When Did I Install Apple’s MobileMe on My Windows Machine?
Have you looked in your Windows Control Panel recently and noticed an icon for Apple’s MobileMe application? If you installed or upgraded to Apple’s iTunes version 7.7, then whether you wanted it or not, MobileMe was also installed. If you own an iPhone or iPod Touch, you might want to try this new “cloud computing” style service from Apple. Of course, if you don’t have either of those devices, and have no interest in MobileMe, then you’ll probably want to remove this application and here’s how.
Confirm the existence of MobileMe then remove it
First, open your Windows Control Panel and confirm MobileMe is actually installed. You should see an icon similar to the one in this screenshot.
Double click on the icon and you’ll notice there is no option to uninstall. Check the “Add and Remove Programs” Control Panel icon and you won’t see any “MobileMe” application to remove. Keep in mind, however. that some people have suggested removing the “Apple Mobile Device Support” program as the way to get rid of MobileMe. Taking such action will remove MobileMe, but it will also cause iTunes to no longer recognize your iPod. If you’re using iTunes with an iPod, don’t follow that suggestion. Instead follow the steps listed below.
- Download the MobileMe installer directly from Apple
- Launch the MobileMeSetup file
NOTE: If you’re using a version of iTunes below 8.x, you’ll need to upgrade. Older versions of iTunes will cause the installer to quit. At this point you need to upgrade iTunes to version 8.x or higher and try again (don’t worry about that new “Genius” feature you’re worried about in version 8.x, it only works if you turn it on — thankfully Apple got that right).
- Since MobileMe is already installed the installer presents you with 2 options: Repair or Remove
- Select the option to “Remove”
- You are prompted to confirm your “Remove” selection. Press “Yes” to continue
- In less than a minute MobileMe is removed and a dialog box appears confirming the removal from the Control Panel. Click “Finish” to close this window
That’s all there is to it. Of course, had Apple actually asked you if you wanted MobileMe installed in the first place, none of us would have to execute these steps. Nevertheless, stealthy unwanted installations are becoming more and more common these days. It’s becoming harder to tell the difference between the good guys and the hackers.
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Filed under: How-To & Tech Tips
Does MobileMe support Windows in the first place?
Yes, MobileMe is basically the most recent update to what Apple called DotMac (and iTools before that). The main reason for the name change was to make the service less mac centric and more windows friendly.
As for the Good guys/Bad guys idea, there is a fine line between ease of use and over aggressive installation. Nobody has any issue with accessibility options, or Game Controllers, or the Java Plug-in or even the mail or speech control panels that come with your systems because they help make things just work. Apple knows that a good number of people who install iTunes are also iPod/iPhone users and is trying to make things just work.
I understand the idea but personally think they should give the option to not install.
Yes Jazz1 MobileMe is supported on Windows computers. There are quite a few iPhone and iTouch uses that are on the Windows platform and therefore it does make sense for Apple to make this new software available for the PC — matter of fact, we thank them for that. Of course, I am not thankful in the manner in which they covertly installed that application on my computer. I don’t have an iPhone or iTouch and therefore don’t need this extra piece of software. Same can be said for Safari in my situation. I use and enjoy Firefox and have no need for Safari and thankfully Apple changed the installation option for that application.
Thanks Jazz1 and Doug for your comments.