robz2fast

I got my upgrade CD on Friday, Backed up my personal data using the data backup feature under programs, as I always do. Installed the upgrade and proceded to restore my contacts, addresses and such. Getting message that my PIM file is incompatible with 2003. Called up Dell and they said I needed to be using Outlook to back up my Data, and that the PIM data backup is not compatible between the PPC2002 and PPC2003. I don't use Outlook to store contact information, I don't like Outlook. If I remember correctly..... If I had a contact that only had a phone number, Outlook would remove it because it didn't have an e-mail address to go with it. So in a nutshell all of my contacts are lost.

Does anybody have a way of restoring the DDK(backup) file onto axim? Or does anyone know how to get data off of it, say using a program file on a PC?

Anyone else have this problem? Does every axim user use Outlook?

rob

cageyjames

I use outlook so I guess I would never have your problem. You might try Pocket Backup Plus, but you'd still have the problem of the PIM file not being compatible. Use Outlook next time and then uninstall it when you are done.

KPDUTY

I know this doesn't help you in anyway; however, the warnings were quite clear:

From the Instructions on the Upgrade CD:

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). [/B]

I know there are some PPC database programs that allow you to manipulate the system database files (where this information is stored). The only thing I can think to do would to downgrade back to PPC2002 and use the "dragging" method noted above to copy the database files to your PC and then try to reconstruct them once you perform the WM2003 upgrade again.

(It would be best to follow cageyjames' advice and "temporarily" use OUTLOOK to store your PIM information and then sync with WM2003).

[Or it might be easier just to manually re-enter your contacts, (I don't know how big your contact list is]

You could also use a search engine to see if someone offers and SDK backup editor (Similar to STGVIEWER for ACTIVESYNC STG FILES)

robz2fast

As per Dell, I cannot downgrade to pocket pc 2002. was my first question as the upgrade utility kept bugging me to create that backup ROM file.

I would love to be able to use Outlook at this time but all I have are these DBK files that cannot be imported into outlook or back onto my axim.

Was already looking for some kind of .dbk viewer or utility so I could reenter my contacts. Not a matter of having a large contact list but rather an issue of having to retrieve phone numbers of people I don't know how to get ahold of. Didn't expect to not be able to reinstall my contacts with the dbk files.

I believe I may have found a remedy as to how to get back my contacts and info though. It is not pretty to look at but doable, If I view it with Notepad I can at least get my missing contact information from the file. It is pretty ugly with the boxes and wierd shapes but I can at least make out names, phone numbers, and addresses.

thanks for all the advise.

rob

raelin75

Here's what I understand from what everyone is saying:
1. Backup by just synching with Activesync 3.7.
2. Drag & drop the synched files if you want to have added protection.
3. Once you upgrade, then delete old partnership, set up a new one, and sync your data back onto the Axim.
4. Re-install all other programs you use.

For the drag 'n drop, anyone know the file names of the data files to make sure we've got, or will we be ok just catching all files that have the last synch date?

shdytxmn

raelin75

You are 99% correct. Dell says to use a general partnership when you first sync.

Dell had very specific instructions for installing 2003, really a cookbook approach. Microsoft has modified the database file structure which is the reason for the syncing, etc. 2003 converts any files needing conversion when it is synced back to the Ax. Any files backed up by PC Backup Pro can be restored, even databases. Ignore the warning. There is an application, "database conversion wizard" available from M$oft that will convert database files to the new structure. I doubt it will work with Outlook, but under the circumstances, what is there to lose?

raelin75

I think I'll buy PC Backup Pro just to be on the safe side. Thanks!

Magicmonger

I'm glad I read this thread I'll be looking at all my contacts. Even though I do use Outlook entering all thos contacts was a bear it took me like 4 hours and almost a whole battery charge of continuous usage to enter them all. I will be upgrading to WM2003 within the next month.

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Magicmonger