"iPhone software server cannot be contacted"

[lynnerss.nguyen]

Okay, so I wanted to update my phone so I could get updated apps and games.
I have an iPhone 3G (version 3.1.2) & I want to update it to 4.2.1.
Every time I try to update it or restore using the iPhone1,2_4.2.1_8C148_Restore file
It won't work!!
This message pops up all the time,

& when I click "More Info"
I follow all the steps they give me, but still no luck..
HELP PLEASE!!!

THIS IS WHAT IT SHOWS ME!
vvvvvvvvvvvvvv

 

[ylerT]

The first thing I'd suggest is rebooting your PC and trying again.

If that doesn't work you may need to make sure your host files have not been changed. Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ on your computer and find the "hosts" file. Put a # symbol in front of 74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com if it's there.

The other option is to download TinyUmbrella and let it automatically change the hosts for you without the hassle of navigating files, etc.

 

[lynnerss.nguyen]

I rebooted and all, then I tried changing the "hosts" file, but it said I couldn't because I'm not an administrator or something like that.

 

[lynnerss.nguyen]

I rebooted and all, then I tried changing the "hosts" file, but it said I couldn't because I'm not an administrator or something like that. '

What does that mean?

 

[ylerT]

I rebooted and all, then I tried changing the "hosts" file, but it said I couldn't because I'm not an administrator or something like that. '

What does that mean?

That could be because of a few different things. Have you tried TinyUmbrella? That may be the easiest way to go in your particular situation.

 

[lynnerss.nguyen]

What is TinyUmbrella & how do I use it?

 

[VSMacOne]

Are you sure you're online? iTunes has to be connected to the internet in order to activate your iphone.

 

[lynnerss.nguyen]

Are you sure you're online? iTunes has to be connected to the internet in order to activate your iphone.

Yes I'm online.

 

[ylerT]

What is TinyUmbrella & how do I use it?

http://thefirmwareumbrella.blogspot.com/

It will change the host files for you so you don't have to go in and manually do it.

If that doesn't work. You may need to re-install iTunes or try a completely different computer to restore with.

 

[lynnerss.nguyen]

http://thefirmwareumbrella.blogspot.com/

It will change the host files for you so you don't have to go in and manually do it.

If that doesn't work. You may need to re-install iTunes or try a completely different computer to restore with.

I downloaded it, and that's all I do? Does it automatically change it for me?

 

[ylerT]

I downloaded it, and that's all I do? Does it automatically change it for me?

Try two things...

In the top right corner there's a button that says "Start TSS Server". Start that and then try a restore.

If that doesn't work, in the middle of the program there's 3 tabs (General, Log, Advanced). Click Advanced and make sure the box that says "Set Hosts to Cydia on Exit) is unchecked. If it's not make sure iTunes is closed, uncheck the box and then close TinyUmbrella. Open iTunes and retry the restore.

 

[lynnerss.nguyen]

Try two things...

In the top right corner there's a button that says "Start TSS Server". Start that and then try a restore.

If that doesn't work, in the middle of the program there's 3 tabs (General, Log, Advanced). Click Advanced and make sure the box that says "Set Hosts to Cydia on Exit) is unchecked. If it's not make sure iTunes is closed, uncheck the box and then close TinyUmbrella. Open iTunes and retry the restore.

It's finally restoring & updating!! Thanks ALOT!!

 

[ylerT]

Awesome! Glad it's working