Cannot update ipad - prompts for ipsw file

Question

Level 1

10 points

Cannot update ipad - prompts for ipsw file

Hi, Windows iTunes at 10.5.2.11, iPad 1, trying to update iPad from 4.3.5 to 5.0.1, but clicking on the "update" button brings up a file dialog, looking for what appears to be the ipsw file.

I haven't done any additional troubleshooting on this pc - I've encountered this once before and went through great lengths trying to resolve - downloaded separate ipsw, uninstalled/reinstalled itunes - could never get it to work. I ended up updating on another pc.

Now this has happened a second time I'd like to figure it out instead - has anyone encountered this?

Thanks in advance - Joe

iPad, Windows 7

Posted on Jan 11, 2012 2:26 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Demo

Level 10

166,747 points

Jan 11, 2012 2:44 PM in response to desktopg

Have you downloaded the ipsw file? I assume that you have and that is why iTunes is looking it for it if that was the way that you tried to update the iPad the last time. If that is the case, did you try the manual update?

Take a look at this.

http://myappworld.com/how-to-manually-update-to-ios-5-for-ipad-iphone-ipod-touch -and-apple-tv/howto

Reply

Answer 2

desktopg Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 12, 2012 8:13 AM in response to Demo

I did attempt to update that way with the original issue, failed (forget exactly how)

I spent several hours on that system going so far as to uninstall and reinstall itunes. I want to avoid that on this second system. There should be a way to fix this status and have iTunes redownload the proper IPSW..?

Reply

Answer 3

Demo

Level 10

166,747 points

Feb 12, 2012 8:36 AM in response to desktopg

desktopg wrote:

I want to avoid that on this second system. There should be a way to fix this status and have iTunes redownload the proper IPSW..?

I'm not sure what you mean about this second system - do you mean after reinstalling iTunes?

I've never had to manually download the ipsw file so other than downloading the correct file again - from the site that I posted above - and using that new file - I don't know what else to tell you to do. I would remove the original ipsw file if you download the correct version.

What I want to know is - can you not simply click on the check for update button in the Summary Tab of iTunes when your iPad is connected to the computer and with iTunes running? I'm guessing that there must be some preference that is causing the iTunes to direct you to use the ipsw file again.

Or am I totally missing what you are trying to do?

Reply