Itunes won't open at all anymore

Question

I have never had a problem with itunes before this.
I started having problems when I updated my itunes to version 8.0.2.20. I updated it as I always had and it came up the first time. Once, I closed it and tried to reopen it again. It wouldn't open. What happens when I double click the itunes icon, my cursor shows an hourglass for a few seconds as if the program is about to start, then the hourglass disappears and nothing else happens. It's as if itunes is about to open but then doesn't.
I don't get error messages at all. I have tried to remove itunes and quicktime from my computer and reinstall them but nothing has worked. This is frustrating for me because I can't listen to my music from my computer, nor can I update my ipod. I am concerned about losing my playlists as I have molded some of them for years.
Please help. I am very discouraged about this.

Answer 1

After you try to launch iTunes, open the task manager. Can you see iTunes.exe running on the processes tab? If so you have a type of launch failure that is most commonly due to a problem with cryptographic services.
Did you make any changes to your system between when iTunes was working and when it stopped?
You need to be absolutely certain that your system is free of malware as malware can interfere with cryptographic service. This not only stops iTunes from working but interferes with the solution.
Run a scan for viruses and spyware with up to date definitions. Get a second opinion from an online scan. The Kaspersky one is good at finding things.
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner
If you want to use another, be sure to use a big name company.
Once you are sure your system is clean you can start troubleshooting.
First a simple thing:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1776?viewlocale=en_US
But usually it is due to a problem with cryptographic services.
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.
P.S.
Are you using XP or Vista, you didn't give your operating system
Message was edited by: polydorus