I updated to 1.1.4 and trusty old iTunes crashed while restoring from backup.

When I reconnected, instead of finishing the restore, it did a Sync. And for all who know this process, it backs up and then syncs. Consequently it deleted my previous backup and I lost everything backed up in iTunes.

(I also backed up on my own, so I didn't lose anything but it is a big hassle to place every file and make sure the permissions are set correctly.)

So, since I figure this type of program would take two seconds to code (for those with working toolchains, and a little experience) I figured I'd post the following idea.

A program that could backup and restore all the necessary database files to and from a FTP server.

Basically, for the backup, zip up "/private/var/mobile/Library" possibly allowing users to select which apps to backup, or just including AddressBook, Calendar, CallHistory, Notes, Preferences, SMS, Voicemail, Webclips. Upload to webserver as specified by the user.

And for the restore have it grab the zip file from the server, unpack the files to the phone and then make sure the permissions are set correctly. Then prompt the user to restart.

I second this... maybe ditch the FTP and backup through USB and store on your computer.

Make it a simple GUI, doesn't have to look fancy like ZiPhone

But why nobody hasn't already made this is beyond me, from what I'm hearing I'm not the only one who finds the iTunes Backup to be completely useless, I can't even tell you how much I've lost because of it. In many ways an a priority level this should be right up there with ZiPhone, and whats more is its not even a complicated program to make.

Please somebody out there, help us out.

Me too... definitely would like to have USB-based complete and painless backup/restore of the entire iPhone.

I would like to add my voice to this backup thing, it would be great to have and easy to update/downgrade so we can get all our appz and work

Originally Posted by 4n7hr4x

I second this... maybe ditch the FTP and backup through USB and store on your computer.

I mentioned through FTP because I believe that would be the easiest to code. Zip the directory and curl it to a FTP server.

could we set up our mac as that ftp server?

Also: having a program like Disk Utility for OS X that we could run to fix permissions after installs. 99% of the problems I have had has been with permissions. I've been able figure out how to get everything working after looking up the terminal commands people have posted in answer to people's problems but it would be nice to have an app that makes sure all the permissions are set the right way for you.