Psion crash

[abhijeet]

Dear Fellow Psion users,

I bought my Psion 5 (8mb) in 1997. I had some initial problems with it crashing all the time. It was snet to the company, and they fixed it. For 5 years I have not had trouble but lately (last week) it crashes all the time and since this morning I cannot start it despite soft and hard resets.

I have saved data on a flash card but would like to know if there is anything I can try. The settings were such that the desktop would open when I opened my Psion. Now every time I open my psion, it is blank. Initially a soft reset worked but now it does not work at all.

Thanks in advance if someone can help.

Abhi

[MikeMcC]

If you have your data backed up, try removing both main and backup batteries and leave the S5 without power for several hours.

If, when you re-insert the batteries, it still doesn't work properly, it must be a hardware fault requiring a repair.

[abhijeet]

Dear Mike,

Thank you for your tip. I have just done what you have suggested, so I will replace batteries after a few hours and check. I will let you know how I progress. Best wishes

Abhi

[abhijeet]

Dear Mike,

I have inserted the batteries as suggested, but with no joy. When I presss the esc/on/off button it just makes a noise, without anything appearing on the screen.

Like you said it could be a hardware problem. But, what is puzzling is the fact that I have not injured my psion in anyway. I have not physically hit it, or even accidentally. It is worrying that after 4 years of good use it should just crash one day.

I have also checked at mypsion, and the repair rates are £90! phew, I am not sure about that. Anyway, you have been helpful and thanks again.

Abhi

[diem]

You have tried using the keys to change the screen contrast yes? It is quite common to use a 5 somewhere warm, change the contrast to compensate, then when it cools down the screen can be invisible.

If its not this, I am guessing that the screen cable has broken, and this is why it makes the beep after reset but displays nothing. If this is the case, then a repair is your only option. I recommend www.posltd.com

[abhijeet]

Dear Mike, Diem

Thank you for your help. However while playing with my psion I have realised what the problem is although it would still help if I got some more input.

Once again I removed all the batteries, and my compact flash card which was in drive D. It has always been there and I keep downloading my data there. Guess what my psion came to life. BUT everytime I insert the compact flash card in drive D, it refuses to start up. Infact for a moment I see something on the screen and then it dissappears. So although I have data stored on the CF card I can't access it!!!! Any suggestions? I also have some data stored on my computer so I could try transfering it back.

Abhi

[MikeMcC]

I suspect you may have to use something like a USB Compact Flash Reader on the PC to "sort out" the CF card. If you have all the data backed up, use the PC to format the card then restore the data.

[abhijeet]

Dear Mike,

Well... it has started working. I took the batteries out like you suggested, left it for a few hours, and it all started again!! So good news.

Anyway if this happens again.. is there a way of accessing data from my computer where it is backed up? I tried opening my agenda, but don't know with which windows programme.. or is there some other software that I need. Maybe I should have a spare Psion!!

Thanks anyways

Abhi

[MikeMcC]

PsiWin should be able to convert the files in your backup to a PC format even if there isn't a Psion connected.

[abhijeet]

Thanks for all your help Mike. Best wishes

Abhi