Upgraded DataCase, and all my data disappeared

[Manatee]

There was an upgrade to the DataCase app, so I downloaded it to my computer. Then I attached my iPhone and did the usual sync and update process. When it was done (after the iPhone disappeared and reappeared a few times from iTunes, and reset a couple of time) I had the new version of DataCase -- but all the files I had on the iPhone for use with DataCase were gone!

This is the first time this happened with DataCase, but certainly not the first time it has happened to me with the iPhone. Apple needs to re-think their application upgrade process. This never happens on my Blackberry or on the Windows Mobile device (or Palm) that I used to use. With other devices, the data was always intact after an app update -- even if the update went bad.

I wish there were a way to "lock" the directories on the iPhone where data is kept, and prevent the upgrade process from touching those directories. The upgrade process is just too "iffy" to risk something wiping out my data.

One thing I've noticed is that it is just data associated with thrid party apps that gets messed with during an update. Apple seems to do a good job of protecting data associated with their own applications. That's not a good business model.

Anyway, now I'll have to round up all the files I had copied to the iPhone for use with DataCase. I'm glad I discovered they were gone before I needed something in a meeting.

I wish we could combine Apple's great user interface with Blackberry's reliable data integrity.

 

[Night Spring]

One thing I've noticed is that it is just data associated with thrid party apps that gets messed with during an update. Apple seems to do a good job of protecting data associated with their own applications.

As far as I know, Apple has never released an update to one of their own apps through the app store. Who knows what would happen if they did? Their data may or may not be better protected than that of third party apps.

 

[yoman]

Desktop backups

Apple's applications have the ability to keep all there data on a desktop client i.e. Outlook , iCal , address book, iPhoto etc. so the data is always backed up. However only a few developer apps allow sync with a desktop client. This would be the solution to an upgrade glitch as it would store the data on the desktop and even if the update goes sour you can always restore lost data. But Apple needs to get its act together and hammer out the app update bugs.

 

[gillybean]

Yeah I've noticed many similar applications telling users to make sure that they back up all their data before doing updates.

 

[Manatee]

Yeah I've noticed many similar applications telling users to make sure that they back up all their data before doing updates.

My phone seemed to do a complete backup as part of the sync before updating the DataCase app, but I'm not sure what it's supposed to restore after the update. I'm afraid to do a complete restore of my phone to see of the data shows up. It might make a bigger mess.

I'm sure the backup, sync, update process is following a consistent and well-tested path, but somehow I still seem to lose important data from applications. I've used just about every type of PDA-type device that's come along, but I've never had so much trouble understanding what's going on as with the iPhone.

 

[Niiro13]

As far as I know, Apple has never released an update to one of their own apps through the app store. Who knows what would happen if they did? Their data may or may not be better protected than that of third party apps.

They released a Texas Hold'em update August 31...


Anyway, the update process is weird. Technically if the developer did it right, then it should not erase, otherwise it's Apple's fault. Some developers don't realize it, though.

But with DataCase, I definitely transfer everything back to my computer before updating...can't trust Apple's update process yet. It's probably why I am uneasy about releasing mine...