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"Error -50". Can't update iphone 4 to iOS 5.

I'm trying to update to iOS 5 on my Mac (10.6.8). My iTunes is the most recent version. After iOS 5 dowloaded, I got a message saying:


"An error occurred while backing up this iPhone (-50). Would you like to continue to update this iPhone?

Continuing will result in loss of all contents on this iPhone"


Heck no I don't want to lose all contents on the iPhone.


If anyone else is experiencing this and has a solution, I'd much appreciate it.


Cheers,

Travis

iPhone 4, iOS 4.2

Posted on Oct 12, 2011 11:17 AM

Reply
44 replies

Oct 15, 2011 12:31 PM in response to pattifromseaford

Here are the steps

  1. As mentioned by someone else, make sure you quit iTunes.
  2. Then you need to open the Terminal application (inside the Utilities folder of the Applications folder).
  3. Once open type (or copy this and then paste it in the terminal window):

defaults write com.apple.iTunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool false


Now start iTunes again and connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and it should now back up Ok.


Hope that helps.


Cheers.

Oct 16, 2011 5:00 PM in response to tensider

I'm getting this message on a very old PC. I don't have an applications folder...ok I'm not a computer person, but I'm pretty sure I don't have an applications folder. Where do I add this line of text on a PC?

And, while I'm at it, I don't know what a termnal window is either or if I have one and if you're laughing I completely understand.

Anything else I could possibly do? Thanks for the help. 🙂

Nov 3, 2011 3:57 PM in response to Madpie

Can anyone help?

Im just about ready to give up.

Running MBP 10.5.8, iTunes is on Lacie Portable HDD

Its stops @ 15% during backup everytime

Is mobilesync an issue?

I have backup encrypted checkbox ticked. Untick?

What happens if I proceed with wiping out all data?

Can I put it all back on from earlier backup?


Any help would be great

Nov 3, 2011 5:49 PM in response to Madpie

I take it you have already tried the steps above?


How long have you left it stuck at 15%? If it's only a few minutes, try leaving it for half an hour or an hour. It might just be slow.


You could try unticking the encryption button. That will be slowing it down.


I wouldn't proceed with wiping the data, you will loose everything on your phone.


You've managed to back it up before, but it won't backup or it hangs when you try and upgrade? If the unticking the encryption doesn't work, you could try backing up to the local hard disk instead of an external drive.

"Error -50". Can't update iphone 4 to iOS 5.

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