Q: "Error -50". Can't update iphone 4 to iOS 5.

OK, I am not a programmer.  Just a phone user.  How do I get this line in to fix the problem so I can update my phone?

How do we upate this setting?

Here are the steps

1. As mentioned by someone else, make sure you quit iTunes.
2. Then you need to open the Terminal application (inside the Utilities folder of the Applications folder).
3. Once open type (or copy this and then paste it in the terminal window):

          defaults write com.apple.iTunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool false

Now start iTunes again and connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and it should now back up Ok.

Hope that helps.

Cheers.

I'm getting this message on a very old PC. I don't have an applications folder...ok I'm not a computer person, but I'm pretty sure I don't have an applications folder. Where do I add this line of text on a PC?

And, while I'm at it, I don't know what a termnal window is either or if I have one and if you're laughing I completely understand.

Anything else I could possibly do? Thanks for the help.

Many thanks Serge...my ipad is backed up!!!! Yay!!!!  Do I leave the message in the Terminal or delete it???

Thank you

It worked for me as well. :-)

You can quit terminal after you've typed the command in.

Where did you enter this line after closing iTunes?

Many thanks Serge...my ipad is backed up!!!! Yay!!!  

i have not got a clue what they mean either so if anyone can put this in a more simple step by step way

You have to quit iTunes, open the Terminal in the Applications/Utilities folder, then type (or copy & paste):

defaults write com.apple.iTunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool false

press enter

Quit Terminal and go back to iTunes to update.

It should work with no problems.

These are the steps to make the change on a Mac.  Does anyone know what the steps are for a PC?

Replace the PC with a Mac?

But seriously, I wouldn't have thought you would have the same problem with a PC.

Have you got the latest version of iTunes?

I haven't read this link all the way through, it seems to have a different method to updating on a PC to a Mac.

http://www.ijailbreak.com/how-to/how-to-update-to-official-ios-5-firmware/

I have tried but am still getting error message.

Any other ideas or another way?

Thanks

Can anyone help?

Im just about ready to give up.

Running MBP 10.5.8, iTunes is on Lacie Portable HDD

Its stops @ 15% during backup everytime

Is mobilesync an issue?

I have backup encrypted checkbox ticked. Untick?

What happens if I proceed with wiping out all data?

Can I put it all back on from earlier backup?

Any help would be great

I take it you have already tried the steps above?

How long have you left it stuck at 15%? If it's only a few minutes, try leaving it for half an hour or an hour. It might just be slow.

You could try unticking the encryption button. That will be slowing it down.

I wouldn't proceed with wiping the data, you will loose everything on your phone.

You've managed to back it up before, but it won't backup or it hangs when you try and upgrade? If the unticking the encryption doesn't work, you could try backing up to the local hard disk instead of an external drive.