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How do I back up my iphone?

I am about to do the new software update, however the last time I did the update I lost all of my apps, music, and videos. Before I do the update how can I back it up so that when I do the update everything I have will still be there? Can someone please walk me through it? Thanks.

Toshiba, Windows Vista

Posted on May 16, 2010 7:40 PM

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12 replies

May 16, 2010 8:39 PM in response to Pamela Simpson

No, that is not where it is. As a part of the sync process, the iPhone automatically does a backup. If you are concerned about apps, then make sure that you have transferred purchases and that the apps are listed in iTunes.

If you want to manually do a backup, you would have the iPhone plugged into iTunes and then select the iPhone in the device pane. From there, right click on it and select backup.

Make sure that you have also synced the contacts and calendar to the supported applications on your computer. You can see what is included in the backup here http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766

May 16, 2010 9:28 PM in response to Pamela Simpson

Yes, it is doing a backup. iTunes does a backup as the first part of the sync process. So, every time that you sync the iPhone, it does a backup first, unless you cancel out of it. Those backups are overwritten each time you do the next sync. However, whenever you do a restore, there is a backup make that has a data and time stamp. Those stay there until the next time you do a restore. You'll just have to let it run its course now.

May 16, 2010 9:49 PM in response to Pamela Simpson

If you read through the article that I listed in an earlier post, you see that as far as apps are concerned, the only thing that is backed up is the data. The apps are saved in another folder in iTunes. Also, the music on your iPhone is from your music library and that is on your computer's hard drive in a folder named iTunes. Information about it is in the backup, as well as info about your calendar and contacts, but the actual information is on the computer, with calendar and contacts in the supported applications, and the apps in an app folder in iTunes, and the music and videos wherever you have the library at. Check out that article about backups I posted earlier. You should not have any trouble when you update, but you should understand where everything is. You can do a backup of iTunes, it is under "File>Library" in iTunes. You should also do a regular backup of your computer to save other data, such as the photos you sync (if you do).

May 19, 2010 1:49 AM in response to Pamela Simpson

Im guessing you have worked this out by now, but a backup should take 5 mins or so, give or take, you need to cancel that and start again mate!

iphone backup is kept in windows vista folder (appdata is a hidden folder)
user/appdata/roaming/applecomputer/mobilesync/backup.

put this folder somewhere else after you backup, so you can get to it if you need to.

How do I back up my iphone?

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