A beginners guide

Kasper M · 09-11-07, 01:20 PM

Hi there, all of you skilled Axim users.

Im new at this Forum, found it via google, due to my eager to update my Axim X3. It seems like a nice place, so i decided to join the community. :)

Im from Denmark, and my english skills must therefor be excused

- The basic info:

I have a Dell Axim X3 (I have read that there is an US model and an European.. I guess i have the European - With bluetooth)

ROM size: 64MB
ROM Version: A00C(01280400EN)

- The questions:

How do I update my ROM version? - I have searched to my fingers blead, and read untill my eyes did the same, but haven't understood it yet.

I need to update my ROM version, in order to connect to my wireless internet, and sync with my PC (Using Vista by the way) - And to get Emails from Outlook, The Calender etc.

- Now what is my problem?

1: I don't know what ROM versions i need to install, and in what order to do so. I understand, from what i've been reading, that i need an update that no longer is available on the dell homepage. - Where can i get it?..

2: How do i install a new ROM to my PDA? - I put the PDA in the dock, and connect the dock with my PC using the USB. But now what?.. The ROM .exe file should be opened and unzipped on my PC, or on the harddrive of the PDA?

I need a total beginners guide on how to do everything.. Links to ROM's and a guide that explains how to install the ROM.. In return for your
time i offer alot of "thankyou's".. :approve:

Kasper M · 09-14-07, 01:15 PM

You don't have to give me all the answers at once.. Just a bit of help would be very much appreciated..

ikehiker · 09-14-07, 01:45 PM

Actually, I don't believe there were any ROMs for the X3i released after the version came out with BT (which was just a few months before the X30 was made available), so it's likely you have the last available already installed.

If there is one, it would be on one of the European Dell sites. Tapping Start, System, System (tab), System Information on your Axim will show you the current ROM on your Axim and you can compare it with any available on their downloads section (note, however, that Dell names the download file differently from the ROM it contains, thus a download called A02 might install A06). If there is a new one, there will also be instructions for installing it but essentially in involves creating a connection to your PC via ActiveSync and then running the ROM upgrade on the PC, carefully following the instructions.

Julie · 09-14-07, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Kasper M

I need to update my ROM version, in order to connect to my wireless internet, and sync with my PC (Using Vista by the way) - And to get Emails from Outlook, The Calender etc.

Well, I'm not exactly an Axim expert, but I'll kick off the dialogue.

First of all, a ROM update may help you connect to the internet, but probably won't help you sync to your PC. With a Vista machine, you'll need to download and install Windows Mobile Device Center for Vista. Then review Chris' article: Vista Windows Mobiles Device Center Walk Through.

You will not be able to use your Vista machine to install ROM or Firmware updates to your pocket pc - you'll need to use an XP machine & ActiveSync when you install ROM and Firmware updates.

To see the ROM and Firmware updates that are available for your pocket pc, go to Dell's support page for the X30 and search for relevant updates for your Pocket PC. You can find the X30 support page here: Dell - Support EDIT: I see Ikehiker was posting a reply with better information about this while I was composing my reply

Once you've found the appropriate update, you'll download it to an XP computer that has Activesync installed. Then you will select it and it will open up and begin the installation process. To install updates, you'll need to have an ActiveSync connection to your Pocket PC.

Originally Posted by Kasper M

1: I don't know what ROM versions i need to install, and in what order to do so. I understand, from what i've been reading, that i need an update that no longer is available on the dell homepage. - Where can i get it?..

It would help if you could tell us specifically what update you are looking for and what makes you think it is not available on Dell's update page. Providing as much information as possible about an issue makes it much more easier for those who wish to help you out.

Originally Posted by Kasper M

2: How do i install a new ROM to my PDA? - I put the PDA in the dock, and connect the dock with my PC using the USB. But now what?.. The ROM .exe file should be opened and unzipped on my PC, or on the harddrive of the PDA?

Yes, you will download the update to your computer, select it on your computer and an installation wizard will open up and step you through the update process. However, you will not be able to install updates from a Vista machine - so you'll need to use an XP machine. You also need to have established at a minimum a guest ActiveSync partnership between the computer and your pocket pc.

Originally Posted by Kasper M

I need a total beginners guide on how to do everything.. Links to ROM's and a guide that explains how to install the ROM.. In return for your time i offer alot of "thankyou's".. :approve:

You are welcome to view articles on my blog. See my article, entitled ROM & Firmware Updates, which, even though focused towards a different Pocket PC (the IPAQ), may still provide some useful advice for you since the process is essentially the same for any pocket pc.

You might also want to take some time to review the excellent tutorials that are posted here on this forum

I'm sure now that I've kicked off the dialogue, more experienced Axim users will pipe in to offer their recommendations.