Getting rid of "other"

Question

Level 1

4 points

Getting rid of "other"

I've searched the topics, but haven't found this exact question. My "other" category ballooned, but I did not notice exactly when this happened. So I understand that I should perform a backup, then restore. But when I restore from my last backup, will all the corrupted data and whatever makes up the "other" category just get reloaded and restored? Or will just my good data get restored? Thanks very much. Oh, also, if I do a complete restore, do all my apps remain on iTunes so that I can just sync? Or does everything disappear and I have to download all my apps again (in which case, I should write them down.) Sorry if this is covered elsewhere. I really appreciate the help - before I do a restore.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 28, 2010 12:23 PM

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Answer 1

wjosten

Level 10

95,321 points

Jun 28, 2010 12:30 PM in response to BarbR7

Before you restore, first try a simple reset, followed by syncing your phone:

Press the sleep/wake button and home button at the same time, keep pressing until you see the Apple logo, then release(ignore the slide to power off). Follow this by syncing.

After doing this, what does "other" show now?

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Answer 2

Jun 28, 2010 12:39 PM in response to BarbR7

It could be data from your applications and operating system that is making the balloon. Typially I remove everything via "Restore as a New iPhone" and add it all back on that way. Then the 'Other' deflates into the categorized fields.

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Answer 3

BarbR7 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 28, 2010 12:42 PM in response to wjosten

Well, a couple of my apps updated in the process. I actually have less free space than before. 5.61 GB of 7 GB taken up by "other" Another question. Are my emails stored in other on my iphone until viewed -taking up space - or are they downloaded as I select "Load more emails" and have nothing to do with the "other"

Barb

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Answer 4

BarbR7 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 28, 2010 12:46 PM in response to Joe Z in VA

First, thank you all very much. @ Joe Z - ok, I can do that, but do all my apps stay in iTunes or do I have to make note of them and download them again? Have never done a restore. Barb

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Answer 5

wjosten

Level 10

95,321 points

Jun 28, 2010 12:48 PM in response to BarbR7

An "other" amount that large is corrupt data, normal other should be in the range of 200mb ~350mb, sometimes slightly larger, but anything in the GB range is corrupt data. First try the reset, followed by syncing, as I've suggested. See what "other" is at that point.

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Answer 6

BarbR7 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 28, 2010 12:51 PM in response to wjosten

@ wjosten - Tried reset and syncing. "Other" not changed. Less free space than before because a couple of apps updated (I assume.)

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Answer 7

wjosten

Level 10

95,321 points

Jun 28, 2010 12:55 PM in response to BarbR7

Looks like you're gonna have to restore. First, try restoring from backup, if other doesn't change after restoring from backup, you will have to restore as new and re-sync your itunes content, all saved data on the phone will be lost. So, before going the "new" route, restore from backup, followed by a sync. Right click the phone in the left device pane, select restore, select restore from backup & select your most recent backup. Follow this by a sync. Hopefully other will return to normal range, if not restoring as new will be your only option.

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Answer 8

BarbR7 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:10 PM in response to wjosten

Thanks so much. One last question, tho. When I am restoring as "new" do all the apps stay in iTunes or do I have to download them all again? In other words, do I need to make note of all my apps that I will want (as they will disappear from iTunes) or do they stay in iTunes and get reinstalled on restoring as new process. Sorry if I'm being so concrete. Just have never done this before. Thanks again.

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Answer 9

wjosten

Level 10

95,321 points

Jun 28, 2010 1:20 PM in response to BarbR7

Restoring as "new" or from backup has no effect on your itunes content. In either case, you must follow the restore by syncing to restore your itunes content. Your itunes content on your phone should all be in your itunes library. To make sure, with your phone connected, itunes running, before you restore, File>Transfer Purchases. This will insure that all purchased content on your phone is in your itunes library.

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Answer 10

Jun 28, 2010 1:39 PM in response to BarbR7

BarbR7 wrote:
First, thank you all very much. @ Joe Z - ok, I can do that, but do all my apps stay in iTunes or do I have to make note of them and download them again? Have never done a restore. Barb

Keep the apps on your computer. You can remove it from the iPhone and reinstall afterwards. On the iTunes screen to reiterrate so you don't format the drive anyways, go on your "Apps" tab on the iTunes/iPhone section. Then uncheck all the boxes and apply.

This delete's the app data too. It will keep your iOS data (notes, calendar, mail, MMS, contacts). I usually do the cleanup by settings/general/reset/erase all. But if you are keeping the iOS parts, then don't.

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