In this section you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning Nokia Communicator series of phones.
If you have other questions or know solutions of other problems than described below, please send an e-mail to the authors. Your info will be added to this list.


How to install an application into a different folder?
Communicator reanimation
How to improve system stability?
Sudden loss of free memory
Can I use MMC cards bigger than 4MB?
How to check the firmware version?
How to significantly speed up Internet connections?
How to protect your installed data and applications?
What is EFR and how to activate it?
Why standby time of my N9110 is much shorter than described by the producer?
*.aos - what is it?
How can I write programs for N9xxx?
What are GEOS.ini and NET.ini files for?
Can I use my Communicator as a remote control?

How to check forgotten security code and IAP / mailbox passwords?
Description of IMEI number and PDA version elements


 
How to install an application into a different folder?

"...I have a couple of applications strictly connected with Internet (i.e. FTP, Term) but they all install themselves in 'Extras' folder. Is it possible to move them to the 'Internet' section, so that they would be accessible after pressing the 'Internet' key?"

Changing the destination folder, to which the application will be installed is not difficult and doesn't need any changes in the Communicator system. We can freely choose between three folders, available by pressing the appropriate "green" function key: Extras, System and Services (Internet).

Information about the destination folder of an application is stored in an *.ins file, included in installation archive. It is a plain text file and we can edit it with any text editor, for example with Notepad in Windows.
 

GEOS installation scriptEach installation file has a structure similiar to the following example:
1. Standard header of the GEOS installation file
2. Name and description of an application and its size in bytes (doesn't matter)
3. Name and path of the file to be installed and name/path of the destination file
4. Names and paths of other files to be installed (optionaly) - here: a help file.

The only thing we have to do if we want to install an application in other folder than set is to edit the 2nd line in 3rd point of the above example, actually its part between slashes after World. We put there one of the following:

  • SysApps, if we want to install our program in System folder,
  • ExtrApps to put the application into the Extras section and
  • SvcApps, if the destination directory is Internet.

  • Applications installed earlier can also be moved, but you have to have a basic knowledge of the Communicator directory structure and a program, which allows an access to the full file system (at present the best - if not only - tool of this type is FreeBas9k - a Basic language interpreter for N9k, written by Conrad G. Davis). To move a file using this tool we can use a Basic command:
    move source_path\file_name  destination_path\file_name.
    And thus, for example, to move BTerm from Extras menu to Internet you have to make following steps:

  • go to the source directory using a command  cd a:\nokia\world\extrapps  (if your application was installed on MMC, otherwise replace 'a:' with 'b:'),
  • move the file with a command  move BTerm a:\nokia\world\svcapps\Bterm.  Since then your application will be accessible from the Internet menu.

  • Paths and file names can be checked every time with  dir   or  dir path command. I suggest going to the source directory rather than typing a source path to make the parameters line of the  move command as short as possible, because of the problems with command lines exceeding the screen width in current versions of FreeBas9k. You should also take care of the case (becase GEOS file system is case sensitive) and remember that the names and paths including spaces should be surrounded by quotation marks. More precise information about the commands of FreeBas9k and the latest versions of this interpreter can be found here.
    Back



    Communicator reanimation

    "...when I was removing my old calendar events 'Internal Error' appeared on screen. After rebooting my Communicator the only thing I can see is a boot picture and the system doesn't boot anymore..."

    If the above sentence describes current state of your Communicator, it means that there are errors in your file system or that the temporary or state files were not properly written (or removed). This kind of errors is commonly caused by reset or system hang up during a write operation of one of the applications, and also by not removed state files. If you didn't experience this kind of problem yet and you read this text just occasionaly, believe me - it will sooner or later happen to you, too :-(. Being aware of that, make ASAP a full backup of your data, applications and settings, to be able to restore them every time without problems.

    Not going too deep into technical reasons of these errors, let's talk about methods of solving them. Below you can find three ways to repair your file system, in order of their influence on Communicator memory contents. When you experience these errors, always start from the first point. If it doesn't help, use the second method, and if it also fails, make a third, final step - formatting whole file system, thus turning it into a state in which it has left the factory. All described functions can be activated by holding the appropriate key combination during reboot (caused by removing and reconnecting the battery or in a software way).

    1. Checking the file system. It seeks damaged files and - if it finds any - removes them. If your system doesn't contain any invalid files, this function doesn't make any modifications. This method can be used when "Memory" application shows less (or way too much) of free memory than supposed, and installed applications hang right after start or when opening a document. Activation: Shift+Tab+left arrow.

    2. Removing the temporary files. This function can be applied when PDA frequently resets itself, hangs or displays a message that *.ini files are corrupted. When applied (obviously in addition to removing errors and repairing the file system) it also removes all Outbox contents and restores default settings of some applications (you lose SMSC number, Internet access points and remote mailboxes). All the documents and installed applications remain unchanged. Activation: Shift+Tab+right arrow.

    3. Formatting the file system. After using this function the file system of your Communicator looks exactly the same, as when leaving the factory. This is the 'strongest' function, but it helps when both previous methods fail. This procedure is usually needed when your system hangs right after start or doesn't boot at all. Activation: Shift+Tab+F.

    I strongly suggest making periodical backups of all your data (especially directly to the MMC, which is fast, easy and pleasant). Then even a full file system format is not a problem, because Restore function from the system application Backup/Restore puts everything back.

    Back



    How to improve system stability?

    "...for some time the PDA part of my N9110 has been working much slower and very often hangs or displays 'Internal Error'. Is my hardware damaged?"

    Stability and speed of each operating system gradually drops with time after last installation. This statement is also true for GEOS 3.0, which is a native operating system of Nokia Communicator. Installing new applications (not always correctly and system-friendly written), downloading data, creating new documents, settings and configurations consumes large amounts of free memory and causes its fragmentation. The amount of free memory is (compared to other systems) especially important in N9k, which by default offers only 2MB for user (and partially system) data and applications. My own practice and lots of opinions of N9k users sent to different news groups show, that min. amount free memory not affecting system stability is ca. 1 MByte. After installing few more applications, receiving a large fax or using additional 100-200 kB of memory, well known "Internal Error" starts appearing on screen a couple of times a day and the whole system and particular applications become unstable.

    So, is there anything we can do to solve this problem or we have to sacrifice half of internal memory to assure system stability? Simple solutions are usually the best ones - also this time. The best way is obviously expanding the memory with an MMC card. This card allows installing tens and hundreds of third-party applications, data, ringtones and sounds, pictures and other "goodies" directly in expanded memory, leaving the main memory almost exclusively for system needs. Besides huge free "disk" areas for our data and programs, it also provides much more stable functionality of the whole system. You'll feel the difference almost immediately after installing it! MMC will offer you also: easy and fast data exchange between different Communicators (just by moving the card from one PDA to another) and quick and reliable backup and restore process (1-2 minutes compared with half an hour when backuping to PC). More info about MMC cards can be found here.

    In order to provide optimal system performance/stability I recommend periodical (for example every second-third month) execution of the first two file system repair functions (obviously after making a full data backup).

    Back



    Sudden loss of free memory

    "...suddenly 'Memory' application started indicating few hundred kilobytes less. From that moment I get frequent messages about internal errors."

    "...'Memory' shows over 2,500kB of free memory. Is it possible? I heard, that N9xxx has only 2MB of internal `user` memory..."

    In most cases such behavior of Memory application means that there are some errors in GEOS file system, caused by not removed temporary files.

    Internal Memory ErrorBefore making any steps in order to fix this, press Details button and check, whether this memory loss isn't indicated in one of the listed entries - maybe you just forgot about some old faxes or Notes documents or simply this space was taken by some lately installed applications... You should also remember, that ca. 200-300kB is used by the system itself and even 'fresh' Communicators give us not more than 1,7-1,8MB of free memory...
    But if sum of free memory resulting from the Details menu is much lower than supposed and it doesn't change after reboot, you have to apply one of the file system repair functions. In this case the first step is usually enough. But if it doesn't help, you have to use the second method (removing temporary files). Don't forget about backup of your data, since this function resets many system settings (Internet access points, remote mailboxes and Outbox contents).

    Back



    Can I use MMC cards bigger than 4MB?

    "...I'd like to expand the memory of my N9110, but Nokia offers only 4MByte cards. Does Communicator support bigger cards? Where can I buy them?"

    MMC 16MBNokia 9110 (thanks to 32-bit wide address bus of the 486 processor) theoretically supports upto 4 gigabytes of memory. However, currently manufactured flash memory cards in MMC format offer capacity upto 64MB (but 128MB MMCs are said to be released in nearest future). Because MMC is an industrial standard designed by Sandisk and Siemens Semiconductor Group, MMC cards comming from different manufacturers are compatible and work correctly with Nokia 9110 phone.

    I can recommend a 16Mbytes Siemens MMC card, which I have been successfuly using for several months. It is 4 times bigger than Nokia card (which comes from Siemens/Sandisk, too!), but it costs about the same - 49 USD. This card (and also its 32-megabyte version) can be ordered in on-line shop of the German mobile MP3 player producer - Pontis GmbH. The company seems to be very quick and reliable - I got my card 3 days after sending my order (you can get it even in one day if you choose air mail). This card is a very good choice - spending the same amount of money as for 4MB Nokia card we get an expansion which is really hard to be filled. I have installed in my Communicator almost everything you can get for this PDA, copied several tens of *.wav files, about 60 contact images and lots of faxes, documents and received messages, and I still have ca. 10MB of free memory... I also make a full backup to my MMC, which (likewise restore) takes not more than 1 minute. Just buy it!.

    Back



    How to check the firmware version?

    "How can I check the firmware version of both N9110 modules? What is the newest version and what has changed? Where and how can I upgrade my firmware?"

  • To check the firmware version of the phone part just type the code *#0000#. You will see a screen looking similiar to this below:

  • Phone firmware version

  •  V 3.07 - firware version of your phone
  •  17-01-99 - release date of this verion
  •  RAE-2 - internal code name of the product.

  • The above picture shows one of the oldest versions shipped in the first available part of N9110. Currently, Communicators leave factory with 5.01 firmware.

  • PDA firmware can be checked in About this product application located in System section. Version number is the last entry of the scrollable list, so you have to scroll it to the end.

  • PDA firmware version
    PDA firmware version is indicated by digits 5 to 9 of the third part of the chain. In this case it is 30610, which means 3.06.10 or shorter 3.6.10. This is also one of the earliest firmware revisions. New Communicators have firmware above 4.xx.xx.

    Newest N9110 firmware revisions don't offer any 'revolutionary' changes. They are just said to be a little more stable and faster (which is true). It is strange, that Nokia still didn't do anything with some bugs reported by users - especially Calendar bug is still present.

  • Upgrade of the firmware can be done in most of the Nokia authorized services and customer centers. You can also call Nokia Careline to get an information about such services near you. If you have a warranty, firmware upgrade will be done for you for free. Otherwise, it should cost no more than ca. 10 Euro. The only thing you have to do in both these cases, is to give them reasons of your request (which shouldn't be so difficult :-) ). But if you don't experience any serious problems during work with your Communicator, remember that the newest versions don't bring any important improvements and consider if it is worth your time and/or money... well, I decided it is not.
  • Back



    How to significantly speed up Internet connections?

    "...everytime I connect to the Internet, it takes 40-50 seconds to log to the network. Is there any way to shorten this? Is it possible to speed up data transmission?"

    Nokia 9110 phones support GSM data transmission with speeds upto 14.400 bps. Unfortunately, it is hard to use this feature, because most of the GSM networks allow data transfer only upto 9.600 bps. However, there are other ways to significantly shorten the time needed to log in and to improve data tansfer: you can enable data compression and use digital protocol V.110. These features can be switched on in Internet Settings menu and in preferences of our Internet access points:

    V.110

  • Digital data transmission protocol V.110 increases connection stability and it needs just a couple of seconds to log into the network (compared with 30-50 seconds in analog mode). To make our Communicator use this protocol, we have to enter following string in Modem initialisation field (in Advanced settings of your access point): AT+CBST=71,0,1.
  • PPP compression allows (thanks to data compression) sending more information in the same period of time, likewise

  • V.42bis

  •  V.42bis compression, which can be enabled in main Settings menu of the Internet group.

  • In order to use all the above features, these protocols must be supported by your GSM network and Internet Service Provider, who's access point will be used to connect to the network.
    For example: all these options are fully supported by  EraNet  in Polish GSM network  Era GSM.

    Back



    How to protect your installed data and applications?

    "My N9110 doesn't work anymore. It turned out, that there are some errors in file system so I had to reformat the device. I've lost all my data and applications after that operation. How can I protect my data in the future?"

    GEOS 3.0 operating system, like all other systems isn't (and can't be) 100 per cent resistant to errors, that can appear during everyday work with files, especially when some "external", not always correctly written applications are installed. From time to time you'll experience errors causing loss of data or even preventing system from booting up. It is hard to avoid these errors but we can eliminate their consequences, protect our data from damage and applications from reinstallation. The best and easiest way to protect our data is making a frequent backup of the whole Communicator memory content to computer hard disk or directly to the MMC.

    Backup/RestoreIn order to backup our data to the MMC we can use Backup/Restore application, located in System menu. To place our backup set on the MMC, we have to choose Memory card option in Connection type field of the Backup/Restore settings. Data group option lets us choose the range of the data that we are going to backup: Calendar (Calendar events and To-do lists), Contacts (Contacts database), Documents (all created documents) or All data (whole memory contents). Making a frequent and regular backup of all data allows us returning to the previous state even after a full file system reformat. Backing up to the memory card is much quicker than to the PC (thru a serial cable). But if you don't have an expansion card and you'd like to create a backup of your data, you can make it to the PC's hard drive (both thru DLR-2 serial cable and much faster IrDA port). This option is supported by both previously mentioned Backup/Restore application (together with NServer running on PC) and PC Suite shipped on CD with every Communicator. Unfortunately (according to the data transmission speed) you have to spend much more time for this operation. But it is still much less time and work consuming than reinstalling all your data and applications after a system crash...

    Back



    What is EFR and how to activate it?

    "...I have seen `EFR` on different WWW pages and news. What does it mean? Does my Communicator support this feature?"

    Digital telecommunication systems code the signal (convert it to digital) using several different algorithms. Each method results in different data `width` and radio channel usage, thus offering different connection quality. Modern GSM networks support three such algorithms, called codecs: HR, FR and EFR.

  • HR - Half Rate - is a codec, which uses only one subchannel during transmission. It uses the smallest amount of network `resources` and offers the worst voice quality and asynchronous data transfer only at 2,4 and 4,8 kbps. The only advantage of this codec for a user is its lower power consumption, resulting in 20-30% longer standby and talk time. This codec was commonly in use in the initial phase of GSM networks, on areas with poor network capacity, allowing the BTS to provide two times more connections at the same time. Nowadays many operators doesn't use it anymore and a hash code allowing its activation is blocked in newest Nokia phones. But if you're lucky (?) and your phone supports HR activation code, you can turn this codec on by typing *4720# on the phone's keyboard. To return to the default codec enter #4720#.
  • FR - Full Rate - base codec of most of the GSM networks. It is set by default in N9110's on most of the European markets, because very often it is the only codec supported by the network (like in case of Polish Plus GSM network and on some coverage areas of Era GSM) network. This algorithm is in the middle of the quality scale and allows data transmission at speeds ranging from 2,4 to 14,4 kbps.
  • EFR - Enhanced Full Rate - is an improved FR codec, offering much improved sound quality and same possibilities of data transmission. If your network supports this codec, you can activate it by enterning *3370# code. You can switch back to the default algorithm (FR) by typing #3370#. This encoding method consumes more energy, reducing phone's standby time by 5-10 percent.

  • EFRIn Poland EFR codec is fully supported by Idea Centertel network and is in test phase (working on some areas) in Era GSM network. You can check which codec is currently used by your phone by looking at submenu no. 1 of the Net Monitor. Last line of this submenu shows during connection: THR0 or THR1 (for appropriate subchannel in Half Rate codec), TFR (for Full Rate) and TEFR (if you use Enhanced Full Rate). If your phone still uses the old codec after entering activation code of the other one, it means that this coded isn't supported by your GSM network.

    Back



    Why standby time of my N9110 is much shorter than described by the producer?

    "Although I have 4 signal strength bars on my display and make only short calls, my Communicator works only 50-60 hours without recharging the battery. The producer declares much longer 'standby time'. Is my battery damaged?"

    The standby time of each GSM phone depends on many different factors. Besides local network "parameters", age and condition of the battery itself and power consumption resulting from using the phone by its user (connections, using the menu, backlight, PDA operations etc.), there is a long list of other things determining the standby time.

    SIM clockOne of the most important factors is a possiblity of stopping the so called SIM clock (SIM card processor clock). This function saves energy and allows much longer functionality of the battery. After some period of inactivity this function halts SIM card clock and the phone enters an energy-saving sleep-mode. To be able to take advantage of this useful feature of your Communicator, you must have a SIM card which supports this function. Unfortunately, older SIM cards don't support this option, which greatly reduces standby time of the phone. You can check whether your card supports stopping the SIM-clock by entering the code *#sim0clock# i.e. *#746025625#. If your SIM supports this funtion, you will see a message "SIM Clock stop allowed". Otherwise you will see "SIM clock stop not allowed", which means that SIM clock stopping is not supported by your card and it is the main cause of short `standby time` of your phone. If your SIM card is additionaly built in 5V (5-Volt) technology, it is a real emergency and you'd better visit your operator and ask for new generation SIM.
    You'll feel the difference in 'standby time' right after replacing the card...

    In case of Nokia Communicator phone, battery performance is also determined in a high degree by running applications and general file system condition. Some of the "external" programs are not energy-saving optimized lub or don't stop all their processes upon exit. This bug was present among others in one of the older beta versions of FreeBas9k, causing a full battery discharge in just few hours (it has been corrected in the newest 1.0 version). It is recommended to exit all applications before closing the PDA cover. If you use some program, which you think is responsible for short standby time of your phone, you should reboot the system after using it (thru the software reset).

    Last but not least, it is also worth mentioning, that battery standby time is also affected by Cell Info Display option (menu 4-2-2). If you prefer longer phone operation more than city name displayed on your screen, you better switch this option to the off position (especially if your network doesn't support cell info, when the only effect of this service is... higher energy consumption).

    Back



    *.aos - what is it?

    "I have found a very interesting program for my Communicator. Unfortunately, after downloading it turned out that this file has an *.aos extension, which is unrecognized by my PC. What format is it?"

    Aos - Add-On Software - is a new feature introduced in N9110. It is a file archive, which can be automatically decompressed and installed on-line using the built-in Communicator WWW browser. If you find such file browsing Internet using your 9110, you can simply choose a link to that file and press Enter. The system will ask you, if you'd like to download and automatically install that application. After this operation you will simply find it installed in one of the Communicator menus.

    It is also possible to download *.aos file to your PC and install it in the "normal" way. Each *.aos file is just an archive in TAR format - you can change its extension to *.tar and decompress it using most of the popular archivers, like for example WinZip. After decompressing we get a traditional installation file set, which can be installed using PC Suite or NServer + Install/Remove application.

    It also works in reverse direction: if you'd like to create a Communicator optimized WWW site and put there some downloadable N9k files, just compress them in *.tar format and change archive's extension to *.aos. Now your files can be directly downloaded and automatically installed in every 9110 Communicator.

    Back



    How can I write programs N9xxx?

    "I would like to write a couple of small applications for my own use, because I cannot find anything similiar... What tools do I need to create an 9110 application?"

    The programming tool for Nokia 9xxx (and other GEOS based systems) is GEOS SDK For Nokia Communicator. This package contains full PC GEOS environment, 9000 and 9110 emulators for NT (for testing and debugging your applications), N9KDE - main programming center, lots of examples and full documentation. GEOS SDK needs Borland C++ version 4.5 to compile your projects (there are problems with versions 5.0+ ) and this whole system runs without problems and limitations only on Windows NT 4.0 systems (it is possible to adapt it to work with partial functionality also in Windows 9x - a full step-by-step guide will be available shortly in Tips & Tricks) section. If you fulfill all these requirements and know a bit about C++, you can start writing N9xxx applications.

    Geos SDK for certain period of time was a commercial package worth $100 and additionaly it was very hard to get. Fortunately, for several months Nokia sends it for free and the only thing you have to do in order to get it is to visit Forum Nokia and fill SDK request form. The package arrives within 1-2 weeks. We look forward to your applications.

    Back



    What are GEOS.ini and NET.ini files for?

    "When reading different text concerning Nokia Communicator I often find file names GEOS.ini and NET.ini. What are this files, what do they do and how can I use them?"

    Init File EditorGEOS.ini and NET.ini are system files of the GEOS operating system. They are very similiar to System registry in Windows - they include system and hardware configuration and application settings. Their structure consists of categories concerning particular hadware or system elements (for example printer, screen 0 etc.). Categories are divided into keys containing parameters. For example: category screen 0 has two keys: device and driver. These keys contain following values: SC-400 4-bit Greyscale Driver and sc4bit.geo.

    By modifying some values of the GEOS.ini and NET.ini files in Nokia Communicator PDA's we can enable new functions or tune already existing ones. These modifications can be made using Init File Editor application from the GEOS SDK package. Please, take a look at Tips & Tricks section, where you can find a number of interesting things you can achieve by modifying the *.ini files.

    Back



    Can I use my Communicator as a remote control?

    "...I wonder if it is possible to program my Communicator somehow, so that I would be able to use it as a remote control of my TV and VCR...?"

    This is one of the most frequently asked questions on different newsgroups and mailing lists. I'm proud to inform, that now it is POSSIBLE thanks to Conrad G. Davis and the newest version of his great FreeBas9k. First you have to build a simple device to record the signals of your remote control and store them in a file (but I'm sure there will be 'ready' files for different types of TVs & VCRs available to download shortly). Then you copy this file to your Communicator and you are able to 'play' control signals thru IrDA port using Basic commands supported by remote object. Go to FreeBas9k home page for more info.

    Back



    How to check forgotten security code and IAP / mailbox passwords?

    "...I forgot my "Security code". I also don't remember my password to one of the remote mailboxes and dial-up Internet access point. How can I check them (I don't want to ask my provider to change these passwords)...?"

    Forgotten "Security code" can be checked using an MBUS cable and the the newest version (1.0 beta 7 and later) of Nokia LogoManager (after changing the transmission protocol used by the program to MBUS using this tool). The code will be displayed in a window opened by Phone info option.
    "Security code" can be also checked using Nokia service program - Wintesla.

    Passwords and logins to remote mailboxes and Internet access points can be checked using Init File Editor - in categories called accessPoint000x (where x is a number of the access point / remote mailbox). Each of these categories contains user (login) and secret (non crypted password) keys.

    Back



    Description of IMEI number and PDA version elements

    "What do all these digits in IMEI number and Communicator PDA software version number mean? Do they contain any hidden information?"

    IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) is a unique identification number of each cellular phone. IMEI number has a format: aabbbb-cc-dddddd-e and contains following information:

    Communicator PDA software version number contains 27 digits and has a format: 000000/00/aaabbbbbbcccddd/0 - the interesting part is located between second and third slash - all other positions always contain zeroes. This code contains following information:
    Back