Best Approach for Reinstalling Software? - Page 2

Gigi · 07-09-06, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by DrummerCT

What are some examples of your software that needed to be reinstalled from the original installer?

I do what gadgetnerd does (Add/Remove Programs in ActiveSync) and have never had a problem of having to use the original reinstaller. (It may be just what I have installed though.) However, if I have time, I go to the developer's/vendor's website to see if I have the latest version of the application. If any, now is the best time to get the upgrades.

DrummerCT · 07-09-06, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Gigi

I do what gadgetnerd does (Add/Remove Programs in ActiveSync) and have never had a problem of having to use the original reinstaller. (It may be just what I have installed though.) However, if I have time, I go to the developer's/vendor's website to see if I have the latest version of the application. If any, now is the best time to get the upgrades.

As a strategy, do you reinstall, for example, one program at a time, soft reset, then install another? or do you reinstall all at once? or some other approach? I know that with a desktop system, I usually reboot after installing a single program, but I don't know if that's needed with a PPC.

What does one do regarding removable media cards? I saw another post today that indicated that the user's CF files were wiped out during ROM upgrade (!). I presume one would remove media cards, then, prior to doing the ROM update (recommended?) and then replace after the new ROM's in place? I install my programs on the device itself, but I know that a few products may create or use folders on CF or SD cards (e.g., "WordNetCE" uses the dictionary file on the CF card).

Any special reinstallation issues regarding hardware such as Think Outside Bluetooth mouse or their IR keyboard? Belkin's Thumboard? Dell's VGA external monitor cable?

Can settings from things such as Spb Pocket Plus be restored? e.g., backup settings under A06 then restore under A12? (which would mean figuring out where the settings file(s) is stored in the first place!)

If you were to look at "View MyPDA" do any other reinstall precautions come to mind?

Any other general tips for reinstalling or "gotchas" to watch out for?

Gigi - Maybe you could add a "Guide to Reinstalling After ROM updating" to your terrific tutorials?

Gigi · 07-10-06, 06:41 AM

The best thing to do is to install each program one-by-one, but I have just checked off all the programs I want (in the Add/Remove Programs list) and not had any significant problems. The critical thing is to watch your screen to see if there are any special instructions (i.e., such as a soft reset). The other thing is that I don't have many programs installed on my device, so even when I say I check them all off, I am talking about no more than 10 programs or so. For those who have much more than that, I'd definitely break them up into groups and do some soft resets in between. Also, for those who really want to speed up their systems, now might be a time to re-evaluate which programs are really necessary. Often I leave out some programs I had installed before to increase performance.

As for memory cards, I've never had any problems with them during ROM upgrades and usually just leave them in. However, I am running a much more stable WM2003SE. Given the reports of problems, it's probably best to remove the cards during the ROM upgrade and then, as you say, reinsert them when you are installing programs so that they are available. It's also a good idea to do regular backups of memory cards.

As for special instructions regarding reinstaling hardware drivers, Spb Pocket Plus, etc., I'm not sure as I don't have those installed on my device. The only thing I can think of regarding hardware drivers would be to make sure they are installed before you attempt to connect the device. Also, with the Dell VGA cable, no driver is required at all.

A guide to reinstalling following a ROM update is a great idea, but since I have no experience with WM5, I don't think I'm really in the position to write one at this point. I only feel comfortable putting out a tutorial that I can at least support! ;)

DrummerCT · 07-10-06, 09:28 AM

Gigi, Many thanks for your thoughtful reply. Have you stayed with WM2003 because of stability considerations?

Gigi · 07-10-06, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by DrummerCT

Gigi, Many thanks for your thoughtful reply. Have you stayed with WM2003 because of stability considerations?

Yep...

**ksong12** · 07-10-06, 10:18 AM

When you install programs, from the original installer, it simply copies programs over to the ActiveSync directory and runs a script to start the installation. If you don't believe me, take a look in the AS directory, usually:

c:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync

Your programs are there!

So, no matter which sync profile you use, it will be in the Add, Remove programs. I just check off everything, except those that require a soft reset, and install them, then do the ones requireing a soft reset. Note that if you do too many, I find that the Axim will stop installing after a point, though I haven't counted how many installs untill that point.

If that happens, simply to back to ActiveSync, and check off those that didn't get installed again.