Windows Mobile File Recovery

Use file recovery software to keep data safe from unintentional loss

The Windows Mobile operating system powers a wide variety of PDAs, smartphones and other devices. Recovering files on a Windows Mobile device first requires creating backups, a task handled by software from Microsoft of other vendors.

ActiveSync

ActivSync, available for users of Windows XP and earlier, includes a restore feature for file recovery. Click the "Backup/Restore" button to access backup procedures and return to the same menu after data loss to recover the backed up files.

Windows Mobile Device Manger

Windows Mobile Device Manger replaced ActiveSync for use with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Click on "Mobile Device Settings" and choose "Backup and Restore," then switch to the Backup tab to make a duplicate of important data. To recover the information later use the "Restore Now" button in the Backup tab.

Third Party File Recovery

Some non-Microsoft software also offers file recovery features. The commercial program Sprite Backup creates self-extracting restore files that don't require use of the host program. PIM Backup offers a free alternative to Microsoft software, with similar features.

References

• Microsoft Technet: Windows Vista Mobile Device Center Step by Step Guide
• Microsoft Support: Backup and Restore Options that are Available Through ActiveSync

Resources

• Dotfred: PIM Backup
• Sprite Mobile: Sprite Backup