mcdanger

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

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

__________________
Julie | Microsoft MVP Mobile Devices | Mobility Site Moderator | Judge, Smartphone & Pocket PC Best Software Awards 2007 & 2008 | visit my blog:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
|
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

imported_Radimus

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

__________________
Rad's Law on Technology
#1: All devices should charge via USB (where possible)
#2: All devices should have more than one function or interface with other devices
#3: LEDs are at least 50% too bright and should only be lit when an error is present, searching, or charging

MyPDA @ 01-08-07

mcdanger

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

mental ambiguity

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..

__________________
Proudly sporting a Cingular 8525...SIM unlocked, CID unlocked, and so hacked up it ain't even funny..
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

imported_hyedipin

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..

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.