Error 1671 is a common error that users may encounter when trying to install or open iTunes on Windows. The error message usually says “The registry refers to a nonexistent file” or “iTunes was not installed correctly.” This error is often caused by a corrupted registry or missing files related to iTunes. In this article, we will discuss what error 1671 is, what causes it, how to fix it, and steps to prevent it in the future.
What Causes Error 1671 on iTunes?
There are a few common causes of error 1671 when trying to open or install iTunes:
Corrupted Registry
The Windows registry stores information about installed programs and system settings. If the registry becomes corrupted or damaged, it can prevent apps like iTunes from working properly. Issues like incomplete installations, improper uninstalls, malware, or manual registry edits can corrupt registry data related to iTunes. This will generate error 1671 when you try to open the app.
Missing iTunes Files
Error 1671 may also occur if certain iTunes program files, .dll files, or registry entries are accidentally deleted or moved from their original locations. Critical iTunes installation files going missing can lead to error 1671 appearing.
Multiple User Accounts
If you have multiple user accounts on your Windows PC, that can sometimes cause issues with installing and opening iTunes properly. The registry and file paths may get cluttered when installing iTunes across different user profiles.
Outdated iTunes
Having a very outdated version of iTunes installed can also lead to error 1671. Older versions may not be fully compatible with newer Windows updates and system configurations.
Permissions Issues
If certain iTunes program files or registry keys do not have proper permissions set, that can prevent iTunes from opening and generate this error. Often permissions get changed during program installations/updates.
How to Fix Error 1671 in iTunes
If you encounter iTunes error 1671, there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve it:
Restart Your Computer
The simple first step is to restart your computer and try opening iTunes again. This can reset programs and services and fix temporary glitches that were causing the error 1671.
Reinstall iTunes
If restarting does not work, reinstalling iTunes is often the next step. Download the latest version from Apple’s website and run through the installation wizard again. This can overwrite any damaged files or registry entries with fresh ones. Make sure to uninstall the existing version properly first via Control Panel.
Run the iTunes Diagnostics Tool
Apple provides an iTunes diagnostics tool to check for issues. Open it and let it scan your system for errors. It will offer solutions like repairing the installation or removing corrupted files. This can fix many 1671 errors.
Update Windows and Drivers
Make sure Windows, .NET framework, and hardware drivers are fully updated. Outdated components can sometimes lead to iTunes errors. Update graphics drivers in particular if you have issues.
Enable Windows Installer
Open Command Prompt as admin and run:
msiexec /unregister
msiexec /regserver
This resets the Windows Installer service, which sometimes gets corrupted and causes iTunes install problems. Retry iTunes after running these commands.
Remove Duplicate iTunes Entries
Use Registry Editor to navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
Look for duplicate or corrupt entries related to iTunes and delete them. This cleans up the registry and prevents conflicting data.
Reset File Permissions
With administrator rights, open the properties for the C:\Program Files\iTunes folder. Go to the security tab and give full control permissions to the current user and admins. Reset permissions on critical iTunes files as well.
Clean Up with iTunes Cleanup Tool
Download and run the official iTunes Cleanup Tool from Apple. It removes broken installation files, registry entries, and caches related to iTunes. Run it and reinstall iTunes fresh afterwards.
How to Prevent Error 1671 in iTunes
To help prevent error 1671 occurring in the future when using iTunes, follow these tips:
Keep iTunes Up to Date
Always install the latest iTunes updates as soon as they are available. Outdated versions are more prone to errors and incompatibility issues.
Avoid Manual Registry Edits
Refrain from manually modifying the Windows registry unless absolutely necessary. Incorrect edits can damage iTunes registry data and cause errors.
Install iTunes Properly
When installing a new version of iTunes, make sure to follow the steps properly. Don’t cancel installations prematurely or skip setup steps. Allow admin permissions when prompted.
Use a Single User Account
Install and open iTunes using the same Windows user profile each time. Switching between different user accounts can clutter registry entries and cause issues.
Delete Old iTunes Versions
When updating iTunes, uninstall previous versions completely using Control Panel. Old apps left on the system can interfere with new installs.
Don’t Modify iTunes Files
Avoid manually deleting or altering iTunes program files and registry keys. Only make changes if following specific troubleshooting steps.
Scan for Malware
Due to the impact malware can have on system files, scan regularly with antivirus software to avoid infections that could damage iTunes components.
Conclusion
Error 1671 typically appears when something interferes with iTunes being able to run correctly on Windows. The most common fixes involve registry repairs, reinstalling iTunes fresh, restoring missing files, removing duplicate entries, resetting permissions, and cleaning up cached data. Following proper iTunes installation and update procedures can help prevent the error 1671 from appearing in the future. If the problem persists, contact Apple support for further assistance troubleshooting and resolving the issue. With the right troubleshooting steps, error 1671 can usually be eliminated so you can open and enjoy iTunes on your Windows PC.
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Corrupted registry | Reset registry permissions, remove duplicate entries, run diagnostics tool |
| Missing iTunes files | Reinstall iTunes, restore missing .dll files |
| Multiple user accounts | Use single account for iTunes |
| Outdated iTunes | Update to newest version |
| Incorrect permissions | Reset file and registry permissions |