loss of data

05-02-03, 07:32 PM

So, my Ax was in it's Dell case all day long (the one that comes with it). Somehow, while placing it back into the case, I turned it on. Naturally, the battery wore down. I plugged it into the charger for a few just to make sure I didn't lose any data or anything. When I turned it back on, to my surprise, all my data, everything was gone!!! And, I had to go through setup again (as if I had done a hard reset)!!! I was furious......what is the point of having the backup battery, if it's not going to back anything up?!!?

So, I called Dell......the tech I got wanted to know if it was possible that a hard reset could've been done while it was in the case (once again, the very one that came with the Axim. This seems hardly probable......I am thinking it is going to be a long night w/ Dell tech support......

*sigh*

Anyone else had this experience w/ data loss after a drained battery?

:rolling:

ikehiker · 05-02-03, 07:47 PM

I haven't had that happen but one hint I can give you if you are going to keep using the Dell case is to disable the program buttons (the four across the bottom) from being able to turn on your Axim. (Settings/Power/Control, uncheck boxes 'Turn on device if...').

stevenrp · 05-02-03, 07:59 PM

Assuming you know that the backup battery was good....Is it possible that it was on long enough to discharge the main and backup battery? I have no idea how long the backup battery is supposed to last. I thought I remembered reading somewhere that the backup batterys main purpose was so you wouldn't lose your data when swapping out your main battery. If that's the case then maybe that battery died pretty quick after the main went out? Just a guess.....

05-02-03, 08:15 PM

steven,

i thought that initially, too. but, alas, my backup battery is still at 100%. i even tried taking it out and putting it back in to see if it would read differently.......still 100%.

ikehiker,
Thanks for the info.....sound advice for anyone using a case. still am pretty sure there was no hard reset done here, though.

One other question for anyone out there.....now that my program shortcuts have been erased from my Ax, can I reinstall them? I keep all my programs on a 256 lexar SD card. so, theoretically, i should be able to create shortcuts from the SD card and place them in what folder to get them to work w/o reinstalling every little thing?

snillum33 · 05-02-03, 08:25 PM

stevenrp is correct about the backup battery.

It's main purpose is to hold data when swapping out main battery.

Dell rates the 1440mAh battery at 8-10 hours.

The CR-2032 backup battery is rated at a nominal 220mAh.

If the main battery goes completely dead, that leaves only about 80-90 minutes that the backup battery can hold the data.

I do the same thing that ikehiker suggests: disable the program buttons.

I still find my Axim turned on occasionaly when removed from the case. The power button gets pressed somehow.

Just one of the occupational hazards of using a soft case.

I.ve gotten myself into the habit of checking every couple of hours to make sure the thing hasn't powered on.

05-02-03, 09:01 PM

Additional info from Dell:

Yeah....they think there is something definitely wrong with my Ax. They are willing to replace it, but only w/ a refurb'ed unit. Does anyone have any experience with this? Good? Bad? Indifferent?

Also, anyone know the answer to my question about what folder to place the short-cuts from my programs on my SD card in? Thanks.....

peterbright · 05-02-03, 09:04 PM

The refurbished ones have a good reputation, but it is possible for quality control to miss one.

ikehiker · 05-02-03, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sincitymedic
...ikehiker,
Thanks for the info.....sound advice for anyone using a case. still am pretty sure there was no hard reset done here, though.
...

Yes, I doubt that, too. I was just giving you a hint for how to avoid having the case turn on the Axim in the first place. I had it happen to me when I first got the Ax but fortunately caught it before the battery drained. Besides changing the button settings as I described, I've quit using the Dell case for holding my Axim (it's great for holding extra cables, cards, etc. to keep them from getting lost in a briefcase or book bag).

ikehiker · 05-02-03, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sincitymedic
...One other question for anyone out there.....now that my program shortcuts have been erased from my Ax, can I reinstall them? I keep all my programs on a 256 lexar SD card. so, theoretically, i should be able to create shortcuts from the SD card and place them in what folder to get them to work w/o reinstalling every little thing?

Sorry, I should have read your whole post before replying.

I don't think making shortcuts will work for all programs (it may for some). There are references to many programs in the registry. On the other hand, before you hook the replacement up to your PC, delete the partnership but say no when it ask if you want to delete the associated files. When you get the new Ax, give it the same name as your old one and then attach via the cradle or cable. Create the partnership and then go to Tools/Add-Remove Programs in ActiveSync on the PC. Your programs will still be listed there. Check the boxes to reinstall (I found you can only do one program at a time but it's still faster than going back to the executable files).

JakeRich · 05-02-03, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by snillum33
stevenrp is correct about the backup battery.

It's main purpose is to hold data when swapping out main battery.

Dell rates the 1440mAh battery at 8-10 hours.

The CR-2032 backup battery is rated at a nominal 220mAh.

If the main battery goes completely dead, that leaves only about 80-90 minutes that the backup battery can hold the data.

Small clarification: The 8-10 hours is powered ON, but you cannot do that on the backup battery. If you try, I think it'll come on, then immediately go off again because of the power drain. The backup is there ONLY to keep RAM memory refreshed. I think it is supposed to last 36-72 hours.

05-03-03, 10:02 AM

ike,

I've done as you mentioned, but ActiveSync does not seem to give me the option to re-name the partnership (even after a hard reset).

-Cosmo

ikehiker · 05-03-03, 10:08 AM

Open ActiveSync on the PC. Without the Axim connected, select File/Delete Partnership. After you've deleted it, the next time you connect (which would be after the hard reset and after giving your Axim back the name you used. That name is set on the Axim itself - Settings/System/About/Device ID), you will be able to set up a new partnership.

05-03-03, 10:19 AM

Ok....that worked great. Thanks......

snillum33 · 05-03-03, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JakeRich
Small clarification: The 8-10 hours is powered ON, but you cannot do that on the backup battery. If you try, I think it'll come on, then immediately go off again because of the power drain. The backup is there ONLY to keep RAM memory refreshed. I think it is supposed to last 36-72 hours.

Good point.

Just tried to turn mine on with main battery removed to simulate a dead main. I get no indication that it even tries turn on.

Can't seem to locate any info on how long backup is supposed to last.

A friend of mine forgot to turn his off and found it 24 hours later with main and backup drained.