Does iPhone 4S require a camera to restore iOS

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Does iPhone 4S require a camera to restore iOS

Hi, I have a friends white 16GB iPhone 4S which he got wet 😟

My friend took this phone into a shop (don't think it was an apple shop) and due to the flash on the back of the camera being constantly on or flicking, had them remove the entire rear camera assembly - he's also since thrown this rear camera assembly out. The iPhone is otherwise complete, but with no rear camera hardware module 😟

The iPhone currently boots to the apple logo and usually goes to the 'restore from iTunes' screen (with the iTunes logo and the USB cable pic). I can successfully get it into DFU mode and also have iTunes & Win7 detect the phone when it's plugged in in either restore or DFU modes. The problem is that every time i go to restore the phone from iTunes i get an error 21 or an error 1611 (but not both at the same time)... This happens on WinXP & Win7.

I'm wondering if my restore problems could be due to the rear camera module not being plugged in anymore. If this is the case, would a replacement rear camera module solve this issue? If not, any other suggestions?

Does anyone know if an iPhone can be restored without the rear camera module being attached?

Thanks very much

-Tristan

iPhone 4S, iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Feb 24, 2012 10:24 PM

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Answer 1

diesel vdub

Level 7

22,178 points

Feb 25, 2012 5:39 AM in response to theSav

I find it very odd that people take the time to post long, rambling diatribes but cannot put forth the effort to do a simple search.

The below is directly from Apple

Error 20, 21, 34, 37: These errors typically occur when security software interferes with the restore and update process. If you are using a PC, follow this article to resolve this issue.

Error 1611: This error may indicate a hardware issue with your device. Follow the steps in this article. Also attempt to restore while connected with a known-good 30-pin Dock Connector cable, computer, and network to isolate this issue to the device. The MAC address being missing or the IMEI being the default value (00 499901 064000 0) can also confirm a hardware issue. Out-of-date or incorrectly configured proxy or security software, such as FoxyProxy, can cause error 1611. To troubleshoot third-party security software, follow these steps.

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Answer 2

theSav Author

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Feb 25, 2012 7:20 AM in response to diesel vdub

Thanks very much for your response diesel. Perhaps I should have noted that I'd already taken the time to look up these error codes, so fortunately for both of us, I'm one of the people that does look up the error codes before posting :)

If you re-read my post (and the title of this thread) you'll notice that I'm not looking for a description of the two error codes I mentioned, but rather if an iPhone can be restored to iOS 5.0.1 without the hardware rear camera module installed.

Thanks for your prompt reply.

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Answer 3

Feb 25, 2012 9:29 AM in response to theSav

Camera module? Like you bought an iPhone without a camera? You can't remove it otherwise...so Yes, I don't see why not. Restoring iOS is all about firmware, so you will have the appropriate build put onto your device.

As to your error codes, check for the hosts file in System32/etc/hosts.plist on Windows with Hidden Files and Folders enabled. If you see any lines with #gs.apple.com in them, remove it.

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Answer 4

theSav Author

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Feb 26, 2012 3:56 AM in response to xtremecarbon

Thanks xtremecarbon, I've looked through my hosts file and its got nothing in it. I've done the same restore on 2 different PCs with the same results - one Win7 one WinXP.

The phone was bought directly from apple - a standard white iPhone 4S 16GB. The phone got wet and was taken to a repair centre (i assume not an apple one), where they removed the camera module due to it not working correctly (see my original post). This was fine for about a day or two until the phone stopped booting, and now i cannot reload iOS 5.0.1 (9A405) due to either an error 21, or 1611.. Just wondering, seeing as 1611 especially says about a hardware issue, if this error might be due to the camera module not being attached.. Or is it just that the phone is totally stuffed...

I specifically asked about the camera module, as i can buy one from ebay or the like for $30 and if that fixes my problem, that's great... however I'd like to keep my $30 if someone on here knows for certain that replacing the module will not fix my problem..

Obviously open to other suggestions too 😉

Any ideas?

Thanks.

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Answer 5

Feb 26, 2012 4:32 AM in response to theSav

My guess is that the phone still had some moisture in it and although inititially appeared to work, corrosion has set in and caused permanent damage to other components and replacing the camera module probably won't solve anything.

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Answer 6

Feb 26, 2012 5:28 AM in response to theSav

That's strange. I agree with Julian and would ask for a replacement at this point.

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Answer 7

theSav Author

Level 1

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Feb 27, 2012 4:56 AM in response to Julian Wright

Thanks Julian, sounds about right... unfortunately for him 😟

Oh well. Maybe I'll try calling Apple and see how much they'd charge to repair it.. There's no chance they'll replace it, both LDI's are well and truely lit in bright red... haha

Thanks for your time.

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Answer 8

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,501 points

Feb 27, 2012 5:27 AM in response to theSav

Apple won't touch it at this point as it's been opened by a 3rd party AND it is not complete. It is not eligible for an out of warranty replacement and they do not repair iPhones, they replace them and then refurbish the bad one. Your only option will be to purchase a new one or find a competent 3rd party repair shop.

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