Is there a Way to Transfer Programs/Data from Axim to iPAQ?

FrinkTL · 03-19-08, 07:35 AM

I just purchased an iPAQ 211 as a possible replacement/upgrade for my Axim X51v. I have 29 programs installed on my Axim. Wouldn't it be great if I could create a complete backup of the programs and data on the Axim and do a restore on my new iPAQ? In my wishful thinking universe, I'm wondering if it is even possible? Has anyone heard of a way to do that? Is it possible to, in a single stroke, transfer all programs and data to the new device?

I'm thinking there's a good chance I'd screw up my iPAQ in the attempt, but I thought I'd ask anyway. Worst case, someone will tell me I'm a little looney and could use a completely different sort of help.

bdiscount · 03-19-08, 08:09 AM

I doubt it would work. Just install programs to 211. You can set up a partnership with the 211

Julie · 03-19-08, 09:23 AM

Sprite and Mobile Backup for Windows Mobile are two backup applications that purport to allow you to restore a backup file created on a pocket pc to an entirely different pocket pc. I've never tested it out myself, and probably wouldn't do it anyway with a new pocket pc because I'd want to set everything up from scratch, but you might want to check it out:

Sprite:
Sprite Mobile | Sprite Mobile Backup

Mobile Backup for Windows Mobile:
http://store.mobilitysite.com/product.asp?id=11404

mohlin1 · 03-19-08, 10:18 AM

I using my SD card and Sprite and change all my info from a Ipaq 4700 to my new 211 and everything changed over perfectly. There were no glitches at all. The one advantage that I might have was that had previously upgraded my 4700 to WM6, so the OS was the same.

AKAJohnDoe · 03-19-08, 10:21 AM

I really prefer to set up the programs anew on a PDA, so I install them.

However, I also made the decision to go with applications that have PC desktop components so that my data is externalized and able to be restored from the PC. To this end, I use Outlook 2007, eWallet, ListPro, Quicken.

Further, I routinely save the settings from the programs I use. I save these settings to an SD or CF card so that I can restore them and recreate the environment easily. Currently I save the settings for: ListPro; PocketInformant; iLauncher; PocketBreeze; PocketWeather.

FrinkTL · 03-19-08, 11:19 AM

Julie,
Thank you for the links. I'll have to flip a coin...no, seriously, I'm not sure what I'll do, but I can always count on your post to state the facts and provide links to what I'm asking for.

FrinkTL · 03-19-08, 11:23 AM

AKAJohnDoe,
How do I save my PocketInformant settings to SD? I didn't even know I could do that!

BTW, I also synch the devise and all of it's files to the PC, but it's the shear number of applications and the 2-3 hours of installing and resetting and re-doing settings and registry hacks, etc., etc that I am dreading.

AKAJohnDoe · 03-19-08, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by FrinkTL

AKAJohnDoe,
How do I save my PocketInformant settings to SD? I didn't even know I could do that!

I do two things:

Go to PI, Settings, Menu, Export
Copy \Application Data\WebIS\ in it's entirely to the SD card

Originally Posted by FrinkTL

BTW, I also synch the devise and all of it's files to the PC, but it's the shear number of applications and the 2-3 hours of installing and resetting and re-doing settings and registry hacks, etc., etc that I am dreading.

I do it often enough that I made a checklist, still, it does take an hour or two.

FrinkTL · 03-19-08, 09:06 PM

Well, I tried Sprite Backup...
...and
...it screwed up the device beyond repair.

It HALF (maybe) restored the backup. But it screwed with settings internal to the device that HP never planned on me toying with. Now I can't even hard reset the device.

Now instead of the 2-3 hours of installing I have to wait for a replacement device. :realmad:

My fault, I guess, for niiavely believing the software's claims.

BTW, HP's Chat Technical Support isn't too helpful, I had to argue with them (passing through 2 reps in the process) for 90 minutes to convince them to send me a replacement unit.

:realmad:

ADDITIONAL UPDATE: I spoke too soon, I have to call back tomorrow in order for them to send me a replacement unit. The display is really pretty, but I'm not sure I want to gamble with that kind of service...

Julie · 03-20-08, 11:01 AM

Oh man......I am so sorry to hear about your troubles! Have you let Sprite know about this as well?

I read somewhere that removing the battery for 12 hours would cause the pocket pc to perform a factory reset. I have no idea if that is true or not, but you could try it and let us know......

FrinkTL · 03-20-08, 11:46 AM

Remove Battery Test: At this point, I'll try anything. The "12-hour battery removed" test has commensed at 12:35 Eastern Time on 3/20/08.

Sprite's Response: I have advised Sprite Mobile (Case ID #33796), though their first response was: "it is not possible for Sprite Backup to break a device, the ROM is never affected."

They then directed me to HP's site instructing on how to perform a factory reset. I have since replied to let them know that the configuration files they copied over from the Axim corrupted the underlying functionality of the record button and making the hard reset no longer workThat was this morning at 8:30 AM. No reply from them on that yet. I also suggested that if they have $500 to burn that they give a try themselves.:)

Root Cause? I suspect that the cause is that some hardware/button-configuration files from that Axim (that has one more button than the iPAQ does) were copied over to the iPAQ, corrupting the underlying hardware ("3 fingered salute") reset functionality. For example, the iPAQ has 5 application-type buttons (vs. the 6 the Axim has), and yet, the button configuration app lists a 6th, non-existent button on the iPAQ. AND buttons 2 & 3 that HP set up to NOT be configurable, can now be reassigned. Something very, very nasty happened during that restore...

Tanker Bob · 03-20-08, 06:44 PM

FrinkTL,

You should never restore a backup across non-identical devices. The backup saves the registry which holds the master control settings for the hardware, as well as the software settings. Restoring a non-compatible registry will definitely have unintended consequences. No backup program, however, overwrites the OS in ROM.

Hard resetting should restore the device to factory settings except for the iPAQ Filestore. Since the iPAQ 210 has no backup battery, leaving the battery out won't change anything. The storage memory is persistent in the 210, so it will survive for months or more without the battery.

HP may have another way to hard reset the device. My guess is that jumping some of the pins on the 24-pin connector will hard reset it. Or, if the buttons or reset doesn't work, try different button combinations in some logical combination, assuming that the buttons order is OK but that the actual buttons changed based on the relative number of buttons on the two devices. From what you write, I'd bet that the problem is with the registry which a hard reset should cure if you can get one.

It took me two days to bring my 211 up to the point of my X50v, but it was time well spent. I transferred all my PIM data through Outlook, and my other data using cards. Because of the differences in operating systems, I did not transfer any settings across the devices.

I hope that this is helpful. I really think that there will be a pin combination on the 24-pin connector will reset the iPAQ.

AKAJohnDoe · 03-20-08, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Tanker Bob

You should never restore a backup across non-identical devices

Quoted for emphasis

FrinkTL · 03-20-08, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Tanker Bob

You should never restore a backup across non-identical devices. The backup saves the registry which holds the master control settings for the hardware, as well as the software settings. Restoring a non-compatible registry will definitely have unintended consequences. No backup program, however, overwrites the OS in ROM...

HP may have another way to hard reset the device. My guess is that jumping some of the pins on the 24-pin connector will hard reset it. Or, if the buttons or reset doesn't work, try different button combinations in some logical combination, assuming that the buttons order is OK but that the actual buttons changed based on the relative number of buttons on the two devices. From what you write, I'd bet that the problem is with the registry which a hard reset should cure if you can get one....

I never would have tried it if it weren't for Sprite Backup's explicit claim that it would intelligently select what to restore and what not to. I interpreted that to mean that they would skip those types of items in the registry. Obviously, a false assumption, but not unfounded considering their specs and feature descriptions. Originally, I figured it was a no-risk gamble because if it didn't work, I could just do a factory reset. But, alas! Not so!

I have already tried every permutation of button combinations (including the ones that worked on the Axim) to no avail. The problem is that it merged the registry files in such a stupid way that the device has become a dsyfunctional configuration hybrid between the Axim and the iPAQ. It just happened to overwrite the one way I had to undo the operation. It wasn't just the button assignments, but some underlying registry element. I don't doubt the ROM & it's factory settings are still in there, they just aren't accessible anymore.

I also spoke with HP at some length. We tried to get the Setup Assistant desktop application to initiate the hard reset, but the application couldn't even establish a connection to the device! They have finally agreed to send me a replacement (though I have to wait 3 days for it to get here), but at least I learned my lesson. You know the story about hindsight, I'm guessing...

FrinkTL · 03-20-08, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Tanker Bob

FrinkTL,

You should never restore a backup across non-identical devices.

Originally Posted by AKAJohnDoe

Quoted for emphasis

JohnDoe,
If you're trying to make me feel worse than I already do, mission accomplished!!