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

User profile for user: RoosterHat
RoosterHat Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

iPhone 3GS refuses to sync

My iPhone 3GS won't sync properly with my Windows 7 x64 computer, running 9.1.1.12 iTunes and the latest iPhone patch software. However, when I plug it in, iTunes becomes unresponsive for approximately 2 minutes (I can't maximize the iTunes window), and then reports that it was unable to sync for several different reasons, such as "An internal device error occurred," "An unknown error occurred (the numbers include the "0xE" numbers as well as other numbers," and sometimes the iPhone doesn't even show up under the Devices tab. After I see these error popups, I'm greeted with the screen telling me that "An iPhone has been previously synced with this computer. Please set up as a new iPhone or restore from backup." However, attempting to restore the iPhone from backup fails, as the computer responds "The backup session failed." I've tried updating the iTunes software, the iPhone software, and the Apple Mobile Device Driver. Of course I've tried rebooting the computer and resetting the iPhone. I've also uninstalled iTunes and all of its components (Bonjour, iTunes Helper, Apple Software Updater, etc.), but with no results. Help, please?

iPhone 3GS, Windows 7

Posted on May 25, 2010 6:07 AM

Reply
50 replies
User profile for user: RoosterHat
RoosterHat Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

May 25, 2010 10:50 AM in response to DaVBMan

No, I tried these solutions and I have yet to see results.

On top of this, my apps are now not loading. When I try to start an app by touching its icon, the splash screen for the app flashes briefly, then the app closes and I'm left back at the Home screen. This doesn't affect the apps that were developed by Apple, such as Messages, Phone, Safari, and iPod.

Message was edited by: RoosterHat
Reply
User profile for user: chrisby
chrisby
User level: Level 1
15 points

Jun 1, 2010 6:31 AM in response to RoosterHat

I'm having the exact same issue. I have Windows 7 x64 & the latest iTunes version.

Tried syncing my iPhone 3GS tonight and got a timeout error whilst syncing. D/C and plugged iPhone back in - then had 3 errors at once: 'required file cannot be found'; an unknown error occurred (-48); an internal device error occurred.

Now when connected iPhone it prompts that 'set up new iPhone' or 'restore from backup' and the restore comes up with the 'backup session failed' error.

I can't figure it out, and can't find an answer anywhere. I'm kinda glad I'm not the only one with the problem, but it's a royal pain.
Reply
User profile for user: RoosterHat
RoosterHat Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jun 3, 2010 5:04 AM in response to LAE

Now that's interesting. I've never heard of this problem on a Mac...

I went to the Genius Bar to attempt to get the problem fixed. First they told me the app files had been corrupted, and my iPhone's software had been corrupted from the app files. So we reset the iPhone. This didn't work - we got a message saying that the computer could not read the data on the iPhone. So then they gave me a new phone. But that one didn't sync either - we got the same message. We tried several different things after that (uninstalling/reinstalling the Apple Mobile Device Driver, uninstalling iTunes and all of its components, then reinstalling it) but nothing worked. So now I have a basically bricked iPhone than only can make calls, send texts, and get mail and now has no movies, music, podcasts, or apps on it.
Reply
User profile for user: chrisby
chrisby
User level: Level 1
15 points

Jun 4, 2010 4:04 PM in response to RoosterHat

I managed to get mine to work. I didn't do anything special. I just kept trying to restore from backup on iTunes. After many attempts, it finally finished instead of failing - although it did take literally over an hour. Was on '1 minute remaining' for most of that hour so almost gave up several times.

I haven't resynced since - so I'm not sure whether it's going to be an ongoing problem (I hope not). I might try after work today.
Reply
User profile for user: nedjo
nedjo
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jun 19, 2010 5:29 AM in response to RoosterHat

Same problem with my windows 7 x64. Sometimes it syncs normally but sometimes it takes hours to catch a moment that both itunes, my computer and my iphone show clemency to me. i thought it is solved with new itunes update but nothing. itunes with win7 x64 *****. i'm pulling out from my iphone 3gs. thank you apple.
Reply
User profile for user: RoosterHat
RoosterHat Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jun 22, 2010 7:56 AM in response to Mograk

Nope, and to top it off, I went back to a different Genius Bar for a second opinion, and they told me that my USB ports were malfunctioning, and that it was impossible to read or write data from the ports. I know that this is complete moonshine, as I have an external hard drive and several flash drives that I use on a regular basis with no issues. Just to be sure, however, I'm taking the computer in to a diagnostic/repair shop to see what they make of it.
Reply

iPhone 3GS refuses to sync

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