What does Backup actually "Backup"?

[Slip Jigs]

I just did a backup and restore - the reason was I have been unable to update apps both via the phone and iTunes without first deleted them from the phone. I've yet to test whether the Restore fixes this until the next app update comes out.

I did a Backup first, then went through with the Restore. When it was all said and done, here's what I ended up with:

1. Mail, Calendars and Contacts seem to be OK - but is this part of the backup or does it just re-sync woth MobileMe, and or, Exchange?
2. No songs, videos or pictures were restored. Is this not part of the Backup, or is it because I don't have any of these items checked to Sync in iTunes?
3. Only some of my Apps came back. I had to manually sync to get them to come back over, and I have it set to Sync to selected applications.

TIA

 

[CrzyCanuck72]

Backup doesn't backup things that are synced by iTunes - calendars, contacts, apps, music, etc, because those can just be resynced after a restore. It backs up things that aren't stored on your computer that you would otherwise lose in a restore - all your settings, texts, call logs, etc.

 

[Slip Jigs]

Backup doesn't backup things that are synced by iTunes - calendars, contacts, apps, music, etc, because those can just be resynced after a restore. It backs up things that aren't stored on your computer that you would otherwise lose in a restore - all your settings, texts, call logs, etc.

That makes sense - except it did put back some of my apps before I sunced them. I didn't take not tho which ones, it may have been only purchased apps even tho that shouldn't make a difference.

But what about App Data? Some apps don't have backups for any data they generate and store, but it appears that the iPHone backup doesn't take that over.

 

[goobimama]

Backup will also backup app data (saved games, etc), although sometimes it messes it up. It will also restore any applications you had installed, where they were on the home screen, etc.