Microsoft KB Archive/939291

= You cannot start a Windows CE 6.0-based device from an H4Sample that uses NAND flash memory =

Article ID: 939291

Article Last Modified on 10/31/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Embedded CE 6.0

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SYMPTOMS
Consider the following scenario:
 * You have a device that is running Microsoft Windows CE 6.0.
 * You use a TI OMAP2420 software development platform (H4Sample).
 * The H4Sample uses NAND flash memory.

In this scenario, you cannot start the device from the H4Sample.



CAUSE
This problem occurs because the NAND X-loader for the H4Sample board support package (BSP) is missing.

Windows CE 6.0 includes the H4Sample BSP. The H4Sample can start directly from some NAND flash models. Therefore, the H4Sample does not require a separate ROM chip or a NOR flash device to run the boot loader. However, the first few sectors of NAND flash memory must include an X-loader.

An X-loader is a very small initial boot loader. When you start the device, the following events occur in the following order:
 * 1) The H4Sample automatically copies the X-loader from NAND flash memory to RAM.
 * 2) The H4Sample runs the X-loader.
 * 3) The X-loader loads Windows CE boot loader (EBOOT) from NAND flash memory to RAM.
 * 4) The X-loader runs EBOOT.
 * 5) EBOOT loads Windows CE 6.0 from NAND flash memory to RAM.
 * 6) EBOOT runs Windows CE 6.0.

The NAND flash memory that is included with the H4Sample does not include an X-loader. Therefore, the problem that is described in the &quot;Symptoms&quot; section occurs.



WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1
Find a vendor that provides one of the following requirements:
 * An X-loader.
 * A combined NAND flash memory and X-loader.

Method 2
When you design the custom hardware, store EBOOT on a separate ROM chip or in a NOR flash device. Additionally, store Windows CE 6.0 in NAND flash memory.

Method 3
When you design the custom hardware, store Windows CE 6.0 on a separate ROM chip or in a NOR flash device.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the &quot;Applies to&quot; section.

Keywords: kbtshoot kbprb kbexpertiseadvanced KB939291

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