Fatal Error - Datamgr.c - Help Required

[Stitch_Man]

Hi,

I've owned my T3 for around 3 weeks now (bought at amazon.com) and in this time have encountered around 8-10 cases of the following error:

"Datamgr.C line 9529 index out of range".

It appears at startup just before the T3 logo screen displays. It has a 'Reset' button but this is inactive.

I'm not 100% certain about what i'm doing to cause this error as it's never been the same thing twice. Although it's normally after installing something.

If I press the reset button at the back of the machine it just restarts and shows the same message. If I press the reset button while holding the old button, then press off. My machine resets deleting all of my apps. (Is this a hard reset? Not sure of the differences but have been reading this website).

After this reset I perform a HotSync to restore my machine but again at the end of the HotSync i'm asked to reset my machine and I get the same error message.

I think I have the current Updates installed because I typed (Shortcut symbol, period, 9) into a blank memo and received:
10/31/03 12:25:44
I saw this way of checking in a message on this site.

Anyway, my questions are:
does anyone know what is causing this error?
can I install anything to prevent it happening?
how can I restore my machine if this happens again?

I've seen various messages about the different resets like hard, soft, or just leaving it to drain out. I don't really understand.

I have found this website on google:
http://vowe.net/archives/003848.html
which seems like the problem i'm having. It talks about pre-production unit? Has anyone heard of these? Are they much different? They also say that they are having to flash a new BIOS to the unit. Again, does this make sense to anyone.

Sorry for all of the questions, and the long post, but i'm just starting to get fed-up with this great machine. Apart from this problem it's been one of the best buys i've made.

I look forward to any help you could offer.

Many thanks,
Rich.

[matrix42]

Hi Rich

First there are a few of resets...

1. The normal "pin in back" reset

2. The "medium well" reset where you hold the up button down, then "pin in the back" this is kinda like Windows safe mode, does not load certain system functions but is useful at times

3. "Hard Reset" like you have discovered is when you hold the power button down while doing (1.) and then you are prompted to do the brain wipe, this is a last resort ( unless of course you are talk'n to Palm support :-) )

Sounds like something you have installed recently is causing this, as some apps mark themselves as requiring a reset after sync. Could you post a list of recent installs it might ring a bell.

-Scott

[Stitch_Man]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the quick reply and information on resets. I normally receive this error message if i'm installing something through the "Palm Quick Install". If I use an actual install.exe giving me a message like "Application xxxx will be installed on your next HotSync" then it normally works.

The two applications that I can remember causing this problem at installation are:
"Uninstall Manager" and "Clean T3 Original DIA" the DIA was available at Handango:
http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=1&jid=E5E4C7B2FCX91585ED91A64A57XB72BF&catalog=0&sectionId=0&productType=2&platformId=1&productId=99047

My unit has also hung while trying to connect to my PC via Bluetooth causing this error and strange as it sounds the screen has locked up and just faded to a bright white display, again causing the error.

Thanks,
Richard.

[matrix42]

Ok

Another quick question do you have the DIA/VG compatability PRC's installed?

You may also want to remove those two apps as well to see if they are the issue

-Scott

[Stitch_Man]

To be honest I believe I did have those installed at the time I installed the Clean DIA. I've checked now and they are not present, so may try and install this again at the weekend when I have more time.

Can anyone recommend a good backup tool? Preferably one that stores on a SD card.

Can anyone recommend the quickest way to recover from this error in future? As like I said, simply performing a HotSync after a hard reset doesn't get rid of it and the error comes back.

Thanks,
Rich.

[matrix42]

Hi Rich

I use BackupBuddy it backups to your PC and has saved my you know what on a number of occasions. I also use BackupMan, it does it's backups to a SD card an works well. (you can never have to many backups!)

As for the quickest way to recover... the issue is when you do the "hard reset" and then recover you put back the offending program, so in order to stop that you will need to remove it from your backup directory on the PC so it will not be part of the restore. If you can avoid the "hard reset" by using the "med. well" reset then you can remove the program the normal way and try to continue. For things like DIA replacements you might need a File Manager tool to remove the object. ( Zlauncher has one built in, and there is a good freeware one FileZ, and several others)

-Scott

[Stitch_Man]

Hi Scott,

Thank you very much for all of your help and advice. I'm definitely going to take a look at those Backup Utils. Last night I downloaded and installed ZLauncher (The XP skin looks quite cool) and know what you mean about the file manager. I'd never heard of the "Med. Well" reset until your message, but i'll be sure to give that a go first, if it happens again.

One final question just to clarify, when you say remove the offending program. Does that just mean deleting the .prc and database files from the "Backup" directory in my Palm User windows directory?

Thanks,
Richard.

[matrix42]

Richard

Yea, deleteing from the backup directory in your Palm/User/ directory.

As for Zlauncher skins, there are some very nice ones, with great iconsets by some very talented folks who hang out here so have fun with the search button..

My "current" favourite is:

http://www.palmonecity.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2232&highlight=gant

-Scott