Device backup

Enable a way to backup a Windows Phone, including SMS/MMS and applications and settings

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AdminMobile Guru (Admin, Windows Phone) shared this idea · Mar 2, 2011 · Flag idea as inappropriate… · Admin →

Michael shared a merged idea: Full phone backup to skydrive · Jun 2, 2012 ·

Richard Nalezynski shared a merged idea: Full backup capability with restore transfer functionality via Zune and cloud · Apr 6, 2012 ·

This is a major issue that has persisted unaddressed since the release of WindowsPhone in November 2010. Microsoft has indeed demonstrated strong developer support with outstanding tools and even catering to SmartPhone-aware users by including features that many come to expect such as Copy-Paste in the “NoDo” update.

Unfortunately, addressing the question of backup and restore has never been given priority.

See this blog post and comments:
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/wpdev/archive/2011/04/13/be-what-s-next-with-mango-developer-tools-and-platform.aspx#comments

For the "Mango" release users were led to believe that there was some form of backup and restore functionality on the way; however after attempting this manually most users realized that a backup would only be performed when an update was made available. These updates are too far apart to justify the rationale for not allowing for more frequent backups.

Whether a transfer for restore is needed to be performed, every bit of data should be backed up.

This data would include:
- System settings (lock screen & wallpaper, theme, wifi, ringtones, etc.)
- App settings
- App data (local storage and game saves)
- App manifest and app installs (Marketplace)
- Contacts via People Hub
- Call history
- Messaging history (text threads, online chat, etc.)
- Photos and videos

None of the above information is device specific; and in the case of different platform versions, data such as apps would be re-installed, as opposed to just copied back over.

With that said, obviously the functionality does indeed exist, as demonstrated in backups created when an update is available. The question comes down to why this functionality isn't more readily available.

One usability concern would be whether or not the backup and restore functionality should in fact be manual or automatic. This could be a user preference that puts some responsibility on the user to either allow for automatic backups performed when connected to Zune or manual by clicking a "backup" button. In either case "checkpoints" would be created (similar to Windows System Restore Points).

For "Mango" there were also hints that a cloud-based backup solution would be made available; however at this time the only thing that gets restored from the cloud – via Live – is your contact and calendar information. A cloud-based backup and restore solution is welcome however a local solution via Zune should also be present (and again is demonstrated to work in updates).

See this WindowsPhone blog post:
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2012/04/05/tips-for-transferring-contacts-and-other-stuff-to-a-new-windows-phone.aspx

This is an unacceptable amount of steps needed for the transfer user experience; and there are similar concerns that have been lingering when it comes to backup and restore functionality.

What is being expected of the user is to remember or otherwise personally keep track of several locations that different portions of device state and data may be located; and then the user is required to perform a series of complex steps to get the device in a state that isn’t even close to the original expected configuration. This is punishing the user and does not provide peace of mind to the user; nor does it entice a user to try a new device. Lastly, it leaves the user helpless in the event that a disaster occurs with their WindowsPhone device.

See the stories here:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/winphone/forum/wp7-sync/complete-windows-phone-7-backup/4d38a00c-917f-497c-96b9-b60e29feb5f0?page=2

Regardless of the fact that there are different hardware configurations in the different flavors of devices available, one thing remains true: there is only one platform. This is different from the segmented Android market; however it is more of a hybrid situation compared to iOS (many more devices yet still a unified platform). Because there is only one platform it shouldn’t matter what WindowsPhone device a user has.

This isn't an anti-Microsoft or pro-competitor rant, but a plea to prioritize features vs. required functionality that should represent the core of the WindowsPhone platform.

Debbie Collins shared a merged idea: 100% Backup/Restore for Windows Phone 7!!! · Dec 9, 2011 ·

Trakman shared a merged idea: Full Backup to allow transfer to new device or replacement device · Oct 31, 2011 ·

Cinaen shared a merged idea: sms backup · Sep 28, 2011 ·

completed ·

AdminMobile Guru (Admin, Windows Phone) responded · Oct 29, 2012

This feature is now available in Windows Phone 8.

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