Smart phones using a version of Microsoft's cell phone operating system will, for no apparent reason, begin to operate very slowly, or just as suddenly speed up to a sprint, according to those participating in a number of recent online forums.

The problem is apparently the result of the kind of memory the operating system and phones use, explained Mike Calligaro on the Microsoft Mobile Team Blog.

Windows Mobile 5 stores software in such a way that it can be automatically erased if need be. The process is done in such a way as to disrupt how other phone features are operating, Calligaro writes.

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Read more here about how Bill Gates had high hopes for Windows Mobile 5 when it was introduced about a year ago.

Complaints of the erratic operation date back to at least mid-January, which is around the time Microsoft released new security and messaging features for Windows Mobile 5 phones.

A Microsoft spokesman couldn't immediately confirm whether there were problems.

Read more here about the desktop patch woes.

News of the apparent problems with the Windows mobile operating system comes as Microsoft also is being criticized for releasing security updates for its more ubiquitous personal computer operating system that have created problems as well.

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