iPhone update server could not be contacted, but why ?

Hi there

I'm still being given the message: "the iPhone software update server could not be contacted" when trying to install ios5 on my iPhone (running Windows Vista Home Premium). I'd like to experiment with the method using the host file previously discussed, but when I navigate (using Notepad) to the to the Drivers > etc folder, there is no 'host' file to open? If I access the etc folder separately without using Notepad, there does exist a 'lmhosts.sam' file, although I'm not sure what it is.

If it's of any relevance I was messing about with host files last week when trying to solve the same problem with iOS5, using the offical guide from apple which advises to make copies of host files on the desktop etc (although this was not succesful).

Please, if someone could help me, I would be so grateful. I'm so fed up of getting the same error message!

100% correct solution. you will need to log into your administrator account to do the edits in the "hosts" file.

Hi SOunds all logical but how and were do I open the right ports on a mac airbook, stuck with this update server cannot etc...

thx were do I find the hosts file??

hi charles, is this host file the file you find under bypass proxies? added already gs.apple.com, but no result

Bravo mate! Worked like a charm for me on my iMac running 10.7.2 and fussy 3G! Thank you.

Step 1 – Open the Terminal.app

Either by start typing Terminal on the Spotlight, or by going into Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal.

Step 2 – Open the hosts file

Open the hosts by typing on the Terminal that you have just opened:

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

PS: Control and o to save, and Control and x to quit for those who want to know.

my god.

itunes server issues were never been and will never be in any connection with jailbreak. So just shut up and stop blaming jailbreakers for apple's crappy services.

thank you it really worked in my mac book pro 10.5.8.

i have working in this for since couple of days.

Had this problem yesterday and finally connected to Apple server and downloaded iOS update to iPhone G3S! Thought I'd share what worked for me, since this thread was so helpful and still active.

First, I tried several of the suggestions in this thread, but nothing worked until I removed my Airport Extreme/wireless from the loop and connected iMac to internet via Ethernet. Then, disconnected all other USB connections, except for the iPhone, as recommended here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1275

In the end, I am not exactly sure which of the changes was the one that finally worked, but thought I would mention the above, since I didn't see it elsewhere in this thread.

Prior to trying the ethernet connection/USB disconnect combo, I tried the suggestions posted by TheHammer on page 3 of this thread - modifying the Hosts file using Terminal with # (space). When that didn't work, i followed with suggestion from Jon T-W on page 5 -- additional modifications to Hosts using Terminal. These directions were easier to follow than those on the Apple link above. Thanks Hammer and Jon T-W!

So, if you are just starting your troubleshooting adventure...my suggestion would be to start with the easiest - try the 5 steps on the Apple article linked above first. If these don't work, you may need to modify the Hosts file, too.

Hope all of this helps some to avoid unnecessary frustration....good luck!

Okay, I've got an iMac running the latest version of Lion. I've never had this problem before and now all of the sudden it keeps searching for a connection to the update server. I've read every single post on this thread and I don't have a "Go" option in Finder and my Terminal app doesn't list any of the things previously discussed. I know it isn't my network because my wife's laptop (Windows 7) updated perfectly earlier on the same network. As many people have said that the host file issue fixed their problem I'm not doubting that it works, I just don't know how to get to that point on the latest version of Lion. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I'm just wondering if the problems connecting to the iPhone software update server is simply too many people are trying to update all at once.

I've had this problem for weeks. Tried to connect to the apple server to restore my iPad2 and the dialogue just hung at 'Contacting the iPad software server' never to connect. I have my ISP router that comes into my house and my AirPort Extreme is connected to that. I connected my iMac to my ISP router instead of my AirPort extreme and it worked immediately. Something with the AirPort extreme was blocking access. I'll try updating the firmware for that in a bit but for now that is the solution that worked for me.

SmileyGiles -

I am also running the latest version of Lion on an iMac.

Where are you getting hung up with Terminal? Here are some ideas:

Don't see the host file info?

Be sure that you are typing a space after 'sudo nano', like this: sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

Then, enter your user password.

See the host info, but it looks different than those posted previously? Write down/make a copy of your original host settings (just in case you need to go back). Then, try Jon T-W's suggestion:

Add to the existing lines a #, followed by a space, preceeding each line that didn't previously have this.

Then, add as the last line: # 127.0.0.1 gs.apple.com

Now, save the new host file using control+o. Hit enter.

Then, exit terminal using control+x.

Finally, restart the computer.

If this doesn't work....review everything in the note below. I did everything listed above and turned my firewall off, detached all other USB devices, connected directly to my ISP source before it finally worked.....so it's difficult to say exactly which thing or combination did the trick. Hope this helps!

"If there were no system software updates available for your computer, you are running the latest version of iTunes, have no other USB devices attached, have no security software installed, and are directly connected to your ISP source, simply restarting the computer can clear up certain issues that could prevent you from restoring iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. After restarting, attempt to restore again."

Having similar bizarre problem. Using Lion etc - all apps and system latest version. Updated iPad to 5.1 via iTunes this morning, but this afternoon iPhone will not connect to update server via iTunes. Just times out. No error message at all. Have tried disconnecting USB devices, restarting everything. No change. Tried to update using iBook instead of iMac. Same problem.

Still not able to update from 5.0.1 to 5.1. I've been try to do it throug iTunes and directly throug phone. "contacting to the iphone software update server" - this what I can only see.