We cannot respond to all letters or e-mail, but we do read them all. Please send us questions, suggestions for improvements to the magazine, ideas for new software, or general comments. All responses, unless otherwise indicated, are from Rich Hall, Editor of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine. You can reach Rich at Rich@PocketPCmag.com. This column contains e-mail from readers as well as selected messages from the Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine forums. The content has been edited for clarity.
Use backup utility, not File Explorer, to copy Pocket Outlook database files
I have a Dell Axim X5 running the Pocket PC 2002 software. Is there any way to "see" the Pocket Outlook database files (Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, etc.) with File Explorer? I want to be able to copy them to my SD card or save them in flash ROM.
<name withheld by request>
Unless otherwise stated, this advice applies to all Windows Mobile users. Users of pre-Windows Mobile 5.0 devices can use ActiveSync to back up the database files to your PC. Once you dock your unit, go to Tools >Backup/Restore and follow the prompts. (The Backup/Restore option is not available for Windows Mobile 5.0 devices.) It's a good idea to back up your device at least once a week in order to keep the backup current with new data files and installed programs.
You can also back up the entire Pocket Outlook database to your SD card or to the Axim X5's user-accessible flash ROM. To do this, you use the Data Backup utility in the Programs folder. (Similar programs are found on other Windows Mobile devices.)
Data Backup lets you back up all the data and user-installed programs on your Pocket PC, or select one or more of the PIM databases to back up (Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Notes, or Inbox). It also lets you specify a backup destination (either "Built in Storage" or a storage card if one is available).
In the case of the Axim, "Built-in Storage" refers to the portion of flash ROM available to the user for file storage. Unfortunately, some authors use the terms "built-in storage" and "internal storage" interchangeably to refer to all file storage memory built into the Pocket PC. On pre-Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, data could be stored in system RAM and flash ROM, so both can be considered "internal storage"
Final note: You can "see" the database files using the ActiveSync Explorer. Make sure the X5 is connected to your PC, open Explorer on your PC from ActiveSync, select "Folder Options" for the Tools menu, and click on the tab labeled "View." Then, in the "Advanced settings" list, check the boxes labeled "Show hidden files" and "Display contents of system folders." Finally, use Explorer to display your Mobile Device files. Under the icon labeled "My Windows Mobile-Based Device" you should see the Databases folder. However, you will only be able to "see" the files; you won't be able to copy or delete them.
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