Restore iPhone -- Apps & Data OK?

[Mhaddy]

When the new 2.1 software is released, I'd like to restore my phone and install that update from fresh, rather than the 2.0->2.0.1->2.0.2->2.1 upgrade path that I would normally follow. If I sync my applications in iTunes, restore my iPhone and run the 2.1 update, will all apps and app data be put back on the phone? Particularly I'm interested in a number of apps that I've downloaded as free that now require you to purchase them -- I don't mind re-downloading the app as long as I don't have to purchase them.

[robbieduncan]

After a restore you have the option of restoring your user data from a backup: this restores the applications and application level data.

[gillybean]

Your apps will still be free. If you have a lot of them, doing a full restore could take a long time though.

[Justinerator]

I'm doing this too. All of your data will still be there, but it might take a while if you have a lot of apps/data and media ;)

[Niiro13]

Course I think if the developer implemented the save incorrectly...

[lucasgladding]

Course I think if the developer implemented the save incorrectly...

@niiro13

Using the prescribed save location does not guarantee that the data will survive the upgrade. When I released my first update, only 1 user of over 500 lost their data, so the problem is not simply based on where the data is saved. The problem probably exists with either the iPhone OS or iTunes - hopefully that has been resolved with the new versions this week.

I have implemented FTP backup and restore in the next version of Ledger. The problem may not be the fault of developers, but it is their/our responsibility to work around the issue.

[spyker3292]

Great. I was installing an update and BAM my iPhone shut off. Wouldn't turn on. Needed a restore. Fun thing to do at 11pm. My last backup is from 8/20 I just lost lots of data.

[Niiro13]

@niiro13

Using the prescribed save location does not guarantee that the data will survive the upgrade. When I released my first update, only 1 user of over 500 lost their data, so the problem is not simply based on where the data is saved. The problem probably exists with either the iPhone OS or iTunes - hopefully that has been resolved with the new versions this week.

I have implemented FTP backup and restore in the next version of Ledger. The problem may not be the fault of developers, but it is their/our responsibility to work around the issue.

Yes, of course. I meant theoretically...:p where the save location SHOULD guarantee the survival.

And not all developers have the capability/knowledge to implement sync...

[diesel]

Great. I was installing an update and BAM my iPhone shut off. Wouldn't turn on. Needed a restore. Fun thing to do at 11pm. My last backup is from 8/20 I just lost lots of data.


good lucky with the restore. when i got a ALOD in the past, it was also accompanied by "backup is corrupt". In fact the apple support forums are full of those types of problems.

[TimothyB]

Would a backup from 2.0.2 be compatible with 2.1? Like if you chose to restore with a backup before 2.1, like one from 2.0.2, would that cause your iPhone to be restored to that older software?

And of course there's that chance of the backup being corrupt. The backup though is mostly useful for data (game saves, to do lists, contacts, etc), not the actual applications.

Make sure you transfer all purchases to iTunes before erasing everything off the iPhone, that was all those apps are at least part of iTunes and will be have a fresh install on your next sync.

[lucasgladding]

And not all developers have the capability/knowledge to implement sync...

That's the funny thing. Backup was much, much easier to implement than I expected. I would love to see Apple make backup more customizable in iTunes, but until then a little research really pays off.

For developers: the code from CFFTPSample gives you what you need to copy files to and from user-specified FTP servers. Include a settings application and tie the preferences to the stream and you are set.

@niiro13

I did pick up on the slight sarcasm in your first post ;). I know some developers have been hit hard with the data loss problems and thought the mention was necessary.

[diesel]

Would a backup from 2.0.2 be compatible with 2.1? Like if you chose to restore with a backup before 2.1, like one from 2.0.2, would that cause your iPhone to be restored to that older software?

And of course there's that chance of the backup being corrupt. The backup though is mostly useful for data (game saves, to do lists, contacts, etc), not the actual applications.

Make sure you transfer all purchases to iTunes before erasing everything off the iPhone, that was all those apps are at least part of iTunes and will be have a fresh install on your next sync.


when you backup on a 2.0.2 iphone and restore to 2.1, there should be no problems with applying that old backup to the updated device. you're backing up apps/data, not the firmware itself.

[spyker3292]

good lucky with the restore. when i got a ALOD in the past, it was also accompanied by "backup is corrupt". In fact the apple support forums are full of those types of problems.

Thanks. You don't have any idea how pissed I am that I'm still awake. I just need this restore to finish so I can start a sync of my apps and music and get to sleep. I need to wake up at 6:30, and out of the house by 7:15. Tot..... wait... OMG.... my iPhone just made a noise. DONE. After 1hr 40 min ish.

[Mhaddy]

Thanks to all who replied! Now I've got to determine whether I will take the 2.1 jump right away (as I typically do) or wait to see what chatter occurs after people update. Decisions, decisions.

[diesel]

Thanks to all who replied! Now I've got to determine whether I will take the 2.1 jump right away (as I typically do) or wait to see what chatter occurs after people update. Decisions, decisions.


Well if you have 2.0.x software now on your iphone, it seems like 2.1 will be a MUST to download and install. if not to future proof against ALOD's.