I am lucky - I didn't encounter such issue. Plus I was given a Belkin case for free!
Try to uninstall and reinstall iTunes cleanly as per: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1925 may I also suggest to try an iTunes alternative to...
A Yahoo or Google account will help you to backup your contacts, emails, calendars and notes...
Have a look at this program. It will allow you to transfer your iPhone photos back & forth and help you to manage your iPhone photo contents.
Or you can try Videora. It's a bit laggy but very fast and free above all!
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