Syncing Issue after changing Hard Drive

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Syncing Issue after changing Hard Drive

Hi, I believe people have been asking this same question couple times, but I couldn't really see anything that will reallyl answer my question.

So here it is.

I have replaced my laptop's hard drive which I have my iPhone sycned to.

I know I can copy everything under "iTunes" folder in "Program Files" folder, and some copule more under "Users"

Though that way I think it'll keep everything. (which is not really what I wanted)

I would like to keep only the Apps, so that way I can reset the way I organized my songs and videos.

So I was wondering, if I should copy everything under those folders, then delete all the songs.

Or is it possible to just get the Apps files back.

My problem is more concerned with that I don't want the Apps to be recynced to my iPhone as I believe that way I will probably lose my savings and settings in the game after re-syncing as a new one. (or will it?)

I hope I have made my questions cleared enough to answer.

Thanks.

iPhone 4S, Windows 7, Replacing old HDD with a new one

Posted on Feb 24, 2012 1:29 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 24, 2012 1:56 AM in response to mchy

Syncing to a new iTunes library or computer will erase your phone. Only if you back up manually before syncing, you can restore your device from that backup again. A manual backup does not include the sync process.

Do this:

Disable autosync in iTunes, connect your phone and right click on it in the device list and choose backup. iTunes will backup your device without syncing.

Transfer your purchases the same way, choosing "transfer purchases" this time.

When you connect your phone for the first time, all media content will be erased. But you can restore your settings and app data from your manual backup afterwards.

Don't forget to set up at least one contact and event on your new computer to be able to merge calendars and contacts when you sync the iPhone for the first time.

Music is one way only, from the computer to your device, unless you bought the songs in itunes and transferred your purchases.

There is 3rd party software out there, but not supported by Apple, see this thread:http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2013615&tstart=0

About backups and what's saved:iTunes: About iOS backups

How to back up and restore:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414

How to download apps for free again:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2519

Saving other data is also described here. How to back up your data and set up as a new device

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Answer 2

mchy Author

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Feb 24, 2012 5:53 AM in response to Ingo2711

Thank you very much. That's pretty much exactly what I'm asking for. I don't mind the songs being erased, just the App data/settings.

I guess I never noticed I can back it up before syncing. Wish I can pick Apps to restore from the cloud individually. Now I don't really know what my back ups on the cloud is for anymore.

Again, Thank you.

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Answer 3

Feb 24, 2012 5:59 AM in response to mchy

You're welcome 🙂

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