I've restored an iPhone 3G (purchased outside the US) and am trying to activate it with iTunes (in the US with an ATT sim). The iPhone tells me to connect to itunes, with an unlock for emergency calls.
When I connect to iTunes, all I get is a plain white window with the word iPhone in it (can't show image; I'm new).
I've tried with iPhone-activated SIM cards and not, and also tried activating without a SIM card at all (iTunes tells me to put a SIM in).
Best Answer
I recommend going into full recovery mode. Instructions are here: iPhone and iPod touch: Unable to update or restore. A summary:
Disconnect the USB cable from the iPhone or iPod touch, but leave the other end of the cable connected to your computer's USB port.
Turn off the device: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears, then slide the slider. Wait for the the iPhone or iPod touch to turn off.
While pressing and holding the Home button, reconnect the USB cable to iPhone. When you reconnect the USB cable to iPhone, the device should power on. Note: If you see the screen pictured below, let the device charge for at least ten minutes to ensure the battery has some charge and then start with step 2 again.
Continue holding the Home button until you see the "Connect to iTunes" screen. When this screen appears you can release the Home button:
If necessary, open iTunes. You should see the following "recovery mode" alert:
Use iTunes to restore the device.