Locked out or is it a fault?

[jpcw]

Hi,
I understand that MS has implemented an exponential delay between retry intervals for incorrect passwords entered in the default password protection system for Pocket PC. My own PDA (Dell Axim X5) has locked me out, and I can only think that this is because the thing has been switched on whilst in my backpack in transit and the screen knocked to inadvertently put in random values (or none at all). The problem is that now when I try to enter the correct password, the thing just freezes once I hit OK. It's been like this for several days now, and only allows me to re-enter a password after a spft reset. This makes me think that either there is a fault, or the timeout clock has set itself according to how many password entries have been made, correct or not, since it was activated, rather than according to how many retries since an incorrect entry. Has anyone else come across anything like this, and is there a solution which does not involve a hard reset?
Thanks.

 

[Nelviticus]

I'm not quite sure I follow you. You appear to be saying that when you enter the password it freezes and you have to do a soft reset, which just takes you back to password entry. Where does the 'delay between retry intervals' come into it? If it locks up as soon as you enter a password then the only delay is how long you decide to wait until you reset it!

If I've got the above right then it sounds as if the password application is crashing. I've seen similar things on my own PDA with things that happen when it starts - if there is a reminder due to display this sometimes locks it, even on a soft reset. So far resetting again has always fixed it and it only happens rarely.

If you really can't get into your PDA at all and the password entry screen locks up every time you use it then unfortunately it sounds as if a hard reset is the only way to go. If you'll lose vital information then I'd try an hour or so of repeatedly soft resetting and trying the password.

Have you checked the manufacturer's web site? This may be a known issue and you might find a solution in a FAQ or on their forums.

Regards

Nelviticus

 

[jpcw]

Hi,
The issue of retries is what I've surmised from reading various bits on the 'net about the way MS have implemented the password program. My PDA did the same thing to me last week, but it appeared to clear and let me in again after about 48 hours. This time, it's been about double that so far (and I still can't get in as yet) so I'm guessing if the password programm is working, but is somehow assuming that all logins increment the delay which is causing the current lockout. [deep breath] Anyway, that's assuming my theory is right, but yours could equally be true I guess, although as I say, this has only happened once before, and some reminders have been popping up as normal, even though I can't get past the password screen. I've been trying on and off over the last few days with a few hours between tries, but no joy. It is annoying that there is no back door system (say with a key card or something) like the Palm Pilot has. I guess I'm going to have to face up to the prospect of a hard reset and data loss. When you do a hard reset, does it also wipe any software that's installed?

 

[Nelviticus]

Yes, a hard reset wipes everything apart from plug-in memory cards.

Check Dell's site and their forums though, there may be something on there that tells you how to circumvent the password screen or fix it if it's broken.

Regards

Nelviticus

 

[jpcw]

I've been to Dell's site & forum - it's pretty useless to be honest, and I believe they use a standard implementation of PocketPC anyway. Thanks for the help.