IOS8 update failed on my iPad2, now stuck in recovery mode

Question

Hi there
I am in a bit of a pickle! This is what happened:
1.     Plugged my iPad2 into iTunes, downloaded iOS8 and it began to install;
2.     iTunes downloaded the software and began to update iPad;
3.     Device showed Apple Logo and progress bar BUT then update failed. iTunes informed me it failed, clicked OK. iPad stuck and did not recover;
4.     Did a hard reset;
5.     iPad showed Red iTunes logo and said to connect to iTunes;
6.     Connected to iTunes which stated: iPad Recovery Mode, If you are experiencing problems with your iPad, you can restore to original settings by clicking Restore iPad
7.     Clicked restore iPad - warnings about losing data etc...
8.     iTune redownloaded iOS8,
9.     After downloading iTunes went back to the iPad Recovery Mode screen,
10.   iTunes redownloaded iOS8
11.   goes into an infinite loop back to point 6 and round and round we go.....
If I leave the iPad it exits recovery mode and tries to restart - but black screen after apple logo.......
Going back into recovery mode - it does the same again.... no joy...
I'm really stuck - thankfully have a backup, but does anyone have any suggestions?????????
Thankyou!
PS - iTunes, and OS Mavericks is fully up to date...

Answer 1

mama.yeen wrote:
been trying like 100s times already.. no luck… most far it goes up to restoring ipad firmware then freeze or end up with error that suggesting to update itunes bla bla… so sad..
It's not possible to revert to a previous system. You're failing and it won't work, because it's not possible.
If you want to give your operating system a fresh start, here's how to do it ... reset to factory default ...
Follow this procedure for a Troubleshooting Methodology ... basically reset to factory default condition -BUT- be sure to do the following methodically and also to follow the part with Apple Support!
First you want to make sure you have several backups of your data and done with a couple of "different" sources. Be sure to understand what data is backed up and what is NOT on iCloud Backup and iTunes Backup. Use a variety of methods for backup ... you might check into Dropbox, in addition to your Apple options.
Then turn off your desktop anti-virus software when using iTunes for this reset to factory default. After you do that reset, then leave your iPad in its factory default state and see how it operates then. If you encounter any problems in that factory default state, then take it to Apple Support, and let them know that you have just reset it to that state with iTunes and have not put any of your data back on and it is operating in this fashion (whatever the problem is) in that pristine state. Make sure you keep that trouble ticket number, because if it has to be escalated through Apple Support, you're going to find all communications tied in with that number. If the lower level help isn't able to help you, then escalate it to a higher level to examine the problem. Keep at it with that trouble ticket number until Apple Support arrives at a solution to that problem. Be methodical and keep at it.
On the other hand, if everything is okay with the factory default condition, then restore your backup. Some people have discovered that the problem resides in the apps or something in the restored backup. If that's the case, then it's going to be trying and difficult to find out which developer's app is causing you the problem. And ... it's true ... that a developer not following Apple's instructions and guidelines for his app can CAUSE YOU TROUBLE. This kind of thing does happen from developers, especially when a new system upgrade comes out, because some developers ignore what Apple tells them about changes coming, and what they do BREAKS SOMETHING.
This is a troubleshooting methodology that you are going through. See it through to the end.
Choosing an iOS Backup Method (Should I Use iTunes or iCloud to back up ...)
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT5262
Back up and Restore your iOS Device with iCloud or iTunes
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1766
iTunes: About iOS Backups
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4946
Create and Delete iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch Backups in iTunes
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4946
iOS: Troubleshooting Encrypted Backups
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5162
Use iTunes to Restore your iOS Device to Factory Settings
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1414