Cancelled MobileMe-- Lost 5 years of Contacts

[miles01110]

You know, this thread started off seeming like an honest problem with a simple solution.

However, by now it's clear that it's an 80/20 problem, most of which are unsolvable.

 

[iammike1]

*READ THE WHOLE POST OP, I GIVE SUGGESTIONS IN THE END, IT WOULD BENEFIT YOU TO READ IT ALL*

FYI, Apple's MobileMe is not the only "syncing" service that operates this way so stop the bellyaching about Apple.

Both Microsoft Exchange and Apple MobileMe do PUSH syncing which is different then manual syncing. You seem to be stuck to the definition of manual syncing.

Exchange and MobileMe operate differently in order to allow such push tech to work, in both cases the central server becomes your central point of data. The server can't push data from your phone to other devices you sync up so all your data is centrally stored on the servers and pushed out to any and all devices you connect up.

Because of this, breaking the sync has one of two outcomes. You choose to maintain a copy of the information on the device and break the sync or you completely break the device off the sync by removing all synced information.

Once again, this is not an Apple thing. It was done this way many years ago by Microsoft and it's the only way push syncing works.

You brag about Google? If you use Google's Exchange system to push all your email/contacts/calendars/etc to your devices, if you break the sync with Google it operates in the same fashion.

So, in the end, you may not want to hear it but it was user error due to not reading the documentation, messages and/or warnings given to you.

We've all made mistakes before by assuming we knew something would work a certain way when it didn't. We learned the hard way, welcome to learning the hard way.

Now, for resolutions you have 2 options as I see it.

1. If you have a backup of your phones data on a computer, you can restore that. The iPhone's contact list should be synced with the Windows address book or Microsoft Outlook depending on your selection in iTunes. This sync happens by default so unless you expressly disabled contact syncing in iTunes, your contacts should exist on your computer as they were the last time you synced in iTunes.

If this is the case, connect your iPhone to your computer and make sure it doesn't sync. If it automatically starts to sync simply swipe your iPhone like you would to unlock it, this will cancel the sync.

In iTunes while your iPhone is selected, click on the tab labeled Info.

Scroll all the way to the bottom and you'll see a few checkboxes called things like Mail, Calendar, Notes, Contacts, etc. This section allows iTunes to take what is on the computer and override anything on the phone. Check the box next to Contacts. Sync your phone, enjoy your contacts.

2. If you do not have a synced copy of your contacts, then you've learned a valuable lesson. Always have a backup, always have your data stored in multiple locations because if you don't have a backup on your PC, then your only option is to pony up the $'s to Apple and reactivate MobileMe to grab your contacts.

It would be nice if Apple would temporarily reactivate so you could grab them but regardless, if they won't then that is the only option you have.

 

[Matthew Yohe]

Again, that looks like its on a Mac.

Probably is but, that doesn't matter. It's a web browser and it displays web pages.

Now you're taking this down an iPhone vs Android path? Sad.

 

[gadgetfreaky]

Probably is but, that doesn't matter. It's a web browser and it displays web pages.

Now you're taking this down an iPhone vs Android path? Sad.

I just got off the mobile chat lines with mobile me...
1. It doesn't always give that warning according to their chat...there are a variety of ways your contacts can be deleted. The rep claimed that just unsubscribing won't...but there are all sorts of things subsequent to that that don't display the message you claim yet you will lose your contacts.

In short, it turns out you don't know what you are talking about after talking to Apple.

As far as the Android "path". Damn right I am. If you know even one thing about software, you'd know it takes code to be written do delete those contacts. That code simply should not exist under any circumstances.

And I found a way myself ---I think to get my contacts back without paying the mobileme fee. Your lack of ethics and common decency are only surpassed by your rampant need to be some sort of Apple apologist.

It's going to be sad for you in 2 years when everyone is using Android.

 

[iammike1]

As far as the Android "path". Damn right I am. If you know even one thing about software, you'd know it takes code to be written do delete those contacts. That code simply should not exist under any circumstances.

The Microsoft Exchange support in Android will do the same thing to you if you aren't careful.

 

[KoNeko]

There are no warnings...ZERO. You obviously don't know what stopping synchronization means. In no case does it mean we delete your private data. At no point should apple ever have the right to hold data hostage for a fee. EVER. You have no sense of right or right if you think it does. The FTC will get to all this stuff...and by then everyone will be using Andorid. 2 years max. Apple blew it before and they are blowing it again. Just like last time.

Well, Apple is the one laughing all the way to the bank.

 

[gadgetfreaky]

I got em back. no hundred bucks...but I did get them back.

Thanks again to the person who suggested "import from Sim card". While that didn't work it was the only helpful and intelligent suggestion I got out of the lot.

 

[miles01110]

So how'd you do it?

 

[iammike1]

I got em back. no hundred bucks...but I did get them back.

Thanks again to the person who suggested "import from Sim card". While that didn't work it was the only helpful and intelligent suggestion I got out of the lot.

So basically you didn't read past my explanation of how push syncing works and why to get to the suggestions I proposed to fix your problem.

Somehow I expected that because I didn't just spout off agreements with you.

Guess that's what I get for taking the time to write such a large post both trying to explain why it happened and possible solutions to the problem. lol

So how did you do it?

 

[gadgetfreaky]

So basically you didn't read past my explanation of how push syncing works and why to get to the suggestions I proposed to fix your problem.

Somehow I expected that because I didn't just spout off agreements with you.

Guess that's what I get for taking the time to write such a large post both trying to explain why it happened and possible solutions to the problem. lol

So how did you do it?

So yes I had not read your post before I had already started on my process. It took me a few hours but I at least have the contacts. By the time you posted your thread I was already past a few chats with Apple and trying my own solution.

Looking at your post at 8:52 AM it is very helpful and good. My process was a little different though since I had the thing "synced" to gmail and it never quite got there. So I couldn't just go back to the old computer. Adding to the drama--the computer that had the backup was using Windows 7 Beta which locks up after June 1. For some reason--it wasn't locked. So i lucked out.

As soon as I'm sure it's worked (after it's done updating)---I'll put up an explanation. So my apologies you had 1 of 2 helpful paths to try and fix the problem. Thank you.

I agree people should always have backups but I've gone like 20 years of various phones and never had a problem before. Had been trying to find an easy place to store this stuff--obviously I have learned the hard way after using mobile me.

and I don't know that I disagree about the definition of syncing. I understand it's stored at the server but mobile me deletes it after 3 days. So I think the part where you lose me is "the one of two outcomes part". There is a third outcome--it's deleted in both places which happened to me. Really in the case of the end of a free trial, why would the option ever be to store it only in the place with a 72 hour expiration?

And when I talked to the tech--he said there are cases where the data can be deleted and you don't get the warnings about storing it on the device. I think it had to do with me 1) first cancelling the subscription then 2) my mobile me email account not working. I really don't know 100% for certain. None of the screens that were showed in this thread --I got tho and the tech verified that not all paths lead to those screens.

 

[iammike1]

If they are deleting data after 3 days I have a feeling I know why and this wasn't always the case.

For example, a couple of months ago I reactivated an account with MobileMe that I had used as a trial account a year or two ago, before it even became MobileMe. I reactivated it specifically so I could get back the @mac.com email address'.

All the information that I had in there the last time I used it was still there.

Of course as privacy becomes a larger and larger concern and it's been getting a lot of media attention lately, Apple may have decided to not retain private information indefinitely and changed their policies.

 

[gadgetfreaky]

If they are deleting data after 3 days I have a feeling I know why and this wasn't always the case.

For example, a couple of months ago I reactivated an account with MobileMe that I had used as a trial account a year or two ago, before it even became MobileMe. I reactivated it specifically so I could get back the @mac.com email address'.

All the information that I had in there the last time I used it was still there.

Of course as privacy becomes a larger and larger concern and it's been getting a lot of media attention lately, Apple may have decided to not retain private information indefinitely and changed their policies.

yep--72 hours now. It may be a cost of storage issue--may be privacy. not sure.

 

[hexonxonx]

I don't think the OP will get his contacts back simply for subscribing to MobileMe.

Why? Because he was on a trial and allowed the trial to end without subscribing. When a trial is about to end, the user is warned that all data will be lost if the trial is allowed to end without subscribing. Subscribing after the trial has ended will not bring the data back because it has been erased. Ok, I also see above that it is 72 hrs after a trial ends. It may be too late.

 

[androiphone]

he should have first removed the account from the iphone where it would have said:

What would you like to do with MobileMe contacts, calendars, and bookmarks on your iPhone/iPod touch when the account is deleted?”

Keep on My iPhone/iPod touch OR Delete from My iPhone/iPod touch

and then gone onto me.com and deleted the account and he still would have had his contacts.

even if he clicked Delete on the iphone he would have still had them on mobileme before he deleted the account where he would have been able to export them as a backup

 

[JodyK]

No, this is not how it works. When you originally set up MobileMe you must have chosen to "Merge contacts" with MobileMe. If you had chosen to not merge, then MobileMe contacts would've been stored separately from your contacts.

All of which is well documented on Apple's website.

This is correct.


OP .. You said in your original post "It warns me that i will lose all my synched contacts, yet it deleted all of them. Can't find them anwhere."

What am I missing? When you say it warned you that you will lose contacts yet deleted all of them ... It told you they were going to be deleted.

Also how can you not have everything backed up and accessible?

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Again, that looks like its on a Mac.

It's just a webpage. The scrollbars are the only difference you would see on a Windows machine.

 

[skikid419]

Only a fool would keep important information like that in one place. Back up. Back up. Back up.

Thats what i live for.
I've lost so much stuff from not backing up.

 

[Tronic]

Who only keeps one copy of their contacts??? I have plenty of normal iPhone backups + I SSH and retrieve the entire contacts folder every once in a while and back it up remotely + I have a pen and paper list that I update maybe once a year.

If you can't live without it, its best to have AT LEAST 3 copies. Ultra important files also reside at my parents house on an external HDD in case of fire/theft/etc at my house.

 

[Dmac77]

OP-

To bad that you got them back. After reading this thread, I really really really really hoped that you wouldn't get your contacts back. Why? People try to help you, and you give them a virtual finger. If YOU were to stupid to have a backup of your contact that's your problem. Not Apple's, or ours'. YOURS.

You yourself said that you received a message stating that all of your data would be deleted. You still proceeded, to cancel your trial without making a backup of your data. Also, the BS you spewed about MobileMe deleting your SIM card contacts is total crap. MobileMe can not delete contacts off of a SIM card.

So please do the following. Get rid of your iPhone, after all it's probably conspiring against you too. Go get that android phone that you keep raving about, and put it in a dark dark place where the sun shalt not shine... I better stop before I get in trouble.

Most importantly, take your own advice and "don't post here again."

-Don

 

[Neolithium]

WOW what a thread and a worthwhile read if you need a good laugh. Such a serious case of PEBKAC; and I gotta agree with you Dmac - I was rather saddened to see he got his contacts back after this 3 page rant which basically can be summed up with:

1 - Can't read warnings
2 - Can't be bothered backing up data
3 - Can't be bothered to be decent to the people he demands help from

I feel sorry for the Android community when he switches.

 

[Dmac77]

WOW what a thread and a worthwhile read if you need a good laugh. Such a serious case of PEBKAC; and I gotta agree with you Dmac - I was rather saddened to see he got his contacts back after this 3 page rant which basically can be summed up with:

1 - Can't read warnings
2 - Can't be bothered backing up data
3 - Can't be bothered to be decent to the people he demands help from

I feel sorry for the Android community when he switches.

At least he won't be bothering us again.

-Don

 

[gadgetfreaky]

WOW what a thread and a worthwhile read if you need a good laugh. Such a serious case of PEBKAC; and I gotta agree with you Dmac - I was rather saddened to see he got his contacts back after this 3 page rant which basically can be summed up with:

1 - Can't read warnings
2 - Can't be bothered backing up data
3 - Can't be bothered to be decent to the people he demands help from

I feel sorry for the Android community when he switches.

Obviously you didn't read it since there are several instances WHERE YOU DON't get WARNINGS. Didn't read that?

okay now read it again.

The mobile me tech who I talked to say there are instances where you just don't get the warnings indicated. Even though this has been stated you simply can't be bothered to read it.

All of that is pretty moot since there is no circumstances where data that was there before a free trial should ever be destroyed because you quit the service or any other post combo of steps. Good coding shoudl leave it just as it was prior to the service. It should never modify original data or move it's location to a point where both locations have no data. It's commons sense. Mobileme is the Apple B team of coders.

And yep, i got em ALL back. haha

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Obviously you didn't read it since there are several instances WHERE YOU DON't get WARNINGS. Didn't read that?

okay now read it again.

The mobile me tech who I talked to say there are instances where you just don't get the warnings indicated. Even though this has been stated you simply can't be bothered to read it.

All of that is pretty moot since there is no circumstances where data that was there before a free trial should ever be destroyed without backup.

And yep, i got em ALL back. haha

I still think it's just plain stupid you didn't have a back up of your contacts anywhere else. It's entirely your fault no matter how much you want to blame Apple. Who would you blame if you lost your phone? It's not like you get warned before you lose your phone.

 

[gadgetfreaky]

OP-


You yourself said that you received a message stating that all of your data would be deleted.
-Don

Hey Don- Sync is not the same thing as all your data will be deleted.
Two totally different warning messages. Learn to read if you are gonna bother responding ...

I still think it's just plain stupid you didn't have a back up of your contacts anywhere else. It's entirely your fault no matter how much you want to blame Apple. Who would you blame if you lost your phone? It's not like you get warned before you lose your phone.

If I lost my phone the data would be on my IPhone backup, then it would also be on my hardrive backup of that.

In these case, mobile me synced it with the IPhone back up and deleted it.

Totally asinine. And yeah I 100% stick to the point it's stupid coding and mobile me is the Apple B team of coders.

 

[Dmac77]

Obviously you didn't read it since there are several instances WHERE YOU DON't get WARNINGS. Didn't read that?

okay now read it again.

The mobile me tech who I talked to say there are instances where you just don't get the warnings indicated. Even though this has been stated you simply can't be bothered to read it.

All of that is pretty moot since there is no circumstances where data that was there before a free trial should ever be destroyed because you quit the service or any other post combo of steps. Good coding shoudl leave it just as it was prior to the service. It should never modify original data or move it's location to a point where both locations have no data. It's commons sense. Mobileme is the Apple B team of coders.

And yep, i got em ALL back. haha

In your original post you stated the following:

...It warns me that i will lose all my synched contacts...

So don't try to go back and say that you did not get a warning. YOU SAID YOU GOT A WARNING. Unlike you, all of us here can read. Many have pointed out that you said you received a warning, and for some reason, you back track and say that you didn't get one. We weren't born yesterday buddy.

Also under no circumstances, would someone with an IQ over 10, not have a backup of 5 years worth of contact data. For christ sake, I'm only 15 and I backup all of my contact data weekly to three different external HDDs, to a flash drive that I keep on my keychain, and to a DVD. I also update a hand written contact list every 6 months. I would think that a grown man would have the common sense to backup important data.

This is no one's fault but your own. I find it pretty pathetic that you tried to blame this on Apple. Also your attitude has been really piss-poor. No one in their right mind should expect any help from anyone when they act like a total jackass. You come here and insult members of this forum, when they try to help you, and we still try to help you. There's a line and you crossed it. And since you believe that you get to rate the abilities of software developers, why don't you go and try to write the code for a service that will rival MobileMe. I'll eat my hat if you even know how to write a "Hello World!" program.

Also, before you insult my intelligence by claiming that I can't read, you should learn to read yourself. Read the terms of service from MobileMe, and you will see what Apple defines as "synching."