Older IPad and can't sign on to my ITunes account (WiFi, laptop)

[loves2read]

My ITunes account--the one created when I got my first iPhone and then used w/my current iPad is on a desktop computer that has crapped out...
Don't know if it had power surge issue or what but I have not been able to use it (for years) and have not been able to connect my iPad (or iPhone) to my ICloud account to do updates and move photos and other updating on that account---
I have updated over wifi for new system updates and added some apps to my phone and tablet--but have not tied either one to my harddrive and my iTunes account...

I am not sure if I take my desktop harddrive into a shop that it can be repaired so that I can log on to the iTunes account...
What can I do to correct this problem?

And I am not computer literate in any meaningful way...so simplified explanation would be appreciated...

[Debsi]

If you were syncing with the cloud, you can get it from logging into iCloud.com with your Apple ID.

If not, https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201272 and https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201251.

[loves2read]

Thanks for prompt reply
I can't sign into ICloud on my iPad because it doesn't have the upgraded iOS--
The apple page says it needs 10 but it does not show that upgrade on my iPad's info

[Debsi]

I thought you were trying to transfer itunes to a new computer so you could back up and sync your iPad. Do you not have a new computer to replace the dead one? Computers are so cheap these days you're probably better off with a new one than fixing your old one.

[Debsi]

Originally Posted by loves2read

Thanks for prompt reply
I can't sign into ICloud on my iPad because it doesn't have the upgraded iOS--
The apple page says it needs 10 but it does not show that upgrade on my iPad's info

So you've gone to safari and typed in icloud.com in the address bar? You can log into icloud from any browser, I don't think it would be OS-specific.

[loves2read]

Originally Posted by Debsi

So you've gone to safari and typed in icloud.com in the address bar? You can log into icloud from any browser, I don't think it would be OS-specific.

On my iPad I went to the Apple link you gave--
It says iPads need version 10
My iPad doesn't have that version and does not say it needs to have an update

I went into my Setting icon and discovered that my ICloud backup switch was not turned on--
I set it to green/on and took about 3 hours for the update to finish

The ITunes account I used initially is on an older desktop--the hard drive has had problems and I stopped using it several years ago--
I have a new laptop which (unfortunately I forgot in FL at our vacation house) but was told I could not create a new iTunes account on it which would be a "duplicate" of the one on the desktop I had used previously...
I don't know how accurate that info was...
We are going back to FL end of April
Can I just download the iTunes app then and use it on new laptop--same as the one on the desktop that is not working???

I appreciate your time/help...
Apple stores are not a calm environment for me...
I am doing this so I can free up storage space on my iPad...
I don't want to delete something that would not be backed up and available on iCloud where I have lot more (paid for) memory/storage...

[Debsi]

I would suggest you go ahead and download iTunes onto your new laptop and log-in. Assuming sign-in goes well and it recognizes your account, plug the ipad into the laptop and let it sync/back-up.

You should be fine unless you have too many devices authorized over the years, you can have 5. You are supposed to deauthorize the old computer (another link for that https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204385 )

The link says if you don't have access to the old computer to follow the instructions for "Deauthorize All" and then re-authorize the computer(s) you still have afterwards.

The Apple store is hell. And I love apple stuff.

[loves2read]

Thanks-
Have had 2 iPhones and just the one iPad
I appreciate the non-patronizing tone as well...