Error Message: iTunes could not back up the iPhone because an error occurred

Error Message: iTunes could not back up the iPhone because an error occurred.
The thing is - I have no idea what error have I encountered!
Usually, I would assume the previous backup file is corrupted and I will proceed to delete the old backups. I did the same this time round, and it's still unable to sync. Now I have no more backup files!
I have tried -
1. Deleting old backup files.
2. Restarting iPhone 4S & iMAC.
3. Remove
I am using iOS 5.1 on iPhone 4S, and iTunes 10.6.1 on Mac OSX Lion. My phone is not jail-broken in the first place.
Does anyone face the same problem?
I need to back up my files!!!

Unfortunately, "because and error occured" doesn't give you much to go on. Some general things I would try if you haven't already:
Use Disk Utility on your mac to repair disk permissions, then reboot and try backing up again.
Use Finder to go to ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/, then control-click on the Backup folder and select Get Info, then check Sharing & Permissions at the bottom and make sure your username has read & write priviledges
Try closing all apps, then reset your phone: double-tap the home button, tap and hold the apps at the bottom until they wiggle, tap the minus sign on all apps to close them. Then reset your phone: hold the on/off and home buttons until you see the Apple logo (ignore the off slider that appears first), and release
Try a different usb to dock connector cable; ensure that your case isn't interfering with a good connection to the dock connector at the bottom of your phone; clean the dock connector at the bottom of your phone (e.g., with a dry toothbrush); troubleshoot your usb connection (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1286)
I know this looks like a laundry list, but unfortunately it's hard to isolate the problem without a clear error message. If the problem persists, you might try posting in the iMac or iTunes forums for other ideas.

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Previously posted troubleshooting doesn't work for my error message "iTunes could not back up the iPhone because an error occurred". What other options do I have?

Previously posted troubleshooting doesn't work for my error message "iTunes could not back up the iPhone because an error occured". What other options do I have to backup my iPhone data properly?

Hi there kchagape,
You may find the troubleshooting steps in the article below helpful.
iOS: Troubleshooting backup issues in iTunes
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2529
-Griff W.

I am getting error message "iTunes could not back up the iPhone because the backup was corrupt or not compatible with the iPhone". I have deleted the backup and restarted my computer, but continue to get this error message. What do I need to do now?

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iTunes places the iPhone backup in the following location. Navigate there & delete everything in the backup folder, but not the folder itself. You will have to turn on "Show All Hidden Files & Folders" to see it:
Mac:~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
Windows XP:\Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
Windows Vista and Windows 7:\Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

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Hi Judy,
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Could uninstall itunes and reinstall it back on my pc fix my problem, please advise...... Many Thanks!
VBR,
ray

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babesharon
I closed iTunes & manually deleted the file which was still stored locally even though it didn't display in Preferences. I have vista so I went to
C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync and deleted everything in the Backup folder (though I left the folder as is). If you have a different OS search the apple website for the backup location.
I reopened iTunes & Synced with out a problem. I also got the update to install.
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VBR,
ray

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The solution will be found here, select your computer type and software.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2529

Error Message: iTunes could not back up the iPhone because an error occurred

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