Hi, sorry, Im sure this may be on here somewhere but Im getting a bit stressed.....
Here is the situation -

I have got an iPad1 which is synced with my laptop. Said laptop has now blownup - literally and i have no access to it.
What the hell do I do now, to get my iPad synced to a new computer WITHOUT losing all my apps, music etc....it keeps coming up with all sorts of warnings - you may lose this etc etc
Sorry, but I need some help!!
Many thanks in advance

You've definitely run into the "one computer for one iPad" scenario. Here's some steps that may help

1 - Don't panic about your apps. Once you've purchased them, you can re-download them to any compatible iDevice. So, even if the following efforts don't work for you, you're not out your money ... just some time.

2 - Put the latest iTunes on the new computer. Once it's installed, go to the Store tab and authorize the computer (you'll have to enter your Apple ID and password). Then, when you open it, go to Edit > Preferences > Devices and ensure you check the box titled "Prevent [iDevices] from syncing automatically."

3 - Plug your iPad in and when it's recognized by the computer/iTunes (don't accept any attempts to take off info from the iPad - should you get any), right-click on the iPad line in the left column and select "Transfer Purchases." That should put everything into iTunes that was on the iPad.

Now, that's for the apps. Unfortunately, there's really no way to move the music, videos, contact info, e-mails, etc. from the iPad to the new computer. There are several commercial software packages that claim to be able to do that, I've not tried any (a Google search would be your best bet here).

If there is any way, may I suggest you take that laptop to someone to see if they can access the hard drive. If you can get the iTunes info off of it, then you can re-load that iTunes info onto the new computer and the new iTunes. It's worth a shot.

It's always a pain/disaster when your primary iTunes account is gone. I hope some of this helps or gives you ideas. I also hope others will chime in to offer their assistance because I'm about out of suggestions. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Marilyn

Thanks for the info. I'll give that a whirl.
How would I get the info from my original iTunes if I can get acces to the laptop? Do I just copy to a USB or similar?

Marilyn's advice is good. Here is some more, just to confuse the you. Though, if your music (and most other media) is from the iTunes store, you can transferee it back to iTunes using the Transfer Purchases option. It's covered in the link below.


Here is Apple's recommendations on how to transfer all your stuff to a new iPhone. With a few modifications it works very well for moving your iPad to a new computer. Wish I could find one as well written for the actual task.

iOS: How to back up your data and set up as a new device

Start by going into iTunes Preferences (before connecting the iPad) and turning off auto-sync. It is under the Devices tab. This will prevent any unwanted syncing before you are ready.

Do only the parts that apply to your information/situation (i.e.; if you are syncing contacts with Google, don't do the Personal Information Manager part. Stop when you get to the Restore step.

It would be wise, after the Transfer Purchases option to go through iTunes and make sure everything (media, app, book) got transferred. If not you may have a few more steps to insure all your stuff gets safely backed up on the computer.

NOTE: If you have picture albums in the Photos app, and they are not backed up somewhere other than the iPad, you need to save them first before doing anything else. The first sync will remove them. The PhotoSync app works well for this, and you can use it before starting any of the other procedures.

The quality of the pictures recovered this way will probably not match the originals. iTunes optimizes photos for viewing on the iPad when it syncs them.