Iphone 2g: "USB Device Not Recognized"

Question

Iphone 2g: "USB Device Not Recognized"

Hi all and thanks for reading.

My iPhone 2g that I recently fixed won't connect to the computer. It now appears to charge through the USB port however whenever I attach it a message comes up saying "USB Device Not Recognized" (this is on a Windows PC). This happens both normally and in recovery mode. Is there any way to force the computer to see it as an iPhone? I have already Googled the issue and tried updating and reinstalling itunes as per Apple's recommendations but it hasn't worked. Neither has uninstalling the drivers for "Unknown Device" and then making it scan for hardware changes. The issue also happens on a different computer so I assume the fault is with the iPhone. The cable works fine with a different iPod so I also assume the cable is good, however I have ordered a new one just to be sure. Any suggestions would be really appreciated!

Thanks

iPhone 2g, Windows 7

Posted on Jan 26, 2011 7:17 AM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

203,740 points

Jan 26, 2011 7:22 AM in response to Supersamtheman

Please define "fixed".

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Answer 2

Jan 26, 2011 8:22 AM in response to KiltedTim

Hi, sorry for not clarifying. The iPhone had developed a fault whereby the home button wouldn't work and it wouldn't charge, so I replaced the faulty flex and now the home button works and the iPhone charges.

Thanks

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Answer 3

paulcb

Level 6

19,245 points

Jan 26, 2011 8:27 AM in response to Supersamtheman

It does sound like an iPhone hardware issue. Have you gone through this?... http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1495

That being said, IMO, I think your throwing good time/money after bad on a 2G that has these problems. If you're willing to sign a contract with your carrier, you can probably get a refurb 3GS or 4 relatively cheap.

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Answer 4

Jan 26, 2011 8:33 AM in response to paulcb

Hi and thanks for replying.

Yeah I have gone through that help article and unfortunately nothings worked. It just seems odd that the computer would recognise it in some way but not properly, which made me think it might be to do with software rather than hardware, but I see your point in that it probably is a hardware issue. I would have liked to get a newer one however I am already in a contract which I don't have the money to cancel and I managed to get the 2g very cheap. It would be fantastic if I could get this one going!

Thanks a lot

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Answer 5

Jan 26, 2011 10:21 AM in response to Supersamtheman

Update: I decided to reopen the phone to check the connections and make sure everything was as I left it. While I was removing the battery and motherboard, the battery literally fell off of it - the white and red cables had completely degraded and they just came apart, so I desoldered the black cable and ordered a replacement battery. Could it be that the phone simply wasnt getting enough (or consistent enough) power to properly communicate with the PC?

Thanks a lot

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Answer 6

paulcb

Level 6

19,245 points

Jan 26, 2011 10:58 AM in response to Supersamtheman

Could it be that the phone simply wasnt getting enough (or consistent enough) power to properly communicate with the PC?

It certainly could be and sounds like that's at least part of the problem. The phone does need to be On to communicate with the PC and iTunes. You'll know when you get the new battery.

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