Chris - apologies - after posting this i continued searching and found out how to make the folder/files visible. So I've found the folder but now have multiple files and aren't sure which to delete.
In answer to your first question, if I go into iTunes, devices, delete the backup, say OK and then recheck, the backup is there again.
Within the backup directory I have numerous files, none of which match (date) to my backup. I have numerous devices backing up (2 ipads, 2 iphones, 1 itouch, 1 ipod and old backups from prior iphones). The backups have multipler folders each with a many character name (b215e2d....27dfa). I thought perhaps it tied to the s/n of the unit but that doesn't seem to work.
Any ideas? Having an issue where my iPad won't back up - items will sync but the ipad won't backup when connected.
thanks...bill