How To Fix iTunes Error 7 (Windows Error 126)

iTunes was not installed correctly. Please reinstall iTunes. Error 7 (Windows error 126).

The error 126 on Windows appears when there is a problem installing some software. Yes, this error is not specific to the iTunes alone and can occur with any software. As you can see, iTunes describes this error as error 7 where Windows calls it error 126, so if you are experiencing this problem on Mac OSX or Linux or some other operating system, it may be called something else.

I am going to explain to you what iTunes error 7 (Windows error 126) means, why it happens and how to fix it efficiently.

What Does Windows Error 126 Mean?

The error 126 signals a problem with calling a Dynamic Link Library file (.DLL). These files are important in the Windows environment to make use of common funtionality in related programs and programs that share resources. If there is a problem with one of the dll files required to install the software, the error 126 message would be triggered.

What Causes The Error 126?

There are several reasons why dll files may have problems and prevent installation of certain software.

• The required dll file(s) may be missing from its directory. Dll files for programs are stored in Local Disk (C:) > Windows.
• The required dll files are corrupted. This is the most common cause and is common with users who had the software installed before. Corruption can be caused by: improper uninstallation of a software, forced termination of tasks, improper system shut down, presence of virus(es).
• Files are not registered or improperly registered in the Windows system registry.

How To Fix Windows error 126 (iTunes error 7)

To fix this problem, you would have to find and completely remove all iTunes related files and software components. Here’s how to do it:

1. If your iPod or iPhone is plugged into the computer, unplug them. Also, if Microsoft Outlook is open, close it.
2. Update your antivirus software, then do a quick scan.
3. Navigate to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Repair Session. This would find and fix errors encountered since startup. Or you could launch Command Prompt and type the following command: SFC SCANNOW then press enter.
4. Navigate to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs, then uninstall these programs in the order they appear below. If a program is not present in your system, skip it.

• iTunes
• Apple Software Update
• Apple Mobile Device Support
• iCloud
• MobileMe
• Bonjour
• Apple Application Support

Delete the following folders:

• C:\Program Files\iTunes
• C:\Program Files\iPod
• C:\Program Files\Bonjour
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple
• C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes
• C:\Program Files (x86)\iPod
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Bonjour
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple

Download the latest iTunes software

Run the installation file as administrator. To do this, right click on the setup file then choose Run as Administrator. iTunes should then begin installation.

Hopefully, the installation would complete successfully this time and you would have iTunes up and running with no Windows 126 error to stop it.