Backup and restore options that are available through ActiveSync

ActiveSync provides Backup and Restore facilities that allow users to recover important data if the device memory is erased.

Memory might be erased by a loss of the power supply, or by resetting the device to the factory defaults.

By default on a Windows Pocket PC device, the backup feature is not turned on (enabled). This default was set because a backup operation takes longer than the regular synchronize operation.

To back up your device, follow these steps:

1. Connect your Pocket PC device to the desktop through ActiveSync.
2. In ActiveSync, click Backup/Restore.
3. Click the Backup tab, and then select either Full Backup or Incremental Backup.
4. Click the Back Up Now button.

Backup Options

Incremental vs. Full Backup

• A full backup cleans and then rebuilds your backup file.
• An incremental backup adds to the backup file only those items that have changed since the last backup.
• If you have never backed up your Pocket PC device, and you select Incremental Backup the first time that you choose to back up, ActiveSync creates the backup file and does a full backup. The next time that you select Incremental backup, only those items that have changed are backed up.

Backup when Connecting

You can also update your backup file every time you connect your device:

• If you select this option, ActiveSync runs the backup utility after synchronizing.
• If you do not select the option to back up every time that you connect to your device, you must come to this dialog and click the Backup Now button to update your backup file.

Restore

To restore a backup to a device, follow these steps:

1. Put the device in the cradle.
   
   Note If your device has lost all settings, you must connect as Guest. If you create a new partnership, you cannot restore your backup correctly.
2. In ActiveSync, click Backup/Restore on the Tools menu.
3. Click the Restore tab, and then click Restore Now. A dialog box with a list of backup files appears.
4. Select the backup file that matches the device that you want to restore, and then click OK.
5. On the warning message that appears, click Restore to continue. It takes several minutes for the restore to complete.
6. After the restore is complete, remove the device from the cradle and press the reset button (see manufacturer documentation for location of reset button).
7. Put the device back in the cradle. You can expect ActiveSync to automatically detect the partnership that you had the last time that you backed up the device.

Notes

At this point, ActiveSync detects some differences between the data on the device and the desktop. Unless you know that the backup has the more recent version, replace the data on the device with the version on the desktop. The other options might create duplicate entries in your calendar or contacts. If ActiveSync cannot determine which entry is correct, neither entry is deleted, and a duplicate entry is created.

Changing Batteries

The following are helpful points to remember when changing batteries in your device:

• When switching old batteries for new ones, first turn off the device. The backup battery, which protects the main memory from power loss, cannot supply sufficient power to run the display.
• If you must change the battery while the power supply is on, connect an external power supply. This helps maintain the main memory and internal clocks, which require power even when the display is not powered.
• Additionally, a device will occasionally wake up to update reminders and to check the calendar for upcoming appointments.