4.2. Flashing the bootloader

If you followed the steps sequentially, you should have BootBlaster_1.18.exe and bootldr-2.18.01.bin on your PocketPC iPAQ. We will flash the new bootloader by doing the following:

1. In the "Start" menu, tap on the "Programs" entry.

2. Tap on the "File Explorer" icon to launch File Explorer.

3. Locate the BootBlaster icon (probably somewhere in "My Documents") and tap on it to launch it.

4. Tap on the "Flash" menu.

5. Tap on the "Program" entry. A warning popup window will open, asking you to confirm.

6. Tap on "Yes" to confirm.

7. A File dialog will open, enabling you to choose the bootloader file you want to use. Select the one you downloaded in Section 4.1

8. A dialog will ask you to confirm the file you want to flash. Tap on "Yes" to continue.

9. Wait patiently. The process of flashing the new bootloader takes about 15 seconds. During this time, BootBlaster will display what it is doing:

   1. Erasing flash...

   2. Protecting Wince Partitions...

      BootBlaster protects the PocketPC partitions before proceeding to bootloader flashing. It looks like PocketPC is still able to boot the machine, even if the bootloader is erased, as long as it PocketPC is not touched.

      Warning

      It is not safe to erase the bootloader if GNU/Linux is installed in flash -- GNU/Linux depends on the bootloader to configure the machine before jumping into GNU/Linux.

      Up to and including this point, it is perfectly safe to reboot your iPAQ. If your machine takes more than 15 seconds to perform this operation, reboot the iPAQ by pushing the recessed reset button at the bottom right and repeat this step.

   3. Programming Flash...

      This is the sensitive point, as during this time, your bootloader is not in a consistent state. This operation is very short, so the chance that you get a power loss while doing it is small.

      Warning

      If your iPAQ hangs while programming, send e-mail to <bootldr@handhelds.org> and/or get on the IRC and ask for help. Leave the iPAQ plugged in and do not reset it.

10. Once flashing has been performed, a dialog will open, stating that you have a valid OHH (Open HandHeld) Boot loader 2.18.1 in flash, and how to access the serial console. Tap on "ok" to close this dialog.