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iOS 4.3.5 error 9 when updating to 9.0.2

Dear Mac Experts,


I've been having issues updating my cousin's old iPad 2 WiFi (MC979ZP) from 4.3.5 to 9.0.2. I keep having Error 9 whether I use DFU or any other method. Apart from that, Apple has also stopped signing all versions of Firmware prior to 9.0.2, therefore any older firmware is unusable (Error 3194 without fix even using System32). I was also trying firmware 8.4.1 and older firmware.


By the way, I've tried many different original cables and many different computers, both Mac and Windows, including the garbage bin.


According to Apple's HQ, this could be an "Untested Issue with latest iTunes and iOS9 having a negative effect on very old versions of iOS being upgraded to iOS9".


I'm writing here to seek help from you, if there is any other solution to this issue, and also to hopefully notify Apple's Support on this issue and hope they will fix it on their next version of iTunes.


Warmest Regards,

Mak ********

******


<Personal Information Edited by Host>

iPad 2, iOS 4.3.3, 4.3.5

Posted on Oct 12, 2015 9:05 AM

Reply
222 replies

Feb 6, 2016 5:31 PM in response to makhonkit

I don't have any luck with the 9.3. beta.

I downloaded the beta version and try to restore by pressing option(alt) and clicking 'Restore'.

The message says,

"The iPad could not be restored. This device isn't eligible for the requested build."


I called Apple. I talked to a supervisor.

She told me that she was not aware of this problem.

I told about this community and this problem is a issue for hundreds of users (if not thousands or ten thousands).

She (we, Apple) doesn't seem to care about the community.

So, we are naive if anyone from Apple would come here and listen (other than deleting some posts).

She told me that it is most likely a hardware problem that they don't support more than a year.

I asked her how updating is a hardware problem when the gradual update works and updating from 4.3 to 9.0 or higher don't work.

She told me that the abrupt update may have caused the hardware problem. But, I told I can still use 4.3 version and how this is a hardware problem.

She didn't convince me her idea with any data. (I think it is really to say it is a hardware problem when I can't explain.)


She told me to send a log to Apple by using a program she had sent.

The program was running several hours but never finished.

And I need to use my computer so I stopped and tried again while I wanted to do some errands.

The same issue.

I stopped because I don't feel comfortable sending 'file usage log'.


So, I gave up for the time being until the real 9.3 version comes out.

I would keep my fingers crossed.


Best wishes for the users who were successful in update to 9.3 beta.

Feb 7, 2016 5:01 AM in response to RussellCF58

Hello,


Thanks your for trying to help me out.

I think I know what I'm doing, but just to make sure:

I have iPad 2 wilf only.

I tried two iPad 2 firmwares, iPad2,1_9.3_13E5181d_Restore.ipsw and iPad2,4_9.3_13E5181d_Restore.ipsw.

Here I'm talking about 9.3. beta 1 version.


When I tried two versions, then I got two different error messages.

When I tried the right one (iPad2,1), I got ""The iPad could not be restored. This device isn't eligible for the requested build."

When I tried the wrong one (iPad2,4), then "The iPad could not be restored because the firmware file is not compatible."


What the heck! I tried other two (iPad2,2 and iPad2,3) which is not meant for iPad 2 wifi only. Then, I have

"The iPad could not be restored because the firmware file is not compatible.".


This made me think that the version iPad2,1 must be the right one for me. But, it doesn't work for my iPad.


When I tried all above, I pressed option (or alt) + 'Restore' and chose a file that I downloaded.


Now, one thing that I didn't do is to try 9.3. beta 2 version which I couldn't find at reddit.
I could try at Apple developer's site, but I'm tired by now.


Anyway, thank for your concern.


If anyone shares any idea with me, it will be gratefully appreciated.

Feb 7, 2016 1:15 PM in response to ahmetyilmaz

Finally, this (iPad2,1_9.3_13E5191d_Restore.ipsw) really works. I have been watching this post since last October.

I really appreciate your help, ahmetyilmaz.

Your help is gratefully appreciated.

I knew I wouldn't get a reply from him, but believe it or not, I sent a long e-maill to Tim Cook. That tells you how eager I was to resolve this issue.

Now, I'm going to set this iPad for my daughter since I bought a replacement for my father-in-law who used to own this iPad 2 iOS 4.3.3.


One problem solved, I can sleep better now.


Once again, thank you and other people.


Best Regards.

Feb 8, 2016 11:51 PM in response to locque

Thanks for the info. Really helped a total noob. iPad 2 was stuck in restore loop after trying to upgrade from 4.3.5 to 9.2.


Please can you answer a noob question: How do I 'downgrade' to 9.2? When I connect to iTunes it shows software is up to date. I'm hesitant to restore in case it goes back to 4.3.5. Or is this incorrect?

Feb 9, 2016 8:59 AM in response to max4880

For anyone who downgrade to ios 4.3.5 and stuck at ios 4.3.5 because of itunes error 9 for ios 9.2/9.2.1, please proceed to http://pc.i4.cn/firmware.html to download ios 9.3 beta and restore it in DFU mode.


for e.g. iPad 2 WiFi version ios 9.3 beta 2 download link: http://appldnld.apple.com/ios9.3seed/031-48305-20160125-FB5CBC80-C14E-11E5-89ED- 10111F993B90/iPad2,1_9.3_13E5191d_Restor…


DFU mode might be necessary to reinstall the iPad firmware. To enter DFU mode:

1. First run iTunes on your computer.
2. Now plug the iPad into your computer with the USB cable.
3. Press and hold down the sleep/wake (power) button and the home button at the same time.
4. Hold them down for 10 seconds.
5. Release the sleep/wake button but continue to hold down the home button for 5 more seconds.
6. The iPad screen will stay black, and iTunes will prompt that it has detected an iPad in recovery mode.

Goodluck Angelo

iOS 4.3.5 error 9 when updating to 9.0.2

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