Thanks for the replies.
After working into the early hours of the morning with assistance from caffeine, I finally managed to get all the issues solved!
Sorry for the huuugge post, but I wanted to make it as simple and n00b proof as possible so everyone can use it, there is very little to no complete information on the internet on how to do this form start to beginning (at least not that I could find) Hopefully I didn't leave anything out.
So Here Goes!....
Note: When I refer to login via RDC, I am talking about using Microsoft RDC (Remote Desktop Connection) Program
and when I mention login i refer to logging in as "Administrator" via Console, and by Console I mean, when connecting via RDC enter your server IP address as (your ip/server name) /console Example:
192.168.1.4 /console OR
HPSERVER /console.
(For MAC and Possibly Win XP users only)for Windows Vista & Windows 7 users use /admin instead of /console.
Step 1: Remove iTunesRemove any install of iTunes form the server by logging in using RDC
(Remember: Administrator, servername /console or /admin), After iTunes uninstall, go to
Add/Remove Programs from
Control Panel and also uninstall the following:
"Apple Application Support", "Bonjour", " Apple Software Update" and "QuickTime" (don't worry if some are not there to uninstall)Now restart the server.
Step 2: iTunes Service ErrorsDial back into the server using RDC, Download the latest version of iTunes installer (32bit) from Apple, Run the installer, when the installer gets to "running services" it will hang for a bit then a error message will pop up regarding
"ipodservice failed to start", Click
IGNORE and the iTunes install will complete.
After install has completed you may get several windows error messages regarding
"iPodservice 32bit" and, or
"iTunesHelper" simply keep clicking
"Don't Send" until the messages stop appearing.
Now disable
iTunesHelper and the
iPodService. Do this by:
iPodService:Start > Run > type msconfig > Services Tab > Uncheck iPodService.
iTunesHelper:Startup Tab > Uncheck iTunesHelper (you should also uncheck "Logon Warning" also to stop the annoying popup warning every time you login using RDC)
Apply Changes, Click
Restart LATER.
Step 3: Add iTunes to the DEP listNow you need to add iTunes components to the DEP exempt list. Do this by:
While in your server desktop using RDC,
Right click "My Computer" > Properties > Advanced Tab > Under Performance section click Settings > Data Execution Prevention tab >Ensure "
Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" is selected > Click ADD > Add "
iTunes.exe", "
iTunesHelper.exe", "
iPodService.exe", "
iTunesPhotoProcessor.exe"
you will find
iTunes.exe, iTunesHelper.exe and iTunesPhotoProcessor.exe at
C:/Program Files/iTunes/ (default location)you will find
iPodService.exe at
C:/Program Files/iPod/bin/ (default location)Restart the Server.
You may think why not just select "
Turn on DEP for essential windows programs and services only" I thought the same but I can ensure you, you will run into issues if you do this!
Step 4: Audio Configuration ErrorLogin in using RDC, you should hopefully not see any iTunes/iPod related error messages when logging into Windows. If you do check your DEP list to ensure all of the above are on there, OR you could try disabling Windows Error Reporting:
Right click "My Computer" > Properties > Advanced Tab > Error Reporting > Disable Error Reporting.Launch iTunes, You will notice you get a
" iTunes had detected a Audio Configuration Error" Click
OK, iTunes will launch. Close iTunes
this happens because the server has no Audio Hardware, You need to install a "
virtual audio cable" Download the following free program:
http://www.softpile.com/Multimedia/Audi ... index.html (this is the virtual audio cable)
Now disconnect from the Server by closing RDC connection
Now for this to work you must change a setting in the RDC program: Sound output MUST be selected to: "from the windows based computer only" (RDC for Mac) or "leave at remote computer" (Windows RDC) you need to do this for the Virtual Audio Cable to install correctly on the server. Log back in using RDC and run the Virtual Audio Cable setup file. Now start iTunes, you should not see any Audio configuration error messages.
If you do,
close iTunes, go to:
Start > Control Panel > Quick Time > Audio Tab > Select "Direct Sound" > Apply settings and close > Try iTunes again. If you still have a issue make sure you changed the sound option in RDC correctly or try a restart of the server.
This should now mean iTunes can start without any user input.
You should also add your iOS remote device now if you are going to be using one.
Step 5: iTunes auto launch on startupNow that iTunes is free of errors, we need to make it auto start up when your server starts without needing to login into your server via RDC every time to start iTunes.
Simply add iTunes to the Start up folder, by either dragging the desktop shortcut to the
start menu > all programs > and drop it into the startup folder OR place the iTunes shortcut into
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\
Now to make the Administrator console login automatically on Windows start up, To do this you need to edit the registry of windows, Don't be afraid its simple and easy!
Start > Run > type regedit.exe > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT >CurrentVersion > WinlogonDouble-click the
DefaultUserName entry, type
Administrator, and then click
OK.
Double-click the
DefaultPassword entry,
type your password, and then click
OK.
NOTE: If the
DefaultPassword value does not exist, it must be added. To add the value, follow these steps:
On the
Edit menu, click
New, and then point to
String Value.
Type
DefaultPassword, and then press
ENTER.
Double-click
DefaultPassword.
In the Edit String dialog,
type your password and then click
OK.
Now Double-click
AutoAdminLogon entry
In the Edit String dialog box,
type 1 and then click OK. (delete the zero (0) if there is one)
Quit Registry Editor.
As a nice touch (you don't have to do this)but if your like me, when logging in using RDC you see iTunes open, really you want it to startup minimized to the tray right? Yes! Do so by downloading and installing
iTunes Control onto your server, its a free program.
You can get iTunes Control form here:
http://itunescontrol.com/download.phpOnce installed,
open iTunesControl > Startup & Shutdown > Select Minimize iTunes on Startup > Apply setting and close.Also
in iTunes go to: Edit > Preferences >Advanced > Select "Show iTunes icon in system tray" and also select "Minimize iTunes window to system tray"Your Done! if you restart the server it should automatically launch iTunes without ANY user input, easy way to check is by using a iOS device remote app to see if it connects after a server restart. or by using your apple tv to confirm iTunes is running. If you are streaming to a AirPort Express make sure it is selected as the speaker output from iTunes or via Remote App.
If you are running into further trouble
disable Twonky (stop sharing button) from the HP MediaCenter Console program as it may cause issues with iTunes
Enjoy!
Hayden.