Dell release ROM A06 for the X51 range

[Drifter]

Jan 3 2006.

Dell has today posted two new ROM upgrades for the X51 range.

As before the upgrade consists of 2 files,

A06 for the VGA -X51v and a seperate file -
A05 for the X51 420 and 516 Mhz models with QVGA.

The two different ROM versions will confuse people, but I'm sure Dell know what they are doing ( ??)

Sorry, no news or signs of ROM upgrades for the X50 series running WM5

The web site reports the new ROM as follows
Fixes and Enhancements
1. Windows Mobile V5.0 Adaptation Kit Update 1.1 enhancement

So it would appear to be a more generic MS set of changes than Dell orientated. This could be good as WM5 has been causing problems for many PDA suppliers, not just Dell.

Could it also mean users have the excitement of a whole new set of unexpected system features (otherwise known as bugs ) ???

The upgrade can be downloaded from the following link.Please read my notes in the X51 section of this site before upgrading

http://support.dell.com/support/down...os=PPM&osl=EN#

[aanl]

Hi Drifer,

On Dell's website, Dell recommends a hard reset while updating system as follows:

"Upon completing your system update, please perform hard reset to the Axim when the Update Complete screen appears. To perform hard reset, press and hold the power button, then use the stylus to hold down the reset button for about 2 seconds."

I have a concern: a hard reset recommended by Dell will keep all settings back to OEM original status and remove all the applications installed after the purchase of device. Is this ture? What would I do to keep all new applications on my device without changes while completing system update?

Thanks

aanl

[Drifter]

Please do not double post your questions, it confuses everyone.

As already advised by Mahstah, you have no choice if you want to upgrade the ROM.

Dell do advise that you can back up all PIM data , but that back up an restore of programs between ROM upgrades , using Ativesync is not possible.

You can however use a 3rd party such as Sprite to get arround this.

However again as others have commented, a ROM upgrade is like a reformat and reinstallation of windows on a PC and like on a PC, such actions normally result in a cleaner system and registry which also gives system performance improvements.

[spursfan]

hi are there any problems with the rom update that should be avoided do we really need to do it

[Drifter]

Do you need to do it ??. No, if you are experiencing no problems with what you have, then you do not have to update.

Most peopel update because of problems that they experience.

What you have to avoid is that before you upgrade, you need to stop ALL other programs and background tasks on your PC. Use Ctrl. Alt, delete to stopp all un necessary processes

[couz_usa]

Question, the spec's for this download really do not describe the updates/fixes. Anyone know if this ROM upgrade fixes the dreaded WSOD (white screen of death) syndrome ? Thank you. Da_couz

[Drifter]

Sorry, it does not prevent the problem, but it does reduce the incidence.

[enquerir]

Aanl had a valid concern. Yes, you will loose your apps & settings that was installed ... after a hard reset. All my apps are installed in my SD, so after the upgrade, I only need to create a ".LNK" for each of my apps to the Program group. It's better than re-installing them.

Before you upgrade:
1. Make sure your cradle is power up.
2. Run the Data Backup & MAKE SURE to backup ALL data to SD card.
3. Stop all apps in your pda & desktop.
4. Run the upgrade.
5. After the upgrade, Restore from the SD.

This is mostly Win Mobile 5 (OS) improvement. I 've the A06 upgrade for almost a month. Improvement that I experienced:
1. Registry changes can be implemented instantly; without On/Off or soft reset.
2. No more white screen syndrome: IE displays a Blank Page while it uses an HTTP 1.0 request in a WinInet application.
3. IE & wireless networking/security (SSL, 128-bit encryption): I can do my wireless banking transaction on my X51V now.
4. No need to tweak registry to acescs web sites (bank) that require IE6 or "https". Can visit these sites with original Win CE (IE4) setting:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Internet Settings\5.0\User Agent:
Subkey "Version=MSIE 4.01"
5. No more On/Off button that require soft reset.
6. Power up sequence faster, i.e. The Start menu comes on almost instantly.
7. Switching between tasks - almost instant.
8. You can Send/Receive (Messaging) all mails (Exchange Server, your ISP, hotmail) thru WiFi internet on your X51V - a real pda.
9. You can configure Pocket IE (thru Registry) to store INDEX.DAT to the SD card instead of having it on ROM. There are 3 Index.dat files that ''grow'' in your ROM as you browse the internet even if you delete the cookies and the temporary internet files. Check Microsoft article KB322916 (they acknowledged the problem but they don't teach you how to fix it). http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=322916
Over time, your pda will become slow. I will show you how to do it for free without buying 3rd party software in a separate thread.
Check these folders for Index.dat (original 16 KB) in your pda & you'll know what I mean:
• \Windows\Profiles\guest\Temporary Internet Files
• \Windows\Profiles\guest\Cookies
• \Windows\Profiles\guest\History

Note: On desktop, these files reside on the harddrive, it's never an issue.

I certainly recommend it to those who've an X51V. Remember, MS was pushing for the release of Win Mobile 5 last year; this is their OS improvement.

There's no such thing as stupid question; just ask.

[Spyqs]

Is anybody able to confirm that the French version which is available for download is the A06 or not?

When we look in the file R116371.EXE, it is written AximX51v_WM5_A01FR.IMG dated 2005/12/22.
If we start the installation and stop just before the flashing, we can read that it is also A01.

Is it a mistake or realy the A01 version?

Spyqs

[Mahstah]

It is really the A01 version. Dell is slow in updating "foreign" (not to you of course) languages for the Axims.