Downgrade Axim X51 from WM5.0 to PPC2003

[Sontex]

Hello,

I would like to know if it is possible to downgrade the Axim X51 with Windows Mobile 5.0 to Pocket PC 2003 (SE).

I am explaining why I would like to do this operation :

We have developped softwares with EVB (Embedded Visual Basic) which were working correctly on Axim X5 or X50 with PPC2002 or PPC2003 SE.
Now as these programs do not work any more under WM5.0 (tested on an Axim X51) because EVB software are not more supported, we have to "reprogram or convert" our software done with EVB into new version with Visual Studio or another programmation language. This action will take time.

What I would like to do during this reprogram period is to downgrade the new Axim X51 with WM5.0 to PPC2003. Then we will be able to use our software on the Axim X51.
Then when we will have developped our software for WM5.0, I would like to reprogramme the Axim X51 with the WM5.0

Therefore here are my questions :

1. Is it possible to save the current ROM of the Axim X51 (WM5.0) to a file ?
If yes, how can I do this ?

2. Is it possible to downgrade the Axim X51 from WM5.0 to PPC2003 ?
I have seen the program "Dell Axim X50 QVGA System ROM Reinstallation
from Windows Mobile 5.0 to Windows Mobile 2003 SE" under www.dell.com,
but for Axim X50.
Is it also possilbe to use this program with Axim X51 ?

3. Is it possible, if this previous operations work, to reprogram the Axim X51
(PPC2003SE) with WM5.0 stored in the file of point 1. ?


Thank's a lot for your answers, they will be really appreciated.

JeF

[Drifter]

In answer.

1) Yes you can. The Dell ROM upgrade utility that is includede in each new ROM posted has a built in ROM back up facility, you just need to identify the file location after you have backed up,.

BUT as the ROM''s can be downloaded freely and saved direct from Dell, why would you even want to keep a copy when you can download fresh

2) NO, each ROM that is issued is device specific. The X50 and X51 look similar machines, but the memory architecture is totally different. If you ran the ROM downgrade for the X50 on an x51, either the program would not work or you would brick the X51. I believe the program does have sufficient protection to stop you from running the downgrade on the wrong machine.

3) Again the Dell ROM upgrade utility does have a facility to restore. but as you cannot downgrade the ROM on an x51 to PPC2003SE, this is an academic question.

Sorry, but what you are asking is not possible without rewriting the ROM.

[enquerir]

Sontex,

It sounds like even if you downgrade, you still have to re-compile your apps.

Is it easier to upgrade your VS (development environment), re-compile your apps, & re-distribute the updated runtimes? That's what I do for my PPC2000 to RPC2003 upgrade.

Since switching to eVC, all my apps (PPC2000) can run on WM5 without re-compile ... backward compatible.

You might want to check with MSDN to look for a service pack for the version of VS that you've have.

Enquerir

[Mahstah]

In response to your questions 1 and 3, you will find links to instructions on extracting, hacking, and applying the hacked image to your ROM here. Drifter is correct that you cannot load WM2003 to the X51.