Can't update iPad - already activated

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Can't update iPad - already activated

Hello,

I'm attempting to update an iPad 2 (3G) on iOS 4.3.3 to the latest version. Being pre-iOS 5, I need to do it through iTunes. When I plug it in, iTunes pops up and says "This iPad is already activated, you may disconnect it now." I know that this relates to iTunes being in Activation Mode only, so I disabled it. It didn't work. I ensured that iTunes.exe wasn't running in the task manager and tried to disable it again and open iTunes - same. I restarted, did it again - same. I'm at a loss here! Any suggestions?

-Larry

iPad 2, iOS 4.3.3

Posted on Apr 30, 2013 7:25 AM

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Answer 1

sheila_m.

Community Specialist

May 2, 2013 1:06 PM in response to ldellinger

Hello Larry,

It sounds like the Activation-only Mode in iTunes on your Windows computer cannot be turned off, which is preventing you from updating your iPad. You did not include the command you used to turn off activation mode, and I just wanted to make sure you had the correct command to turn it off.

Make sure iTunes isn’t running, and then open a Command Prompt window.

Enter a command:
To turn activation-only mode off:"C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /setPrefInt StoreActivationMode 0

You can find this step in the following article:

iTunes: Turning on Activation-only Mode

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4335

Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities, and I hope this gets you back on track!

Best,

Sheila M.

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Answer 2

May 2, 2013 1:21 PM in response to ldellinger

Probably won't help, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Try this - Reset the iPad by holding down on the Sleep and Home buttons at the same time for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple Logo appears - ignore the red slider - let go of the buttons. (This is equivalent to rebooting your computer.)

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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