For help with contacting the iPod software update server or iPhone software update server for Windows XP or Windows 2000, see this article. Some customers may notice the following alert message when trying to update or restore an iPod in iTunes 7 or later: “iTunes could not contact the iPod software update server because you are not connected to the Internet. Make sure your Internet connection is active and try again.” If restoring an iPhone, you may notice this alert message: “iTunes could not contact the iPhone software update server because you are not connected to the Internet.  Make sure your Internet connection is active and try again.” Internet access is required to download iPod and iPhone software updates. However, if you are able to connect to the Internet with Internet Explorer and can also access the iTunes Store, see the solution below to resolve this issue.

Link:
iTunes for Windows Vista: iTunes cannot contact the iPod or iPhone software update server

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