Will Windows mobile 5.0 save programs from hard reset

My iPAQ 5400 is about 3 years old. I am thinkin about buying another one. The way I see is that even with the new Mobile 5.0 if I have installed some programs like e wallet, etc, if I hard reset, it is gone.
Can you help me with some tips as how to keep those programs withour loosing them?
Maybee installing them in a memory card?
Any suggestions
Thanks for your help, it is appreciated

I'm still not sure why you are performing a hard reset instead of just a soft reset to fix any freezes, glitches that you encounter. The easiest way would be to find a way to prevent the necessity of hard resets.
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In any case, when you install a program to your iPaq from an exe on your computer, you will be prompted where to save it. The default location is in the RAM, which will be cleared if the battery dies or a hard reset is performed. You can change this to either a memory card (as long as one is inserted while you're performing the installation) or to built-in storage. (ROM is where the OS is installed to, and the built-in storage is the remaining free space.) In either location, the data stored will not be erased by a dead battery or hard reset.

* Memory cards are NOT password-protected, so it's best to either not store personal/private data there, or use an encryption utility. (Such as AirScanner Mobile Encrypter, which is free for private use.)

* ROM is password-protected, but has an exception...when a hard reset is performed (or the battery dies), the password and all data in the RAM is erased, but the data in ROM remains. Since the password is gone, the ROM is left unprotected. Thus, it's best to follow the same security precautions as you do with memory cards.
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Now, by installing a program to one of these two locations, its ''protected'' from deletion. However, there are two catches:

* Some programs store required files throughout the PDA, not just in the program folder. Also, some programs may have serious problems is installed anywhere but the default directory. (I've had problems with Resco Keyboard, where the program stopped working, preventing me from using a software-based keyboard to enter my password. Major problem!) Thus, you'll find that you can't do this with all programs. (Experiment first, keeping a backup of all files until you discover any/all incompatibilities.)

* A good majority of the programs available rely on the registry to operate. The registry is stored in RAM, and will be erased, so although the program is still installed on the storage card, it won't work properly. To avoid this problem, download TRE, which is a free registry editor for the PPC. Using this program you'll be able to back up your registry (export to the storage card), then import it after the hard reset. (TRE can be installed to ROM or storage card, although I recommend using default RAM, then reinstalling it after a hard reset.) Again, this won't work for all programs, but I've had little problems with it.

Hope this helps,
John

John:
I can not tell you how much I appreciate your time and knowledge. I apology, should have given you my e mail last time OOrive@orive.com.
I have decided to buy a PDA and I can not see waiting for the ones with the Windows mobile 5.0 installed, specially after the last hard reset I go (by the way I do not do them, they just happens).
I been looking at the 2750 and the Dell X50 or something like that.
Any preferences, I promise won't bother you any more but with my e mail, you know where to contact a gratefully friend.
Otto

First, I'd like to mention that the iPaq 2750 has been retired, and replaced by the 2755, which is also priced at $499.

Now, when deciding between the two, there's no wrong answer. They are both at the top of their respective chains, so here's a feature comparison, detailing their similarities.

Processor: Both feature the Intel Xscale 624MHz processor, the fastest currently available in mainstream PDAs.

Operating System: Both run WM 2003SE, and, to my knowledge, both will be receiving an upgrade to Windows Mobile 5.0 this Fall. (Dell's is currently free, while I believe HP will charge $30.)

RAM: Both have 64MB.

ROM: The HP tops the X50 with 256MB (196MB accessible) compared to Dell's 128MB (~96MB accessible).

Connectivity: Both have WiFi and Bluetooth, and both have equally good signal reception.

Memory cards: Both accept SD and CF memory cards.

Display: The 2755 features a 3.5" QVGA screen, while the X50v blows it away with a 3.7" VGA screen. However, unless you're really into games, movies, or pictures, it's not worth it.

Misc: The HP has a biometric fingerprint reader (for logging in by fingerprint instead of password), something I would absolutely love to have! However, the X50v counters with a built-in graphics accelerator for gaming/movies.
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Given that, the two PDAs are both excellent choices. If you are planning on using it for multimedia, I'd go with the X50v's VGA screen and graphics accelerator. If you are looking for security and storage, then the iPaq 2755 (my personal preference) is definately the one for you. Either way, you'll be receiving a top-of-the-line PDA. (But before making a decision, have a look at this post. In the second half I detailed some new features to watch for in the next line of PDAs, which are set to debut in October, if you can/want to wait.)

Hope this helps,
John


P.S. Both include a 1-year warrenty, but Dell can be problematic. In my experience, HP offers much better support, and is more compatible with universal parts. (Dell uses proprietary technology, meaning all parts must be bought from them online, not in a store.)

John,

A great comparison, but I noticed some erroneous and already outdated(!) points:

Direct from HP tech, the 2755 and 2750 are identical units. The 2750 is marketed through their small business channels, and the 2755 is a retail unit. One did not "replace" the other.

As for RAM: From HP's site - "hx2700: 256 MB total memory (128 MB ROM and 128 MB SDRAM); Up to 192 MB user available memory that includes 80 MB iPAQ File Store"

And now updated on HP's site: The upgrade to 5.0: "You may Purchase the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 upgrade for select the iPAQ Pocket PCs for $39.99 (US)*. Bulk orders are also available in quantities for fifty."

Apparently the top model is now also the 2790, which was not on the list a month or so ago when I bought my 2755. It sports the 5.0 OS, additonal software, and a bit different memory allocation. Details are here --> http://smcurl.com/J2TCd

Hope this is helpful.

ALS