ITunes could not back up...unknown error (-20)

Things were working just peachy until July 30th when the last successful back up happened. Now everytime I try to sync with iTunes I get that error message. I've deleted iTunes and every apple app/software on my PC; cleared the registry files, rebooted and tried to reinstall everything and it still won't sync and back up.
I've searched the support section and found a page about sync problems, but mine is a -20 and not just a 20.
Today when I logged into iTunes it said there is a new iPhone version ready for me, downloaded it to my PC but it cannot sync to my iPhone to update the software on the phone. I'm at a loss and don't know what else to try.
I've even gone so far as to wipe it clean (PITA) and it's the same error message. I'm listed as an administrator (only one who owns this laptop), and yet when I run the diagnostics on iTunes it shows my phone and everything passes with flying colors.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

actionmarker wrote:
SpicyPepper wrote:
What happened on July 30th? Is that when you did an update? Did you install some new program onto your computer on that day? Did you update other software on your computer? You may be getting a conflict with something else to cause the issue you are experiencing.
July 30th was the last successful backup of my iPhone to my computer. No new programs were installed that day.
Have you tried deleting your old backups, incase you have corrupt issue. See this article
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2529
I have not deleted them yet, wasn't sure I wanted to do that just yet; but I suppose it's an option.
Generally error 20 something issues are related to computer hardware, but i'm not sure what -20 definitely refers to.
Have you tried turning off all your security and antivirus software, have you tried different USB ports
I've tried turning off the antivirus and tried all 3 USB ports and no success. I went to the Apple store this afternoon and they were able to get it upgraded for me to the newest version, but when we tried to sync and backup on my computer it gave the error message again and the guy at the Apple store said I have to contact web support for Apple because there is a conflict between the iPhone and my laptop (so he suspects)
What did you wipe clean?
I've wiped the iPhone clean to factory settings.
In addition to the above comments.
It sounds like the phone is detected properly,
Are you able to download photos from the iphone directly to the computer?
This is what is puzzling, I can transfer MP3's and photos to and from even while it gives me that error message, it just won't back anything up.

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Message was edited by: Melissimo

ITunes could not back up... error (-20).

I've been getting this message for some time. It didn't seem to be a big problem. But now I'm trying to upgrade to 4.0.2 (?), and it won't do it unless the backup happens, which it won't. It keeps giving me the "iTunes could not back up the iPhone "David's iPhone" because an unknown error occurred (-20)."
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mike.robins,
We've an article that details a number of troubleshooting steps that can help get a backup successfully created in iTunes.
If you can't back up or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using iTunes
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203271
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<Email Edited by Host>

FORCE IPAD INTO RECOVERY MODE
1. Turn off iPad
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3. Plug USB cable into computer's USB port
4. Hold Home button down and plug the other end of cable into docking port.
DO NOT RELEASE BUTTON until you see picture of iTunes and plug
5. Release Home button.
ON COMPUTER
6. iTunes has detected iPad in recovery mode. You must restore this iPad before it can be used with iTunes.
7. Select "Restore iPad"...
Note:
1. Data will be lost if you do not have backup
2. You must follow step 1 to step 4 VERY CLOSELY.

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Excellent!
Please note the following:
Note: iCloud Backup does not back up music, movies, and TV shows that you did not purchase from the iTunes Store, or any podcasts, audio books, or photos that you originally synced from your computer. iCloud Backup will restore your purchased music, movie, and app content from the iTunes and App Stores during the background restore process. Previous purchases may be unavailable if they are no longer in the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBookstore.
The above comes from this article:
Choosing an iOS backup method (Should I use iTunes or iCloud to back up my iOS device?)
Best of luck with this.

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