so I tried it on a new computer, and here is the error I got when trying to do a factory reset:

"debug:COM error during open: <0x8000404>
Error: Unable to open port"

so I get the computer *ding* every time the hourglass pops up, but every time it turns off the screen goes black and the computer dings again. JL Cmder tries to open the port right to the moment the screen goes black, that's when the error hits.

I tried to do it with the battery out, and the computer recognized it as connected, but JlCmder wouldn't connect, and gave the same error.

arg...