Experiencing unresponsiveness or glitches with your Symbol (formerly Motorola) MT2090 barcode scanner can disrupt workflow and productivity. Like any electronic device, a reset is often the quickest and most effective solution to resolve these issues. The Symbol MT2090 offers two types of resets: a warm boot and a cold boot, each serving a different purpose and having distinct outcomes. Understanding when and how to perform each reset is crucial for maintaining optimal scanner performance. This guide will walk you through the process of warm and cold booting your Symbol MT2090 scanner, ensuring you can get back to seamless operations.
Understanding the Difference: Warm Boot vs. Cold Boot
Before proceeding with any reset, it’s essential to understand the difference between a warm boot and a cold boot on your Symbol MT2090 scanner.
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Warm Boot: Think of a warm boot as a soft reset or a restart. It closes all running programs and processes, effectively restarting the operating system without erasing saved data. Any unsaved data will be lost, similar to restarting a computer without saving your work. The manufacturer, Symbol, recommends attempting a warm boot first as it is less disruptive.
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Cold Boot: A cold boot is a more drastic measure, akin to a factory reset in some devices, but not completely. It restarts the MT2090 scanner and, crucially, erases all user-stored records and entries from the RAM (Random Access Memory). Furthermore, a cold boot reverts system formats and preferences back to their original factory default settings. This type of reset should be reserved for situations where a warm boot fails to resolve the issue, or as directed by technical support, due to its data-clearing nature.
Performing a Warm Boot on Your Symbol MT2090
A warm boot is generally the first troubleshooting step for a frozen or unresponsive Symbol MT2090 scanner. It’s a quick process that can often resolve minor software glitches without data loss (of saved configurations).
Here’s how to perform a warm boot:
- Locate the Keys: Identify the “2” key and the scan trigger on your MT2090 scanner.
- Simultaneous Press: Press and hold the “2” key and the scan trigger at the same time.
- Hold for 5 Seconds: Maintain pressure on both keys for precisely 5 seconds. Timing is important here. Holding for too long could inadvertently initiate a cold boot.
- Observe the Screen: During a successful warm boot, you will briefly see the following text items displayed sequentially on the scanner screen:
- IPL
- OS
- PM
- Release and Test: After these items have flashed on the screen, release both keys. The scanner will restart. Once it has rebooted, test its functionality to see if the issue is resolved.
Important Caution: While a warm boot is designed to be non-destructive to saved settings, it’s important to note that any files or applications left open during the warm boot process may potentially experience data loss or corruption. Ensure users save their work before performing any type of reset.
Executing a Cold Boot on Your Symbol MT2090 Scanner
A cold boot is a more forceful reset for your Symbol MT2090 and should be used cautiously. It is typically employed when a warm boot has not resolved the scanner’s operational problems or when you need to return the device to its default factory configuration.
Follow these steps to perform a cold boot:
- Identify the Keys: Again, locate the “2” key and the scan trigger on your MT2090.
- Simultaneous Press: Press and hold the “2” key and the scan trigger together.
- Hold for 10 Seconds: This time, hold both keys down for a full 10 seconds. Note that this is the same key combination as a warm boot, but held for a longer duration. Be careful to time it correctly to avoid accidental cold boots when only a warm boot is intended.
- Observe the Screen: During a cold boot, you will see the following text items appear on the screen:
- IPL
- OS
- Release and Test: After these items are displayed, release the keys. The MT2090 will restart, reverting to its factory default settings. After reboot, test the scanner to confirm if the problem is resolved.
Critical Caution: Performing a cold boot on your Symbol MT2090 will erase all added applications, customized user preferences, and any stored data. It effectively returns the scanner to its out-of-the-box state. Do not perform a cold boot without explicit approval from your IT support or help desk, as it may lead to data loss and require reconfiguration of the device. Understand the implications before initiating a cold boot.
Still Encountering Issues? Further Troubleshooting and Support
If you’ve performed both warm and cold boots and your Symbol MT2090 scanner is still exhibiting problems, further troubleshooting may be necessary.
Recommended Resources:
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User Manual: Download the comprehensive MT2070 and MT2090 User Guide for in-depth troubleshooting steps, configuration instructions, and detailed information about your scanner. This manual is an invaluable resource for resolving a wide range of issues.
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Professional Repair Services: If hardware malfunctions are suspected or if software resets fail to resolve the issue, consider professional repair services. For businesses relying on these scanners, prompt and reliable repair is essential.
When you are ready to partner with a world-class MT2090 repair service, contact us for a quote. We specialize in efficient and cost-effective MT2090 repairs, often turning around devices in as little as 3 days.
Conclusion
Resetting your Symbol MT2090 barcode scanner, whether through a warm boot or a cold boot, is a vital skill for any user. Remember to always attempt a warm boot first to resolve minor issues without losing data. Reserve the cold boot for more serious problems or when instructed by support, keeping in mind its data-erasing effects. By understanding and correctly applying these reset procedures, you can maintain the smooth operation of your Symbol barcode scanners and minimize downtime.
