QuickTime or iTunes Installer "Could not open key" alert stops install on Windows

When installing QuickTime for Windows or iTunes + QuickTime for Windows, the installation may halt with the following error message:

Could not open key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\QuickTimePlayerLib.QuickTimePlayerApp\CLSID. Verify that you have sufficient access to that key, or contact your support personnel.
This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.
  1. Install iTunes 7.0.2 or later while logged into a user account with administrator privileges. Note: If you are seeing this message when using the QuickTime standalone installer, ensure you are using QuicKTime 7.1.4 or later.
  2. If the issue persists with iTunes 7.0.2 or later or QuickTime 7.1.4 or later, it is possible you are installing iTunes or QuickTime with an administrator user account different than the one used in previous installations of iTunes or QuickTime. If this is the case and you still have the original administrator user account on the computer, try installing from this original administrator user account.

If the issue persists beyond these two steps, there is an issue with one or more keys the QuickTime installer needs to access in the registry. Resolving this issue will require either reinstalling Windows, using a third-party registry utility, or manually editing the registry.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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