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Can't restore iPhone: Fixes

Can't restore iPhone: Fixes

Ben Wilson

Restoring the iPhone is one of the most widely applicable fixes for a variety of issues affecting the device, including problems installing Apple-released software/firmware updates, the unlock slider being stuck, missing calls while locked (sleeping), crashes, and more. In some cases, however, the iPhone refuses to restore, with iTunes providing a cryptic error message and failing. In these cases, there are some simple fixes:

For Mac OS X

Method #1 Delete the following files:

  • /System/Library/Extensions/AppleMobileDevice.kext
  • /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DeviceLink.framework
  • /Library/Receipts/AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg

then restart your Mac. Next, download iTunes and re-install it.

Method #2 Create a new user account: open the "Accounts" pane of System Preferences, click the padlock and enter your administrator password, then press the " " (plus) button to create the new user. Login as the new user, then connect your iPhone to your Mac and re-attempt the restore with iTunes.

For Windows (various editions)
  1. Select Control Panel from the Start menu
  2. Select Add/Remove Programs
  3. Remove Apple Mobile Device Support
  4. Remove iTunes
  5. Restart your system
  6. Download and install iTunes again

Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.