Q: I cannot restore the I pad 2,

Same issue here!

As per other threads, download the IOS file and manually load it via iTunes.

If you want to manually download the update go here.

http://osxdaily.com/2013/01/28/ios-6-1-released-download/

If you want to try recovery mode which is what Apple recommends if you are unable to update or restore your iPd, go here.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4097

Just download the firemware manually to the computer and then restore with iTunes

<This is a Direct Download Link>

6.1.0 (iPad 2 Wi-Fi): iPad2,1_6.1_10B141_Restore.ipsw

6.1.0 (iPad 2 GSM): iPad2,2_6.1_10B141_Restore.ipsw

6.1.0 (iPad 2 CDMA): iPad2,3_6.1_10B141_Restore.ipsw

6.1.0 (iPad 2 New): iPad2,4_6.1_10B141_Restore.ipsw

<This is a Direct Download Link>

<Edited By Host>

I have an iPad 2 as well and experienced the same problems you decribe with the update but i finally found a solution that worked for me.

First, start itunes on your computer then you must follow these instructions to get the ipad shut down and then a recover start thru itunes, follow this link:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4097

Second, once you accept the recovery and update option and it starts downloading the necessary data for the update, unplug the ipad from the computer. This will force itunes to finish downloading all the data without dumping anything onto the ipad yet. Also, shut down the ipad just like you did in the first step.

Third, itunes will tell you the recovery and update failed, say ok.

Fourth, plug the ipad back into the computer like normal don't hold down the home key like you did in step one, once itunes recognizes the ipad hit the recovery and update option again and it will finally start extracting the data and stop the loop from occuring on the ipad and the recovery and update will begin.

I hope this works for you, let me know if you need further explanation on any of these steps. also, let me know if it works out for you.

so after you force the recovery in Step 1 itunes doesn't bring up a window requiring you to recover the ipad?

Folks, there are many threads on this board tracking the same issue with the corrupted file error received upon ios 6.1 upgrade for iPad 2 users. I was able to fix the problem based on a solution posted in this thread > https://discussions.apple.com/message/21074848#21074848  I hope you find this helpful and good luck!!

ok, so you need to unplug the ipad from the computer while its working on its recovery, this will force the computer to download all the info from online before it can engage the ipad in the recovery. this was step 2 in my description above.

hmmm, when you start the recovery how many minutes does itunes say it's going to take? then when you unplug the ipad from the computer does that time change at all?