Quick Tip: Accessing USB mode with a dead screen 25
by Derek Kessler
Sat, 14 Nov 2009 2:25 pm EST
Sat, 14 Nov 2009 2:25 pm EST 
We've seen it happen time and time again: somebody breaks or otherwise disables their Pre's touchscreen and they're left without a way to access their USB drive partition to pull off pictures and music and other important stuff. We've tried and tried, but without screen access there's simply been no way to access the USB partition.
Until now: webOS 1.3.1 brought with it a handy new key combination that enables USB drive mode without having to touch the screen. Simply hook up to your computer with a USB cable and hit Option + Sym + U (for USB) and the Pre will mount as a USB drive.
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25 Comments
Very nice!
I still remember when my pre's screen didnt work,,,, and I went to sprint to replace it, Once i got the new one, they tried to transfer the contacts, but screen didnt work, so I had to say good bye to all my contacts, that happened with an earlier version... its good they fixed that
You weren't using Synergy? Why?
Good move by Palm, er, I mean update.
I love seeing this kind of thing that lets you know Palm is watching forums and listening to user problems. Then addressing them. Very nice.
+1
Was gonna say the SAME exact thing. I, for one, am EXTREMELY glad they're listening.
Completely agree with your statement. informative speech Speech Help Speech Types Speech Writing Speeches
could have used this 1 month ago :(
lost a lot of files
Cheers, Palm. One of those features one never hopes to need, but direly needs if ever there's a want!
what good is it if your screen is crack before the fact?
I desperately needed this feature about 3 weeks ago. My screen stop responding (while viewing this site ironicly)
I'm glad they added it though.
Ok how is this that different than holding the vol 'up' key whilst rebooting the device?
The up vol key doesn't put the Pre into usb mode.
thats great, but is there any way for me to download the update with a dead screen? because thats where I'm at right now.
If you have a PIN on the Pre. Would this key combo work still? I mean, if the phone is locked and the screen is broken...seems like you'd still be out of luck even with this magical key code.
I was wondering the same thing... (just broke my screen!) Then I realized that I can type my PIN in via keyboard... duh! I think sometimes I'm so used to doing something one way, I never think of other ways to accomplish the same task!
Thanks for the crucial information to back up my broken screen pre. I am more impressed with this phone as I have been using it since Dec 22 with the broken screen. I thought I could fix it, but i can't new one is on the way! Keypad makes the pre almost functional. This is the best phone, screw Motorola Droid and the other guy!
thanks! mine is perfect but as soon as you plug in usb, touchscreen stops working. if you try it a few times it works, but this is much more reliable
never had to use it until now :-( My touch screen is not responding to touch
THANKS - you just saved my pics and videos with this one!!!!!
I'm really Thankful for this site you just took a load off of me, Thanks again.
Thank you SO MUCH!!!! This thread saved my pictures of a trip I never want to forget! :) And tons more of my info :) Derek Kessler = life saver! (or at least picture saver)
where is option?!
nvm i got it!! THANKK YOUU!!!!
Made the mistake of trying WebOSDoctor first. Now the phone is reset and is asking me to pick between English and Espanol. Problem? Can't use the USB shortcut on this screen, so I just dug a hole I can't get out of. If you have touchscreen issues, get your USB stuff off immediately, then experiment. Lesson learned, VERY disappointed =\