The Dysfunctional Windows ROM Update Situation - Page 2

scgdavis · 05-17-05, 06:25 AM

at first, a hard reset was the worst thing that could happen, but now, I have it down to a science. I have a folder with all of the apps that I need to re-install... My data is all stored on a card anyway, so there is no loss of data.

Why is someone ranting on the main page of the website?

05-17-05, 09:29 AM

If you use the latest version of Sprite (V 3.1.4),it is NOT necessary to uninstall and re-install all apps and programs.

Full instructions are given by Sprite in This Link.

This can also be done AFTER the ROM upgrade has been done, simply by omitting step 7 (Running the ROM upgrade process).

jledesma · 05-17-05, 10:33 AM

Just to join the ranting

I'd rather hard reset my X50v every couple of months due to an OS upgrade that have no upgrade at all. I used to have a P1 T3. During 3 years only ONE real upgrade was released.

The strategy thing sounds pretty good. I normaly write down the apps I have installed prior to applying the upgrade. I then search on my laptop for all the serials, registrations an keyfiles I'll need. Decide on which apps to reinstall and go for it.

It takes me between 15 to 30 minutes to have my Axim up and around again.

Choirguy · 05-17-05, 10:58 AM

jledesma,

That's a REALLY great point. Better to have to do an upgrade than have no upgrade.

And let's be honest...has any Microsoft OS upgrade (98 to 2000, for example) been easy? It almost always seems like it is better to just start over with the programs you really use anyway.

Adrian Knack · 05-17-05, 11:08 AM

I think there would be serious speed issues related not having the OS on the ROM (ie. on an SD-Card...). Which is basically what this guy wants - go to a PC style system. You guys need to remember this is more like a BIOS upgrade than the OS upgrade he refers to. Just happens in this case your ROM contains the OS too!

If you want open source, I am sure there is a Linux OS you can get for PDAs. Not sure about the models though, my mate has it on an older iPAQ h3160 (or something... can't remember exactly... it is similar to the X5)

Cheers

05-17-05, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by crash613

I use the same method as Choirguy, only i took it a step farther.

I did create the Word Doument that has not only the passcodes, but the Version number, and most importantly,location installed (ie Main Memory, BIS, or Storage Card)

Reinstalling is a breeze. Also included in this Word Document are little tweaks that i do, so i remember to do them next time. I keep a copy of this file in the My Documents on the PDA so i can keep it up to date with version numbers etc.

Mike

I also do this but I use a Excel/ Planmaker file, it starts off with a list of the files that I need to back-up of my unit (such as PI, PB and iLauncher settings files - which save me havng to re-enter all those settings/ recreate links).

It then moves onto registry tweaks that I perform (the first two programmes I always install are PHM regedit and CabInst).

There is then a table - with the following headings:
Programme; Version; Location; Cab/exe/PC; RegCode; Tweaks/Notes

The Cab/exe/PC heading tells me whether the programme needs to be installed:
1) via a .cab file on my PDA
2) through AS on my PC
3) it is just an exe file that needs to be copied across to my PDA and a link created.

The programmes are listed in the order that I need to install them (as I find some programmes prefer to be installed after others) along with other notes that I have jotted down over time when doing my quarterly hard reset and reinstall.

05-18-05, 08:29 AM

For most programs I just use the Add/Remove option on Activesync. Just tick the box next to the program and it's installed again for you. No hassle! Can also use this option to install to a second/different PDA.

A few programs that use just cabs or exes need to be added separately, but they are generally the less useful/strategic ones.

Nick

x30ice · 05-18-05, 03:35 PM

It's better to have an update than no have an update at all IMMO. I'm sure a lot of pda owners (me included) wouldn't mind to have an update for their 'discontinued' pda. And about all the worry that seems to implies, well, it's a good habit to have a backup folder with all the installed progs just in case a disaster occurs

and the rom updates releases are not as often as that, so it doesn't have to be so problematic

Howard2k · 05-18-05, 03:50 PM

That Brighthand article was actually (surprisingly) good IMHO. It seems that everyone paid attention to the ROM/RAM changes during the pre-release leaks, then once the news hit the street it was forgotten and people were wanting OS updates for devices with 64MB or even 32MB of ROM!!!

Gazooo123 · 06-01-05, 11:44 AM

There has been some great conversation with this thread. In particular I'm speaking about ways to keep all my ppc info neat and tidy for upgrades, registration codes, version numbers and any tweaks.

Funny thing is that I have this set up for my pc but not for my pda. I have a word document that contains instructions for my yearly windows re-install. In it some tweaks, location of some the programs (backup cd's or manufacturs)and which I have to upgrade and where after the clean install.

Although I keep all my ppc programs in one folder it is far from organized.

Davrol, I use Sprite Backup but didn't select the upgrade ROM option. I just did a regular backup. I wonder if there is a difference. No big deal I guess to do a hard reset then re-install, or maybe I'll just wait for the release of WM5 to do it.