Screen burnt, Almost dead XDA EXEC - help required obtaining phone contacts. - JASJAR, XDA Exec, MDA Pro General

Right where do we start with this tragedy of a phone...
I basically need to retrieve my contacts from the phone, but unfortunately my screen has busted, and I can see very little of anything on the screen, I can just about decipher some words, and I basically need a way to "blindly" transfer contact details from the phone to a PC or another phone.
The methods I can think of are: Synching
I have tried an Active Synch connection but it hangs on the "Synchronising" stage. Another issue with the phone is the radio stopped working, so it was just a glorified personal organiser...So not sure if I need to enter anything on the PDA - as I can't see much of the screen.
Transfer each contact one by one:
My right hand hard key is "contacts" so I can enter my contacts screen. and therefore I know I am ON my contacts page, and I know clicking the right hand menu also gives me the context sensitive menu - but I CAN'T SEE IT, or very little, I can just about make out SOME options. So could someone go through what all the key presses would be required to either send via bluetooth - no doubt bluetooth is not on, and need to be able to "blindly" turn bluetooth on?
Or create a "Vcard"/business card? I think this is saved somewhere, which I can then access from synching and using my PC Window XP "explorer" to view the vcard from my PC. I am able to "sync" to view the folders from my PC, but not use the "Sync" to synchronise contacts, etc.
Can someone PLEASE PLEASE have a look at their XDA EXEC and figure out what key presses are required to save one contact person's details. I should be able to repeat the process for the rest.
Your patience and time is most appreciated.
Cheers,
Kasam

Edit 2: Is there a way to copy all contacts to a SIM card? I'm trying SIM Manager now, but I only seem to be able to go from SIM to phone. :/

Any ideas guys?
Another idea I had was if someone had a screen print software? And could send some print screens of the contacts menu with the options available?
Can't see how else to do this
If someone could be kind enough to contact me on abulkasam AT hotmail DOT com. most appreciated.

Can you install soft?
http://www.pocketvnc.com/projects/pocketvnc/index.php
Install that, and then try connecting to it from a VNC client on your pc...
Theoretically it should provide you full access to your pda desktop... using a window on your pc.
No guarantees here as i haven't actually tested it, just googled for Windows Mobile VNC Server

I managed to copy the PIM.VOL file over from the phone via Windows Explorer (on windows XP). So now that I have that file, can I copy it to a replacement XDA EXEC? Or does anyone know if I can open the file in any other way?
Many thanks.
Also unlikely I can "see anything" to install, unless someone can provide key presses for installation...
I can place files on to the pda through Windows pocket pc synch etc.

abulkasam said:
I managed to copy the PIM.VOL file over from the phone via Windows Explorer (on windows XP). So now that I have that file, can I copy it to a replacement XDA EXEC? Or does anyone know if I can open the file in any other way?
Many thanks.
Also unlikely I can "see anything" to install, unless someone can provide key presses for installation...
I can place files on to the pda through Windows pocket pc synch etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will hit problems if you copy the file to another PDA. You can use an emulator to read the PIM file using XP - you will need to install some stuff though - see here:
Mobile Emulator for XP: (Or use visual studio 2005)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
Related threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1285640
Mike

That emulator is pretty cool. Managed to view my contacts on the emulator, but you can't send across contacts. So found some freeware to install on to emulator that saves contacts as CSV files, html etc. However does anyone know of a way of saving all the contacts in the business card format that keeps things like the "picture" associated with contacts? It stays when you beam a file, or send it as business card in any other form. It's not available on the emulator, so any program that replicates this?
I had issues synchronising the contacts with the emulator to activesynch. I used the "cradle" which lets Activesynch see it, but then it fails on the synchronization. Does anyone have any solution?
Many thanks for all your help.

Related

alternative way to backup contacts?

Hi
Just got this thing the other day (O2 XDA Mini S) and am pulling my hair out with ActiveSync. A google and a look round these forums convinces me I'm not alone.
I'm now at the point where notes will sync, but Contacts and Calendar will not. This appears to be most likely because I'm not using an Exchange Server.
I give in. Can anyone advise whether this some alternative to ActiveSync that I can use to back up my contacts list? I'd hate to have to do it all over again.
I have a memory card, so adding software from that is no problem if necessary.
Thanks
You can try the backup tool Sunnysoft
in advanced mode is an option Backup PIM databases
lansalot said:
I'm now at the point where notes will sync, but Contacts and Calendar will not. This appears to be most likely because I'm not using an Exchange Server.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you just trying to sync with your pc over the usb link? You don't need Exchange Server for that - it sync's with Outlook directly. Have you set up what information you want to sync in ActiveSync's Tools->options?
Another possibility for not syncing is any firewall you are running - although, if it was that, you wouldn't even get Notes to sync.
John
yup
Thanks for that John, yep I've done all I can see that I need to do. Missing Exchange was about the only thing left I could think of. I think I might uninstall Outlook and reinstall it to see if that helps. Though I *hate* having to install that POS just so I can backup some settings !
Perhaps there's somewhere within the phone that will export the various settings somewhere. Or perhaps I should dig out VS2005 and attempt to write one myself. Backing up to storage card would be the best option I think, and from a look around the .net mobile CF, it would appear to be pretty well supported.
And I had to disable Zonealarm despite having all the appropriate configurations set up to allow it. I even put 169.254.x.x in the trusted zone, to no avail.
ActiveSync is a shocking piece of software - and I know from owning other phones that there's things like MobiExplorer and MobiManager that tends to work much better than the usual manufacturer-supplied stuff.
Chak, thanks for the lead with SunnySoft.
Copy the pim.vol file from the root directory of the device. This contains all your pim info (contacts, call history, tasks, calendar). You can't really make anything out of it if you try to view it, but when you hard reset, you can just overwrite the new one and soft reset to restore everything. I copy mine to my storage card every time i add something new that has to do with pim stuff.
guttrhead said:
Copy the pim.vol file from the root directory of the device. This contains all your pim info (contacts, call history, tasks, calendar). You can't really make anything out of it if you try to view it, but when you hard reset, you can just overwrite the new one and soft reset to restore everything. I copy mine to my storage card every time i add something new that has to do with pim stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my case, pim.vol file is protected, so copying & replacing it after hard reset does not work. i have other workaround for backuping contacts (as my activesync with outlook simply does not work) - each contact via irda to computer. it saves contact as .vcf file that you can send to wizard back again after hard reset.
Try using total commander to get to the file.
I yust transfered the file via email inside my home WLan to the PC.....
Hey, is this a common problem for HTC devices or Windows mobile in general?
I just started searching because my calendar won't sync. (3 palm devices and 3 pda's later, I have 1,400+ contacts.)
Are there any workarounds that anyone knows?
I tried setting up the sync settings whilst the device was disconnected, but the calendar entry just disappears when I re-connect.
-Worried of Sheffield.
thanks
Thanks eva_d, I had already hit on the idea of bluetoothing all my contacts over (thankfully, there's not that many) from my nokia 6600. Luckily, the XDA didn't require my SIM to be in it during the transfer. It even took over the mini pictures I had for some of the contacts, quite smart.
But it would be some chore with more than the couple dozen I had.
I'm reading up on the windowsmobile classes in dotnet, I reckon the answer would lie in there somewhere. Writing an app in VS to back things up to some funky open format would be the ideal, even if it does just drop a directory full of VCF files for example.
Once I'm sure VS2005 is installed and working correctly (http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=41155), I'll throw some serious effort at it.
Re: thanks
lansalot said:
Thanks eva_d, I had already hit on the idea of bluetoothing all my contacts over (thankfully, there's not that many) from my nokia 6600. Luckily, the XDA didn't require my SIM to be in it during the transfer. It even took over the mini pictures I had for some of the contacts, quite smart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
copying contacts to other handset is bit risky, because various producers are using various interpretation of .vcf file format. for instance, when i copy contact from siemens s65 to wizard, email field is always ripped off the contact and polish national characters are also absent. copying contacts to computer via irda is quite safe, however personal ringtones assigned to contact and voice dials are sacrified. all other data within a contact are still present, including contact picture.
A bit more info on the missing calendar link:-
I have one laptop using activesync V.4.1 this was where i first discovered the problem.
Just tried laptop #2 running a/sync v.3.7.1 which has an older copy of my appointments in outlook. Calendar doesn't sync to this either, so it must be something inside the MDA.
Tried to search microsoft support to find a solution, but no entries found. This seems to indicate that it is a HTC issue. I had a MDA Pro briefly sync-ed up which worked Ok. The problems are with my MDA compact running WM2003.
pim.vol not only saves the contact but also the assigned ringtone and pic. only way to do it is copy to storage card.
then after hard reset it won't let you overwrite the new one but if you rename it to pim.vol.old it lets you do that. then you can overwrite it.
laich71 said:
pim.vol not only saves the contact but also the assigned ringtone and pic. only way to do it is copy to storage card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
contact pictures are NOT saved in pim.vol. when i restore contacts via irda from .vcf files on my laptop, pictures are already there.
I know this thread has moved on a bit, but I've just got my calendar to sync. again and I'm soooo relieved!
Take a look at this forum to find out how:-
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.pocketpc.activesync
Look at 'Cannot get calendar to sycnhronise' and the second reply.
Backing up the Contacts with Mail2Web Live Mail Service
I basically use the mail2web live mail service, and use its exchange server as the server source in Activesync. I only choose synching Contacts with this server (but you can choose others).
This way, all my contacts are always up to date in mail2web servers, and even if I need to hard reset, I can reget all of my contacts back very quickly.
Highly recommended...
Fast
please use the search PLEASE! ....search for PPCBckpContacts.exe
damn it!

Transfer Contact Book from P990 to Vodafone 1605 (TyTN)

PLEASE HELP!!!
I need to transfer my complete contact list from my P990 to my Vodafone 1605 PDA. Can anyone tell me the easiest way to do this? Have iSync on my Mac and have installed the provided Sync Software for the Tytn on my PC but need to transfer over 700 contacts to the TyTn and don't know where to start [email protected]
Any help you guys can give would be most appreciated!!
Hi Cyrus,
It would be really easy if you have the facility to sync both your P990 and TyTN to a PC. However your post indicates you are using a Mac so I think the best way here is to use SyncML.
1. Install the attached program as per the install guide in the .ZIP.
2. Goto https://www.mobical.net/mobical/main/ and register free for an account.
3. Download (or sent) the login settings from Mobical to your P990.
4. Manually enter the login settings from Mobical to your TyTN.
5. Sync your P990 to Mobical. This can include Contacts, Calendar, notes etc...
6. Sync your TyTN with Mobical and you should have all your Contacts, Calendar, notes etc...
I've used this in the past for various phones and it works. You will need GPRS/3G data access on the P990 and the TyTN should be able to Sync over GPRS/3G and WiFi.
Gav.
I am really sorry if I am being thick here...
Thanks for the post Gavin.... You said it would be easier if I could Sync my P990 with my PC.
1) Well that got me thinking and I have managed to Sync my Contact book into Outlook express on My PC.
2) I then exported it as a .WAB file which I managed to upload onto the 1605.
3) I can find the file when I explore my device but when I click on it the device comes up with an error saying it can't recognize what application created the file and to go to the application and open it from there.
4) When I go to the Contacts screen I can't find a "File Open" menu anywhere.
I feel like I am 95% of the way there if I can just import this file into contacts
- Any suggestions?
CyrusJH said:
2) I then exported it as a .WAB file which I managed to upload onto the 1605.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will, unfortunately, not help. After you got your data onto the PC, you need to sync the PDA with the PC. For that, you need ActiveSync, available for free at the Microsoft web site or on the CD that came with your PDA . I am not sure if it also works with Outlook Express or only with the "big" Outlook. But Outlook should also be on the same CD that came with your PDA.
Cheers
Daniel
Hi Cyrus,
Daniel is right. You need to use ActiveSync with Outlook (not Outlook Express) to sync properly.
I've heard of other Sync programs about:
Look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=279925&highlight=sync
and here: http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=3776&associateid=17
Gavin.

sync contact list without outlook

hi, i wish to sync my contact list to my computer without using outlook, im looking for a software look like palm desktop... any 1 have idea???
ahsin said:
hi, i wish to sync my contact list to my computer without using outlook, im looking for a software look like palm desktop... any 1 have idea???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because or requirements at my job, we don't use Outlook. We use SyncML to sync contacts and calendar events with our internal server. Really nice being able to sync without hooking ot a computer and anyplace you have GPRS / WiFi access.
Here's a post where I put some info and links about it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1159992&postcount=4
i need an exactly same like palm desktop to sync my contact and calender when sync with usb cable
zzzzzzzzzzzz
any 1 have third party software that can sync contact to desktop to view and edit??
i have try uninstall outlook 2003 and activesync 4.5 many time, and the result remain the same
I have had the ActiveSync problem since 10/2006 and have not found a resolution yet. I have posted on this forum, tried all suggestions and tried everything except a Hard Reset. I still cannot get my Desktop or Laptop to recognize my MDA via ActiveSync even though my Desktop and Laptop recognize my MDA. I have asked for 3rd party software to update my Outlook address book and calendar and have not found anything. I have even asked if there is software to update/change the MDA PIM.VOL file via a desktop or laptop. Still no luck. I have researched this out and checked all possible sites. NO LUCK. I still have not given up. I continue to look daily for a solution other than a Hard Reset.
So, you are not alone. There are many of us out there. ActiveSync is a very poor application. Maybe someday we will find something to use instead of AS. The only think that is missing in the AS is the last 'S'.
Hey friends,
I dont know if this reply is useful for you. I am so new to this forum. I am using a Motorola Mpx220, but gonna get my Cingular 8125 within a couple of days. Anyways, when I was syncing my Mpx, I had the same problem. The solution I found out was(after a long research), while the phone is still connected to the computer, go to Start -> Accessories -> Modem link. In that "USB" connection, make it active and then deactivate. As soon as you do this your active sync will detect the phone and it will sync smoothly.
I have no idea why is it happening like this nor I dont know if it works with MDA coz my Mpx220 is running on WM 2003 SE. I can only check WM 5 after I get my 8125. If this reply help you guys in anyways, please let me know.
Thanks mates.....
Jish
So there is no third party "phone manager" like for example Oxygen Phone Manager for Symbian phones ?
Contacts backup without outlook
Try " Jeyo Mobile Companion" . Google for it. It can save the contacts + call log as well as SMS on your comp. You can restore/ update the it any time It doesnt sync though. Just use it for back up purposes. Very hand. You still need to connect that phone to the comp. and AS to recognize your device.
Trust this helps
I assume that I can backup my PIM.VOL file on my 2Gb Storage Card. I have not had to reinstall the PIM.VOL file so I don't know if it really will work. However, I still would like to find an application that will allow me to update/change my Contacts and Calendar without using ActiveSync. Bottom line, why can't we find something that can do this without using AS since we are having problems on using AS? I have used Palms since day 1 and other things without as much problems as AS.
asctony said:
I assume that I can backup my PIM.VOL file on my 2Gb Storage Card. I have not had to reinstall the PIM.VOL file so I don't know if it really will work. However, I still would like to find an application that will allow me to update/change my Contacts and Calendar without using ActiveSync. Bottom line, why can't we find something that can do this without using AS since we are having problems on using AS? I have used Palms since day 1 and other things without as much problems as AS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
asctony,
AFAIK, you still need AS to connect the PPC to any PC ( I cud be wrong). What you can do is to set AS not to sync your contacts and others and use another 3p software to update / modify contatcts. The prog - Jeyo mobile companion does just that + back up your SMS too. Which is very crucial, in many cases as they cannot be backed up through the regular way.

Help Cant Unlock Keybord

The touch screen don't work,but i have locked keybord.Now i can't unlock without hard reset or new rom???i have some message and contact how can i make back up.or any body know where is the message saved in WIndows folder?
a) install a new digitiser - this doesn't need a hard reset and can be easy to do. Just read the repair manual to see how to dissasmble.
b) install my mobiler from your pc, onto your phone. You will be able to control your phone via your pc, you can then turn locking off for the time being if you are happy to do so.
b2) if you do b, then you can install a program called pim backup. This will save all your texts and contacts and messages. Alternatively, get microsoft myphone which will sync it all to a live account, and you can then pull this info onto any windows mobile phone. You could also activesync it to google, this will only get your contacts from what I remember, but it will also mean you can backup to google, so can then pull into another winmo phone, or an android phone.
I hope this helps!

[Q] Contacts file/folder

Hey, im new to this site and i just had my HTC HD2 go completely unresponsive. The touch screen doesnt work, and i have contacts that i inputed and did not copy to my SIM card as a back up. My question is, does anyone know where this folder/file is located on the phone? i have access to my phone via my computer but it won sync my contacts with outlook. im trying to get these numbers before i have to return my phone back to TMO for the HD7 they are sending me. any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
contacts
no one knows how to do this? any help is greatly appreciated thanks
For contacts you want the pim.vol file found in devices root memory.
Few threads on this if you do a search.
I have used WM device emulator to load a pim.vol before & then use apropriate tools to export to CSV or what ever format you require to import to other devices/applications.
You can also try using MyMobiler (link in my Sig) & perhaps try waking your device up without using endcall key can help work around unresponsive screen issues ...

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