Pocket PCs are hand-held personal digital assistants (PDAs) that operate on the Windows Mobile operating system developed and released by Microsoft. Due to their portable nature, Pocket PCs can receive a large amount of use and abuse over the course of their lifetime. Learn troubleshoot a Pocket PC when it encounters hardware or software errors to restore the PDA's functionality and make the most of the device.
Instructions
1. Check that your Pocket PC is fully charged. Connect the device to its charger, or connect it to a powered USB port on your computer using the ActiveSync cable.
2. Verify that the Pocket PC is plugged securely into your computer if you are encountering ActiveSync problems or issues of missing data when attempting to synchronize the PDA with your computer. A faulty cable, or a cable not properly plugged in, may result in errors and system conflicts when you try to sync the Pocket PC with your computer.
3. Conduct a soft reset of the Pocket PC. This action is similar to restarting your computer and can help resolve any issues you may be having with software conflicts or errors, or a Pocket PC that seems unusually slow. First, save any open documents on the PDA and close all active software. Then, locate the Reset button. On most Pocket PCs, this button is typically located on the backside of the handheld near the battery casing. Use a pencil point or paper clip to press the recessed button. If you still encounter problems with the Pocket PC after doing a soft reset, continue to Step 4.
4. Conduct a hard reset of the Pocket PC. This empties the PDA's internal memory drive; deletes all installed programs and saved documents or images; and restores the handset to its original factory settings. First, back up your Pocket PC to prevent data loss. Connect the handset to your computer using the original ActiveSync cable. The ActiveSync window will now appear on your PC's screen. In the window, click "Tools" in the top menu bar and select "Backup" from the drop-down menu. Choose "Full Backup" from the resulting options screen and wait for your Pocket PC to finish backing itself up.
5. Press and hold the Pocket PC's front power button while simultaneously holding down the reset button on the back of the device. The Pocket PC will now do a hard reset. Alternatively, removing the Pocket PC's internal battery for a prolonged period accomplishes the same effect. If you still encounter problems on the PDA, continue to Step 6.
6. Check for any upgrades to the Pocket PC's internal Windows Mobile software. Updates to the software often fix common errors and bugs. These upgrades are Pocket PC model-specific, due to the fact that many manufacturers customize the internal software for the specific PDA. Contact the technical support website for your PDA's manufacturer (found in the original manual that came with the Pocket PC) to determine whether any updates are available for your device.
Tags: your computer, your Pocket, ActiveSync cable, Backup from, computer using