Anyone confused about iPhone Sync and User Account Concept?

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

I dunno how iTune manages the sync but every time I reinstall iTune it asks to authorize the computer and to either "merge" or "replace" info. I mean as of today, I've used up 5 out of 5 authorizations (all on the same laptop) and lost all the apps downloaded before. Even worse is that it replaced the contact info on my iphone with what's stored on my laptop, I always keep the most current info on my iphone so it's the wrong way to sync. And finally, can anyone clue me in on how to sync photo taken on iphone? Like when I nagivate to the sync photo folder, I can't even view them on laptop.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Uh, are you backing up your itunes folder? You have to use a separate program to get the photos off of the iPhone.

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

Well, I use the backup feature on Win 7 to back up all the personal files. So yeah, I did do backup, unless you are telling me I am not doing it the right way.

 

[fatpat268]

Weird.

Even after I reformatted my computer multiple times, iTunes always recognize that I was using the same computer and never used up another authorization. I never deauthorized as well (partly because I'd always remember the moment I click format). I must've formatted at least 3 times in the last year, and I'm still at only two authorizations (laptop and desktop).

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

How does iTune recognize the same laptop after reformatting the HD? Doesn't make sense to me. But anyway, how do you do your backup? And do you "merge" or "replace" info at the initial iTune setup stage?

 

[Kmax82]

I've always had iTunes recognize my Mac as the same computer after a format, however after a format of Windows (even on my Mac), iTunes thinks it's a new system. Weird... Always, always always deauthorize your installs (especially with iTunes/Creative Suite, etc...) before you do a format. Just for precautionary purposes.