Noob questions

[jlippencott]

Tried searching for these, but didn't have much luck. I picked up snippets here and there, but I need more definitive answers:

After I have ML running with a specific card, what happens if I have to switch cards?
Do I need to have ML loaded on every card I use to keep it running? (is it "sticky"?)
Is there a way to temporarily disable ML? Can I undo this?
What happens if I switch to a card with regular format on it?
What happens if I format a card in camera with ML loaded? Can I even do this?
Also,
How do I unload ML from the camera if I need to?

Canon T2i/550D

[halbmoki]

For you understanding: ML is a piece of software that happens on the card. If you insert a card with ML (and the proper bootflag) on it after all the installation steps from the manual, it will run ML, but if you insert a card without it, the camera works like usual (the ML menu is not available). Please note that starting the camera with a card that has the bootflag set but no autoexec.bin on it can cause problems. It's not something you'd usually do, but something to keep in mind.

Temporarily disabling ML works by either using a card without it or pressing SET while switching the camera on. Both only disable ML until you restart the camera regularly with a card with ML inserted.

Formatting a card in camera with ML is working since several versions ago. Just use the regular "format card" from the Canon menu and it will delete all data except the ML files. To be precise, it will temporarily copy the ML files to camera memory, format the card and then put ML back onto it. All your ML settings will be saved as well.

As said before, ML does not load, if it's not on the card. But if you want to remove all traces that it ever was there (sending the camera in for repairs comes to mind), you can simply download a Canon firmware update (I think, their official site has them for downloading) and follow their instructions for installing it. After re-installing the official firmware, the camera's software is in the same state as you got it from the store.

[jlippencott]

That clears up a lot of confusion for me. Thanks very much.
I'm a little paranoid about messing with things that I'm not totally familiar with, especially with the only camera I rely on every day.
I'm going to add your post to my notes.
Best regards

[alband]

Old thread but after searching, seems most relevant. Might also be useful for others in the future searching for similar things. I read through the FAQ's and the first page of duplicates + done various searches so I hope this question doesn't annoy any one.

Question: Is it possible to make ML boot only when requested? In other words, make it so the camera doesn't load ML by default; ML has to be "turned on" before every use (via a firmware upgrade I think)?

Background: Just loaded ML onto my 7D after a long while without it. Somewhat dismayed to find the "wake time" has increased from near-instant to about 2 seconds. Missed some nice shots because of it. When the camera auto-powers off, it takes about 2 seconds to wake up after pressing a button, e.g. shutter. It wasn't like this when I used ML about a year ago, but a lot seems to have changed since then. I haven't found much information about this, but it appears to be a "known issue". It is mentioned here in the first reply.
If this wake time could be reduced back to normal, I would have no need for the above question. This seems unlikely though, so it might be easier for me to keep ML disabled by default and only boot it when I need it (I do wildlife for which I need fast wake time, then the odd bit of video work for which I need ML).