Restore - does it preserve app folders?

I'm having some problems with my iPad and would like to do a restore, but I have a lot of apps organized into folders and I'm worried that this organization will be lost. If I do a restore, I know that the apps and their data will be restored, but a recent restore on an iPhone 3GS trashed most (but not all) of the folders. That is, the apps and their data were there after the restore, but a large number of apps that were in folders before the restore are now not in folders. The strange thing, to me, is that some of the folders were retained, but many weren't. Should a restore retain (or rebuild or restore) all of the folders? Both the iPad and iTunes (Win XP) are the latest versions.

Yep, the solution posted by JPBOSS on that thread worked for me too. You need to do a second restore from backup. And I agree completely with your sentiments—this is a glaring bug which Apple has had years to fix, but evidently still hasn't. I can confirm it still exists, restoring from iTunes backup in iTunes 12 (Yosemite) to iPad Air 2 (iOS 8). I wonder how many poor frustrated souls have spent hours manually reorganising all their apps because Apple hasn't bothered to fix the way an iTunes restore works (presumably their attention is on iCloud now)!
Some additional info…
The first restore (for a new device) is like a full restore that wipes your device and then loads it up again with your app data and settings. In my experience, the first restore did NOT actually restore any apps to the device, even though they were all in iTunes. I had to then choose 'Sync' (or 'Apply') for it to do do this. That's when the weirdness really starts. In iTunes, it previewed the apps on my device in the same order they appear in the left side bar, but when they downloaded to the iPad, the order was different again. I couldn't work out the logic at all. In any case, neither arrangement resembled anything close to the way I had my apps organised before the iPad was backed up.
So as JPBOSS says, you need to do a second restore. In iTunes 12, go to the 'Summary' settings screen under your device name. IMPORTANT: Don't press the 'Restore iPad…' or 'Restore iPhone…' button in the top grey box. You don't want to wipe the apps that you just synced to your device. For the second restore, choose the 'Restore Backup…' button in the second grey box. Then choose the same backup you restored from the first time. After this, my apps were finally restored to their original order (aside from a whole bunch of new apps at the end, because 'Automatically install new apps' was ticked.)
One more thing… It's probably not a bad idea to archive your original backup as the very first step, so it's always there if things go wrong. I once had an iTunes backup fail, but when I tried to restore again, I discovered to my horror that iTunes had deleted the original backup and replaced it with a new, and completely useless one! You can archive a device backup in 'Preferences > Devices'. Right click on the backup and choose 'Archive'. Or you could always click 'Show in Finder' and then copy it to another folder manually.

Similar Messages

  • Is there a way to preserve App Folders after a restore without restoring from a backup?

    I want to set up my new phone as a new phone without any iTunes backup or iCloud backup, there is too much stuff in there and want to do a nice clean install. HOWEVER, i have 440 Apps in folders, thats a lot of time to go through and manually put them back into folders etc. Is there ANY possible way to get this done easier?

    No.
    Only the backup has that info.

  • Does icloud backup app folders?

    So i have a lot of apps for many reasons. But i was wondering, since i have at least 15 folders filled with apps, does icloud back all this data up? so when i restore my apps and icloud backup, everything was as before? or do i have to re-arrange all apps yet once again to get them how they previuosly were...

    The apps listed under Documents & Data are apps that are storing their data in your iCloud account (called "Documents in the Cloud").  These apps are syncing their data with iCloud so that you can share the data across multiple devices sharing the same iCloud account, such as saving a Pages document on your iPhone, then editing the same document on your iPad.  This is separate from your backup.  You won't see any evidence that the app data is being backed up, either on your phone or on icloud.com, beyond the fact that you can see that your turned the app to On under Backup Options.  If it's turned on there, the app data will be included in your next iCloud backup, and will be restored to your phone should you ever need to restore your iCloud backup.

  • IPod touch 2nd G won't hold charge. Restore does not help. removing all apps. Still discharges. What gives?

    iPod touch 2nd G won't hold charge. Restore does not help. Removed all apps and it still discharges even if not turned on and used for anythig. What gives?

    If it is warranty, bring it back to the Genius bar and insist on a replacement.  If out of warranty, you can get a replacement iPod with a new battery for $79 at the genius bar.

  • How are iPad Apps folders structured?

    Hi,
    I accessed the iPad's file system with an iOS file browser and wondered how the Apps folders are structured.
    all Apps have a similar file structure:
    a folder with a .app ending named after the App itself - for example "Twitter.app" or "FindMyiPhone.app".
    a Library folder.
    a folder called tmp.
    a folder called Documents
    what is the distinctive function of each of these folders?
    do I assume correctly that all files that contain user data - such as savegames, preferences, personalization - are stored under Documents? does that mean that backing up the Documents folder will preserve all data that cannot be redownloaded and reinstalled from the App Store?
    best, Ian

    thanks for the clarification.
    is it correct that all user data - by which I mean data that is relevant for a backup and cannot be restored by redownloading and reinstalling an app from the App Store - is stored in the Documents folder?
    do I assume correctly that temporary files and cached data is stored in the tmp folder while the .app as well as the Library folder contain data that can be restored by redownloading and reinstalling an app from the App Store?

  • App Folders Removed when Sync to New Macbook

    Hi there,
    I just bought a MBP 13" and was trying to sync my iPhone 3GS (on OS 4.0.1) to the new MBP.
    I restore my phone first. Then I "Transfer Purchases" from my iPhone Apps to iTunes.
    After that I tried to sync my iPhone to the new iTunes.
    But, it turned out that my iPhone does not have the folders that I originally have. All the apps are still in my iPhone.. they were all synced. But it's just that the folders which i have created are gone. Hence i have to recreate my folders again.
    Pls help.

    Doris,
    Your iPod can only be synced with one iTunes library at a time.  If you try to sync it to a new computer/iTunes library the process will erase what is currently on the iPod and replace it with the content that is now in your new iTunes library.  If possible, copy your entire iTunes library from your PC to your Mac first.  Here are a few ways to do it.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
    One way to do it is to use your iPod Classic as an external hard drive and copy it that way.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1329
    Otherwise, you'll need to use one of the methods described in this Apple support document to copy content from your iPod back to your Mac.
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2452022?start=0&tstart=0
    B-rock

  • Are app folders backed up?

    When I do a backup, does that include the home screen customization, namely all folders I create?
    Basically I want to know if I do a backup, restore and restore from backup if I get my folders back or I lose them.

    Well the reason I would think they wouldn't be restored, is because installed apps don't get restored to the phone during the restore process, but in the sync process after the restore process. Without the apps being there, unless the restore process creates empty folders (which I don't think is possible), I don't see how it could restore the folders.

  • If i factory reset my ipod touch(5th gen), can i reset it as the option 'set up as new ipod', and then i can just go into the app store/itunes store and restore my music and apps and not icloud with photos and ect?

    if i factory reset my ipod touch(5th gen), can i reset it to the option 'set up as a new ipod', and then i can just go into the app store/itunes store and log into my apple ID so i can just restore my music and apps and not icloud with photos, contacts, ect. and then later i can add contacts that i need/want instead of them restoring them from icloud?
    The reason i asked this question is because i have been wondering this a lot ever since i got an exchange on this ipod (and ive only had it for a few weeks now) because my last ipod had a lot of problems. so after i restored my ipod with my computer/itunes, i downloaded apps that i wanted, and then when i went to the storage to see how much storage was left, it said 0 bytes. i was freaking out because i didnt know how that could be, i mean, cause like, that is impossible when i just 'purchased' it, that the space was full but i looked and all my pictures were on this ipod and i already put them on my computer so i dont need them anymore thats why i wanna reset it now so there is nothing on it so i can have more space for stuff to do and download on it.
    it is updated to iOS 8 but that happened when i purchased it, so i didnt have a choice to update it even though i didnt want to update to iOS 8...
    and i hope you understand my problem..
    i would REALLY REALLY appreciate it if someone could tell me a solution to my problem!!! thank you so much!
    -sierra

    Hey Sierra, You can do just what you have stated. My question, what is your "other"? If it is over 1.5 GB you most likely have corrupt files. Doing a Restore to New, Factory restore should correct it. Just make sure you make a full backup of all information on your iPod to your computer before you restore, so you don't lose your stuff, contacts, videos, pictures, non-iTunes music, etc, use the cable and connect with your computer. Then, via cable, connect to your computer, run the Restore to new, don't use your backup. Treat this iPod as if it was your first one ever. When restore is done, set up and add what info you wish to install on this iPod. The music apps etc you purchased should be on your computer, if not you should be able to retrieve purchased apps and music from iTunes. Any music, videos, apps not purchased from iTunes will be lost to you if you do not save them to your computer or the cloud first. When your done, make a current Backup and you should good to go. Hope this helps. Good luck. Cheers.

  • Is there a way to restore the All Contacts app on my iPad 1.  it seems  the data and cannot turn a page or add more contacts

    Is there a way to restore the All Contacts app on my gen 1 ipad?  I seem to have lost the data and can't turn a page or add new contacts.  I did try to reload the contacts (and I guess everything else) from my itunes computer backup but nothing happens to the All Contacts app. everything else seems to work fine on the ipad so I'm not sure what happened to the data or why.  not sure i want to try and reset the whole ipad just for this one little app or feature...thanks in advance to any replies.

    Sorry, had to sep out.  I see the contacts "page" but I can't use the letters on the left margin or a finger touch to change location.  Nor does anything happen when I touch the plus sign to allow me to add a new contact.  So maybe he actual old contact data is still there I just can't get to it.  Rick

  • The Fan option does not appear for folders in the dock.

    The fan option does not appear on folders on the Dock. Stack option is checked, but all I get is grid list and automatic....running 10.5.2
    any ideas?

    Not that I know of. When on the side no fan for folders and no 3D look, which I prefer. Background of the Dock very dark so the white dot showing an app is open is easy to see and it all looks very sophisticated.
    You might check with third party apps to see if anyone is changing that, but most people don't like the fan so I doubt if anyone is working to add it in.

  • With using any version of iTunes, whenever I import songs into my library using the "add to library" function, iTunes adds those songs in songs' alphabetical order. This is pretty annoying since it does not preserve the logical track number or album.

    With using any version of iTunes, whenever I import songs into my library using the "add to library" function, iTunes adds those songs in songs' alphabetical order. This is pretty annoying since it does not preserve the logical track number or even the album sort order (for example when adding 2 albums stored in a unique folder). Anyone has any ideas ? Been stumped for a while....!!!

    hi i had the same problem today when i updated my itunes to latest version. however, i have just found my songs in the 'itunes media' folder. this was accessed through 'my music'  then keep clicking through until you find itunes media and all my library songs were in there and i then just added these files to my library and all were restored however, i have lost all my playlists but at least my 700 songs are back. very dissapointed with apple that they have let this happen with their latest update, the previous version was miles better than this one . hope you find them. stevo

  • Restoring iOS devices and app login credentials

    Mostly curious here: I have about 50 apps on my iPhone.  About 20 of these apps require login credentials (e.g., Twitter).
    I have to restore my iPhone periodically due to syncing issues with iTunes (that's another story).  When I do the restore, I am restoring from an iCloud backup.  My backups are encrypted.
    When the restore is complete, I've noticed that I can use some of the apps without having to re-enter the app-specific login credentials.  I guess iCloud was able to back up the credentials and restore them for these apps.   But for most apps, I find that I have to re-enter the login credentials in order to use the app.  For these apps, it seems that iCloud did not back up the credentials.
    It's tedious re-entering login credentials for a number of apps, so I'd like to understand how iCloud is supposed to work.  Why does iCloud restore some app login credentials and not others?  Is there a setting somewhere that tells iCloud whether to backup (and restore) app-specific credentials?  Thx
    FYI that I do not use iOS Keychain, I have it turned off.

    mfewings,
    It appears that in the past few days you have not received a response to your
    posting. That concerns us, and has triggered this automated reply.
    Has your problem been resolved? If not, you might try one of the following options:
    - Visit http://support.novell.com and search the knowledgebase and/or check all
    the other self support options and support programs available.
    - You could also try posting your message again. Make sure it is posted in the
    correct newsgroup. (http://forums.novell.com)
    Be sure to read the forum FAQ about what to expect in the way of responses:
    http://forums.novell.com/faq.php
    If this is a reply to a duplicate posting, please ignore and accept our apologies
    and rest assured we will issue a stern reprimand to our posting bot.
    Good luck!
    Your Novell Product Support Forums Team
    http://forums.novell.com/

  • Syncing and losing app folders

    Hi since the new massive software upgrade last week my iphone is losing message threads and also all the app folders I created. I have re-created these twice now but it is a wste of time and very tedious.
    Any bright ideas?
    Thanks
    Judi

    I dont know, but I arrange my apps into folders in itunes and when I sync there are some folders but not all the apps are in the folders i put them in.. I too feel like this is a big waste of time.But maybe I am not doing something right.. some times it takes me over an hour to arrange my apps and then when I sync half dont show up and the other half  I have to search for because they are not where I put them.. any suggestions?

  • App folders not showing up in itunes ???

    I have an iPhone 4 and iTunes 10.2.1.1
    I have multiple folders set up on my iPhone containing all my apps. However when I sync my phone to iTunes the screen shots of my phone that show up in iTunes does NOT show any folders. (Under the apps tab where you can organize your apps and sync options.) All of my apps show up individually.
    Can someone please help?
    Thanks !

    Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm not unhappy with my overall experience.
    I've had it turned on on my iDevices since yesterday, that's how I know it isn't syncing sub-folders.
    I've really only ever used smart playlists as a tool, not for order, so that doesn't effect me.
    It didn't move my playlists anywhere, thus my beef that I had to move the playlists I wanted access to out of their organized subfolders. When I did this they instantly appeared on my iPad in their new, service acceptable locations.
    This is new frontier stuff, and that means there will be some things we learn to do different, and hopefully smarter and faster. Apple doesn't dump this stuff out there and walk away. The kinks will get ironed out, and the early adapter that stick with it will ultimately find the experience they desire, or this was never the service for them. Just because it doesn't work the way you want it to, doesn't mean it doesn't work. I didn't decide to subscribe to the service because change offends me, and I can't blame Apple for finally introducing this new service that I was prepared to join two weeks ago, and didn't have time to re-learn until after the first of the year.

  • IPhone apps folders

    Does anybody know what is needed to see the iPhone apps folders, just like in the pic below?
    Uploaded with ImageShack.us
    Ubuntu natively does that, but I don't know what package I need to be installed in Arch to allow that. As you can see on the left side of the image, there are two mountpoints, one for the iPhone root folder and the other containing some of the iPhone installed apps.

    I just had this happen this evening - I spent hours categorizing everything, had it down to a lean 4 or 5 screens, and had sync'd a few times. After the last sync, however, they were all reset to alphabetical, unfoldered order.
    One odd thing I remember prior to the sync wiping the app layout is that I had one app that appeared to be installed twice - it was visible both in a folder and on the main screen in iTunes (I don't know if it actually appeared twice on the phone itself). I think it was AAA Triptik (couldn't tell you for sure, since everything after page 11 is missing, and that only goes up to 'R'). I clicked on the cross to delete one instance of it (from the main screen, not the folder) - this prompted me to uninstall the app. I was fine with that since I don't have any saved data - I sync'd and it uninstalled the app. Don't know if that's what also clobbered the layout. I then re-checked the app in iTunes and sync'd again so it'd get reinstalled.
    Not looking forward to doing this again... :-/
    Graeme

Maybe you are looking for