Technical Bulletins

  Zaurus ZR-5800/-5800FX: Bulletin from Sharp Electronics 4-96

We issue our own technical bulletins and reproduce those from other vendors in those rare cases when you may need special instructions or even a software patch in order to correct a problem.


Zaurus ZR-5800/-5800FX: Bulletin from Sharp Electronics 4-96

The text of Sharp's announcement is reproduced below. Please read the entire announcement before deciding if you need to take action and which option is more convenient. Pygmy Computer Systems is currently stocking the new ZR-5800s and 5800FXs which have the problem corrected. After reading the bulletin, click here if you have decided to download the patch correction software.

  "We have recently found a problem with the Zaurus ZR-5800 and ZR-5800FX built-in software that can potentially delete data and/or lock up your unit. This problem can occur if you are using the "notes" feature and you rest your hand on the keyboard to take notes. We are in the process of fixing this problem as quickly as possible. We expect to have the solution available on or around April 10th. We will let you know more at that time as to how you can get your unit updated to fix this problem.

"Please note that all ZR-5000s and ZR-5700s DO NOT have this problem.

"Please note in advance that we plan to offer the following two options, a downloadable patch or free servicing by Sharp, to get your product updated:

  1. A FREE of charge, 24-hour turnaround, mail-in offer to our service centers

    TO HAVE SHARP UPDATE YOUR UNIT FOR YOU:
    If you would like Sharp to update your unit for you, please call 800-993-9737 (from outside the US only call: 201-347-9400) between the hours of 7:00am to 11:00pm eastern daylight time and have your name, phone number, and address ready. Here are the details on how the procedure will work:

    1. Call Sharp at the above number and they will record your mailing information. If you call before 4:00pm eastern daylight time, we will Fed-Ex a mailer pack to you that same day to arrive the following morning.

    2. Following the included instructions, simply put your unit into the pre-addressed pack and either call Fed-Ex for a pickup or drop it off to them at your convenience. The package is pre-paid for a priority overnight delivery to Sharp. BE SURE TO DISABLE THE "ASK PASSWORD AT START-UP FEATURE BEFORE SENDING YOUR UNIT or we will not be able to service your unit.

    3. When we receive your unit, we will update your unit within 24 hours and then immediately Fed-Ex it back to you for a priority overnight delivery. This means that at the most we will send out the unit the following day from when we receive it.

    *To minimize your time without your unit, send in your unit early in the week. There are no repairs done on Saturday or Sunday, nor is there a weekend delivery option. Please allow for the appropriate additional time if the process extends to the weekend. For faster service, send your unit out to us on a Monday or Tuesday.
    ** Please note that overseas customers can expect up to an additional 2 day delay on each leg of the journey.

    IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL NOTES: If you have any questions at all, please call 800-993-9737 and our representatives will be happy to answer them. Some additional information:

    Secret data will not be accessible to anyone while your unit is at Sharp. The patch utility checks only the structure of the data files and corrects any problem with the structure. Individual entries and records are not accessed so you can be sure your private information is secure. You do not need to send us your password although you must disable the "ask password at start-up" feature so that we can put your Zaurus into PC-Link mode. Overseas customers who purchased a Zaurus from a dealer in the US can take advantage of either update method. There may be a slight delay in the shipping as noted above. If you recently ordered the Zaurus PC-link cable and software, your order has been processed with a priority and you should receive it very shortly in the event that you want to update your unit yourself using the downloadable version. Although unlikely, some or all of your data in your Zaurus may not be correctable and may be lost during the update procedure. Please be prepared for this. For example, anyone with the Zaurus Data Exchange Utility software may want to export their Zaurus data to various PC programs so that in the worst case you still have access to your important information. Please take any necessary steps before sending your unit to Sharp. This patch DOES NOT use any of your user memory. It can not be accidentally deleted nor can it be effected by PC-Link software or by removing all batteries, for example. It is safe and permanent and, once installed, your unit will function normally. If you mail your Zaurus to Sharp for an update, please include any SRAM memory cards (if you have any) with any data on them as this will automatically be checked as well. The reason is that it is possible the data in the card was affected. There is no need to send in a FLASH memory card. Simply delete all archives on the FLASH card. After your unit is updated, be sure to delete any backup files, either on your PC or your FLASH memory card. Note this does not include data exported to another PC program.

  2. A downloadable patch that will require an IBM compatible PC and a PC-Link cable or infrared adaptor to install. This patch/correction software will be available from CompuServe, America Online, our Web page, and a Sharp Bulletin Board System.

    If you are considering downloading the patch software (zrpatch.exe) please be sure you meet the following requirements:

    1. You have access to CompuServe, America Online, or the Internet / World Wide Web.
    2. You have a PC running DOS 3.3 or higher with an available serial (COM) port.
    3. You have a Zaurus PC-link cable or infrared adaptor.

    If you meet these requirements, you can download the patch utility, zrpatch.exe  by clicking here, or from any of the following sources:

    - CompuServe (GO ZAURUS: Sharp Zaurus library)
    - America Online (Keyword: "PDA")
    - The World Wide Web (http://www.parra.com, http://www.pygmy.com or http://www.sharp-usa.com)
    - FTP "members.aol.com:/SharpZTeam"

    Once you have downloaded the patch, follow the instructions in the included README file for further instructions.

" Until your Zaurus is updated, please DO NOT rest your hand on the Zaurus keyboard while taking notes and be sure to tap on the "keys" icon whenever you go to the NOTES entry screen. We sincerely regret and apologize for this inconvenience. We hope our responsive handling of this problem will demonstrate our dedication to you, our most valued customers.

"IMPORTANT: DO NOT EXCHANGE YOUR UNIT WITH YOUR DEALER:
Please note that this problem may have affected your data as well. The correction PC software will attempt to correct your data when you first upload it to the PC before installing the patch. After correcting your data (and, although unlikely, deleting any uncorrectable data) and patching the Zaurus software, it will then download your corrected data back to your Zaurus. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you return your unit to the store or dealer and attempt to exchange it for a new unit as this will not correct your data and you will still experience problems. For example, if you were to restore your uncorrected data into a new unit, problems could still occur even with the newer unit. You MUST run the correction software to fix your data.

"FOR ANYONE ABOUT TO PURCHASE A NEW ZR-5800/ZR-5800FX FOR THE FIRST TIME:
New Units (without the problem described above) can soon be purchased from an AUTHORIZED Zaurus Dealer. To be sure that the Zaurus you are purchasing has the latest version of software, simple look for a small black dot directly to the right of the serial number. The serial number appears on the outside of the product box as well as inside the Zaurus' battery compartment. New customers (first time purchasers of the Zaurus ZR-5800 or ZR-5800FX) do not need to worry about problems with their data. You can purchase new units and move your data from a ZR-5000, for example, with no problems."


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