How to fix error -54 in iTunes

Among the many errors that we can find when we are using iTunes there are none that we would like to see. In this article we will try to clear up all the doubts you may have regarding the error -54, an error that is more common in Windows than in Mac, but in Apple's operating system we will see it on rare occasions. On many occasions it is related to the iTunes media library.

Causes of error -54

• Corrupt download or incomplete installation of iTunes.
• The library is corrupt.
• Windows registry entry corrupted by recent iTunes-related software change (installation or uninstallation).
• Virus that has corrupted Windows system files or other iTunes related files.
• Another program has deleted iTunes-related files by mistake or on purpose. In the second case, it would be a kind of virus.

How to fix error -54 in iTunes

We update the system

The first thing we will do, as always, is to check if we have any pending updates. If we have it, we install it even if it is not iTunes itself.

Choose library again

The next thing we will do is open iTunes by clicking on ALT (Mac) or Shift (Windows) and choose the "iTunes" folder to detect the library again. It is possible that this way everything will work correctly again.

Repair the library with CrashPlan

If the library is corrupted and we cannot recover it by re-indicating its path, there is an application that may be successful. It's called CrashPlan and it's free. The steps to restore the library with this program are as follows:

1. We open CrashPlan.
2. We click on Restore.
3. We locate the iTunes folder.
4. We click on the desktop to change the place of restoration.
5. We click on Restore.
6. Choose the library again as in the previous method.

Scan the system with your antivirus

The next thing we will do is run our antivirus to make sure that we do not have any type of software that could be causing the -54 error. Logically, depending on the software we will use a different interface and system.

Clean the system from junk and temporary files

On Mac, a good free cleaning tool is Onyx (paid, CleanMyMac is the best). For Windows, the best tool is CCleaner. If you do not know very well what you are doing, it is recommended that you do the basic cleaning at most. If you try to clean too much, you can delete files that are useful to you.

Uninstall and reinstall iTunes

In addition to iTunes, we will also uninstall and install all related software.

Recover a previous state

On Mac, we can use Time Machine to revert to a state prior to the last change made. On Windows, we will use the restore system.

Update the drivers

In the same way as the software, it could be that the -54 error came from outdated drivers. On Mac, this is automatic, but on Windows it is not always, especially in older versions. You can use DriverDoc for Windows, which will save you time, effort and health when looking for them.

Repair Windows registry entries

Note: For security reasons, not all steps are included in this method. Everyone is responsible for their actions if they get their hands on the system registry.

The registry entries are one of those things that can give us hair like spikes, and no wonder. But hey, here we will try to explain what to do to repair corrupt entries that can cause the -54 error.

1. Let's start.
2. We write "command" without the quotes in the search, but we don't hit Enter.
3. We keep the Control + Shift keys pressed and, now, we press Enter.
4. In the window, we click Yes.
5. In the window that appears, we write "regedit" without the quotes and press Enter.
6. In the editor, we choose the entries related to error - 54 (for example, iTunes) that we want to backup.
7. In the file menu, we choose Export.
8. In the Save list, we choose the folder where we want to save the iTunes registry entries.
9. In the File name box, we write a name for our backup file as "iTunes Backup" without the quotes.
10. In the export window, we make sure "Selected branch" is checked and click Save. The file will be saved with the extension .reg.

As I said before, for safety and to improve our health, the following steps are outside of our control. Actualidad iPhone. In the following link you have the guide for Windows 7, but I have used them and they always work the same way.

Edit log entries in Windows 7