Flash storage, Ffs partitions, Working with ffs partitions – Symbol Technologies MC9000-K User Manual
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Mobile Computer Configuration
10-27
Flash Storage
In addition to the RAM-based storage standard on Windows CE terminals, the mobile computer is
also equipped with a non-volatile Flash-based storage area which can store data (partitions) that can
not be corrupted by a cold boot. This Flash area is divided into two categories: Flash File System (FFS)
Partitions and Non-FFS Partitions.
FFS Partitions
The mobile computer includes two FFS partitions. These partitions appear to the mobile computer as
a hard drive that the OS file system can write files to and read files from. Data is retained even if
power is removed.
The two FFS partitions appear as two separate folders in the Windows CE file system and are as
follows:
•
Platform: The Platform FFS partition contains Symbol-supplied programs and Dynamic Link
Libraries (DLLs). This FFS is configured to include DLLs that control system operation. Since
these drivers are required for basic mobile computer operation, only experienced users
should modify the content of this partition.
•
Application: The Application FFS partition is used to store application programs needed to
operate the mobile computer.
Working with FFS Partitions
Because the FFS partitions appear as folders under the Windows CE file system, they can be written
to and read like any other folder. For example, an application program can write data to a file located
in the Application folder just as it would to the Windows folder. However, the file in the Application
folder is in non-volatile storage and is not lost on a cold boot (e.g., when power is removed for a long
period of time).
Standard tools such as ActiveSync can be used to copy files to and from the FFS partitions. They
appear as the “Application” and “Platform” folders to the ActiveSync explorer. This is useful when
installing applications on the mobile computer. Applications stored in the Application folder are
retained even when the mobile computer is cold booted, just as the Demo 9000 program is retained
in memory.
There are two device drivers included in the Windows CE image to assist developers in configuring
the mobile computer following a cold boot: RegMerge and CopyFiles.