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Backing Up and Restoring Your Windows Mobile Pocket PC
     
     

NOTE: This article applies to Pocket PC 2000, Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PCs.  Pocket PCs running Windows Mobile 5 do not have an ActiveSync Backup option.  For Windows Mobile 5 and later backup software solutions, click here.

ActiveSync has a built-in backup feature which allows you to backup the contents of your Pocket PC to a file on the hard drive on your Windows PC. In the event your Pocket PC loses its information, the backup file can restore all of the programs, data, settings, etc.

To create a backup file, sync your Pocket PC with your PC using ActiveSync. Select the "Backup/Restore" function.
 

 
 

The Backup/Restore Menu allows you to choose one of several Backup options; you can specify whether to do a complete or incremental backup, choose to have the Pocket PC backed up on each sync, and even set where you would like the backup file stored on your Windows PC.

If you have never backed up your Pocket PC before, choose "Full Backup", select the folder in which you would like the backup file stored, and click "Backup Now." A picture is taken of your Pocket PC's memory and is saved on your hard drive.

Should you need to restore a backup, follow these steps.

  1. Sync the Pocket PC you would like to restore your backup file to. Since you are restoring a backup, the chances are the device has lost its information and so, is not recognized by ActiveSync. When the Pocket PC looses all power, it has effectively experienced a Hard Reset and the device is in the same condition it was when it was shipped from the factory.
  2. Do not setup a new Partnership, but rather select the "Guest" option. This will allow the Pocket PC to sync to your PC and have access to your files.
  3. Once the Pocket PC has synced with your PC, go again to the "Backup/Restore" menu. Click the "Restore" tab and click the "Restore Now" button.
  4. Select the backup file you would like to restore. Perform the restore.
  5. This will erase all data on the Pocket PC and restore it to the state it was in when you created the backup file.
  6. Now, remove your Pocket PC from its cradle or sync cable and perform a Soft Reset. The device is now as it was when the backup was performed and should sync as usual.

It should be noted that a backup file can only be restored to the exact same model of Pocket PC.  You cannot, therefore, create a backup with an iPAQ h1945 and attempt to restore it to an iPAQ rx3115 Pocket PC.

 

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