Howto: Replace Graffiti 2 with Original Graffiti

Many users have expressed frustration with PalmSource's move away form the Original Graffiti input system they have used and been accustomed to for many years. A simple method to replace Graffiti 2 has been discovered. Read on for a full step by step tutorial.

Back in January, PalmSource announced a licensing agreement for CIC's Jot handwriting recognition software for the next generation of data input for the Palm OS. PalmSource has committed to Graffiti 2 as the next generation input method for the Palm OS.

To the delight of many long time users, original Graffiti can be restored in a few simple steps. Resident Hong Kong Palm OS enthusiast, Brando, recently posted the basic instructions on his website. You will need access to a Palm Tungsten T or Sony Clie with Palm OS 5.0 to get the necessary files for the procedure. Palm OS 5.4 compatible files are listed below.

Step 1
Original Graffiti on a Tungsten T2Use a handheld that has the original Graffiti system installed , Use a handheld file manager, such as FileZ, to locate the following files (You will need to check the ROM box, as the files are stored in the device ROM):

Graffiti Library.prc, size: 30k, creator: grft
Graffiti Library_enUS.prc, size 22k, creator: grft

Step 2
Beam or copy the above 2 files to the target handheld you want to install original Graffiti on.

Step 3
Preform a soft reset (simply press the devices reset pin), and you're set to start enjoying original Graffiti again.

PalmInfocenter tested this procedure with a Tungsten T and were able to successfully install Graffiti over Graffiti 2 on a Tungsten T2, Zire 71, Tungsten C and a Sony Clie NX80V. Other models that run Palm OS 5.0 should also be compatible. Even after the replacement the write anywhere on screen feature of Palm OS 5.2 still function as normal, even on the Tungsten C. The on-screen Graffiti reference also reverts back to the original guide.

Restore Graffiti 2
if for any reason you want to restore Graffiti 2, you must preform a hard reset. A Hard reset it preformed by holding the power button down during a reset. This will restore the handheld to it's original factory state, and will wipe out all of your installed programs and data, so make sure you have a recent backup on hand.

update:
Ben Combee sent in this tip that will allow you to revert back to Graffiti 2 without a hard reset.

Step 1
In Filez, go to the Details form for each database. Change both the name and creator code of each one.
Step 2
Soft reset your device.
Step 3
In Filez, delete the two databases, then soft reset.

update 10/2003:
This howto does not work with the Sony Clie UX50. It does work with the T3.

update 5/2005:
Files for Palm OS 5.4 devices including the Tungsten T5, TE 2, Z22 and Palm TX are available here.

This tutorial is provided for informational purposes only, use at your own risk.

Article Comments

 (198 comments)

The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. PalmInfocenter is not responsible for them in any way.
Please Login or register here to add your comments.

Comments Closed Comments Closed
This article is no longer accepting new comments.

Down View Full Comment Thread

Hmm...

Be3G @ 8/21/2003 1:27:32 PM #
...isn't it illegal to copy any parts of a ROM file for use on another device?

Thomas

Check out the *updated* Palm Tungsten|T review at www.comp-talk.co.uk

RE: Hmm...
sr @ 8/21/2003 2:16:29 PM #
If you own both devices I doubt it. It's illegal to distribute it.

RE: Hmm...
Ronin @ 8/21/2003 9:45:30 PM #
Gotta say, it is little nuggets of information like this that bring me back to PIC for my "Daily Dose of Palm OS Info".

Thanks.

In the Spirit of Umoja,
Ronin

Warez Infocenter?
The Ugly Truth @ 8/23/2003 8:18:31 PM #
Sounds like this article is promoting warez. It's a slippery slope and whoever runs this site needs to decide if they really want to support illegal activities. At the very least a disclaimer should be added indicating that using unlicensed Palm software is illegal.

RE: Hmm...
elo @ 8/26/2003 5:55:31 PM #
The slippery slope fallacy doesn't apply here. Use of any part of the Palm OS ROM on a device other than that for which it was originally licensed is prohibited under any circumstances. This article, then, arguably advocates an illegal act. The illegality is compounded by the fact that Graffiti is a patented property of Xerox Corporation. No disclaimer could shield Palminfocenter.com from legal action, should Xerox attempt such.

elo

RE: Hmm...
mszeto @ 8/28/2003 12:35:07 PM #
You need to chill. No one is making any money off of this - it just allows people to restore their original grafiti if they own both devices. No one will get sued since you couldn't sue for more than you pay the lawyers for an hour.

RE: Hmm...
elo @ 8/28/2003 9:26:04 PM #
I need to chill? Please reread my post; no emotion was expressed. As to the issue of exchange of money, none is required for legal action (including lawsuits, though I didn't mention them). The intellectual property discussed here has plenty of value.

Of course, the OP was about the legality of this article; I was merely responding with information that might be helpful to some. If you aren't interested, why respond?

elo

RE: Hmm...
Palm_Otaku @ 9/15/2003 9:37:27 PM #
Actually, it sounds like you were responding with some MISinformation: Graffiti is *not* a "patented property of Xerox corporation". "Unistroke" is, and from what I've been able to uncover on the subject, they aren't the same thing. I wish Palm all the best with their appeal.

Further, are you certain there is any inpropriety in my copying these files from an OS5 device I own, to an OS5.2 device I own?

RE: Hmm...
ThunderCracker @ 11/11/2003 5:13:50 PM #
The bottom line: I don't care. Graffiti 2 was killing me. It never should have changed.

Palm III --> Compaq Areo 1550 --> Palm IIIc --> Visor Edge --> Casio EM500 --> Sony T415 --> Compaq 3670 --> Dell Axim x5 Advanced --> Sony SJ20 --> Palm T|E

Too Easy?

palmhiker @ 8/21/2003 1:30:14 PM #
Is it just me, or does this seem a little bit too easy?

I'm starting to actually like G2, so I think I will leave well enough alone.

RE: Too Easy?
RhinoSteve @ 8/22/2003 6:17:38 AM #
Yes and no.

It shows good systems engineer on the PalmSource side. Pretty much, they just updated the handwriting rec. engine and kept the PRC names the same. Having the contention of PRCs of the same name in RAM and ROM resolve to where the OS runs only the RAM resident PRC goes all the way back to Palm OS 2.0.

However, since the Genie is out of the bottle with this now, who knows if Xerox legal will complain that it is too easy for the end user infringement. That is a massive gray zone.

But frankly, I'm glad this is so "drop in" so I can make a "T" the way I used to with the old stuff. :)

Where can I get those files?

Mr T @ 8/21/2003 1:31:25 PM #
I had a TT, sold it, and now I have a T2, and I hate Graffitti 2.

Anyone know where I can find these 2 files online so I can just hotsync them to the T2?

RE: Where can I get those files?
pda_xpert @ 8/21/2003 2:19:09 PM #
One of the original thread originators posted this link; he stated he'll make this file available for a few days.
http://www.tpug.org/SK-/Graffiti1.zip
I downloaded the file and virus-checked with Norton; it's OK.

If you want to follow the original thread, go here:
http://www.spug.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45510

The Graffiti1.zip link is on page 2 of the thread.

RE: Where can I get those files?
belek @ 8/21/2003 2:27:00 PM #
Who can try opposite operation?

Can we use Graffiti 2 on Tungsten T?

Can you send TT2 Graffiti2 PRCs?

Regards..

RE: Where can I get those files?
KB2PMD @ 8/21/2003 3:09:28 PM #
Well, you can do the same thing, by beaming yourself the 'grf2' (graffiti2) files, although if I were you, I'd upgrade the OS on your TT to 5.2!


RE: Where can I get those files?
Rawbear @ 8/21/2003 3:12:42 PM #
Do you have to rename the grafitti files after you put them on the T2?

Admin Please remove the link
SK- @ 8/21/2003 10:51:06 PM #
Thank you very much.


www.TPUG.org
Thai Palm Users' Group

RE: Where can I get those files?
Trandor @ 8/21/2003 11:41:20 PM #
I have successfully put G2 on my TT as well as write anywhere.

For G2 you need the following files:

Graffiti 2 Library, size 95K, creator grft
Graffiti 2 Library_enUS, size 131K, creator grft

For write anywhere you need:

GoLCD, size 7K, creator GAny
GoLCD-GAny, size 8K, creator GAny
GoLCD-GAny_enUS, size 2K, creator GAny

This worked for me, your mileage may vary.

RE: Where can I get those files?
jshiell @ 8/22/2003 12:23:57 AM #
Don't forget:

GoLCDLib
Graffiti 2 Prefs
Graffiti 2 Prefs_enUS

You can also copy the new Prefs application. Hurrah! :-)

RE: Where can I get those files?
icarus @ 8/22/2003 4:34:03 AM #
Hi Is anybody out there using a international (German) version of the T|T2?

Please drop me a note (preferable by eMail.)

Thanks
icarus

presently using T|T - waiting for 320x480 VG Design with Bluetooth (No clam-shell, no keyboard, no slider, etc.)

RE: Where can I get those files?
Tere @ 8/22/2003 12:45:51 PM #

Hmmm Question...

If you copy these files and the Graffiti 1 libs, can you get G1 with write anywhere? Has anyone tired this?

- Tere


>For write anywhere you need:
>
>GoLCD, size 7K, creator GAny
>GoLCD-GAny, size 8K, creator GAny
>GoLCD-GAny_enUS, size 2K, creator GAny
>
>This worked for me, your mileage may vary.



- Tere

RE: Where can I get those files?
belek @ 8/23/2003 5:23:31 AM #
Who can share Graffiti2 PRCs?
I want to try Graffiti2 on my TT. Please send me (belek@flashmail.com) or share it any web site.
Thanks.

RE: Where can I get those files?
budrowilson @ 8/23/2003 11:41:42 AM #
I put Graffiti 1 on my Zire 71 and write anywhere worked just fine.

RE: Where can I get those files?
Bartman007 @ 8/24/2003 3:11:42 PM #
I would like to do the same as Belek could someone please send me the GoLCD libs. I was able to find the G2 libs using the PalmOSSimulator but the roms provided with that don't have the GoLCD libs.
Could someone please send those libs to cannedbart(at)pacbell.net

Peace,
-Bartman007

Has PIC now turned into a warez group?
The Ugly Truth @ 8/25/2003 3:58:22 AM #
If you didn't buy a Palm with those files, you aren't entitled to use them unless you have permisson from Palm to do so.

Unless PIC supports trading stolen programs, these posts (and arguably this article) should be removed. If you feel it is ok to trade these, files you might as well start hosting PW-Patcher and the Palmpass updates. But no doubt you can find a way to rationalize stealing Palm system files...

Give me a break
atrizzah @ 8/27/2003 11:32:12 AM #
There's a huge difference between using PW-Patcher to steal software and beaming system files from one Palm to another, especially if you own both. Get over it

Peace Out
Alan
RE: Where can I get those files?
The Ugly Truth @ 9/4/2003 2:00:34 AM #
There's a huge difference between using PW-Patcher to steal software and beaming system files from one Palm to another, especially if you own both. Get over it

What is the difference between stealing an unlicensed Graffiti application (which Palm no longer will be using do to legal concerns) and stealing an unlicensed application from a company other than Palm? Please enlighten us all, Grasshopper. No doubt one of your law school professors can help you out on this one if you don't know where to start.


RE: Where can I get those files?
Vortran @ 9/17/2003 10:49:58 PM #
Geez, guys.. I'd pay a reasonable fee for the files I need to replace G2. Is there any way I can LEGALLY obtain the files I need? G2 is horrible. Absolutely horrible. I already sold my old PDA with G1 so I could get the best, newest (etc.) Palm Tungsten C - which set me back a cool $500. I am awfully upset at Palm for ditching Graffiti 1 for Graffiti 2. I can't say anything good about it at all. Boy, am I angry about this, and I can't see why my $500 shouldn't cover getting a usable Graffiti - if not a heartfelt, teary-eyed apology from Palm.

RE: Where can I get those files?
I.M Anonymous @ 9/19/2003 8:24:43 AM #
I now have the files up at http://www.zansstuff.com/requests.html

RE: Where can I get those files?
86l7 @ 4/27/2004 7:49:39 PM #
Graffiti 2 on my new Tungsten E is driving me crazy. I attempted to change back to the original graffiti using the SD card technique as listed and everything went great until I tried capitalization. The caps arrow flickers but I cannot get Graffiti to do caps--even when trying in the center area which works for Graffiti 2. Anyone have any success with the switch with a Tungsten E?

I cannot tolerate Graffiti 2. I attempted the switch using a SD card and all seemed to be fine except I could not get capitalization. Any help out there for a Tungsten E user? Palm of course says that it can't be done. Help!
RE: Where can I get those files?
decu1234 @ 9/2/2004 12:57:01 AM #

I am also a tungsten E user suffering with G2.
Did you ever find a method to upgrade to G1?

Although I have the G1 files
on my PC, I don't know how I can get them onto my Tungsten; I don't have anyone to beam them to me.

When I tried to "install" them, that failed because of some read-only error during hotsync. I suppose I don't want to install them, only to copy them over without installing.

How should I get them into Palm memory? I have FileZ.

--Steve

RE: Where can I get those files?
svrontis @ 9/2/2004 7:19:02 AM #
Try this: (1) load the G1 files onto an SD card (using QuickInstal); (2) copy both files from the SD card to your TE using Filez; and (3) reset your TE.

Cheers.

how to restore

hotpaw4 @ 8/21/2003 1:46:59 PM #
A hard reset may not be required.

You might be able to restore G2 by doing a "warm" (extensions-off/up-button) reset and deleting the added prc files, followed by a regular soft reset.

Another potential method to restore G2 is to use a utility such a FileZ to change the type and creatorID of the added prc files (to 'XXXX' maybe), followed by a soft reset.

RE: how to restore
bcombee @ 8/21/2003 7:02:14 PM #
The second method works (as noted below), but the first one, a no-notify reset, won't work. The Graffiti system isn't like a system patch or application; it is always activated.

--
Ben Combee, CodeWarrior for Palm OS technical lead
Programming help at www.palmoswerks.com

Doesn't work for me

Rawbear @ 8/21/2003 2:07:08 PM #
I have a T and a T2. Tried the method but I can't make it work. From the T, FileZ cannot copy the files to a card. If I try to beam, the T2 crashes because the beamed files have a length of zero. Copy protected?
But I have no problem copying T2 Grafitti files to card.
Be careful!

RE: Doesn't work for me
Smoother @ 8/21/2003 2:25:40 PM #
Yeah, the 2 files is copyprotected. How can we beam from ROM actually? Never heard you could do that?



Smoother

RE: Doesn't work for me
Admin @ 8/21/2003 2:32:29 PM #
Filez will let you beam the two files
RE: Doesn't work for me
neoyuan @ 8/21/2003 3:27:07 PM #
FileZ can copy these two files to card...

RE: Doesn't work for me
Tungstenman @ 8/21/2003 4:02:24 PM #
If you go in to the file details, you may be able to uncheck the option for read only


A Palm in one hand is worth 2 PocketPCs
: )
-Steve B.

RE: Doesn't work for me
Smoother @ 8/21/2003 4:33:38 PM #
Ok.. havnt tried it with Filez though, just McFile.

Smoother
Top View Full Comment Thread
Achtung! Only the first 50 comments are displayed within the article.
    Click here for the full story discussion page...

Account

Register Register | Login Log in
user:
pass: