Set up and customize your phone |
| Your Windows Mobile phone has many configurable settings. Here's how you can configure them for your use.
These how-to instructions are for touch screen and non-touch screen phones with Windows Mobile 5. To find help and how-to for Windows Mobile 6 and later versions, go to the main Help & how-to section.
Not sure what type of phone or version of Windows Mobile you have? Identify your Windows Mobile phone. |
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 5.0 Touch Screen | 5.0 Non-Touch Screen |
| Passwords and certificates |
| Though it's best to keep your Windows Mobile device close by, there are times you may set it down and walk away. Find out how to improve your device security with the help on this page. |
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| | You can help protect your phone from unauthorized use by assigning a type of password called a PIN (personal identification number). Your wireless service provider will give you your first PIN. | From the Phone keypad, tap Menu > Options > Phone tab. Tap Require PIN when phone is used.
To change the PIN at any time, tap Change PIN.
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| Tip
Emergency calls can be placed at any time, without requiring a PIN. |
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Help protect your device with a password | You can help keep your data more secure by requiring a password every time the device is turned on. | Tap Start > Settings > Personal tab > Password. Select the Prompt if device unused for check box, and in the box to the right select how long your device must be turned off before a password is required. In the Password type box, select the type of password you would like to use. Enter the password and, if necessary, confirm the password. If your device is configured to connect to a network, use a strong password to help protect network security. On the Hint tab, enter a phrase that will help you remember your password, but doesn't allow others to guess your password. Tap OK. The next time the device is turned on, enter your password when prompted.
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| Important notesEach time a wrong password is entered, the time the device takes to respond will get longer and longer until the device appears to be not responding.
If you forget your password, you must follow the instructions in your owner's manual to clear memory before you can access your device. |
| | | Tap Start > Settings > Personal tab > Password. You will be prompted to enter your current password. In the Password box, enter your new password. On the Hint tab, enter a phrase that will help you remember your new password, but doesn't allow others to guess your password. Tap OK.
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| Overview | Your device may include a set of preinstalled certificates. Certificates are digital documents that are commonly used for authentication and exchange of information on networks. Certificates can be issued for a user, a device, or a service.
Personal certificates help establish your identity when you log on to a secured network, such as a corporate network. Root certificates help establish the identity of other computers, such as servers, with which you connect. This helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing your device and information. |
| | Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Certificates. Tap either the Personal or the Root tab, depending on the type of certificate you want to view. Tap the certificate you want to view.
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| Assign a ringtone to a contact | To easily identify who is calling you by the ringtone, you can assign a specific ringtone to each contact. | |
| | You can select a ringtone to notify you of incoming calls. |
| GSM phones: | From the Phone keypad, tap Menu > Options > Phone tab. In the Ring tone list, tap the sound you want to use.
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| CDMA phones: | From the Phone keypad, tap Menu > Options. In the Ringtone list, tap the sound you want to use.
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| Tip
To use custom .wav, .mid, or .wma files as ringtones, use ActiveSync on your PC to copy the file to the /Windows/Rings folder on your device. Then, select the sound from the Ringtone list. For more information on copying files to your device, see ActiveSync Help on your PC. |
| Add a custom background image | You can use one of your own pictures as the background image on the Today screen. Be aware that pictures can affect the readability of text on the Today screen. | Tap Start > Settings > Today. Select the Use this picture as the background check box and tap Browse to view a list of your picture files. Tap the file name of the picture you want to use. Tap OK.
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| Add a picture to contact information | | Tap Start > Contacts. Tap the contact. Tap Menu > Edit. Tap Picture. Do one of the following:
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| Remove a picture from contact information | | |
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Download and install ringtones | Your Pocket PC phone offers you a choice of built-in ringtones—but you may want to go beyond the standard ones provided with your phone and choose a ringtone that better reflects your personal tastes. To get you started, we're offering free ringtone packages, including rave, Motown, blues, hip-hop, techno, flamenco and new age musical ringtones.
To install the free ringtones on your device, first download our zip file to your PC and unzip it. Then take these steps: | Connect your Pocket PC phone to your PC with the USB cable. Open ActiveSync on your PC. Click the Explore button. Double-click My Windows Mobile-Based Device. Double-click Application Data. You will see a list of folders, one of which is Sounds. Using Windows Explorer on your PC, find the ringtones you downloaded and drag them into the Sounds folder in ActiveSync. Disconnect your Pocket PC phone. On your Pocket PC phone, press Start > Settings. Tap Phone. On the Ringtone dropdown menu, select the ringtone you want to use. If you wait a second or two after selecting to each choice, you'll hear what it sounds like. When you've found the ringtone you want, tap OK
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Customize your mobile device with a new Theme |
| Connect your mobile device to your computer using Microsoft ActiveSync. Once it is connected, double-click on the green circle on your task bar to open the Active Sync windows. (If the circle is gray, then it means that your device is not properly connected). Click the Explore icon in the ActiveSync windows. Here you can see the files and folders on your device. Copy your chosen HME/CAB file to you’re My Documents folder. You can also copy the file to the main directory of a storage card (not in a sub directory). Using the File Manager on your mobile device, locate and click the HME file to install.
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| All of the notes you create will appear in one long list by default. As you create more and more notes, you may decide that it's easier to find notes by organizing them in different folders. A Business folder and a Personal folder have already been created for you to use, but you can easily rename these folders, or create new folders and name them however you want. You can also sort by name, date, size, or type in any folder to quickly find a specific note you're looking for. If you frequently add drawings to your notes, you may find it helpful to set Writing as the default input mode. If you prefer typed text, select Typing. |
| Set the default input mode for notes | Tap Start > Programs > Notes. In the note list, tap Menu > Options. In the Default mode box, tap one of the following: Tap OK.
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| | You can easily create your own customized templates. | Tap Start > Programs > Notes. Create a note that you would like to save as a template. In the note list, select the new note and tap Menu > Rename/Move. In the Name box, enter a name for the new template. In the Folder list, select Templates. Tap OK to return to the note list.
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| Tip
You can also create a new template by copying and renaming an existing one. |
| | Writing must be selected as the default input mode. | Tap Start > Programs > Notes. In the note list, tap New. Write your text on the screen. When finished, tap OK to return to the note list.
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| Notes | To select handwritten text, tap and hold next to the writing. As soon as dots appear and before they form a complete circle, quickly drag across the writing. If a letter crosses three ruled lines, it is treated as a drawing rather than text.
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| Type a note | To enter typed text, use the on-screen keyboard or handwriting recognition software.
Important note: Typing must be selected as the default input mode. | Tap Start > Programs > Notes. In the note list, tap New. Tap the Input Selector arrow next to the input method icon on the menu bar, tap the input method you want, and enter your text. If the Input Selector arrow is not displayed, tap the input method icon. When finished, tap OK to return to the note list.
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| | | Tap Start > Programs > Notes. Select the note you want to copy. Tap Menu > Create Copy.
A copy of the note will appear in the note list.
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| | You can create a stand-alone recording voice note) or you can add a recording to a note. | Tap Start > Programs > Notes. Do one of the following: To create a stand-alone recording, record from the note list. To add a recording to a note, create or open a note.
If you do not see the Recording toolbar, tap Menu > View Recording Toolbar. Tap Record to begin recording. Hold your device's microphone near your mouth or other source of sound. Tap Stop when finished recording. When finished, tap OK to return to the note list.
If you are recording in an open note, an icon will appear in the note.
If you are creating a stand-alone recording, an icon will appear in the note list.
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| NoteTo play a recording, tap the Recording icon in the open note or tap the recording in the note list.
Tip
To quickly create a recording, press the RECORD hardware button. When you hear the beep, begin your recording. Release the button when you are finished. |
| | To draw on the screen, use the stylus like a pen.
Important note: Writing must be selected as the default input mode. | Tap Start > Programs > Notes. In the note list, tap New. Draw on the screen, crossing at least three ruled lines.
A selection box labeled Drawing appears around your drawing. When finished, tap OK to return to the note list.
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| Note
To select a drawing, tap and hold the drawing briefly. When you lift the stylus, the drawing is selected. |
| Convert a handwritten note to typed text | There may be times when you want to convert a handwritten note to typed text for easier readability. | Tap Start > Programs > Notes. Tap the written note you want to convert to text. Tap Menu > Tools > Recognize.
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| Tip
To correct a conversion, tap and hold the inaccurate word. Tap Alternates, and tap the correct word. If the correct word is not shown, use Input Panel to tap BACKSPACE and retype the word. |
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Maximize device performance |
| See how much memory is available | | |
| On the Main tab, the amount of memory allocated to file and data storage versus program storage is displayed, as well as the amount of memory in use versus the available memory. |
| See available storage card memory | You can see how much memory is available on a storage card that is inserted into your device. | |
| Tip
If you have more than one card inserted, tap the list box and then the storage card whose information you want to view. |
| | | Stop programs you are not currently using. Move e-mail attachments to a storage card. Move files to a storage card. Delete unnecessary files. Delete large files. In Internet Explorer Mobile, delete temporary Internet files and clear history information. Remove programs you no longer use. Soft Reset your device, as described in the owner's manual.
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| Tip
In most programs, you can also use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Q to close the program. |
| | Even when you tap the x in the corner of a program, it may still be running in the background, in case you want to pull it up again. To completely exit a program you may need to: | Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Memory > Running Programs tab. In the Running Programs list, tap the program you want to close, and tap Stop.
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| Tip
In most programs, you can also use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+Q to close the program. |
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| Move files to a storage card | | Tap Programs > File Explorer. Tap and hold the file, and tap Cut. Browse to the storage card folder and tap Edit > Paste.
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| | | | To find your largest files, tap Programs > Search. In the Type list, tap Larger than 64 KB, and tap Search.
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| | You can only remove programs that you installed. Programs that come with your device cannot be removed. | Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Remove Programs. In the Programs in storage memory list, select the program you want to remove, and tap Remove. Tap Yes. If another confirmation message appears, tap Yes again.
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| Make the battery last longer | How long your battery power lasts depends on battery type and how you use your device. Try the following to help preserve battery life: | Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Power.
On the Advanced tab, you can specify when your device turns off to conserve battery power.
For optimum conservation, specify 3 minutes or less. Use the AC adapter to plug your device into external power whenever possible, especially when using a CompactFlash card or when using a modem or other peripherals. Adjust the backlight settings.
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| Adjust the brightness of the backlight | If your device supports it, you can increase or decrease the brightness of the backlight. | |
| Set the backlight to dim after a time delay | If your device supports it, you can set the backlight to dim after a specific amount of time has elapsed. | Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Backlight. Tap the Battery power tab or the External power tab. Select the Turn off backlight if device is not used for check box, and specify the time delay.
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Install, find, and remove software |
| If you want to extend the usefulness of your device, you can add software from third-party companies who develop for Windows Mobile. Before you install the software, you’ll need to find out how much storage you have, decide where to store the application on your device, and lastly, find out how to remove the software if you no longer need it. |
| Check free storage available | | Tap Start > Settings. Tap the System tab. Tap Memory. Tap the Main tab to see how much storage is available on your main memory. To see how much storage is available on your storage cards, tap the Storage Card tab. Use the drop-down menu to select your available storage cards and view their available memory
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| Install software from the Internet | Connect your Windows Mobile powered device to your desktop computer with the sync cable. Browse online for the application you want to download. Click the button to download (after paying or whatever is required).
Note: When downloading executables (.exe), make sure your source is reliable. A dialog box of some type should open asking if you want to Open (Run) or Save the software. If you select Open (Run), the application will download, and if zipped, will require you to unzip the program. Navigate to the folder you unzipped or saved the file to and find the Setup file. Click on the Setup file.
Note: Every program downloads differently. In most cases, once you click on the download button and select Open or Run, you will go straight to step 6. The program will begin the install process. A dialog will open asking if you want to install the program to your device using the default application install directory. This is when you chose where to store the application on your device. I usually store all applications on a storage card. One exception: Today plug-ins. Most programs will let you know in advance if they need to be stored in the main storage on your device. To save the application to a storage card, click No at this screen. You'll see a drop-down menu. Click on the drop-down to see all your storage choices. Select the type of storage you want to use and have available. The installation will start. When it is complete, check your device to see if any further steps are required. Click OK.
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| | Find your software | From your device: | |
| From the drop-down menu at the top of the screen you can choose My Device or Storage Card. You can also tap on Menu > Show All Files to see all your applications and files. |
| Remove your software | From your device: | Tap Start > Settings. Tap the System tab. Tap Remove Programs. In the list of installed programs, select the program you want to remove. Tap Remove.
A warning message will appear to ask if you really want to remove the program. Tap Yes.
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| Remove ActiveSync from your desktop | Note: This procedure will uninstall programs from your desktop as well as your device. To remove programs from your device only, follow the instructions under "From your device." | Open ActiveSync. Click Tools. Select Add/Remove Programs.
You'll see a list of installed and available programs. Clear the check boxes for the programs that you want to uninstall. Click Remove to uninstall the programs from your desktop and your device.
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| Show the clock in all programs | In certain programs, the clock may not show in the title bar. You can choose to have the clock always show in the title bar. | Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Clock & Alarms. On the More tab, click to select the Display the clock on the title bar in all programs check box.
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| Set alarms | | Tap Start > Settings > System tab > Clock & Alarms > Alarms tab. Tap <Description> and enter a name for the alarm. Tap the day of the week for the alarm. You can select multiple days by tapping each desired day. Tap the time to open a clock and set the time for the alarm. Tap bell icon to specify the type of alarm you want. You can choose a flashing light, a single sound, a repeating sound, or vibration. If you choose to play a sound, tap the list next to the Play sound check box and tap the sound you want.
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| | Set the time and date for a different location | Note: During synchronization, the time on your device is updated with the time on your PC.
If you visit or communicate with someone in a particular time zone often, you can select it as your visiting time zone. | |
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Use passwords and lock your phone |
| | | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Security. Click Enable SIM PIN. Enter your PIN, and click Done.
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| Note
To cancel without enabling the SIM PIN, press HOME. |
| Change the SIM personal identification number | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Security. Click Change SIM PIN. In Old PIN, enter the current PIN. Enter and confirm the new PIN, and click Done.
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| | | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Security. Click Disable SIM PIN. Enter your PIN, and click Done.
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| | | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Security > Enable Phone Lock. In Lock phone after, select the amount of time for the phone to be inactive before automatically locking. Enter and confirm your password. Click Done.
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| | | | On the Home screen, click Unlock. Enter your password, and click Done.
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| | | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Security. Click Disable Phone Lock. Enter the password, and click Done.
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| Note
After you have selected the time delay and created a password, you can enable the phone lock from the Quick List, without having to configure these settings again. |
| | Locking the keypad turns off keypad functionality. This is a helpful feature if, for example, the phone is turned on and in your pocket, and you want to prevent accidental keypresses. | |
| NoteYou can still receive calls and make emergency calls when the keypad is locked.
Tip
Press POWER to display the Quick List, and click Key lock. |
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How to personalize your device |
| Assign a ringtone to a contact | To easily identify who is calling you by the ringtone, you can assign a specific ringtone to each contact. | |
| Specify the sound for an event | | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Sounds Under an event, click a sound. Click None if you don't want to hear a sound. Repeat for each event, and click Done.
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| NoteFor ringtones, you can use sounds in.wav, .mid, or .wma file format. For notifications or reminders, you can use .wav, or .mid. Tip
When you select a sound, the sound plays. To hear it again, select Menu > Play. |
| Add a picture to contact information | | |
| Remove a picture from contact information | | |
| Change the Home screen appearance | | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Home Screen. Under Home screen layout, Color scheme, and Background image, select the options you want, and then click Done.
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| Add a custom Home screen background image | | Connect the phone to your PC. On your PC, copy the image file you want. The file format must be .gif, .jpg, or .bmp. In ActiveSync on your PC, click Explore, and then double-click My Windows Mobile device. Double-click Application Data, double-click Home, and then paste the image into that folder.
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| Note
For best results, use images with the same screen resolution as your phone's screen resolution, either 240 x 320 pixels or 176 x 200 pixels, depending on the phone. |
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Download and install new ringtones | Your smartphone offers you a choice of built-in ringtones—but you may want to go beyond the standard ones provided with your phone and choose a ringtone that better reflects your personal tastes. To get you started, we're offering free ringtone packages, including rave, Motown, blues, hip-hop, techno, flamenco and new age musical ringtones.
To install the free ringtones on your device, first download our zip file to your PC and unzip it. Then take these steps: |
| Connect your smartphone to your PC with the USB cable. Open ActiveSync on your PC. Click the Explore button. Double-click My Windows Mobile-Based Device. Double-click Application Data. You will see a list of folders, one of which is Sounds. Using Windows Explorer on your PC, find the ringtones you downloaded and drag them into the Sounds folder in ActiveSync. Disconnect your smartphone. On your smartphone, press Start > Settings. Select Sounds. Under Ringtone, use the left and right navigation keys (next to the Center Joystick) to scroll to the ringtone you want. If you wait a second or two after scrolling to each choice, you'll hear what it sounds like. When you've found the ringtone you want, press the Done soft key.
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Customize your mobile device with a new Theme |
| Connect your mobile device to your computer using Microsoft ActiveSync. Once it is connected, double-click on the green circle on your task bar to open the Active Sync windows. If the circle is gray, then it means that your device is not properly connected). Click on the Explore icon in the ActiveSync windows. Here you can see the files and folders on your device. Copy your chosen HME/CAB file to your My Documents folder. You can also copy the file to the main directory of a storage card (not in a sub directory). Using the File Manager on your mobile device, locate and click the HME file to install.
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| Change the Home screen appearance | | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Home Screen. Under Home screen layout, Color scheme, and Background image, select the options you want, and click Done.
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| Change the system font size | | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Accessibility. Select System font size to set the size of the font that is displayed on the screen. Click Done.
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| Specify the idle time before the Home screen appears | On the Home screen, click Start > Settings > Home Screen. In Time out, select the amount of time for the phone to be idle before the Home screen automatically appears, and click Done.
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What do those status icons indicate? |
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Add a custom Home screen background image |
| Connect your mobile device to your computer using Microsoft ActiveSync. Once it is connected, double-click on the green circle on your task bar to open the Active Sync windows. If the circle is gray, then it means that your device is not properly connected). Click the Explore icon in the ActiveSync windows. Here you can see the files and folders on your device. Copy your chosen wallpaper image file to your My Documents folder. The file format must be .gif, .jpg, or .bmp. You can also copy the file to a storage card. Using the File Manager on your mobile device, locate and click the image file to open. Click the Menu button and select Use as Home Screen. Select the display area using the joystick or stylus and click the Next button. Adjust the amount of transparency using the joystick or stylus and click the Finish button to return to the Home screen.
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