Master Reset Question - Motorola Q Forum

weee96 · 05-02-2008, 06:40 PM

I didn't find any specific info on what I was curious about so I thought I would create a topic. Windows Mobile is an OS, just like our computers are using, and OS'es can be corrupted in certain ways (system files changed, etc.) and I was curious what EXACTLY a master reset does. Does it just delete the files that were not there when it was new and set the original display settings, etc, or does it actually say copy an image of the mobile OS (like a restore disc) over your existing installation so its a true re-install? I have a feeling it just deletes and reconfigures and does not truly re-install the OS itself. The reason I ask is I worry that system files could be altered or damaged and you basically have no way to fix them if the master reset doesn't replace them.

Rcnathan · 05-02-2008, 08:16 PM

That is a bit of a question. =) The OS on a WM Smartphone isn't installed on a Hard Drive like on a PC. It is rather, installed in the ROM of the phone. It is very difficult, if it is even possible, to change things in the phones ROM so that it doesn't restore correctly during a Master Restet. A Master Reset is simply a process that wipes everything that you have installed, stored, or anything like that on your phone and it takes it back to the Original: Like it came when it was new. Even if you do registry hacks and goof them up, unless you do something Incredible stupid!, a simple Master Reset will fix the phone. I don't think there is a way to morph the ROM or OS through the phone.

ptlee8202 · 05-02-2008, 09:16 PM

Should we start using the term Hard Reset instead of Master Reset?

Master Reset is ambiguous now and kind of wimpy.

Master Reset - is named that in system folder. It will only restore all settings to the original factory settings.

Master Clear - also in system folder. It will restore settings to original and delete all user data.

Hard Reset - depending on your device is holding center button and power on (for q9h is holding z and e and power on). This will re-image your device from ROM back to the fresh out of the box state.

PacoJr67 · 05-02-2008, 09:22 PM

The master reset and master clear only coexist on the q9h.
on the Q9c the only option is to master reset (which the Q9h calls master clear)
thus the reason the term is becoming semi-ambiguous

ptlee8202 · 05-02-2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacoJr67

The master reset and master clear only coexist on the q9h.
on the Q9c the only option is to master reset (which the Q9h calls master clear)
thus the reason the term is becoming semi-ambiguous

Ahh, but that master reset on the q9c is most likely just the same as the master clear which is still not the same as the hard reset.

weee96 · 05-03-2008, 10:03 AM

Makes a bit more sense now thanks.

Geekster · 05-03-2008, 10:35 AM

_off topic_ *sorry*
But just reading this thread reminded me of conversations between McCoy & Spock on Start Trek TV shows & movies.
Good thread!
_back on topic_ *thanks for letting me butt in here*

larsdennert · 05-03-2008, 10:48 AM

The firmware is originally stored in what amounts to an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) When the phone is initialized or Master Reset, the data in the EPROM is copied or shadowed into the flash memory set aside for the OS. This becomes the file system you see in the Explorer and what the phone uses to operate. You can damage the files in the flash memory if you choose but an original will still be in the EPROM.

You can also damage/change the data in the EPROM by doing a firmware update or cooking your own ROM and uploading it. This takes a special procedure and is not done by the average user.

The phone also sets aside flash memory for file storage so you can add your own data to the phone. Early pda's did not use flash memory. They used conventional CMOS RAM that required power to keep the data. When your battery died, all your data did too. Probably the only RAM left on a pda is the memory in the display driver. Most all devices have a slot to house additional flash memory such as an SD card.

weee96 · 05-03-2008, 12:13 PM

So basically a master reset copies the original OS copy to the flash memory, so its a true "reformat" if you will. Thanks, thats exactly what I was wondering.

ptlee8202 · 05-08-2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlee8202

Should we start using the term Hard Reset instead of Master Reset?

Master Reset is ambiguous now and kind of wimpy.

Master Reset - is named that in system folder. It will only restore all settings to the original factory settings.

Master Clear - also in system folder. It will restore settings to original and delete all user data.

Hard Reset - depending on your device is holding center button and power on (for q9h is holding z and e and power on). This will re-image your device from ROM back to the fresh out of the box state.

Correction:

just had time to check the Master Clear. There is no difference between a Master Clear and a Hard Reset.