REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 8, 1997 — In preparation for the release of the next version of the Microsoft® Windows® CE operating system, Microsoft Corp. today announced its upgrade strategy for Windows CE to support Handheld PC (H/PC) original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Through OEM upgrade programs, H/PC owners may upgrade to the new version of Windows CE for the H/PC. Microsoft is working with all H/PC OEMs to ensure smooth upgrades for owners of version 1.0 H/PCs. H/PC OEMs, including Casio Computer Corp., Compaq Computer Corp., Hitachi Ltd., LG Electronics Inc. and NEC Corp., are expected to announce their individual ROM upgrade programs. Hewlett-Packard Corp. and Philips Electronics have already announced their customer upgrade programs. H/PC owners can contact their respective OEMs for additional ROM upgrade program details.
“The ability to upgrade the Handheld PC to new releases of Windows CE is one of the basic principles of the Handheld PC’s design,”
said Harel Kodesh, general manager of the consumer appliance group at Microsoft.
“This feature protects and extends the investment in Windows CE and the H/PC made by owners and new purchasers of all makes of H/PCs.”
Easy-to-Install and Use ROM Upgrades
Every H/PC design includes the ability to upgrade to new releases of Windows CE quickly and easily. Although the upgrade process will vary by manufacturer, typical installation of a new version of the ROM can be as simple as this:
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Connecting the H/PC to a PC to synchronize and back up all data
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Removing the main and back-up batteries
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Removing the ROM cover and the old ROM board
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Installing the new ROM board and replacing the ROM cover
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Replacing the batteries and resetting the H/PC
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Installing the new version of the desktop software
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Reconnecting the H/PC to the PC to restore the data
H/PCs and Windows CE
H/PCs running Windows CE are the best mobile companion devices for Microsoft Windows-based PCs. Windows CE is Microsoft’s operating system platform designed for a broad range of communications, embedded, entertainment and mobile computing consumer devices.
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