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View Full Version : Password problem - help needed


Tulaine
2nd October 2008, 12:12 PM
My Touch (Elf) stopped syncing with my PC for no obvious reason. I tried various options with ActiveSync both on the PC and on the Touch, but nothing worked. ActiveSync recognised the device and I could explore and transfer files, etc., and the device was charging from USB but it appeared as "Guest" and I could not persuade them to sync.

The obvious soft reset didn't help. I tried deleting any existing relationships in the hope that the wizard would jump in and let me set up a new relationship, but my Touch still appears as "Guest" with no option to set up a new relationship.

Now here's the hard part...

I nuked the Touch using the "clear all data" option and returned to manufacturer's state, then loaded a backup taken before the problem arose.

Now when I turn the device on I'm prompted for a password. I've tried the one I set up immediately after the hard reset (carefully entered and noted) but it's rejected. I'm sure I didn't set any other password or PIN on it that may have been restored along with the backup.

Now each time I try a password the device makes me wait before I can try another - doubling the delay each time. Soon it will be days before I can enter anything!

So, does anyone know how I can get my Touch back to work?

The hard reset option is triggered by software (as the "clear user data" option under settings) and I can't find any hardware-only way to do the same thing. Even if I do manage a hard reset, will the password lock be released or will I have to go through the hard reset and still need to enter the secret password?

All suggestions gratefully received.

Tulaine
2nd October 2008, 03:11 PM
Talk to myself then!

I solved it. A hard reset involves holding both 'call' and 'end call' buttons down while poking the reset button with the stylus, and continuing to hold them down until the prompt appears asking for confirmation. Pressing 'enter' then confirms and the device gets nuked back to factory (or whatever is in ROM if you've cooked it) state.

I wasn't holding the buttons down long enough.

All is sweet again. :)