Unable to change backup location from "this computer" to icloud in sync page in iTunes for Windows 12.9.5.7

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Unable to change backup location from "this computer" to icloud in sync page in iTunes for Windows 12.9.5.7

I've gotten a new iPad for 2 weeks and found that the backup option in sync page keeps setting in "this computer", even I select the option "iCloud" before clicking apply, the option keeping changing back to "this computer". Which makes every syncing process become annoying because I have to cancel the backup process manually.

And sometimes, iTunes prompts "Cannot turn on iCloud backup for iPad (Device Name). /r/n Please make sure that the iPad logging in iCloud" when after I click apply button, even the iPad is logging in iCloud.

I wonder if there are any solution except re-installing iTunes.

iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Apr 3, 2020 5:04 AM

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Answer 1

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turingtest2

Level 10

279,167 points

Apr 11, 2020 12:08 PM in response to tulips3592

In the past the symptoms you describe might have been fixed by resetting the iTunesPrefs.xml file. iTunes 12.5.1.21 introduced a change with the way preferences are saved. It seems that what used to be stored in:

C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\iTunesPrefs.xml

is now stored in a number of files spread amongst these folders:

C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\iTunes\Cookies

C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\Preferences

C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\Preferences\ByHost

If preferences aren't being saved correctly then try right-clicking the iTunes shortcut and using Run as administrator. Doing this once may resolve things. Otherwise try holding down Ctrl+Shift as you start iTunes to launch it in its own safe mode which again may sometimes help. Otherwise if these three folders don't exist on your system creating them may allow iTunes to save its preferences properly. Alternatively deleting those that you do have may allow them to be recreated with the right permissions so that preferences are stored properly in future.

Type %appdata%<return> in Explorer's address bar to reach the Roaming folder without having to display hidden folders.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

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279,167 points

Apr 3, 2020 6:23 AM in response to tulips3592

Try selecting the iCloud backup on the device. See How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support.

tt2

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

279,167 points

Apr 3, 2020 7:37 AM in response to tulips3592

Did you install the most recent build? If running Windows 10 did you use the Microsoft Store or a direct download from apple.com? The latter run as administrator can sometimes help with odd permissions issues that can prevent preference changes.

tt2

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Answer 4

tulips3592 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 3, 2020 7:03 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks for replying.

In fact, iCloud backup on the iPad is turned on and automatically backing-up(latest backup is on yesterday). The problem seems to be only in iTunes.

I re-installed iTunes in the last hour, and the option is still unable to be changed.

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Answer 5

tulips3592 Author

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4 points

Apr 11, 2020 7:35 AM in response to tulips3592

I tried to install the latest version of iTunes(12.10.5.12), and ran iTunes with administrator permission but it still doesn't work.

And the backup option become changable after I create a new backup on the computer (I always sync my iDevice by wifi except for syncing so the wired connection might cause the difference).

However, the option changed back to "this computer" after I restart iTunes.

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Answer 6

turingtest2

Level 10

279,167 points

Apr 21, 2020 4:33 AM in response to tulips3592

Ah, good to know there is a workaround, albeit unintuitive.

tt2

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Answer 7

tulips3592 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 20, 2020 5:20 AM in response to tulips3592

After I turn off the backup of iCloud from iPad, then turn on iCloud backup of the iPad from iTunes, the option become changable. Also, the changed option lasting after I restart iTunes.

It seems that iTunes cannot change the setting of backup from "this computer" to "iCloud" when the backup setting on iPad already been set to backup to iCloud.

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Unable to change backup location from "this computer" to icloud in sync page in iTunes for Windows 12.9.5.7

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