How To: Install iTunes 8 without Apple Bloat - Overclock.net

KamuiRSX · 08-19-09

This is my first guide here on this site. I learned how to do this and I love it. I do it on all my machines now so I don't have all that crap Apple "integrates" (and I use that term loosely) with the iTunes install for your Windows machine. Here is the prep work i.e. required downloads you'll need to do this.

1. Download a version of iTunes 8.

iTunes 8.2.1.6 (32-bit)

iTunes 8.2.1.6 (64-bit)

2. Make sure you have WinRAR installed. If not, go to http://www.rarlabs.com/download.htm and download and install it. It is needed for what we are about to do.

3. Go to http://www.ajuaonline.com/custom-installers/ and download either the iTunes Switchess x.x.x.x x64 or x86 installer depending on which version of iTunes you're install on your machine. Obviously, if you have 32bit Windows, you'll install iTunes x86 and vice versa for 64bit Windows. His servers can be a bit slow even though the current iTunes installers are less than 20MB's. x86 installers are in Red and x64 installers are in Green

4. Go to http://www.codecguide.com/download_qt.htm and download Quicktime Alternative from one of the mirrors.

Now that you've got all the files you need, make sure you run these next steps in this order.

First, install Quicktime Alternative. If you're like me, you don't like quicktime integrating in your browser so you can uncheck the integration options and it will just install the bare minimum. You really don't have to configure Quicktime upon it's install.

This next step you only need to do if you have an iPod and you like using iTunes for music management and etc.

Second, open the iTunes.msi file you downloaded from Apple.com and extract the AppleMobileDeviceSupport.msi file and run it. This will install the services and drivers for your iPods and iPhones.

Third, Run the iTunes Switchess Installer x.x.x.x that you downloaded. Again, run the x64 if you're on a 64bit OS and x86 if you're on a 32bit OS. It's a silent installer so you won't be presented with any options. It will just finish it all on its own. Just wait and eventually you will see the shortcut for iTunes appear under your start menu. This means that it's finished.

Just launch iTunes and it will give you the normal messages and an error about Bonjour not being installed but just click on Okay and there you have it. A finished iTunes install that is substantially less on your HDD than the Apple bloat filled version.

If you need any help or can't download one of the files, let me know and I'll make a mirror for you. I'll post some screenshots here shortly for those that like visual representation.

Let me know what you think.

**IEATFISH** · 08-19-09

I will do this on my new install tomorrow. I love my iPod Touch but cringe at iTunes trying to take over my computer.

KamuiRSX · 08-19-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEATFISH

I will do this on my new install tomorrow. I love my iPod Touch but cringe at iTunes trying to take over my computer.

I feel your pain and them some

Let me know how fluid my How To is when you do it please

My next How To guide will be how to build your own all in one silent installer for your programs when you re-install Windows.

KamuiRSX · 08-20-09

So how did it work for you?

**IEATFISH** · 08-20-09

The parts are Out For Delivery and should be here any minute.

KamuiRSX · 08-21-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEATFISH

The parts are Out For Delivery and should be here any minute.

Oooooh rofl my bad. I thought you were just doing a new install of Windows. You're doing a brand new build

**IEATFISH** · 08-22-09

Just did it. Worked rather well. I was hoping I could use 7zip instead of WinRAR but I couldn't. Not really a problem as the WinRAR file is like 1.5mb and I just uninstalled it afterward. Thanks again!!

KamuiRSX · 08-22-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEATFISH

Just did it. Worked rather well. I was hoping I could use 7zip instead of WinRAR but I couldn't. Not really a problem as the WinRAR file is like 1.5mb and I just uninstalled it afterward. Thanks again!!

Congrats

Do you notice it being a little speedier and lighter on your system?