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Summary. The solution to fixing the iPhone camera problem may also be a solution to hundreds of problems with the iPhone. Apparently there are “system” files that get backed up to the desktop computer when synchronizing — including SMS discussion history, notes, wireless network history, and other information. When the iPhone is restored from one of these backups, it is possible to have corrupted system files restored along with the problems they create. Below are instruction describing how to clean up potentially corrupted system files. This procedure is only necessary when the phone is not operating properly.
METHOD #1 — LEAST DESTRUCTIVE
1. Synchronize iPhone. This also creates a backup of the notes and other items that don’t get synchronized anywhere else.
2. Go to Settings, General, Reset, Erase All Content and Settings
3. Once complete, connect the phone and synchronize with iTunes
4. Choose to restore from the recent backup to recover your notes, SMS history, and iPhone settings as well as data that is normally synchronized. Your problems may be gone. However, this might also restore corrupted camera roll files.
METHOD #2 — YOU WILL LOSE NOTES, SMS HISTORY, AND OTHER SETTINGS
If the first method didn’t work, try this procedure. You may want to e-mail yourself any important notes on the phone and also transfer any photos from the phone since they will all be lost. All SMS history will be lost as well. A product such as Phone View by ECamm.com will help you safely transfer all data from your phone.
1. Synchronize iPhone. This also creates a backup of the notes and other items that don’t get synchronized anywhere else.
2. Go to Settings, General, Reset, Erase All Content and Settings
3. Once complete, connect the phone and synchronize with iTunes
4. Choose NOT to restore from the recent backup. As you continue, you will lose notes, SMS history, and iPhone settings as well as data that is normally synchronized. However, corrupted system files (such as the internal camera roll files) will be replaced with fresh non-corrupted versions and everything should work. Note: In later versions of the iPhone, it may be that the network settings are retained even though the other settings are lost.
User Response. “Method #2 above worked for me. I needed to re-assign personalized ring tones, enter Wireless network passwords again, setup my wallpaper, and do a few other things, but at least the iPhone camera was working again! It seems that Method #2 (phone reset and loose all settings) is the best way to resolve issues with corrupted system files.”