Safe way to install iTunes w/o the bloatware?

Finalheaven · 03-23-2009, 07:42 PM

I built a new box, and it's spic n span right now. To keep it that way, I'd like to limit the number of bloated programs I install.

My main iTunes library is on another computer, but it would be convenient to be able to do other iTunes work on this computer as well.

Is there a way to install iTunes without all that iTunes iPod Service, Bonjour Service (DNSResponder.exe), Apple Mobile Support, iTunes Helper, QuickTime (inc. qttask.exe), Safari for Windows junk

granted, I may want quicktime as well, but again, it adds ***** I don't need. Thanks.

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**ctal** · 03-23-2009, 07:59 PM

Yeah, iTunes/QuickTime is a pain in the neck with all the garbage background processes it installs. I don't know of any way of not installing them together with the basic install, but after installing it all I spend perhaps 10 minutes disabling all of it. After you go through the process once, it will be pretty quick doing it subsequently (which unfortunately you have to do whenever there is an update).

You can, of course, choose to not install Safari (and perhaps Bonjour), by unchecking them in Apple Software Update.

Following the install, first open Quick Time and go through its options, disabling whatever seems appropriate (such as the systray icon, iirc). Then do the same thing in the iTunes options, disabling Apple TV, mobile devices, etc. (I'm writing this just from vague recall, so that is undoubtedly not precise or complete, but you get the idea).

Then disable the related startup processes in msconfig/startup. You'll have to reboot after doing that.

Then go to Administrative Tools/Services in your Windows Control Panel, and set the startup properties for all of the unwanted Apple-related stuff to "disable."

That sounds like a lot, but as I said once you get the hang of it it takes perhaps 10 minutes, repeated whenever there is an update.

Regards,
-- Al

polonyc2 · 03-23-2009, 10:42 PM

you cannot permanently disable qttask.exe from MSconfig...even if you uncheck the startup service it will automatically restart again the next time you use Quicktime

03-23-2009, 07:42 PM	#1
Finalheaven Donnie Darko lives Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,893	Safe way to install iTunes w/o the bloatware? I built a new box, and it's spic n span right now. To keep it that way, I'd like to limit the number of bloated programs I install. My main iTunes library is on another computer, but it would be convenient to be able to do other iTunes work on this computer as well. Is there a way to install iTunes without all that iTunes iPod Service, Bonjour Service (DNSResponder.exe), Apple Mobile Support, iTunes Helper, QuickTime (inc. qttask.exe), Safari for Windows junk granted, I may want quicktime as well, but again, it adds ***** I don't need. Thanks.
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03-23-2009, 07:59 PM	#2
ctal Eschews Obfuscation Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 2,065	Re: Safe way to install iTunes w/o the bloatware? Yeah, iTunes/QuickTime is a pain in the neck with all the garbage background processes it installs. I don't know of any way of not installing them together with the basic install, but after installing it all I spend perhaps 10 minutes disabling all of it. After you go through the process once, it will be pretty quick doing it subsequently (which unfortunately you have to do whenever there is an update). You can, of course, choose to not install Safari (and perhaps Bonjour), by unchecking them in Apple Software Update. Following the install, first open Quick Time and go through its options, disabling whatever seems appropriate (such as the systray icon, iirc). Then do the same thing in the iTunes options, disabling Apple TV, mobile devices, etc. (I'm writing this just from vague recall, so that is undoubtedly not precise or complete, but you get the idea). Then disable the related startup processes in msconfig/startup. You'll have to reboot after doing that. Then go to Administrative Tools/Services in your Windows Control Panel, and set the startup properties for all of the unwanted Apple-related stuff to "disable." That sounds like a lot, but as I said once you get the hang of it it takes perhaps 10 minutes, repeated whenever there is an update. Regards, -- Al __________________ "I didn't say I didn't say it. I said that I didn't say that I said it. I want to make that very clear." -- George Romney, in 1968, while campaigning for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
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03-23-2009, 10:42 PM	#3
polonyc2 Banned? Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 8,197	you cannot permanently disable qttask.exe from MSconfig...even if you uncheck the startup service it will automatically restart again the next time you use Quicktime __________________ ASUS Maximus Formula (X38) *** XFX GTX 260 Black Edition Core 216 896MB Intel E8400 * Noctua NH-U12P G.Skill 4 GB (2 X 2 GB) DDR2 800 4-4-4-12 * Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB WD6401AALS Lian Li PC-A70B (black) * Corsair HX850W AuzenTech Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 * Creative Inspire P5800 5.1 speakers Sony Optiarc AD-7240S-0B * Sony GDM-F520 21' CRT monitor (19.8' viewable) Vista Business 64-bit w/SP2 * standard 3.5" floppy drive Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 *** Microsoft Wired Keyboard 500 (Black)
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