Database Users

Essential software before upgrading to Windows Mobile 2005?

This is my first post and I must say that I'm totally impressed with the works of the guys here at this forum.
A couple of questions come to mind though before making that plunge to join in on the Windows Mobile 2005 bandwagon...
1. What is the best software (if any) to use to make a full device backup (including games, contacts, etc)
2. Is there a program that does an image of any XDA device (kinda like Norton Ghost) so that reverts can be done easily?
3. If there is no way to backup the device 100%, is there a way to save game progress (like bejeweled) so that when I upgrade to WM2005 and do a fresh install of games my game progress will be just when I left it?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Ciao

I did some digging and eventually came to Sprite software's backup program.
After reading the reviews, it seems that this is the best program to have. Any of you guys tried this one yet? Any feedbacks?
Here's the company's URL: http://www.spritesoftware.com/en/index.htm

the best way to backup is to use activesync and then reinstall everything you need...
Otherwise you'll run into problems..
buzz

Thanks.
Quick question though, What about my game files (im playing bejeweled and am at level 138 - endless mode) will these also be backed up via Activesync?

Best Day to Day Applications to Use

hi, i am new to pocket pc in general.
could you guys that's been using your pda's please let me know what applications you guys recommend having on the pocket pc for my day to day usage. I have a Qtec S100 with 64Mb Memory.
For this I mean additional apps to download and install, but also apps that comes with pocket pc 2003 2nd edition that you recommend.
could you also state where you get these apps from.. i.e. download sites.
regards
bushmen

I pray that you days are much better than mine But here are some items.
I use Pocket Breeze to display appts and tasks on my Today screen.
I use PocketInformant to manage my calendar, etc as it find it offers much more than the built-in apps.
PocketZenPhone for different profiles (adjusts the sounds, screen, etc) by selecting an icon, or by Outlook calendar or even just by time.
ListPro. It is a list program on some major steriods. It is more a cross between a list program and a database. It is quite flexible, so I use it to keep track of things from a shopping list, to vehicle maintenance to PPC tips and software keys.

thanks harleyxlc,
this information is really valueble to me since I don't know anything about pda apps.
cheers
bushmen

My apps on S100
http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=378063
On my S100 (clone of M500):
WisBar (or my preference, SmallMenuPlus) for task management
SpriteBackup for backups. Memaid for memory cleanup
PocketMusic or Mort Player for music
TextMaker for wordprocessing
Games - BustEm2, Flux, MorphGear emulator, SimCity, SprintRG, VectorBlaster, Elite
Films - BetaPlayer and Pocket TV listings
Art - PocketArtist and Resco Picture Viewer
Sound - Resco Sound Explorer (MP3 recording/dictaphone)
Internet - MultiIE (improves Internet Explorer), Newsbreak reader, PTVNCHi for VNC (using desktop over wireless)
Reference - Britanica or Columbia Encylcopedia, iSilo (I find it's the best ebook reader if you make your own - it rips a whole website and packs it down), Repligo (like PDF but more efficient), TomeRaider 3, and WordBook dictionary
Input - Calligrapher, JogButton, TouchKeyboard, Typango, BlimKeys
Systools- CETuner, Kilmist Regedit, Tweaks2k2.net, GSFinder (ESSENTIAL, get this first), Cabinst (likewise essential), PHM Tools (all are useful)
Travel - Rough Guide to London and Visual IT Tube (free at the mo because of bombs)
Phone - unforunately most diallers etc are very poor. the built in Intellidialer is about the best, but not great. See D9 dialler for an alternative. Also, you MUST install mamaich's dialler hack from http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=11120 to get some use out of the built in dialler (see towards the end of that thread for latest version).
I use buttonmax to redfine all my keys. It's not perfect, but best of the button definers. Also, use AE Button Plus to redefine your Volume Up/Down keys to Up/Down).
So set up is
SmallMenuPlus to change StartButton and for task management etc.
ButtonMax allows me to pop this up with the camera button.
AE ButtonPlus allows me to use vol up/down to navigate the menu.
TIP - if you don't have an external SD writer, get one. About £3 from ebuyer or ebay.
Then get a FAST 1gb card - i got mine from Moby Memory. Then you can "backup" 800mb divx films on to your SD card in about a minute; makes music and films very enjoyable on the go.
If you don't have a writer, get one. Then apply the Extended Rom Hack on XDA developers to get a fre 27mb of "storage" space on your phone.
Tip - install all programs onto "Storage Card" or "storage" to keep your phone efficient and fast. Use cabinst for this.
Registry hacks - see XDA developers forum.
PM me if you need any help.
Vijay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

day to day apps for a pocket pc
hi vijay,
thanks man.. quite a bit of information there which i will definately look at.
i have a couple of questions for you
1. where can i get hold of these apps
2. if i install them, then do rom upgrade
am i right in saying, all will be lost ?
if so, is there a way to back them up to restore them once youv'e
upgraded the pocket pc.
regards and thanks for your help.

Sprite Backup is in the list.

day to day apps
fantastic..
where can i find all these wonderfull applications then?
bushmen

Re: day to day apps
bushmen said:
fantastic..
where can i find all these wonderfull applications then?
bushmen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about using Google?
Here one of my day to day apps:
http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=17426
And else I use this:
Iliumsoft eWallet for storing secret numbers...
MetrO for public transport http://surf.to/metro
Collins Dictionary English-German
SPB Pocket Plus as swiss army knife...
SPB GPRS Monitor
SBSH PocketWeather
Tomtom Navigator 5
Mort's Mortplayer for MP3 playback
Andreas Lachner Mobile Golf Scorer
Landware OmniSolve as calculator
Regards
Mundl

I've got a 1gb card, and the extended rom hack.
Day to day I've got about 200mb of program files installed on the Card, 1 film ("Primer") and 2 episodes of Futarama.
My Storage (extended rom) is used to hold any apps that will use the internet. I can spop out my 1gb card and put in the ebuyer Wifi card when i want to go online, and still have access to those apps. I shrink my "storage" space down to about 9mb to give my PocketPC as much memory as possible "control > system >memory"
On my 1gb card I've got about 20mb of free space. Every so often I use sprite backup to do a backup of my PPC and Storage space. I make this an executable file, so that God forbid I hard reset, the whole thing can be restored on the go without any additional software.
Every so often I make a backup of my 1gb card onto my PC desktop, so God forbid I lose my phone, I've still got everything backed up.
This routine is very easy, and works for me (takes 3minutes per backup). I won't preach, but man it took a long time to get my PPC working to my taste. I haven't had a PPC since the original IPAQ (which the GF still uses for bubblets!). Since then I've had SPV, SPV E100, Sony P900 and finally the Magician. I like the magician, but it needs to be more 1 handed.
I tried sooo many programs before settling on this set; I've hacked the registry and written my own Today plugin for measuring temperature, day/date, count audio notes and notes saved on Storage Card and PPC.
I use SmallMenu Plus to replace my start menu and task manager, and I use ProgramMenu assigned to my contacts button to bring up essential phone apps - so I can use the phone with one thumb comfortably to do essential stuff (programmenu) , and one hand slightly less comfortably to bring up smallmenu/taskmanagement etc. It sounds complicated but it's near perfect in operation, finally.
Hence - I backup regularly! It took so long to get the PPC working spiffy, I don't want to FUBAR it!
V
PS I also use 1-pass to lock my PPC every 15 minutes. I've resource edited the program to use my own background, so everything works with my very simple theme. I'll post screenshots some time...

How did you make your backup and exeacutable?

Sprite Backup > Options > General Backup Options > Create Self-restoring backup files.
V

duh lol i looked over that thankz alot for pointing that out

day to day apps
hi,
thanks for all the people that have posted what they're using. I will definately look through the lists and see what i can come up with.
i am currently struggeling with my latest 2gb sd card from ADATA. I can not get my pocket pc to recognise the card.... getting sooo frustrated.
as soon as i can get that working, i can upgrade the rom.. install apps and run the hacks....
if anyone else has more to post on these topics, please do so.
take care
bushmen

One upon a time....

I use to have a XDA 2 (well, SPV M1000) and (the important thing) a folder named "My XDA 2 must have". The software I use most, the software to backup, the software to keep not only to try. Like:
1. Sprite Backup
2. Visual IT Rough Guide to London (like A-Z map to central London + extras)
3. Splash ID
and not last
4. TomTom 5 .... and others that I miss already.
And THEN, here it is, I waited so long for it, (Exec) that I decided to switch from Orange, to O2, (Orange don't have this even now). Three days of "testing"...Well the device is great....Windows 5 isn't. (At least for me.)
My folder (My XDA 2 must have) is now "The software that doesn't work on WM5" ...None of the four named programs work...it takes ages to charge, it's slow, everything has changed...and how about that 'program' included "Clear Storage"??!!!
I thought it was something like remove programs, not a bloody HARD RESET!
Everything seems to say about Windows 5.....WHY FIX IT IF IT AIN'T BROKEN??!!!
BTW: Does anybody know a decent Wi-Fi Connections Manager that WORKS?? (Hitchhiker crashes my Exec, Retina Scanner wants to know what my socks size is when registering, Wi-Fi Companion Doesn't Install in WM5.........)
I am glad I didn't sell my SPV M1000 yet....but I want to....I love the Exec, but hate what it does...or rather what it doesn't!
..............helps us all !!!

You seem surprised that a major version upgrade (WM2003 to WM5) comes with occasional problems. Didn't we see the same when we changed from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95?
Later versions of desktop operating systems have some backwards compatibility built in, but with the limited resources of the PPC platform I guess they couldn't achieve everything.
We may not know what they are yet , but I'm sure WM5 has built-in features that drive the platform on another big leap and over time we'll take them for granted. I looked at my XDA2 last night (now two days-worth of dust gathering on it) and was reminded how fast it responded to commands, but it looked dated already compared with my shiny new Exec.
Don't forget, we're early adopters of WM5 and we're always going to have problems. When ROM upgrades are released and developers get new versions out for us, we'll wonder how we ever lived without it!
In case you haven't seen it yet, there's a thread running over at www.tekguru.co.uk listing the software that works perfectly on WM5. I found it useful when looking for replacements for my old WM2003 versions.

I have #2 and #4 working (for #4 you need TT 5.1 - d/l the update from their site)
Reinstall from fresh I reckon. And you are using activesync 4 not 3.8 still?

I agree with SiliconS.. I'm always wanting the very latest of everything (hardware and software) and to be honest, I'm surprised how good windows mobile 5 is!
There are many problems, like icons disappearing and speed etc..but they're not life threatening.
I only hope that the providers are going to keep up with the developers and release their specific patches..if not then I'll have to convert to the Jasjar rom :shock:
I love the MDA PRO even with it's problems.

Thanks for the help guys. I'll try these options as well.
BTW, anyone has any problems with the AvantGo software?

Also
#1 Try googling : Sprite Backup v3.2.0 build 2487.
Should be working with JJ.
Best of Luck. :wink:

mosesJJ said:
Also
#1 Try googling : Sprite Backup v3.2.0 build 2487.
Should be working with JJ.
Best of Luck. :wink:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is real? had you used and work with restores?
Thanks.

From the Sprite Backup developers website:
"Sprite Backup is only compatible with devices using Windows Mobile 2002 and 2003. Windows Mobile 2005 devices cannot use Sprite Backup. We will be releasing a new version that will be compatible with these devices in the near future. Please keep visiting this site for updates."
I did try the version you mentioned but no luck. I use a Exec not a JJ...coud that be it? Thanks anyway...and damn I need a backup program...[/quote]

Here I am after another whole day of reading forums, installing and uninstalling, hard resets, trial and error....and things like that.
As far as the XDA is concerned....I feel better about it now, installed SPB Pocket Plus (works a dream), SPB Finance (great 'cuz it syncs with Quicken), and most of all, swiched to "Corporate" mode...and man, it is FAST now !!!
As mentioned before, Sprite Backup doesn't work, AvantGo works but not as it should, SplashID....nope. I did try eWallet, which works ok on the desktop but not on the XDA.
It's all good fun though.

Grogo said:
swiched to "Corporate" mode...and man, it is FAST now !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking that I might go for a hard reset and choose Corp, but I don't know how to set up the GPRS details. How did you get GPRS working for Corporate Mode, or haven't you needed to?
I do find the settings for all these connections v.confusing. I just want it simple, like my laptop! One connection does all...

Now that you mentioned that, I wouldn't know if I need different setting yet, as I am still on Orange for the next couple of days until they port my number. Interesting to see if it works though.

I've tried today the GPRS, G3 connection and it worked without changing anything. (In Corporate mode)

The Ultimate Universal Setup...

Well having been a member of this forum now for a few months I have learned many valuable things. Extended Roms... new software... accessories... flashing... and the list goes on and on... I thank you all for the education. That being said the time has come to choose the Ultimate setup and flash/setup this device one last time (for a while anyway so I wanted to poll the community and see what others are running on their Universals...
1. What Carrier/Radio Version (QTEK, IMATE, O2, TMOBILE etc...)
2. What's in the Extended Rom...
3. What reg hacks...
4. What software is installed on the device... (today plugins etc...)
5. What software is installed on the SD Card...
If you all like I will post the results in a report and we can see what people are really using on their devices.
Again... I want to thank everybody on the forum who so freely shares his information and hard work. Let's keep donating to this site and keep it humming along.
Cyberslinger

for starters
Yeah this forum is great! From what I've picked up here, I decided to put smallmenu, total commander, and gsplayer in my Extended ROM.
I also like using OzVGA and the Opera browser.
I use Pocket Informant for the PIM stuff, and e-wallet for the more confidential stuff.
I'm in the medical field, and I like the Skyscape medical references.
I also have the core media player and pocket artist. Almost forgot, I use MS Voice Command with my bluetooth headset.
Besides the programs in Extended ROM, pretty much everything else except Voice Command is installed to the SD card.
For games, I mostly play bubble breaker, but I have Doom, Snails, Flux Challenge, and tried the demo for sealball. The Universal is not a great gaming machine IMO, but generally I am VERY happy with my setup.

cyberslinger said:
1. What Carrier/Radio Version (QTEK, IMATE, O2, TMOBILE etc...)
2. What's in the Extended Rom...
3. What reg hacks...
4. What software is installed on the device... (today plugins etc...)
5. What software is installed on the SD Card...
Cyberslinger
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) DOPOD900
2) Didnt check anymore
3) Just the Ringer hack
4) Resco Explorer/Today Plug In, VJSMS, Microsoft Reader, Games (Bookworm,Zuma), Memmaid, TCPMP, GSPPocketPlus
5) SPB Package Trial (nearing the end of trial period), NoviiRemote,
Hope this helps your poll...

1. What Carrier/Radio Version (QTEK, IMATE, O2, TMOBILE etc...)
2. What's in the Extended Rom...
3. What reg hacks...
4. What software is installed on the device... (today plugins etc...)
5. What software is installed on the SD Card...
1. Imate, standard rom available on the site
2. Dont care, I dont install any of it except the communication carrier (telstra) and the bluetooth patch. This gives me a 31 meg startup RAM excluding today and additional startups installed by choice.
3. Limited, MSVC hack for blue tooth (I have done lots in the past, but no real impact that I found beneficial so didnt bother on the last hard reset last week).
4. SPB Pocket Plus (beta 3.1), SPB Weather, SPB Diary, SPB Backup (beta 1.0), Resco Explorer/ftp/reg, MSVC, KSE True Fax
5. Total Commander, Oxios, FeederReeder, TCPMP, Resco Audio, Resco Radio, Resco Photos, Wisbar Advance and Wisbar Desktop (Wisbar is really just play and fun, I would never load today screen configurations from an SD card), Blue Point Earth and Blue Point World Info, Pocket RAR, Microsoft E Reader, Omega One 1 Calc, and Paint. Only game installed Resco Guardians.
Using the SPB backup beta, when I did a hard reset, I did a perfect backup using SPB for all device software with all my tweaks and adjustments, passwords, settings, configurations, wifi and bluetooth settings and passwords, hit most of my sites and put in my user names and passwords and auto login.
Now, when I restore, everything is perfect. I also then did a second with all my perfect apps installed to the SD card, and registered them all and setup all those tweaks, and did another backup. I now have my "virgin" machine, and my "custom" machine.
I also extracted all of the cab files for all of the software, including the entire extended rom and copied them to my SD card for easier and quicker installation and access without needing activesync.
I can now do a full hard reset and configure in about 5 minutes. Startup RAM is now 28meg, but with SPB PP, Weather, and Diary is about 22meg runs down to 12 meg then soft reset. Screen rotation first time is 3 seconds, then sub 1 second on subsequent rotations depending on the next reset.
So overall, and in essence, I am totally f..kin ecstatic with my setup (taken about 10 attempts to get to this)

great post...
Very Informative Simon. I believe that you have a great system for preserving your setup. I will defintely be incorporating it into my ultimate setup.
Good stuff here guys.. keep it coming.
Cyb

Backup for Windows Mobile 6.5

I have an AT&T tilt 2 and I had an AT&T tilt prior to this. The tilt came with Sprite backup software for free that would take a backup and then let me install an app and if I did not like it restore from the backup and the application was completely uninstalled. This was great for testing out software.
Now the Tilt 2 did not come with the sprite software. I went out and paid for the Sprite software but when I tried to do a restore the application that I installed was still there.
Does anyone know of a good backup software that would act like the old sprite software did and reset all of the settings, more like a snapshot of the phone when you back it up? Free would be better.

dzbad said:
I have an AT&T tilt 2 and I had an AT&T tilt prior to this. The tilt came with Sprite backup software for free that would take a backup and then let me install an app and if I did not like it restore from the backup and the application was completely uninstalled. This was great for testing out software.
Now the Tilt 2 did not come with the sprite software. I went out and paid for the Sprite software but when I tried to do a restore the application that I installed was still there.
Does anyone know of a good backup software that would act like the old sprite software did and reset all of the settings, more like a snapshot of the phone when you back it up? Free would be better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are doing your backups to the SD card, then just hard reset, reinstall Sprite, and then restore.