IPod won't restore, is stuck in recovery mode

This is the email I sent to Apple on Sunday night, they wrote back long enough to say it was being forwarded to the tech department, and I haven't heard anything since:
Hello,
I'm writing about a problem with my sister's iPod.
She was on her iPod touch 8GB tonight, and her iPod suddenly brought up this alarming screen. Attached is a picture of what that screen image looked like. It will not let her do anything whatsoever on her iPod. It appeared it needed and was asking to be plugged into the computer by the image it showed.
We plugged it into the computer and as soon as iTunes pulled up on the computer it gave a message reading:
"iTunes has detected an iPod in recovery mode. You must restore this iPod before it can be used with iTunes."
We tried to restore it, and it would not let us restore it. Everytime we tell it to restore, it goes through the motions as if it is going to try to restore, then blinks a white screen that goes back to black with the Apple logo on the iPod, while at the same time the computer iTunes displays this messsage:
"The iPod "iPod" could not be restored. An unknown error has occured (1611)."
It gave me the option of clicking Ok or More Information. I clicked more information which lead me to this page on your website: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1275 - The picture of what came up is on this page.
It also gave me an "unknown error (9)" when I tried to plug it back in and restore it after restarting the computer.
I have done all I know to do to try to fix this issue. It is 1 am, and I've been trying to fix this problem for over 2 hrs. It doesn't seem fixable from everything I've done.
The computer has been restarted, the iTunes is the most recent version out (matter of fact I downloaded it while trying to figure the problem out, I think it's the 10.1 version), and the software on the iPod is current and up to date. I have tried it on a different computer and it says the same thing. I have tried my best to get it worked out, and I don't konw what else to do.
I'm writing to ask some questions and get some help. First off why did the iPod suddenly do this? Are there any precautions to take to prevent if from happening again? And finally and most importantly right now, how can I restore and fix it? My sister is lost without her iPod!
Thanks so much for any help you can give me on this matter!
Have a great day!
Sharon
Does anyone know what to do?

Thanks everyone for trying to help! I'm sorry for all of those of you that are having issues, or have had issues. Technology is a wonderful thing WHEN it works.
We ended up taking it to the Apple Store, they said it was unfixable. However told us if we had a guarantee it may be under that. Since the iPods were got at Best Buy with a 2 yr. guarantee, the guarantee was still in use, so we checked with them on it. They said it WAS fixable, so we sent it off. Ended up being that they weren't able to fix it, and they replaced it with a new one. The new one doesn't have the apple logo on the back, but it says it's a iPod touch, and is suppose to be the same kind my sister already had. I'm currently restoring it, so we'll see how it goes.
Itunes support was NO help. They are lowsy when it comes to support! I do appreciate everyone's help and advice on this. To those of you still having problems I wish you the best!

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My iPod touch 4th gen is stuck in recovery mode with a broken 'lock' button.

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Try:
- iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
- Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
- If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
- Try another cable
- Try on another computer
- If still not successful that usually indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.
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And as necessary:
See
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
- I would start with
Removing and Reinstalling iTunes, QuickTime, and other software components for Windows XP
or
Removing and reinstalling iTunes and other software components for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
However, after your remove the Apple software components also remove the iCloud Control Panel via Windows Programs and Features app in the Window Control Panel. Then reinstall all the Apple software components
- Then do the other actions of:
iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
paying special attention to item #5
- New cable and different USB port
- Run this and see if the results help with determine the cause
iTunes for Windows: Device Sync Tests
Also see:
iPod not recognised by windows iTunes
Troubleshooting issues with iTunes for Windows updates
- Try on another computer to help determine if computer or iPod problem

Someone tried to jailbreak my iPod and now it is stuck in recovery mode. How do I fix it?

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I suggest that you find a new friend. Based on the experiences of others, the jailbreaking may well be non-reversible. Here are some things to try...
Restore...
Connect via cable to the computer that you use for sync. From iTunes, select the iPad/iPod and then select the Summary tab. Follow directions for Restore and be sure to say "yes" to the backup. You will be warned that all data (apps, music, movies, etc.) will be erased but, as the Restore finishes, you will be asked if you wish the contents of the backup to be copied to the iPad/iPod. Again, say "yes."
If the Restore doesn't work, let the battery drain completely. Then recharge for at least an hour and Restore again.
I really don't want to recommend the next step because it's a real PIA after the fact. However...
Restore as new with NO reload from backup!
IF you choose to try it, here are some cautions. Make absolutely certain that all purchased data, such as apps, music, movies, etc., are present in the iTunes library. Also make absolutely certain that all non-purchased data, such as photos, pdf files, Word files, etc., are present and accessible somewhere on the computer's hard drive. Be aware that you will lose all game data (scores, etc.). Be forewarned that it is tedious recreating all your folders and putting each app where you want it. Finally, be aware that all passwords will be wiped out and all settings will have returned to their default values.

My ipod touch second gen is stuck in recovery mode.... :(

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sabrinac wrote:
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Then a Visit to an Apple Store or AASP (Authorized Apple Service Provider) is the Next Step...
Be sure to make an appointment first...

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Check for hardware issues
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Daughter's iPod touch 4th gen is stuck in recovery mode, won't turn on after I restore it, please help...

My daughters iPod touch 4th gen is STUCK. Somehow it was disabled because of too many password attempts (my younger daughter was pushing numbers). I connected it to iTunes, did the press and hold power button + home button, then let go of sleep button. iTunes recognized it, gave me the option to restore it and did its thing. Here's the problem, now it won't GET OUT of that mode. After the first attempt, it wouldn't power on after I disconnected it from the computer. So I hooked it up again, and it says its detected an iPod in recovery mode and offers me the same "update & restore" option it did originally. Now what??? Please help. My daughter just got this two weeks ago for her birthday.

Try:
- iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
- Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
- If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
- Try on another computer
- If still not successful that usually indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar
or
Maybe:
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Troubleshoot your USB connection. If the issue persists, out-of-date or incorrectly configured third-party security software may be causing this issue. Please follow Troubleshooting security software issues. .
Next try placing in DFU mode and then restoring.
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
Then try restoring on another computer.
Last, make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

HT201263 iPod touch 4th gen is stuck in recovery mode and won't restore with iTunes. Please Help!

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Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking voids the Apple warranty and also means that you will not get any support from Apple, including from this Apple forum. Jailbreaking can't be discussed in this Apple forum.
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Try DFU mode and then restore
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
Try on another computer

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Hello,
So I'm pretty baffled at this point. Last night I started downloading the iOS 7.1 update as my iPhone 4 was plugged into iTunes. The update did not complete on my phone. Instead, the dreaded "Connect to iTunes" logo appeared. After researching last night and again this morning, I have not found a solution.
When I plug my phone into iTunes, this message appears: "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode. You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes." Then, I have the option to restore iPhone.
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Thank you!

The fact that gs.apple.com was in your host file to begin with is an indicator that your computer was used to jailbreak or hack an iOS device at some point in the past. You can not get help here for a hacked or jailbroken device. If your phone was hacked or jailbroken, Apple won't touch it.
RecBoot and Tinyumbrella are hacking tools.
Google "iPhone DFU mode".
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My iPod touch 4th generation is stuck in recovery mode. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes, but that hasn't helped. I tried clicking restore on the computer but an error message keeps coming up. HELP! PLEASE!

Like, every time I hit recover, it tries to contact the server or whatever and then it can't find it. The screen is stuck with the iTunes and the USB cable thing on it. Somebody please help me! Do you think if I take this to Radio Shack where my mom bought it for me my warrenty would help either get a new iPod or they could fix this for me? If anybody knows how to fix it, pleaseeeeee, pleeeeease help me out.

Download RecBoot and see if that will kick it out of recovery mode.
Try doing a manual install following the instructions in the link below.
Basic troubleshooting steps.
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Ipod touch 2nd gen wont restore! Stuck in recovery mode

I wanted to update my ipod so I downloaded the neweset version of itunes, plugged in my ipod and it automatically said it needed to update the software. So I did, after about an hour when I thought it was almost finished, it said the update could not finish due to an unknown error. Then it said it detected an ipod in recovery mode and I needed to restore it. So I clicked on restore, it says its preparing the ipod for restore for about 15-20 minutes then says "ipod could not restore unknown _error 2003_. And now all I get is the screen showing itunes icon and usb plug goin towards it. I've tried unpluggin it and pluggin back in, I've made sure I'm using the latest version of itunes. Everything was fine before I plugged it in to update it. I dont care if I cant update it, I just want it back the way it was! Please help!!

Try using RecBoot to get it out of recovery mode.
Basic troubleshooting steps.
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Ipod not recognized in itunes, stuck in recovery mode (tried everything)

I've had my ipod touch for about a year now, and the other day itunes told me I needed to download the new software and such. FYI, I use Vista (unfortunately. Probably not helping with the problem).
I am aware that this is a common problem. I have *tried everything* I can find at the moment, when I plug it into a different laptop nothing happens.
- I download itunes 9 etc and suddenly it says "ERROR OCCURRED" or something, I don't remember the error message too well (sorry).
- This didn't surprise me, I am used to itunes/ipods messing up on me. So I wait a while, and download the new software again. It installs.
*- A screen on my ipod appears with the itunes logo, a usb cable and "itunes".*
- I connect the ipod to the laptop. Nothing happens. Vista pops up saying:
*'Windows needs to install driver software for your Apple Mobile Device (Recovery Mode)*
- Locate and Install driver software (recommended)
- > Ask me again later
- Don't show this message again for this device'
I click the first, it asks me for a disk {which obviously I don't have), when I click 'show me other options' it tells me it couldn't find driver software. Clicking on anything from here results in nothing or failure to find the driver or whatever.
*I've tried everything on this site including* rebooting, reinstalling, completely destroying any trace of itunes and associated programs on my computer (using Windows install cleanup too) and then installing again, manually disabling/enabling/repairing/everything else under the sun to the driver in the driver menu. The same thing happens every time.
So uh, any help? I've backed up everything on my harddrive so I'm open to practically anything. I'm so sick of errors with ipods, I've never had so much trouble with any other gadget ): Maybe I'm just cursed lol.

After hours of searching for a fix I may have found one on a Mac Forum. This worked for mine but I had to restore it from the last back up. I also gave me the option of restore to new condition (out of hte box) but Ichoose from the last backup that itunes made. It took about 4 hours to fully restore all my 24gb of material. BUT,Now it's working perfectly. For how long...who knows?
Here's the link to the page where I found the info. http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=447185
Below is the solution that worked for my 2nd gen 32 gig.
"Originally Posted by vegas-steven
try and do this:
1. start itunes.
2. plug the ipod into your computer
3. hold the power (on top) and home (on front) buttons for a few seconds.
the ipod should power up, and if if is screwed up, will be in recovery mode... from there itunes will tell you that it finds your ipod in that mode, and needs to restore it.
just click restore, sit back and it should work again.
did you hack it at all?
if you did not hack it, and that doesnt work, call applecare and see what they say. maybe it is faulty?
still, from my experience with my friends ipod that i made 100% unusable, there is a way to restore even the most broken ipod as long as it has a battery charge.
i suspect a small portion of the memory is dedicated to keeping emergency boot files that allowe you to restore, no matter how bad things get."

My ipod touch 2nd gen is stuck in recovery mode.

After completing shift restore on itunes using latest firmware for 2nd gen, ipod goes through restore process after which itunes says ipod will restart. It does not restart just goes back to apple logo again. Hence still in recovery mode

Maybe:
Restore loop (being prompted to restore again after a restore successfully completes)
Troubleshoot your USB connection. If the issue persists, out-of-date or incorrectly configured third-party security software may be causing this issue. Please follow Troubleshooting security software issues. .
Next would be an appointment at the genius Bar of an Apple store.

IPod won't restore, is stuck in recovery mode

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