Can't back up because session could not be started

Question

Level 1

11 points

Can't back up because session could not be started

I'm having trouble with my ipad which won't back up and won't update to the new version of the software.

I've made sure my OSX is up to date and have the latest iTunes. I've also tried it on my iMac, the ususal computer and my wife's MacBook but I get exactly the same response. Any ideas out there?

Thanks

David

imac 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 13, 2011 12:44 AM

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Answer 1

nick101

Level 5

5,132 points

Mar 13, 2011 12:56 AM in response to Cobbyco

Can we have some more details please. Do you get an error message and, if so, what? Does iTunes recognise the iPad - that kind of thing.

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Answer 2

Mar 13, 2011 3:11 AM in response to nick101

Have you restarted the iPad and the Mac?

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Answer 3

lynjon1

Level 1

29 points

Mar 13, 2011 4:14 AM in response to Cobbyco

I have exactly the same problem. Some weeks ago my iPad stopped doing back-ups. It was recognised by iTunes when I connected it. When I tried to do a sync it skipped over doing a back-up and went straight to syncing. Then a few weeks later it never got beyond the back-up part of syncing. I then got the same message "Can't back-up because session could not be started." Of course, now that iOS 4.3 is here, as doing a back up is an integral part of the software upgrade, I cannot upgrade.

I have spent a lot of time with Apple Support trying to fix this problem but they have been unable to sort it out. The last I heard from them they emailed me (on 17 Feb) to say that they were going to get one of their engineers to look at the issue. But despite several chasers from me I have heard nothing more.

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Answer 4

nick101

Level 5

5,132 points

Mar 13, 2011 4:24 AM in response to lynjon1

I don't know whether this is going to cover ground the Apple guts have already covered, but ...

It sounds like iTunes can't write or otherwise access the Backups folder, or perhaps a recent backup file has been damaged.

So, quit iTunes, and then:

1. Repair permissions, using Disk Utility (I think that's a very long shot)

2. Go to <user>/Library/Application Support/Mobilesync and move the Backup folder somewhere else

3. Go to <user>/Library/Caches/com.Apple.iTunes and delete the cache.db file

Fingers crossed

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Answer 5

lynjon1

Level 1

29 points

Mar 13, 2011 10:31 AM in response to nick101

Thanks for these tips. I followed them all and then restarted both my iMac and my iPad. I then did a sync and the iPad started backing up. The progress bar moved steadily onwards until it had backed up about 80% and then it simply hung. This time I got no error message but the result was the same - no backup.

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Answer 6

lynjon1

Level 1

29 points

Mar 13, 2011 10:39 AM in response to lynjon1

I should add that I also have an iPhone which shares many of the same apps as the iPad, and this syncs and backs up faultlessly and quickly.

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Answer 7

Mar 13, 2011 11:04 AM in response to lynjon1

Curious what data you need backed up.

Can it be done manually, then just restore the iPad? A lot more work, but I bet it solves it.

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Answer 8

lynjon1

Level 1

29 points

Mar 13, 2011 11:18 AM in response to sw0rdfish

I've no idea what data gets backed up. But when I do a sync the back-up happens automatically. How would I do a manual back-up? I've been thinking of wiping everything and then starting again, but as you say it's a load of work.

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Answer 9

Mar 13, 2011 11:25 AM in response to lynjon1

Well it backs up what's installed, IE what apps you put on it, what music etc... But not the actual apps, since they're on your computer.

Mostly you'd lose application data. So game saves, passwords for apps tied to websites, and things of that nature.

You'll also lose your pictures, so make sure you back those up by taking them off the iPad with iPhoto. Of course it's probably an iPad 1, which has no camera, so you probably don't have any.

Mail accounts would have to be set back up and which apps, music and movies you want on it would have to be redone.

It's a good couple of hours while you watch tv.

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Answer 10

lynjon1

Level 1

29 points

Mar 21, 2011 3:59 AM in response to sw0rdfish

Well, I finally took my iPad to the Genius Bar at a local Apple Store. The guy who served me (nice guy, very helpful) went through everything but couldn't solve the problem. As I have an Applecare Protection Plan they replaced the machine and the new one works just fine. Strange problem.

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Answer 11

Cobbyco Author

Level 1

11 points

Apr 10, 2011 4:10 AM in response to lynjon1

Thanks for all the tips and ideas. am in the same situation but don't have the protection plan 🙂 It did work for a while after I got the updates to itunes and the iPad but it's just started doing the same problem again. Good reason to upgrade to iPad2 I suppose but shame it has a problem that can't be fixed after less than a year.

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Answer 12

lismat

Level 1

0 points

Apr 30, 2011 4:31 PM in response to Cobbyco

I have similar problem when trying to sync my iPad.

I managed to start the sync process but after towards the end of the sync process, it popped up the "session could not be started" message.

At first I ignored this issue as it appeared that nothing has gone 'wrong'.

However, the same thing happen again each time I tried to backup/sync the iPad.

My solution is deleting the device's backup from iTunes Preferences. Restart the iPad and resync.

This happened about a couple of times previously and the solution described above seemed to correct the problem.

I am using the latest iOS 4.3.2 on my iPad (1st gen).

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Answer 13

Boogie99

Level 1

16 points

Jun 22, 2011 6:32 AM in response to Cobbyco

I take that all I have to do is delete the backup file on my Mac then sync my Ipad again and that should sort it.

Fingers crossed.

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Answer 14

Jun 22, 2011 7:22 AM in response to Cobbyco

Restart your computer and do a hard reset on your iPad (press and hold the Home and Wake / Sleep button until the Apple logo appears).

Then connect to iTunes and the Backup will start, it may take a long time, but leave it alone to complete.

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Answer 15

Boogie99

Level 1

16 points

Jun 22, 2011 8:42 AM in response to Ian Parkinson

Thanks Ian i'm trying it now, I will let you know how I get on.

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