sync problems

to make me hate itunes even more, the next problem appeared

i backed up my ipod, and installed the new system...
so far so good
but

when sync apps is deselected it sees all the apps on my ipod
but, when i select sync apps, all apps are deselected!?
and of course itunes loves to erase everything so im affraid if i reselect
all the apps on my pod and sync them again i will lose all the info
on those apps...

is there a simple solution? help!