iPAQ 5450 ROM Update Posted

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/handheldiPAQ/us/download/17862.html' target='_blank'>http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/f...load/17862.html</a><br /><br /></div>HP has quietly posted a new ROM for the iPAQ 5450, v1.10. Unfortunately, it's not clear what it does just yet -- but make sure you sync your data before you install the new ROM, as it'll trigger a hard reset, and it's generally better to reinstall applications after a full ROM upgrade.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> Looks like it's no longer there. Another disappearing patch? :?<br /><b>Update 2:</b> It's baaaaaack!

[bdegroodt]

Anyone know if iPaqs ship with ROM updates installed from the factory after they release updates? Or does a new 54xx user (Say a month from now) have to install them still?

[Eitel]

For what I can see, all the drivers are updated.

ROM Date: 03/03/17
ROm Revision: 1.10.00 ENG

Bluetooth
Firmware version: 1.5.4 - 1.6.7.0
Driver Version: 1.3.1.46
Software Version: 1.3.1.45
Module Release Date: 08.11.2002

Fingerprint
Software Version: 3.2
Driver Version: 2.6

Wireless LAN
Hardware Rev: 6.3
Firmware Version: 0.90.5.149
Driver Version: 2.2.2.36
Soft Version: 4.0.1.15
Module Release Date: 02.09.05

[mc_03]

Anyone know if iPaqs ship with ROM updates installed from the factory after they release updates? Or does a new 54xx user (Say a month from now) have to install them still?.

Dunno about HP, but I ordered my Axim last week, the day Dell released an update. Got it today with the new rom!

When hp sent me an IPaq 3870 in February it neither had EUU3 or any updates. Then again they may upgrade newer models still in production.

[R K]

Anyone know if iPaqs ship with ROM updates installed from the factory after they release updates? Or does a new 54xx user (Say a month from now) have to install them still?

Yes, I think iPAQs do ship with the latest ROM update. You will also usually receive the latest ROM Update with whatever repairs you send your iPAQ in for.

[sting0r]

PURPOSE: Recommended Update
SOFTPAQ NUMBER: SP24084
SUPERSEDES: None
EFFECTIVE DATE: April 17, 2003
CATEGORY: ROMPaqs/BIOS and Firmware
SSM SUPPORTED: No

PRODUCT TYPE(S): Handhelds

PRODUCT MODEL(S):
HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5450
HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5455

OPERATING SYSTEM(S): Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC 2002

LANGUAGE(S): English

ENHANCEMENTS:
- Improves headset volume.
- Modifies DM_K.exe to enhance processor resources.

FIXES:
- Fixes issue with the Standby Power Setting value where at times the iPAQ would not
operate on battery power.

PREREQUISITES: Microsoft Pocket PC 2002

Doesn't look like much more then the stand alone patches

[pepemosca]

Does anyone had any problems with this ROM update?

[ralliart12]

Eitel & stingOr, do the both of you mean that this lateset ROM update from HP is actually a compilation of all the patches such as the WLAN, battery driver(ver2.0), low volume, Nevo, etc that HP'd previously released?

& that if I install this ROM update, I wun need to reinstall all those previous patches already?

[Paul P]

Eitel & stingOr, do the both of you mean that this lateset ROM update from HP is actually a compilation of all the patches such as the WLAN, battery driver(ver2.0), low volume, Nevo, etc that HP'd previously released?

& that if I install this ROM update, I wun need to reinstall all those previous patches already?

Just the fact that all those fixes are now in ROM and not in RAM is reason enough for me to update. I can now get back all the space that those updates were taking. Quoting Eitel from another forum. :)

[Terry]

It doesn't seem to be at the link now.

It isn't listed with the other patches either.

[Looxer]

We go back to: If it ain’t broken don’t fix it. Did I say that right! :)

[FredMurphy]

It doesn't seem to be at the link now.

It isn't listed with the other patches either.
Does this mean HP has fond some problems and it's been pulled? I wouldn't mind trying it if someone can make it available.

[xCyJ]

HP removed the patch!! why???? :roll:

[ralliart12]

PURPOSE: Recommended Update
SOFTPAQ NUMBER: SP24084
SUPERSEDES: None
EFFECTIVE DATE: April 17, 2003
CATEGORY: ROMPaqs/BIOS and Firmware
SSM SUPPORTED: No

PRODUCT TYPE(S): Handhelds

PRODUCT MODEL(S):
HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5450
HP iPAQ Pocket PC h5455

OPERATING SYSTEM(S): Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC 2002

LANGUAGE(S): English

ENHANCEMENTS:
- Improves headset volume.
- Modifies DM_K.exe to enhance processor resources.

FIXES:
- Fixes issue with the Standby Power Setting value where at times the iPAQ would not
operate on battery power.

PREREQUISITES: Microsoft Pocket PC 2002

Doesn't look like much more then the stand alone patches

Btw, stingOr, where did you get all this info from?

[pjerry220]

HP puts out a patch then a day later it is pulled. What is up with that? Is there a problem. Iwish they would say. I downloaded the Softpaq last night and my Ipaq 5450 works fine. I hope it stays that way.

[Janak Parekh]

Looks like HP is doing the disappearing trick again. *sigh*

BTW, "Modifies DM_K.exe to enhance processor resources" sounds interesting -- does it solve the performance problems with some of the startup programs, or is this strictly a power management thing?

--janak

[R K]

Some people had found that DM_k.exe was taking up about 15% of the CPU resources--I think that's what this fixes.
For some reason, it only took up that much on the H5450. The H3900 series DM_k took way less.

[Janak Parekh]

Some people had found that DM_k.exe was taking up about 15% of the CPU resources--I think that's what this fixes.
For some reason, it only took up that much on the H5450. The H3900 series DM_k took way less.
Right, that's what I heard. And I also heard people took it out of Startup, but it was needed whenever an expansion sleeve was used.

If the performance, audio, and battery problems are all fixed, it'll be a good thing. Now where is that update? :|

--janak

[jt3]

Just the fact that all those fixes are now in ROM and not in RAM is reason enough for me to update. I can now get back all the space that those updates were taking. Quoting Eitel from another forum. :)

I know that this was from another forum, and that Eitel may not actually be here to answer, but... what Eitel said makes sense. If all those patches are in RAM, and you then install the ROM, making them unnecessary, does anyone know how to REMOVE them from RAM? Reclaiming space is always nice, and I'd REALLY like to not have to do a hard reset and reinstall everything.

I know the simple answer is "delete them," but what I'm really asking is how do I identify the correct files, so that I know I'm not killing something important?

[bdegroodt]

Just the fact that all those fixes are now in ROM and not in RAM is reason enough for me to update. I can now get back all the space that those updates were taking.

I know that this was from another forum, and that Eitel may not actually be here to answer, but... what Eitel said makes sense. If all those patches are in RAM, and you then install the ROM, making them unnecessary, does anyone know how to REMOVE them from RAM? Reclaiming space is always nice, and I'd REALLY like to not have to do a hard reset and reinstall everything.

I know the simple answer is "delete them," but what I'm really asking is how do I identify the correct files, so that I know I'm not killing something important?

Is that not part of the ROM update process? It doesn't check for and delete the old updates from RAM automatically?

[Janak Parekh]

I know the simple answer is "delete them," but what I'm really asking is how do I identify the correct files, so that I know I'm not killing something important?
Is that not part of the ROM update process? It doesn't check for and delete the old updates from RAM automatically?
More importantly, didn't you hard reset as part of the ROM upgrade? Don't restore the "patched" backup, and the correct versions won't get "overwritten".

--janak

[Eitel]

First of all, I never said that ALL the individual updates were in the ROM update. Second, the ROM update will wipe out your PDA completely. Anything you have there right now, even in the File Store Area will be gone, updates included.

[wiz]

No comment ... here it is ;-)

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/softpaq/sp24001-24500/SP24084.exe

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/softpaq/sp24001-24500/SP24084.txt

[rberry88]

The .txt document says this process can be completed using a host PC connected as an active partnership or as 'guest'. Does this mean that you could connect as guest, perform the rom update and after the hard reset you could re-connect as your active partnership and sync all your stuff back in. Would this work or am I creating more problems where I shouldn't??? :?:

rberry88 :mrgreen:

[Bob Anderson]

Thanks Wiz... for pointing out where the files are/were. I've downloaded a set... but I forgot to bring my USB synch cable :evil:

I'll have to wait 'til I get home this evening to see how terribly I can thrash my 5455 with this ROM update! :)

[Eitel]

The .txt document says this process can be completed using a host PC connected as an active partnership or as 'guest'. Does this mean that you could connect as guest, perform the rom update and after the hard reset you could re-connect as your active partnership and sync all your stuff back in. Would this work or am I creating more problems where I shouldn't??? :?:

rberry88 :mrgreen:

It won't work. As I said, the update will erase EVERYTHING on your PPC. It will be like it was that day when you bought it. Any partnership that you have on your PC will not be recognized. To say more, if you want to use the same name you had, you also need to delete the partnership on your PC before synching after performing the update.

[sponge]

Not neccecarily, after the hard reset, try going into your "About" control panel, then goto Device ID, and set your partnership name there. Worked for me on my 3900, and I'm constantly wiping out WinCE with Linux, and vice versa.

[pjerry220]

The link is back on the HP website. The file seems the same size and dat. So it must have been one of those HP hiccuos.

[ralliart12]

I'm about to attempt the ROM update tonight; so here are a few quesitons:

1. Is a ROM update seriously thorough & dangerous? Is it alike to flashing a motherboard?

2. Is it more thorough than a hard reset?

3. Remember the individual patches for e 5450? i.e. the headset volume patch, battery driver patch, WLAN patch, Nevo patch, Pocket watch full version? Do we've to reinstall all those after this ROM update?

From wat I know, headset volume is in, battery driver is in, WLAN update is in, & only PocketWatch Full & Nevo isn't; can anyone confirm this?

4. Is there anything to take note of when performing ROM updates? Like ensure constant power, shutdown unnecessary utilities on ur desktop PC, disable backlight & power settings on your PPC?

5. After a successful ROM update, do we still have to perform a hard reset?

6.After this, even though ActiveSync is installed, the PPC will be detected as a new PPC & we'll have to create a new partnership right?

Thanks.

[Looxer]

I'm about to attempt the ROM update tonight; so here are a few quesitons:
1. Is a ROM update seriously thorough & dangerous? Is it alike to flashing a motherboard?
2. Is it more thorough than a hard reset?
3. Remember the individual patches for e 5450? i.e. the headset volume patch, battery driver patch, WLAN patch, Nevo patch, Pocket watch full version? Do we've to reinstall all those after this ROM update?
From wat I know, headset volume is in, battery driver is in, WLAN update is in, & only PocketWatch Full & Nevo isn't; can anyone confirm this?
4. Is there anything to take note of when performing ROM updates? Like ensure constant power, shutdown unnecessary utilities on ur desktop PC, disable backlight & power settings on your PPC?
5. After a successful ROM update, do we still have to perform a hard reset?
6.After this, even though ActiveSync is installed, the PPC will be detected as a new PPC & we'll have to create a new partnership right?
Thanks.

Good luck mate! Can you confirm speed increase, it will be interesting if someone can do benchmarks for comparison.

[Ed Hansberry]

I'm about to attempt the ROM update tonight; so here are a few quesitons:

1. Is a ROM update seriously thorough & dangerous? Is it alike to flashing a motherboard?

Yes - it is like flashing a MoBo, but usually not dangerous. Usually, it either works or it doesn't. There were issues with the 3600 iPAQ that turned it into a paperweight that had to be sent back to Compaq for repairs, but it is all covered under warranty and pretty rare.
2. Is it more thorough than a hard reset?
No. It totally wipes your device and restores it to store new condition, except with the new ROM in it.
3. Remember the individual patches for e 5450? i.e. the headset volume patch, battery driver patch, WLAN patch, Nevo patch, Pocket watch full version? Do we've to reinstall all those after this ROM update?

From wat I know, headset volume is in, battery driver is in, WLAN update is in, & only PocketWatch Full & Nevo isn't; can anyone confirm this?
You'll need to read the readme file and see exactly what is and isn't included.

4. Is there anything to take note of when performing ROM updates? Like ensure constant power, shutdown unnecessary utilities on ur desktop PC, disable backlight & power settings on your PPC?
Definintely make sure it is powered. Also, make sure your PC doesn't go into a suspend mode either. I'd shut everything down on the PC before docking. Let it sync then start the upgrade process. I always disable my virus scanner during the update too.
5. After a successful ROM update, do we still have to perform a hard reset?
Follow the directions. Usually the last step in an iPAQ update is do a hard reset. this is to ensure that no conflicting RAM patches exist, no old registry entries are pointing to the wrong place, etc.

6.After this, even though ActiveSync is installed, the PPC will be detected as a new PPC & we'll have to create a new partnership right?

Thanks.
Yup.

[Bob Anderson]

I'm happy to report that my 5455 seems much more snappy after doing this upgrade. I reinstalled all of my apps and everything seems to be very stable and noticeably quicker.

To tell the truth, I was a little disappointed with my 5455 two weeks ago when I picked it up. But with this ROM upgrade everything seems to be working better and I'm a happy camper.

Good job HP... :D

[ctmagnus]

[delete][delete][delete][delete] :D

Ed already covered most of what I had to say, but I have one other thing:

6.After this, even though ActiveSync is installed, the PPC will be detected as a new PPC & we'll have to create a new partnership right?

iirc, you still have to do a hard reset after. During this time, open ActiveSync and go File -> Delete Partnership to remove the partnership, making sure to keep the Synchronized Files folder. After the reset, go (on the PPC) Start -> Settings -> System -> About -> Device ID tab and supply the name of the partnership that existed before the upgrade. Then drop the PPC in the cradle and you are (should be) good to go.

HTH :)

[Ed Hansberry]

iirc, you still have to do a hard reset after. During this time, open ActiveSync and go File -> Delete Partnership to remove the partnership, making sure to keep the Synchronized Files folder. After the reset, go (on the PPC) Start -> Settings -> System -> About -> Device ID tab and supply the name of the partnership that existed before the upgrade. Then drop the PPC in the cradle and you are (should be) good to go.
Good point - one caveat - if you backed up your device with ActiveSync the backup.stg file may prevent the total deletion of the partnership and the only indication you will get of this is when you try to create a new partnership with the old name - AS will tell you it is in use.

To avoid this, manually remove c:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\ActiveSync\Profiles\device name if you get this error.

[William Yeung]

Haha... I was too excited to install the ROM update yesterday night, happy to tell its good afterall.
Agreed what other user installed said : Faster. More reliable (em... a feeling... things not jerky anymore)
But not able to use backup/restore is a pain in the ass.

Good luck guys~

[Looxer]

I have done the ROM update yesterday, besides the ROM version also the following firmware versions changed:

Bluetooth:
Hardware Revision: LMX9814V4.6
Firmware Version: 1.5.6 – 1.6.8 (changed to 1.5.4 – 1.6.7.0)
Driver Version: 1.3.1.46
Software Version: 1.3.1.46
Module Release Date: 08.11.2002

Wireless LAN
Hardware Revision: 6.3
Firmware Version: 0.90.5.149 (Changed to 0.90.2.194)
Driver Version: 2.2.2.36
Software Version: 4.0.1.15
Module Release Date: 02.09.05

I’m glad to say my iPAQ is a bit faster. :)

[seanturner]

I don't believe my firmware versions changed... My WLAN firmware version before the update was 0.90.5.149 and it is still that after the update... I downloaded mine after they pulled and reposted it.