firnware compatibility problem, please help

[mapsurfer]

I am looking at an itunes 10 error trying to install the ipsw on iClarified 4.1.0 (3GS): iPhone2,1_4.1_8B117_Restore.ipsw
saying ipsw not compatible with my 3GS. The device is currently running 4.1 FW 5.14.02, so why am I getting this error from itunes? Also, having a tough time getting this phone into DFU mode.

[Simon]

make sure the extension is definitely .ipsw and not .zip.

[Cowboy]

Are you sure you didn't grab the 3G version?

[mapsurfer]

yes I am using 4.1.0 (3GS): iPhone2,1_4.1_8B117_Restore.ipsw I pulled from iClarify and it's definitely an ipsw. Still gives not compatible with firmware error, so something is up with this one. Any idea where I might find a different 4.1 ipsw for the 3GS? Firmware is @ 5.14.02 now. Had this device jailbroke under 3.1.2, but someone suggested I Upgrade and now I am hating life.

[Cowboy]

Are you running tiny umbrella as a server?

[Simon]

You can try downloading from here: iPod, iPhone and iPad Firmware Download

[mapsurfer]

Same firmware incompatibility. ungraded itunes to 10.1, same thing.
I've got this fw 5.14.02 stuck on this phone, unable to reload stock 4.1

[Cowboy]

Do you have it back 4.1 with tu?

[Simon]

Thats very odd. Have you tried restoring it from recovery or dfu mode?

[iYeow]

If you are restoring to stock firmware of 4.1, you do not use DFU mode, just a straight restore. Try it out.

[mapsurfer]

Still doesn't work... iphone cannot be restored because the firmware is incompatible. It has stock 4.1 on it, but I can't reload it. I'd definitely not recommend fw 5.14.02. Should I go ahead an try upgrading to 4.2? I can't do anything with 4.1 anyways.

[Simon]

I wouldnt suggest going to 4.2.1, especially if you are going to want to unlock at some point. It also might mean if you jailbreak it could be tethered depending on what bootrom you have.

Just out of curiousity, is the Apple writing where is says iPhone on the back of the phone like a dark grey or bright silver?

[mapsurfer]

@x98car, that would be dark grey writing on the back.

I went ahead and upgraded to 4.2.1 for better or worst, because I was unable to do anything with 4.1. What I am seeing here in itunes, when I do a Shift-Restore (doesn't matter if I am in DFU or recovery mode) still getting that iphone cannot be restored because the firmware is incompatible error message. (Same thing it did when I was at 4.1) I am not sure if itunes is not letting me overwrite whatever the current version is... When I was at 4.1, it wouldn't let me Shift-Restore stock 4.1, and not that I at 4.2.1, it won't let me Shift-Restore stock 4.2.1 ipsw. But hey no problems at all doing the 4.1 -> 4.2.1 upgrade. I am thinking that Apple is building in some version checking controls in itunes, but I have not no idea how you load any custom ipsw now.

Back in 3.1.2, jailbreak was a piece of cake and I am stuck with stock software. Not cool. I have hear people having success with tethered or untethered jailbreak with these versions, but it isn't working for me.
I've tired limera1n, redsn0w, etc with no luck... and I have spent hours at it. If Apple locks these phones down, I'll be switching to a windows phone, or a droid.

[Cowboy]

@x98car, that would be dark grey writing on the back.

Lol you have a 3g not a 3gs man.
3g -dull dark grey writing
3gs- shinny silver righting.

Use 3g firmware and see if you can restore with that.

[iYeow]

3gs has a compass icon whereas 3g doesn't. You must have downloaded the wrong firmware

[Simon]

Hmm... I thought that might be the case. That's why I asked that question. You do indeed have a 3G, not a 3GS as westerman said. So you need to change what you are doing accordingly.

The reason you were able to go to 4.2.1 in itunes is because itunes knows it is a 3G and downloaded the right firmware for you.

Just use redsn0w 0.9.6b4 and point it to the 4.2.1 3G firmware and you will get a untethered jailbreak.

[mapsurfer]

oh man I got egg on my face.. Have had to deal with 3 different phone and completely forgot. Many thanks for the help.

[Simon]

Lol, No prob

[Mes]

^Unfortunately u discovered this after trying 4.2.1.

Check settings/about: was the modem firmware updated? Remember, an iPhone with early modem firmwares can usually be unlocked to any carrier with higher resale values when it's time to sell

Modem firmware 5.14.x, good. Any higher -- only the big cheese knows

[mapsurfer]

yeah I wish I had caught this yesterday. But modem firmware updated to 5.15.04, but redsn0w appears to jailbreak which I was happy about. The only thing was... itunes did not sync any apps to the phone (actually it sync'd mapquest, but I think that was it) I did an update of 26 apps, but nothing got sync'd to the phone, so I have no idea how I might fix that. How do install apps if itunes won't do it? even free and paid apps from istore wouldn't install. Also, somebody had mentioned something about "Game Center" being added in the 4.2 update, but not on my device.