ITunes no longer runs

Question

Hi,
Really stumped (not saying much ). I cannot get itunes to open - when I try I get a box stating 'itunes has encountered a problem and needs to close . . .' with the following details cited in the report to microsoft:
Error signature
AppName: itunes.exe AppVer: 7.3.0.54 ModName: unknown
ModVer: 0.0.0.0 Offset: 000f0053
Files included: c:\docume~1\DR4091~1.ehr\locals~1\temp\da62_appcompat.txt
I have tried restarting but each time I get the above error with a different prefix on the '_appcompat.txt' file. Have also tried the following: erasing and re-installing iTunes with the windows install cleaner, erasing the temp file that these appcompat.txt files are in, and renaming the apple software update file (saw it in another post). Nothing has worked so far. Any suggestions would be helpful. I just downloaded 2 albums 2 days ago and can't access them. About ready to re-install windows to see if that works. Thanks . . .
Dell XPS 600   Windows XP  

Answer 1

xxx_appcompat.txt is simply a reporting file used when uploading error reports to Microsoft. You've seen the message asking you if you would like to "report this error to Microsoft"? Appcompat.txt is a file that is uploaded if you say yes.
The first thing I'd suggest is to get a good antispyware checker and give it a go at your system. Some recent spyware has been reported by other users to shut down iTunes or prevent it from launching. From user reports, Ewido seems to be the best at catching it. You can download a free version of Ewido here.
If that doesn't cure the problem, make sure that any antivirus/antispyware application you have is set to allow iTunes to operate. Some antivirus/antispyware has been known to shut down iTunes.
If that still doesn't help, take a look at iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting unexpected quits, freezes, or launch failures
If that still doesn't work, try deleting the iTunes preference files:
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes.pref
and
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Data\Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunes.pref
You might have to turn on "show hidden files" to find them. (Right click "my computer", select open, select Tools menu -> Folder Options. Select View tab, "show hidden files" radio button is in the center scrolling panel.) Delete them or if you want to be able to put them back if it doesn't help, drag them to some other location. This will force iTunes to run the setup assistant the next time you launch iTunes. Note that you'll have to go back and set any preferences you've changed from the default.
If that still doesn't work, try this:
Bugie: Perform a Thorough & Complete Uninstall and Reinstall of iTunes/QuickTime.
Hope this helps.