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This device is not eligible for the requested build

I have tried to restore my iPad and I get the message


This device is not eligible for the requested build

iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Oct 2, 2012 5:31 AM

Reply
2 replies

Feb 19, 2013 11:40 AM in response to meadwoview

Resolution

This occurs when communication to the update and restore server (gs.apple.com) is being blocked, redirected, or interrupted. This may be caused by security software, hosts-file entries, or other third-party software.

Perform the following steps to resolve this issue:

  1. Ensure that iTunes is up to date. Download and install the latest version of iTunes if necessary. Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard) users may need to download iTunes 10.6.3 using this link.
  2. Certain software applications can modify your hosts file, which can prevent your computer from accessing the update server. Follow the steps below to verify that your computer is correctly configured to contact the Apple update server.
    Note: If an application has modified your hosts file, you may need to uninstall that application before editing or recreating your hosts file.
  3. Mac
  4. Open the Terminal utility, located in Applications > Utilities.
    Note: If you are using a business computer, the hosts file may be used to redirect to local resources, such as software updates. Consult your support resources.
  5. When Terminal opens, open the hosts file by typing the following command and pressing the Return key:
    sudo nano /private/etc/hosts
  6. Type your user password when prompted (this requires a nonblank administrator password).
  7. Edit the hosts file:
    The hosts file contains some comments (lines starting with the # symbol), as well as some default host-name mappings (e.g. 127.0.0.1 - localhost).
    Navigate the file using the arrow keys.
  8. If you find an entry containing gs.apple.com, add a # and then a space to the beginning of that line.
  9. a. Save the hosts file.
    When done editing the hosts file, press Control-o to save the file.
    Press Enter when prompted for the filename, and Control-x to exit the editor.
  10. Restart the computer and attempt to restore with iTunes.
  11. Windows
  12. If you want to have Windows try to restore the hosts file to the default, follow the "Fixit" in How do I reset the hosts file back to the default?.
    Note: Business computers may put information into the hosts file. Consult whoever is responsible for supporting Windows on your computer before resetting the hosts file back to the default.
  13. If restoring to default did not resolve the issue, you can find your hosts file at C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC.
  14. Select the hosts file. Choose Edit > Copy, then choose Edit > Paste.
  15. There should now be a duplicate of the hosts file named "Copy of hosts" (Windows XP) or "hosts-copy" (Windows Vista or Windows 7).
  16. Drag the original hosts file to your Desktop. If Windows needs your permission to continue, click Continue.
  17. Drag the duplicate file to the Desktop.
  18. Right-click the duplicate file and choose Open. You may be prompted to choose the program you want to use to open this file. Double-click Notepad.
  19. When Notepad opens, choose Edit > Select All, and then choose Edit > Delete.
  20. From the File menu,choose Save. Quit Notepad.
  21. Drag the duplicate file from your Desktop back into the original location (given in step b). If Windows needs your permission to continue, click Continue.
  22. Right-click the duplicate file and choose Rename. Type "hosts" (without quotation marks) and press Enter.
  23. Restart your computer and try restoring with iTunes.
  24. If the issue persists and you have TCP/IP filtering, firewall, or security software installed on your computer, follow the steps in this security-software troubleshooting article to correctly configure or temporarily uninstall your software. If you uninstalled software to resolve the issue, contact the manufacturer of that software for assistance with installation and configuration.
  25. Some third-party routers may have default security or network settings that block access to the update server. If you are using a third-party router, disconnect power to the router and connect directly to the ISP source. You may have to restart your computer and ISP modem to establish an Internet connection before attempting to restore.
  26. If the above steps did not resolve the issue, try restoring on another computer with a known-good Internet connection.
  27. Additional Information
  28. Find information about other update and restore errors not documented here.
  29. If you are a developer and have a prerelease version of iTunes installed, make sure you have updated to the latest developer software and available build of iTunes.

This device is not eligible for the requested build

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