Overwriting ROM files in /Windows

MoparShaha · 09-26-06, 12:41 PM

Hi, does overwriting files in ROM cause any device damage? Specifically, I want to replace the .wav sound files in the /Windows directory with my own sounds. When I go to overwrite them in Resco Explorer, it gives me a warning about possible device damage.

I understand doing a hard-reset will restore the original files, but will it cause any long-term, permanent damage?

Thanks.

spunker88 · 09-27-06, 06:55 AM

No, i dont think. B/c the rom files are stukk there, your just putting files in the ram that hide the rom files.

Ive had xp sounds overtop of the default sounds for almost a year, and all soft/hard resets, backups, etc with the sounds have been fine.

After a hard reset sounds go back to default, then you restore your backup and the sounds are back.

CodeBubba · 09-27-06, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by MoparShaha

Hi, does overwriting files in ROM cause any device damage? Specifically, I want to replace the .wav sound files in the /Windows directory with my own sounds. When I go to overwrite them in Resco Explorer, it gives me a warning about possible device damage.

I understand doing a hard-reset will restore the original files, but will it cause any long-term, permanent damage?

Thanks.

ROM means Read Only Memory. That means that the memory cells don't even respond to the electrical signal that rewritable storage does - there isn't even any circuitry to strobe that memory with for write cycles - only read cycles. You won't physically damage ROM by attempting to write to it.

I'm not sure what error message you're getting from Resco that refers to "damage" but there's nothing you can do with a software application to physically "break" your PDA. About all you can do is screw up the registry or something and a hard-reset will restore it back to factory-default.

You can't break it permanently - not with software. You could, of course, break it by hitting it with a hammer or dropping it - but that's a different matter!

Feel better?

-CB :)

spunker88 · 09-27-06, 07:06 PM

The error resco gives you could be b/c ur in the /windows directory and its warning you that if you overwrite a file that is used to boot wm or a sys file, you may have to hard reset. A lot easier than if you delete a win sys file.

MoparShaha · 09-28-06, 02:52 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I've gone ahead and replaced the sounds with my own files and it works great.

dicey · 10-02-06, 05:10 PM

Hi guys,
I just got this down from dellsite "Dell Axim X50v VGA System Update for Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition" Is it really that critical and am I wasting my time upgrading? I bin browsing and read a few posts about upgrades messin up the pda altogether!!. I love the x50v but I don't have much confidence in Dell.. the battery packed in after 8 months and post warranty the AC charger is crapped out... I know this as i am using a friends charger...so do I leave well alone?

regards

Dicey

10-02-06, 06:49 PM

i just wanted to say
<quote>I'm not sure what error message you're getting from Resco that refers to "damage" but there's nothing you can do with a software application to physically "break" your PDA. About all you can do is screw up the registry or something and a hard-reset will restore it back to factory-default.

You can't break it permanently - not with software. You could, of course, break it by hitting it with a hammer or dropping it - but that's a different matter!</quote>

of course, if you consider the a12 upgrade to be software then thats all shot to shit for some people.

spunker88 · 10-02-06, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by dicey

Hi guys,
I just got this down from dellsite "Dell Axim X50v VGA System Update for Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition" Is it really that critical and am I wasting my time upgrading? I bin browsing and read a few posts about upgrades messin up the pda altogether!!. I love the x50v but I don't have much confidence in Dell.. the battery packed in after 8 months and post warranty the AC charger is crapped out... I know this as i am using a friends charger...so do I leave well alone?

regards

Dicey

All i have to say is... if it aint broke dont fix it.

A01 works fine for me on my x50. But with the x51 there are more issues, that require rom updates. As long as you stick to my saying, youll be satisfied...

dicey · 10-03-06, 04:12 PM

wise words spunker...decided not to go near it:approve:

regards...

10-04-06, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by CodeBubba

ROM means Read Only Memory. That means that the memory cells don't even respond to the electrical signal that rewritable storage does - there isn't even any circuitry to strobe that memory with for write cycles - only read cycles. )

Not strictly accurate I am afraid. What is commonly referred to as ROM is actually Flash EPROM - Eraseable Programmable ROM. Some 30 MB of this contains the Operating System - which is write protected, but it can be overwritten. If this was not possible it would be impossible to upgrade or change the OS. The remainder is known as Built-in-Storage (BIS) and can be used for storing applications or data files. These can be erased but, because they are in ROM rather than RAM, they will survive a hard reset or total power failure.

But you cannot erase or overwrite any of the files which comprise the OS - only the complete OS itself. This is a pity because I would like to gain extra BIS space by erasing programs which I never use like Pocket Excel (I use PlanMaker and/or Spread CE Instead) Pocket Word (I use TextMaker instead), Data Backup (I use Sprite and Spb backup instead) and several others. Unfortunately this simply cannot be done