Development Beware of the Reset button !

Yesterday, while reading a pdf article on the PE, the reader app got some difficulties and strange behaviour. (The file was a full mix of pictures and text). the reader app became slow, and some time did not reflow the text (which made it very hard to read on a PE), and eventually froze.

I used the reset hole on the PE , and ... O joy ! After the reboot, all my personal settings were gone ! ( icons on the desktop, gmail accounts ) however the downloadded apps and library files were still here.
Also very funny, the PE started to play some funny ringtones after booting, which was quite disturbing when you don't want to attract the attention around you...

Anyway, this was the opportunity for me to make a library backup, and also a downgrade to Dingo - Re-upgrade to Ermine. I wanted to see wether it will get rid of the old dingo email app.

Qwill.
So, be aware that the reset button seems to do a pretty rough reset !

Thanks for posting your experience. I've never used the reset button on my PE and assumed it was simply the equivalent of popping out the battery on the EE (which has a replaceable battery but no reset switch). It could be you lost some personal settings because of file corruption (as you used to get on a PC if you just turned the power off; you don't get that problem as much with modern PCs).

What I have done on my PE, though, is hold the Power button "Off" for 5-10 seconds until it turns off. Perhaps this is the safer alternative to the reset button.

I just had the same thing happen to me. My PE started acting really strange. The tablet side locked up and the E-ink side was showing double images. I tried to power off by holding the power button but it would not power off. I used the reset button and then when I restarted all the default settings were back but my library and apps were still there. Now since the reset I have been having those hibernation issues which I didn't have before using the reset button.

Originally Posted by mojkadona

I just had the same thing happen to me. My PE started acting really strange. The tablet side locked up and the E-ink side was showing double images. I tried to power off by holding the power button but it would not power off. I used the reset button and then when I restarted all the default settings were back but my library and apps were still there. Now since the reset I have been having those hibernation issues which I didn't have before using the reset button.

I'm curious to know from either Qwill or yourself if you think this is an Ermine related problem. Did this happen with Dingo installed? Thanks.

I have used the reset button countless times and never had an issue

(p.s. I never installed Ermine)

I would not know because I never used it before this. I am currently using ermine. I never had to use the reset button in dingo. I do think my edge was acting strange because the battery was drained to red. I have never let the battery get so low before but I think I accidentally plugged the cord in the headphone Jack this time.

Originally Posted by mojkadona

but I think I accidentally plugged the cord in the headphone Jack this time.

I have so been guilty of that

Originally Posted by Leslie

I have so been guilty of that

Me too!

Things are worsening : PE went to hibernation this morning. When I waked it up, the LCD screens came back, but completely white. (all pixels on). I shut it off/on several time, LCD screen still come back as completely white. the thing sems alive : the power LED is green, and it even make some noise. I think I was able to unlock it by sliding at the approximate place of the lock icon. Reset switch does not do any good, and there's no way to remove the battery of a Pocket Edge.
I am afraid that it looks like a fried GPU.... PE is only 5 weeks old !
I emailed the support service, will phone them too later on ...
I'll let you know of the developments ...

Qwill.

As a last thing to try, you could try the downgrade/reinstall via flashdrive, since it does not depend on on-screen display (i.e. put update.zip on the flashdrive, plug it in while the PE is turned off and hold the right button combo while turning on, and the blinking activity light on the flashdrive after a while should tell you whether it is being read from)

Also, sometimes the amount of time holding down the power or reset button on some devices makes a difference, so make sure you hold it for at least 1 minute to be sure.

Originally Posted by Leslie

p.s. I never installed Ermine

Do you like Dingo? The reason I'm asking is because I'm expecting a PE either Friday or Saturday. I want to upgrade to Ermine but I'm a little hesitant because of some of the problems others are experiencing.

For what it is worth, I like Ermine much better than Dingo. I'm using an EE, but expecting a PE (dang you all for convincing me!) on Tuesday. I'd recommend the upgrade.

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

As a last thing to try, you could try the downgrade/reinstall via flashdrive, since it does not depend on on-screen display (i.e. put update.zip on the flashdrive, plug it in while the PE is turned off and hold the right button combo while turning on, and the blinking activity light on the flashdrive after a while should tell you whether it is being read from).

Thanks for the advice, it's exactly what the support told me to do, as they don't support Ermine Beta via email or over the phone.

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

Also, sometimes the amount of time holding down the power or reset button on some devices makes a difference, so make sure you hold it for at least 1 minute to be sure.

So that exactly what I did, put (golden)update.zip on a usb key, and switching the PE on while holding down the Menu and Rotate button.
Well .. difficult to tell if that had any effect as the lcd screen (tablet side) remains white (all pixels on) as soon as the device in on. Even some shadowy flickering horizontal lines can be sometime seen.

I am awaiting further answer form support. I asked for a RMA form to return the device for warranty repair.

Originally Posted by Dr. T

For what it is worth, I like Ermine much better than Dingo. I'm using an EE, but expecting a PE (dang you all for convincing me!) on Tuesday. I'd recommend the upgrade.

Your opinion is worth alot and I appreciate it. I should be seeing my PE today so I have been scouring this forum for experiences and advice. So far I know the first two things to do to ensure a smooth upgrade experience are to turn off the screen saver and set Wi-Fi not to shut off when the device is plugged in. Fortunately for me and other new PE owners the users of this forum have provided plenty of good information and advice when it comes to upgrading to Ermine.

Originally Posted by obsessed2

Do you like Dingo? The reason I'm asking is because I'm expecting a PE either Friday or Saturday. I want to upgrade to Ermine but I'm a little hesitant because of some of the problems others are experiencing.

The only reason I am not upgrading yet is the statement I read that there will be no support from Entourage. Even though I am not a complete idiot when it comes to technology, I am not even close to the same caliber as most of the people in the forums (A "geek" coworker told me I was only a "mini geek" at this point), so I would have to do a lot of searching and asking when/if I needed help and I just don't have the time or energy for the possible frustration.