How do I fix a 2nd generation Apple TV that does not restore to factory settings after a failed installation of software update 6.0?

Did you follow the instructions here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4367

Pay attention to differences in power connection depending on whether or not you have AppleTV2 or AppleTV 3.

Also some microUSB leads don't seem to work - try another if you can. Disconnect superfluous USB device/hubs too if possible.

AC

I'm in the same boat. I have an aTV2. I've tried restoring in various ways over microUSB. Nothing has caused the device to be noticed by iTunes. I've also tried to use TinyUmbrella to at least identify the aTV. So far, nothing's found it. The only life-sign beyond the rapidly blinking light is I can get the blinking rate to change with some remote commands, though after a few seconds, it always seems to return to the same blink rate.

Mine ATV2 is stuck on the Activation Screen......

Are we starting the experiences of the post Steve Jobs era now...? Getting a little nervous.....

My ATV2 seemed totally screwed until I tried a certain microUSB cable. There's nothing overly special about this cable, though I had another one I'd tried first that simply didn't work. The non-working one is quite short and I bought it from a very very very cheap place. The one that works is approx 2.5ft long and came with an Android phone I was recently given (by my employer).

After I attached my ATV2, unpowered, with the Android cable, iTunes under OSX saw it immediately, restored the image and I was back in the game. None of my settings persisted, but that's a small matter, as there are not that many settings I'd changed. How I missed my ATV. Glad it's fine now.

Why did I attempt this update???

I have the same problem. I tried 3 different microUSB cables with no luck.

Using Windows 8.1, the device manager recognizes "Apple Mobile Device (Recovery Mode)" so something is being recognized by the computer. No suck luck with ITunes.....

Anyone have any thoughts? Or do I have a new doorstop?😕

Had same problem w/ATV 2 hung. Tried usb micro cable, power cable in and not in. Finally tried a different USB micro cable (LG phone), jiggled it a bit and heard my windows pc recognize it, install the driver and voila AppleTV restore screen came up. I Hope the rest goes more smoothly.

I ended up bringing it over to a friends house who has an Mac. Plugged it in and it updated without any problems. I guess the ATV unit is not geared up to work seamlessly with Windows. I'm still pretty dissapointed that the update didn't eork in the first place.

What Worked For Me:

- Boot up iTunes

- FIRST connect Atv 3 to Macbook via USB mini to USB cable (2010 White Macbook in my case)

- SECOND connect power cord to Atv

Miraculously it is the way Apple TV was recognized by iTunes in my case. I tried all the tutorials and recipes offered by Apple before discovering this. Hope it works for others.

cheers,

davex

What work for me using Windows...

Had iTunes opened, ATV2 power cable and Micro cable conected, then took power cable off and inmediately after windows started automaticaly update driver for ATV2 micro usb conection and after update ATV2 appeared on iTunes.

Same here but I disconnected and reconnected the electrical cable. It worked after that.

Seems like a no brainer but the ATV2 is very finicky when it comes to USB cables.

Did endless combos of power up, reseting, menu+play, etc. Never got recognized in Mac or Windows iTunes.

I found an old unused Nokia cable that got my ATV2 recognized in iTunes immediately and I was able to restore.

BTW: the original cable I was using works fine with other devices just not the ATV.

Your method is what helped me restore my ATV! By connected it to the computer but also use the power cord it doesn't matter what kind of micro USB is used; it doesn't need to transmit data like so many other people think it does!