Secure Link to iTunes Failed: Please Help

Question

I am trying to update my iPhone 3gs from 4.0 to 5.1.1 and I keep getting error 3194, which is a connection error to the firmware server...
I have tried almost everything I have found on the Internet.
Here are the things I have tried:
1. Checked Host File.... Looks Fine
2. Used the laptop... Same Issue
3. Used the laptop on someone else's internet.... Same Issue
4. Re-did all the internet options
I am technically sabby, so I am willing to try anything.
Here is my iTunes Diagnostics:
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition Service Pack 2 (Build 6002)
Gateway GT5432
iTunes 10.6.1.7
QuickTime 7.6.8
FairPlay 1.14.37
Apple Application Support 2.1.7
iPod Updater Library 10.0d2
CD Driver 2.2.0.1
CD Driver DLL 2.1.1.1
Apple Mobile Device 5.1.1.4
Apple Mobile Device Driver 1.59.0.0
Bonjour 3.0.0.10
Gracenote SDK 1.9.5.502
Gracenote MusicID 1.9.5.115
Gracenote Submit 1.9.5.143
Gracenote DSP 1.9.5.45
iTunes Serial Number 002EAE0C0BE3C050
Current user is an administrator.
The current local date and time is 2012-05-24 11:38:43.
iTunes is not running in safe mode.
WebKit accelerated compositing is enabled.
HDCP is not supported.
Core Media is supported.
Video Display Information
NVIDIA, NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
**** External Plug-ins Information ****
No external plug-ins installed.
iPodService 10.6.1.7 is currently running.
iTunesHelper 10.6.1.7 is currently running.
Apple Mobile Device service 3.3.0.0 is currently not running.
**** Network Connectivity Tests ****
Network Adapter Information
Adapter Name:          {177425E4-7687-455B-8146-4FD7230AB707}
Description:          Marvell Yukon 88E8039 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller
IP Address:          192.168.1.100
Subnet Mask:          255.255.255.0
Default Gateway:          192.168.1.1
DHCP Enabled:          Yes
DHCP Server:          192.168.1.1
Lease Obtained:          Thu May 24 07:45:33 2012
Lease Expires:          Fri May 25 07:45:33 2012
DNS Servers:          67.142.175.10
                    67.142.175.11
Active Connection:          LAN Connection
Connected:          Yes
Online:                    Yes
Using Modem:          No
Using LAN:          Yes
Using Proxy:          No
Firewall Information
Windows Firewall is on.
iTunes is enabled in Windows Firewall.
Connection attempt to Apple web site was successful.
Connection attempt to browsing iTunes Store was successful.
Connection attempt to purchasing from iTunes Store was unsuccessful.
The network connection timed out.
Connection attempt to iPhone activation server was successful.
Connection attempt to firmware update server was unsuccessful.
The network connection timed out.
Connection attempt to Gracenote server was successful.
Last successful iTunes Store access was 2012-05-24 11:37:47.

Answer 1

Close your iTunes,
Go to command Prompt -
(Win 7/Vista) - START>PROGRAMS>ACCESSORIES, right mouse click "Command Prompt", choose "Run as Administrator".
(Win XP SP2 n above) - START>PROGRAMS>ACCESSORIES>Command Prompt
In the "Command Prompt" screen, type in
netsh winsock reset
Hit "ENTER" key
Restart your computer.
If you do get a prompt after restart windows to remap LSP, just click NO.
Now launch your iTunes and see if it is working now.
If you are still having these type of problems after trying the winsock reset, refer to this article to identify which software in your system is inserting LSP:
Apple software on Windows: May see performance issues and blank iTunes Store
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4123?viewlocale=en_US