Error 3194 - Check Your Hosts File

This has been explained already in 100s of posts here and by Apple:

"This device is not eligible for the requested build: Also sometimes displayed as an "error 3194." If you receive this alert, update to the latest version of iTunes. Third-party security software or router security settings can also cause this issue. To resolve this, follow Troubleshooting security software issues.

Downgrading to a previous version of iOS is not supported. If you have installed software to performunauthorized modifications to your iOS device, that software may have redirected connections to the update server (gs.apple.com) within the Hosts file. First you must uninstall the unauthorized modification software from the computer, then edit out the "gs.apple.com" redirect from the hosts file, and then restart the computer for the host file changes to take affect. For steps to edit the Hosts file and allow iTunes to communicate with the update server, see iTunes: Troubleshooting iTunes Store on your computer, iPhone, iPad, or iPod—follow steps under the heading Blocked by configuration (Mac OS X / Windows) > Rebuild network information > The hosts file may also be blocking the iTunes Store. If you do not uninstall the unauthorized modification software prior to editing the hosts file, that software may automatically modify the hosts file again on restart. Also, using an older or modified .ipsw file can cause this issue. Try moving the current .ipsw file, or try restoring in a new user to ensure that iTunes downloads a new .ipsw.

1. The hosts file may also be blocking the iTunes Store.

   1. If you want to have Windows try to restore the hosts to default, follow the "FixIt" in How do I reset the hosts file back to the default?.
      Note: Work systems may put information into the hosts file. Consult whomever is responsible for supporting Windows on your system before resetting the hosts file to default.
   2. If restoring the defaults did not resolve the issue, you can find your hosts file at C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC .
   3. Select the hosts file. Choose Edit > Copy, and then choose Edit > Paste.
   4. There should now be a duplicate of the hosts file named "Copy of hosts" (Windows XP) or "hosts -Copy" (Windows Vista/7).
   5. Drag the original hosts file to your Desktop. If Windows needs your permission to continue, click Continue.
   6. Drag the "Copy of hosts" (Windows XP) or "hosts -Copy" (Windows Vista/7) to the Desktop.
   7. Right-click "Copy of hosts" (Windows XP) or "hosts -Copy" (Windows Vista/7) and choose Open. You may be prompted to choose the program you want to use to open this file. Double-click Notepad.
   8. When Notepad opens, choose Edit > Select All, and then choose Edit >Delete.
   9. From the File menu,choose Save. Quit Notepad.
   10. Drag the "Copy of hosts" (Windows XP) or "hosts -Copy" (Windows Vista/7) file from your Desktop back into the original location (given in step 2). If Windows needs your permission to continue, click Continue.
   11. Right-click the "Copy of hosts" (Windows XP) or "hosts -Copy" (Windows Vista/7) file, and choose Rename. Type "hosts" (without quotation marks) and press Enter.
   12. Restart your computer and try connecting to the iTunes Store."

2. 
   

3. Mac OS X

4. The following steps will delete your network preferences. Most broadband connections do not require any special settings to connect, but if your connection does or if you are not sure, please contact your Internet Service Provider or network administrator for further assistance.

   1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
   2. Choose Go to Folder from the Go menu.
   3. Type: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration
   4. Click Go.
   5. In the Finder window, locate the file named "NetworkInterfaces.plist" and drag this file to the Trash.
   6. Restart your computer.
   7. Once your computer has restarted, you will not be able to connect to the Internet. You will need to refresh your network settings to be able to connect again:
      1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple () menu.
      2. Choose Network from the View menu.
      3. If you're using Mac OS X v10.4, choose New Location from the Locations menu.
      4. Click Apply Now at the bottom right.
      5. If your network connection requires any special settings, you will need to put them back in at this point. You would have received these from your ISP or network administrator

mirgin wrote:

But it shows me 3194 error

You will get error 3194 under several conditions:

1. Yo don't have the latest version of iTumes for your computer
2. You have a PowerMac and haven't updated to OS X 10.5.8
3. You have an Intel Mac and are not on 10.5.8 or later
4. You are trying to install a version of iOS that is not the current version for your device (4.2.1 for 3G, 5.1 for 3GS, 4 and 4S)
5. Your phone has been jailbroken at some time in its life

Lawrence

perhaps this news posted to day about Apples problems might be the answer to the problem:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2424722/Apple-iOS-7-ERROR-message -thousands-users-new-software-update-fails-download.html

• Apple faced embarrassment yesterday after thousands of customers struggled to download its new operating systems for iPhones and iPads
• The software was available to download on Tuesday afternoon, but no sooner had it launched than users started to complain
• Many users received error messages and 'failed to download' warnings
• Claims suggest Apple's servers couldn't cope with the increase in traffic
• The software has had a design 'overhaul' with flatter, sharper icons
• As well as a new look it has added new Control and Notification Centres
• Other extra features include an updated photo stream and AirDrop sharing

It seems I'm not the only one to have this problem

Cheers

Danuja

You are God to me right now!
I got constant Error 3194, than I tried with tinyumbrella and got a new Error 2005.

I deleted all lines that point to gs.apple.com and it worked like a charm
GREAT HELP, TNX!!!

My host files look like these:

# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp.

#

# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.

#

# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each

# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should

# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.

# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one

# space.

#

# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual

# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.

#

# For example:

#

# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server

# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handle within DNS itself.

# 127.0.0.1 localhost

# ::1 localhost

What should I do?

I am using windows 7 and i have the latest version of iTunes. I am trying to update my iphone 4 to iOS 5.0.1 while preserving baseband and i am getting this error message. Is there any way I can fix this?

trying to update my iphone 4 to iOS 5.0.1 while preserving baseband

This is not supported and the reason you're getting error 3194. The only valid iOS for updating is the current signed version (now 5.1). Also any attempt to "preserve" or alter the baseband verison that comes with the update is prohibited.

Note that if you have altered the baseband at ANY TIME in the past, you will get error 3194 (or 1015) perminantly, even when trying to update to current. The phone can no longer be updated or restored.

This usually means that you don't have the latest version of iTunes. It can also mean that you used your computer to jailbreak ANY iDevice at some time in the past, not necessarily the one with the problem. Many jailbreak and hacking programs corrupt the network settings on the computer used to do the hacking.

If your hosts file contained gs.apple.com (the URL for Apple's activation server) anywhere the ONLY way that entry could get into the file is if you or a program that you used put it there. The only programs that would insert a redirect into the hosts file that would cause iTunes to bypass Apple's activation server are programs designed to hack the phone and bypass official activation. If a corrupt hosts file was not your problem then it was just server overload that you encountered.

My File hosts like that..

# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.

#

# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.

#

# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each

# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should

# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.

# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one

# space.

#

# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual

# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.

#

# For example:

#

# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server

# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.

# 127.0.0.1 localhost

# ::1 localhost

how to do that? if i save can't be accept. Please help me 😟 My phone in recovery mode from last month until now can on

OK, where did you find that file? If it was:

c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

then it is OK, and it not causing your problem, whatever your prolem is (as this is your first post in this thread I have no idea what problem you have).

Hi Lawrence.

Windows XP version 5.1 SP3 v6

iPhone 3GS previously iOS 4.x.x.x

iTunes 11.1.3.8

Having successfully backed up my trusty 3GS, i started the restore process.

Unfortunately I am getting the "the iPhone cannot be restored at this time because the iPhone software update server could not be contacted or is temporarily unavailable" error message.

My original hosts file, located in WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc\, looked like this:

127.0.0.1 localhost

Just that, nothing else.

I tried:

# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp.

#

# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.

#

# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each

# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should

# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.

# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one

# space.

#

# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual

# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.

#

# For example:

#

# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server

# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handle within DNS itself.

# 127.0.0.1 localhost

# ::1 localhost

But no luck. This is the format of the file suggested on the Microsoft website for XP users.

I've tried various other combinations, with or without the hash - any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Roger

Thanks for such a quick reply.

This is a second-hand machine I got from my local computer guy (used him for years btw, reliable fella).

I've been through the 'add or remove programs' screen and removed anything which looks like a security program.

No anti virus of which I'm aware, other than the native Windows Firewall and the firewall on the router - a BT Homehub.

Just off to work this morning (I live in the UK) - will try the firewalls and get back to you.

OK I had a few minutes to spare so:

I've been through 'add or remove programs' and also "C:\Program Files" to check and oust anything which looked remotely like an anti-virus or security program.

I turned off the Windows Firewall, but left the BT Homehub's one on - no luck, same message

I turned off the Hoehub's firewall as well, same outcome.

I opened itunes and went Help/Run Diagnostics - I unchecked everything except the 'Network connectivity tests' checkbox. The result says

Network Connectivity:

Network Interfaces verified

iTunes Store connectivity:

Internet Connection failed

Secure link to iTunes store verified

There is a red "light" next to the internet connectivity item.

I've followed the 'Help' button next to the Internet connectivity item. No luck - the internet connections are fine. I don't know about thr Router - maybe it has something to do with Port Forwrding.

I flushed the DNS cache - but still no luck. Here's the report from the itunes system diagnostics:

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3, v.6419 (Build 2600)

TOSHIBA TECRA M5

iTunes 11.1.3.8

QuickTime 7.7

FairPlay 2.5.16

Apple Application Support 2.3.6

iPod Updater Library 11.1f5

CD Driver 2.2.3.0

CD Driver DLL 2.1.3.1

Apple Mobile Device 7.0.0.117

Apple Mobile Device Driver 1.64.0.0

Bonjour 3.0.0.10 (333.10)

Gracenote SDK 1.9.6.502

Gracenote MusicID 1.9.6.115

Gracenote Submit 1.9.6.143

Gracenote DSP 1.9.6.45

iTunes Serial Number 0012B718085C0A98

Current user is an administrator.

The current local date and time is 2014-05-19 09:12:23.

iTunes is not running in safe mode.

WebKit accelerated compositing is enabled.

HDCP is not supported.

Core Media is supported.

Video Display Information

NVIDIA Quadro NVS 110M

Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family

Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family

Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family

Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family

**** External Plug-ins Information ****

No external plug-ins installed.

iPodService 11.1.3.8 is currently running.

iTunesHelper 11.1.3.8 is currently running.

Apple Mobile Device service 3.3.0.0 is currently running.

**** Network Connectivity Tests ****

Network Adapter Information

Adapter Name: {B6B1BBB1-35D2-4D5E-8E40-E90AE97D4142}

Description: Intel(R) PRO/1000 PL Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport

IP Address: 0.0.0.0

Subnet Mask: 0.0.0.0

Default Gateway:

DHCP Enabled: Yes

DHCP Server:

Lease Obtained: Thu Jan 01 00:00:02 1970

Lease Expires: Thu Jan 01 00:00:02 1970

DNS Servers:

Adapter Name: {E58EC8CE-057F-49D3-81B7-5F22C73DB2C0}

Description: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection #2 - Packet Scheduler Miniport

IP Address: 192.168.1.67

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway: 192.168.1.254

DHCP Enabled: Yes

DHCP Server: 192.168.1.254

Lease Obtained: Mon May 19 07:57:11 2014

Lease Expires: Tue May 20 07:57:11 2014

DNS Servers: 192.168.1.254

Active Connection: LAN Connection

Connected: Yes

Online: No

Using Modem: No

Using LAN: Yes

Using Proxy: No

Firewall Information

Windows Firewall is on.

iTunes is enabled in Windows Firewall.

Connection attempt to Apple web site was successful.

Connection attempt to browsing iTunes Store was successful.

Connection attempt to purchasing from iTunes Store was successful.

Connection attempt to iPhone activation server was successful.

Connection attempt to firmware update server was successful.

Connection attempt to Gracenote server was successful.

Last successful iTunes Store access was 2014-05-19 09:11:12.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

This is bizarre - the restore still does not work - the little red "light" next to 'Internet Connectivity' in the diagnostics results screen is still red, but the log says the connections were successful... help! I don't understand.

Fatcharlieuk wrote:

Active Connection: LAN Connection

Connected: Yes

Online: No

Using Modem: No

Using LAN: Yes

Using Proxy: No

I don't like the highlighted item above. Are you still getting error 3194, or is there a different error now?