Expert: DebiN - 7/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: I would like to know how to set up my deleted text messages to go to my SIM card? Or how do I know where my deleted messages is going to?  heard that sometimes they go to the phone memory. I have a samsung Black Jack i607.
thanks

ANSWER: You cannot set up deleted text messages to go anywhere. When you delete a text message, it is gone for good. They aren't saved onto your SIM card, nor can you set them up to do this. If you want to save a text message, you have to save it on your device. Deleted texts do not go into memory or anywhere else, they are 100% deleted. I'm sorry that you were given incorrect information elsewhere. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I asked because I would like to buy this device that recovers deleted txt messages.
Here's a link for to take a look and maybe it's a new thing for you.
http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/cellphone-spy-simcardreader.html

So anyways it says that if the delete messages goes to the SIM card you can recovery.

Thanks again

Answer
In the web site they say the following - below this, I will explain what the limitations are and why I would not recommend this:

FAQ:
How many deleted messages will I be able to recover?

Answer:
Everything that is available to be recovered! Just like deleted files on a PC hard drive, as long as the deleted data on the SIM card hasn't been written over by a new file, it can still be retrieved. Some SIM cards hold more data than others, which is a factor in total amount of data. A 64k card from ATT for example can hold multiple pages of data. SIM card memory sizes will vary by phone / carrier. However, the CELL PHONE SPY is guaranteed to recover all and any deleted text message data that still resides on your phones SIM card. There are no other SIM CARD SPY products on the market today that will be able to view / recover as much deleted data from your SIM card as the SIM CARD SPY will recover off your SIM Card.

Due to the extensive range of mobile phone handsets and the way these handsets manage SMS text messages, we can not guarantee that this product will recover data from every SIM card. However, we have recovered a substantial amount of deleted text messages from all the SIM cards tested.

Copy your phone book onto your PC
Allows user to find deleted text
Allows user to view up to last 10 numbers dialed.
Transfer data from one SIM card to another
Edit SIM card information on your computer
Back up phone numbers and SMS messages
Forensically examine your SIM card to find deleted text messages and numbers
Allows you to backup, restore and edit your phone book.
Easy transfer of data from one SIM card to another SIM card.

* Please note: Not all cell phones have SIM cards or save data to the SIM card by default
This product will not work with the following:

Some Nextel/Sprint 2 Way phones
Alltel (CDMA)
All Verizon Phones
Some Prepaid phones
Smartphones (ie: Blackberry, Sidekick, and iPhone)
None of the above phones have removable SIM cards. Please make sure your cell phone has a SIM card before you purchase by reviewing your phones' documentation. In addition, some phones do not have the ability to save certain data to a SIM card. If you are not sure, contact your cell phone provider first.


So, here's the scoop. Your text messages are NOT saved to your SIM card by default - neither are your phone books entries. The last 10 numbers dialed will be on your SIM and anything that you SAVED to your SIM. If you saved something to your SIM, then deleted it and did not get another call or saved anything else, then this reader will work. But please understand that a 64K SIM card doesn't hold very much data and if your goal is to retrieve old deleted text messages, don't waste your $100.00. I 100% guarantee you, the information is not there. As I said, text messages are not saved onto a SIM card, they are saved by default to your device and when you delete them, they are erased from the device. Please don't waste your time or money. It will not work for what you are wanting it for. I hope this helps. Thanks. Debin