Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

unknown error occurred (0xE800002E).

After downloading updates to applications and syncing to iphone I got error message: Some of the applications in your iTunes library were not installed on the iPhone "(my name) iPhone because one or more errors occurred.
Example of error:
"The application "(the updated app)" was not installed on the iPhone "(my name) iPhone because an unknown error occurred (0xE800002E)."

The applications however were still on the phone after the update and I was able to run them. I did a restore of the iPhone from the latest backup and the error message still came up. The more updates I receive the more error messages I got. I'm up to 19 app errors.
However, after deleting one of the 19 applications that were listed from my iTunes library and then syn icing to Phone again after erasing it I did not get the error. I now how 18 errors.

I called up apple tech support that they could not resolve the issue.

Anyone have a solution?

Macbook Pro, 1st gen iPhone, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Aug 28, 2008 10:44 AM

Reply
76 replies

Sep 12, 2008 9:49 AM in response to glaurent

Just another voice confirming the bug was not fixed by 2.1 and iTunes 8.

I suspect it's a DRM problem. In my case it occurred after I had to replace my original iPhone (cracking plastic manufacturing defect) under warranty. I suspect the ID of the phone doesn't match what iTunes expects.

I also suspect several different problems are producing the same catch-all error message, so some fixes will work for some but none work for all.

I'm familiar with the usual uncheck app, sync, check app, sync workaround that loses all the data.

I've not tried the radical maneuver suggested above of dragging out apps, renaming, etc. I can see how that might force some iTunes cleanup.

I'll wait on this a bit longer, but next I'll try wiping the phone completely and try a restore from backup. If that doesn't work I'll wipe the phone and add it as a new phone under a new phone name.

Sep 12, 2008 10:02 AM in response to NYR

Apple has a tech note out on problems with purchased apps:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1702

I suggest everyone who has this problem walk through their suggestions, realizing that some of their recommendations will result in losing all the application data.

Please note that we KNOW that the uncheck, remove, check, install steps will allow an app to updated, but it doesn't fix the problem. You'll see the same problem the next time the apps is updated.

There's a link at the end of the page to report the problem, but it's worthless. The link assumes that the problem is with the app itself, rather than with iTunes/iPhone.

None of the fixes currently on this page worked for me, except the temporary reprieve we expect from install/reinstall.

Message was edited by: jfaughnan

Sep 12, 2008 10:34 AM in response to NYR

OK, I’m back to give some more advice. The reason you’re seeing these error messages is because somehow the link between iTunes where your Apps are stored and where it resides on your iPhone/Touch is broken. Kind of, but not exactly, like when a song on your iTunes loses its link to the song residing in your iTunes folder. Instead of giving people a question mark like you do with a song, the apps gives you this error message because it's confused about which app it is associated with.

The fix I suggested above still works. You just have to realize that you don’t have to install, Sync, reinstall EVERY ONE of your apps, just those that you’re getting the error messages on. Unless you have hundreds of apps loaded, the error messages are usually just on a few apps which makes this fix really simple and fast.

Unfortunately, it looks like Apple has delayed releasing a permanent fix for this until a later iTunes. Sorry about some of you losing your data. I would recommend that you discontinue use of the apps that you have important data on until a permanent fix is released. It shouldn't be much longer.

Sep 12, 2008 1:17 PM in response to JCC123

The fix you suggested, if I recall it correctly, has these problems
1. You lose all the data associated with the app.
2. The next time an app is updated you have to repeat the fix. In other words, it doesn't solve the problem even at an app level.

I think I may have found something that works, and I think 2.1 has made it less painful. I'm not certain its a cure, but I have reason to believe it is.

1. Upgrade to iTunes 8 and iPhone 2.1
2. Sync iPhone so you have a backup (I make a zip of my backup directory and save it off just in case - see http://tech.kateva.org/2008/08/iphone-backups-are-stored-in.html for details)
3. Restore iPhone to original state using the restore button on the info tab. This wipes the phone.
4. When the phone mounts iTunes will ask if you want to treat it as a new phone, or restore from backup.
5. Restore from backup. This doesn't restore everything -- but don't worry.
6. Sync (this will take a while if there's music involved).

When all is done everything should be in place. In the past the restores still left me with a lot of cleanup, but this time I only had to arrange a few icons. My passwords were restored.

Now, why do I think this will solve the problem?

When I did this iTunes said I had no updates. The App Store on the iPhone said I had 4 updates. I actually used the App Store to apply the updates -- a process that has NEVER worked in the past and has been trouble for many people. This time it smoothly applied the updates, and when it was done it said there were no more left.

BTW, I now think this might be a keychain/permissions problem on the iPhone's version of OS X.

Sep 12, 2008 2:08 PM in response to NYR

I have had this issue as well, as the Error 0xE800002E when updating already installed Apps via iTunes on my computer and getting the "Unable to Download Application" Error from the App Store via my iPhone.

Cause: I think this happens because I restored from a Corrupt Backup of my iPhone.
Solution: Although a crappy solution it has worked great!
. Transfer all Purchases from iPhone to iTunes
. Take a screenshot of your Application Folder
. Right Click one app and goto the file location from iTunes. Delete all apps
. Delete all Applications from Application Folder
. Restore your iPhone
. Setup as new iPhone
. Redownload all of your Applications

Sweetness!

This has been the only true fix to date, please check this other thread that had the same problem but proof of the fix.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1632644&tstart=0

Message was edited by: zigzak

Sep 13, 2008 7:25 PM in response to jfaughnan

I am having the same issue with one application in particular; IM+.

Updating an Application has always been an issue with the iPhone.
The only solution is to remove the application and then reinstalling back on the iPhone. This solution fails now for the application IM+.
Anyway, this solution is unacceptable because one loses their application's stored data.

I used to be impressed with Apple, but now Microsoft is looking pretty good to me. Microsoft is very responsive to problems of this nature.

There are just too many issues that has been showing up since iTunes 7.7.x.

Apple continue on this path and you will lose a lot of customers.

Sep 14, 2008 1:33 PM in response to mr.sweetbeat

Yes, it kept my data. I only had to reenter a few passwords and reorganize icons.

I've written it up here -- don't be fooled by the URL, this has solved the problem for several people including me:

http://tech.kateva.org/2008/09/iphone-21-does-not-fix-unknown.html

Credit goes to an Apple Genius who suggested this might work, but I also suspect we needed 2.1 and iTunes 8 to get the backup/restore working smoothly.

Sep 14, 2008 7:44 PM in response to jfaughnan

Concur. I guess there's a reason they're called "Genius" 8-)

Went through the lengthy backup/reset/restore process (on the morning of the first day of the working week, yet - so dumb!) and everything has been returned to normal, including all app data. Outstanding apps listed in App Store for update updated smoothly. Did have to reorganise icons (no biggy) but didn't have to bother about passwords (a good thing, too - I know I put that info somewhere safe...) Assuming this all holds up in normal usage, I'm looking forward to downgrading my iPhone from hobby to phone again!

Sep 16, 2008 7:31 AM in response to NYR

Apples app store updating feature is terrible. I've read numerous post and below is the easiest way to fix. Many times I get an app update notice on my iphone or in itunes. I will update and buggy problems will occur. App update notice will not go away. Again, this fix will take care of everything as long as you are using Vista or XP.
1. Make sure you have the latest version of I-tunes and I-phone software.
2. Search in your I-Tunes directory for "Mobile Applications" folder.
3. You will see every app that you have download and deleted. This is the problem with app store, it does NOT delete old versions. For example you will see my space.ipa, myspace1.ipa, myspace2.ipa, myspace1.2.ipa.
Go and delete all OLD versions, just leave one version of your program. If you have a program that has been recently updated in the app store then you will see actual version numbers. For example, 1.1, 1.4.1, 1.3.2, etc. This is the latest app version keep this one. If your program hasn't been recently updated then you will see just, myspace1.ipa, myspace2.ipa, myspace3.ipa, etc. Obviously just keep the highest number.
4. Once you have cleaned up all old apps in your "mobile applications", then sync.
5. Errors will be gone, BUT you have to click on your Iphone in Itunes and then click on Applications tab. Apple has unchecked or unselected all apps of versions that you have deleted even though you kept the newest version of the app. My settings for app store applications is just to sync all. But, you will have to recheck all unchecked apps and check to sync all apps and re-sync.
6. Update errors will be all gone on both itunes and on iphone app store.
7. You will have the latest version of your apps.
8. Plus you don't have to re-download all apps via Itunes. All your existing settings should still be there.

Good luck. I've done this fix 4 days ago and have had no frustrating app udate problems since then. I have nearly 50 apps on my iphone.
Good Luck

Sep 16, 2008 3:52 PM in response to NYR

I just spent over 3 hours on the phone with Apple support about this issue over the last 2 days. (1.5 hours of it was waiting on hold!)

It seems about 25% of the threads in this Apps forum is about this issue, but Apple support techs act like they've never heard of this problem before. They try to blame it on the 3rd party apps, or blame it on an isolated user problem.

If you are having this problem, submit feedback, then call apple support!

*Feedback link:*
http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html


*iPhone Support:*
1-800-MY-IPHONE


If we get their attention, they will be forced to recognize and address this WIDE-SPREAD problem.

and yes, I am running the latest fw 2.1, & OSX 10.5.5.

unknown error occurred (0xE800002E).

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.