Restoring Internal Flash

Previous Section

Index

Next Section

Restoring the Original iPAQ Operating System

This topic covers the steps taken to restore an iPAQ to its original operating system. This requires that you have a copy of the original flash image.

Restoration Overview

When the iPAQ image was replaced with the Compaq boot loader and the new QNX iPAQ image, a backup should have been made of the original internal flash memory. This backup consisted of the original operating system, wince_image.gz and the original bootloader, save_bootloader.gz. It is not necessary to replace the original bootloader. The upgraded bootloader can boot into WinCE without a problem.

Warning: You must follow these steps carefully. It is possible to effectively destroy your iPAQ or permanently lose its original operating system. This document attempts to make the process as simple as possible, but the success of this installation is ultimately in your hands. Please read this document thoroughly before beginning your installation. precisely.

Preparing for the Installation

[5 Minutes]

This document assumes you have an iPAQ which has been upgraded with a QNX image. The installation process will only work with the boot loader included with the iPAQ Software Reference Platform.

Please review the following notes before you begin the installation process:

Important: You must follow these steps with A/C power adapter attached to your iPAQ. If you lose power during the installation process, you run a very high risk of destroying your iPAQ.
You will need a computer with a terminal application which supports the XModem transfer protocol. On QNX, qtalkx with the XModem package is sufficient. On Windows you can use the terminal program, HyperTerminal.
You will need to copy the original image file to the computer with the terminal program. These files should be: wince_image.gz.
You must decompress the wince_image.gz file with a utility such as gzip or Winzip.

Restoring the iPAQ Image
[1-2 Hours]

You will now transfer the original image back to your ipaq. You will load the decompressed file back onto the iPAQ at memory address 0x40000 .

Here are the steps to restore your iPAQ image, please follow these carefully:

Connect your iPAQ to a PC via the iPAQ serial cable. The PC should have a terminal program which supports the XModem transfer protocol.
Reboot the iPAQ by pressing the small reset button on the bottom of the device with the stylus.
When you see the QNX splash screen, press the Serial Debug button.
From the "boot>" prompt, type "load flash 0x40000"
From the terminal, start an XModem transfer of the decompress file, wince_image.
Once the transfer is complete, press the reset button on the bottom of the iPAQ to boot back into WinCE.

Restore Complete
Congratulations, you have now restored your iPAQ to its original state. We hope that you have found the QNX iPAQ Software Reference Platform interesting and productive. Please watch for more updates with community contributions and additional software from QNX partners.

Previous Section

Index

Next Section