unknown error occurred (0xE800002E).

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.

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

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.

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.

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

I think mine might be better -- search for "A better fix for the unknown error problem -> backup, restore" in this thread.

In the thread I admit I don't have absolute proof it works, the ability to do updates from the App Store on the iPhone was very encouraging.

This works. Just update the apps through your computer first... then follow those easy steps and you're done. Easy workaround, shouldnt have to be a workaround, but I digress.

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.

Thanks for the suggestion - Your method appears to have fixed the issue for me (fingers crossed it stays fixed!) 🙂

I'd been plagued by that issue, but now I can install/update apps again either from the phone or from itunes with no errors.

Do you know if this reset will allow you to keep your progress data along with the updates?

I have a couple applications that have a lot of "work" into them and would hate to fix the problem and have to return to ground zero with every app.

Thanks.

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.

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!

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

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.

Did you try my fix?

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

It's worked for many people, certainly including me.