Fixes: iTunes 8 plus usbaapl64.sys plus Vista equals BSOD
September 10th, 2008
Many, many users are now experiencing Blue Screens of Death when upgrading to iTunes 8. Often the BSOD will occur after reboots or after plugging in a device such as an iPhone via USB.
The BSOD will note the error is with usbaapl64.sys.
Here are some potential fixes and work-arounds.
Most of the problems are related to Logitech and HP drivers. Uninstall iTunes 8.0 and then uninstall any logitech and HP drivers on your system. Then reinstall iTunes 8.0. Of course, the downside of this is that your logitech and HP hardware will not work without the drivers.
Often just disconnecting the HP or logitech device from the computer is enough to prevent the error without uninstalling the drivers. Moving your USB device or Apple device to different USB ports may work for some people as well.
With an error this large, I imagine Apple will release a fix soon. Until a fix is found you can downgrade your itunes to an older version. However, it’s a tricky process.
1. Uninstall all Apple Products including quicktime, apple mobile device support, and iTunes.
2. Download and install older version of iTunes 7.7.
3. Go to your iTunes music folder
4. Backup (or rename) your iTunes Library.itl file and then delete it. By backing up this file in a safe place you will keep your iTunes 8.0 library intact.
5. Open the Previous iTunes Library folder
6. Copy the most recent .itl file to your main iTunes music folder and name it iTunes Library.itl
7. Start iTunes
8. Deauthorize and then Reauthorize computer (if you don’t, you will have to reinstall all the apps onto your iPhone). You can find this option through the Store Menu.
9. Sync with fingers crossed
September 10th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Thanks. Unplugging my HP printer worked. Let’s see how long it takes apple to fix this one.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:01 am
as long as i have my iphone plugged in my front ports and my printer plugged into my back usb ports, it works for me. if i try to plug them into the same bank, i get the bsod.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:09 am
new version of itunes installed fine on vista here. no logitech or hp stuff for me though.
September 10th, 2008 at 6:18 am
ok - so the fix is to get rid of my printer and my webcam?
i lol´ed!
September 10th, 2008 at 6:23 am
@dieter
I just need to unplug them when I sync or I get the crash. I agree it seems silly to remove perfectly functioning devices for an iTunes error.
Certainly apple will release a fix soon. ?? ?
September 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Will try unplugging my HP printer. Oh what a bunch of BS Apple.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
This iTunes 8 plus usbaapl64.sys plus Vista equals BSOD is redarding iTunes of Music.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Way to go Apple! Release a shoddy update to your update-happy music(+everything else) management software to further enforce your claims of Vista’s instability. Brilliant!
I wonder how the Mac vs PC commercial for this would play.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:43 am
BSOD for me is caused only when I have my HP printer in. Remove it and it’s fine. Even does it with itunes completely removed from PC!! WTF have the done to my PC??!!
September 11th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Does this happen with Mac too?
September 18th, 2008 at 6:19 am
I just got this problem. I did NOT have it before.
The reason I think I have it now is because I did a restore of my ipod on another PC the other day, its my only explenation as of now.
September 21st, 2008 at 6:58 am
I did not have my ipod plugged in last night and woke up to a BSOD this morning.
I did sync yesterday - but had no issues for hours after I disconnected it.
Not happy about this - I just reloaded my computer b/c of a hard drive failure.
*sigh*