Cannot Register new 3GS on iTunes

Question

Hello,
I just purchased a 3gs as a replacement for my original 2g. At&t activated the phone in-store and I am able to make and receive calls. However, when I brought the phone home to sync to iTunes 8.2, I can't go through the Registration process. When I connect the new 3gs, iTunes gives me the "Welcome to your new Iphone... Lets get started" screen, then I click continue. However, nothing else comes up after this. I am left with a blank iTunes window. I've left my phone like this for several hours and nothing ever comes up. I do notice that the center display window at the top of iTunes is always showing "Accessing iTunes Store..."
Here's what I've done so far (i'm using a Windows XP computer by the way):
I've reset my computer multiple times... no change.
I've reinstalled iTunes multiple times and also ensured I have the most recent version from Apple... no change.
Reconnected my old 2g phone to iTunes and verified that it will still sync and update to iTunes (although service has now been transfered to 3gs).
Removed my entire music library from iTunes to rule out a corrupt library that could be causing a syncing issue to the iTunes store... no change.
Disabled Genius in iTunes (I've read this can cause some peoples' iTunes to hang)... no change.
I'm officially out of ideas and need some help... anything is appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

Gudzy,
I had the exact same situation as you. Original iPhone owner... upgraded to 3Gs.... can't "register"
Actually, I still haven't managed to "register" my new iPhone, but it doesn't really matter! You can bypass that step. Instead of trying to "continue" just click on "Register Later" or "Never Register" or "Cancel"... I honestly forget exactly how the other button on that intro screen is labeled off-hand, but there is another button besides just "continue".
When you cancel out of that "registration" screen, it will move along and ask you whether you want to "setup as a new phone" or "restore from a backup".... hopefully you have a full, recent backup from your previous iPhone (if not, connect your original iPhone & do another backup first).
Anyhow.... just say "restore from backup" and select the backup of your old iPhone. It will completely restore your old iPhone's configuration & content onto your new iPhone.
I think I saw a quick flash on the screen at some point saying that it "could not activate iPhone..." but it didn't matter. My iPhone worked perfectly aftewards. Phone, messaging, internet/wi-fi, music, photos, videos, etc... All there! All working just fine!
Now, as for eventually registering my new iPhone for product support or service & the like.... I'm going to look into doing it manually on the Apple web site. There is most likely a place to register "manually" any new Apple product that you may have purchased. Probably just a matter of entering the serial # and a few other details. I'll let you know when I look into that. But I'm not in a hurry on that part.
Point is... it's easier to just skip that registration and move on with the business of getting your new phone fully up & running with all your content, etc....
If you still want to see what Apple has to say about it.... well, let the rest of us know what you find out... I'd be curious... but it didn't stop me from setting up & using my new iPhone 3Gs.