Prepare for hard drive format

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Prepare for hard drive format

What are some of the steps I need follow or perform when I'm going to format my hard drive and then re-install Windows 7 so that I can regain all my settings including songs, photos, apps., and ringtones etc.? Currently all my photos, musics, applications, ringtones and so on are on a separate drive. However, the problem is when restoring. I've lost a bunch of apps last time I had to format my hard drive and reinstall Windows.

HP DV2700, Windows 7, iPhone 3GS with OS v3.1.2

Posted on Sep 26, 2010 7:14 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 26, 2010 7:20 PM in response to LCMan

When storing your iTunes library on a separate drive from your computer's boot drive, 3rd party apps continue to be stored in the iTunes library on the boot drive - in the Mobile Applications folder located in the iTunes folder.

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Answer 2

LCMan Author

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Sep 26, 2010 7:27 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Okay, so that means I have to backup that folder to a separate drive. Is that all I need to backup? Thanks so much for the help.

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Answer 3

Sep 26, 2010 7:36 PM in response to LCMan

You're welcome.

On your computer's boot drive, check within the iTunes named folder for a Mobile Applications folder. Look in the Mobile Applications folder to see if your apps are available in this folder.

If so, I would copy the iTunes named folder on your computer's boot drive for your computer's backup.

After reformatting your computer's boot drive and re-installing Windows, place the iTunes named folder with the Mobile Applications folder that includes your applications back in the same location. You will also need to re-select your iTunes Media Folder location where it is currently located on the separate drive for your iTunes music, movies, tv shows, etc., or verify the location on the separate drive which is done under the Advanced tab for your iTunes preferences.

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Answer 4

LCMan Author

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Sep 26, 2010 7:44 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Thanks! I'll give that a try.

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Answer 5

Sep 26, 2010 7:54 PM in response to LCMan

You're welcome.

Before reformatting your boot drive, de-authorize your computer with your iTunes account with iTunes.

After reinstalling iTunes on your reformatted drive, re-authorize your computer with your iTunes account with iTunes before syncing your iPhone.

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Answer 6

LCMan Author

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Sep 26, 2010 8:11 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Thanks for the last tip. Is the "Mobile Applications" inside the iTunes of the C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Apple Computer\iTunes folder? If so, I do not see the "Mobile Applications" folder.

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Answer 7

Sep 26, 2010 8:15 PM in response to LCMan

It should be located at C:\users\username\My Music\iTunes\Mobile Applications with Windows 7.

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Answer 8

LCMan Author

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Sep 26, 2010 8:27 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Ahh! I found it. Thanks!

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Answer 9

LCMan Author

Level 1

36 points

Dec 1, 2010 9:08 PM in response to LCMan

Okay, I'm now ready to restore it back. I put the Mobile Application back but when I connect my iPhone to iTune and look at the App tab, I do not see any of my existing apps showing on the left side. What do I do?

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Answer 10

LCMan Author

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36 points

Dec 1, 2010 9:19 PM in response to LCMan

Never mind. Looks like it works. I have to quit iTunes and come back and then all my stuff are back.

Many thanks for the help.

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Answer 11

Dec 1, 2010 9:22 PM in response to LCMan

preparation for hard drive format
1] de-authorize itunes
2] backup ur music library with help of itunes on any dvd or cd
3] purchased content will come back to fresh install with
tranfer purchase option in itunes from iphone
its only the music files that are not tranferred via iphone to pc
all other apps are tranferrable thru itunes to it;s library.

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