This sounds unnecessarily complicated. Why don't you just want to download apps for your iPad directly through the Apple Store? In addition, I have many downloaded apps on my iPad and have yet to pay for one...ther's plenty of good free stuff available.

I was here pk. I guess I should have let you know that the backup was specifically asking for the apple id password. I only brought up email because I found no contacts (but I also pointed out that I hadn't tried to link emails in any way). I also now see that there is an off setting on a 'settings' button for email. I am not sure how she sees her mail. Probably directly via Safari but I do see an email app right on her first page trey below the regular apps. Probably way more info than needed since this was not really an email question. Looking back, I now see that I wasn't clear about what password was wanted; sorry. My general question was about the whole purpose of this kind of backup. It appeared (and still does) that she may not have had anything to backup because she didn't really use itunes for paid music (and yesterday I saw something that implied it didn't do that either, I suppose because apple really only has pointers to the music and always remembers your apple id with those pointers). I was more concerned that perhaps each system update might wipe all apps and perhaps other stuff. As far as I can tell, it certainly didn't wipe all apps out (she still has some), and I see no reason it would clear specific ones. I was waiting for another response and to see if I got a backup. I can't really tell because it doesn't say so. It was not asking to be backed up yesterday (or today) and I can't find where it is indicated. The new update changed stuff on icloud and wanted new legal acceptance (i gave it) but that was after I attempted the backup. BTW I actually read a little of the legal stuff and it included that icloud could wipe your backup if you didn't backup for 120 days!!! Anyway, I still don't really understand the purpose of this backup system. While attempting to follow various directions, I got messages that suggest if there are problems (I don't think there actually were) that I should Reset the ipad. I am suspecting that perhaps that is exactly when the backup would be needed because the Reset Would wipe everything back to a new pad. Not sure of that either.

Yes, I cleared everything, and restarted, several times. I've researched and researched Apple forums and such, and don't see anything even near this issue. It's so bizarre! It doesn't seem to be affecting anything, but I'd still like it gone.

Oh yeah, if I lived closer to the Apple store, I'd already have one.. and a MacBook air! (Though I am not a fan of the PC store.. OK, so the things that start sucking up space are Movies (HD especially), photos/videos, and certain video intensive games. Other files take up space but text files are pretty darn small. Maybe I sound like a cheapskate, but I can buy (and have) a 1 Terabyte passport for less than the price diff between the 64GB ipad air 2 and the 128GB. Given the low cost of storage, the price diff between the models is ridiculous. I am a very casual gamer. I am not recording music with Garage Band or any of the other music composition apps. Other than scrabble, I might play 1-2 games a year. I won't use the camera extensively and when I do, I won't store photos on the ipad. I think the 64GB will be fine. I actually think the 16GB will be fine but I'll go 64. :) Thanks so much everyone!!