Hey all,

I found multiple iTunes backup folders on an old hard drive (dates from around 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015). I can see the info in the backup folders, so I know they’re there, but the oldest I’ve actually been able to recover from is 2015 — nothing earlier works.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far: • Located the iTunes backup folders (~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup) and copied them into the same path on my current Mac. iTunes/Finder still doesn’t recognize them. • Plugged in my iPhone and tried restoring, but the older backups don’t show up. • Tried third-party tools (iMazing, iExplorer, Dr.Fone). Some can’t detect the older backups, others ask for an encryption password I don’t remember setting. • Browsed the folders manually, but the files are all hashed and unreadable without special software.

What I need: I’m mainly trying to recover old pictures and text messages (for legal reasons/lawsuit).

At this point I’m stuck. If anyone has had success pulling data out of older iTunes backups like this — or if you know someone who does this professionally — I’d even be willing to pay for help to get this data recovered.

Thanks in advance — I really don’t want to lose these old messages and photos.