6 - 8 MC9190-G Integrator Guide
Volatile File Storage (Cache Disk)
Windows Mobile 6.5 memory architecture uses persistent storage for all files, registry settings, and database 
objects to ensure data is retained even after a power failure. Persistent storage is implemented using Flash 
memory technology which is generally slower than volatile RAM memory. In certain situations the speed of the 
operation is more important than the integrity of the data. For these situations, Motorola has provided a small 
volatile File Storage volume, accessed as the Cache Disk folder. Disk operations to the Cache Disk folder are 
much faster than to any of the persistent storage volumes, but data is lost across warm boots and power 
interruptions. Note that a backup battery powers RAM memory, including the Cache Disk, when you remove the 
main battery for a short period of time.
The MC9190-G uses the Cache Disk for temporary data that can be restored from other sources, for example, for 
temporarily “caching” HTML web pages by a browser or generating formatted files to send to a printer. Both 
situations benefit from the increased speed of the cache disk, but you can restore the data if needed.
DO NOT use the Cache Disk as a method to improve application performance. Analyze applications that perform 
slower in persistent storage to optimize disk access. Common areas for optimization include minimizing the 
number of reads and writes to a file, removing unneeded debug logging, and minimizing file flushing or closing 
files.
Persistent Storage
Windows Mobile 6.5 protects all data and applications from power-related loss. Because Windows Mobile 6.5 
mounts the entire file system and registry in persistent storage (rather than using RAM), MC9190-G devices 
provide a reliable storage platform even in the absence of battery power.
Persistent storage provides application developers with a reliable storage system available through the standard 
file system and registry APIs. Persistent storage is optimized for large reads and writes; therefore, applications 
reading and writing data in large chunks tend to outperform those applications reading and writing small blocks of 
data. Data in persistent storage is lost upon a clean boot.
Persistent storage contains all the directories under the root directory except for Application, Cache Disk, and 
Storage Card (if a storage card is installed). Persistent storage is approximately 700 MB (formatted).
Application Folder
The Application folder is a super-persistent storage that is persistent even after a clean boot. Accessing data in the 
Application folder is slower than accessing persistent storage. The Application folder is used for deployment and 
device-unique data. For example, network profiles can be stored in the Application folder so that connection to the 
network is available after a cold boot. The Application folder is approximately 117 MB (formatted).
Deployment
To install applications onto the MC9190-G, developers package the application and all required files into a CAB 
file, then load the file onto the MC9190-G using one of the following options:
•
Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5 or higher
•
Storage Card
•
MSP 3.2
•
AirBEAM
•
Image Loader Image (for updating the operating system).