restore from backup / set up as new iphone dilemma

Question

restore from backup / set up as new iphone dilemma

I have a problem with my 3GS, not sure if it's corrupt data or hardware.

Restore from backup has not solved problem. Therefore am minded to restore and setup as new iphone. I understand all settings are wiped, data that is sync'd of course remains.

If I setup as new iphone, what happens to the former backup file(s) within iTunes?

If overwritten or otherwise made inaccessible, can I manually save it and re-place it within itunes later?

It would be great if I can set up as new iphone, with security of knowing that I could restore again from backup file.

Macbook Core2Duo 2.0Ghz, 10.6, iMac G5 1.8Mhz, 2GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.6), iMac G3 400 10.4.11; iMac G4 800Mhz, 768MB RAM 10.4.11

Posted on Jan 28, 2010 10:01 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Allan Sampson

Level 10

123,677 points

Jan 28, 2010 11:07 AM in response to Tony Goldenfeld

If I setup as new iphone, what happens to the former backup file(s) within iTunes?

The existing/former backup for your iPhone remains which will include a date and time for the last time the backup was updated. An entirely new backup for your iPhone will be created, which is standard after restoring an iPhone with iTunes as a new iPhone or not from the iPhone's backup.

You can restore your iPhone with iTunes as a new iPhone or not from your iPhone's backup and you will be prompted to update the existing backup for your iPhone first after selecting Restore.

If no change after restoring your iPhone with iTunes as a new iPhone or not from your iPhone's backup, you can follow this by restoring your iPhone again from your previous iPhone's backup.

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Answer 2

Jan 28, 2010 11:24 AM in response to Allan Sampson

Hi, just to be clear....

if I restore as a new iphone, the backup created at that restore point sits in iTunes. If I choose to restore again, I can select EITHER the backup from the 'new' iPhone OR the former backup that was there before the restore-as-new procedure?

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Answer 3

Jan 28, 2010 2:25 PM in response to Tony Goldenfeld

Confirmed, my 'just to be clear' comment is correct

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Answer 4

Jan 28, 2010 2:33 PM in response to Tony Goldenfeld

Correct.

This link should be helpful.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766

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Answer 5

Jan 30, 2010 10:57 AM in response to Allan Sampson

Hi, yes the new backup and old bu remain accessible. Thanks. Problem on iPhone not solved, Apple swapped the phone out in the end.

Thanks

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Answer 6

rdrean

Level 1

0 points

Mar 21, 2010 2:46 PM in response to Tony Goldenfeld

I know I am late to this topic but from the apple site...

"iTunes only keeps one backup created during the sync process for each device. If you restore the iPhone or iPod touch and choose to set up as a new device from the Set Up your iPhone / iPod touch screen, iTunes will automatically sync and create a new, empty backup that will replace your previous backup. If you change your mind and want to restore to your previous state, you will have to retrieve your previous device backup from Time Machine (on your Mac), or other backup solution you regularly use. If you have Mac OS X 10.5.5 or later and use Time Machine, you may use Time Machine to find a previous backup."

...this makes me think if I restore as new phone I wont be able to restore from the backup with all my info and settings. ALL of that will be lost. It only lets you have one backup. correct? and said backup will be filled with nothing once you "restore as new phone"?

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