>     1) After a reset, does the data area still keep its contents before
> the reset occurs? The hardware registers like w, status register now
> (after reset) contains the same value when powered up?

All RAM is preserved on reset as long as the minimum RAM retention voltag=
e
is maintained.  Special function register bits vary.  Generally they are
preserved except those that are related to the reset, powerup, or
initialization function.  Read the manual.  Microchip is pretty good abou=
t
telling you what happens to the state on a reset.

>     2) After power up, is the contents of the data are undefined? Let=92=
s
> say that the last value in address 0x40 was 0x5. Then the MCU was shut
> off.

You should assume all RAM is trashed as soon as Vdd drops below the
minimum RAM retention voltage.  After all, that's what the minimum RAM
retention voltage is all about.


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