itunes could not sync contacts / calendar to the iphone "---" because the sync server failed to sync the iphone

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jdubz Author

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itunes could not sync contacts / calendar to the iphone "---" because the sync server failed to sync the iphone

i have read just about every support entry to this so PLEASE don't respond unless you've read the scenario.

win8.1

itunes 11.4

iphone 4 (last of the os7.1.2) (os8 won't work on the 4)

outlook 2010 (up to date)

so until either thursday or friday, syncing via itunes has been great. then i start getting the error dialogue box. this is what i've done / tried:

changed the USB cable

reset sync history - (done all the various steps of reset / delete / restart / unplug etc.)

deleted backup

repaired all apple related programs in the control panel>programs and features

saved outlook contacts and calendar as a new .pst

created a new user

unchecked advance option in INFO in itunes (that whole scenario did nothing)

signed up with icloud and it worked BUT i LOATHE icloud (and all the hassles it presents) and the bottom line sync with itunes 'should' work.

i have checked all errors within contacts (none i only have 170)

uninstalled / reinstall of itunes

i have NOT done a restore of iphone. (last resort) and hoping that there would be a solution before going there.

so there you have it. any suggestions would be really appreciated.

iPhone 4, Windows 8, outlook 2010

Posted on Sep 22, 2014 3:14 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

r6089803

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Sep 22, 2014 9:19 AM in response to jdubz

I have the same problem.

Win 7 (64 bit), Itunes 11.4, Iphone 5, IOS 8.

Since I have upgraded my Iphone to IOS 8, while I syncing my device (both on Wifi or cable), I keep getting the following message:

"Itunes could not sync calendars to [my] Iphone because the sync server failed to snc the Iphone".

I don't have any problem with syncing my Ipad 2 ( which was also upgraded to IOS 8), neither had I any problem syncing my Iphone 5 before IOS 8 upgrade.

So it's quite clear that the problem has to do with the IOS 8 upgrade, which somehow broke the connection between the device and the sync server.

Any idea how to fix it?

Thanks.

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Answer 2

jdubz Author

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2 points

Sep 22, 2014 10:02 AM in response to r6089803

to be clear then this is an issue with both the last version of os7 and now os8.

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Answer 3

r6089803

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Sep 22, 2014 10:21 AM in response to jdubz

I didn't have any problem with OS7. Trouble begun only after upgrading my Iphone 5 to OS8 and Itunes to 11.4.

Again - I have no problems with syncing my Ipad 2: calender, bookmarks and notes sync smoothly.

The message appear - and calendar, bookmarks and noted don't sync - only when syncing my Iphone 5.

I hope it's clear now.

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Answer 4

r6089803

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Sep 22, 2014 10:24 AM in response to r6089803

Found the following solution in the web.

Have not tried it.

http://itprokb.blogspot.co.il/2010/10/itunes-could-not-sync-calendars-to.html

http://www.question-defense.com/2010/09/01/itunes-could-not-sync-calendars-to-th e-iphone-because-the-sync-server-failed

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Answer 5

jdubz Author

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2 points

Sep 22, 2014 12:45 PM in response to jdubz

not to sound like a twit, but PLEASE do not add links that 'solve' issues without trying them. PLUS i had written that i had iOS7 much less HAD tried this solution already.

it's really important to read posts BEFORE replying to them.

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Answer 6

jdubz Author

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2 points

Sep 24, 2014 5:10 PM in response to jdubz

FINALLY - this fixed it.

be sure to restart WITHOUT the iphone attached to be able to rename (which re-creates a new SyncServices folder) the SyncServices folder...

Rename the SyncServices folder.

Disconnect any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Restart the computer.
To rename the SyncServices folder:
Windows Vista and Windows 7 or Windows 8 : SyncServices is stored in a hidden folder named AppData. The location is \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\

Note: To quickly access the AppData folder, click Start, and then in the search bar type %appdata% and press the Return key.

then connect iphone, open itunes / go to INFO and tick the boxes for contacts and calendars and then in ADVANCE click replace contacts and calendar.

i can sleep now.

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Answer 7

r6089803

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Sep 25, 2014 7:13 AM in response to jdubz

Thank you very much.

I have located the folder.

Could you please elaborate on the renaming process of the folder? Which new name should I assign to that folder?

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Answer 8

jdubz Author

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2 points

Sep 25, 2014 7:18 AM in response to r6089803

i just out an x in front of the name

xSyncServices

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Answer 9

r6089803

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Sep 25, 2014 7:36 AM in response to jdubz

Thanks.

One more question - if evertthing works fine, can I leave the folder with its new name or do I have to revert to its origial name?

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Answer 10

jdubz Author

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2 points

Sep 25, 2014 10:14 AM in response to r6089803

a new folder is automatically created. if this clears your issue after a few days you can delete the old (the one you renamed) folder.

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Answer 11

r6089803

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Sep 25, 2014 11:19 AM in response to jdubz

Thanks a lot.

I Appreciate your assistance.

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Answer 12

polkop

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Oct 19, 2014 3:55 PM in response to jdubz

a great thank you.

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Answer 13

r6089803

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Oct 20, 2014 3:59 AM in response to polkop

It seems that Itunes 12.0.1 solved the problem.

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Answer 14

polkop

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Oct 20, 2014 6:53 AM in response to r6089803

Wait a minute! iTunes 12.0.1 CAUSED the problem.

here is the sequence: Apple signaled new iTunes available, I agree to download. on the download page I see the size of the download. as I was on a very slow connection, I clicked quit. then **** broke loose.

1) the laptop crashed, then got back

2) then the iPhone refused to sync cause "corrupted backup or incompatible"

3) I presumed that iTunes 12 would solve the problem, downloaded it but still no sync

4) I discovered that the name of my iPhone was changed to simply "iPhone", in iTunes and in the phone !?

5) I discovered that a backup was made just before the crash under the new name

6) I deleted the recent backups to eliminate the corrupted one

7) I ran the iTunes diagnosis on connectivity and sync that mentioned "no problem"

8) I tried in vain to sync 4x

9) I found jdubz post here and it worked

10) I lost 8 hours on this and am pretty p...off

11) I postpone to change to iPhone 6, as for me: "no sync = no use"

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Answer 15

r6089803

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Oct 20, 2014 1:59 PM in response to polkop

Fortunatly, I didn't have to go through the ordeal you have described.

Before trying jdubz solution, I did the following, and it worked: removed previous version of Itunes; reinstalled 12.0.1 via Chrome (the previous version was installed via IE)` and upgraded my Iphone 5 OS to 8.0.2. Everything is fine now.

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