Become the master of your mobile with phone-syncing software. Here's how to backup data sch as contacts and messages from your phone onto your computer without paying your carrier.
| Step 1: Getting started | Step 5: Pictures and video |
| Step 2: Install the software | Step 6: MP3s and audio |
| Step 3: Contacts and calendar | Step 7: File manager |
| Step 4: Messaging |
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Step 1: Getting started
Though their primary use will always be to make calls, mobile phones have become much more than simple communication devices. Using a single handset, you can take pictures, shoot videos, organise your contacts and daily calendar, send and receive messages, and play music. But managing those extra features can be a challenge. For example, after you take a photo with your camera phone, it doesn't do a whole lot of good until you can get it off your phone and onto your computer. Of course, you can always send multimedia messages through your carrier's data service, but that can be expensive if you're a frequent shutterbug. On the flip side, while using your phone's organiser won't cost money, inputting your information on a standard phone keypad is time-consuming and tedious.
A syncing feeling
Fortunately, there's a solution to your phone data doldrums. With mobile phone-syncing software, you become the master of all that's on your phone by syncing your mobile directly to your PC (some applications also work with Macs). You can transfer pictures, messages, contacts, and ring tones from your phone to your computer, edit them on your PC using the software, then transfer them back to your phone. And best of all, while you have to buy the software, it's just a onetime fee, and you don't have to involve your carrier on an ongoing basis to use it. It should be noted that there are also some free applications and some options from handset manufacturers, but they are not as feature-laden.
What you'll need
Several different brands of mobile phone-syncing software exist. For this article, we're using Mobile Action's Handset Manager 9, as it offers a simple interface and a wealth of features. You don't have to use Mobile Action's product, but whichever software you choose, it's important to make absolutely sure that it's compatible with your mobile phone. And not only does the phone compatibility of each product vary, all of the features won't be usable with every phone. Without proper research, you'll wind up with a worthless CD. For this guide, we're using a Sony Ericsson S710a.
Editor's note: The S710 is sold in North America. It is very similar to the Sony Ericsson S700i sold in international markets, including Australia.
Once you make the choice, you'll get everything you need in the box. Most products use a simple USB cable connection, but here again, make sure you're buying the cable that is meant for your phone. Some options such as Susteen's Data Pilot Universal kit come with multiple connectors, but that's probably over the top if you rely on one trusty phone. Alternatively, though some versions of Handset Manager utilise a Bluetooth or USB link, we prefer using a USB cable for the most reliable connection.
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ahmedkhe
16/01/2007 08:52 PM
i think it is good
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aaaaa
02/02/2007 10:49 PM
thank you
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jcheda
07/02/2007 03:33 AM
good
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Raghavendra
09/02/2007 10:57 PM
Can Anyone tell me what does Bluetooth USB Adapter [MA-720] mean?? Is it different from the ordinary bluetooth dongle? I tried installing this handset manager, but while installation it doesnot accept the bluetooth dongle, instead it asks me to plug in 'Bluetooth USB Adapter MA-720.
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sourav
07/03/2007 10:38 PM
good
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chelsea
23/04/2007 10:16 AM
i bought a chocolate phone from bell, with no cd attachment. so how the hell do i upload it if my computer doesnt recognize the software?
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faruk_dedeman
31/05/2007 05:45 PM
good
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ganaa
11/06/2007 12:26 AM
good
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help
21/06/2007 12:40 AM
i have a usb cable for my phone but everytime i put it in it also asks for ma-720 and i dont want bluetooth things...also when i install it my PC goes "camera not found" how come?
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hotcalsun
24/06/2007 07:29 AM
I use P2K Commander, a USB 2.0 cable, and this guide which helped me: http://www.somelifeblog.com/2007/02/motorola-v3-razr-transfer-pictures-step.html
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???
18/07/2007 10:26 PM
It makes no sence at all.
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Eskay
21/07/2007 02:13 PM
Please ,which softwares do i install on my computer to music to my mobile phone and how do i do these.Thank you.
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wendytop
25/07/2007 06:43 PM
How to download images from mobile phone to the computer?
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Cherie
05/08/2007 03:26 PM
well im trying to connect the USB to my computer... and it 'SAYS' that its readyy to use... but thing is.. I cant find how to put things on it... there is noo sign of a folder for the Phone... and it relly not in the computerm documents... i am SO lost =/
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~~Yah Yah~~
05/09/2007 10:49 AM
I have a motorola sync fone and i lost my manual so right now im so frickin pissed and i want these songs so bad so help me
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chloe.angela@optusnet.com
18/09/2007 04:04 PM
i have a nokia 6085 and i just bought a USB data cable to connect to my computer. i want my phone to transfer the images on my computer so i can put them on to bebo. This is really starting to get on my nerves!!! because i followed all the instructions and i can't seem to get it! ive also installed the USB cable so my computer can recognise it. now can someone please tell me what the hell do i do to put my friggin'; photos on my computer. this is urgent please im open to any suggestions
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-x-beth-sut-07-x-
26/09/2007 12:59 AM
i have got a motorola c975 and i dont know how to put misic on it
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swapneel
03/10/2007 05:41 PM
wud like to exlpore was effective the software is
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gb15
03/10/2007 08:41 PM
Am I correct in assuming that this set up will limit the syncronisation between the phone to a specific computer? It would be a lot better if you could sync it to an online profile so that you could hook up to any computer and maybe sync with an online diary
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tjarvis
07/10/2007 09:04 AM
hi,i need help connecting my motorola mobile to internet to send and recieve e-mails,use the web etc....thank-you.ps,i am not entirely computer literate.
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Gecko
02/12/2007 04:52 AM
With my phone plugged in, I opened the HandsetManager program. Not only did it not detect the phone, but the computer's integrated speaker beeped... >_>
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david
24/12/2007 12:59 AM
I have a palm treo 750 with windows mobile 6 . Can i create a folder on my Laptop with word and excel files and snyc it when i manually sync my palm treo 750 to it ? Does anyone know ? Or even better does someone do this successfully? Thanks David
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sanyara
28/12/2007 08:32 AM
this doesnt help at all
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plendtiiosai
29/12/2007 03:06 AM
i have a samsung double flip textmessenger and you dont hahahahahahaha
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drupec
06/01/2008 04:19 AM
good
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drupec
06/01/2008 04:29 AM
good
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cassie1408
23/01/2008 07:12 PM
i have no cd and want to transfer my phone photos to my computer
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christine b
31/01/2008 11:04 PM
i have a 3 mobile phone and want to transfer my photos onto my computer. please tell me how to do it thanks
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may7
13/02/2008 11:13 PM
thanks
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Brijesh Yadav
14/02/2008 06:44 PM
I want to photo transfer pc to mobile.
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amanda-2210
30/06/2008 03:53 AM
I have an LG venus and it comes with a USB cable and a micro SD chip. I put the micro SD chip in my phone, because i read somewhere thats what i should do, and i also hooked the USB cable to my computer. I'm with telus, so i downloaded the telus media player and converted songs to it from iTunes and such. But I have noo clue how to sync the songs onto my phone, or get them on my phone in anyway. I've tried EVERYTHING! Help meee.
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brahm
14/08/2008 07:45 PM
i hope this will help me
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Ananana
21/09/2008 04:30 AM
Um I have a question about how its says mp3's downloaded to your phone as ringtones, can the be downloaded as just regular mp3's if your phone has a built-in mp3 player?
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sachin
25/09/2008 11:05 PM
good
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