Sunday, September 27, 2015

Solved: How to fix AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi missing in iTunes 12.3 installation


Apple is ridiculously focus on every little detail of their products, from the hardware to software, it had to be just right. However, they are clumsy at times. There numbers of iTunes users are having trouble upgrading to iTunes 12.3 on Microsoft Windows 64-bit. During the iTunes installation process, an error message pops up:
There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A program required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.
First, you may diagnose which Apple program is the root that cause the error by uninstalling all Apple programs in Control Panel. In my case, I was unable to uninstall Apple Software Update because a file called AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi is missing.

To fix it, click Repair button. If it still doesn't work, you have to workaround in the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit) as below:
  1. Press Windows key + r and run Regedit.
  2. Click Edit and Find...
  3. Type applesoftwareupdate.msi and start the search.
  4. In the left pane of Regedit, right click the Shell Folder of Apple Software Update and click Delete.
  5. Install iTunes 12.3. The iTunes installer will re-install all the required software successfully.
Note: Be careful working in the Regedit, it is important to know what are you doing.

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78 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2016 at 12:04 PM

    Finally!!! This worked after searching many help forums. Thanks so much!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MokJanuary 3, 2016 at 1:03 PM

      No problem man, happy new year!

      Delete
    2. UnknownNovember 19, 2016 at 4:12 AM

      after deleting "source foldler" i was able to update itunes and solve several problems. Thank you for this fix

      Delete
    3. AJMarch 11, 2017 at 7:14 PM

      Dont just delete the SourceList folder ,it may not help. You have to delete the upper folder of SourceList (just above the sourcelist folder) Eg:46E5DCBD973784644944A85685CD6B41

      Delete
    4. AnonymousApril 9, 2017 at 7:57 PM

      I agree with AJ, you have to delete the upper folder of SourceList as well. Thanks everyone.

      Delete
    5. AnonymousApril 24, 2017 at 11:08 PM

      i did that and it work now have itunes back thx u all

      Delete
    6. AnonymousNovember 28, 2017 at 9:19 AM

      Does not show on Registry Editor

      Delete
    7. AnonymousApril 26, 2018 at 7:40 AM

      AJ is right. delete the upper folder of SourceList as well. It will work fine after restart and then install
      of iTunes (current)

      Delete
    8. UnknownJune 30, 2018 at 5:10 PM

      i am still unable to find the source file..it just says finished and nothin gin specific..pls help me with it

      Delete
    9. UnknownJuly 1, 2018 at 6:24 AM

      thank you worked after deleting the upper folder

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2016 at 8:19 AM

    Hi,

    I have the same problem with iTunes and I tried your procedure. Before finish it i was a bit concerned about the "Shell Folder of Apple Software Update". Using Regedit i found that applesoftwareupdate.msi is located in a folder named "SourceList". Is this folder that i should delete?
    Thank you in advance for your help!

    Best Regards,
    Filippo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MokJanuary 9, 2016 at 4:48 PM

      Hi, before you delete the folder, export(save) the parent folder of the "SourceList" as a backup file so that it can be restored if it doesn't help.

      You should delete the parent folder of "SourceList" which contains AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi

      Next step is download and install the latest version of iTunes from Apple's website.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2016 at 6:21 PM

      Hi, it worked nicely! Thank you very much!

      Delete
    3. AnonymousJuly 28, 2016 at 5:44 AM

      I had the exact same problem and followed your steps above and it worked, Whew! A big thank you!

      Delete
    4. UnknownNovember 2, 2016 at 11:52 AM

      I have the same problem. Follow the way you share, I try to find the file AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi, but you know, I can't find that file.
      Can you help me to solve this problem?

      Delete
  3. RhalpJanuary 13, 2016 at 4:48 AM

    Worked a charm! Thanks very much

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2016 at 10:56 AM

    It works. Thank you.

    S

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2016 at 6:56 AM

      Thank you very much. Some weeks desperate until see your fix. Thanks again

      Delete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2016 at 8:48 AM

    Words cannot express how thankful I am to you sir. I tried with tons of recommended solutions but none worked until I came across yours. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownFebruary 2, 2016 at 2:46 AM

    Thank you so much! this works like wonder!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2016 at 6:22 PM

    Hello, I have been facing the same problem with WIN 8.1 and I just need click on Repair Button then have the program installed again... It works perfectly ! Thanks for this very useful link. Just not I am French and nothing helpful from my country... Just need foreign purpose for being safe ...

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2016 at 1:01 PM

    WORKS! waaaaw....thanks
    first i follow another thread, about repairing the apple software update, but appleblabla.msi is missing it said

    After that i found this thread, i follow every steps and voila it's work. I can install iTunes 12.3

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2016 at 6:47 AM

    When I get to the part about the shell folder, my computer seems to have a few folders that are "shell", so I don't know which one should be deleted.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Vagabond TripFebruary 27, 2016 at 1:57 AM

    After following your directions, my computer can't find the applesoftwareupdate.msi file. Now what?

    ReplyDelete
  11. mitchelleriveraFebruary 28, 2016 at 8:18 PM

    You are heaven sent :) Worked like magic. Thanks a bunch!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousFebruary 29, 2016 at 5:35 AM

    awesome, this did the trick

    ReplyDelete
  13. sebastiano scarpaMarch 4, 2016 at 7:49 PM

    Really Stunned!!! Was a great trouble while couldn't syncro Iphone with Outlook. Really great problem of job (no more calendar appointments, contacts...) I'm in touch with Apple service, until their 1 level expert since 6 month and no one could help. I bought a second PC working side by side with the old one until today when I found your post. Really words cannot express how thankful I am to you!!! Shame to Apple customer service. Ciao Thank you! Sebastiano Scarpa, Venice, Italy

    ReplyDelete
  14. JckinnickMarch 10, 2016 at 1:05 PM

    Do you have to reinstall itunes though? Is there another way to fix it?

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousMarch 12, 2016 at 9:21 PM

    This worked great - be sure to 'export' your registry first, in case something goes wrong with the delete, you can 'import' the original registry and start over. to export: File -> Export : then save it somewhere on your desktop (or anywhere else). When deleting the applesoftwareupdate.msi, the directory it is in is called 'Source', you need to delete the parent of that directory for this to work. It worked great for me.

    ReplyDelete
  16. zacqueMarch 13, 2016 at 6:47 PM

    um... guys, i made a mistake on this matter... i forgot to export the source file and delete it immediately... and now.. ASU is stuck in my control panel. I cant even uninstall, change or repair it... what should i do? im currently running on my Windows 10. im on my dead end right now...

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousMarch 14, 2016 at 9:05 AM

    Please help! I have no idea what I'm doing but I have got as far as opening the Regedit thing but I can't find a file called 'Source' or 'applesoftwareupdate.msi'. I have a few shell folders with other names attached to them but nothing that says Shell Folder of Apple Software Update. Am I doing the right thing? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousMarch 22, 2016 at 6:17 AM

    It didn't work.. I tried everything, I think... I'm so desperate. :(

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnnaMarch 22, 2016 at 10:59 PM

    Thank you very much. It was nervous, but the delete in Regedit made it! /Anna

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownApril 4, 2016 at 5:51 AM

    it's still not working for me

    ReplyDelete
  21. SteveApril 9, 2016 at 1:42 AM

    Can't find the shell folder. Is there another name for it?

    ReplyDelete
  22. ltfhenryApril 23, 2016 at 2:06 AM

    Didn't work for me. I still get the error "The file 'C:\Users...\AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi' is not a valid installation package for the product Apple Software Update. Try to find the installation package 'AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi' in a folder from which you can install Apple Software Update."
    ARG!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AkaneApril 23, 2016 at 7:39 AM

      u need to delete the upper document, not just the source list, the one with some random numbers and letters.

      Delete
    2. vanbascoJanuary 16, 2017 at 11:31 AM

      thank you so much, your detailed explanation is what made the whole difference for me and help me solve that problem!!!!

      Delete
    3. AnonymousDecember 3, 2018 at 1:25 PM

      Akane // thanks a lot.... best solution ever

      Delete
  23. AkaneApril 23, 2016 at 7:31 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownApril 25, 2016 at 11:57 AM

    thks, it works.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousApril 29, 2016 at 10:38 PM

    thanks man! it works! God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
  26. UnknownMay 7, 2016 at 11:35 PM

    please help ive deleted the source list instead of the parent folder, now i dont know how to search for the parent folder.. T.T

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownMay 16, 2016 at 6:59 AM

    thanks so much this worked a treat :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousMay 28, 2016 at 1:57 PM

    "In the left pane of Regedit, right click the Shell Folder of Apple Software Update" Where?

    ReplyDelete
  29. UnknownJune 3, 2016 at 12:16 AM

    WOAH THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH I WAS WORRIED IF THERE IS NO SOLUTION FOR WINDOWS 10 , I WAS ABOUT TO GIVE UP BUT U MADE IT THANKS A TON I THINK YOU SHOULD PUBLISH THIS AT A HIGHER RANGE

    ReplyDelete
  30. cmalford33June 25, 2016 at 8:23 AM

    Seriously, you are a life saver!! Thank you so much for this!

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousJuly 11, 2016 at 10:17 PM

    its work! i been searching solution for whole day! thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownJuly 29, 2016 at 4:30 AM

    Thanx Admin...this was the best solution...i had this bug for a year or two and i finally am able to delete it...and for those who are having problems understanding the 'Shell folder' concept...it's nothing but the main folder (Suppose A29FT8956SB bla bla) of which the 'Source_list' is a part of..just delete that main folder

    ReplyDelete
  33. John EvansAugust 4, 2016 at 2:40 AM

    My girlfriend was getting really frustrated trying to update iTunes, but this solved the problem. So, thanks. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  34. AnonymousAugust 21, 2016 at 4:15 AM

    I tried deleting the Shell Folder but received an error message "Cannot delete 56.....: Error while deleting key"

    Any suggestions on how to proceed at this point?

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousAugust 21, 2016 at 4:24 AM

    I believe I solved my problem. Switched to the Administrator account on my PC and was able to delete the AppleSoftwareUpdate.msi file and its Shell Folder.

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownAugust 23, 2016 at 8:07 AM

    I'm still having issues finding what I need to delete?
    I'm considering on bringing my laptop into the Apple store!! this is a pain, Apple needs to make a Patch for this issue!
    I have searched "Shell" "Source" & "applesoftwareupdate.msi" I cant find any folder you are all talking about on the Left side?

    ReplyDelete
  37. AnonymousAugust 24, 2016 at 1:53 PM

    Thank you from Colombia!!Worked just fine for me!

    ReplyDelete
  38. AbbySeptember 18, 2016 at 1:25 PM

    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousOctober 2, 2016 at 2:17 PM

    worked for me too! thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 13, 2016 at 5:00 AM

      Thanks sooooo much I tried searching Itunes help but since I didnt have a serial & my warranty was useless after some searching U saved me more trouble

      Delete
  40. AnonymousOctober 14, 2016 at 11:31 PM

    After three hours of searching this knocked it out!! Thanks for all your help.

    ReplyDelete
  41. ShilohOctober 22, 2016 at 9:48 PM

    I tried this but still can't get it to uninstall. When I try to uninstall I get the error "This action is only valid for products that are currently installed." When I try to reinstall iTunes it gives the error, "A later version of Apple Software is already installed on this computer." 1.5 hours on the phone with Apple support but we only uninstalled and reinstalled a few times, which hasn't changed the situation. Does anyone have any other ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  42. AnonymousOctober 31, 2016 at 9:26 PM

    Many many thanks!!! I was fed up with being unable to update iTunes, since too many months!!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. zaaazouuu from Perpignan (France)November 5, 2016 at 9:10 PM

    Thank you very very much !!!
    I've be looking for a while (since june), and today, it was the Day...
    yours explanations are very clear, It's just fantastic !!!
    Have a nice day

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownNovember 20, 2016 at 1:16 AM

    thank you
    it worked for me too.....
    \

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousDecember 31, 2016 at 8:47 AM

    Thank you!!! Thank you!!! I tried a lot of options, but just this solution works.

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2017 at 3:39 AM

    FINALLY!...it worked!

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownFebruary 15, 2017 at 8:23 PM

    Thank You Mok, you are a legend. Ive spent hours try to fix this issue. Followed your instructions and my ITunes is now working, Apple should employ you as there website help is crap.

    ReplyDelete
  48. DarrenMay 31, 2017 at 9:34 PM

    I tried this fix 2 weeks ago and the problem with the msi file has resurfaced again. Anyone have any ideas why this is recurring and how I can make the fix permanent?

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownJune 2, 2017 at 4:31 AM

    problem solved! thanks for the sharing

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousJune 3, 2017 at 1:21 AM

    Thanks for your fast and easy help.

    ReplyDelete
  51. AnonymousJune 17, 2017 at 9:31 PM

    worked rightly

    ReplyDelete
  52. AnonymousAugust 3, 2017 at 3:36 AM

    If you dont have the file, how can you delete it. I literally DO NOT HAVE file anywhere on my computer... this doesn't make sense. I did what was instructed...but it showed up as
    "No File Match"
    My Control Panel will not let me uninstall it unless I have that file. This is the same goes for the "Bonjour" & "iTunes" programs.

    ReplyDelete
  53. AnonymousAugust 29, 2017 at 10:16 AM

    thank you
    it worked for me too

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousNovember 19, 2017 at 7:12 PM

    It works! So many thanks

    ReplyDelete
  55. Roronoa ZoroNovember 20, 2017 at 6:38 PM

    At last! Thank you so much. :-*

    ReplyDelete
  56. RobandWendDecember 31, 2017 at 10:14 PM

    Worked thanks

    ReplyDelete
  57. NASMarch 31, 2018 at 7:39 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  58. NASMarch 31, 2018 at 7:40 AM

    This still works even with the recent to current version, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  59. AnonymousJune 8, 2018 at 3:11 PM

    Amazing Post. From Sunday, September 27, 2015 until Friday 8 June 2018, your post still helping many people, including me. Apple's should consider to put this solution on their pages, and giving Mok a royalty compensation for their mess!

    ReplyDelete
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