Computer crashed, moved iPad to new PC...

gdgmacguy wrote:
Did you backup your computer? Surely computers crash, and surely you must have a backup, right?

Any content that you purchase from iTunes, the App Store and iBooks will be transferred to the computer when you transfer purchases as described. This does not work for photos - only purchased content.

If you are in the U.S., you can also download purchased apps, music and TV shows again for free (if the content is stil available in the stores) as long as you use the same Apple ID and iTunes account that you used for the original purchase.

This looks wonderful; does it transfer everything from the iPad to the computer? Previously, when computers have crashed, or wiped themselves, I have had to download third-party software in order to transfer music, playlists, etc to the pc.

I have got as far, above, as backing up the iPad, but am loathe to restore, lest I lose anything from my iPad which is working perfectly.

Does this only work for the Aps that are installed on the Ipad?

I have a 16Gb Ipad 1 and have had to cycle through my many aps. I thus had only 1/2 or less on the Ipad when my main boot drive crashed.

I have the data drive with Itunes and all folders, but when I transferred over these there was only 3 Aps in the directory .... where are the rest stored!

When I tried to sync my iphone to this account I got a message that my iphone was linked to another library and to sync with this one would erase my phone.

This is the same library, same account and PC is authorised.

Help !

Does this solution work for ALL files on your iPad? I just had the same thing happen to me and I have PDF files, Music etc.. from 3rd party sites on my ipad and I don't want to lost them!! If I do a backup of iPad and then a restore will all my books ( PDF files ) and music ( not from iTunes store ) be put back on iPad AND stored in my iTunes Library? So far all I have gotten off my iPad and onto the new Library is the apps i got for free from the iTunes store :/

Virtualgeo - Your post looks very helpful, but... I'm moving my iPad 2 and iPhone from syncing with a work windows-based computer to my first MAC. I've ported all media (photos, videos, music, etc) successfully and transferred all the purchased apps. However...

When I try to sync my iPad it wants to replace the apps. No problem on restoring the apps but it is losing all the work I have done to lay out the folders and screens. 150+ apps that were on 3 screens in various folders become 150+ apps on 9 screens in the preview under iTunes. Not a disaster but I'd hate to have to set all that up again.

I've followed your directions, but have chosen to 'Revert' for now on syncing apps since I want to try to avoid all the rework. Let me know if you have experienced this or have any suggestions.

Thanks!

Tommy -

I followed your formula got to 6) a box came up to sync iPad to Library and will erase my iPad. I did not get an opportunity to left click on iPad icon etc. iTunes is up to date, I do have password protect. Appreciate any help you could give. Thank you!

Norm

Got the same issue, no prob getting the apps to come across, but what I'm really after is avoiding setting up the folders again. Anyone have an answer for this or is this just one of the things that one must learn to live with?

For now, it's easier just to not sync apps.

OK...so this process won't transfer 3rd party content. HOW can I transfer that 3rd party content back into iTunes? I have over 300 books in iBooks alone (many of which were purchased from other sources). I can't afford to lose all that content. 😟 Any suggestions as to how to go about transferring the 3rd party stuff would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. 🙂

And thanks for the detailed info on transferring the music/apps, etc. That part worked great!!

So I followed the instructions above from virtualgeo and it looks like my iPad and my library are both the same and contain all my apps/music/etc .

So I did the last step "If everything on your ipad looks good uncheck the prevent your ipad from automatically syncing"

BUT then I try to sync up my ipad and it says "the iPad ... is synced with another iTunes library. Do you want to erase this iPad and sync with this iTunes library?

Is that the true last step to click "Erase and Sync" ??? I have hit cancel for now but every time I connect the iPad to the computer I get this prompt?

I have come this far and dont want to lose everything, just want to confirm that is the correct action at this point.

Hi Guys,

Great write up, I have a very similar issue but have one last question. if i follow the above steps on transfering purchased items from the opad to the new laptop, what about the game progress on the ipad, will that be safe?

I'm doing this for my son and he would be devistated (so would i) if i lost all his progress.

many thanks

Scott

Please see my last post in the following thread which has resolved the situation-

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3677991?answerId=17397220022#17397220022