How to Upgrade a Pharos 600 From WM5 to WM6 For Free

You won't find it on the Pharos site and there hasn't been a lot of attention focused on the fact that if you're packing a Pharos 600 WM5, you can upgrade it to WM6 for free. It's certainly a worthwhile thing to do, for it will enhance an already superb little pocket pal and bring it up to date. You'll be saving yourself around $600 too, which is the price of a new one.

OK, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.

1. Before you do anything, be certain to perform a backup of all your important files because the installation of the new operating system will wipe out all your programs and data. Obviously you will not want to store the backup to main memory. Use a memory card
2. Remove memory card from the Pharos 600.
3. With a USB cable, connect your Pharos 600 to your computer.
4. Go to http://download.pharosgps.com/download/Pharos600WM6.htm
5. Select WM 6.0 (Release 1) for Pharos GPS Phone 600. The following screen will appear:
6. Click on save. You will be downloading a 48.9 MB file. It took about three minutes on my machine, but obviously rates will vary.
7. Indicate where you wish to save the file and click Save.
8. Locate the resulting saved file (Pharos600_WM6Release1.exe) and double click it.
9. Choose run in the window that pops up.
10. Follow all on screen instructions
11. When the file has installed, press Finish.
12. The machine will begin to reset automatically.

Congratulations. You have successfully installed WM 6 and saved yourself a bundle. Enjoy! If you have any trouble, you can contact Pharos customer support by phone at (888) 742-7678 during normal Pacific Time Zone business hours.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Pharos because not all companies make upgrades available, especially for free. I appreciate Pharos' dedication to customer care and satisfaction.

Timothy Hillebrand, Ph.D. is a retired archaeologist and windows mobile expert who writes for Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine and several other publications. Visit his blog at http://professorpocket.blogspot.com/