iTunes for Windows: iTunes cannot contact the iPod or iPhone software update server
Symptoms
For help with contacting the iPod or iPhone software update server for Windows Vista, click here.
Some customers may notice the following alert message when trying to update or restore an iPod in iTunes 7 or later:
"iTunes could not contact the iPod software update server because you are not connected to the Internet. Make sure your Internet connection is active and try again."
If restoring an iPhone, you may notice this alert message:
"iTunes could not contact the iPhone software update server because you are not connected to the Internet. Make sure your Internet connection is active and try again."
Internet access is required to download iPod and iPhone software updates. However, if you are able to connect to the Internet with Internet Explorer and can also access the iTunes Store, see the solution below to resolve this issue.
Products Affected
iPhone, iTunes, iPod, Windows XP
Resolution
- From the Start menu, choose Control Panel.
- Open the Internet Options control panel.
- Click the Connections tab.
- Click the LAN Settings button.
- Select the "Automatically detect settings" checkbox.
- Click OK in both windows.
- Reopen iTunes and connect your iPod or iPhone.
- Update or Restore your iPod or iPhone.
Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.