You can back up the programs, files, and data from your CE device to your desktop system using ActiveSync. You should do this frequently (or even daily if you're a heavy user), to ensure you'll always be able to recover vital data when you need it. To start the backup process, make sure your CE device is connected to ActiveSync (tap Start, Programs, Communication, PC Link in CE, if needed). Then, choose Tools, Backup/Restore in the ActiveSync window. The Backup/Restore dialog box opens.

The first time you back up information, click the Full Backup option button to select it and back up all the device information. If you've previously backed up the device, you can choose Incremental Backup to back up only information that's changed since you last backed up.

ActiveSync suggests a file name for the backup in the Back Up To This File text box. You can choose an alternate name and location for the backup file. To do so, click the Change button, use the Select Backup Set dialog box (shown here) to make the needed changes, then click Save to return to the Backup/Restore dialog box.

Before you make the backup file, you can turn on a feature that backs up your CE device each time it connects with your PC. To enable this option, click the Automatically Back Up Each Time the Device Connects check box.

Click the Back Up Now button to save the backup file with the designated name and location. The Backup In Progress dialog box keeps you posted on the backup process. Do not use or disconnect the CE device during the backup. For a full backup, the backup process may take 15 minutes or more, especially if you've made a number of voice recordings.

A Backup Complete dialog box appears to inform you when the backup finishes. Click OK to close the dialog box. You can then disconnect the device and shut ActiveSync, if you prefer.