Endless reboot (1.0.2) and can't even upgrade

I know this topic has been mashed to bits and pieces. I've been up all night and tried to find a viable solution to no avail.

I'm growing so frustrated and fearing that my $400 went down the drain. I really need your help! Seems like a lot of ppl are having these issues and some solutions worked for some and seems more not.

1. I needed to restore so I did w/ 1.0.2 restore (iPhone1,1_1.0.2_1C28_Restore.ipsw), using iTunes 7.4.2 (be damned) and it started to go into the dreaded endless reboot.

2. I tried this in iTunes 7.4, 7.5, nothing still, just keeps rebooting.

3. I tried again in the aforementioned iTunes to restore into 1.1.1 (iPhone1,1_1.1.1_3A109a_Restore.ipsw) and get Error (1).

I don't want to try 1.1.2 w/ iTunes 7.5 because I don't want to get into MUCH MORE unknown territory. It would be very appreciative if someone can lend a hand before I sell this dud on eBay. Thanks.

Error 1? Try a different USB port. Make sure the phone enters the DFU mode correctly. The 10 second + 10 second rule is crucial.

Thanks, I tried this, but still no luck!

I am still convinced the phone isn't a dead horse YET, cause it still allows me to restore to 1.0.2 ...

Anyone else?

...Also, I tried the 10 (sleep + home) then 10 (home) and it won't do anything...argh...

try ibrickr and press boot phone that should take you to the activation screen.

But I don't have a Windows unit. Should I try it in Parallels?