Can't connect iPhone 3GS to iTunes. Says "iTunes could not connect to this iPhone. Could not allocate a resource." Help!

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Can't connect iPhone 3GS to iTunes. Says "iTunes could not connect to this iPhone. Could not allocate a resource." Help!

Since getting my iPhone 3GS just a few months ago, I have never been able to connect to iTunes. I was getting a strange error code, but when I tried again today, I got this message instead, "iTunes could not connect to this iPhone. Could not allocate a resource." I have had this phone for months now, but have never connected it to iTunes, and would REALLY like to so I can back things up. Anyone know how I can fix this?! I need help! I have tried plugging into EVERY USB on the back of my iMac. The same thing happens in each one. I've also tried unlugging ALL other peripherals, and still nothing. It's getting frustrating!

Oh, and FYI, the phone connects just fine to iPhoto. Go figure! Anyone have any ideas?!

iPhone 3GS, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Jun 27, 2012 12:05 PM

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Answer 1

pala9801 Author

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3 points

Jun 27, 2012 12:11 PM in response to pala9801

Read this in Console: "Could not create /var/db/lockdown//SystemConfiguration.plist: No such file or directory" But I have no idea what that means or how to fix it. Help!

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Answer 2

randers4

Level 9

63,513 points

Jun 27, 2012 12:15 PM in response to pala9801

Based on that message, you may need to reset the lockdown folder as described in step #6 of this article: http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2529.

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Answer 3

pala9801 Author

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Jun 27, 2012 12:18 PM in response to randers4

How do I do that?

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Answer 4

randers4

Level 9

63,513 points

Jun 27, 2012 12:20 PM in response to pala9801

Click on the link in my last post and read step #6 for Mac OS X.

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Answer 5

pala9801 Author

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3 points

Jun 27, 2012 12:24 PM in response to randers4

It says "The folder can't be found." So, I can't continue on with the steps. Now what?

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Answer 6

randers4

Level 9

63,513 points

Jun 27, 2012 12:32 PM in response to pala9801

Unfortunately I'm away right now and can't research this one for you. Suggest you start a new post over in the iTunes for Mac forum with a title saying something like "Lockdown folder missing - unable to sync".

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Answer 7

pala9801 Author

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3 points

Jul 2, 2012 9:31 AM in response to randers4

I appreciate your help, so far. I posted a question on the iTunes for Mac forum, but haven't received any replies to that one, yet. I posted it on 6/27: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4062521. I must have stumped everyone! Well, when you return, if you find anything, let me know. Thanks, again!

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Answer 8

randers4

Level 9

63,513 points

Jul 2, 2012 6:18 PM in response to pala9801

I guess you could try reinstalling iTunes on top of currently installed version. Go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ and download the installer. Quit iTunes, then double-click the iTunes.mpkg file and follow the instructions. Restart your mac when it completes and then try going to /var/db/lockdown/ in Finder and see if it's there now.

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Answer 9

jxc100

Level 1

8 points

Jul 11, 2012 3:58 PM in response to randers4

Cross-posted from https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4062521

You can create the folder using the Terminal application, if your account has administrator privelige:

sudo mkdir /var/db/lockdown

You will be prompted for your account password (and it needs to be an account with administrator privelige - see the System Preferences -> Accounts which has a checkbox "Allow user to administer this computer".) (And Terminal is in the Applications -> Utilities folder). (And I am using 10.6.8)

iTunes (or whatever process) needs read-write access to this folder. I am not sure the best setting, but this works for me:

sudo chmod go+w /var/db/lockdown

This changes the folder so that group (g) and other (o) have write access.

Restart iTunes, connect your iPhone, and you should see iTunes able to access the iPhone.

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Answer 10

pala9801 Author

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3 points

Jul 23, 2012 2:15 PM in response to jxc100

I really appreciate your help. All of those commands ran successfully, but I still can't connect. I'm getting the same "iTunes could not connect to this iPhone. Could not allocate a resource" message. I tried a complete system restart, and still nothing. Now what?

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Answer 11

pala9801 Author

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3 points

Jul 23, 2012 2:15 PM in response to pala9801

Oh, and I ran those commands in Terminal. That's correct, right?

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Answer 12

Nov 12, 2012 9:01 PM in response to pala9801

I had the same problem and found a resolution at this site - http://khellek.blogspot.com/2012/10/itunes-could-not-connect-to-this-iphone.html

I hope it works for you as well.

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Answer 13

Nov 29, 2012 1:01 PM in response to GoneMobile

GoneMobile ... this worked perfectly for me, thanks for the post ...

ST

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Answer 14

Dausto

Level 1

14 points

Jan 30, 2013 1:43 PM in response to GoneMobile

Very good!!

For me solved the same problem occured after data Migration to a new MacBook Pro...

Thanks

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Answer 15

Benxine

Level 1

0 points

Oct 24, 2013 10:08 PM in response to pala9801

HOW TO FIX CANNOT ALLOCATE A RESOURCE ERROR!!!

I found a fix that worked for me after failing with all the others:

IF your computer has an old cydia app called Wi-Fi Sync (you'll recognize it on your toolbar as a black silhouette of an iphone that NEVER goes away), then this is probably your main culprit. Simple fix.

1. Goto your hard drive in the finder

2. Goto Library

3. Goto Launch Daemons

4. Throw this in the trash: com.ghughes.wifisync.root.plist

5. Goto Library

6. Goto Application Support

7. Throw this in the trash: Wi-Fi Sync (it's an entire folder).

8. Restart.

9. Thank me.

Peace and Love, Peace and LOVE!

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