Palm - Support - Knowledge Library

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Palm Support Knowledge Library

Solution ID: 887

Resetting your device (Soft, System/Warm, Hard, In-Cradle, Power Down, Battery Disconnect, Zero Out)
You can do several types of resets on your device, in order of severity. Soft Reset System (Warm) Reset Hard Reset In addition, you can perform other "special" resets under rare circumstances: In-Cradle (for rechargeable devices only) Power Down (for AAA battery devices only) Battery Disconnect (for Treo 600 only) Zero Out (for Tungsten T5; Treo 650 only) Quick Erase, Secure Erase (for LifeDrive only) Recovering your data after a hard reset

Soft Reset

All devices
A soft reset is similar to restarting a desktop computer. It's the most useful trick in your toolbox for fixing a variety of issues. Soft resets usually do not affect your personal data on your device, unless your battery is low. If see battery warnings, change or charge your batteries immediately even if there is an error message onscreen. Also, it's a good practice to perform a HotSync operation before any reset (assuming that synchronization is not the problem you are trying to fix). 1. 2. 3. 4. Use an unfolded paper clip, or the reset tool at the tip of your stylus. Gently press the RESET button inside the hole on the back panel of your device (where's the reset hole?). All data on your device should be retained. If you do lose data after a soft reset, you may have a more serious issue with your hardware that requires a repair. After a soft reset, a logo screen appears, followed shortly by a Preferences screen asking you to set time and date.
If a soft reset does not resolve your problem, you may need to try one of the other resets below. Top of page

System (Warm) Reset

A system reset tells your device to stop what it's doing and start over again, bypassing any system extensions. This can help you with "boot loop" errors, allowing you to remove any recently installed thirdparty applications that might be causing the problem.
http://kb.palmone.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=75,E=00000000001009. 15/07/2005

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Press and hold the UP button on the front panel of your device. While holding the UP button, use an unfolded paper clip, or the reset tool at the tip of your stylus, to gently press the RESET button inside the hole on the back of your device (where's the reset hole?). The Palm Computing Platform screen will appear. Release the UP button when you see it. Depending on your device, this logo looks like:
On some devices, you may see a palmOne logo and a progress bar first. Do not release the UP button until the second, circular Palm Powered logo appears.
When you see this screen, you can release the UP button. Because this reset is a bit awkward to perform, sometimes it doesn't actually happen when you think it does. Test to see if it worked: a. Open the Applications launcher. b. Choose the application named "Prefs." c. Access the General preferences (on some devices, you may need to access Power). d. Tap on the pick list for Beam Receive. Choose "On." If it still displays "Off," then your device was correctly system reset. Once you've tested that the system reset worked, perform a soft reset. Otherwise, some functions will not work.

Keep holding the UP button during this screen.
Sometimes a system reset fails to break out of a loop. These extra steps may break the loop without having to perform a full hard reset. 1. Perform the first part of a hard reset but stop when you see the option to press UP to erase all data. Then perform a system reset as described above but make sure to depress the RESET pin first and then the UP button; otherwise you will complete the hard reset. Be careful! Don't accidentally perform a hard reset, or you will lose all data on your device. Top of page

Hard Reset

Warning: A hard reset will erase everything on your device. All your data will be removed, and formats, preferences and other settings are restored to their factory default settings. Don't perform a hard reset

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unless you've backed up your data, or you're willing to lose everything. HotSync note: Some third-party applications change the way your handheld backs up data. Other thirdparty applications do not back up data. If you have third-party software on your device, please contact the developer to learn what components are backed up during a HotSync operation, and if HotSync conduits are altered. Any data not backed up will be lost. LifeDrive users: Instead of following these steps, see our info for Quick Erase and Secure Erase instead. 1. Hold down the power (on/off) button on your device. Note: Treo 600 smartphones have two power buttons. Hold down the one on the top of the unit next to the antenna. While holding down the power button, turn over your device so that you can see the back of it. Still holding the power button, use an unfolded paper clip or a similar small object, to gently press the RESET hole on the back (Where's the reset hole?). When the Palm Computing Platform or Palm Powered logo appears, release the power button. Depending on your device, this logo looks like:
On some devices, you may see a palmOne logo and a progress bar first. Do not release the power button until the second, circular Palm Powered logo appears.
Keep holding the power button during this screen.
When you see this screen, you can release the power button.
A message will appear warning that you are about to erase all the data stored on your handheld.
In response, do one of the following: Press the UP button to complete the hard reset, erasing everything on your device or Press LEFT or RIGHT to begin a soft reset, leaving your data intact. Your device will then take you through a series of screens to calibrate the digitizer and verify the time and date.

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Note: A hard reset does not delete the current date and time. It does restore other settings to the factory default.

In-Cradle Reset

Rechargeable devices only
An in-cradle reset will reset the charging circuitry in a rechargeable device. This is helpful if your device turns off as soon as you turn it on, or if it doesn't seem to be charging when you connect it to a power source. The charger can be any type of cradle or cable that charges your device. The important bit is to make sure the power adapter is plugged in and supplying power to your device during the reset. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Connect your device securely to its charging cradle or cable, and connect the cradle/cable to a power source. Use an unfolded paper clip, or the reset tool at the tip of your stylus. Gently press the RESET button inside the hole on the back panel of your device (where's the reset hole?). All data on your device should be retained. If you do lose data after a soft reset, you may have a more serious issue with your hardware that requires a repair. After a soft reset, a logo screen appears, followed shortly by a Preferences screen asking you to set time and date.
Note for Visor Edge: it can be tricky to perform this operation with a Visor Edge since the reset hole is below the back of the cradle when your handheld is correctly seated. The trick is to rotate the handheld very slightly clockwise (assuming you are looking at the front face of your handheld) until you can see the reset hole appear over the back of the cradle. If your charge light is functioning (sometimes it won't be when the recharging circuitry needs to be reset) you can use it as a guide: don't move it so far that it is no longer lit. Then perform the soft reset.

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Power Down Reset

AAA battery devices only

A power down reset erases all the data on your device, including a few settings (like date and time) which are untouched by a hard reset. By removing your AAA batteries, you allow the capacitor to drain, essentially returning your device to its "factory state." A power down reset is only for devices that use AAA alkaline batteries (i.e. not a rechargeable handheld). Warning: A power down reset will erase everything on your device. All your data will be removed, and formats, preferences and other settings are restored to their factory default settings. Don't perform a power down reset unless you've backed up your data, or you're willing to lose everything.

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HotSync note: Some third-party applications change the way your handheld backs up data. Other thirdparty applications do not back up data. If you have third-party software on your device, please contact the developer to learn what components are backed up during a HotSync operation, and if HotSync conduits are altered. Any data not backed up will be lost. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Remove the AAA batteries from the back of your handheld. Leave the batteries out of the handheld for at least 30 minutes. Perform five or more soft resets in a row, even if the screen does not appear to turn on. Insert the batteries. If you have any doubts about how old your batteries are, replace them with new AAA alkaline batteries, preferably a good brand optimized for low-drain devices. If your device doesn't automatically turn on when you insert the batteries (or if, once it turns on, the date and time have not been reset), you haven't successfully performed a power down reset. Try the steps above again. Wait a little longer this time before inserting the batteries, and perform a few more soft resets while the batteries are out. After a successful power down reset, follow our steps for recovering from a hard reset to return your data and applications to your device (a power down reset is a type of hard reset). Top of page

Battery Disconnect Reset

Treo 600 only
A battery disconnect reset is a last resort step you can take to cut battery power, wipe all data, and regress a Treo 600 to its factory-fresh state. It only works on a Treo 600 smartphone. Important: Read this A battery disconnect reset will erase everything on your smartphone, and also reset the wireless radio and disconnect the internal battery. All your data will be removed, and your formats, preferences and other settings are restored to their factory default settings. Don't perform a battery disconnect reset unless you've backed up your data, or you're willing to lose everything. Additionally, you won't be able to turn your Treo 600 back on until you connect it to a power adapter, so do not perform this type of reset if you're not near a power source and your Treo 600 charger. HotSync note: Some third-party applications change the way your handheld backs up data. Other thirdparty applications do not back up data. If you have third-party software on your device, please contact the developer to learn what components are backed up during a HotSync operation, and if HotSync conduits are altered. Any data not backed up will be lost. To perform a battery disconnect reset: 1. 2. 3. 4. Disconnect your Treo 600 from the AC charger. Hold down the K and Backspace keys simultaneously. (Note: for French AZERTY keyboard, press K and

M; for other language overlays, please refer to the customer support for your region)
While continuing to hold down the K and Backspace keys, press the RESET button inside the hole on the back panel of your device (where's the reset hole?). Finding it hard to do? Good. We made this type of reset very awkward to perform, so that it would not happen by accident when your Treo 600 is jostling around in a pocket or bag. Sorry for the inconvenience. You might want to ask a friend to lend a hand if you find it too difficult to do by yourself. Continue holding down K and Backspace. The screen will flash white briefly, and then go black. Release K and Backspace after this happens. Your Treo will appear to be "dead" and the screen will not turn on. If you see any activity such as the screen turning back on the reset was performed incorrectly; try again To revive your Treo 600, connect it to the AC charger and plug the charger into a socket. The screen will stay blank for several seconds (as long as half a minute), then it will turn on. The LED will glow solid red, indicating charging. Finally, follow the steps for recovering after a hard reset (a battery disconnect reset is an extended type of hard reset). Top of page

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Zero Out Reset
Tungsten T5; Treo 650 only
A zero out reset will regress a device that has non-volatile memory to its factory-fresh state. When done correctly, it completely rewrites your device's internal memory with zeros and ones, ensuring that any data is expunged. It should be used only if you want all information completely obliterated (example: you're selling your handheld, or you're sending it in for repair, and want to protect your privacy). Tungsten E2 note: a hard reset (above) produces the same results as a zero out reset - completely rewrites data on internal memory. No need to perform the steps below. Warning: A zero out reset will erase everything on your device. All your data will be removed, and formats, preferences and other settings are restored to their factory default settings. Don't perform a zero out reset unless you want to eradicate everyting. HotSync note: If you wish to continue using your handheld after a zero out reset, please be aware that some third-party applications change the way your handheld backs up data. Other third-party applications do not back up data. If you have third-party software on your device, please contact the developer to learn what components are backed up during a HotSync operation, and if HotSync conduits are altered. Any data not backed up will be permanently deleted. There are two ways to perform a zero out reset.
Method One (Tungsten T5 only)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. This method works only with a Tungsten T5. It does not work with a Treo 650; for Treo 650, use Method Two, below. If you've set a password on your device, any hard reset will automatically become a zero out reset. With this method, you'll enter a password and then perform a hard reset. On your handheld, launch the Prefs application. From the list that appears, under General, select Security. If the Password box says "Unassigned," tap the box and create a password for your handheld. With the password set, perform a hard reset: a. Hold down the power (on/off) button on your device. b. While holding down the power button, turn over your device so that you can see the back of it. Still holding the power button, use an unfolded paper clip or a similar small object, to gently press the RESET hole (where?). Keep holding the power button throughout. c. While still holding the power button, the screen will show the Palm logo and a progress bar will appear at the bottom. Then the circular Palm Powered logo will appear. Release the power button when you see the Palm Powered logo.

When you see this screen, you can release the power button. d. A message will appear warning that you are about to erase all the data stored on your handheld. Press UP. You may see a screen that says "Reformatting in progress. This may take several minutes." This screen will remain for several minutes (up to 10 minutes). Don't do anything while this is happening. If you did this reset correctly, the screen of your device will finally go blank after several minutes, and you will not be able to turn on your handheld. The charging LED will not light up. (any other
activity such as the Palm OS logo and then the Applications launcher appearing means the reset was

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performed incorrectly; try again)
Your device will appear "dead." To wake up your handheld, perform a soft reset. If you want your device to remain in factory state, stop here. If you want to restore data to your device, follow the steps for recovering after a hard reset (a zero out reset is a special type of hard reset).
Method Two (Tungsten T5; Treo 650)
1. Read through these instructions before attempting the reset. We made this method of zero out reset extremely awkward to perform, so that it would not happen by accident. You may need the help of a dextrous friend if you find it too difficult to do by yourself. Connect your device to its HotSync cable or cradle. The HotSync cable does not need to be connected to your PC, and it does not need to be connected to power. Press and hold the Power button and UP on the 5-way navigator. While continuing to hold Power and UP, press and hold the HotSync button on the HotSync cable or cradle. As you press HotSync, make sure your other finger doesn't slide to LEFT or RIGHT on the 5way navigator; it needs to be exactly on UP during the entire process. Although you are pressing the HotSync button, a HotSync operation should not begin. While continuing to hold Power, UP and HotSync, press and release the RESET button on the back panel of your device (where's the reset hole?). This is very difficult to do with only one person; you may wish to hold the stylus in your mouth and use your hands to press Power, UP and HotSync. Release Power, UP and HotSync. If you did this reset correctly, the screen of your device will go blank, and you will not be able to turn it on. The charging LED will not light up, even if it's connected to power. It will appear to be "dead." (any other activity such as the Palm OS logo or a rainbow-colored Boot Log screen appearing

means the reset was performed incorrectly; try again)

2. 3. 4.

Your device will appear "dead" for several minutes (up to 10 minutes). During this time, your device's internal memory is being reformatted. If your device doesn't appear "dead" for several minutes with the screen completely blank, the zero out reset was performed incorrectly; try again. After several minutes, your device will "wake up" and the Palm and Palm Powered logos will appear as if you had performed a hard reset. Eventually, you'll be taken to a series of screens to calibrate the touchscreen and set date & time.
If you want your handheld to remain in factory state, stop here. If you want to restore data to your device, follow the steps for recovering after a hard reset (a zero out reset is a special type of hard reset). Top of page
Quick Erase, Secure Erase

LifeDrive only

When you perform a hard reset on a LifeDrive mobile manager, you will see two options on the reset screen: Quick Erase and Secure Erase. Both of these are types of hard reset. Quick Erase: When the reset screen appears, press Up on the 5-way navigator to do a Quick Erase reset. This eliminates user information on the drive in such a way that there is no info available to anyone using the device. A Quick Erase reset takes approximately 5 minutes. Do a Quick Erase reset for a regular hard reset, to get your device to wake up and respond again. Secure Erase: When the reset screen appears, press Down 5-way to do a Secure Erase reset. This

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completely deletes all user info on the drive. A Secure Erase reset takes about 30 minutes. Do a Secure Erase reset if you are turning the device over to a new owner. A Secure Erase helps prevent your files from being restored or recompiled by a new owner who might remove the hard drive and use a drive reader to access your information. Note: If you use a password to protect your device, you must do a Secure Erase when you hard reset your device; the Quick Erase option does not appear on the reset screen. 1. 2. 3. Slide the power switch to the right and hold it in that position. While holding the switch to the right, use the tip of the stylus (or a similar object without a sharp tip) to gently press and release the reset button on the bottom of your device. Wait for the reset screen to appear, and then release the power switch.

4. 5. 6. 7.

On the reset screen, press Up to perform a Quick Erase, or Down to perform a Secure Erase. During the reset process, a status screen appears with the words "Quick Erase" or "Secure Erase" and a progress bar, followed by screens showing the Palm, Palm Powered and LifeDrive logos. Then you will be prompted to tap the screen to align the digitizer and select the language you want to use on your device. A screen appears showing the Palm logo and a progress bar. When the "Welcome: Setup your device" screen appears, the hard reset is complete. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your device.

Article ID: 887 Category(s): Troubleshooting, How To Date Created: Nov 01, 2000 Date Modified: Apr 27, 2005 Relevant products: Visor Deluxe, LifeDrive, Palm i705, Palm III, Palm IIIc, Palm IIIe, Palm IIIx, Palm IIIxe, Palm m100, Palm m105, Palm m125, Palm m130, Palm m500, Palm m505, Palm m515, Palm Pilot w/2mb Upgrade, Tungsten C, Tungsten E, Tungsten T, Tungsten E2, Tungsten T2, Tungsten T3, Tungsten T5, Tungsten W, Palm V, Palm VII, Palm VIIx, Palm Vx, Zire, Zire 21, Zire 31, Zire 71, Zire 72, PalmPilot, Treo 300, Treo 600 (Bell Mobility), Treo 600 (GSM), Treo 600 (Sprint), Treo 600 (Verizon), Treo 650 (Cingular), Treo 650 (Earthlink), Treo 650 (Rogers), Treo 650 (Verizon), Treo 650 (Sprint), Treo 650 (Unlocked GSM), Treo 180, Treo 180g, Treo 270, Treo 90, Visor Edge, Visor Neo, Visor Pro, Visor Platinum, Visor Prism Copyright 2005 palmOne, Inc. All rights reserved.