iTunes: "Backup could not be saved on the computer" error message
Symptoms
When attempting to create an iPhone/iPod touch backup, iTunes may report the error message "iTunes could not back up iPhone because the backup could not be saved on the computer."
Products Affected
iPhone, iTunes 7 for Mac, iTunes 7 for Windows, iPhone 3G, iTunes 9 for Windows, iTunes 9 for Mac, iTunes 8 for Windows, iTunes 8 for Mac
Resolution
During the backup process, iTunes overwrites any previous backups on the computer. iTunes may show the error message If the existing backup file is locked, damaged, or unreadable.
To resolve this issue, delete the backup in iTunes Preferences and then create a new backup. If you would like to retain a copy of the backup, you can move the backup file to a different location. The backup is located:
On a Mac:
/Users/[username]/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\
To delete the backup file:
- Open iTunes Preferences:
- Choose iTunes > Preferences (Mac) or choose Edit > Preferences (Windows).
- Select Devices.
- Select the device backup to delete.
- Click Delete Backup. iTunes will ask if you are sure you want to delete the backup. Click Delete Backup.
- Click OK.
To manually create a new backup, right-click (or Control-click) iPhone on the left side of the iTunes window under Devices and choose Back Up from the shortcut menu.
For more information on backing up iPhone see this document.