Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question?
Check out our FAQ topics to see if it's covered.
Bluetooth
Q. What's the biggest distance Bluetooth can send something from device to device?
A. The wireless range of Bluetooth communication depends on the class of the devices you're using. The maximum distance you can send something will depend on the device with the lowest class. Here's a quick guide:
Class I - maximum distance of 100 metres
Class II - maximum distance of 10 metres
Class III - very short distance (rarely used)
Q. Where are the files received via Bluetooth saved to?
A. Received files are saved into the My Documents folder on your phone.
Multimedia
Q. I want to use a sound file as a ringtone, so where should I put it?
A. Just save your sound file in the My Documents folder on your phone or on a storage card. To add an MP3 file to your phone you can copy it or set up a synchronization partnership between Windows Media Player and your phone using a USB cable. Then in Windows Media Player, click on the Now Playing list and select Sync List, then drag the songs you want across to the Sync List, click on Start Sync and the songs will be copied to your phone.
Once they're copied, go into File Explorer on your phone and find your music, then tap and hold the MP3 file you want and select "Set As Ringtone". Then select the ringtone under Phone Settings on your phone.
Q. Why can't my phone send pictures and videos?
A. There could be a few reasons why this might not work. First, make sure you've subscribed to the services and have a phone that is able to send pictures and videos. If this is all fine, then try reducing the size of the picture or video and send again.
Q. Can I use MP3 ringtones as SMS alerts?
A. No, sorry about that.
Internet
Q. Sometimes it says "G", "E", "U" or "H" at the top of my phone's display? Is there any way to remove it?
A. You can't remove it as it's telling you which connections are available at a certain time. Here's what each of the letters mean:
"G" - means that a data connection is available (GPRS)
"E" - means that a data connection is available (EDGE)
"U" - means that a 3G connection is available (UMTS)
"H" - means that a high speed data connection is available (HSDPA)
Q. How much does it cost to download information over GPRS/3G/HSDPA?
A. This depends on your subscription, so check that and then contact T-Mobile to ask about the charges and maybe talk about upgrading to a more suitable data plan.
Q. How do I keep a track of how much I'm using GPRS?
A. The best way to do this is to install Spb GPRS Monitor.
Q. Can I use my phone as a GPRS modem?
A. Yes, you can use your phone as a modem over GPRS to connect your PC via a USB cable.
For Windows Mobile 5 devices, you have to install the driver to let your PC detect your phone as a Vmodem and then use the default dial-up software bundled in the companion CD including driver.
For Windows Mobile 6 devices, connect your phone with a USB cable and before the synchronization starts, launch the Internet Sharing feature on your device (this is in the Comm Manager).
Q. How do I add a web page to my Favorites list?
A. This is simple, here's how to do it. On the Home screen, click Start > Internet Explorer. To go to the page you want to add, click Menu > Address Bar, enter the address, and click Go. Click Menu > Add to Favorites. You can then confirm or change the name and web page address. In Folder, select a folder for this favourite. Click Add and it's done.
WM5
Q: What is Memory Management in Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PCs?
ROM:
- All your data is stored in flash and this isn't erased if you run the battery of your Pocket PC completely flat. This is called persistent storage.
- The flash space in the Pocket PC is split between storage and ROM, so the amount of data or programs you install on your Pocket PC is limited by the amount of free storage (flash) on your device. Also note that the storage in flash is not compressed like it was in previous versions so you cannot store as much information.
RAM:
This is now dedicated to running programs. You should be aware that the 32MB size limitation for a single program still applies to Windows Mobile 5.0 applications. The memory management for programs still applies as well where the operating system gets rid of pages of programs that are no longer needed, which optimizes the use of ram in the system for other programs to use.
Q. When I'm using WinCE 5.0 and set personal mail at POP3 account in my PPC why does the POP3 account vanish if I reboot the unit within 5 minutes?
A. Sorry, this is a Microsoft Mobile 5.0 design limitation so there's nothing we can do about it.
Q. When I'm using WinCE 5.0 and making a call from my Contacts, the list jumps back to the first contact person in the list when I turn back to Today page then goes back to the contact list again. Why does this happen?
A. Sorry, this is a Microsoft Mobile 5.0 design limitation so there's nothing we can do about it.
Q. In WinCE 5.0 I want to choose multiple contacts in my contact list but can't seem to do it.
A. Sorry, this is a Microsoft Mobile 5.0 design limitation so there's nothing we can do about it.
SMS/Email
Q. I'm having trouble sending text messages.
A. This is probably because you're in an area that doesn't have very good network coverage. If it's not that, then you can search for a network manually and try again.
Q. Which email services can I use for my PDA?
A. Your phone supports POP3 and IMAP4 email formats. So you can use any network provider that supports these on your phone.
Q. What's the POP3 Protocol?
A. The POP3 protocol helps you download email messages to your phone. You can control whether the whole message is downloaded, or whether the messages are then deleted off your email server. And you can compose messages offline and send them. However, you can't synchronize your email directly with your mail server. In addition, POP3 doesn't support multiple folders so all your emails are received in the same folder.
Q. What is the IMAP4 Protocol?
A. The IMAP4 protocol gives you the ability to download emails to your phone. It lets you control whether your emails are synchronized with your mail server - for instance, you can choose to store emails in separate folders, and even select whether or not to synchronize a specific folder. You can even, if you wish, download mail one message at a time.
General
Q. How do I install CAB Files?
A. First you should copy the .CAB file to your phone using ActiveSync, then use File Explorer to find and click on the .CAB file to complete the installation.
Q. Can I use the same programs on my phone that I use on my desktop computer?
A. Phones with Windows Mobile on them use mobile versions of familiar Microsoft Office software. Then third-party software companies develop software for Windows Mobile powered phones that improve on this. Which means you can't use desktop versions of the software on your device.
Q. I've dropped my phone into my drink. What should I do?
A. If your phone has fallen into beer, water or any other liquid, here's what to do.
- Do not switch your phone on
- Take the battery out
- Send it to be repaired (this will be charged)
Q. How do I get my phone back to its default settings?
A. First you should back up your device information, then do a Hard Reset. The way to do this is different depending on your phone. So check your User Guide to find out how to it on your phone.
Q. How do I find my IMEI number?
A. The IMEI number is the International Mobile Equipment Identifier, and is printed somewhere near the battery - usually on the label underneath it, next to the SIM card slot. Otherwise you can get it in one of two other ways:
- Tap Start > Settings > System > Device information > Identity
- Tap Start > Phone. Tap *#06# and the IMEI will be displayed on screen
Q. My phone has turned off by itself. Why?
A. First you should check the power management setting - if this is correct, then it could be that your battery needs to be charged. If it's not that then it could be that your battery is defective.
Security
Q. I have forgotten my password. What can I do?
A. You'll need to do a Hard Reset. The way to do this is different from phone to phone, so check your User Guide to find out how to do it.
Q. I entered the wrong password during startup and now the device will not respond.
A. Every time someone enters a wrong password, the device takes longer and longer to respond until it seems that the device isn't responding. To sort this out, follow the instructions in the User Guide to clear the memory on the device (Clear Storage in Settings > System).
Q. My phone keeps asking me for a PUK. What does this mean?
A. PUK stands for 'Pin Unlock Code', and has to be entered if you've locked your SIM by repeatedly entering the wrong PIN code. You need to call T-Mobile and we'll give you a PUK code to unlock your SIM.
Q. How can I unlock the SIM card?
A. You might have entered the wrong PIN three times in a row. The SIM card can only be unlocked by T-Mobile or must be replaced.
Data/Backup
Q. How can I store data on my phone?
A. You can buy SD, miniSD or microSD cards, which are the standard way to store data on phones. But remember that every device is different, so check which card your device needs before you buy one.
Q. Do I need to back up?
A. Backing up is a great way to make sure that you won't lose all your important info. You can back up using ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Centre and you'll be able to restore your system back with everything it had when you did the back up. This includes the calendar, contacts and tasks, as well as the installed programs and My Documents.
Q. How do I back up all the data, preferences and settings on my PDA phone?
A. For PDA phones powered with Windows Mobile 5, there is no backup application built in. This means you'll need to store them to a memory card or use Activesync to copy data to your PC.
Q. How do I transfer data between devices?
A. There are a number of ways to do this:
- By Bluetooth: Get a Bluetooth connection on both devices and then send data from host to client
- By Infrared: get an infrared connection on both devices and then send data from host to client
- By memory card: Save data to memory card then transfer to another PPC
- By ActiveSync/Windows Mobile Device Centre: Sync data to PC, and then transfer to another device
Calls
Q. Why can't I get a signal on my phone?
A. There could be many reasons for this. Firstly make sure you've got your SIM card installed properly. Then check your phone isn't set to Flight Mode and that you're in a good signal area. If you're still having problems after this then soft reset your device. If this doesn't solve it, check the troubleshooting section.
Q. The person I am calling can't hear me when I'm on my headset
A. Try taking out and putting your headset back in, or see if another headset works. If this doesn't solve the problem then check the troubleshooting section.
Q. Can I make calls while I'm surfing the web?
A. If your phone is a 2G phone or a 3G phone and you use it in an area without 3G coverage, then GPRS is suspended when you make a call as you can't do both at the same time. But if your phone is 3G and you're in a 3G coverage area then making a call when surfing the net is fully supported.
Q. When I get a call from one of my contacts it sometimes shows their name, sometimes their name and number but mostly just their number. Why is this?
A. Your phone's default setting is to show the name and phone number that is listed in your contacts. But you can change this by going to Contact -> Tools -> Options and ticking the box called "Show contact names only" if you just want to see people's names when they phone.
Q. Is it possible to record phonecalls with my PDA phone?
A. Yes, the PDA phone can record with its built-in microphone. It records in mono, and the quality of the recording can be defined in the menu by going to Start > Settings > Input. To record a call, you need to dial the number first and then start the recorder - if you start the recorder before dialing it will turn off when you dial.
Q. Why can't I make or receive calls within my coverage area?
A. Here's a checklist to help you find out why this could be.
- Make sure your device isn't set to flight mode
- Make sure your device has a good signal
- Make sure your device's phone setting is right at settings > personal > service
Q. I can't get a signal, make voice calls or access personal information on my device
A. Check that your SIM card is properly installed in the device and that you haven't locked the SIM card by mistake.
Q. I can access my personal information on the device, but can't make or receive a voice call.
A. Check that the device's radio is turned on and not in Flight mode.
Q. While roaming, my device can't get a signal and I can't make any calls.
A. Check that your device allows roaming and that the phone lock is disabled.
Q. Is there a call timer?
A. Yes there is and you can find it in the Call History feature. Once you're in the Call History screen, click on the right soft key labelled "Menu" and choose the "Call Timers" option.
Synchronization
Q. Why can't I synchronize my device with the computer through a USB cable?
A. Check you've got Activesync (XP) or Windows Mobile Device Centre (Vista) installed. If it is installed, check the physical cable connection to see if it's plugged in properly. Then check the connection settings in Activesync - you have to enable the correct COM/USB port. If you're still unable to sync with your PC, please check your Activesync version 4.5 and your computer security software as firewalls can and do cause problems.
For more help, go to the Microsoft website: www.microsoft.com
Important Information about Windows Vista and your Windows Mobile Handsets
Microsoft Windows Mobile® Device Centre is the replacement for Microsoft® ActiveSync® on Windows Vista™.
To set up synchronization between your phone and PC:
- Connect your phone to your PC. Windows Mobile Device Centre configures itself and then opens.
- On the license agreement screen, click Accept.
- On the Windows Mobile Device Home screen, click set up your device.
Note - Choose Connect without setting up your device if you only want to transfer media files, check for updates, and explore your phone but not sync Outlook information.
Synchronizing information with your computer
- Select the information types that you want to synchronize, then click Next.
- Enter a device name for your phone and click Set Up.
When the wizard finishes, Windows Mobile Device Centre synchronizes your phone automatically. Notice that Outlook emails and other information will appear on your phone after synchronization.
To start and stop synchronization when using Windows Mobile Device Centre
- After connecting your phone to your PC, click Start > ActiveSync on your phone.
- Click Sync to start synchronization.
- To end synchronization before it completes, click Stop.