Installing bootloader using Pocket IE

Note that using this set of instructions, you will have no path to save your Pocket PC bootloader or the saved Pocket PC flash image. Enjoy the ride -- it's a one-way trip to Linux! If this idea bothers you, use the very similar set of instructions that requires ftpsvr.

• Using an Ethernet card, or 802.11B card, or modem, gain access to the Internet. The Pocket PC documentation tells you how to accomplish this step.
• Store bootldr.bin and BootBlaster.exe on a webserver.
• Alternatively, you can access these copies of BootBlaster and bootldr:
  • iPAQ h3100-h3800: http://familiar.handhelds.org/BootBlaster.exe and bootldr.sa
  • iPAQ h3900,h5400,h5500: http://familiar.handhelds.org/BootBlaster3900.exe and bootldr.pxa
• Start Pocket IE
• On the View Menu, select Address Bar
• Double-click the Address Bar to select its entire contents.
• Bring up the keyboard (bottom-right icon) and type a backspace.
• Type the URL of the bootldr you wish to download.
• Click on the green curved arrow icon at the end of the Address Bar.
• Save bootldr where Pocket IE suggests -- in the My Documents folder.
• Same thing for BootBlaster.
• Download BootBlaster to the My Documents folder. Leave "Open file after download" checked.
• BootBlaster will display "Idle..." in its main window.
  
  
• Install the bootloader.

  Before continuing, be sure that the iPAQ is plugged into external power, and that the battery is charged, to protect against the small chance of power failure during the very limited period the iPAQ is reprogramming the bootloader flash. Do NOT touch the power button or reset button on your iPAQ until you have performed the "Verify" step below.

  From the "Flash" menu on BootBlaster, select "Program".
  
  A file dialog will open allowing you to select the bootloader to use. Select bootldr.bin.gz, which may have a version number embedded in it. We use a gzip file because it has an internal checksum.

  Wait patiently. It takes about 15 seconds to program the bootloader. Do not interrupt this process, or the iPAQ may be left in an unusable state.

  From the "Flash" menu on BootBlaster, select "Verify".

  1. If it does not say that you have a valid bootloader, do NOT reset your iPAQ, do NOT turn off your iPAQ.
  2. Instead, try programming the flash again.
  3. If that doesn't work, program your flash with your saved bootloader.
  4. If that doesn't work, 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 or turn it off.

  If everything has gone well, you have successfully installed the CRL bootldr program, which can run either Linux or PocketPC. As yet, your PocketPC image is intact and should restart normally; the next step actually installs Linux (overwriting Pocket PC).

Continue with one of these installation steps:

• Install via serial port
• Install via Compact Flash sleeve