Sunday, August 29, 2010

How to save your PocketPC files Stump the Geeks

Q: I have had Compaq iPAQ PocketPC handhelds for roughly 10 years now. The alternative day I had difficulty syncing my iPAQ 3955. I bound that problem, but it got me meditative about what should occur if (when) this handheld gives out on me.

My subject is: What, if any, device can I buy that will download my backup .stg record to it (as retyping the report in to a new device would take me years) and will sync to my laptop?K.J.

The initial step in transferring your contacts to an additional device is to modify the .stg record in to a customary format that will be entertaining by alternative programs and destiny handheld devices, pronounced Jeremy Behrens, an IT expert in Audubon, N.J.

First, see either your iPAQ has an trade underline from inside of the contacts program. An Excel record (.xls) would suffice, but a comma distant values (.csv) record would be even better, he said. A CSV record is a content record with each interpretation object distant by commas. Excel can review and edit CSV files, as can Notepad, in a pinch. And majority online e-mail programs such as Gmail will concede you to import a CSV file.

In fact, CSV should work on any new intelligent phone or online e-mail programs that embody contacts. "Get the hit list in to the CSV format, and it will be destiny proof," Behrens said.

He tracked down a integrate of pieces of module you can make use of to entrance the interpretation in an .stg file. ActiveSync Backup File Restorer is a free module that will concede you to remove or revive interpretation from your backup file. You can download it at tinyurl.com/activesyncgeeks.

If that doesnt work, Behrens suggests exporting your backup record utilizing a $20 module called EasyHelper. You can download the Contact + SMS Backup version at easyhelper.net.

As for a device that will sync with your PC, BlackBerries are an easy choice. You additionally can sync your iPhone with Outlook contacts, calendars and records utilizing iTunes.

Finally, it is value observant that zero digital is protected unless you follow the 3-2-1 rule, Behrens said.

Keep 3 copies of any critical file.

Store the files on dual opposite media types, such as a tough drive, DVD and/or online.

Store one duplicate off-site or online.

"Nothing digital is indeed protected unless the 3-2-1 order is followed," Behrens said.

A discerning sequel on digital recycling from a couple of columns back: James Mosieur of 911 Cell Phone Bank wrote to let me know that I had longed for an additional choice for repurposing old cell phones.

His classification collects and donates cell phones to comparison adults and smashed women by law coercion and shelters nationwide. Since 2004, 911 Cell Phone Bank has distributed scarcely 85,000 cell phones free.

Learn some-more or find a drop-off place in the Triangle at 911cellphonebank.org.

Send record questions to stumpthegeeks. Please embody your name, city and daytime phone number.

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