Restoring shows unknown error 3194

After nth attempt of updating/restoring the ios firmware via iTunes.... I was able to resolve the problem i encountered similar to this (unknown error 3194)
NOTE:
1. You just need to download the correct and updated firmware... That is by selecting the model of your device (e.g. iPhone 5c, etc) and the "latest ios firmware"

Now, this link is very helpful in determining you've downloaded the correct IPSW file.
http://osxdaily.com/2017/05/15/ios-10-3-2-update-ipsw-download/

2. Make sure you select the IPSW file that you have downloaded.

How to Use IPSW Files

What version of iOS are you trying to change FROM?

So why are you trying to replace 6.1.2 with 6.1.2?

Error 1004, 1013, 1638, 3014, 3194: These errors may be the result of the connection to gs.apple.com being redirected or blocked. Follow these steps to resolve these errors:

1. Install the latest version of iTunes.

2. Check security software. Ensure that communication to gs.apple.com is allowed. Follow this article for assistance with security software. iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting security software issues.

3. Check the hosts file. The restore will fail if there is an active entry to redirect gs.apple.com. Follow iTunes: Advanced iTunes Store troubleshooting to edit the hosts file or revert to a default hosts file. See section "Blocked by configuration: (Mac OS X/Windows) > Rebuild network information".

4. Try to restore from another known-good computer and network.

5. If the errors persist on another computer, the device may need service.

The above is from the 2nd link below.

Update and restore alert messages on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

http://www.buybuyla.com/tech/view/012953a0d412000e.shtml

iOS: Resolving update and restore alert messages

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1275

iPad: Unable to update or restore

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

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Is this to do with needing as specific version of iOS for the jailbreak to work? Why are you intent on avoiding the current iOS?

An inadequate reason. Upgrades are improvements, that's why they're not called downgrades. "Simply I don't want to upgrade" is illogical. (Just call me Spock)

I can't improve on Apple's advice:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts4451

(Although that doesn't sound like an "unknown" error)

Here is a reason. A publisher wants to make a game that runs on iOS x.x.x but all of our devices are on y.y.y because we "upgraded", now we cant test on x.x.x unless we take one of our y.y.y devices and put x.x.x on it, essentially a "downgrade". How is that for a reason, and is there a way to do it?

I am trying to restore version 6.1.3 (from 6.1.3) on my son's ipad 2... He had forgotten the passcode, and I am trying to wipe it. I get this message constantly, and this ipad is not jailbroken or anything...

I can't even wipe it from icloud, because the wifi is not turned on.

So is there no way to figure out what the "unknown error 3194" is, by looking at logs, etc.. from itunes, etc. ?

Dear alessandroroma,

Did you manage to fix your problem?

I have exactly the same issue. And the solution is not the hosts file... :s

Thanks,

Alexious