Memory questions - Windows Mobile 2003 SE

The PIM data is stored in system databases that normally aren't accessible
to the user. Physically they do take up part of main memory though.

In file explorer you have the dropdown, MY Device, Everything you see that
is not in the Built-in-storage and Storage Card folders is in the main
memory. Some of that is memory you can access, some is not. You will see the
files in the user inaccessible ROM, the windows files the built in program
files, AND you will see the files you added. Most will be in My Documents
folder as that is the default location for files saved with the built in
programs.

--
Sven
MVP - Mobile Devices
"normc" <norm-c RemoveThis @socal.rr.com> wrote in message
news:agmlg.149226$F_3.60894@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...
> It appears that there are three different memory areas, where data can be
> saved by the user:
>
> 1. Storage portion of Main (Memory)
> 2. Built-In Storage
> 3. Storage Card
>
> Best I have been able to determine, Excel, Word, and Notes can be saved to
> any of the three. However, I have been unable to make the same
> determination for Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks. Is this correct, or have
> I missed something?
>
> Given that I've got it straight, where are the Calendar, Contacts, and
> Tasks saved?
>
> With File Explorer, I am able to view Built-in Storage and SD card, but I
> can't find any part of the Main Memory. Is this where Calendar, Contacts,
> and Tasks are saved?
>
> TIA
>

You can't relocate the PIM databases to non-RAM memory. That's a restriction
with the Windows Mob OS.



--


--
Werner "Menneisyys" Ruotsalainen - Microsoft MVP - Windows - Mobile Devices
Please see the Pocket PC Mag Expert Blog (including mine) at
http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/ - you will definitely like it.


"normc" <norm-c.TakeThisOut@socal.rr.com> wrote in message
news:agmlg.149226$F_3.60894@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...
> It appears that there are three different memory areas, where data can be
> saved by the user:
>
> 1. Storage portion of Main (Memory)
> 2. Built-In Storage
> 3. Storage Card
>
> Best I have been able to determine, Excel, Word, and Notes can be saved to
> any of the three. However, I have been unable to make the same
> determination for Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks. Is this correct, or have
> I missed something?
>
> Given that I've got it straight, where are the Calendar, Contacts, and
> Tasks saved?
>
> With File Explorer, I am able to view Built-in Storage and SD card, but I
> can't find any part of the Main Memory. Is this where Calendar, Contacts,
> and Tasks are saved?
>
> TIA
>

Werner "Menneisyys" Ruotsalainen [MVP - Windows - Mobile Devices] wrote:
> You can't relocate the PIM databases to non-RAM memory. That's a restriction
> with the Windows Mob OS.
>
>
>

Thanks.

PPC RAM? Never heard of it. Is it the same as what all the
documentation calls the Main Memory?

I presume it doesn't include the Built-In memory, since the latter is
included in the PDA as Storage Card Memory.

Or does the term RAM, used here, include all of the volatile memory?
What about ROM? Is there some of that on-board also?

Thanks again.

Werner "Menneisyys" Ruotsalainen [MVP - Windows - Mobile Devices] wrote:
> You can't relocate the PIM databases to non-RAM memory. That's a restriction
> with the Windows Mob OS.
>
>

Is this some kind of bug (or oversight)?

I find that I have the option to save pExcel, pWord, and Notes to my
memory card, but not Calendar or Tasks.

All 'n all this seems to imply that if I had originally had a memory
card, and saved to it, I wouldn't have been able to sync pExcel and
pWord files or my Notes.

IMHO, seems a bit illogical..... or I'm missing something, as often is
the case.

Nope, it's just trying to make the OS as simple as possible. This has
definite good sides (the kernel is small and can be made pretty bug free) -
and bad sides as well (inability to relocate built-in stuff anywhere else -
not just PIM, but also Messaging mail).




--
Werner "Menneisyys" Ruotsalainen - Microsoft MVP - Windows - Mobile Devices
Please see the Pocket PC Mag Expert Blog (including mine) at
http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/ - you will definitely like it.


"normc" <norm-c DeleteThis @socal.rr.com> wrote in message
news:cBtlg.149327$F_3.45694@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...
> Werner "Menneisyys" Ruotsalainen [MVP - Windows - Mobile Devices] wrote:
>> You can't relocate the PIM databases to non-RAM memory. That's a
>> restriction with the Windows Mob OS.
>>
>>
>
> Is this some kind of bug (or oversight)?
>
> I find that I have the option to save pExcel, pWord, and Notes to my
> memory card, but not Calendar or Tasks.
>
> All 'n all this seems to imply that if I had originally had a memory card,
> and saved to it, I wouldn't have been able to sync pExcel and pWord files
> or my Notes.
>
> IMHO, seems a bit illogical..... or I'm missing something, as often is the
> case.
>

Yup, RAM = Random Access Memory; in pre-WM5 devices, it also holds "static"
data and programs not installed to storage cards / built-in File Stores
(when available).

--


--
Werner "Menneisyys" Ruotsalainen - Microsoft MVP - Windows - Mobile Devices
Please see the Pocket PC Mag Expert Blog (including mine) at
http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/ - you will definitely like it.


"normc" <norm-c DeleteThis @socal.rr.com> wrote in message
news:Bfslg.46591$fb2.6624@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...
> Werner "Menneisyys" Ruotsalainen [MVP - Windows - Mobile Devices] wrote:
>> You can't relocate the PIM databases to non-RAM memory. That's a
>> restriction with the Windows Mob OS.
>>
>>
>>
>
> Thanks.
>
> PPC RAM? Never heard of it. Is it the same as what all the documentation
> calls the Main Memory?
>
> I presume it doesn't include the Built-In memory, since the latter is
> included in the PDA as Storage Card Memory.
>
> Or does the term RAM, used here, include all of the volatile memory? What
> about ROM? Is there some of that on-board also?
>
> Thanks again.

Werner "Menneisyys" Ruotsalainen [MVP - Windows - Mobile Devices] wrote:
> Yup, RAM = Random Access Memory; in pre-WM5 devices, it also holds "static"
> data and programs not installed to storage cards / built-in File Stores
> (when available).
>

I sure am anxious to get this straight.

I use pExcel, pWord, Calendar, Tasks, Notes, and Contacts. Even if one
of these apps allows saving data to the SD card, I won't be able to sync
any of the data to my desktop. Is this correct?

If so, for me, right off hand, the only 'things' that can be saved, and
used, on the SD card, are any newly installed apps, music, and photos.
Is this correct?

Thanks for your help.

The base answer is "no" with respect to _file_ syncing using activesync.

There are other options such as mightysync or using a card reader with a
pc filesync app.

All of the pim data (except notes) is stored in a hidden database in
main memory, so that's not an issue.

"Notes" reside as files on the ppc, and, yes, only those notes in main
memory will be synced.

following your posts and frustrations, would like to re-suggest you use
a "card reader" on your pc to manage it's content. We all want it to
work the way it seems to make sense, but focusing on the want detracts
from the possibles

In addition to addressing your issues, card readers are faster and much
more reliable. Further, syncing media files via activsync ranges from
misery to failure... sync the content directly to the card. see
http://bevhoward.com/YH-920.htm

Might also review the app install options such as cabinstal
http://BevHoward.com/bhhpj.htm#Cabs

hth,
Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]

Beverly Howard [Ms-MVP/MobileDev] wrote:
> The base answer is "no" with respect to _file_ syncing using activesync.
>
> There are other options such as mightysync or using a card reader with a
> pc filesync app.
>
> All of the pim data (except notes) is stored in a hidden database in
> main memory, so that's not an issue.
>
> "Notes" reside as files on the ppc, and, yes, only those notes in main
> memory will be synced.
>
> following your posts and frustrations, would like to re-suggest you use
> a "card reader" on your pc to manage it's content. We all want it to
> work the way it seems to make sense, but focusing on the want detracts
> from the possibles
>
> In addition to addressing your issues, card readers are faster and much
> more reliable. Further, syncing media files via activsync ranges from
> misery to failure... sync the content directly to the card. see
> http://bevhoward.com/YH-920.htm
>
> Might also review the app install options such as cabinstal
> http://BevHoward.com/bhhpj.htm#Cabs
>
> hth,
> Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]
>

Thanks, now it's beginning to sink in, except for one additional blind spot.

I have a memory card reader. I understand about using my SD card as I
choose and being able to back up the contents of the card to my desktop
computer.

But how can I use the data in my desktop applications - Outlook, Excel,
and Word? Aren't there some special conversions required for pExcel and
pWord files.

Is it possible, to import any, or all, of the data files to my desktop apps?

Thanks again.

>> Outlook, Excel, and Word? Aren't there some special conversions
required for pExcel and pWord files. <<

the general rule of thumb is to transfer and try... there are
conversions, but I have never had a problem opening word and excel files
which have not gone through any conversion... ironically, I have had
more problems trying to open files converted to pocket versions on pc's
that didn't have the ability to convert these files.

To that end, note that the pocket versions have the ability to "save as"
in desktop formats. tools/file/saveas

Now the cavaet... word and excel don't support "advanced" functions and
options of the desktop versions... so... when they are "converted," the
advanced features are "stripped..." not necessarily a problem on the
ppc, but when they are edited on the ppc, they will "sync back" or
"round trip" and erase the copy on the pc with a file devoid of these
features... be careful.

In a big advance made a couple of years ago, one of the two apps will
"warn" you when this happens... the other still doesn't ;-/

>> Is it possible, to import any, or all, of the data files to my
desktop apps? <<

It has been my experience that if you start with a desktop version (open
one generated on the pc or do the above "save as") no problems... if you
generate a new file or edit a synced file, there may be opening
problems. Take a look and see if the desktop apps have "pocket"
versions on the file type menu.

Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]