I often get tech-related questions that I think more than one person would benefit from hearing the answer to, so I have decided to start a new feature. Once a week (or so) I will pick one or two emails I’ve received from readers and post them with my answers.
Of course, my advice is never the last word on anything and I am the first to admit that I don’t know everything, so I fully expect Gear Diary readers to weigh in if they have a better, simpler, clearer, or more interesting answer. Capisci?
So without further ado…
Q. Hi Judie,
If I may I wanted to ask a question about the hp pocket pc’s. I have the hp3955, the hp2210 and the hp4705. I believe that you once used the hp2215. My question is in reference to the hp3955 but probably applies to all models. I can’t seem to find an answer anywhere to this question [I contacted hp but they were no help]: How do I make information that I enter in my Contacts go to either the IPAQ file store or other (CF or SD card) permanent memory? I had many files in my Contacts and when my battery ran completely down every file was lost. Thus, I need to make sure that any future information entered into Contacts is in some kind of permanent memory. It looks like my main and back-up battery are ok–I just let the battery completely run down.
Any help would be appreciated,
Ron
A. This is one reason why I love Windows Mobile 5, persistent memory! No loss of any data even when the battery dies. But you have a PPC 2003 device, so what can you do?
Well, the problem is that to the best of my knowledge there is no way to hack your Pocket PC to save entered PIM items directly to a storage card. Plus, these files have to be stored in main memory to be recognized and run by the device.
But all hope is not lost! There is one very easy thing that I would recommend so that you never again lose your important information:
You are using an iPAQ which means you have an already loaded free tool that will prevent data loss from every happening again.
Look in your Programs file for a utility called iPAQ Backup.
You can set it to automatically back up all of your programs, files and info – including your Contacts – every day at a specified time. You can even run it on the fly any time you are feeling nervous.
That’s it – instant safety-net!
Those that don’t have a PPC that came with an included backup software program should purchase and install one; I recommend Spb Backup. It can also be set to automatically back up programs, files, PIM info every day at a specified time. Even though I have a WM5 device, I still use this program religiously.
FYI – It is possible to backup the “pim” file on a Windows Mobile 5 device. Using File Explorer, look in the My Device folder. There should be a “pim” entry there that can be tapped on, copied and pasted directly to a memory card. Your device won’t be able to read the file from the memory card, but it will be backed up. 
So does anyone have anything to add? Post away!
…and if you have a question, send it to deargeardiary@geardiary.com. 
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