A soft reset is called "soft" because all your data is safe after performing it. The soft reset has a not-so-nice cousin, however: the "hard reset". A hard reset will erase all the records and entries that you have made on your organizer, so don't call it into the ring unless you aren't successful with a soft reset. If you have performed a HotSync recently, you shouldn't have much to worry about, but keep in mind that whatever was on your organizer after your last synchronization will be lost for good. To do a hard reset, simply hold down the power button while you perform a soft reset. If you see the Welcome to PalmPilot screen, you probably haven't held down the power button long enough. Your screen should have a message asking you to press the "up" scroll button to erase all data. If you press any other button, it will simply go ahead with a soft reset.

After a hard reset, your PalmPilot will also lose your user information, so next time you perform a HotSync, make sure to choose the correct user name when asked. You will also lose any applications you have added to your PalmPilot device, so you will need to reload these as well.

A soft reset really does solve a lot of problems for you, so don't be afraid to try it if your PalmPilot organizer throws a little fit that you otherwise can't do anything about. A hard reset should only be used as a last resort, and only if you are confident you can retore your data after another HotSync (read: don't do it unless you know what you'll be losing).

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you should forget about using that excuse about your PalmPilot crashing on you. You'll be better off blaming the dog because you now know what to do about your data problems. Of course, if you have a problem that you really can't figure out by reading my scribbling above or by looking at our website at http://www.palmpilot.com, give us a call at 1-847-676-1441, and we'll be happy to help you out with your PalmPilot support issue. You're on your own dealing with your boss.

David Gewirtz is the author of How To Save Jobs and Where Have All The Emails Gone? For more than 20 years, he has analyzed current, historical, and emerging issues relating to technology, competitiveness, and policy. David is the Editor-in-Chief of the ZATZ magazines, is the Cyberterrorism Advisor for the International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals, and is a member of the instructional faculty at the University of California, Berkeley extension. He can be reached at david@zatz.com and you can follow him at http://www.twitter.com/DavidGewirtz.