broad54
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Need to restore apple tv, but itunes isn't detecting it on my pc

I have had an apple TV 2nd generation for about 4 months.  Recently when I tried to turn it on to watch a show, it displayed an apple symbol, then blank screen, alternating forever and ever loading.  The unit has a white light that is blinking rapidly. 

 

I have tried unplugging it and then restarting it, but same thing.

 

I tried connecting it to my PC (Windows 7) using micro USB, but itunes 12.1.1.4 does not detect the apply tv.  the apple tv is powered and continues to blink repeatedly.

 

Please help.

AppleTV 2, Windows 7

Posted on Apr 3, 2015 2:00 PM

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broad54

Q: Need to restore apple tv, but itunes isn't detecting it on my pc

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  • Helpful answers

  • by bobby_d,

    bobby_d bobby_d Apr 6, 2015 12:27 PM in response to broad54
    Level 3 (770 points)
    Apr 6, 2015 12:27 PM in response to broad54

    Greetings broad54,

     

    I understand your Apple TV needs to be restored. The following article provides the method to restore via iTunes:

     

    Restore your Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation) - Apple Support

     

    Restore your Apple TV in iTunes

    For this process, which installs the latest software and reverts the device to factory settings, you'll need:

    • A micro-USB cable (sold separately).
      Micro-USB cables used only to charge a device won't work for this process.
    • A computer with iTunes. Make sure that you have the latest version.
    • A high-speed Internet connection.

    Follow the steps below to restore in iTunes:

    1. Disconnect the power and HDMI cables from the Apple TV.
    2. Open iTunes on your computer.
    3. Find out which Apple TV model you have.
    4. Connect your Apple TV to your computer.
      Apple TV (2nd generation): Connect one end of the micro-USB cable to the back of your Apple TV, and the other end to one of your computer's USB ports.
      Apple TV (3rd generation): Connect one end of the micro-USB cable to the back of your Apple TV, and the other end to one of your computer's USB ports. Connect the power cable from your Apple TV to a power outlet.
    5. From the Apple TV summary page in iTunes, click Restore Apple TV. This step might take some time, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

      If you don't see the restore screen in iTunes, find your device.

    6. During the restore, do not unplug any cables.
    7. After the restore process completes and the Apple TV icon disappears from iTunes, disconnect the micro-USB and power cable (if applicable).

    8. Reconnect your Apple TV to your TV and plug it back in to a power source.

     

    If you leave your Apple TV plugged in to your computer after restoring, it might loop back into restore mode. If this happens, unplug all of the cables from the Apple TV, then connect to your TV normally.

     

    If you find no resolution after reviewing the steps above, take a look here:

     

    Apple - Support - Service Answer Center

     

    Thank you for contributing to Apple Support Communities.

     

    Best,

    Bobby_D

  • by Brian Cook4,

    Brian Cook4 Brian Cook4 Apr 6, 2015 12:46 PM in response to broad54
    Level 4 (1,964 points)
    Apr 6, 2015 12:46 PM in response to broad54

    Ya, sorry the news here is not good.   It sounds like you have had a hardware failure of some kind.  Not sure but I would think it would still be under warranty after just four months.  If  there is an Apple Store near you I would set an appointment and take it in to get replaced.