Windows Installer to Manual.

4. Click Start to start the service. Note down the error message if any.

5. Click OK.

Retry uninstalling Apple Software

 

If the above fails, use CCleaner's uninstaller

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/screenshots

 

 

Refer to the below link for assistance -
For removing and reinstalling iTunes from windows 7 -

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1923

 

Contact Apple  support website for additional assistance on the issue:
http://discussions.info.apple.com/index.jspa

OR http://www.apple.com/support


I have a similar problem and cannot uninstall a corupt 'Apple Software Uptate' from 2011. I have tried piriform and that doesnt work. Any other suggestions?
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I have a similar problem and cannot uninstall a corupt 'Apple Software Uptate' from 2011. I have tried piriform and that doesnt work. Any other suggestions?            

 

When you used CCleaner, did you scan the registry after using the uninstaller?

Is this an iTunes update?

Uninstall iTunes then attempt to remove the update

 

Reboot computer for changes to take effect.  You can reinstall iTunes when finished.

Removing and reinstalling iTunes, Quicktime, and other software components for Windows XP.  There is a link leading to Windows Vista and Windows 7 instructions:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1925

 

Completely remove iTunes and other Apple software from the computer

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/23959/completely-remove-itunes-and-other-apple-software-from-a-windows-computer/

 

If the above fails, I suggest you post a new thread with any error messages listed in Event Viewer, update failed information, etc... or

 

Contact Apple  support website for additional assistance on the issue:
http://discussions.info.apple.com/index.jspa

OR http://www.apple.com/support

 

 

You know, you don't really miss something until you can't find it again.
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CA Bill replied on

I found a way to remove the file before I got your answer...can't remember how.  However, now I am trying to remove CyberLink Power Producer but got the response "Error, the product definition file lost.  I tried to follow your instructions but after changing Windows Installer to Manual, I could not Start because it was grayed out.  I clicked OK anyway (and in another attempt Apply and OK) but got the same error message when trying to uninstall.  Clearly, I have a serious problem.  Can you help?  I did click on http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/screenshots but I was unclear on what to do next.  I assume you are recommending that I download the program CCleaner but what next.  Will it automtically fix this problem.  I have Norton 360 and don't know why CCleaner would do something different than Norton.
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CA Bill replied on

Update, I downloaded and ran CCleaner with the same result.
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chancyswaffi replied on

I went to programs and features repaired that 'apple software update' then clicked uninstall and it's removed. Hope this helps.

 

 

213 people found this helpful

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Error “The product definition file lost” pops up while installing CyberLink PowerDirector. What can I do?

http://www.cyberlink.com/prog/support/cs/product-faq-content.do?id=12809&pro

You know, you don't really miss something until you can't find it again.
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GreyhoundRecy replied on

Worked best answer thanks so much
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JohnArrowsmith replied on
This worked for me.
Download the Microsoft Windows installer cleanup tool and manually remove the Apple software Update program.  http://www.majorgeeks.com/mg/getmirror/windows_installer_cleanup_utility,1.html

Be careful. Any app you uninstall with this tool is gone forever and will have to reinstalled if you accidentally remove one.

Be sure you remove all the apps associated with iTunes including:
  1. iTunes
  2. Apple Software Update
  3. Apple Mobile Device Support
  4. Bonjour 
  5. Apple Application Support (iTunes 9 or later)
  6. Quick Time
Download and run a new iTunes installer. The iTunes associated apps will be re installed. Quick Time may have to be re installed separately.
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Ishwar Singh replied on

JUst Repair it then uninstall it..

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