Database Users

SPBBackup for WM5

final release version of SPB backup for WM5 is now available to download at SPBsoftwarehouse.com
Free trail gives full functionality of software for 5 runs.
Tried it on my Mini S and it worked a treat.
Full backup to my storage card then restore from a singe executable or back up individual items (data/databases/settings etc..)
$20 for the full version which is pretty good value IMO

Interesting... I wonder how it stacks up against Sunnysoft's and Sprite's.
Is there any comparison review out there?
Also.. does this do a full backup, or just a backup of everything it can normally access? (e.g. registry, POOM, basic settings, data files - but not any of the files you can't normally copy)

From all the reviews I have read, the new WM5 versions of Sprite and spb backup are fine apps.
The difference for me is the sprite allows you to selectively restore files right on the device. Spb does not allow that, basically all or nothing. This is important when and if certain files get corruputed or changed. To do this using spb, you have to extract the files on a pc then copy them to the ppc.
Other than that, both programs will backup and restore your wm5 device.
Here's a comprehensive review of backup solutions for WM5.
http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=545&more=1

Nice overview - though I think it's somewhat funny that they say "and there're only two reliable backup solutions: Sprite Backup 5 and Spb Backup 1.0" - so does that mean that Sunnysoft's (http://www.sunnysoft.cz/en_clanek.php?clanekid=51) is -un-reliable?
Actually, after some reading, the author does seem to think so - based on his experiences with it on a wizard (a Dell Axim x50 guy reported quite the opposite)... so, SPB Backup it is...

Actually, with SpB, you can select which files to backup or restore. You can also view them on your pc. It works as advertised, which is very well.
There's a good review over on Pocket PC Dubai.

Anybody that has purchased ANY OTHER SPB Software House package (SPB Pocket Plus, SPB Weather etc) can get a discount code which brings the price down to $15.96 which is around 1/2 the price of Sprite
See the rewards / discount section of the website http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/support/productdiscount.php?en
Cheers
Chris

itsmewhoelse said:
Actually, with SpB, you can select which files to backup or restore. You can also view them on your pc. It works as advertised, which is very well.
There's a good review over on Pocket PC Dubai.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you can't restore 1 or more specific files away from your PC. The only way to restore when you are away from your PC is an all-or-nothing scenario.
I can recall many times in which I did not want to restore my whole PPC and only wanted one or more specific files.

ZeBoxx said:
Nice overview - though I think it's somewhat funny that they say "and there're only two reliable backup solutions: Sprite Backup 5 and Spb Backup 1.0" - so does that mean that Sunnysoft's (http://www.sunnysoft.cz/en_clanek.php?clanekid=51) is -un-reliable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it can't backup/restore WinCE databases (for example, PIM stuff, SMS messages etc) reliably. Other than that (backing up the file system/registry), it's OK. But why go for a partially working solution when Spb/Sprite Backup do what they are intended to?
Actually, after some reading, the author does seem to think so - based on his experiences with it on a wizard (a Dell Axim x50 guy reported quite the opposite)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was it a WM5 x50 or just a WM2003SE one? No backup program has problems with the latter. WM5, on the other hand, is an entirely different animal and just can't be backed up/restored with pre-WM5 algorithms.

itsmewhoelse said:
Actually, with SpB, you can select which files to backup or restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not with restore - only with backup.

also with restore
you can chose what files to restore by chosing option for my documents and system data when you restore your data

Ya' know, to me, the most important reason for backing up is data, settings, and configuration retrieval in the event of a catastrophic event.
The first thing I did with SpB is a backup my wizard, a hard reset, then a full restore.
My wizard was returned to exactly the same state as it was before the hard reset. No other backup app I tried did that. So I bought it.
Of course, I lean towards SpB products because they have always responded to my emails, offered advice, and listened and asked questions when I have a suggestion. So, if there are 2 or more products that work equally well, I'm gonna choose SpB every time. Their customer service is world class.
Just my .02

Sktools v3.00(beta)

hi guys,
if anybody owns or is interested in sktools software, then version 3.00(beta) is available for download
http://s-k-tools.com/sktools/skt.zip[/url]

I get a corrupted file message
u downloaded from that url ok?

Re: major improvements
markyhedgehog73 said:
hi guys,
if anybody owns or is interested in sktools software, then version 3.00(beta) is available for download
http://s-k-tools.com/sktools/skt.zip[/url]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool much nicer interface and works faster/better

What about new features, adds?

Dweller said:
What about new features, adds?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aside a much better GUI and user interface, the definite highlight is the Backup Facility.
I was Beta Tester.
Had Sprite, Spb BU and Sunnysoft BU purchased before.
SKTools beats all 3 of them by miles !
It is specially capable to also backup the PIM data and, very important for me at least, handles the Backup of the Ext ROM (which I use for storing programs) without flaws. The other 3 are just not able to cope with that in a reasonable fashion.
Well worth the money !
Cheers
hrb

hrb said:
Dweller said:
What about new features, adds?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aside a much better GUI and user interface, the definite highlight is the Backup Facility.
I was Beta Tester.
Had Sprite, Spb BU and Sunnysoft BU purchased before.
SKTools beats all 3 of them by miles !
It is specially capable to also backup the PIM data and, very important for me at least, handles the Backup of the Ext ROM (which I use for storing programs) without flaws. The other 3 are just not able to cope with that in a reasonable fashion.
Well worth the money !
Cheers
hrb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its strange - I have both sprite and sk and never used the sk backup utility. I was always very happy with sprite as it has saved my ass several times. I will have to check out the sk backup utility.

Getting v3
Is no one else have a prob getting it from their website?

Re: major improvements
markyhedgehog73 said:
hi guys,
if anybody owns or is interested in sktools software, then version 3.00(beta) is available for download
http://s-k-tools.com/sktools/skt.zip[/url]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks markyhedgehog - i am a big fan of sktools. You should change your subject title though to something like 'sktools update v3 beta available' as major improvements could mean anything :wink:
cabfeegig try this link http://s-k-tools.com/sktools/skt.zip

Thanks Mark - still doens't work
I get compressed file is corrupted. I've seen it before but don't remember the situation. I think it is XP SP2 problem...

Re: Thanks Mark - still doens't work
cabfeegig said:
I get compressed file is corrupted. I've seen it before but don't remember the situation. I think it is XP SP2 problem...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will post the cab then

mucho thanks mate..
I appreciate it!

429K
Is that the correct file size?

Re: 429K
cabfeegig said:
Is that the correct file size?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes its much smaller than the zip because that included the installer. When installed it uses nearly 1.2mb memory on your card

thanks again
I understand...

Re: thanks again
cabfeegig said:
I understand...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem - glad to help.
Wow this new version rocks - well done Sk software!

Wow, very nice indeed. SK has always been a "must have" if only for the uninstall utility alone.
Great new interface and love the benchmarking tools. Good to see my 247mhz KJAM out peform some "lesser" devices!

Does anybody know how to make it possible to view all the installed progs in Installed programs item? I see only a few of them.

Dweller said:
Does anybody know how to make it possible to view all the installed progs in Installed programs item? I see only a few of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is trial limitation

News and updates:
- User interface improved
- Help file rewritten
New utilities added:
- "Clean!" (all clean-up utilities combined in a single window; highly customizable)
- "SIM Contacts" (view and manage contacts stored on SIM)
- "SIM SMS" (view and manage text messages stored on SIM)
- "Benchmark" (estimate CPU and file system performance, compare to other device models)
- FreeUP RAM utility now has its own dialog, allowing user to select one of the following ways to free RAM: close all programs; send WM_HIBERNATE message; Compact Heaps (WM5 only); simulate low memory condition
- Compact call history (remove repeated records)
- Shortcut Wizard (easily create shortcuts to SKTools' features)
Significant improvements to former utilities:
Notifications Queue
- "Bad" items filter (you can teach SKTools what to treat as “bad”)
- Detected items are passed to "Clean!" and "Auto mode"
Temporary and Junk files
- Find and delete zero-sized files
Files
- New profile added; few changes
Move DLLs
- New search method
Advanced clean
-"Purge call history" now works on WM5. (Don’t forget to turn it on in Settings)
- New utility – "Compact call history" – gives an alternative way of cleaning call history by deleting only repeated records (Don’t forget to turn it on in Settings)
Databases
- Shows EDB bases from PIM.vol; you can delete and clean these bases, but not import/export.
Tune UP!
- Now 70+ tweaks!
Optimize!
- New optimization option for WM5 – make ActiveSync log read-only)
Statistics
- Statistics are kept between sessions
Storage Cards
- Count "slack information" for storage cards
Processes
- Compact Heaps
SKTools Backup
- Full backup on WM5 enabled
- e-mail and PIM data can be restored from full backup on WM5
- Advanced scheduler
Auto mode
- Advanced scheduler
Much more.

Sounds good SK. When is the release date?

Reasons to upgrade to WM6.1?

Hi,
I have just seen the posts about the availability of WM6.1. Can someone please post why this is worth doing? As I understand it I will lose all my customization (Media Player theme, SU2U, etc.) which is tiresome but acceptable if the benefits are good.

-Newer build, so most likely enhanced stability
-threaded sms
-better ie w/ faster loading and full page zoom
-autopair bluetooth
-Domain Enroll

i love autopair bluetooth!

Well, I now upgraded... I think the phone is a little faster. Otherwise I haven't noticed any huge differences.
But the upgrade was easy, I backed up my phone with spbBackup and then upgraded the ROM. Then I did a "ROM upgrade restore" from spbBackup to get most of my programs (Gmail and Opera don't work - will have to reinstall java and them I think) and all of my contacts and settings and phone lists back.

Is it really possible to Backup & Restore from an older build ?
I think, Sprite Backup and SPB Backup ALSO creates some Backup of the windows folder, which would lead you to get your "old" rom again ?!

Nope. It might *try* to (I haven't looked at how either of those programs actually perform their backups), but the ROM files are always locked, being part of the ROM itself and all.
Like when you go into \Windows you can't delete most of the files there - So the backup wouldn't be able to over-write them either.

Wondering if this has happened to anyone else, I upgraded about a week ago and since then I haven't been able to download the weather, it always says....unable to retrieve data after it attempts to connect. Anyone know similar cases?

the_alpz said:
Wondering if this has happened to anyone else, I upgraded about a week ago and since then I haven't been able to download the weather, it always says....unable to retrieve data after it attempts to connect. Anyone know similar cases?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on ATT, uncheck the proxy setting in connections.

Backup program

I remember seeing a thread about this, but the search function doesn't seem to come up with it. My old Tilt came with a backup program, I have yet to find one on my Tilt-2... Is there one? Is there a recommendation?
Thanks

What do you want to back up?
I find a combination of PIM Backup, Microsoft MyPhone, and my exchange server to be sufficient for my needs.

I'd like to back up everything.... since there are so many programs and utilities installed (generic programs and fixes from XDA-Developers).
I bought Sprite Backup for two phones ago and the previous one came with Sprite... which is very good software. I should probably see if I can transfer my old license, if there aren't other ideas.
ohyeahar said:
What do you want to back up?
I find a combination of PIM Backup, Microsoft MyPhone, and my exchange server to be sufficient for my needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

You definetly have to try SPB backup, you have a free 5 uses test if you download trial, and it let's you choose what you want to backup (only PIM, all settings, registry as well)
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pocketpc-software/backup/

Anyone have a comparison of the CURRENT version of Sprite vs SPB Backup? I used Sprite for years... although I now have 3 SPB utilities installed, so I know that they do good work.

MyPhone is a pretty good backup program. Free from Microsoft. It's nice, because most 6.5 ROMs you find on here would have it built in.
It's definitely saved my butt a couple times when I had to hard reset.

Does MyPhone back up all programs and registry settings?
It doesn't mention it on the website.
m4xx0rz said:
MyPhone is a pretty good backup program. Free from Microsoft. It's nice, because most 6.5 ROMs you find on here would have it built in.
It's definitely saved my butt a couple times when I had to hard reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Does SPB Backup's scheduled backups keep on saving new files, or is there a way of limiting how many backup files are saved so that it doesn't fill up the SD card? Sprite Backup can do that.
dzr said:
Does MyPhone back up all programs and registry settings?
It doesn't mention it on the website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

dzr said:
Does SPB Backup's scheduled backups keep on saving new files, or is there a way of limiting how many backup files are saved so that it doesn't fill up the SD card? Sprite Backup can do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SPB's scheduled backup also has an option to set the maximum number of backups to keep.

dzr said:
Does MyPhone back up all programs and registry settings?
It doesn't mention it on the website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, sadly it does not. It's more than just PIM. But less than full backup.
I'm sure there is a way you could do it... I just don't know how.
Whenever I install a new program, I just make a txt file on my desktop with what I have installed so far, and then put the cab in a folder with it.
It's my emergency hard reset and or rom flash kit...

[REQ] How to backup manila/phone settings before flashing a new ROM?

I have taken care of my applications backup needs with the great SASHIMI, eveyrtime I install a new app which I know I want to keep, I copy its cab over to SASHIMI's folder, and after some use, I also export the relevant reg keys in the same fashion. This way, I do the job a little piece at a time, and I get a workingand updated backup, also keeping track of single files to copy over with the correct sashimi section (Savegames for example).
Yet there are some things that I cannot quite guess how to backup in order to restore them after a new flash.
These are:
1) Manila/sense settings like my locations, active tabs and their positions, and the alikes
2) Phone settings, like sms/call/whatever tone, vibration, disabling HDSPA, and the alikes
3) internet settings, that is how I've set the mobile connection to always use "office settings" so it never actually uses the internet services of my carrier (I have no internet plan for my mobile)
plus other I may be forgetting and that are on the same level os the aforementioned.
I guess that creating a copy of HKLM/Software/HTC/Manila and all it's subkeys it a starter, but
1) It would only cover (will it?) settings for manila/sense, leaving out those for phone and connections
2) can it be harmful in case I flash another ROM with different version of manila/WM, if I restore undiscriminately old reg values from the previous rom?
Maybe there's a tool that can do this automatically, but what's for sure I could not find it, neither in here nor on google.

noone had the same problem and found a solution?
by the way, yes, this is a bump