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How to Backup iPad Data on iTunes for Free?
As anyone who has ever lost data due to a hard drive failure or file corruption knows, making good backups is essential. Since the iPad is a computer like any laptop or desktop, backingup iPad data is just as important as with any other device. Luckily, Apple makes backing up the iPad very easy.
You can restore your iPad to its original settings to fix any issues that come about due to corrupted settings. iTunes has a restore function that makes fixing your iPad simple. If you can connect your iPad to iTunes with iTunes recognizing your device, follow the steps below to backup iPad data for free.
Backing up data to iTunes
1. Connect your iPad to your PC/Mac via the USB connector and run iTunes. You would have to do this anyway if your iPad is new, so you can set up your backup at the same time;
2. Click ‘Devices’. Your iPad should be listed. Sync the two devices using the onscreen sync button;
3. Every time you perform the ‘sync’ function between your iPad and PC/Mac iTunes backs up your data;
4. Your files are backed up in the appropriate files.
5. You can manage your backed up files by going to ‘Edit’, ‘Preferences’, and ‘Devices’.
Backup apps you have bought from iTunes
1. Again, all paid-for and free apps you’ve downloaded from iTunes are backed up during the sync-ing process;
2. iTunes will also inform you of all apps to have downloaded to your iPad, and when the next updates will become available.
Updating from iTunes
1. Essentially, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes downloaded on you PC/Mac;
2. Connect using the USB;
3. Select your iPad when it appears in your devices list;
4. Select ‘Summary’;
5. Select ‘Check for Update’.
Your iPad backup file is located in these folders on these computer systems:
Mac: /Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
Windows Vista: \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
It is important that you do not initiate the ‘Restore’ function from iTunes by mistake. There is a check window that asks you if you really do want to restore. You would find that backingup iPad data on iTunes is so easy!
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