Save yourself some trouble and make sure that you have ActiveSych 3.7 and Outlook 2002 installed before you attempt any of this. I learned the hardway and had to install after the fact which took twice as long

Backing Up Your Data
NOTICE: You must back up all data before you upgrade to Pocket PC 2003. The Axim loses any data that you do not back up. Any files in the Built-In Storage directory is deleted, and you must back them up manually by dragging them to a designated folder on your host computer. You cannot back them up using synchronization. Any files on Compact Flash or Secure Digital cards is preserved, but the cards should be removed before the upgrade.
NOTICE: Do not use the Dell Data Backup or ActiveSync Backup/Restore programs to back up your files. You cannot restore your data after you upgrade to Pocket PC 2003 if you use these old backup programs. Use only the new ActiveSync procedures – synchronization (automatic) and dragging (manual).

Use ActiveSync to create backup files and store the files on your host computer. You can back up the files in two ways:

Synchronization
Synchronization compares the data on your Axim with the data on your host computer and updates both with the most recent information. ActiveSync does not automatically synchronize all types of information. Synchronization only backs up the data types selected in the Options settings. Options are selected first when establishing a standard partnership and can be changed at any time by clicking the Options icon on the Microsoft ActiveSync window. ActiveSync automatically creates a folder on your host computer in the My Documents folder called Pocket_PC My Documents (with a shortcut on the host computer's desktop) to hold the synchronized data.

Two types of synchronization include:

Automatic synchronization — Data is backed up automatically when ActiveSync is activated upon docking and at other set intervals.

Manual synchronization — If the automatic syncing feature is turned off, you can back up files at any time by using the Sync button to start the synchronization process.

With the Axim connected to the host computer, from the Microsoft ActiveSync screen on your host computer, select the Sync button. Synchronization begins and the status displays at the bottom part of the screen.

UPRADING

Installing or Upgrading to Pocket PC 2003
NOTE: Remove any installed cards so the Axim does not disturb them during the upgrade process.

Insert the Pocket PC 2003 Upgrade CD into the CD drive of the host computer.

The Dell Axim System Update wizard begins. Besides installing the new operating system, the wizard helps you back up the previous operating system.

Click Install Update.

A series of notices and important information displays:

You must back up your data. After upgrading to Pocket PC 2003, all data on your Axim is lost.

You must use the prescribed backup method. Do not use Dell's Data Backup utility or ActiveSync Backup/Restore.

Save the current ROM (operating system) to your host computer in the Pocket_PC My Documents folder. You might need it later.
Using the Axim System Update utility, click Save/Restore ROM® Save ROM® Save. In the Save in: dialog box, select the location to save the ROM files. Click Save.

When the save has completed, click OK.

Click Continue to begin the installation of the new operating system.

Your Ax will Preform several hard reboots. Just let it go and finish the job. Also Ignore the partnership messages that pop up until the very end it will save you some time having to do it several times.

Wildcat aka Scott
Technical Operations
ESPN

Are they saying that we have no choice but to reinstall all our apps.? Or can we use Pocket Backup Plus and restore from that after the ROM upgrade is complete? I'd prefer to not reinstall everything from scratch if PBP would do the job.

Thanks......

Nothing more to say at this time

 

I doubt you can restore apps, because it will be to an entirely different OS. I don't think PPC2002 backups are compatible to be restored on WM2003. This is just from readings though, as I do not have WM2003 to test it out.

Jordan M. Wigley
Aximsite.com
Email: jordan AT aximsite.com

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This backup is just strictly if you need to revert back to the previous rom. It doesnt restore your files its just the prior os. However if you were to restore to the previous rom I think Your files would be restored. NOW there is a feature on the cd that you can do back ups of your rom. SO if you back up a prior 2003 and you need to restore to it I think your files will be restored. I have not had a chance to test this yet.

Wildcat aka Scott
Technical Operations
ESPN

Wildcat,

You state Outlook 2002. The axim originally shipped with Outlook 2000. Is there problems with using Outlook 2000?

when I tried to use 2000 it was not synching my contact and schedule properly

Wildcat aka Scott
Technical Operations
ESPN

Just a quick note: if you have Office XP, you already have Outlook 2002.

I upgraded from 2002 to 2003 and did a full backup before I did the upgrade. Once the upgrade was complete I tried to do a restore of my data and it did not work. I tried from my CF card and from my host computer, no dice. The 2003 backup app uses a different backup file and I was not able to restore. I had to manual re-install all of my apps again. Hope this helps.