New ROM Update A03 Posted - Replaces A02

[mtb]

I am attempting to determine what the differences are between A02 and A03...
Here are the links to the update and instructions:

http://support.dell.com/FileLib/Form...leaseID=R59756

http://support.dell.com/FileLib/Form...leaseID=R59758

[ceej13]

You will find the following info under System and Configuration Utilities [HTML]. the 2 files are guides that explains the ROM updates.
New and Improved Features in Dell Axim X5 Pocket PC 2002 A03 ROM
This document provides instructions for updating the ROM on the Dell™ Axim™ X5 handheld device. The update offers the following features from Dell:

Resolved Pocket Internet Explorer issue that produced an error when connecting to certain web sites

Improved notification of backup battery charge
Improved time-out of the power button light to extend battery life
Improved start-up time
Improved navigation button applet
Improved CompactFlash modem interface driver
Support for C stepping of Intel® XScale™ CPU

The update offers the following features from the Microsoft® Adaptation Kit Update 5:

Microsoft Server ActiveSync® client, which allows you to synchronize directly with your Microsoft Exchange Server using the Microsoft Mobile Information 2002 Server
Improved MSN Messenger proxy server support
Ability to submit electronic forms using the key
Improved ability to download attachments
Pocket Outlook Object Model (POOM) support for additional programs for your Pocket PC 2002

[ceej13]

New and Improved Features in Dell Axim X5 Pocket PC 2002 A02 ROM

This document provides instructions for updating the ROM on the Dell™ Axim™ X5 handheld device. The update offers the following features from Dell:

Improved notification of backup battery charge
Improved time-out of the power button light to extend battery life
Improved start-up time
Improved navigation button applet
Improved CompactFlash modem interface driver
Support for C stepping of Intel® XScale™ CPU
Improved USB keyboard driver
The update offers the following features from the Microsoft® Adaptation Kit Update 5:

Microsoft Server ActiveSync® client, which allows you to synchronize directly with your Microsoft Exchange Server using the Microsoft Mobile Information 2002 Server
Improved MSN Messenger proxy server support
Ability to submit electronic forms using the key
Improved ability to download attachments
Pocket Outlook Object Model (POOM) support for additional programs for your Pocket PC 2002

Seem like subtile differences.

[mtb]

Yes. I saw the list in the instructions. But, with the exception of the IE fix and the missing USB Keyboard improvements, the lists for A02 and A03 are pretty much identical

[ceej13]

It's kind of sad. Once they somewhat fix one thing, the only way to use it is to update the whole OS.

[mtb]

So...this obviously replaces A02 as the update flavor of the month. Now the question is, for those of use who have already done this once, is it worth the effort? Am I getting a second scoop of ice cream on my cone, or am I getting it turned upside down on my head?

Don't you just love these philosophical questions?

[littlekevbo]

I did A02 right away.... and found some improvments.

I am not sure (after reading the "fixes") that I need to rush with this one.

I am also one that will reload everything from scratch rather than do a restore... my OCD takes control there.

I've stuck this tread and unstuck A02... Reference that thread here...

http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showt...&threadid=8071

Suposedly A03 is to fix a PIE problem

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportfor...ssage.id=17043

[ceej13]

It says it right on the Dell's download page for R59756.EXE.

[littlekevbo]

since I am having no PIE troubles I will do without, this time.


if I can deal with not having the newest ROM..... that may not be possible....

Oh no. Here we go again. I should go ahead and start a thread titled "Rom Troubles"...

[FishDoctor]

I am installing the update right no. Didn't have any troubl with A02 install. Hopefully my luck will hold!

[ceej13]

Is it possible to get a ROM forum going? I'm sure there are enough thereads now to have ROM troubleshooting or something.

[Balzz]

My Axim's only 2 days old so there isn't too much I can lose if something goes wrong. Copying file...90%. :D

[FishDoctor]

Install seemed to go smoothly. Now I am restoring the backup. Crossing fingers, toes, etc...

[ceej13]

Good luck, Balzz. At least you don't have much to lose. I have to wait until tonight to update my OS... AGAIN.

[ceej13]

Originally posted by FishDoctor
Install seemed to go smoothly. Now I am restoring the backup. Crossing fingers, toes, etc...

....eyes, wits......

Oh. Did you test everything before you restored, Doc?

[Balzz]

It seems to have worked...had a little bit of a scare when I tried to restore from backup and it failed. I RTFM'ed and switched my regional settings (I had to be difficult and used English - Canada) and all is good.

[FishDoctor]

Turned on and off a few times first. Clicked around some. Pretty bare bones without any of my normal files installed, but so far everything seemed OK.

[nategold]

I backed up to a SD card ,and am now backign up to my PC. I will then try the update. I will let ya know, wish me luck

Nate

[wahern]

Does A03 include A02 or do I have to do both of them as I didn't install the first one yet?

It includes everthing from A02. These ROM updates don't really update your Axim, they write a totally new OS to it.

[ceej13]

you can say that again, james.

I'm going to apologize right from the start here by asking this question...it's probably been covered somewhere else but, you guys seem to know what's going on so I'll ask anyway....

I have the Axim BU (or B2?)....is this update useless for me since I don't have a C1?

I didn't bother installing the first update because I wasn't sure what to do.

THANKS :)

[ceej13]

I wounldn't say that it is useless. I had the PXA250 B2 stepping and there was some improvement when I did the first update such as speed. It really isn't necessary to update your ROM. I did it because....well.... I wanted the lasted OS.:rolling:

[wildcat]

I just ran the update to A03. I found much to my surprise that everything on the inboard memory /my docs IS STILL THERE!! anyone else have this occur. I checked the update went as planed and everythign running smoothly, Just thought I would let everyone know that my docs looks to be a safe place to store during the update. I dont know if anyone else Had this happend so please dont COUNT on it though (disclaimer: this has not been verified use at own risk), But its an interesting experiment if someone else could verify this when they update it.

[ceej13]

I'll try it tonight when I get home and let you know. that is very interesting to hear.

[wildcat]

Ya i thought it was interesting too. I dont know if i did something that write protected the user accessible side of the rom or if this update only reflashes the OS side. I havent had time to find a way into the OS side of the rom yet but ive seen programs out there that will let you into it. I plan on checking this out when I get home from work tonight.

[TheWolfen]

Downloaded and am backing up now... we'll see!

[Loni]

Can someone please help?

I cannot get the file from the dell website, for the ROM update.

Can someone post it or send it to me directly?

It would be much appreciated.

joe@lonicker.com

You may download the ROM update from this Dell FTP site.

Dell FTP Download

[bl86stang]

Not sure if I'm going to do this one!!! A02 went well and I noticed some differences. Is A003 worth the upgrade. Well folks I'll watch and see!!!!!!!!!!!

Does any of this mean anything to you?

- Resolved Pocket Internet Explorer issue that produced an error when connecting to certain web sites
- Improved notification of backup battery charge
- Improved time-out of the power button light (notifications) to extend battery life
- Improved start-up time
- Improved navigation button applet
- Improved CompactFlash modem interface driver
- Support for C stepping of Intel XScale CPU
- Support the features from the Microsoft Adaptation Kit Update 5

Other than the Pocket Internet fix and whatever the Microsoft Adaptation Kit is, this looks like A02.

[peterbright]

Thanks cageyjames. Downloading now. In some places Dell calls this an A01 & that's confusing.

[TheWolfen]

All done with my upgrade. Went very smoothly. I just backed everything up, ran the upgrade, did a restore, and everything is back to the way it was (with the new ROM, of course). Didn't lose anything in the built-in storage either, although I backed it up just to be safe.

As for whether or not it is worth it - beats me! Of course I have read the list of updates, but I haven't run into any of the fixed problems anyway.

[peterbright]

Can see no differences either.

[MightyMarshall]

what is this mean? C stepping :crooked:

[OverBurN]

This wasnt that bad!

I just got my axim and it had the A02 ROM already.

Ran into that PIE problem a couple times so i installed this ROM update. Went very smoothly and it looks like that PIE problem is gone.

Thanks for the heads up!

[Ted Mozer]

I just upgraded from A02 to A03 and restored. All is back to where it was. My Axim seems snappy'er. I'm happy...... and relieved that it seems to go without a hitch.