Using Built-in Storage

[robert_biggs]

I have had my Axim for a while now and can answer the question to one of my previous posts (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6013). Making a backup of RAM will fix the problem of losing registry files to applications installed in Built-in storage (ROM) after a hard reset. I have found that the registry files in RAM don't seem too crucial to the execution of the applications I have tried installing in ROM. The apps still ran fine after a hard reset wiped out my registry files. And once I restored my RAM from the backup file I created, I regained all the shortcuts and ability to remove the programs under "Settings". This has allowed me to use my Built-in Storage the same as regular RAM, essentially increasing my internal memory from 64MB to 86MB. :D I have put all my most crucial programs in ROM. That way if I ever crash, I still will be abe to use many of my programs. I keep with me a 32MB CF card solely as a backup disk of my applications, registry files, and important data that I store in RAM. I make regular backups of my PIM databases to Built-in Storage as well. This way a total memory loss is only a minor inconveniance.

I wanted to know: how do you other Axim owners use your built-in storage?

[Rirath]

Wow, unless you're storing something absolutely VITAL, I can't imagine going through all that work. A 32MB card just for backups? Backing files to ROM repeatedly? Why not just sync it and back it all up on the desktop? I mean sure, a hard reset may not bother you much now, but you're still losing the same amount of time in the long run as restoring the whole device.

[Kati Compton]

Wow, unless you're storing something absolutely VITAL, I can't imagine going through all that work. A 32MB card just for backups? Backing files to ROM repeatedly? Why not just sync it and back it all up on the desktop? I mean sure, a hard reset may not bother you much now, but you're still losing the same amount of time in the long run as restoring the whole device.

The issue there is what if the device requires a hard reset while you're away from the desktop (ie, on vacation).

[Rirath]

That would depend on a few things. Like if you could backup to a laptop or not. Besides, I could see backing everything up /before/ leaving on the vacation... but as a normal routine it would drive me insane.

[guinness]

Now that I have a working built-in storage area, I use it to store my themes (I get sick of looking at the same wallpaper quickly), I will probably use it to pack up my PIM info once I get back to my computer at school, but I don't trust it to run programs out of.

[robert_biggs]

Wow, unless you're storing something absolutely VITAL, I can't imagine going through all that work...Backing files to ROM repeatedly?

I actually had the misfortune of having to hard reset shortly after first setting up my Axim. :( It took me over an hour to re-setup my Axim with all my applications and settings. I wanted to be able to use the extra memory in ROM and not worry about losing the registeries if I ever had to hard reset again. I only had to backup the whole RAM once, and it only took a few minutes with the Backup application included with the Axim. If I ever have to hard reset again (anywhere in the world) I just restore my RAM from backup with one touch of my stylus and let ActiveSync fix the rest when I get back to my computer. No work for me at all! :D I backup the PIM databases (only) about once a week and it takes a whole 30 seconds, once again using the Axim's backup program.

A 32MB card just for backups?

I got the 32MB CF card for Christmas at the same time I got a 128MB CF card. So I really didn't have any other need for the card and it had just enough space for backing up my RAM. kati42 was right. The whole point of having a backup card is in case you're away from your computer (i.e.: traveling). Plus, backup files are much faster to create and restore using a memory card (takes minutes) compared to ActiveSync (which takes hours 8O ).

And no, unfortunately I don't have a laptop yet. :(

[Computer Ninja]

Guiness, I went to Tech for three years! Cool! I ended up transferring to Wayne State to finish up my CS degree!

[Kati Compton]

That would depend on a few things. Like if you could backup to a laptop or not. Besides, I could see backing everything up /before/ leaving on the vacation... but as a normal routine it would drive me insane.

Yes, but unless you're carrying the laptop you wouldn't be able to restore the backup until you returned from the vacation or business trip. Which could potentially be a big problem.