How to export files from an old HP iPAQ 110 to Windows 11 PC

[JanAdam]

My wife has a very old HP iPAQ 110 (with Windows Mobile OS). It is already 'on life support'.  She loves it but we need to save her files to other devices before it passes away. As far as i know, previously one could do it with ActiveSync, which was later replaced with Windows Mobile Device Centre (WMDC). The latter does not work on Win 11. 

I have several old PCs, including a laptop  (Win XP),  desktop (Win 7) and new desk and laptop both running Win 11. 

ActiveSync, which perhaps would run on XP, is no longer available, at least I could not find it. I am not sure if I can get WMDC that perhaps could be installed on Win 7, but it has also been discontinued. 

Any advice on how to recover and save data from the old iPAQ would be greatly appreciated.

And, my advice to all: do not procrastinate with moving your data from old gadgets to a save place without waiting as long as we did. 

Thanks, Jan

[TheOldMan]

I found some info on the subject

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/75639414/how-do-i-get-activesync-or-windows-mobile-device-center...

Also in that article, they mention the Juniper System site, which I also read thru.  According to that info, you can follow the article to get it working BUT it says that Windows Vista supports the transfer software natively, meaning it is built in.  If you cannot get the files on the systems you have, it might be wise to find a device with Vista installed, or install Vista on the WinXP PC or the Windows 7 PC.  Most PC's that can run Windows 7 can run a program from Vista, as they are very similar.

[JanAdam]

Thank you for your help and apologies for not replying right away. 

Trying to download and install Juniper software I got into another set of troubles, this time on my Acer Win 11 PC. May be that it was caused by me trying to install Windows Installer 3.5, when I already have latest version of the Instller ( I believe it was version 5.something) but am not sure and cannot check right now. The bottom line is that I cannot boot my PC as it gets into a loop of 'Diagnosing your PC' (in AutoRepair) where it churns for eternity. 

I will make a bootable flash drive on my laptop (also Win 11 gadget) to resurect the desk top PC and try again. I will let you know what the result is.

BTW: most of my wife's files are on a removable SD such that the main issue is with the Contacts on the internal memory of the iPAQ 110. I am not even sure if one can access that file.

Thanks againg, Jan

[TheOldMan]

If most of the files are on a SD card, then it should be simple to put the SD card in a card reader on a hosting PC, to see what is there.  Then those files can be copied and pasted to a folder on the hosting PC.

[JanAdam]

Thanks again TheOldMan,

I know of course how to get files from an SD. At the moment the iPAQ went to a back burner, as I am trying to fix my desktop. I have managed to boot it and once booted it works OK. The issue now is that it takes ages to boot and even longer to shut down. So I am spending hours on trying to find out what the problem is. Already done DISM image clean-up and health restore, SFC scannow, updated drivers and Windows, restored Bios defaults, all to avail. Slowly running out of ideas what to do next.

BTW, at 86 I am an old man too

Best, Jan

[TheOldMan]

Sorry to hear about the troubles.  This new problem, on the desktop, what model is that PC?  Is it also a HP?  If yes, what is the model number?  On the problems it is exhibiting, that sounds like either a failing hard drive or malware infections could be the cause.

Lets start with make and model of that PC.

FYI: you are a little older than me, but good for you to keep trying!!