How to Backup Lists

SpeedList does not have a feature analogous to the trash can or recycling bin.  When lists and items are deleted in SpeedList they are immediately and irrevocably erased.  There is no way to restore them without re-entering them or recovering them from a manual backup or full device backup (via iTunes).

SpeedList does have a feature that enables lists to be locked which prevents their deletion and the deletion of their contents.  It is recommended that important lists be locked.

There are a few ways to backup lists and items:

1. (1)E-mail the list to yourself.
   

2. (2)Manually save SpeedList’s database.
   

3. (3)Use iTunes backup feature.
   

These are described below.

E-Mail

This technique is best for lists that are not difficult to re-enter into SpeedList.  Its main advantage is that it can be done from virtually anywhere.  The other two techniques require access to a machine where the iPhone or iPod touch can be docked.

For more information, see How to E-Mail Lists.

Manual

This technique is new for SpeedList version 2.5 and is only available on devices running iOS 4 or higher.  With this technique the actual SpeedList database is manually saved and restored.

The advantage of this technique is that backups and restores can be performed independently of iTunes backups where the entire devices is sync’d or restored.  Users can manage sets of backups, swapping in and out old databases or even use someone else’s database.  Since it is manual, the user takes on the responsibility of managing the backups.

To do a manual backup, connect the device to a machine where the it can be mounted in iTunes.  Then run iTunes and select the device.

Next, tap on the “Apps” tab and select SpeedList in the list of apps that iTunes syncs.

Then select “SpeedList” in the list of applications that have file sharing enabled.

SpeedList currently has two files in its “Documents” directory. 

The “ApplicationState.archive” holds preferences and a reference to where SpeedList last exited.

The SQLite database holds all of SpeedLists lists and items.  This is by far the more important file to backup.

Select the SQLite database file and select “Save to...”.

Choose a folder in which to save the SQLite database.  This will be a copy of the file used by SpeedList.  It is highly recommended that some kind of “SpeedList Databases” folder be created.

To restore SpeedList’s database file, follow the procedures outlined above and select “Add...”.  The iTunes application will issue a warning about overwriting the file:

SpeedList 2.5’s database must be named exactly “SpeedList20.sqlite3”.

iTunes Backup

Apple’s iTunes already provides a convenient way to backup all applications, including SpeedList.  A backup is automatically performed every time devices are sync’d with iTunes.  See Apple’s documentation on iTunes backups for more information.