How to Back Up a PocketPC to a PC

Pocket PC systems run the Windows Mobile operating system, which can synchronize with a Windows PC to keep the device's data up to date, or back it up for restoration after accidental loss or damage. Microsoft offers two programs with backup functionality for Pocket PCs, ActiveSync and the newer Windows Mobile Device Center. ActiveSync works with Windows XP and older versions of the operating system, while Windows 7 and Vista users need the Windows Mobile Device Center. Both programs are available as free downloads from Microsoft's website.

ActiveSync Backup

• 1

  Download the newest version of ActiveSync from the Microsoft Download Center and save the file to the computer's hard drive. Run the file and follow the onscreen instructions to install ActiveSync.

• 2

  Connect the PocketPC to the computer using the included USB connection cable. If you have never connected the device to ActiveSync before, you must use a USB cord for the initial connection, even if you wish to use a wireless connection for future synchronizing. Wait for ActiveSync to automatically start.

• 3

  Follow the instructions in the pop-up window to pair the PocketPC to the computer, using whatever synchronization settings you desire. You can back up data even if it is not set to synchronize, as long as the computer recognizes the device.

• 4

  Click "Tools" and select "Backup/Restore" from the drop-down menu. Navigate to the "Backup" tab.

• 5

  Click on "Full Backup" to recreate an entire backup file each time the device connects. Select "Incremental Backup" instead to add to the backup file as changes are made.

• 6

  Select the "Backup when connecting" option and then click "Backup Now." Wait for the process to finish. ActiveSync will automatically back up the device whenever it is connected.

• 7

  Return to the "Backup/Restore" window and click on the "Restore" tab to restore a device after data has been lost.

Windows Mobile Device Center Backup

• 1

  Download the Windows Mobile Device Center installation file from the Microsoft website and open it to install the software. The program runs only on Windows 7 and Vista systems.

• 2

  Connect the PocketPC to the computer using the USB connection cable. Windows Mobile Device Center will start and recognize the device.

• 3

  Click on "Set up your device." Select the types of information you wish to synchronize with the computer and click "Next." You can still create backups of data you do not choose to synchronize. Click "Finish" to establish a partnership with the device.

• 4

  Click on "Mobile Device Settings" when the device is not actively synchronizing and then choose "Backup and Restore."

• 5

  Check the "Automatically back up each time the device connects" box in the "Backup" tab. Choose either the Incremental or Full Backup radio button.

• 6

  Click "Back Up Now" to start a backup session and wait for the process to finish. Click "OK" to save the changes. An updated backup will be created whenever you reconnect the PocketPC.

• 7

  Open the "Backup and Restore" window and click on "Restore Now" in the "Backup" tab to recover lost data.