Can't re-flash ROM from SD card

[Mirthrindir]

Hi. I finally got myself and Axim - what a beautiful machine. But, I'm having trouble with it.

I've read many threads here, so have already tried most of the basic ideas. Let me lay it out clearly, to speed things up.

I have an Axim x50v WM2003SE A05. ActiveSync 3.8.
All is working, more or less.
But, the Axim seems to have issues; it may be seriously hurt.
I was using PocketArtist and it lost the ability to save. I had it loaded in "built-in storage" (BIS). So I went to delete is and reinstall. I can't delete it.
Something is wrong. I was told re-flashing the ROM is the only sure way to clear the BIS. Other issues - it just seems to lock up an awful lot. I just loaded pocketNester and Gnuboy and they both freeze the unit. TCPMP works beautifully...

#1 is there any way to tell is something is just seriously wrong with the Axim?

I ran the Power-Sidebutton-Reset diagnostic and it says everything is fine.
Maybe it is, maybe is just needs a fresh OS install. So -

#2 - I tried to re-flash the ROM

I Hard Reset many times. A hard reset doesn't clear the BIS.
I tried the Dell ROM update via ASync, but since I already have A05, it won't do anything.

I attempted to reflash the ROM. I formatted my 2G SD card as FAT32.
I loaded the following files:

DiMa_B_A05_X50v_WM2k3_ENG.nb0
DiMa_B_A05_X50v_WM2k3_ENG.nbo.crc

DiMa_K_A05_X50v_WM2k3_ENG.nb0
DiMa_K_A05_X50v_WM2k3_ENG.nbo.crc

I hit Power-Sidebutton-Reset. All it does is offer to go into the diagnositic, then soft resets when I don't do anything.

I tried it with the four files, just the two _K_ files, and even got the two _K_ files in my Axim's root.

Any ideas?

TIA,
Girt

[micallen]

I have a stupid question:

How do you know which ROM version you have? I have WM 2003 SE, but can't tell what ROM version I have.

[rlarson_mn]

I have a X51V but my manual says go to the following:

Start/Settings/System/About will give you the Software OS version

Start/Settings/System/System Information will give you the hard ware information and ROM version

[micallen]

I have a X51V but my manual says go to the following:

Start/Settings/System/About will give you the Software OS version

Start/Settings/System/System Information will give you the hard ware information and ROM version

OK. Thanks ! So I have the A05 ROM (WM 2003SE). From what I've read, that is about as up to date as I can really get on an X50 mid. Is that correct?

[Mirthrindir]

OK. Thanks ! So I have the A05 ROM (WM 2003SE). From what I've read, that is about as up to date as I can really get on an X50 mid. Is that correct?

Yes, for the x50v, and I'm pretty sure it's the same for yours.

[micallen]

Yes, for the x50v, and I'm pretty sure it's the same for yours.

Good thing I got that straight now... before I screwed something up trying to upgrade it LOL.

This is my first post actually FROM my Axim !! Woo hoo!!!

[Mirthrindir]

I hit Power-Sidebutton-Reset. All it does is offer to go into the diagnositic, then soft resets when I don't do anything.

Answer: keep holding the Wifi+Power buttons until the the Updater screen appears.

[Mirthrindir]

I did find the answers.

1. The BIS was cleared out, reformatted actually, when I upgraded to WM50 A01 with the Dell Desktop updater.

As for the B files and K files - you need the B files to change Bootloaders - going from 2003se to WM50 A01 or A01 to A02+. You want to use a freshly reformatted SD card with only the files on it that you need. (It can work with other files on it, but if you have mulitiple Upgrade files, it won't see them, just the highest one (in my experience)).

The by-far easiest way to do an upgrade is to use the Dell Desktop Updaters, which loads the bootloader, then the OS. Going from 2003se to WM50 also reformats the BIS, as it's role then changes.

*Always* make sure it is the proper software for your unit - x50 vs. x50v vs. x51v or whatever.