Vista - iTunes 7.6 + Vista x64 = BSOD! WARNING!

Recently, I updated my iTunes to 7.6 and restarted my machine. Upon reboot, I recieved a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death).


After researching the issue, arguing with Apple, and rebooting in SafeMode, I noticed a new registry known as 'GEAR'.


iTunes version 7.6 is bundled with GEAR Software which is supposed to 'improve iTunes in Vista machines'. However, it does the exact opposite.


Should you encounter this problem, reboot in SafeMode, goto 'Start', 'Run', and type 'RegEdit'.


A new window will open that will display multiple folders. To remove GEAR from your computer's registry, do the following:

Manual Removal for 64-bit

Vista 64-bit

[[[WARNING: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system]]
[[I cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk]]]






Delete the following key from the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\GearAspiWDM
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In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} key remove the GEARAspiWDM entry in the UpperFilters value.
Note: the entries in this value are double byte.
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In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{6D807884-7D21-11CF-801C-08002BE10318} key remove the GEARAspiWDM entry in the UpperFilters value.
Note: the entries in this value are double byte.
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In the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{CE5939AE-EBDE-11D0-B181-0000F8753EC4} key remove the GEARAspiWDM entry in the UpperFilters value.
Note: the entries in this value are double byte.
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Reboot
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Delete GearAspi.dll (32bit) from the Window\SysWOW64 folder
Delete GEARAspi64.dll (64bit) from the Windows\System32 folder
Delete GearAspiWDM.sys (64bit) from the Windows\System32\Drivers folder

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If present, delete the Windows\System32\GEARAspi.dll value from the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs registry key
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If present, delete the Windows\SysWOW64\GEARAspi.dll value from the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs registry key
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Delete the Windows\System32\GEARAspi64.dll value from the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs registry key
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Delete the Windows\System32\Drivers\GearAspiWDM.sys value from the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs registry key
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Reboot





IF YOU NEED MORE HELP, EMAIL ME!
simplestaple@gmail.com




I hope this solves some of your problems with this dang iTunes update....


Enjoy.


SimpleStaple

I had the same BSOD upon iTunes x64 install - but simply disabling any installed start-up processes fixed the problem (and iTunes runs fine started manually...when I need the program).

Thanks for the info simplestaple I had the same issue except I couldn't reboot after the 7.6 iTunes install. I would lose mouse & keyboard.
I tried your suggestions, but they had no positive effect on my install, but I certainly learned a bit about Apple's programing.

I used the restore point automatically created just before the iTunes installation to get operational again.

Am I dumb enough to try it again......?

My pleasure, Curmedgeon.

iTunes sucks... I use WinAmp now, especially after the stunt they pulled by puttng GEAR on my rig.

Try going even simpler with Foobar2000 ! A simple as it gets, very low overhead, and you decide which formats it can and can't handle. It only loads what it needs.

I try and avoid iTunes other than for loading the iPod.

BTW is "GEAR" the same as "BONJOUR", because that's what it stealth-loaded on my machine ?