New to PPCs, need basic help

big_news_1 · 12-12-06, 02:07 AM

Hi all-

Just got a used X50 on Ebay for $140, and I'm having trouble with some basic functions. I can't figure out how to delete individual files and folders. I'm looking for a menu that's the equivalent to a "right click" on a PC, but not finding it. Also, I would like to know which files and folders are necessary to retain in the memory, and which ones might be residual data from the previous owner that is safe to be deleted. For instance, in my Built-in Storage I have four folders. They are "2577," "enfoTrust," "My Pictures," and "PACE." I obviously will want to keep the "My Pictures" folder, but would like to delete the others if they are just taking up room.

Another concern.... I was under the impression that the X50 came standard with internal WiFi capability. Is this true or not? I have no option in my Connections screen that mentions WiFi or lets me search for a nearby WiFi signal. Was I misled by the seller?

Any help is appreciated, and please give me the heads-up about any other things I ought to know while learning the pocket PC world.

12-12-06, 02:30 AM

OK first off, the right click you're looking for is attained by simply holding down the stylus on whatever you're trying to copy, paste, delete etc. As for your built in storage there should be NO folders in it at all and they can ALL be safely deleted (even the my pictures folder which was put there by the previous owner). Finally the only models that come with wifi built in are the x50 mid (520mhz) and the x50v (624mhz), so unless you have one of these two models I would say yes, you were mislead by the seller.

big_news_1 · 12-12-06, 02:40 AM

I figured out how to delete stuff shortly after posting that.... lol! I still appreciate the quick response.

How would I know if I have an X50mid or X50v?

I'll keep browsing around these forums to learn as much as I can, but any other links or advice are greatly appreciated. I'm trying to learn how to use this proficiently enough to teach my wife how to do stuff with it... it's her Christmas present. But until then, I get to have fun with it! Rocking out to some tunes I synched over as I type this.

EDIT: Well crap... I found the power settings page, and on the Maximum Performance setting it lists the processor at a speed of 416 MHz. I guess that means I have a plain old X50 with no WiFi.....

12-12-06, 02:48 AM

To find out what model you have go to....
START MENU>SETTINGS>SYSTEM>SYSTEM INFORMATION.

Feel free to check out "My PDA" for some links to programs and more.

big_news_1 · 12-12-06, 03:03 AM

I followed your instructions, and sure enough I have the regular X50 with the 416MHz processor. That sucks, but I can't complain too much for $140. I guess I'll be investing in a WiFi card then.... :)

I also was given a FlyCAM-CF as part of the auction. I believe I need drivers for it, though. Anybody familiar with these cameras?

Thanks again for the quick responses!

twaaxim · 12-12-06, 08:56 AM

You can download the drivers here

william488 · 12-13-06, 01:34 PM

also if you are just trying to get your ppc back to its original state, there is the reset pin hole in the back of the unit above the battery cover on the right side. It will reset everything back to original factory settings so be carefull.

codyplaysguita · 12-13-06, 03:12 PM

big_news_1,

Just to add to william488's post - to perform a hard reset you must hold down the power button and whilst doing so press the reset button on the back, this will reinstall a copy of the operating system and whipe clean all personal folders.

Sounds like this might be a good option for you, however, if there are any aftermarket programs that you would like to keep you'll have to back those up either to the SD or CF card or your desktop computer first so you can reinstall them after you've done a hard reset.

Good luck finding your way around your wife's present!

big_news_1 · 12-13-06, 07:33 PM

In regard to this hard reset...

Will it affect Pocket Word, Excel, Windows Media Player, etc., or are those considered part of the OS? I don't want to lose those things, as they seem to be handy tools to have. I only want to get rid of programs, user data, etc. from the previous owner that are taking up memory. As a side note, I don't have any of the original Dell software or documentation, as none of these things were included in the auction. I only have the PDA, sync cradle, and the CF Flycam. I downloaded a PDF of the owner's manual, but other than that I have none of the factory resources, which means I may be unable to reinstall things that would have come from Dell unless I can download them.

Holy run-on sentence, Batman!

Rsaturn9 · 12-13-06, 07:51 PM

Big news 1 A Hard Reset will restore your Axim to factory new, The only things you would need, you can get for free, are Activesinc from the Microsofts website.
Welcome to Aximsite!!!

big_news_1 · 12-14-06, 01:49 AM

Thanks for the heads-up, folks! Hopefully I can start hanging around here every now and again, and hopefully I don't have a bunch of problems that pop up.

The help is greatly appreciated :)

12-14-06, 08:40 AM

My suggestion is to do a hard reset and put the device back to its original state. Then read the manual and learn the basic features of your device. After you have a good feel for what you have then you can add whatever you want.

There are plenty of free programs you can download and most commercial software have trial and demo versions. You will have plenty of time to customize your device.

In my opinion, to use the PPC efficiently you need to understand the basic unit before jumping into the middle. The PPC has the potential of substituting for a notebook if you understand its strengths and limitations.

My last piece of advice is to hang around here to learn all about the Axim. There is a tremendous amount of useful information an this site you can incorporate in your understanding of the PPC. Just ask questions. I've found this site to be full of friend and helpful individuals.

Finally, welcome to the fantastic world of the PPC.

Steven855 · 12-14-06, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by big_news_1

In regard to this hard reset...

Will it affect Pocket Word, Excel, Windows Media Player, etc., or are those considered part of the OS? I don't want to lose those things, as they seem to be handy tools to have. I only want to get rid of programs, user data, etc. from the previous owner that are taking up memory. As a side note, I don't have any of the original Dell software or documentation, as none of these things were included in the auction. I only have the PDA, sync cradle, and the CF Flycam. I downloaded a PDF of the owner's manual, but other than that I have none of the factory resources, which means I may be unable to reinstall things that would have come from Dell unless I can download them.

Holy run-on sentence, Batman!

Please note that regarding a hard reset, Anything that Dell put on the Axim is stored in a rom image on a rom chip. So you will NOT lose those programs.