I need to restore iPad 2 without OS updating at same time

Question

Over the last few days I have finally taken the plunge to update the OS for my iPad 2...which I have been putting off for ages.  Now this really should be a simple, straight forward task that should not require any specific technical knowledge to accomplish.  Unfortunately this was not the case and because of several unfortunate factors my iPad is now effectively an expensive paper weight.
The first MASSIVE problem is that it is simply impossible to download the new ios 8 software directly onto my ipad or even via my PC.  My internet connection is not great and every now and then the connection drops out and interrupts anything that is downloading.  EVERY single time this happens I am forced to start the whole download again from scratch because Apple won't allow the download to resume (for whatever reason).  Because there is no way I can download 1.4gb without a single hiccup in my internet connection during the process I simply cannot ever download the update via normal means.
My next step was to try and find a way of manually downloading the correct iOS file from a website.  I managed to find what I believe to be the correct file to update to iOS 8 from a website (http://appldnld.apple.com/iOS8/031-05398.20140917.9eo9l/iPad2,1_8.0_12A365_Resto re.ipsw).  I followed the instructions on the page where I found this link to manually choose a file in iTunes and update the software that way.  I got an error message and the software did not update properly.
Now my iPad is stuck in "recovery mode" with a picture of a cable pointing to an iTunes icon and no matter what I do I cannot get it to boot normally.  I try and do a restore in iTunes but every time I'm forced to download the 1.4gb update before it will do the recovery - which, as I said earlier I simply cannot do.  If I cancel the download it also cancels the recovery process.
Can anyone please help me to recover the iPad to it's factory settings - WITHOUT DOWNLOADING THE OS AT THE SAME TIME - as I'm stuck in a never ending loop of misery and as I said the iPad is basically a very expensive paper weight!

Answer 1

I don't think it's possible if you are stuck in recovery mode but I may be wrong...
Since your device qualifies for iOS 8(.1), that is the version that will be downloaded/restored to the iPad.
I do know that you can restore your iPad (from backup & as new) and keep the same iOS version if you restore using the iPad itself under Settings/Reset/Erase All Content and Settings but since you can't access this because your stuck in recovery mode, the point is moot.
Have you tried downloading the update in the middle of the night (2 am or so) where dropouts are much less likely to occur?
It's always possible to take your device in to an Apple Store (make a Genius Bar reservation first) and do the iOS update there in the Apple Store.. I'm sure they will gladly help you out with it and not charge you a thing. The trouble with that would be if you don't have an Apple Store nearby.
Sorry I couldn't be of any more help.