Can't launch after fresh install

Question

I'm on BootCamp, using a fresh install of Windows XP Pro, with all the updates and patches, and only install Chrome and Adobe as programs.
I downloaded iTunes, used all the default selections, and it installed without a problem. It also installed Bonjour, Apple Mobile Device Support, and QuickTime.
When I double click to run iTunes, I get the hourglass for 2-3 seconds, then nothing. No window or error appears. Here's the runnings tasks: AppleMobileDeviceService.exe, iPodService.exe, iTunesHelper.exe and iTunes.exe.
When logging off or shutting down, iTunes ends up holding the system and I need to "End It Now" to continue.
Yes, I am the administrator, and have tried uninstalling and reinstalling.
All the files are there, and the processes running, but no error messages.
Message was edited by: blvdeast

Answer 1

It sounds as though you have the silent launch failure with persistent iTunes.exe in the task manager.
This is usually due to a problem with cryptographic services.
There are a number of other issues that I normally go though but I will skip them as this is a fresh install. I am going to guess that your smart card service didn't get installed.
Check to see if you have your smart card service and that it is not set to disabled. For some reason iTunes needs it.
Start>>Run>>Services.msc
you should find the smart card service in the list. Report back with your findings.
Then work through *Method 4* in the following link:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822798
You should be able to copy and paste the individual lines to save on typing.
Make a careful note of any error messages you get, they are important for diagnosis. Report back any error messages especially the names of any dlls mentioned.
If there are no errors try starting iTunes.