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Revamped version of the iPhone 3G with faster processing speeds. Repair of this device is similar to the 3G, and requires simple screwdrivers and prying tools. Model A1303 / 8, 16 or 32 GB capacity / black or white plastic back.

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Dead iPhone - Itunes Restore fails (error 21) Any ideas?

OK guys, I am at loss here…

SO, my 3GS (16 gb) turned off last night and now it does not respond. I was charging it and playing (as I usually do…) while on flight mode. So, it went dead, just like that.

I tried also to charge it on another socket, cause I thought, maybe, it was a charging failure issue. It opened in the IOS restore screen and the battery was 100%.

The thing is that when I try to connect it with my computer (a PC, not a MAC, if that makes any difference) it won’t open at all. Actually, when I remove the USB from the adapter in order to plug it to the PC it just dies once again. While plugged to the PC (holding the home button down or not) it won’t go past the (faded) apple logo and then it dies and then shows the logo again and it actually goes like this on a loop.

I tried hard reset (toggling also the volume, the mute), no good…

I know you’ve had the same question (more or less) over and over again and I tried to find something to the answers but I couldn’t. I am sorry If I am wasting your time...

I am also (as much as everyone) trying to avoid restore because I am not a real fan of the itunes, and that means I don’t actually have a back-up (don’t shoot!). Of course if it’s the only solution to get my phone back…

PS. I also downloaded a software that claims it restores your last data/images etc, I have no idea if this will work but for now I just want my phone to connect to the PC!

Anyway, I thank you all in advance! Every answer matters in these dark times!!

Lydia

EDIT: Sooo... yes, it did connect (eventually), I tried to restore it three times (because one just wouldn't do!) and it keeps showing me this "error 21" message. I am not sure what to do next. Any ideas??

Thank you all in advance!!

Lydia

Answer this question I have this problem too

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2 Answers

Well first off, perhaps time to upgrade your iphone ;) haha just messing.

But seriously, sounds like your battery just went bad to me... though the only thing throwing me off is it isn't even showing the apple logo when plugged into the computer, although how long are you plugging into the computer for? Sometimes takes a long while to show something IF the battery is dead.

Like car batteries, phone batteries just get weak and die over time... Down side to not having a easily removable battery like you would find in most Android phones.

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First of all, thanks for the answer! Secondly, I was about to edit the question because finally it connected! BUT, I tried to restore and after it spent 7 minutes it just showed a message: The restore was not possible, unexpected error 21... Do you have any idea what does that mean?

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Ok, so I will try to do the restore two (!) more times because it seems that this is the only thing that others suggest and then we'll see...

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Error 21 is a defective battery replace battery with new1 and your phone will restore

Make sure you get a battery with APN 616-0435 and you should have no problems

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Thank you con! I thought it was a connectivity issue... Because I did a little search and there were some videos and Q&A on this so, after I read about 10 times the same stuff, I went ahead and changed the "hosts" file in the System 32 (keeping of course the original one). Anyway...surprise! It didn't work. I will look for a battery as you suggest (and maybe for someone to replace it because it never occurred to me before). I'll get back to you, if this works (hopefully!)!

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I'm experiencing the same thing. Did changing the battery worked for you Lynda?

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Lydia will be eternally grateful.
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