Microsoft releases Sidekick recovery tool for contacts

Microsoft is still working to set things right with customers hit by the recent T-Mobile Sidekick data-loss disaster, releasing a downloadable recovery tool on Tuesday. Affected users can use the utility to view all of the contacts on your device as of October 1, and that data can be restored with a few clicks and a confirmation.

Since you've probably already added some of the contacts back, the tool will give you a few options on how to handle duplicates: you can keep both sets of contacts, merge them, or simply leave your current set of contacts as is. You can also edit any duplicates on your Sidekick after restoration.

Microsoft says it is still working "around the clock" and is making solid progress on the next phase of the restoration process, which will include photos, notes, to-do lists, marketplace data and high scores. In the meantime, at least you can get your contacts back -- plus T-Mobile is offering a free month of data service (for the $20 plan) and a $100 T-Mobile gift card.