My iPad isn't backing up when I connect it to my laptop and iTunes. Just a generic message about the back-up failing, which gives no further details. I don't think it's anything to do with my anti-virus or firewall as I've even tried to do the back up offline with my AV (avast) and firewall (comodo) disabled. Running Vista.

Any ideas?

Have you tried deleting the old backup files from iTunes?
Preferences>Devices>Delete Backup

You can do it manually too. See http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2529

It's never completed a successful back-up. I deleted the backup sub-folder manually, but it made no difference.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Assume you've tried reinstalling iTunes?

Also does your user have Admin rights on Vista?

Tried that; still not working.

Thinking of taking it back on Monday. I simply don't have time to fiddle around with this stuff. I thought Apple was supposed to be easy.

Can you give the exact error message its giving?

The problem here seems to be iTunes rather then the iPad. It's quite bloated and resource hungry especially on Windows PCs. If I was in your position I would try and create another user name on your computer and run itunes from there and set up the iPad as new.

What do you mean 'as new'? How do I do that? I don't want to lose my library and the programs I've downloaded.

This is doing my nut. I'm going to smash the thing over my knee.

Error log is:

-21 18:24:19.656 [5948:c4c]: restore library built Jun 8 2010 at 18:17:31
2010-08-21 18:24:19.657 [5948:c4c]: iTunes: iTunes 9.2.1.5
2010-08-21 18:24:19.864 [5948:c4c]: iTunes: Current software version: 7B405
2010-08-21 18:24:19.864 [5948:c4c]: iTunes: Software payload version: 7B500
2010-08-21 18:26:38.061 [5948:c4c]: iTunes: Backup error -19


Why don't they tell us about these crashes on their twee little advert and smug 'store'?

Assuming you were able to sync with iTunes and just not backup the iPad, all your apps etc. should be saved on iTunes. But not app data such as game saves and settings - which would require a proper backup. Apps can even be redownloaded for free if necessary.

The best bet is probably to take to an Apple Store. If you are using a laptop, maybe take that too so they can recreate the problem and resolve it.

Thanks, psionic. I've managed to fix it following your advice.

I created a new Windows account and managed to back up from that one. But iTunes wasn't recognising that I was connected to the internet. So, I then went back into my account and, lo and behold, the backup worked from there and I was able to update to iPad software v.3.2.2. I have no idea why this worked, but it did.

Thanks again.

This experience has made me hate Apple even more though.

It's because iTunes is the spawn of Satan on Windows machines

Glad you got it sorted