ROM and Firmware updates == UPDATED on 3/11/2008
From time to time HP posts updates to a particular pocket pc model’s Support & Drivers page (located on HP’s website) to fix known problems, enhance performance and to add greater functionality or update pre-installed applications. Several months ago, HP posted several BIOS updates that resolve the battery drainage/power on problems that I described in yesterday’s blog entry. For example, if you check HP's support & drivers page for the rx1950, you’ll find a ROM and Firmware update that, according to HP’s description:
“Restores the ability to Power On the handheld after it becomes locked in Standby mode with an SD Card inserted in the handheld. When the handheld is in this locked state, it does not Power On with the Power button and the battery may become discharged.”
You can stay informed of these updates either by visiting your pocket pc’s support pages regularly or by signing up to receive driver, patch, security and support alerts, either by email notification or by RSS feed, when they are posted to HP’s website.
Installing ROM & Firmware updates
Before you begin, figure out what your exact model number is, what its native language is, what operating system it is running, and what ROM version you are running by reviewing the pocket pc’s hp Asset Viewer:
- Tap Start > Settings > System tab.
- Select the hp Asset Viewer icon and tap through the various tabs to learn about your pocket pc:
- The Version tab shows the ROM date and revision, OS version
- The System tab shows the Model ID and Language
Don't install updates from a Vista computer
Most updates were created before Vista and are not compatible with Vista machines. Running an update from a Vista computer could potentially brick your Pocket PC. If you've attempted to run an update from a Vista machine and now your Pocket PC is stuck on the HP Invent screen, try running the update again from an XP machine.In what order?
If there are multiple updates to install to your pocket pc, you’ll need to read over the accompanying documentation to figure out the correct order to follow when installing the updates to your pocket pc. But, generally speaking, you’ll update the ROM first and then install the Firmware updates. ROM updates wipe out previously installed Firmware updates, so if you’ve already installed a firmware update, like the IPAQ Foldable Keyboard update (posted on the rx1950 update page), and then a ROM update is posted, you will install the ROM update and then reinstall the Keyboard Firmware update.
Ready to give it a shot?
Select the Support & Drivers link I’ve provided here and you’ll be taken to a page where you can enter the exact model number of your pocket pc (i.e., rx1955 or hx2495b). Then select the Download drivers and software link. You will continue selecting links that further identify your particular model (specific operating system, language, etc) until you get to a page that lists the specific drivers and software that is available for your particular pocket pc. To learn more about any specific update, tap the update’s underlined description and you will be taken to a page with 4 tabs:
-
Description
- Installation Instructions
- Release Notes
- Fixes
Be sure to read through the Release Notes to verify that the language and model numbers shown on this page match your pocket pc. Also review the “Fixes” tab so you’ll know what the update will do for your pocket pc. Then select the Download button and save the update to your computer.
Installing ROM updates and some Firmware updates will wipe out all of your files, user settings and remove any software you have installed to the pocket pc. And every now and then, things can go terribly wrong when installing a ROM update leaving you with an unusable pocket pc. So installing a ROM update should never be done on a whim or without first taking some precautions.
One, Two, Go!
Most pocket pc backup applications do not restore to updated ROMs, so don’t expect to be able to restore a backed up file to your newly upgraded pocket pc: Before running the ROM or Firmware update program, take some time to protect your data and your IPAQ and avoid potential setup problems.
- Perform one final sync of your pocket pc to your computer so all contacts, appointments, tasks and other Outlook related data is on your computer. Make sure you’ve saved all of your documents to your computer.
- Check any third-party applications you’ve installed to verify you’ve copied any of their data files to your computer. For instance, on my pocket pc, I have a running log application. This application creates its own database. To avoid losing all this data, I manually copy it from my pocket pc to my computer.
- Gather together the various software applications you have installed to the pocket pc and any related license keys. If you installed this software via ActiveSync, it will be fairly simple to reinstall it, using ActiveSync's Add/Remove Programs option (select Tools > Add/Remove Programs), but you will need to reactivate these applications and that’s why you’ll need your license keys.
- Review and document any user-specific parameters you’ve programmed into the pocket pc, such as GPRS settings, POP3 or IMAP4 messaging account information and WIFI encryption keys.
- Plug the USB plug directly into a USB port on your computer - do not use a USB hub when running a ROM or Firmware update.
- Plug your AC adapter into your cradle or USB cord - do not rely on USB charging (if that's even available to you).
- Remove any installed storage cards from your pocket pc.
- Disable the Firewall and antivirus software on your computer
- You don't want your computer going into hibernation or standby mode, so disable all power saving settings on your computer. Most of the fatal problems I see with ROM upgrades occur because the computer's power source is disrupted.
Final Thoughts
If the ROM update you’ve downloaded does not run, go back and verify that you have downloaded the correct software. You won’t be able to run a ROM that is designed for a different language pocket pc or a different model. When the ROM update wizard begins to execute, one of the first things it does is compare the ROM update against some of the basic parameters of the pocket pc. The update wizard checks to make sure the languages are the same and the pocket pc model is compatible. Some folks think they can change the language of their pocket pc to another language by simply running a different language ROM update. But in all likelihood the update wizard will exit the program with some kind of compatibility error message.
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have any news about the rom update version of the RW6815 sold in Italy because it do not work with the push email service. It do a hard reset of the ppc.
tks
AB
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I'm sorry, I don't know anything about that update. Have you posted a question to any pocket pc forums?
julie
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do u know where i can get a ROM upgrade for my HW6910.onthe hp site there is no ROM upgrade available but other s/w updates available. does that mean this phone's rom cant be upgraded?
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If HP has not posted a ROM update for the hw6910, then there is no ROM update for it and the phone's ROM can not be upgraded at this time.
julie
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I have one complaint. You have three choices: liked, disliked and no opinion. We need a new one: "I will kiss the ground you walk on."
I just discovered this blog when you quickly responded to my question on the HP Forum.I will now subscribe to this blog. I think I can now start to use my Pocket PC to the fullest.
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LOL. I'm glad my Blog helped you out! Thanks for stopping by!
julie
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Thanks for your help!
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Glad to help! Thanks for stopping by.
julie
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Hi,i have 1 problem if u can help me..
I have an Hp rx1950..language spanish..i wanna to change the language >> to english..so i have to make a Rom update but on Hp`s suport site the only Rom Update is in ENGLISH...i understand that i can "hack" a little the Rom (to let the spanish update until he see my device and language..then to put the english one..and to copy a file from 1 folder to another)but i need the Rom in english and the Rom in spanish...but i do not have the 1 in spanish...can u help me PLS...i have a few nights sleep-less...so u understand me ...PLS HELP
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Gabriel,
Sorry ROM hacks are not my thing and not what this blog is about. julie
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Hi...nooo u do not understand me ...hacking is not mi thing i read that on somme forums...and i realy wanna change the language...any other method is wellcome...sry for make u think i wanna hack the Rom...i know this blog is not for hack`s...SRY....pls help me if u can....and sry 1 more time
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Gabriel, unfortunately there is no HP approved way to change the language of a Pocket PC. I have seen methods to do it which involve using two different language ROMs, but I have never tried it and I do not recommend it since doing so, is 1) potentially illegal (in regards to Microsoft licensing issues); 2) it voids any warrenty one may have on the Pocket PC and 3) could potentially brick a Pocket PC. I can not help you with this.
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I've tried the fixes (repeatedly) on my hx2495b to fix the battery drain problem. I first noticed the situation after inserting the sd card and after reading all the posts and doing what they suggest I'm still losing 1% charge every 5-7 minutes. ROM is updated, exchange dummy server done, ir off, the works. Is there anything else that has occurred during the past several months that will help fix this problem?
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I have not seen any other ROM updates for your hx2495b and I am not aware of any other things you could do to fix the problem. Does the problem only happen with an SD card is inserted? Have you discussed this with HP?
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Dear Julie. I´ve just updated my ipaq hx2490b with the rom version 1.02.00.H and date: 05/23/06. On the HP´s website there is a rom update named 1.02 (june 2006). Do you know if these are the same updates ? The only diferenec is the date (may / june 2006). The fact is that i´ve done a firmware update and the battery problem isn´t solved.
Thank you
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I don't think there's a difference between these two updates, and I've read a couple of different threads from users who also have an hx2490b and report the same issue, even after performing the update. Have you also gone back and done the so called dummy server trick?
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Thank you very much. I´ve already done the "dummy server trick" and i hope that it solves the problem.
Augusto
P.S: Have a happy new year !
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Hello, I am currently using a hp2490b, English, with ROM version: 1.02.00.H
This Ipaq worked fine with a wireless laser scanner that connected to the Ipaq through Socket 1, but now when I connect the scanner card to the Ipaq, I get a 'Unrecognized Card Enter the name of the device driver for this card.' and a space to enter the card driver with the default text: Unknown card in Socket 1.
I got this type of error when the Ipaq was brand new and fixed it installing the sp33003.exe HP update, but now its back. I’ve tried to re-install the update but to no avail. Also I've performed a clean reset, but this does not return my Ipaq to 'new' status before the sp33003.exe update. I would like to reinstall the update completely to fix this problem, but once installed the system will not revert to the original software.
Any help resolving this matter will be greatly appreciated.
PS: I have access to another hp2490b that still works with this scanner card and the scanner worked fine on the other Ipaq. I also checked for configuration inconsistencies between both Ipaq’s, but found none.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Rolando Artigas
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How did you connect with the laser scanner? Was this simply through a wireless connection? Did you actually plug something into your pocket pc to make this connection. I don't know what you are referring to when you mention "Socket 1."
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Hello, I plug a Socket scanner card into the Ipaq’s Type II Compact Flash slot on top. This is led by wire to the laser scanner, which is a Symbol HotShot model.
I used the term Socket 1 for the Compact Flash slot since the error message mentions Unknown card in Socket 1, but really it’s the Type II Compact Flash slot.
This is a link to a website with my type of card and scanner: http://www.ciao.co.uk/Socket_Laser_Scanner_Card_2104__5372555
Thanx in advance Julie
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Hello Again ProfJulie
Thinking about the flash card connection error I think there may be two ways of resolving it. Since I have an hp2490b that does work, I could copy the flash connection configuration files from the working Ipaq to the problem Ipaq. In this scenario I don’t know which are the flash card configuration files and if it’s simply a mater of copy/paste the good files to replace the corrupted files, or if there is something else to consider (ej. like the regsvr32 command in Windows to register a .dll file)
The other method I think could work to solve my problem, would be to reinstall the latest HP update again, but to do this I would have to perform an update rollback to the way the Ipaq originally came from the factory. On all the Ipaqs from the factory, this error is displayed when connecting the flash card to the Ipaq and the error was solved by installing the HP update. But now even performing a clean reset the last update is still in the system and no system rollback occurs. So for this to work I would need to dis-install the last HP update, to reinstall it again. I just don’t know how to do that.
Hope you can help, thanks.
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I don't know how you could get your pocket pc back to the earlier ROM. What happens if you just try to reinstall the ROM update?
When you purchase the scanning CF card, did it also come with software? If so, could you reinstall the software?
You might also try removing the battery for about 30 seconds. This will reset the hardware and could resolve the issue.
Have you tried using any kind of different card in the CF slot just to see if the CF slot recognizes it? If the CF slot does not recognize a conventional CF card, then there could be a hardware issue with the slot that would need to be repaired.
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Well we pretty much tried everything, but on the point of trying different flash cards in the CF slot, we tried three different flash cards, that were all working on other Ipaqs, but not on this one. In the end, the verdict was a faulty flash card reader on the Ipaq itself and since the unit is still under warranty, it was sent for repair/replacement.
Thanks for your time and support on the matter.
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Before I installed the ROM updates I was able to charge the batt. with the sync cable now I can't. How can I fix this its the only cable I have for charging now it doesn't work? Please help!!
Thanks,
Danelle
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I don't know what you could do to fix it. What model Pocket PC do you have? Have you tried plugging the device into AC power?
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HP IPaq RX1955. I got it from a friend and he didn't have an AC cable for it. I ordered the only cable I have for it online and it has always worked fine till now.
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I have not heard of anyone updating their rx1955 and having a problem afterwards charging their pocket pc. I have an rx1955 and haven't had this problem. I think you need to try a different cable. You really need to get yourself an AC charger since running ROM updates while relying on USB to power the device is quite risky.
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Julie, I am interested in PDA, I live in a small village and I travel by train each day for about an into the city as people do the world over. I would like to make more of my time each day by web surfing and checking emails etc.
1 I want have web pages as they are viewed on my pc ie7. Does windows provide that quality ?
2 is ther any IPAQ PDA you would recommend. I do not want a laptop too heavy\expensive
Many Thanks
John
I am thinking of an IPAQ, any thoughts
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Hi Julie, I am hoping you can offer some good advice. I have the iPAQ hx2795. It has bios version 1.00.00.H and I tried updating to newer version 1.00.01H. It connected via cradle and started installing. Then an error occurred (unable to locate via Activesync) CANCEL was only available action. After serveral minutes, I hit the reset button per the error message instruction. Now my 2795 only displays the HP iPAQ splash screen displaying version 1.00.01.H but nothing happens. I've done a hard reset, clean reset, and nothing. I pulled the battery out for several minutes. Deleted and reinstalled activesync. I tried reinstalling bios. my PDA is not recognized via USB. The power button no longer works. I depress power button to shut off and nothing happens. Only thing I can do to get response it depress reset button. It reboots, but gets stuck on splash screen. I can pull battery and that is only way to shut it off. Any ideas. I can't seem to interface with it at all. install file name sp33752.exe
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You need to try running the update again. Thios time make sure you are plugging the device directly into AC power (do not rely on USB charging) and that you are running the update from an XP machine. Here's a link that may help you get your pocket pc working again:
How to Recover your PDA after a botch ROM Update
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I am workimg till now with a Del x30High
I have a reasonable price to change for dell x51, but I´m not liking about the things I see in the forums, may you help me about it? Tia
baptista
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What do you need help with?
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