Q: IOS 9.2.1 Update error 3014

Hello,

I've been trying to backup the Minecraft PE game worlds from my daughter's iPad Air 2. At first I couldn't find a way, because since IOS 8.3 (I think) access to the game's folder is no longer allowed for apps like iExplorer. So I haven't been able to back up her maps for about two months. Yesterday I finally found a tutorial explaining how to do it via iTunes in the 'app' section, selecting the games folder and choosing 'save as'. Unfortunately this didn't work, giving me an error about 1/4 through claiming duplicate file names (which doesn't make sense).

So I noticed there was an IOS 9.2.1 update available which I installed on the iPad via WiFi. The iPad was not connected to the PC with iTunes during that time.

Then I tried backing up again, but got the same error.

Then upon reconnecting to iTunes it gave me the message that IOS Update 9.2.1 was available (which I had already installed on the iPad!). I decided to have iTunes update the iPad and that's where the real problems started:

After downloading the 1,8 GB update via update and trying to install it I got the error message 'The iPad "iPad" could not be updated. An unknown error occurred (3014)'. This happens directly after the progress bar says it is unpacking the installation files. The iPad has been stuck since showing the screen with the iTunes logo and the cable with an arrow, indicating I should connect the iPad to iTunes. I can't even get back into the iPad. I found on the internet that it means iTunes cannot communicate with Apple's server. It's been over half a day now and I still get the same error message.

I tried everything to get rid of this error without avail:

- iTunes is running the latest version

- I disabled all firewall and antivirus software

- Checked the hosts file

- Rebooted, signed in and out of of the Apple ID multiple times.

- I did not change anything else on my PC running iTunes.

- Did everything here If you see Error 3194, Error 17, or 'This device isn't eligible for the requested build' in iTunes - Apple Support

- Tried out other PC.

- Uninstalled iTunes, cleanup up all folders and reinstalled iTunes.

- Tried booting other into (recovery) mode by holding the power and home buttons ca. 10 seconds, but also without avail. Every time the iPad just reboots into the dreaded screen with the iTunes and cable logos.

Until this is fixed my daughter's iPad Air 2 which was working perfectly before trying to update is now bricked, because the only thing it does is show that I should connect to iTunes! I've already spent well over 6 hours trying to fix it. Resetting to factory defaults is NOT an option, because the reason I'm trying to update in the first place is because trying to backup her Minecraft worlds didn't work in iTunes with the duplicate file name error.

So now I do not have a backup (which should have worked in the first place!) nor a working iPad (which shouldn't have been bricked by bad update software).

No need to say I'm quite 'displeased'...

I really hope someone can provide a solution without having to reset to factory defaults, because my daughter (and me) will be very sad if all the beautiful maps she made are lost. I always make backups on a regular basis of all our electronic devices to prevent data loss. Now the only device that doesn't provide good backup possibilities is the one causing the problems. I hope Apple will someday provide a better experience regarding this issue.

One other important thing is that I can't find anywhere if the full backup I made from within iTunes (just before trying to update!) contains the Minecraft worlds? I'm afraid to try restoring it, because it would mean losing all other options for recovery if it fails. That would be the worst case scenario.

Many thanks in advance for anyone providing help with this issue!

Regards,

Wouter