Updated to os 4 messed everything up! Help!

Question

After updating my iphone 3g software to 4.2 everything off my phone is gone. I followed all the instructions and did a backup but I can't seem to load backup because mobile device helper is not working.... I've tried various solutions including:
Repairing the apple mobile device software;
Uninstalling itunes completely (followed instructions on apple site;
Reinstalling everything;
I've changed the apple mobile device settings to start automatically under the system options in my control panel
I'm really at my wits end and could really use some help. Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hi tupelo honey,
When you say that you cant load the backup because mobile device helper is not working, what do you mean by this exactly? That when your trying to restore from backup you get an error? What is the error?
Also, precautionary method, can you see your backup file in the backups folder? You have not listed your operating system but you can find them here:
iTunes puts the backup files in the following places:
On a Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
On Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
On Windows Vista and Windows 7: \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
You will need to turn hidden folders on in windows. When you find it, please make a copy to your desktop just in case. You could also place this backup file in another computer or user account in the same directory and try the restore as well.
Cheers,
MiFFy