Backing up apps?

[rstark18]

I normally don't bother backing up apps in iTunes. But with the current release of VLC 2.4.1 having issues I thought I'd better have a backup of 2.3 for good measure. I went to do a manual backup in iTunes and it asked me if I would like to back up apps. I said yes. I then did the backup and I see all the apps EXCEPT VLC. I tried it again with my ipad and same thing, no VLC.ipa in the Mobile Applications folder. I know for a fact it will backup app that are no longer available through iTunes as I have another app (MotionX-Dice) that hasn't been available for years and it backed up just now.
Any ideas on how to get VLC.ipa to backup?

 

[kch50428]

Did you initially get it from the AppStore on the phone? Use the iTunes 'transfer purchases'

 

[rstark18]

Yes the app was initially purchased using the iPhone/iPad AppStore. Using the transfer purchases did not work as I suspect that using that checks to make sure the app is still available through iTunes (which it is not)