Upgrade "ROM Version" of Existing iPAQ

The Windows CE operating system and built-in applications are stored in a ROM memory chip on all Handheld and Pocket PCs. The totality of the software stored in ROM is sometimes called the "ROM image." As minor improvements are made to the operating system and other built-in software, the manufacturer revises this ROM image and the latest version of it is included with the newer Handheld or Pocket PCs. The first iPAQ Pocket PCs had ROM version 1.28. The monochrome-screen iPAQ 3150 had ROM version 1.46. The two newest iPAQ Pocket PCs come with a ROM version of 1.76.

Because Compaq chose to use programmable "Flash ROM" in the iPAQ, it is possible to update the software in ROM without physically replacing the ROM chip. The "iPAQ H3600 Series Pocket PC ROM Update" (ROM version 1.77A) is available for free from Compaq's Web site. But it is only of use to owners of color-screen iPAQs with earlier ROM versions. You can check your iPAQ's ROM revision number by opening your Asset Viewer, tapping on "Version," and looking at the number next to "ROM revision." If you have version 1.76 or 1.69, you don't need to install 1.77A.

The iPAQ H3600 Series Pocket PC ROM Update can be downloaded from Compaq's Support Software Web page(www.compaq.com/support/files/handhelds/us/download/9820.html). This same page describes the fixes, enhancements, and the steps of installation. Download it, connect your iPAQ to your desktop PC via the sync cable, and run the ROM Update (SP16986.exe) on your desktop PC. It walks you through the process of installing the new ROM version on your iPAQ, and gives you the options of backing up the old ROM version and restoring it at a later time.

During the ROM update or restore process, the data you have saved and programs you have installed in internal RAM are left alone. However, the new ROM version you install may include changes that affect the way your iPAQ uses RAM. Because of this, Compaq recommends that you DO NOT restore earlier data backups to your iPAQ after you have installed the ROM Update. Instead, as soon as you are finished installing the ROM Update, make a brand new backup of your data and use it if you ever have to restore data in the future. I upgraded my 3650 without a hitch. However, there have been a few reports of lockups during the updating process.

What does the new ROM vision include

This download contains the ROM Upgrade Utility (RUU), and the new ROM image for the iPAQ H3600 Series Pocket PC models H3630, H3635, H3640, H3650, H3660 and H3670. The RUU performs the following:

• Replaces the current ROM image on your device with an updated version.
• Backs up your current ROM image (optional).
• Restores a previous ROM image (optional).

Compaq recommends that all color-screen iPAQ users upgrade to the latest ROM upgrade, no matter which earlier version they are running. However, this upgrade is NOT designed for the monochrome-screen H3100 series.

ROM revision 1.76, which is already installed on the new iPAQs, and revision 1.77, which can be downloaded from Compaq's sites, are essentially the same. The following fixes and enhancements are included in both of these revisions:

Fixes

• Alarm volume now sounds at the specified volume setting.
• Scroll lock works properly in Microsoft Reader.
• Backlight brightness setting modified to enhance power performance.
• Device no longer hangs after reset.
• Incorrect key sequences no longer occur when "Action" key is pressed.
• Serial connection problem at 300 and 600 baud fixed.