Database Users

Backup Contacts

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?

How to move contacts, appointments... without ActiveSync?

How to move contacts, appointments... to TYTN, without using ActiveSync?
What's about messages also?
I've got Orange m500 and waiting to my new v1605.

I've heard about some files in /Windows/... including contacts info.
What's about backuping only databases (with Sonny Soft Manager for example, WM2003se), and than restoring it in WM5?

i use jeyo mobile.it works wonders for me.

Ok, where can it be found and how ot looks like?

try renaming pim.vol at your phone's root.

http://www.gsmhosting.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=314986&highlight=jeyo+mobile

hanmin said:
try renaming pim.vol at your phone's root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or you can copy it to your \storage card using the default file explorer. I've never tried restoring from this though as my outlook does that for me.

contacts not working

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.

Full backup of harddrive...

Hi,
Is there a way of backing up the entire harddrive on WM5 like we used to in WM2003/2?

Without additional programs, NO.

try spb backup
it backups everything you need on your phone, registry, folders windows to my documents

Sprite Backup
Sunnysoft Backup Manager
SPB Backup
Backup via ActiveSync does not work for WM5 and newer.

Microsoft takes away some fetures then sells them back to the user, calling it an 'improved' OS.

You may try SPB Clone...
You may try SPB Clone... but it's a bit expensive if you have to buy it

ericksonlk said:
You may try SPB Clone... but it's a bit expensive if you have to buy it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rest my case. Sprite is way better but commercial.

Need Help
Hi
I have a AT&t Tilt
Sprite backup makes backup & creates Icons on Sd cards
I want to know Can we back up our cell phone useing the Older
back up than the recent one ?
Cos my Device shows very little free space
& it could be cos i have been trying all kinds of differnt software
Or is there a Way to make a Device clean up,
Like we do on our PC -Disk clean up
which Removes - Temporary Internet Files, etc
Thank you for your Help

ilordvader said:
Hi
I have a AT&t Tilt
Sprite backup makes backup & creates Icons on Sd cards
I want to know Can we back up our cell phone useing the Older
back up than the recent one ?
Cos my Device shows very little free space
& it could be cos i have been trying all kinds of differnt software
Or is there a Way to make a Device clean up,
Like we do on our PC -Disk clean up
which Removes - Temporary Internet Files, etc
Thank you for your Help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I backed up onto my harddrive as an .exe file with Sprite. Try SK Tools for a real cleanup. I do it every other day, especially after surfing the net.

Vukile said:
I backed up onto my harddrive as an .exe file with Sprite. Try SK Tools for a real cleanup. I do it every other day, especially after surfing the net.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a Freeware for it

ilordvader said:
Is there a Freeware for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically.

ilordvader said:
Is there a Freeware for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sk Tools have a freeware variant too. Works on WM6 Pro without problems.

KarhU said:
Sk Tools have a freeware variant too. Works on WM6 Pro without problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post a Link Plz

ilordvader said:
Post a Link Plz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go.

KarhU said:
Here you go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please tell me can i install it on my Storage card
But I want to do clean up of my Device space
cos i have a 6gb card so not a problem there
so will i have to do Instal the SK tool on Device to do that or can install on card & it will clean it all
Hope u understand & bare with me guys
God Bless You all
I see Folders open up which i need to tick to clean seems like
can u suggest me the ones I should TICK
so i dont mess up cliking the wrong folder & delete imp stuff PLZ

Do any of these also backup my micro SD card? I'm getting an 8gb one in and I'd like to copy over my 2gb one and still have my tomtom maps working. Or can I just copy the folder over in explorer?

KarhU said:
Sprite Backup
Sunnysoft Backup Manager
SPB Backup
Backup via ActiveSync does not work for WM5 and newer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Sprite backup software CD which came with my TYTYn II which installed fine through ActiveSync BUT has refused to install on my UNiversal! i get an error message " unable to install application. Please upgrade your ROM to the required version and try again". the ROM version for the universal is 1.30.114 WWE, date is 4/13/06 radio version is 0.00.00 ExtROM version is 1.30.232 WWE. The thing however is i had Sprite back up on it before but lost it after a hard reset. does anyone know if i am doing anything wrong?

KarhU said:
Here you go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link u gave works fine & is Great
was wondering would u recommend that i still get the paid version ?
the link i found it on :-
http://classic.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=14288&associateid=17
The one u gave me works fine & all, But did not know if i have all that it does on the pocketgear Site
Thank you for your help

Device backup sw

Hi,
My worst fears are realised on Monday. I receive a replacement handset as mine is faulty. Problem is my life is on my existing device. Sad but true!
Is there any sw available that will do a complete backup of the device including registry and so on? The bulk of my files are on SD so it is not too bad. I just want to be sure I don't miss anything.
Cheers.

I use Sprite Backup
http://www.spritesoftware.com/

Before I go and buy it does this also do the registry and phone settings etc?

Don't know about Sprite but SPB Backup will do what you want.
WB

rphillip said:
Before I go and buy it does this also do the registry and phone settings etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep it does, there's a 10 days free trial available on their website.

Thanks guys. Went for SPB as it was the cheaper option.
I assume all you need to do to restore is run the exe from your PC with the device connected to the PC with active sync?

rphillip said:
Thanks guys. Went for SPB as it was the cheaper option.
I assume all you need to do to restore is run the exe from your PC with the device connected to the PC with active sync?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite. Once you have backed up your device I guess you will have to transfer that, and any other important data, to your PC.
The SPB Backup file is a self extracting one. All you need to do when you get your new device back is transfer the backup file onto your SD card, find it using Explorer, tap on it, tick whatever options you want installed and away you go.
WB
PS Make 2 copies of this backup file on different locations, perhaps one onto your PC, the other onto a memory stick, to ensure that you don't lose or damage the only copy you may have!

Thanks again. Running it the logs says the file is too big for a self extracting file. It then creates both a backup file and a restore file.
Would you happen to know what the difference is here? Do I need to run them both or will the exe source the restore file? Both the files are exe.

Hmmm, not come across that message in all the years I have been using SPB Backup.
What I would do is run the backup session again on the device while paying attention to the size of file it is about to create (work through the screens slowly and you will see what I am talking about).
Once the backup is finished see see if the file is roughly the same size as what it said it was just before the backup began. If it is then you are probably ok and you can use that backup file as a restore file when needed.
Hope this helps.
WB