Dell Axim X50 PDA won't turn on

Dell made an entry into the market of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) with Axim X5. The Dell Axim comprises of families of X5, X3, X30, X50 and X51. The Dell Axim PDA can be connected to the computer either by using a cradle or a sync cable. The sync cable connects the device to the computer directly. Here are the steps for connecting a Dell Axim to a computer using a sync cable.

1. p 1 The Microsoft ActiveSync software must be installed in order to connect the PDA to the computer. This software is found in the Dell Axim Pocket PC Companion CD.
   
2. Step 2 The Axim X51 PDA has a 36-pin connector, while the X3 has a 22-pin docking connector.
   
3. Step 3 Connect the USB connector found at the end of the sync cable to the computer.
   
4. Step 4 Check the PDA. If the PDA is not properly cabled to the computer, you will get the following message: “Connect your device to a computer using a sync cable or cradle before running the system update. Ensure that ActiveSync is installed on the computer and that the ActiveSync connection is successful.”
   
5. Step 5 Ensure that the Dell logo faces upward.
   
6. Step 6 Use the sync cable to set up a partnership, which can be done multiple times when you sign in as a guest.
   

It's not the cradle that's the problem. The problem is internal... a short in the **** poor wiring creating a short circuit. The internal wires need to be re-soldered.
Dell ditched the PDA line because it could not support it's JUNK. These PDAs were designed to break.

You can get a replacement rechargeable one at batterytrader, here is the link - Dell Axim X51 battery, they also do a couple of extended versions just search on the site, this also fits the dell axim x50 pda batteries

try a hard reset

Dell Axim x50 / x50v / x51 / x51v:

Make sure the device is on before performing hard reset. To hard reset, press and hold the power button and press in on the reset button (reset hole) on the back of the unit for about 2-3 seconds. Release both buttons and you will see a confirmation screen asking you if you would like to clear all data in memory. To do so press the Contacts button. To cancel press the Mail button.

IT may be that the mainboard is faulty and would need to be replaced.

I suggest making sure the lock switch on the upper left side of the PDA is not in the lock position. I had this problem and I think that I just bumped it into the lock position. This lock switch prevents any buttons from being a input to the PDA. Hope this helps, Duane.

Your buggered lol got same problem :( Ive looked into it got latest drivers and its netgears fault. Apprently you require their adapter for laptops etc exepct laptops connect because i dunno, but pda devices wont? Yeah i dunno its odd :S Im temp switching from wpa to wep for my pda that works :D

Another way I've found to do this is to press the power button and reset button at the same time. Then when you get the message to clear all data press cancel. I get this every time I re-charge my axim in the cradle. Doesn't anyone have a better solution? When it happens I have to reset my time. It's usually a day behind.

You can try for a external battery like this.

Universal External Battery for Laptops and Mobile Phones

My first opinion would refer to the operating system stored in ROM. Maybe you have a ROM data corruption and you may need to upgrade/reinstall the OS and other files in ROM. As you can't make a connection with active sync (try it however) you will need to have the ROM updated via a specially formated SD card. This is risky to do it yourself as it involves hex editing and raw formating a SD card. If something is done wrong the process fails and the PDA could get damaged. Please go to a service center to have it fixed by them. It is the most safest way. If you however manage in some way to make an active sync connection with you pda (either a partnership or guest connection) you can try to upgrade the ROM yourself using the patch provided by Dell (this is a safe way). Here is a link to download a ROM installation file (english version,also it is Windows Mobile 5, it will also upgrade your operating system) http://ftp.us.dell.com/utility/R143808.EXE (this is an official upgrade from Dell, please follow the instruction in the program). For any other question please feel free to ask and also always remember to rate any answers received from this site :) Good luck !

May have to do a factory reset on your device.