New Computer

[rjacobi16]

How do you sync an iPhone to a new computer without losing contacts or apps?

[cliffeman]

I don't know if you're running a PC or mac. But the way i did it when i built a new system was:

1. Back up the iTunes & Ringtones (if you have custom ringtones) folders in My Music. Delete (or move) the iTunes folder on the new computer and replace it with the one you backed up. Everything should look the same as before on your old machine. (ie, playlists, album artwork etc)

2. (In Windoze XP) I went to C: DocumentsandSettings\(User)\Application Data\Apple Computer. You need to copy the Apple Computer folder. Take that folder and copy it to the new computer. In Vista Application Data is renamed App Data. Windows 7 is now Program Data.

(If you do not have "display hidden files, folders & drives" checked in your folder options. Then you won't see it. You'll need to goto Tools, Folder Options, View (tab) click on display hidden files, folders & drives.)

Once you plug in your phone it will sync just like it did before. You'll just have to authorize the computer when it prompts you.

It's a fairly simple (and time consuming depending on how much stuff you have) process.