I am wondering whether it is possible to back up Pocket Outlook files on a Windows Mobile 2003 device then restore on a Windows Mobile 5 device? I have stopped using ActiveSync altogether and have not felt anymore encouragement to restart after ActiveSync 4.0 reports revealed the lack of wireless sync.
This scenario would also apply to my financial program, Cash Organizer. Since I am restoring database files, it seems like there could be some conflicts if the OS upgrade brought any new changes. Does anyone know if there might be a work around?

From what I understand, WM5 uses "persistant storage", which seems to imply a complete software and data rebuild.
Programs and database store will reside in "persistant storage" and programs copied to RAM to run. Built-in-storage goes away.
Thus, data has to be rebuilt via ActiveSync.

Please correct me if i'm wrong.

Been there. Done that. Can't remember.

Bud,
Thank you for the quick response!
I have heard a lot about WM5's use of RAM for the sole use of running programs. Where will be the the placement of the database files and system DLL's (all those dumped in the Windows folder [especially those not moveable with Memaid])? I haven't seen any definitive statement from MVP's or developers in regard to this question.

From Brighthand:

........
Persistent memory storage means that future handhelds will use RAM and ROM very differently.

Pocket PCs running Windows Mobile 5.0 will use RAM only for currently running applications, and nothing else.

All storage of applications and files will be done in ROM.

I think you can see the advantages of this. If your device runs out of power, you don't lose your applications and files, or the contents of your address book and calendar.

Also, with RAM no longer being used for storage, your current device will have a lot more space for running applications. It's going to be like getting a big RAM upgrade.

I've read some doomsayers predicting that constantly having to pull things out of ROM will really slow future Pocket PCs down. I'd like to point out that current Windows Mobile smartphones already handle RAM and ROM in this way, and they aren't unusably slow.

The Downside

At this point, I'm sure some of you are asking, "What does this have to do with my iPAQ rx3415 not getting an OS upgrade?"

For all of persistent memory storage's advantages, is does have one drawback. It requires Windows Mobile 5.0 handhelds to have lots of ROM space. In addition to giving you enough room for all your applications and files, there still needs to be a backup copy of the operating system in there. ......


So, \Windows folder will be in ROM -( formally BIS) along with Contacts, Appt, etc databases. This includes the DLL's, which will not require moving ala MemMaid.

Been there. Done that. Can't remember.

Bud,
Thanks again! I'll definitely look towards a Pocket PC with plenty of ROM like the AXIM X50v.