05-16-2005, 05:00 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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The Dysfunctional Windows ROM Update Situation
I wrote this article three weeks ago, before the MEDC 2005 keynote where Bill Gates stated that a new feature of Windows Mobile 5 was easier updates. I don't know if this new feature will address the problem I talk about below - let's hope so!
I recently started using a Dell Axim X50v (for the second time) and before I started to load it up I checked for a ROM update because I was running the original ROM. Sure enough, ROM A02 was available. I installed it and began to load up my device with a whack of great apps. I also configured it with my five different email accounts, moved over my mobile favourites, installed some great themes, and punched in all those application registration codes. I'd say it took a total of 2-3 hours worth of time in total over a period of a few days.
Shortly after, ROM A03 was released, and I found myself in a painful position: do I update to the latest ROM, and have to re-do all the work I put into building up my device? Or do I leave it as-is and ignore the benefits that the new ROM brings? So far I've opted for the latter, because I don't want to go through the hassle of setting up my device. The real question is, why is Microsoft putting their customers in a painful scenario like this?
Where's the Integration?
What makes this scenario even more frustrating is the lack of integration between the device, ActiveSync, and Outlook. Last I heard, part of Microsoft's business vision includes a concept called "Working Better Together" whereby it's a company goal to have their products work best with their other products. Meaning that Outlook would be the best companion for a Pocket PC or Smartphone. To some extent they've done that, but more by default (i.e.: it's free in the box) then any real innovation on the part of Microsoft.
Why isn't there an "Export Documents & Settings" wizard in ActiveSync that would bundle up your documents, Inbox accounts, device settings, and every other customized option? Why can't the Pocket PC automatically grab email account settings from Outlook? Why can't Pocket Internet Explorer automatically grab all of your favourites? ActiveSync is completely dysfunctional when it comes to backups and restores - the bulk of Pocket PC users never change the default name of their device from Pocket_PC, because giving the device a name isn't part of the initial startup wizard. So after a ROM upgrade, the user docks the Pocket PC named Pocket_PC...only to be told by ActiveSync that there's already a partnership with that name and the process can't continue. Why isn't there a way to tell ActiveSync that it's the same device and avoid this clumsy scenario?
There are many clever ways that the out-of-box experience with a Pocket PC could be drastically better than it is now, but I don't see Microsoft or any of the OEMs putting any thought into this process. This same sort of solution would drastically assist users when it came time to upgrade the ROM on their device, or when getting a replacement device back from a warranty repair/exchange. I have a hunch Microsoft and the OEMs think it's just power users who switch devices every three months that run into these sorts of problems, but that's simply not true. Anyone that installs a ROM upgrade to get new features/fix problems will run into these problems.
Why is this Considered Acceptable?
This is a serious problem with the ROM updating system on Windows Mobile devices: could you imagine what would happen if, when Microsoft released the Windows XP SP2 update, the only way you could install it was to re-format your hard drive and re-install Windows from scratch. How many people would be willing to do that? Not very many. Yet we're being asked to do the very thing with our mobile devices, and without even the most basic of tools that users of Windows XP have (such as the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard). The Windows Mobile ROM upgrading is fundamentally a broken process that causes user frustration.
Ultimately, the ROM upgrade process is merely a symptom of a much wider problem: the fact that Microsoft has allowed the OEMs to turn the powerful, extensible, upgradeable Windows Mobile platform into an appliance-like, disposable software "solution" instead of the platform that it really is. But that's a rant for another day!
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05-16-2005, 05:18 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 24
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I Hear you , I feel and share your pain.
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05-16-2005, 05:20 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 70
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This is precisely what put me off with ActiveStink.
I use it only to produce the .cabs from .exes (bonus points to anybody who gives me an utility to do this) which I then copy to a folder and later, copy it to the CF card via wifi network shares. I don't even let it run in the background.
I pity the people who have to use ActiveStink. I really do. Its another MS app which has somehow managed to corner the market and delude people into thinking its the bee's knees.
Its not. Its an over-engineered solution which is more difficult to repair when something does go wrong. Syncing your Pocket PC should be as simple as connecting and running a small utility which performs the deed with minimum fuss or choosing an option to export changes since last sync to a file and transfer it manually on either the PC or PPC.
I mean, to add the functionality to sync a new file type involves writing a plugin, installing handlers, etc. Why? Why not just add a few lines to some ini file to copy this file type from this dir if newer than the same on PPC or vice versa? If conversion is needed, then the ini could contain paths to a third party converter. Its KISS. It works. Use it, MS for God's sake.
And another point: Why can't Pocket Word simply read MS Word file format in full? Simply marking the elements it doesn't support as plugins so you can edit around them. Why the need for the ridiculously over-complicated conduit and the extra file type?
Regarding your x50v ROM update. Just use the backup utility and backup programs and settings. Apply the newer ROM, hard reset as usual, then restore. Alright, you may lose functionality in general cases, but not here in this case. Dell hasn't changed all that much - besides, you can do this and simply opt to do the full deed at a later date like I did. I reinstalled clean a few days ago - feels no different to after I restored following the update.
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05-16-2005, 05:24 PM
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5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,067
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The problem of the need for reinstalling/setting up everything again can be easily combatted with the Advanced restoration capabilities of Sprite Backup.
In a lot of cases, not even Sprite Backup is needed. Just restore the old backup (it's possible in most cases with a simple registry-based version number hack) and apply a simple registry patch (because the restore restores the old registry) to bring up the registry to be totally compliant with the new ROM.
Of course, these (especially the second one) requires a bit of manual work, especially for the first time when the registry hack is invented (see for example http://www.firstloox.org//forums/showthread.php?t=3585 on a current, actual example). Then, over-ROM-upgrade restoration becomes a breeze.
Of course, Windows Mobile and ActiveSync could handle all this automatically. But, we all know that, with Windows Mobile, a lot of even essential functionality can only be achieved by third party tools (the above-mentioned Sprite Backup) or manual system hacking (manual hacking and restoration of backup files/differeing registry entries).
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05-16-2005, 05:32 PM
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5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,067
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Ward
Regarding your x50v ROM update. Just use the backup utility and backup programs and settings. Apply the newer ROM, hard reset as usual, then restore. Alright, you may lose functionality in general cases, but not here in this case. Dell hasn't changed all that much - besides, you can do this and simply opt to do the full deed at a later date like I did. I reinstalled clean a few days ago - feels no different to after I restored following the update.
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Exactly the case with the Pocket Loox 720 upgrade. Much as there indeed is some difference in the registry between the two ROM versions, not updating the registry to the new version after a restore (which involves a full registry restore too, also meaning setting back the registry to its pre-upgrade state) doesn't have any consequences.
Naturally, other ROM upgrades may have more effect on the registry. These two, however, work without any additional post-restoration registry updating.
Bottom line: even without any official support for easy ROM upgrades, there may be cases when it's very easy to upgrade the ROM and restore backups made with the previous ROM version.
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05-16-2005, 05:34 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 545
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What the real issue is....
The REAL issue is even Microsoft themselves treat Pocket PC's and Smartphone as appliances and nothing more. They EXPECT you to go get a new one every 12-18 months and I have simply said NO. I am TIRED of that run around. Who knows....maybe when work buys me a Blackberry (7520 with Nextel) maybe I will put my PPC in the drawer. I am TIRED of this BILL G knows best attitude I have seen from Microsoft as of late. Bill saying iPods aren't going to last? No, they won't last.....they will evolve. One could say the same thing about PC's. Every 5-10 years I hear let's replace the PC with Winterms and we still never do it. The PC keeps evolving. Many MANY years ago I remember everyone saying the Desktop PC is dead and everyone should get a laptop, yet how many have at least one of each??
I am TIRED of trying to stay on the leading edge of PPC's. I would LOVE to do it, but other things take precedent. I may get a new PPCPE next year or so, but my 4355 is doing just fine. I do lust for VGA display, but the brain dead way it's been implemented just sucks.
The DAY I am happier about the PPC as a platform is the day that Microsoft and the OEM's start to treat it like it should be treated....as a extremely portable computer that can be upgraded software wise. If they made the ROM update from Microsoft come in pieces AND direct from Microsoft with absolute bare minimum specs on the package, I bet it would sell to even people with decrepit PPC's like the 4355. DON'T tell me that that would be impossible because it can be done....if Microsoft and the OEM's so choose. Also make teh ROM updatable in place so you neevr have to have your data deleted. Maybe this persistent memory thing is what Microsoft is going to do about this. By storing your data in the ROM, there's a chance that the data won't go away during a update. Treat PPC's for what they are....pico computers(MY term.....smaller then a Microcomputer which is what a PC is.).
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05-16-2005, 05:39 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 65
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I've experienced everything you've written in your article. Including the upgrade dilema to A03 on the X50v. For me the X50v runs great on the A02 ROM and therefore haven't had any need to upgrade. I guess the only way I would is if I had the error messages that others have had when running bluetooth and wifi simultaneously.
Regarding Activesink - it's unfortunate that the new version won't be able to sync wirelessly. It's seems like it's going from bad to worse.
Microsoft better get with the program or the competition might jump ahead. Apple if you're listening - I'll be the first in line to try out any PDA you create.
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05-16-2005, 05:49 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,341
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Quote:
The problem of the need for reinstalling/setting up everything again can be easily combatted with the Advanced restoration capabilities of Sprite Backup.
In a lot of cases, not even Sprite Backup is needed. Just restore the old backup (it's possible in most cases with a simple registry-based version number hack) and apply a simple registry patch (because the restore restores the old registry) to bring up the registry to be totally compliant with the new ROM.
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Yeah, but this isn't exactly easy out of the box operations that the basic user can do, or wants to do, Menneisyys.
The one thing that has always amazed me about the computer indusrty is how much they thing like computer people. Don't forget that for most people, computers, whether handheld or otherwise are simply tools. Tools they want to use to simplify their lives and work days. Not something they have to hack to get it to do what they want, or spend hours having to re-setup after upgrading. It all needs to be quick, and easy..do it...get done....move on... no need to mess with it to get it to work properly. Ask the average user how to setup an email account and they will look at you blankly and tell you they haven't got a clue, they have a neighbor, friend or family member who does all that for them......IT HAS TO BE EASY!
Dave
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05-16-2005, 05:51 PM
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Mystic
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,520
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Unfortunately, I think hardware probably has a higher profit margin than software. I wonder how many OEMs would really exist if their hardware had a projected lifecycle of 2 to 3 years.
I think MS could have made it easier for consumers update long ago. Perhaps even from the start, but what would be the incentive for your HPs and Dells to invest in this market if they couldn't sell hardware. I don't think the industry is adding that many new customers every year.
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05-16-2005, 05:55 PM
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5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,067
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Paragon
Quote:
The problem of the need for reinstalling/setting up everything again can be easily combatted with the Advanced restoration capabilities of Sprite Backup.
In a lot of cases, not even Sprite Backup is needed. Just restore the old backup (it's possible in most cases with a simple registry-based version number hack) and apply a simple registry patch (because the restore restores the old registry) to bring up the registry to be totally compliant with the new ROM.
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Yeah, but this isn't exactly easy out of the box operations that the basic user can do, or wants to do, Menneisyys.
The one thing that has always amazed me about the computer indusrty is how much they thing like computer people. Don't forget that for most people, computers, whether handheld or otherwise are simply tools. Tools they want to use to simplify their lives and work days. Not something they have to hack to get it to do what they want, or spend hours having to re-setup after upgrading. It all needs to be quick, and easy..do it...get done....move on... no need to mess with it to get it to work properly. Ask the average user how to setup an email account and they will look at you blankly and tell you they haven't got a clue, they have a neighbor, friend or family member who does all that for them......IT HAS TO BE EASY!
Dave |
I agree with you. This is why I also emphasized that the current incarnation of Windows Mobile & ActiveSync leaves a lot to be desired, easy upgradability-wise, and that Microsoft could consider licensing/reimplementing the incremental/advanced restoration capabilities of Sprinte Backup to remedy the situation.
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