PocketPC Backup & Restore Instructions
These are the instructions for the default plain old vanilla method of Backup & Restore on a PocketPC. Many devices now come with an improved backup utility which works much faster. (Typically, a full backup of a loaded device can take 20-30 minutes, using the instructions here)
If you have received alternate instructions on using such custom software, follow those directions rather than this slower method given below. Further details on this are available on the ARFMN Exchange server.
Backup
1. Connect & synchronise your device in the usual way.
2. When ActiveSync has done its thing, on your desktop, click on Tools | Backup/Restore ...
3. Choose Full or Incremental backup
4. Click on the Backup Now button (not the OK button, which exits without doing anything!)
5. Go get a cup of coffee - this will usually take a few minutes. (Approx 1 min per 2 MB of data to save.)
You can configure ActiveSync to automatically Backup every time you connect to your desktop. Just click in the check box at the bottom of the above page. This avoids having to remember to do so but can be quite time consuming if you have a lot of data, which most of us will. However, this time can be reduced considerably, if you choose to do an Incremental backup - and at least that way it gets done!
For more information on other Backup options, click here.
Restore
1. If you are restoring after a complete crash (the commonest situation) you first need to change the Regional Settings on your device to match what was in use the last time you backed up your data.
2. Connect your device to your desktop with the usual cradle.
3. If your desktop does not remember your device and asks to set up a new partnership, say No and set up your device as a Guest for now. This sync will be quick because the two machines basically just have to say hi.
4. Click on Tools | Backup ... (as above for Backup)
5. Click on the Restore tab
6. Click the Restore Now button
7. Choose the device name that matches what you were using before - most users will only have one to choose from.
8. Click on the Restore button. Confirm that you want to overwrite all the data on your device.
9. Go & have a coffee - it takes quite a while to reinstall 32MB of data. Don't interrupt the two machines while they are doing their thing.
10. Once the Restore is complete, it is a good idea to do a Soft Reset.
Problems:
If when you try to restore the data to your device, you get the following error message...
...this is not nearly as serious as it looks. Panic not - you can get your data back. The error message is quite misleading - this is not a mismatch of devices but a mismatch of settings. You simply need to change your Regional Settings on your device to match what you were using before, and then try again. Clicking on the Help button gives brief mention of a language mismatch but it really is rather UNhelpful.