Any recommendations for software that'll backup my contacts? I really don't want to install Outlook, and I don't want to just copy them to SIM as this screws up the names and other stuff, as the SIM only holds a short name and 1 number.
I'm shutting the door after the horse has bolted here, as I just had to do a hard reset and have lost all my contacts that I've had for years.
I don't want to backup anything else, just contacts - preferably in a format that allows me to restore them exactly as there are: First Name, Last Name, Home, Mobile, Work numbers, e-mail addy, etc.
Thanks
New Version of PPcBckpContacts available
markmcrobie said:
Any recommendations for software that'll backup my contacts? I really don't want to install Outlook, and I don't want to just copy them to SIM as this screws up the names and other stuff, as the SIM only holds a short name and 1 number.
I'm shutting the door after the horse has bolted here, as I just had to do a hard reset and have lost all my contacts that I've had for years.
I don't want to backup anything else, just contacts - preferably in a format that allows me to restore them exactly as there are: First Name, Last Name, Home, Mobile, Work numbers, e-mail addy, etc.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a tool for that long time ago, called PPCBckpContacts. This tool allows to backup/restore the contacts from/to any ppc running WM2005 or WM2003SE. Because the format of the DB changed between the 2 OS, two versions of the tool have been made.
The tool creates a .csv file, that you can edit in Excel.
**************************************************************************
Update in v1.6 :
- Removed the SD card presence check, now all backups can be saved wherever you want.
**************************************************************************
Update in v1.5 :
- Speed Dials backup/restore (.csd)
- Tasks backup/restore (.cst)
- Appointments backup/restore (.csa)
- Call Logs backup/restore (.csl)
Each backup type has its own file type (see above). Caution I changed the extension from previous versions for contacts (.csc). These 5 extensions are associated to the program, so they can be restored via explorer directly.
**************************************************************************
Update in v1.4 :
- fix for the notes (the contact notes were successfully exported to the csv file, but the import didn't work) (thanks lvlx for detecting the bug).
- VGA aware
Cheers,
.Fred
Thank You!
Thank You this will save me a LOT of time if my phone needs to be reset again. I have already had to redo my contact list twice because I don't use Outlook (and let me tell you, it is NOT fun).
will this take all contacts of my sim so i can resend them to be on my actual device.
sdnatlst said:
will this take all contacts of my sim so i can resend them to be on my actual device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, the contacts are taken from the pim database. I don't think the contacts from the SIM are stored in the PIM db.
That, sir, is brilliant - thank you.
I've signed up for a free exchange account at mail2web: http://live.mail2web.com/
This means you can get all your contacts back by just running active sync and a gprs or wifi connection. A good backup even if you have Outlook as it's remote and doesn't depend on your pc!
Just copy the pim.vol to SD card
A quick and effective backup method is to copy the pim.vol in the root directory to your SD card. I used this method when flashing my rom. You'll need to use Totalcommander to change the rights of the file after flashing because it's read-only, then copy the pim.vol from the SD to the root directory and reset and all should be well.
All credit to the original poster of the tip. I don't remember where I got it from either either here or howardforums.
tekknogenius said:
A quick and effective backup method is to copy the pim.vol in the root directory to your SD card. I used this method when flashing my rom. You'll need to use Totalcommander to change the rights of the file after flashing because it's read-only, then copy the pim.vol from the SD to the root directory and reset and all should be well.
All credit to the original poster of the tip. I don't remember where I got it from either either here or howardforums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you except that it seems there is an incompatibility between the versions before AKU 3.2 and the ones after AKU 3.2
BTW In only tested AKU 2.3 and AKU 3.2, so I can't tell for the other versions.
I always copy the pim.vol to my SD card, but when I upgraded to AKU 3.2, I couldn't use my pim.vol, the contacts application just opens then closes directly.
The only solution I had, was to copy the pim.vol in the emulator on my pc and use PPcBckpContacts to have the backup, then I could restore my contacts on my ppc.
Cheers,
.Fred
sdnatlst said:
will this take all contacts of my sim so i can resend them to be on my actual device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use SKTools 3.0 ("SIM Contacts") to mass-copy the contacts to the central Contacts DB; then you can alsready export them.
dotfred said:
BTW In only tested AKU 2.3 and AKU 3.2, so I can't tell for the other versions.
I always copy the pim.vol to my SD card, but when I upgraded to AKU 3.2, I couldn't use my pim.vol, the contacts application just opens then closes directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem here - it's not compatible. I've also elaborated on this problem in the Backup Bible ( http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=1270&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 ).
Nice one Fred.
Is there a way you could develop this programme further to backup & restore calendar/previous call log/speed dial data probably found pim.vol ?
I tried copying pim.vol like you did and got the same error message when upgraded roms.
Thanks again for creating this cool utility.
eprana said:
Nice one Fred.
Is there a way you could develop this programme further to backup & restore calendar/previous call log/speed dial data probably found pim.vol ?
I tried copying pim.vol like you did and got the same error message when upgraded roms.
Thanks again for creating this cool utility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome...
For call log & speed dial, I need to study RIL protocol and MDAIIIUser already asked me to have a look, and I will see when I get time. For calendar, sms, emails it shouldn't be too difficult... But I need time, and I don't have a lot!
Cheers,
.Fred
dotfred said:
I made a tool for that long time ago, called PPCBckpContacts. This tool allows to backup/restore the contacts from/to any ppc running WM2005 or WM2003SE. Because the format of the DB changed between the 2 OS, two versions of the tool have been made.
The tool creates a .csv file, that you can edit in Excel.
Cheers,
.Fred
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Fred,
I tried to download the WM2005 zip file and it says its not complete?
Thanks for help,
Ralph
dotfred said:
I made a tool for that long time ago, called PPCBckpContacts. This tool allows to backup/restore the contacts from/to any ppc running WM2005 or WM2003SE. Because the format of the DB changed between the 2 OS, two versions of the tool have been made.
The tool creates a .csv file, that you can edit in Excel.
Cheers,
.Fred
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW, could you write a similar tool to all PIM databases? Then, your app would be unique - not even the latest version of SKTools is able to restore this kind of stuff.
I'll also post a news item to the PPCMag blog / on all PPC sites on this utility.
RswazzMDA said:
Hi Fred,
I tried to download the WM2005 zip file and it says its not complete?
Thanks for help,
Ralph
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is. Are you sure you've transferred PPCBckpContacts.exe to your PDA and executed in there (NOT on the desktop)?
Menneisyys said:
It is. Are you sure you've transferred PPCBckpContacts.exe to your PDA and executed in there (NOT on the desktop)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked! Not sure why it didn't work the first time. It works Awesome!
Thanks so much.
Ralph
Thank you nice program
dotfred said:
I made a tool for that long time ago, called PPCBckpContacts. This tool allows to backup/restore the contacts from/to any ppc running WM2005 or WM2003SE. Because the format of the DB changed between the 2 OS, two versions of the tool have been made.
The tool creates a .csv file, that you can edit in Excel.
Cheers,
.Fred
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great idea and a potential life and time saver .Fred But how about a little instruction, and more information on your program Sir. Must it run from the device, or can it be run from the pc so long as the pim.vol file is available on the pc? Is it intrusive, eg will it cause any harm to the pim.vol db when it runs? Does it properly include ALL phone numbers, and notes for each contact in the resulting .csv file? Etc, etc.
I didn't see a reference to your own tool in the BackupBible but I have to admit I didn't read it thoroughly. If it is there and you could direct me to it that would be great. Very informative article btw.
Thank You,
Tref
Hey dotfred
i liked the backup application PPCBckpContacts, you made? whattools did you use to write the application?
Related
Hi
While im waiting for my universal to arrive (need to wait for 7th of november :-() i have been rading though this forum.
I was just wondering, now that it seems like ringtones for contacts has been integrated into the contact software, is this a HTC implementation or is it a microsoft? would the the selection sync to outlook 2003 so i wont have to set it up everytime i hard reset?
Regards,
Allan Boegild Pedersen
www.pda-faq.com (howto's to improve the everyday use of you pocket pc)
ive not tried contact ringers, but i do use the contact pictures, which does sync with oulook 2003, i shall experiment with ringers shortly
As far as I can see it does NOT sync the ringers with outlook. But maybe I am wrong.
After a hard reset I had to do them all manually.
If there is a solution for this I would be greatful.
Maybe the contacts database on the Jasjar can be backed up?
Huib
Just as i thought :-(
anyone knows if the ringetones support is integrated into wm5 or is it a htc add on?
Regards,
Allan Boegild Pedersen
www.pda-faq.com
integrated by microsoft into wm5....
San
you can store your ringtones on the root of your sd card....and can assign them to your contacts etc....thats a sly trick
so, you can preserve space on your device root....
S
dreamtheater39 said:
you can store your ringtones on the root of your sd card....and can assign them to your contacts etc....thats a sly trick
so, you can preserve space on your device root....
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you think, after a hard reset, Outlook Mobile finds the ringtones where they were if they are on the storage card? Or better said: is the relation with the location synchronised/stored in the main outlook file?
When I search the Outlook fields on my PC I cannot find any field containing this information.
It is however a good advice to store them on your card because they take pretty much space.
I had the same problem on my Nokia 9500.
Huib
Ringtones on Storage Card
I used to put my rings (wma/mp3/wav) in the storage card. A problem I faced was that the Universal would sometimes need more than 5-10 seconds to wake-up/read the ring tone/play it/show the incoming-call-box.
I moved all the tones in my windows/rings folder and it is all okay now. I believe my MMC card is slow or may be it takes too much time after waking-up to power the card and read from it.
The tones are converted to smaller versions, so a 30secs ring i no more than 200-400k with good quality.
Dean
here's how u can manually back up ur pim info....
1. use the built in file explorer (u cant use resco etc.)
2. choose show all files
3. go to device root, and copy "pim.vol"
4. paste it on to ur storage card....
to restore,
copy it back the same way using file explorer....
hope this helps!
San[/img]
dreamtheater39 said:
here's how u can manually back up ur pim info....
1. use the built in file explorer (u cant use resco etc.)
2. choose show all files
3. go to device root, and copy "pim.vol"
4. paste it on to ur storage card....
to restore,
copy it back the same way using file explorer....
hope this helps!
Thnaks San,
Will defenitely back it up this way.
Huib
San[/img]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does anyone have any idea how to load the contacts onto the o2 atom from the storage card , where i had backed up the contacts from the o2 XDA2 ..................?
1. Rename existing pim file (device)
2. Copy sd card pim to device folder.
3. Reset device. contacts etc. are now restored on the device.
4. Delete the one you renamed.
I hope thi is what you are looking for.
Where can I find the contacts pim file in my Win2005? I have the same problem.....upgraded my 2003 to 2005 and cant restore backup...If the method you mentioned works....please enlighten me alittle bit more. Thanks.
boardskey said:
Where can I find the contacts pim file in my Win2005? I have the same problem.....upgraded my 2003 to 2005 and cant restore backup...If the method you mentioned works....please enlighten me alittle bit more. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to get the contacts stored in WM2003SE and load them in WM2005 using pim or compactflashbackuppim.
The only thing you can do, is using the PPCBckpContacts application which allows to backup the contacts in a csv file. There is a WM2003SE version and a WM2005 version. Just do a backup in WM2003SE and restore it in WM2005.
This application can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1033173
Cheers,
.Fred
Its helpfull
It's worked, Thx
I can't seem to figure out how people restore their apps, data, ActiveSync, etc. after updating their ROMs. It seems like people on this site replace their ROMs a few times a year at least, and with all the cleverness required to follow all the ROM issues, surely you can't all be manually re-installing every single app every time, etc. Are there some tools I don't know about that are useful for backing up/restoring files before/after ROM burn? Every backup program I see says you must not use it to restore after ROM update (which I understand, since you don't want to restore old versions of many key files). But surely someone could create a backup/restore app which knows which things should NOT be restored.
Thanks!
I do rom upgrades quite frequently, now I can have my device back with my settings and programs installed in around 10 minutes, here's what I did:
1)Install registry workshop on your desktop computer, this program allows you to remotely browse / export the registry on the PocketPC and compare current regitry settings on PocketPC with a previously dumped registry file.
2) Install RegDiff on your desktop computer, it allows you to generate .reg files out of two exported registry dumps done by registry workshop.
3) Spend a few hours going setting-by-setting and exporting the registry after changing each setting, compare and generate .reg file for that. Keep in mind that sometimes you need to power off the device for a while or soft reset for the registry setting to be permanently stored.
4) Once you have all the .reg files for your settings combine them in a single .reg file
5) Use WinCE Cab Manager to combine the cabs of all the programs you install, set the registry settings, and put shorcuts to all applications into the right places. This is the most "time consuming" part of the process.
Finally I end up with 2 big cab files:
- First one is around 9Mb which I install on pocketpc memory, this includes all today screen plugins, plus Net CF 2.1 and some registry settings (mostly WM5 settings and preferences from the today plugins)
- Second one is around 25Mb which i install on storage card, this includes all the other 3rd party apps I like and registry settings for those apps.
What I do after hard reset or rom upgrade: Install the two cab files, setup mail accounts and mms manually and use directpush to sync all my contacts and calendar items again.
The process of exporting all the registry settings is a PITA, but it is worth spending the time if you're going to switch roms frequently.
Look for an app called Sprite Backup.
pkx said:
Look for an app called Sprite Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, Sprite is the easiest. Be warned, however, that it isn't able to restore PIM databases over the AKU3 upgrade. See my Backup Bible, where I;ve explained this all.
Wow, thanks. That's a lot of work to get things set up! Clearly worth it if you can re-install everything in 10 minutes, though.
I started to investigate your recommendations, installed Cab Manager, and see how you use that.
How do you get the cabs if the install isn't directly via cab? In other words, if the install is initiated via ActiveSync, then are the necessary cabs always found under the Program Files\ActiveSync directory?
As for Sprite Backup, it looks great, and maybe that would be enough for me for now. I wasn't clear (I did search through and skim the Backup Bible and the WM5 backup software comparisons but couldn't find exactly where it talked about the issue regarding AKU3) is the PIM issue a known bug? Or some limitation/problem related to new security or something?
Quincy
quinxy said:
How do you get the cabs if the install isn't directly via cab? In other words, if the install is initiated via ActiveSync, then are the necessary cabs always found under the Program Files\ActiveSync directory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's installed via activesync you can find them there, but generally what I do is extract the cab files from the exe using orange in Linux, don't know if there's a windows equivalent.
pof,
Don't know if you ever ActiveSync since you use Linux, but is there a way to NOT break your ActiveSync by upgrading your ROM? I thought I tried once, years ago, to set the device name back to the original name and ActiveSync still didn't recognize it as the old partnership.
quincy
quinxy said:
pof,
Don't know if you ever ActiveSync since you use Linux, but is there a way to NOT break your ActiveSync by upgrading your ROM? I thought I tried once, years ago, to set the device name back to the original name and ActiveSync still didn't recognize it as the old partnership.
quincy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it doesn't recognize it, just delete the old partnership and recreate / reconfigure it . It's just some seconds.
i flashed my phone today with WM6 Business edition from a rom someone posted in the WM6 section
now everytime i click on contacts it flashes up then disapears again i cannot get into it? any ideas?
sdnatlst said:
i flashed my phone today with WM6 Business edition from a rom someone posted in the WM6 section
now everytime i click on contacts it flashes up then disapears again i cannot get into it? any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try to restore a backup from WM5? The WM6 and WM5 PIM databases are different and you will corrupt WM6 by doing this (so if you use like SPB backup to restore your contacts from WM5, it screws it up).
Here's your fix:
Start>Settings>System>Clear Storage
Type 1234 and hit yes. Reboot and voila. All done.
I promise this is your fix.
i didnt use a spb backup but i did move everything from old xda could i of accidently moved my old pim database? if so where is it located to remove?
greddy91 said:
Here's your fix:
Start>Settings>System>Clear Storage
Type 1234 and hit yes. Reboot and voila. All done.
I promise this is your fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes..this allows you to get the contacts application working, but how do you get your contacts back if you have used SBP backup?
welby1 said:
Yes..this allows you to get the contacts application working, but how do you get your contacts back if you have used SBP backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't (or can't) use a WM5 backup on WM6. You would have needed to us a program like PIM Backup to take the backup on WM5, then you can restore that on WM6. Or, just resync with Outlook (if you use that).
As to your other question, what do you mean you "moved" everything from your old XDA? How did you "move" stuff?
i dragged it off in file explorer to my pc and dragged it all back on
basically i need a clean wm6 pim file by sounds of it and need to know location to move it to to get it working again
sdnatlst said:
i dragged it off in file explorer to my pc and dragged it all back on
basically i need a clean wm6 pim file by sounds of it and need to know location to move it to to get it working again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pim.vol is located in the root of your drive. Use TotalCommander and you can see it there in / .
I've never messed with the file, but you might try renaming it, then do a softreset and see if a new one is created (warning, this could screw up your phone, but it sounds like its screwed up anyway). The other is do a hardreset, or reflash the device.
Hey I was wandering if anyone knows if spb backup will work for the phonebook for upgrading the rom?
Im prettey sure it does backup the phone book but can't guarantee it.
If anything, just install the outlook 2007 demo on your computer and backup the phone book that way.
Yes Spb backup does work. I can now confirm this
nxtlidenno said:
Hey I was wandering if anyone knows if spb backup will work for the phonebook for upgrading the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd try backing up using Active Sync first. If you want to back up to a micro SD card, Try the attached PIM program. Place this file in Windows/Start Menu/Programs
I've used this program on the Hermes before and tried it on my Titan. It seems to work well. It saved my butt when my laptop died and I accidentally deleted all the contacts from my Device.
rambo6 said:
I'd try backing up using Active Sync first. If you want to back up to a micro SD card, Try the attached PIM program. Place this file in Windows/Start Menu/Programs
I've used this program on the Hermes before and tried it on my Titan. It seems to work well. It saved my butt when my laptop died and I accidentally deleted all the contacts from my Device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a newer version of this software and it can be found in the development and hacking forum.
xfer them to the SIM, then the point is moot. Will never loose them during a hard re-set or a ROM upgrade
captainrick747 said:
xfer them to the SIM, then the point is moot. Will never loose them during a hard re-set or a ROM upgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no SIM in a Mogul.
You can store them on the Micro SD card I suppose.
nxtlidenno said:
Hey I was wandering if anyone knows if spb backup will work for the phonebook for upgrading the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Copy the file pim.vol which you can find in file explorer in the root of the phone, then after upgrade replace it with the existing one using resco explorer.
rambo6 said:
I'd try backing up using Active Sync first. If you want to back up to a micro SD card, Try the attached PIM program. Place this file in Windows/Start Menu/Programs
I've used this program on the Hermes before and tried it on my Titan. It seems to work well. It saved my butt when my laptop died and I accidentally deleted all the contacts from my Device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
PIMBackup. Never any problems. Saves texts messages,appointments, phone calls, contacts and tasks. Never has given me any problem. Plus there is a new version just released.
An online solution...
I use dashwire for regular backups, does almost everything(no calendar yet...) even speed dials.
It's nice because even if you backup to an SD card and lose your phone, you still have your contacts.
I hate using outlook,but still use it once and a while.
wolfkorn said:
Copy the file pim.vol which you can find in file explorer in the root of the phone, then after upgrade replace it with the existing one using resco explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's really all you have to do? can anybody confirm that this works?