Patch 74J185

This is the native system level patch version 74J185for the german MesagePad 2100. The patch contains a fix for the Newton's 2010 problem.

Compatibility

This patch is only compatible with german MessagePad 2100 models. The patch is not compatible with: * Fix2010: This fix changes some of the same time functions, and needs to be removed as well (see below). Fix2010 is not necessary anymore after patch 74J185 has been installed.

Files

The files in this patch are:

  • Patch 74J185.pkg - the actual patch.
  • Other .pkg files can be ignored.

Installation

NOTE: THIS PATCH IS PROVIDED WITHOUT WARRANTY. DUE TO THE COMPLEX NATURE OF SYSTEM PATCHES, FAILURE TO INSTALL PROPERLY MAY RENDER THE NEWTON UNUSABLE, RECOVERY REQUIRES A TEMPORARY ROM BOARD SWAP, AND WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ALL DATA ON THE NEWTON!

The patch has however been applied by many people without problems so far.

The patch is installed like any other Newton package, e.g. using NCU, NCX or any other installation tool. After installation, the Newton prompts for a reboot. After the reboot, the Newton OS patch level is updated to 71J059.

The installation steps are:

  1. For MP2000, freeze or uninstall all applications, and remove any memory cards to ensure that as much memory as possible is available
  2. Create a backup of the Newton
  3. If you have any year 2010 related fix such as the Fix2010 package, first use the diagostic tool to clear all alarms. Then, remove the Fix2010 package or any other related fixes from the Extras drawer
  4. If you have patch 710031 installed (can be checked from "Extras/Memory Info") use the Patch Remover to remove this patch
  5. Install the patch pkg file and reboot the Newton

The patch process does not modify or delete any data (such as a brain wipe), and the Newton is ready to be used after the patch was applied.

After the patch has been applied, it is permanently installed (it will stay in place even after a brain wipe), and can only be uninstalled with the Patch Remover.

Troubleshooting

IF THE NEWTON FAILS TO REBOOT AFTER PATCH INSTALLATION, PLEASE CONTACT support@40hz.org IMMEDIATELY! The actual patch process is very sensitive and can only be reverted by replacing the ROM board with a board from a German MessagePad 2100 or an eMate.

If the Newton shows strange behaviour related to alarms and other time related functions, please contact support@40hz.org, or revert to the original system version using the Patch Remover.

If the Newton enters an endless alarm loop, it is possible to clear all alarms using the Y2010 Diagnostic application. Alarms have to be re-entered manually afterwards.

Known Bugs

After a soft reset (via the reset button, or a reset utility), the Newton will lose the current date and reset the date to 1.1.2008.