Dell Axim X51v VGA System Update for Windows Mobile Version 5.0

[aanl]

Dell launched a new update on Jan 3 for its AXIM X51v model running MS Mobile 5.0. On its website, Dell also recommend 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 for your feedback

aanl

[Mahstah]

Sorry, the ROM update is the equivalent of reinstalling Windows on your home computer. You should back up anything you want to keep stored on your PPC. Anything on your storage card is safe.

It's easy to reinstall all the programs you have- just go to Tools-Add/Remove Programs from Activesync after the hard reset and you can recheck anything you want reinstalled to your PPC. The only drawback is having to take time to reset all system settings and reregister all apps after setting the same owner name as you previously had. Many PPC apps base the reg keys off of the owner name of the device. Good luck, and don't feel shy to ask questions...

[aanl]

Originally Posted by Mahstah

Sorry, the ROM update is the equivalent of reinstalling Windows on your home computer. You should back up anything you want to keep stored on your PPC. Anything on your storage card is safe.

It's easy to reinstall all the programs you have- just go to Tools-Add/Remove Programs from Activesync after the hard reset and you can recheck anything you want reinstalled to your PPC. The only drawback is having to take time to reset all system settings and reregister all apps after setting the same owner name as you previously had. Many PPC apps base the reg keys off of the owner name of the device. Good luck, and don't feel shy to ask questions...

Thank you very much. I am gonna get a storage card first before a system update.

[Mahstah]

The DATA on your storage card will remain after a ROM update, but some programs installed there may not continue to work.

Most work fine and require only a copy shortcut to your start menu folder after a ROM upgrade to resume the original launch functionality. They will not appear in your Remove Programs applet like traditionally installed programs.

Other programs have information in the registry, in-ROM system folders, or system databases which would be overwritten during the upgrade rendering them inoperable. I reinstall all programs after a ROM upgrade.

[yul018]

What about programs like word and excell and activ-sync, are those replaced as part of the firmware.

[Mahstah]

Yes, they are replaced with updated versions in a ROM update if fixes were produced for the applications. Otherwise, it's the same version overwritten.

[yul018]

Mahstah

Will my Calendars and contacts automatically be restored from outlook on my desk top when I update. Or do I have to drag and drop. There is nothing else that I cannot afford to lose on my axim. One last thing, is there a way to designate a save to the 1 Gig sd. I would like to save my word and MP3 files directly there. Not having a search all like "my computer" makes it hard to move things around.

Thanks...


UL

[Mahstah]

Your calendar and contacts will sync back with the updated Axim on first connection. You can always choose to save your Word docs by default on a card from Word-->Menu-->Options-->Save to: SD Card. Mp3s can be manually organized. Word will display all docs on a device regardless of where they're stored without using a search function. Most mp3 player programs you need to open the folder containing your library.