This iPod cannot be used because the required software is not installed error

Date April 14, 2008

Problem: Worked on a computer where the client installed the newest iTunes update.  Once the installation was finished, they got the following error when plugging in their iTouch, iPod or iPhone:  “This iPod cannot be used because the required software is not installed…”  It then tells you to uninstall iTunes and then reinstall which didn’t work.

Solution:  Came across a few suggestions to uninstall both iTunes and QuickTime, then let the iTunes installer install both.  I did that along with uninstalling the Apple Mobile Device Support and then reinstalled and everything worked for me.  My theory is that uninstalling the mobile device support is what really did it.  I would recommend uninstalling that first and move on to iTunes and QuickTime if it doesn’t work.

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5 Responses to “This iPod cannot be used because the required software is not installed error”

  1. marikauai said:

    I did exactly what you said and it worked… Thank you :)

  2. Larry McDowell said:

    You’re welcome, glad to hear it worked. Did you have to uninstall all the apps or just the mobile device support?

  3. Daiichi said:

    Just to let you know. To fix this problem, you must uninstall both Apple Mobile Services and iTunes. Reboot the machine, and reinstall iTunes.

    If you only uninstall iTunes (and reinstall it), the problem won’t go away.

    If you only uninstall Apple Mobile Services, then attempt to reinstall it using the iTunes installer’s “Repair” mode, the Apple Mobile Services won’t be reinstalled.

    So you really must uninstall both, then run the iTunes installer. There is no need to uninstall Quicktime or Internet Explorer 7.

  4. Tim said:

    Please Help…
    I’m having the same issue and have uninstalled both with no luck. But I don’t see that I have apple mobile services installed, shouldn’t this be apart of iTunes?

  5. Larry McDowell said:

    Mobile services is part of iTunes but in my experiences, it doesn’t install until you plug in your iPhone and your OS autodetects and installs. If you don’t see the mobile services in your Add/Remove programs then I wouldn’t think that it’s installed. But if you want to make sure try Apple’s instructions on how to uninstall all the programs mentioned, completely. Hope this helps.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1925

    Larry

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