iphone 3gs wont restore error 21

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Level 1

8 points

iphone 3gs wont restore error 21

Hi

tonight I updated itunes to the latest version 9.2, then I check to see whether my actual iphone software needed to be updated. it said the new version available was the 4 one.

once it went to finish installing it said it couldn't be installed properly due to error 21. so after several times trying to get it to work I decided to restore.

but now it wont even restore cause the same error 21 keeps coming up. once I clicked restore it looks like its about to finish but then the error comes up then stops, now my phone is stuck with the itunes logo with the usb

cant get onto my phone at all and cant restore it dont know what to do, can someone help me out please or if anyone else had this problem could they advise me what they done

thanks
lindsay

Message was edited by: itslindsay

Windows Vista

Posted on Jun 22, 2010 3:09 PM

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Answer 1

Lisa1973

Level 1

0 points

Jun 22, 2010 10:31 PM in response to itslindsay

Hi
Ive got the same problem and Im gutted as so lost without my phone.
I updated everything, then it came up with error 21 I checked for solutions and it said restart computer which I did but still keep getting the same error it still wont even restore.

I have Iphone 3gS

Please help!!!!
Damsel in distress LOL

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Answer 2

itslindsay Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 23, 2010 12:16 PM in response to Lisa1973

Hi

I went into the apple shop in town they tried to do what I done last night and restore it but couldn't achieve it either and said it shouldn't he doing that and must have had a software problem there was also someone else in the store who had the same problem even tho my iPhone is only 3months old they replaced it and gave me brand new one! Try and go onto store I know you have to book a appointment but because it's a phone and they understand you need your phone they put you in a standby appointment

I waited 10mins and was seen. Hope that could help understand.

Lindsay

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Answer 3

Jun 24, 2010 8:27 AM in response to itslindsay

I'm having the exact same problem with mine, tried to update to 4 and got error 21.
I've looked all over and all methods won't work.
Everythings up to date and I've done all the troubleshooting.

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Answer 4

Leon26UK

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0 points

Jun 24, 2010 11:57 AM in response to itslindsay

Exactly same problem just happened today trying to update to 4.0

Hm, not sure what to do now. Tried everything I've seen suggested about error 21s and nothing has sorted it. Guess I'll have to schedule a trip to the Apple Store.

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Answer 5

dricko

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Jun 24, 2010 2:22 PM in response to itslindsay

im in the same boat!

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Answer 6

Jun 25, 2010 3:05 PM in response to dricko

I've got exactly the same problem (error 21, won't restore), its really lame. Now I don't have my phone.

Reinstalled iTunes, nothing. Did all the stuff suggested, nothing.

Only plugged it in to have a look at the LP feature thing with the Chem Bros new album - now wasted a whole night and no phone, just cause I thought to update the OS.

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Answer 7

Jun 25, 2010 3:14 PM in response to drullingmonkey

I haven't had any of the problems that you are experiencing... Let me know how it ends for you

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Answer 8

Jun 25, 2010 4:42 PM in response to itslindsay

Got a solution, on Windows Vista with 3GS phone.

I created a new user in the control panel, restarted, then logged in as the new user.

I then opened iTunes, which installs for the new user and then connected the phone. It then went through the OS software update no problems.

I stopped it at registering/setting up and switched back to my original user profile and it automatically restored from the back up.

Hope this helps - amazing how lost you feel when your phone packs in :-/

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Answer 9

Jun 27, 2010 5:07 AM in response to drullingmonkey

Drullingmonkey, IF I COULD KISS U I BLOODY WOULD, AFTER 4 HOURS IN DISTRESS TRYING TO FIX THIS PHONE, YOUR TIP ACTUALLY WORKED.

thanks a million

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Answer 10

dodge7

Level 1

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Jun 29, 2010 2:53 PM in response to drullingmonkey

very very very much appreciated, i did exactly as you said after looking for 2 hours for ideas and trying numerous without success (GRRRHH!) stumbled on your reply after reading threads above as was about to log off and spotted yours,
could not believe it, i logged into my daughters and set up i-tunes there and did as you said and it worked for me..... so thanks you very much!

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Answer 11

tijen

Level 1

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Jul 4, 2010 4:33 AM in response to drullingmonkey

Thank you so much for the tip drullingmonkey. It works on Windows XP too, you've saved me much grief!

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Answer 12

hb72

Level 1

0 points

Jul 6, 2010 4:29 PM in response to drullingmonkey

thanks so much, same deal on the mac, create a new userunder systems preferences and open itunes........ you have saved the day ( after I wasted all my evening), don't think I'll be trying that update again.

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Answer 13

Aug 2, 2010 4:17 AM in response to itslindsay

THANK YOU SO MUCH I WAS STUCK IN LOOP FOR 2 HOURS. once i read your reply it worked BUT i didnt connect and restore i left it there and started New but thank you !!!!

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Answer 14

Monktech

Level 1

4 points

Aug 13, 2010 3:45 PM in response to drullingmonkey

My friend, you are a legend!! Had my 3GS lock up after the 4.02 update. Was, after 3 hours, ready to pack it up and return it but after one final web search i found your golden nugget of advice and it worked a treat!!!

Thank you!!

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Answer 15

kidbudy

Level 1

0 points

Aug 17, 2010 10:14 AM in response to drullingmonkey

Thanks a bunch. Just had the same problem as y'all after trying to update to the latest version of os 4. Came upon your tip pretty quickly so didn't spend too much time surfing the web but I assume I will still need to reload all the non-app content (i.e., music, video, pics etc.) which will take time but not as much as I would have sent so thanks again.

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