iTunes DID recognize new iPad mini, error when updating, now doesn't. Please help. I have a 700 dollar paperweight now.
Today I bought a brand new iPad mini 2, 32 gb. First, I backed up my old ipad mini to my hard drive. Then, I updated iTunes to the newest version. Then, I plugged in the new iPad mini, went through the set up, iTunes was working fine. I registered the iPad, then it suggested i update the iOS on the iPad. This is where things went south. After a few minutes, it stated "cannot update iOS 7 at this time" or something to that effect. Since that point, iTunes will not recognize the iPad. The iPad shows the "connect to iTunes" screen. When I plug it in, I hear the tone suggesting a new device is connected, but nothing happens. I've tried it in DFU mode, no results. I've tried putting it in recovery mode, nothing happens, just the same screen. I've uninstalled iTunes and reinstalled it, following every step suggested through this site/apple support. I even uninstalled and installed an older version of iTunes (10.7) but same result. I've followed all troubleshooting steps, and nothing is working, so please don't suggest the same olf "iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows" page.
What should I do? Do I have to take this to the geniuses at the store? Will they even be able to help without having access to my computer?
iPad mini (Retina) Wi-Fi, iOS 7.1.1, Windows Vista