There are four types of reset on the Apple MessagePad; Soft Reset, Power Reset, Hard Reset, and Cold Boot. Instructions for performing all four types of resets are included below.
Soft Reset
A Soft Reset resets the Newton OS. It does NOT erase any data or handwriting training on the Apple MessagePad. However, you should check the Time in the Date and Time Prefs preferences file. The clock in the Apple MessagePad may lose some time when you press the Reset button.
1. Press and release the Reset button in the battery compartment for two seconds.
2. If the Apple MessagePad is on, it restarts itself. If the MessagePad is off, it turns itself on.
Power Reset
A Power Reset resets the Newton OS and the Power Manager. No user data, Preferences, or handwriting training is erased.
1. Press and hold down the Reset button in the battery compartment.
2. Continue holding the Reset button and pull down on the power switch. Continue holding the Reset button down for 2 more seconds.
3. Release the Reset button, and continue holding the power switch down until a dialog box appears asking: "Do you want to erase data completely?"
4. Tap on the "No" button.
Hard Reset
A Hard Reset erases all data in the internal memory. Pen alignment is required the next time you use your Apple MessagePad. In addition to pen alignment, the Time Zone, Date, Time, and Prefs need to be set up. Any System Update installed is NOT erased.
WARNING: You should backup your data prior to a Hard Reset.
1. Remove any PCMCIA storage card that may be in the MessagePad.
2. Press and hold down the Reset button in the battery compartment.
3. Continue holding the Reset button and pull down on the power switch. Continue holding the Reset button down for 2 seconds.
4. Release the Reset button, and continue holding the power switch down until a dialog box appears asking: "Do you want to erase data completely?"
5. Tap on the "Yes" button when it asks to erase data. This erases all user data in the internal memory and sets the Newton OS back to factory defaults.
Cold Boot
A Cold Boot erases all data, any System Update installed, and sets the Newton OS back to factory defaults. There are two methods to do this.
WARNING: You should backup your data prior to a Cold Boot.
Method 1
1. Disconnect any AC power.
2. Remove the main batteries.
3. Remove the round Lithium backup battery.
4. Hold the power switch down for 5 seconds.
5. Release the power switch.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 four more times.
Method 2
1. Disconnect any AC power.
2. Remove the main batteries.
3. Remove the round Lithium backup battery.
4. Let the Apple MessagePad sit this way for 15 minutes.
NOTES:
- On a MessagePad 120: No data is erased since data is stored in the internal non-volatile Flash RAM.
- On the MessagePad 120, a Cold Boot resets the Power Manager. Pen alignment is required on the next use.
- The Time Zone, Date, Time, and Prefs need to be set up.
This article was published in the "Information Alley": Volume II, Issue 6, Page 8