n800 keeps rebooting
 

My n800 was working fine 5 days ago. I didn't turn it off at the time, just left it in idle mode. Today I noticed that it had shut down on its own. I assumed that the battery had drained out. I plugged in the wall charger an now I get the all-white Nokia screen that you get when you try to turn it on. This lasts about 3 seconds and then the screen goes blank. One second later the screen comes on again and the cycle starts over.

When I unplug the charger and try to turn on the n800, The white screen comes on for 3 seconds and then shuts down. When I press the on/off switch to do this, the navigation button turns blue as normal.

Thinking that the device needs to reset itself, I removed the battery for 5 minutes. This didn't help and now it's still doing the same thing.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

rhackenb

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

I had the very same problem - had to send it back under warranty - they fixxed it but didn't explain what went wrong!

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

You do not need to return it... you need to reinstall the software... I had the same problem a few days ago... read here...

http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...ead.php?t=6524

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

I'm not sure what you are referring to by a Windows Software Update Wizzard. My n800 didn't come with any software CD and I really never involved my Windows laptop with the n800. I have always connected to the n800 via my Linux box.

I don't see how you can connect to the n800 from any computer if the n800 doesn't even turn on. With my charger, it tries to boot by showing the white screen with the Nokia logo for 2 seconds and then goes back to black, over and over. When I try to turn on the n800 with the power button, I get a blue LED on the navigation button for a couple of seconds and then the white screen comes on with the Nokia logo and then it turns off again. Would something different happen it I had the computer and the n800 connected via USB?

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

First of all, make sure you leave it on the charger for some time (at least half an hour) before you even try to turn it on. Secondly, if the OS hasn't been upgraded on your unit then you may suffer from some of the early boot problems. I had some trouble for a while, symptoms sounded like yours but it booted OK if I first removed the internal SD card (and replaced it afterwards). Thirdly, you should still be able to reflash the system (with the latest upgrade while you're at it): http://maemo.org/downloads/nokia_N800
It should take you to the actual download page, and it should in addition to the download also have instructions for upgrading from Linux. Follow those exactly and it should work (even in the state your N800 is in now).

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

I went to that site and downloaded what I thought was correct. The file I chose was RX-34_2007SE_3.2007.10-7_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin

Since there does not seem to be an kind of instructions on where that file is located, I tried to change it to executable and execute it but my system says that ' cannot execute binary file'

I then downoaded 'flasher-3.0-static' and tried to run that. Something runs but I get a menu of flags. Still not sure what to do.

Isn't there a reflash howto somewhere?

----
Maybe some progress on charging. I read in another thread that if you connect the usb cable, unplug the power cord, and home key and then press the power key, something might happen. What happens is that the white Nokia screen comes up and stays up. I also notice that the USB icon is present in the upper right of the screen. I now plugged in the power cord. It no longer goes on and off. I am hoping that the battery is now charging. I'll let it charge for a while to see if there is any change. Still, where are the instructions on reflashing?

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

This isn't always a black-and-white issue. If the usual troubleshooting methods fail, the device needs to be returned. Assuming you've followed all other reasonable recourses, that's what you're left with, unfortunately. And you're correct: regardless of the method used, you're not going to be able to reflash a device that can't stay powered long. ;)

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

It's still charging and the area on the right side is somewhat warm. I guess that means that it is taking a charge. If the battery actually recharges and the unit boots up, I'll update this message. My guess is that it won't. Fry's has a new one shipped to it's store for me to pick up. I have a two-year service contract that cost me $39. Might as well use it.

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

I have had this problem on 2 seperate occasions... 1st time I got 3 seconds until it rebooted... 2nd time (the link above explains) it actually stalled on the opening screen for 2-3 minutes before rebooting... BOTH times I had enouigh time to reflash it... the only problem is the 2nd time (the link above explains) when I downloaded the NEW version of "Software Update Installation Wizard" for my Windows XP PC it totally didn't work so it fooled me for a few hours thinking my Nokia N800 was broken. When I reinstalled the older version THEN it worked and I got a cnnectin between Nokia N800 & PC... then easily flashed and no more problems.

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

It seems like everyone is reflashing from Windows. I have the Linux reflash code but don't know how to use it. I guess next time I'll try it from my Windows laptop.

Why does the Nokia have these problems?

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

Not merely making excuses, but problems are going to occur in devices this complicated. However, I still maintain that the total defect rate (per defect type) is still very low, and even reasonable overall. That doesn't let Nokia off the hook though-- the return/repair process still needs fixing. That's in the works.

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

You need UNDER 1 SECOND at the begining to connect Nokia N800 to Windows PC... once it goes into this reflashing mode it doesn't try to boot the "looping OS". THIS IS A BLACK AND WHITE ISSUE!

Re: n800 keeps rebooting
 

rhackenb:
When I reflashed from Linux I found the howto when following the upgrade link, I don't have a URL for that now because to get there I would have to enter my wifi code again etc. You need the instructions because to get the correct behaviour you have to plug in the charger at the correct point in time, or something like that. I don't remember exactly.