unplugged for a month causes data loss?

mcdanger · 01-04-07, 02:06 PM

Hi,
Just a technical question someone asked me the other day. He has an iPAQ 3115 and it was unplugged for about a month. When he turns it on now (after charging it again) it shows the default media screen, not the Today screen which it was previously set to. Does this mean the whole unit got reset? Is any data he had still there, like in the My Docs folder?

thanks!

Julie · 01-04-07, 02:19 PM

No, he's lost all of his data and any applications he's installed. For any pocket pcs running the windows mobile 2003 or earlier operating system, all user files, settings and user-installed applications are stored in RAM. Battery power is used to preserve this information (even when the pocket pc is turned off). When the battery runs out of power, like this one did, all these files are lost.

To avoid this problem, your friend should keep his pocket pc plugged into AC power when not in use. Also making regular backups to a storage card or to his computer will safeguard against permanent loss.

The newer pocket pcs run the windows mobile 5.0 operating system. This operating system stores user data in persistent memory. So this is no longer a problem if the battery goes flat. Unfortunately, most older pocket pcs (the 3115 included) cannot be upgraded to this operating system.

julie

*radimus* · 01-04-07, 02:20 PM

Some devices have a backup battery to hold data in RAM even after main battery dies. But that is only good as long as that battery lasts

Many models had a ROM to hold data indefinately

The olders models would reset completely on a dead battery

Best answer is look for it, but if you can't find it quickly, then it is gone

mcdanger · 01-07-07, 08:53 PM

Thank you for your quick replies! Unfortunately, yeah.. the stuff was gone.

mental ambiguity · 01-07-07, 08:57 PM

Not surprising. My wife has a 3115, and she's done that a few times. Left it off the cradle too long, or fell asleep watching a movie or something like that.. That's why I put pretty much everything she uses on the SD, since the iPAQ Storage is so small on that device.

In my experience with both the 3115 and the hx4705, the backup batteries don't last very long at all.. Generally they seem to be good only for a few minutes if you're swapping batteries or something..

*hyedipin* · 01-07-07, 10:47 PM

Ah, had than happened to my on my Axim twice, now I am trying not to have that happen to me again.

It is a bad feeling that you get in your stomach when you see that "default" screen or screen alignment wizard..

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

iPAQ 3xxx series - Talk about the Compaq iPAQ 3xxx Series (36xx/37xx/38xx/39xx)