cannot connect iPad or iPhone to iTunes "cannot allocate a resource"

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.

Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Thanks for your note. As I see no follow up from the first post, I will add my issue.

I cannot connect my iPad to iTunes and receive the error "iTunes cannot connect to this iPad. Could not allocate a resource". Same for my iPhone but the error reads "iTunes cannot connect to this iPhone. Could not allocate a resource". It shows the triangle caution sign with an exclamation mark and the iTunes logo with the error message.

The basics:

iPad is running iOS 7.1.2 and iPhone is running iOS 8.3 (each has own iTunes library)

Mac is running OS 10.9.9

iTunes is version 12.1.2.27

Tried different cables. Issue still exists

Rebooted Mac as well as both iPhone and iPad. Issue still exists

Added the “lockdown” folder as it was missing. The file /var/db/lockdown is empty except system configuration folder. Issue still exits.

Started in safe mode and have the same issue.

Download and reinstalled iTunes (12.1.2). Issue still exists.

Deauthorized/reauthorized computer. Issue still exits.

Backed up iPad to iCloud and reset the iPad to factory settings. Restored from iClound backup. Issue still exists.

Created new iTunes library for iPad. Reset iPad to factory settings. Basically, made it a new iPad. Same issue.

Looked for file com.ghughes.wifisync.root.plist in Library>Launch Daemons but it was not there so could not throw it away. Same issue.

Looked for Wi-Fi Sync folder in Library>Application Support folder but it was not there so could not throw it away. Same issue.

When iPhoto opened (as it should when a device is attached either iPad or iPhone), it gave an error message “Photos on the device <name of device> cannot be imported because the device is locked with a passcode” “you must unlock device to import them” BUT THIS IS INCORRECT as the iPad has no lock or passcode.

Searched the internet and found so-called solutions but none of them worked. I do not understand why one cannot reset a device to factory settings and then start from scratch. It tells me that something is wrong with iTunes or the OS. I do not want to reinstall the OS but I fear that is the next step. Other opinions are welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

😕😠😟

An update- when looking at my other MAC computer that sinks other family devices fine (also running 10.9.5 and iTunes 12.1.2.27), there is no /var/db/lockdown on the computer......