4s Failed 9.2.1 upgrade and crash

Hi Wjohnu,

There seems to be two Postings re this problem,

Please look at,

upgrading iPhone4S to iOS 9.2.1 doesn't work

It appears that we are all in the same boat

Best Wishes, Panther600

On Sunday my son tried to update(restore) his Iphone 4S to IOS 9.2.1 and it failed with Error 29 Unknown error when the update was about 2/3rd complete. After a number of similar failed attempts using a Windows 10 PC, we tried a further 3 times using a Windows 7 PC with the same result.

I read numerous posts on Apple discussions sites about non-genuine batteries causing this error. I am a very experienced electronics and computer engineer and I was very sceptical about this suggestion.

I had replaced the battery in my son's phone with a new battery supplied by UKs biggest high street electronics component shop a few months ago but as the phone was basically useless as a final try I removed the replacement battery and put back the original Apple battery (which I had kept but not used for 3 months). The IOS update then succeeded first attempt. ( I have now put the newer replacement battery back in the device and it continues to work).

Given that these batteries are 4 wire devices I presume that the battery contains additional electronics that IOS update is able to identify and reject.

Hope this helps all who have similar issues.

On Sunday my son tried to update(restore) his Iphone 4S to IOS 9.2.1 and it failed with Error 29 Unknown error when the update was about 2/3rd complete. After a number of similar failed attempts using a Windows 10 PC, we tried a further 3 times using a Windows 7 PC with the same result.

I read numerous posts on Apple discussions sites about non-genuine batteries causing this error. I am a very experienced electronics and computer engineer and I was very sceptical about this suggestion.

I had replaced the battery in my son's phone with a new battery supplied by UKs biggest high street electronics component shop a few months ago but as the phone was basically useless as a final try I removed the replacement battery and put back the original Apple battery (which I had kept but not used for 3 months). The IOS update then succeeded first attempt. ( I have now put the newer replacement battery back in the device and it continues to work).

Given that these batteries are 4 wire devices I presume that the battery contains additional electronics that IOS update is able to identify and reject.

Hope this helps all who have similar issues.

On Sunday my son tried to update(restore) his Iphone 4S to IOS 9.2.1 and it failed with Error 29 Unknown error when the update was about 2/3rd complete. After a number of similar failed attempts using a Windows 10 PC, we tried a further 3 times using a Windows 7 PC with the same result.

I read numerous posts on Apple discussions sites about non-genuine batteries causing this error. I am a very experienced electronics and computer engineer and I was very sceptical about this suggestion.

I had replaced the battery in my son's phone with a new battery supplied by UKs biggest high street electronics component shop a few months ago but as the phone was basically useless as a final try I removed the replacement battery and put back the original Apple battery (which I had kept but not used for 3 months). The IOS update then succeeded first attempt. ( I have now put the newer replacement battery back in the device and it continues to work).

Given that these batteries are 4 wire devices I presume that the battery contains additional electronics that IOS update is able to identify and reject.

Hope this helps all who have similar issues.

Hi Wjohnnu,

Great news, thank you for pursuing this matter with Apple.

I am hoping to make a Genius Bar appointment as soon as I can.

Is it possible to refer me to the decision made by Apple for the "no charge or replace".

It would be very helpful to go prepared with this decision in writing.

Thanks one again,

Best Wishes panther600

Hi Wjohnu,

Thanks for the info. I am in the same position as you!

I have an appointment at the Genius Bar in Liverpool at 12.20pm on Monday,

I will let you know how I get on

Best Wishes, panther 600

Hi Wjohnu

.I visited the Apple Genius Bar in Liverpool yesterday.

They tried to update the latest software and got the same result, i.e. Error 29.

My phone was taken (for examination to the rear of the premises) and the advisor returned with it about

ten minutes later.

I was informed that my phone was almost 4 years old and therefore out of Warranty(which I already knew)

My phone was faulty (a hardware fault) and couldn't be repaired!

I was then offered a replacement 4S phone for £159. I politely refused this derisory offer.

I hold Apple wholly responsible for the damage to my phone. If I hadn't tried to download their

latest software I

am sure that my phone would still be working.

As the owner of an iMac computer and an iPad, I am really disgusted with the decision to "write-off" my phone

when they are the ones responsible for it.

Where does this leave me?? I would like some advice as to the next step i should make.

Are you in the UK??

Please let me know the final result in your case. I did show the advisor all the messages on this Forum, especially yours suggesting that you are

getting a free repair or replacement phone

Wjohnu wrote:

Well, thank you for that. well timed, just as the postman delivered the Apple return box! I too replaced the original battery with a "genuine OEM guaranteed battery" from eBay a few weeks ago and retained the original.

Sure enough, replacing the original battery allowed the iTunes restore routine to complete without issue and my phone is now back up and running with iOS 9.2.1 installed.

I am returning the replacement battery for refund!

Cheers and thanks again.

John

A word of caution. There are no "genuine OEM guaranteed batteries" available for purchase as a customer. Any iPhone battery you find for sale is either A) stolen B) counterfeit or C) salvaged from another unit. Apple is the only legal manufacturer of iPhone parts, and they do not provide them to anyone other than Apple Authorized Service Providers. And those AASPs are not allowed to sell them to private parties. They can only be used for authorized service & repairs.

Secondly, the iPhone is not user-serviceable either. The fact that you have opened the device now voids your warranty. Once Apple receives your iPhone and inspects it, do not be surprised if they inform you that they are not going to perform any service on the device and return it to you unfixed. And yes, that's even if you put the original battery back in.

Hi Wjohnu,

I have replaced battery some months ago(genuine??? battery from Amazon) because my battery was failing to hold a charge.

Apple wanted £60 to replace it. Cost from Amazon UK was £12.

Seemed a good deal at the time, now not so sure.

Unfortunately I did not keep original battery.

Where do I go from here??

Thanks for your info and update,

panther600

Hi Wjohnu,

Thanks very much for that information, I will make some phone calls to see if anyone has a 4S available!

Do you happen to know if the battery from an i-phone 4 would do?

Will keep in touch and let you know how I get on.

Thanks once again,

panther600