Q: iTunes says it could not contact iPhone software update

Refer this article:

iTunes for Windows: iTunes cannot contact the iPhone, iPad, or iPod software update server

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1814

Close your iTunes,

Go to command Prompt -

(Win 7/Vista) - START/ALL PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES, right mouse click "Command Prompt", choose "Run as Administrator".

(Win XP SP2 & above) - START/ALL PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES/Command Prompt

In the "Command Prompt" screen, type in

netsh winsock reset

Hit "ENTER" key

Restart your computer.

If you do get a prompt after restart windows to remap LSP, just click NO.

Now launch your iTunes and see if it is working now.

If you are still having these type of problems after trying the winsock reset, refer to this article to identify which software in your system is inserting LSP:

iTunes 10.5 for Windows: May see performance issues and blank iTunes Store

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4123?viewlocale=en_US

It seems that there are still issues, to include my phone. I found an easy fix... Tether the net from your phone to the computer with your normal internet connection disabled. Start iTunes and go. When the phone shuts off, reconnect the normal internet you use so the software can verify itself.

Cheers!