iPad iPad A2197 - error 3194 when updating to iOS 16.5 via iTunes - how to fix?

[b4ndit]

Hello, I decided to revive my old iPad A2197 after 12 months of use, during the iOS update it turned off and when I turned it on only the Apple logo was shown. I threw it in the closet and forgot.

Currently I want to revive it, I assume there is an iOS version 16.xxx

When I connect it to iTunes, I have the option to update to 17.1.x or open it
I don't want to upload 17, I want to stay with 16xxx.
I downloaded ready-made frimware iPad_10.2_16.5_20F66_Restore
I open iTunes, select Current - shift and point to the file / I unpack it, but error 3194 occurs / I searched the Internet for a solution with the host file, I paste the line and then the error changes to 3004.

I really wouldn't want to update to 17 because the program I use doesn't support 17 yet (experience from another iPad where I installed 17.1 and I was left in the lurch because I can't downgrade anymore)

I don't want to open it because I will lose data and I have a few files that I would like to keep. As a last resort, I will open it, but maybe someone can advise me on a solution here?

I tested everything on a PC and laptop, including the Apple USB-C cable. system after updates / itunes 12.13.0.9 version

 

[Reverend Benny]

Hard to say what do to, found this about your error.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201442

But sounds like the way forward is to go for 17. Send the developer of the software that doensn't support iOS 17 an email and ask when they are going to update it or what type of problems they have with iOS 17.

 

[Bigwaff]

iPadOS 16.7.2 is the last version of iPadOS 16 available but only as an OTA update if you're already running a version of 16. No other versions of iPadOS 16 are still signed by Apple, which means you can’t install w/ iTunes. Your only choice moving forward using iTunes is iPadOS 17. Just use the OTA feature in iPadOS to update to latest iPadOS 16.

 

[Richard8655]

Just to add, and I'm not sure if this might apply. I had a favorite app no longer supported for install on 16. After setting up a free account with iMazing, from my Mac was able to install the app on the iPad with 16 and it worked just fine.