backing up iPad to a different computer

Question

backing up iPad to a different computer

Question: I have a full iPad, and want to back it up to a new (to it) laptop.

Details: My macbook pro died (water spill). My time machine is out of date--it went out of sync four months ago, and I hadn't gotten around to setting up a new one. I'm back using an old macbook running 10.6.8, and I don't yet have the hard drive from the macbook pro. In sum: I don't have access to my old iTunes library.

My iPad (#1, up to date) is almost full, and I want to back up all its contents (apps, photos, data/documents) to iTunes. But the only option I'm getting is to erase the iPad. Help!--thanks.

iPad, iOS 5.1

Posted on Apr 8, 2012 3:52 PM

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Answer 1

Demo

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166,747 points

Apr 9, 2012 5:27 PM in response to JGoodwin-6464

Did you backup the iPad yet? While the auto sync is still turned off - connect the iPad to the Mac and launch iTunes. Right click on the iPad name on the left under devices and select backup. That will create a current backup of the iPad data.

After the backup completes - right click on the iPad again and select restore from backup. Then sync your apps and you should be OK.

Read my post in here.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3445538?start=0&tstart=0

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Answer 2

Apr 8, 2012 3:56 PM in response to JGoodwin-6464

iTunes includes an option to transfer iTunes content that was purchased/downloaded from the iTunes store from an iPod, iPad, or iPhone, but this is for iTunes content that was purchased/downloaded from the iTunes store only.

The designated computer must be authorized with the same iTunes account with iTunes. With the iPad connected and without syncing, at the iTunes menu bar go to File and select Transfer Purchases From - the name of your iPad.

Photos transferred from your computer is a one way transfer process only. There are some 3rd party utilities that provide for transferring these photos in the opposite direction.

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Answer 3

Apr 8, 2012 4:05 PM in response to JGoodwin-6464

First, on your new (old) laptop, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes loaded. Next, authorize it with your Apple ID and Password in Store. Then, go to Edit > Preferences, click on devices and check Prevent iPods, iPhones, iPads from syncing automatically.

Then connect your iPad to your computer via USB and when the device is recognized on the left side, right click it and Transfer Purchases. You'll be able to sync after that.

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Answer 4

Apr 8, 2012 4:45 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Thanks. This does get copies of all the apps on my iPad onto my computer. (Easier than re-downloading them one by one.) But when I try to sync, I still get the message that all the data in those apps on my iPad is going to be erased. Any way around that?

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Answer 5

Apr 8, 2012 5:04 PM in response to JGoodwin-6464

I don't know if the data in your apps will be lost. I've never had to do what you're doing. At least you won't lose the Apps, but it is certainly possible your game scores in game center could be lost. I think you'll have to sync to find out.

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Answer 6

Apr 9, 2012 5:04 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Well, it's more like note collections in proprietary formats that I can only export in pdf, customized settings, and 8-10 GB of documents in various synced apps. I could reconstruct all this, but it will be a pain.

Apple's policy here seems to be adding the insult of a big waste of time to the injury of a dead computer. Sad.

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Answer 7

Apr 8, 2012 4:50 PM in response to JGoodwin-6464

Did you aurthorize the computer with your Apple ID and Password, AND were the apps all purchased using that Apple ID and password?

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Answer 8

Apr 8, 2012 4:57 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Yep; I only have one ID.

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