'Program Files' contains an invalid character when installing iTunes 10.5

I'm getting an error when I try to install iTunes 10.5: "The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character". Nothing has changed on my machine, I don't see any invalid characters in the path where I'm installing iTunes, and I have now tried to install this manually. Any ideas how to proceed?
Thanks!

what was the answer to work around this error message..  i am having the same problem trying to unistall quicktime.. 
thanks

Similar Messages

  • Error Message:The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character

    I have an 80G iPod. I never had a problem with the itunes program until I switched to Vista. When I try to open iTunes I get the following error message:
    *The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character*
    I have itunes installed on both my HP and on an external hard drive that I use as my backup in case something goes wrong. Neither one opens and I get the same error message on both. I have tried to uninstall iTunes and then reinstall and get the same message so I can't uninstall.
    I'm really frustrated, I need to get to my music for a huge presentation in a few days. Can anyone help?
    Thanks in advance,
    Jejo

    Have you tried working through the steps in the General section of this article?
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1926

  • TS3212 I keep getting this error message "The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character.' when upgrading itunes to Itunes 10. I could not uninstall because of the same error message. What needs to done?

    Can not download and install Itunes 10 - Get this message "The folder path 'Program Files' contain an invalid character. I tried to uninstall my old Itune through Control Panel but get the same message. What do I need to do?

    Perhaps try the following user tip with that one:
    "not a valid short file name" and "invalid character" install errors

  • ITunes fails to install update "folder path program files contains an invalid character"

    I'm trying to get the newest version of itunes, but I keep getting "the folder path program files contains an invalid character." I've seen on here before attempts to use Microsoft fix it and Windows Clean up which I've tried and both haven't helped. I've gone to youtube and tried to delete the appropriate folders under the registry edit. Nothing seems to work. I need the new itunes to update my iphone because of the recent hardware crash via the new update.

    At what stage in the process does this occur?
    For general advice see Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates.
    The steps in the second box are a guide to removing everything related to iTunes and then rebuilding it which is often a good starting point unless the symptoms indicate a more specific approach. Review the other boxes and the list of support documents further down the page in case one of them applies.
    The further information area has direct links to the current and recent builds in case you have problems downloading, need to revert to an older version or want to try the iTunes for Windows (64-bit - for older video cards) release as a workaround for installation or performance issues, or compatibility with QuickTime or third party software.
    Your library should be unaffected by these steps but there are also links to backup and recovery advice should it be needed.
    tt2

  • ITunes Update attempt: "The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character"

    How can I install the latest version when I get this message : "The folder path 'Program Files' contains an invalid character"? The message appears when I try to install the update and it appears when I try to uninstall the previous version. The instructions for manual uninstall says to use the Control Panel Uninstall Programs first and then "clean up" -- but I can't use the Control Panel Uninstall. I am running iTunes from an external drive. What to do?

    That's normally produced by a damaged iTunes.msi. The basic treatment for it is given in the following user tip:
    ["not a valid short file name" and "invalid character" install errors|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2368028]
    ... but since Microsoft pulled the Windows Installer CleanUp utility from their Downloads Center, things have grown more difficult. First we have to find a copy of the utility.
    Let's try Googling. (Best not to use Bing, I think.) Look for a working download site for at least version 3.0 of the Windows Installer CleanUp utility. After downloading the utility installer file (msicuu2.exe), scan the file for malware, just in case. (I use the free version of Malwarebytes AntiMalware to do single-file scans for that.)
    If the file is clean, to install the utility, doubleclick the msicuu2.exe file you've downloaded.
    Now start with *step 4* from the user tip, and proceed from there.
    (If you do find a clean download site for the correct version of CleanUp, please don't tell me where it is. Without wishing to sound paranoid (although I grant it does sound paranoid), there is a non-zero chance that posting links to download locations for the utility here at Discussions leads to that download location being shut down.)

  • I cannot load I Tunes or delete it as the download stops and says the folder path "program files"contains an invalid character, what can I do?

    I cannot load or delete I Tunes from my computer. What comes up is- The folder path "program files" contain an invalid character?

    That's normally produced by a damaged iTunes.msi. The basic treatment for it is given in the following user tip:
    ["not a valid short file name" and "invalid character" install errors|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2368028]
    ... but since Microsoft pulled the Windows Installer CleanUp utility from their Downloads Center, things have grown more difficult. First we have to find a copy of the utility.
    Let's try Googling. (Best not to use Bing, I think.) Look for a working download site for at least version 3.0 of the Windows Installer CleanUp utility. After downloading the utility installer file (msicuu2.exe), scan the file for malware, just in case. (I use the free version of Malwarebytes AntiMalware to do single-file scans for that.)
    If the file is clean, to install the utility, doubleclick the msicuu2.exe file you've downloaded.
    Now start with *step 4* from the user tip, and proceed from there.
    (If you do find a clean download site for the correct version of CleanUp, please don't tell me where it is. Without wishing to sound paranoid (although I grant it does sound paranoid), there is a non-zero chance that posting links to download locations for the utility here at Discussions leads to that download location being shut down.)

  • The folder path "program files" contains an invalid character

    All of a sudden this morning this phrase shows up when I try to open up my itunes. My daughter was over last night and stuck her small playlist in my library. I do not know if this is the cause but now itunes won't open. I do not know what to do. Any suggestions?
    My program files and itune libraries are on a seperate harddrive "h"

    That's normally produced by a damaged iTunes.msi. The basic treatment for it is given in the following user tip:
    ["not a valid short file name" and "invalid character" install errors|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2368028]
    ... but since Microsoft pulled the Windows Installer CleanUp utility from their Downloads Center, things have grown more difficult. First we have to find a copy of the utility.
    Let's try Googling. (Best not to use Bing, I think.) Look for a working download site for at least version 3.0 of the Windows Installer CleanUp utility. After downloading the utility installer file (msicuu2.exe), scan the file for malware, just in case. (I use the free version of Malwarebytes AntiMalware to do single-file scans for that.)
    If the file is clean, to install the utility, doubleclick the msicuu2.exe file you've downloaded.
    Now start with *step 4* from the user tip, and proceed from there.
    (If you do find a clean download site for the correct version of CleanUp, please don't tell me where it is. Without wishing to sound paranoid (although I grant it does sound paranoid), there is a non-zero chance that posting links to download locations for the utility here at Discussions leads to that download location being shut down.)

  • Error 'The Folder path 'Program Files (x86)' contains an invalid character

    I get this error (as it is in the title) when I try to install Itunes. I don't have quicktime or a previous installation of Itunes on my computer. How do I fix it?

    yes, itunes will not run without quicktime but when I try to install quicktime it says "the folder path 'program files' contains an invalid character".  have you figured it out yet?

  • IPOD Updater - Error 1324 - The Folder path contains an invalid character

    I tried to install ITUNES on an external HD (I didn't want to slow down my computer by putting all of my music on my internal HD). ITunes installed and then crashed. I removed all traces of ITUNES and IPOD that I could find and went to install ITUNES again on my regular internal drive. Now it goes through the installation and REMEMBERS my IPOD serial number (so obviously I can't find all of the files to remove) but doesn't give me a choice of where to install (it still must be trying to install to my external HD) the ITUNES. All I get is the following Error message:
    IPOD Updater - Error 1324 - The Folder path "Program Files" contains an invalid character
    Does anyone have a solution out there?
    Thanks in advance!
    MonsterProb

    IPOD Updater - Error 1324 - The Folder path "Program Files" contains an invalid character
    Interesting. It's choking on the old iPod updater application. (iPod software updates are no longer handled by a standalone application ... that function was folded into iTunes beginning with iTunes 7.0.0.70.)
    Let's try the following procedure.
    Download and install the Windows Installer CleanUp utility:
    Description of the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility
    Now launch Windows Installer CleanUp ("Start > All Programs > Windows Install Clean Up"), find any entries called "ipod for windows \[date]" or "ipod updater \[date]" or just "ipod for windows" in the list of programs in CleanUp, select those entries, and click “remove”.
    Quit out of CleanUp, and restart the PC.
    Does an itunes install go through properly after that?

  • I cannot uninstall my current version or install the new version because I always get the following error "The folder path 'Program Files (x86)' contains an invalid character."

    How do you get ITunes to actually uninstall or install new versions when it doesn't like the path for some completely unknow reason.  This is on a Windows7 system and by the way a lot of other programs are using this folder without any issues so it is clearly an Apple problem.

    Try the following user tip:
    "not a valid short file name" and "invalid character" install errors

  • When installing or uninstalling iTunes I get 'The folder path 'My Music' contains an invalid character' and fails

    When installing or uninstalling iTunes I get 'The folder path 'My Music' contains an invalid character' and fails

    Download the Windows Installer CleanUp utility from the following page (use one of the links under the "DOWNLOAD LOCATIONS" thingy on the Major Geeks page):
    http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4459
    To install the utility, doubleclick the msicuu2.exe file you downloaded.
    Now run the utility ("Start > All Programs > Windows Install Clean Up"). In the list of programs that appears in CleanUp, select any iTunes entries and click "Remove", as per the following screenshot:
    Quit out of CleanUp, restart the PC and try another iTunes install. Does it go through properly this time?

  • Install iTunes 10.4.1 install error - The Folder Path "File Name" contains an invalid character

    Upgraded computer from XP Prof 32-Bit to Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit (Upgrade package, performed Custom Install).
    Attempt to install iTunes 10.4.1 for 64-Bit.  Receiving the following error/problem:
    The Folder Path "File Name on my external drive" contains an invalid character
    I click ok and then get this:
    The Installer encountered errors before iTunes could be configured.  Errors occurred during installation.  Your system could not be modified,  Please run the installer again, or click Finish to exit.
    Any fixes for this?

    Sorry, one of us is not managing to be clear enough.
    Does the message read The Folder Path "File Name on my external drive" contains an invalid character or perhaps The Folder Path "<some path name here>" contains an invalid character?
    If so, then the problem might be just what it says it is with the path name in question... Either way if you list the path given in the error message in a reply to this thread it might provide a clue for anyone tying to help with the problem.
    You could try downloading the installer to C:\iTunesSetup.exe in case that helps.
    tt2

  • 'The folder path "C:" contains an invalid character.' ERROR AS I INSTALL iTunes

    hi
    first of all, merry xmas to all that celebrate! i hope you had/have a memorable day!
    and wishing everyone the very best for the new year.
    Now, I have a problem when I try to install iTunes on my computer. I'm running:
    - Windows Vista (Home Basic)
    - iTunes 10.5.2.11
    i have sufficient hard-drive space and sufficient ram. its definetly NOT from that. I originially DID HAVE iTunes already installed on my computer, but I was frequently having problems with establishing a connection through my iPhone 4. So I thought it would be a good idea to delete it and try downloading a new version, then install it fresh!
    I have some computer skills and knowledge, and i know how "most" things work and run. But now I am totally stuck. I run the iTunes software to be installed, but the installer keeps giving me an error message and NOT installing. I've done all the easy and required steps after I deleted the original version of iTunes from my computer, and now I need help from someone who really knows their stuff in IT and computer software. I have a feeling it may be a string of codes that are corrupt or significantly different to what they should be, but thats just my guess! cos like i already said, ive tried all the common fixes already but have been unsuccessful thus far. Some of the things I did were:
    - Restart the computer, re-boot, login to Windows, run the iTunes installation
    - Turn off the computer, wait 10 minutes, re-boot and then run the iTunes installation
    - Delete ALL the "Apple" company software that was still installed on my computer (QuickTime, iPhone Utility, iPod, Bonjour, etc etc)
    - Confirm my "User Account Control" is OFF
    - Run the iTunes installation file from my secondary windows login account (which has "Administrator" privilages)
    - Create a new windows login account, turn off the UAC (User Account Control protection), then try installing iTunes
    - Run disk-error checks on my hard-drives incase there are missing/corrupt/misplaced files that needed repair
    etc etc etc etc
    Nothing worked! THIS BELOW IS EXACTLY THE PROBLEM I KEEP GETTING WHEN I DOUBLE-CLICK ON THE iTUNES INSTALLER:
    - Double click on the iTunes install icon
    - The "Trusted File Security Warning/Confirmation" window appears, requesting I confirm to Run or Cancel the software installation. I click on "Run"
    - A horizontal grey bar appears in the middle of the screen, and quickly fills up green
    - Then a small installation windows appears (Windows Installer) that writes "Preparing to Install". Then it very fast writes a couple different sentences (which is normal), specifically the sentences are "Performing installation checks" and "Checking spacing requirements".
    - immedietly after the previous step, another window appears and I hear the "error" audio tone. The ERROR MESSAGE has the Yellow Triangle logo with an exclamation mark in the middle, and beside it displays the following text (and Ive attatched the screen shot too):
    THE FOLDER PATH "C:" CONTAINS AN INVALID CHARACTER
    then below this message theres the "OK" button which I have no choice but to click on. then the next window that appears is as follows (see screenshot), and it reads:
    iTunes Installer Completed
    The installer encountered errors before iTunes could be configured.
    Errors occured during installation. Your system has not been modified.
    Please run the installer again, or click Finish to exit
    Please I beg you guys to help me, I will be extremely grateful for ALL and ANY advice/tips/assistance/solutions I receive. And would owe you one for sure!!
    Please feel free to write your opinions and thoughts on what I could do different, as Ive used up all my knowledge regarding the matter, and have seriously hit a brick wall now.
    Thanks so so so much, and once again I wish everyone the absolute very best!
    regards.
    PS. Replies can be posted in this thread, otherwise even sent to me via email if you wish to do otherwise. My email address is:  [email protected]
    cheers

    Resolution:
    Check for the existence of a hidden folder named %appdata% in the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Application Virtualization\Client folder.  (You will need to un-check the folder options box in windows explorer for "Hide
    protected operating system files" to see it)
    If the hidden %appdata% folder exists, delete it.
    Proceed to uninstall the App-V client
    After a clean uninstall and removal of remnants of the client, reinstall the client again and apply the latest hotfix available (Hotfix 2 for SP2 at a minimum).

  • "not a valid short file name" and "invalid character" install errors

    Disclaimer: Apple does not necessarily endorse any suggestions, solutions, or third-party software products that may be mentioned in the topic below. Apple encourages you to first seek a solution at Apple Support. The following links are provided as is, with no guarantee of the effectiveness or reliability of the information. Apple does not guarantee that these links will be maintained or functional at any given time. Use the information below at your own discretion.
    Symptoms
    While upgrading or uninstalling a Windows software application (such as iTunes for Windows or QuickTime for Windows), you may receive one of the following error messages:
    file name is not a valid short file name
    The folder path 'folder name' contains an invalid character.
    ... where file name could be the name of any file, and folder name could be the name of any folder.
    In the case of software that uses advertised shortcuts (such as recent versions of iTunes for Windows or Safari for Windows), the messages may also appear when attempting to launch software that has already been installed.
    Resolution
    The error messages are usually caused by damage to the installation database for the application. Clearing the installation database for the application by using the Windows Installer CleanUp utility can usually get you past the error message.
    (1) Click [here|http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301] first, and read the important information about the utility.
    (2) Click the *Download the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility package now* link on that page to download a file titled msicuu2.exe.
    (3) Open the msicuu2.exe file and follow the prompts to install it.
    (4) In your Start menu click *All Programs* and then click *Windows Install Clean Up.* The Windows Installer CleanUp utility window appears, listing software that is currently installed on your computer.
    (5) Select the software you're getting the "not a valid short file name" or "invalid character" message for from the list and click Remove.
    (6) Click OK in the confirmation dialog that appears.
    (7) If you have multiple entries for the software you're getting the "not a valid short file name" or "invalid character" message for, repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other entries for the software.
    (8) Click Exit.
    (9) Restart the computer.
    If you were getting the "not a valid short file name" or "invalid character" message when trying to upgrade or launch software, now try reinstalling the latest version of the software.
    If you were getting the "not a valid short file name" or "invalid character" message when just trying to uninstall software, program files for the software in question will remain on the PC after it has been removed by the Windows Installer CleanUp utility. If you want to remove leftover program files, check in at the appropriate forum at [Apple Discussions|http://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa?categoryID=1] and ask which files can be safely removed.
    This is the 1st version of this tip. It was submitted on March 24, 2010 by b noir.
    Do you want to provide feedback on this User Contributed Tip or contribute your own? If you have achieved Level 2 status, visit the User Tips Library Contributions forum for more information.

    Go to Microsoft website to fix installer file problems.
    Click "Run now" from Fix it to remove all iTunes & related installer files:
    http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall
    Be aware that Windows Installer CleanUp Utility will not remove the actual program from your computer. However, it will remove the installation files so that you can start the installation, upgrade, or uninstall over.
    Download and Install iTunes

  • The folder path iTunes media contains an invalid character. How can I fix this so I can install itunes

    the folder path iTunes media contains an invalid character comes up when I try to install itunes does anyone know how to fix this an why it happened an stopped itunes working ?

    Try the following user tip:
    "not a valid short file name" and "invalid character" install errors

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