Extended Roms - MDA III, XDA III, PDA2k, 9090 General

Extended Roms???? ok i am a total n00b can anyone explain to me what these are or what you do with them?
Or at lease point me to a tutorial or info?
I also would like someone to explain what the kitchen is for?...............(& dont say cooking food ....)
any help point in the right direction would be a big help...
Thanx PPL

This is in the Wiki, I learnt from there.
Just for you, because you asked nicely, the extended ROM is what is loaded onto the phone that is non-essential to operation (basically, anything that isn't the operating system). When you hard reset, and then it starts installing software after boot; that's your extended ROM being loaded.
A lot of people make their own because they don't like/want/need the software in the extended ROM (see: O2 Active, iMate bundling Skype).
The whole cooking thing I don't really get either, I think it's just another word for rolling your own extended ROM.
Chris

Lewisham..
thanx for your help heading on over to wiki now to look a lot harder.

Cooking is all about customising your extended ROM to include the files and registry settings you want straight away after a hard reset. You will need to cook an extended ROM if you want to upgrade to 1.40 and keep your operator settings for GPRS etc.

Hi guys,
I only found this site a couple of days ago and I have already unlocked my XDA2s, stripped the O2 software, and tried out a few little tweaks.
However, I am really not confident enough yet to do anything more serious, despite being an IT & Communications engineer.
Could you please help me? I am looking for your latest ROM version to use on my XDA to completely remove the O2 stuff, hence stopping it attempting to install software after a reset. I am also missing some useful utilities, such as the battery monitor etc.
Are there any extended ROMs readily available for anyone to use, with some useful programs/utilities included?
I have looked at the wiki but don't really know what I am doing!!
Many thanks,
Bret

Oh, and I forgot to ask... is there anything available to debrand the XDA2s? I would love to stop it displaying the O2 start-up screen.
Maybe there should be an XDA-Developers start-up screen instead. :wink:

If you look through the wiki you can cusotmise your extended ROM to whatever, I ontice you have an xda 2s with vodafone- have you got any installation files (CABs) that set up GPRS, MMS for Vodafone? If not, there are cab files that are easy to add to your extended ROM, the files are here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=13498&highlight=orange+mms+settings
Other useful files are things like Pocket MSN and Resco Explorer, which you have to buy, along with O2 Plus (free download - search for it, I haven't got a link!)
If you wan to make sure all the o2 rubbish is gone for good, check out the Extended ROM kitchen , find your ROM version and then unlock your extended ROM and delete all the Operator Customization CABs that install all that O2 crap.
If you want to change the startup images (better known as splash screens) have a look here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=14475&highlight=gift
HTH
Fin

Hi Findus,
That's brilliant, thank you. My images have been changed and the only thing O2 now is the fascia which I can't do much about unfortunately.
I have also installed the Vodafone GPRS settings but none of them work for me, not even the straight forward dialup connection. Not sure why but the same error every time just says "No modem at this location" or something like that.
Many thanks anyway, I'm much happier now. I just need to find the correct iMate ROM. The only one I can see in the Wiki is the Asian one. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.
Cheers, Bret

Relative newbie to this forum extrom Version editing
How can I edit my version numbers of the extrom now that I have it the way I want(sorta)?

One other other question, I have all the registry settings for my personalizations, how to I place those in the Extrom to be invoke after a hard reset. Do I create a cab file for this like the other programs or can I just exec REGEDIT4 personalized.reg? I also can not seem to find where the speed dial entries are stored.

Related

02 XDAII Extended ROM - WM2003SE

I upgraded to WM2003SE a while back and at the time had an Orange SIM in my XDAII and my 02 SIM in my E200 Smartphone. The extended ROM I used was Orange specific and contained all the necessary GPRS Configs etc
Anyways, I've now got a C500 with my Orange SIM in it and so the 02 Sim is back in my XDAII and I'm looking for a good External Rom dump that contains the UK 02 GPRS/WAP/MMS Configs etc and is compatible with WM2003SE.
Can anyone point me in the direction of one, I have looked and tried one or two but none have the correct configs for 02's GPRS service (Pay monthly not PAYG).
TIA
Did you get anywhere with this, Darren? I'm just wondering whether to upgrade my O2 XDAII to WM2003SE but the lack of dedicated O2 Ext.rom files (as far as I can tell) is putting me off.
I didn't but don't let that stop you, the SE upgrade is well worth it. I just removed all the O2 specific rubbish from the Ext ROM and it's fine.
Thanks for the reply.
I'd love to upgrade but without the O2 auto-config software in the ExtROM I wouldn't have a clue where to start configuring all the network, SMS, MMS etc settings for O2 pay monthly. Do you know of a guide or something somewhere?
Secondly, I searched earlier to try and find out which was the best ROM to use for those of us in the UK, but there didn't seem to be a definitive answer. Would you mind telling me which ROM you used and where you got it from if you're happy with it? I need Bluetooth headset, BT GPS, BT ActiveSync, speakerphone to work perfectly to consider upgrading. Currently my XDAII works like a charm with ROM 1.72 but some people seem to have had trouble with the SE upgrade and Bluetooth.
Thanks a bunch in advance.
I use all those BT functions alos, I used the 2.02 ROM available at the beginning of this thread.
I've left the auto config files in the Ext ROM so there is no need to manually configure anything. I have had zero issues with it since the upgrade I'm happy to upload my Ext ROM to an FTP if you want it?
The only critical noe I found was to remove the 'TPDisable' entry in the Ext ROM when performing the upgrade as you receive a lot of 'This isn't designed for WM2003SE' messages and with TPDisable enbled you can't click OK!
griffog said:
I use all those BT functions alos, I used the 2.02 ROM available at the beginning of this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive me if I'm being a bit fick, but I can't see where you mean. Have you a ROM available through your pocketgpsworld.com website? Or is there only one 2.02 ROM available and I can download it from this site's FTP? I thought the 2.02 ROM was the Chinese one.
griffog said:
I've left the auto config files in the Ext ROM so there is no need to manually configure anything. I have had zero issues with it since the upgrade I'm happy to upload my Ext ROM to an FTP if you want it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know it was possible to upgrade the OS ROM without touching the ExtROM. I'm not a noob with the XDAII, but I've found the myriad threads and discussions on the question of 2003SE upgrades very confusing! Since there seems to be no obvious single solution I haven't known where to start.
If you have a working ExtROM for the XDAII on O2 UK and you wouldn't mind uploading it somewhere (this site?) I'd be very grateful. If you wouldn't mind pointing me to the main OS ROM image that you used as well then that'd be groovy too.
griffog said:
The only critical noe I found was to remove the 'TPDisable' entry in the Ext ROM when performing the upgrade as you receive a lot of 'This isn't designed for WM2003SE' messages and with TPDisable enbled you can't click OK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's achieved by editing the config file in the ExtROM once it's all installed after an upgrade?
Sorry, I thought this was the original WM2003SE thread! The download I used is at the beginning of this thread.
It's a while since I upgraded mine, I had thought the Ext ROM remained intact but reading the thread instructions apparently not. Sorry I can't help more but as I say it's some months sisnce I did it!
Aaah. OK. Thanks again, but I think I'll leave it in that case. I don't yet feel brave enough to start messing about with home-cooked ExtROMs if you don't have yours handy. It was good of you to offer though.

Branding Question

Hi!
sorry, if i´m in the wrong thread and please excuse my english :?
i´ve got a "n00b" question concerning the branding of a MDA Pro/QTek 9000/HTC Universal.
Please correct me if i´m wrong: :roll:
The branding is performed after a hardreset and can be interuppted via a softreset after rebooting.
the branding also includes the network parameters for UMTS/GPRS/MMS/SMS/etc...
Is there a *.CAB file where all these configuration information is stored?
if not - how is the configuration done?
why i´m asking this:
i want to update my ROM, but i don´t want to enter all configs by hand...
Thanks in advance for your help :roll:
there is indeed a cab file for this
i dont know which one it is for your provider... i only know which one it is for the dutch t-mobile settings
you could find wich one it is:
1) copying the current extended rom to your SD card
2) hard reset and soft reset before the custimazation or update to new rom (incl. extended rom)
3) start the 1st cab file and install
4) check if settings are made
5) go to step 3 and use the next cab file, until you found the one that does the correct settings you want.
6) use it in the new rom (put it in extended rom or keep it in SD card)
alternatively you could install the new rom without the extended rom
[edit]
gprs and mms probably have different cabs, they do in the t-mobile rom, so search till you know which cabs you want
hi bartjan!
thanks for your reply. i also got t-mobile. could it be that there is a naming convention for the files ?
do you know which one(s) did it for you?
i want to get the brand out of the MDA - thats the main reason why i want to flash. would it make sense then to flash without the ext_ROM ?
thanks
cab-customization-tmnl-universal-01-03-04aug05.cab
signed_uni_tmonl_conn_112101.cab
signed_uni_tmonl_set_111101.cab
these are the ones i use for my tmnl (T-Mobile NetherLands) settings
one is for my internet, one for MMS and i dont remember what the tird one for is. dont remember which does which also :wink:
if you want the brand out you shouldnt flash without the extended rom indeed.
you could remove the extended rom in this rom (and keep warranty) or flash entirely and use a better and faster rom with aku2 and a2dp support if needed.
Depends also on which bits of branding you want to get rid of.
First, there's the physical printings of tmobile on the alu plate and next to the screen and keyboard. The one on the alu plate can allegedly be removed with a sugarcube without damaging the alu underneath, but that doesn't work for the others.
Second, there's the "t-mobile" screen that pops up as, as it were, the BIOS screen, which is a special part of the OS rom and which you can change using some utilities found around here. Comes up before windows is booted, and then it will get the rom version superimposed on it, and only then you move on to the next bit:
The t-mobile screen while windows is booting, which is also part of the OS ROM (I think) but in the regular filesystem somewhere (?).
Then fourth there's the t-mobile 'theme', pink and white everywhere and a special today screen. That can be turned off in settings>today. The actual presence of the theme is again in OS rom, but the extended rom as its first action actually turns it on. You can easily edit that out of the config.txt in the extended rom if you want (it's the exec cusTSK.exe line).
Then there's the t-mobile Today screen plugin with the 5 icons. Not entirely sure when that comes on. I think it should be extended rom but I can't find it in any of those cabs. Experiment.
And then there's a whole load of other subtler stuff.
hi!
many thanks for the replies!
going to sync. my mda tomorrow - maybe the files are the same (except the language part)
removing the branding on the plates doesn´t interest me 8)
just software branding is what i get rid of.
going to get the qtek rom (1.3x.xx) but first of all i have to check which bootloader i got. don´t know at the moment.
thanks for the tips removing the "branding screens and themes" maybe i´ll need it for the qtek rom?! :roll:
i would like the rom because of speed, i don´t want to listen to "stereo" music via bluetooth and at the moment i don´t need push email (especially looking at the battery times when using it)
thanks and have a nice day
The Qtek rom doesn't have numbers 3, 4, and 5, just number 2 (except that it says QTEK, of course), but that's relatively easily rectified and also a fairly minor problem, given that it only shows up for 10 seconds or so, only after a reset.
thanks!
didn´t have time this weekend to sync. maybe i´ll get it this week.
thanks for the replies!
thanks!
didn´t have time this weekend to sync. maybe i´ll get it this week.
thanks for the replies!

Basic Questions... =)

i'm just a newbie with HTC. i do know a lot about Symbian phones specially Nokia models. I just purchased a XDA II mini, and i've heard i cut put applications, tools and games with it as well.
i'm already collecting stuff for that. then, i encounter that I could also upgrade, WWE, Radio and Extended ROM.
i have no idea on that, can some1 explain me how this things works... pls. pls. pls... thanx
i have download some ROM, and Radio. i've used it following instructions listed on the site. and have seen my new XDA being updated. but i don't have an extended ROM????? how to install one??? tnx again and more power to all...
The Radio ROM is responsible for your normal GSM function (it doesn't handles WiFi). It is like the firmware of your normal (say) Nokia (non-symbian) phone. I think you need to specifically upgrade the Radio seperately (e.g. not included in ROM package). Some say that upgrading the Radio will improve things such as phone related speed and reception quality.
A ROM usually comes in a package (that is, it includes Ext-ROM). Depending on how you upgrade your ROM, you probably already upgraded your Ext-ROM as well. Probably that's why you didn't see Ext-ROM to be downloaded. However, there are user forged ExtRom that suppose to have all the goodies in it, such that, every time you perform a hard reset, you do not need to seperately install your favourite/essential software.
The Ext-ROM is the area that phone-operators put their customized stuff in. Example, both operators O2 and T-Mobile may have the same ROM for their respective HTC-Magician model, but they surely have different Ext-ROM. This Ext-ROM determines how the phone looks like what the operator wants it to be (e.g. theme and colour of O2, GSM related settings, GPRS settings).
If your phone (or the ROM you upgraded) is from the same operator (e.g. O2, T-mobile) or distribtor (e.g. Qtek, iMate), you may not see much of a difference as both Ext-ROM may actually have the same packaging.
Tell us how you upgrade your unit and we may able to tell you if you already Ext rom upgraded.
WWE is World Wrestling Entertainment which...
Seriously, WWE is a code that shows you which region the particular ROM is for. WWE is for World Wide English (I think) which is generally the default for most phone. However, if you like, you can get other region ROM to installed on your device (make sure they are compatible). You can basically guess that region they are from by guessing these code (you can find - but difficult - them on the web), e.g. Italian ones might be ITY, Spanish on might be SPN, etc.
Big thanx...
thanx thanx for the reply.. for the efort... and much mor for the time...
anywys like your meaning of WWE! hehe.. but i do understand that already as some indications of language/region settings of the ROM package.
i'm having problem with EXT-Rom because, after flashing, when i check Device information, it says about my ROM version, my RADIO version, but my EXT-ROM is blank. i downloaded the package ROM from this site. the 1.12 package for magician, have downloaded also the separate Radio package (1.13), but the ROM package doesn't seem to install the EXT-ROM.
i tried downloading EXT-ROM on separate folder of the FTP, but as i cud see it is not like the ROM files and Radio Files that comes in package. the 2 EXT-ROM i downloaded was a chunk of CAB files and ZIP/RAR files... i was wondering if i should copy all of them to my XDA and manually install..
is there a built in package EXT-ROM??? or is there a program that automatically install them???
again thanxs so much... hopefully when i fully understand the XDA world i could contribute and share my stuff... thanx to the group! =)
Your unit runs on W2003 while mine runs on WM5. So, I can't really give details on your missing ExtRom.
However, yes, ExtRom usually comes with a bunch of CAB files and come XML or config files. What you need to do is, try to search for unlocking Ext rom in this forum or the wiki http://wiki.xda-developers.com/ to check on how to unlock the ext rom.
As for magician, there is a thing called Big Storage, which seems to handle ExtRom differently. I don't have the details, someone with a Magician big storage may able to help you on this. Anyway, check to see if your ROM is a big storage enabled version. If it is, it should be very obvious (stated on the page/rom somewhere) as this big storage thing is a hit in Magician. You may have to treat the one with/without big storage enabled one differently.
Anyway, advise is, look for the unlock ext-rom for Magician. Follow the instructions carefully (though ext rom fiddling is usually non fatal), and see if can have it unlocked. You should then have a seperate 'partition' or folder that you can write on normally. Just copy everything into the 'partition' and you had your very own ext-rom. That's why extrom looks different than the ROM itself.
thanx thanx again..
yup i did download one of the big storage rom in the xda-developers ftp site with ver 1.12
i did flash that to my phone, and always get Ext-Rom error to my device... ROM and Radio is ok, but EXt ROM is a failure.. anyways, following your advice i downloade a separate Ext-ROM files and hit the autoconfig, and from there everything was ok.... =)
you did mention that your device runs WM2005, and mine 2003... is it possible to upgrade that as well??? is there a tool to do that??? and is that different from the ROM files to upgrade the device???
---(having problems) for the last 2 days, i can't access the FTP folder of xda-developers... "page can't be displayed", r we experiencing problem with the site??? can u pls post a link on how to access it directly??? same with wiki.xda-developers...
BIG Thanx! =)
Big storage version may not have ExtRom, probably that's why you are having problems with it. Anyway, the method you've done is just simply installing the Ext Rom stuff into your device. Upon the next hard reset, you have to reinstall the ExtRom stuff again manually (as oppose to if you have Ext Rom, the stuff will be install automatically upon hardreset). But I guess since you don't hardreset it everyday, it is the same.
No. Repeat. NO. you can't upgrade your device to WM5. It has been well proven that Magician cannot be upgrade to WM5. And do not try to install ROM from other devices (e.g. Charmer) which looks very similiar to Magician. They are different in hardware and hence the ROMs are not compatible. And you may kill your device. So, repeat again, do not attempt to upgrade your Magician to WM5. You can always stay here and read new threads. WM5 in Magician is a superb news that if there is a possibility, it will be a hit in this forum.
BTW, on the bright side, you can see that Magician is a better device than Charmer although the latter runs WM5. Magician is superb in almost all the tasks given. Take a look at this thread to see the advantages of Magician vs Charmer. So, able to run W2003 is not such a bad thing at all. Probably WM5 will slow the Magician down.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=55153&highlight=

Help a Noob

Hello there, yes... I'm a n00b when it comes to ROM upgrades.
I'm relatively experienced when it comes to computers and PDA's, but browsing through this forum, I have to admin, I'm lost...
I have an Orange M5000, locked to Orange (I think). Can anyone give me some simple steps of what I should do to upgrade to the latest and fastest ROM version? (I'm currently on 1.30.90 - R1.09.00).
Help would be much appreciated.
**EDIT** Okay, so the instructions are these ones right -
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/inde...tion On How To Upgrade with Bootloader method
But what ROM should I be using? Thanks.
You might want to try the link at
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Universal_Upgrades
at Orange UK for the proper way of upgrading to the official ROM, which is an EXE file. That's the easiest.
If you want to get going with the newest ROM's (and are prepared to take the associated risks!) then my recommendation for the process you should follow is this...
First, download the tool at: http://www.buzzdev.net/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=100&func=fileinfo&id=288
Follow the instructions in the .rar file. This will SIM unlock your M5000 so that you can use any SIM card in it, but also makes your M5000 "SuperCID" - Meaning that you can upgrade to ANY HTC Universal ROM (QTek, O2, imate, etc, etc) without all the hassle!
Then:
1) Download whichever ROM you're interested in
2) Put your M5000 in bootloader mode (by holding the Backlight and Power buttons while poking the reset button).
3) Connect your USB cable to your phone and PC
4) From your downloaded (and extracted) ROM archive you need to run "MaUpgradeUt_noID.exe" or "ROMUpgradeUt.exe" - whichever was included - it won't matter because your device is "SuperCID" so you wont get any of the Country or Device errors that people often complain about.
Wait for 5 minutes while it all ticks along, do a hard reset, and you're all done!
You may find that your device still installs a load of unneeded cab files after the initial setup. This is because of the "Extended Rom" area where manufacturers put all of their own modifications.
You can use the tool found here: http://www.buzzdev.net/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=100&func=fileinfo&id=205 to unlock the "Extended ROM" and the cab files found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=985428&postcount=373 to make it visible within File Explorer.
Then you can delete any (or every) file that's in there. I'd strongly recommend deleting everything if you'll be trying out an AKU3.X or WM6 ROM.
Okay, but I think Orange are a bit behind things...
I was about to try 2.04 PDAVIET UNI PRO. Is this a bad idea for me?
**EDIT** To the second reply, thanks, I'll give that a go
Basically, don't try using any Crossbow ROMs if you need your device for anything important. They're far too flakey at the moment (even the half decent ones).
Go for an AKU3.3 ROM for stability and speed (or possibly AKU3.5 - though they're a little bit buggier).
Crossbow ROMs will get better. Come back for that in a month or two (or three....four.....)
I wouldn't say I do use it for anything important... 1 or 2 calls a day (not business) SatNav once or twice a month. The calendar and ListPro are probably the most used things on my PDA...
Speed is what's annoying me at the moment though. It takes so long to redraw the screen when I spin it for example.
Where can I find an AKU3.3 download then?
Sorry, work tore me away from the forum for a while...
Go here: ftp://xda:[email protected]/Universal/Cooked_ROMs/
There are four folders in there where you'll find a mixture of AKU3.2, 3.3, and 3.5 ROMs by Helmi, Ivan, JWright, and Indra. Personally, I like stripped down ROM's so my own favourite is Helmi's V1.3.1 ROM.
There are plenty of other opinions if you look at the related threads though...
Helmi: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=284887
Indra: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=285488
Ivan: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=287270
JWright: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=279258
If you have a look at the first (and possibly second) post in each of those threads, you can see what's in the ROM and what isn't. Take your pick. As far as speed goes, you will find all of them are noticably faster than any of the official Orange ROMs.
I've actually successfully installed WM6. It's a lot quicker than WM5, so I'm happy
Yep, WM6 is a lot faster than the official WM5 ROM's.
The WM5 "AKU3.X" ROM's are even faster though and - for now at least - generally less buggy...
Looking at how you say you use your phone, you shouldn't find too much to worry about with WM6 - even this early on (and it looks nicer!).
Glad it went ok for you!
Sub69, Thanks, thanks, thanks!!! My problem was solved with the backlight + power + hard reset... A million thanks friend.
Looking to become a regular member here. With a little time hope I can contribute something meaningful as well

Newbie anxiety!

Hi all
I've taken a good long read throughout this Upgrade to WM6 subforum, I like the idea of it a lot and want to go ahead and do it, but having never re-flashed a PDA Phone before (I've done my PSP lots of times tho but thats easy in relation) I think its very difficult to find anywhere to even begin from!
Can anybody just give me a total-overall-topdown-summary-breakdown of the steps I need to perform on a fresh T-Mobile MDA Vario II. Doesn't have to be in detail, just all the basic steps required.
The forums, whilst being great for regulars seems to just confuse me the more I read them because of all the new issues raised and the individual cases on different vendor models of the Hermes.
My phone isnt a new Vario II, but I've done nothing to it except install apps, and it is showing REALLY old bootloader (I think 1.04) and radio versions (cant remember) in the system information. I'm presuming it'll require a radio upgrade at the least.
I would really appreciate a summary of everything and I think all newbies would benefit a lot.
Specific areas of confusion and concern -
-I would like to be able to grab the existing memory contents as an image off the phone just in case I choose to return to WM5 in future, and have a way of easily restoring it with no fuss. Exactly like ghosting a PC will return the whole OS, and all files and apps. Any recommendations how?
-I cant choose which custom third party WM6 ROM to use or just use HTCs official one if I should.
-I dont know if I'll still be able to use TomTom Navigator and some games plus I'm running TCPMP with the YouTube FlashVideoBundle. Will this still work?
-Should I upgrade the radio and bootloader before thinking about moving to WM6? Is there any other areas I should be flashing/rejigging before upgrading? Eg whats this about the ExtRom and gaining more space (obviously good)?
-The vendor lock on the firmware concerns me. Is there one on the UK T-Mobile MDA Vario II? Also about what I read somewhere about how disabling the lock with one of your tools might brick the phone (or am I getting confused somewhere along the line).
-As the community moves on with further developments, the divide between n00bism (me) and l33t (you) increases - case in point - kitchens??? I'm not saying though that it shouldn't happen!
Many thanks for everybodys work.
Stu
I'm basing my comments on Vp3G's ROM,
Begin by reading over
http://www.mrvanx.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=26
(1) MUST DO: Download and install SPL (Bootloader) version 2.10.Olipro (HardSPL v7)
(2) Optional: Download and install an updated Radio. I'm using 1.54.07.00
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334697
Pick out a ROM and download it. I'm currently running vp3G's
ROM version: VP3G's v3.62
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334946
Install the ROM.
Study your phone, read, study your phone, read. Very soon, all of this will become second nature to you.
Heliosphan said:
Specific areas of confusion and concern -
(1) I would like to be able to grab the existing memory contents as an image off the phone just in case I choose to return to WM5 in future, and have a way of easily restoring it with no fuss. Exactly like ghosting a PC will return the whole OS, and all files and apps. Any recommendations how?
(2) I cant choose which custom third party WM6 ROM to use or just use HTCs official one if I should.
(3) I dont know if I'll still be able to use TomTom Navigator and some games plus I'm running TCPMP with the YouTube FlashVideoBundle. Will this still work?
(4) Should I upgrade the radio and bootloader before thinking about moving to WM6? Is there any other areas I should be flashing/rejigging before upgrading? Eg whats this about the ExtRom and gaining more space (obviously good)?
(5) The vendor lock on the firmware concerns me. Is there one on the UK T-Mobile MDA Vario II? Also about what I read somewhere about how disabling the lock with one of your tools might brick the phone (or am I getting confused somewhere along the line).
(6) As the community moves on with further developments, the divide between n00bism (me) and l33t (you) increases - case in point - kitchens??? I'm not saying though that it shouldn't happen!
(7) Many thanks for everybodys work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(1) No idea, but why would you want to return to WM5. Once you have WM6, you'll never go back. I'm sure there is probably a WM5 somewhere.
(2) I use http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334946
(3) Hit and miss. But probably.
(4) Upgrade the boot loader. Radio is optional, but I recommend it to.
(5) News to me
(6) Welcome to the world of custom, "free", ROMS. You like it or you don't. Download, support and enjoy, or move on
(7) You're Welcome
gwtx2 said:
I'm basing my comments on Vp3G's ROM,
Begin by reading over
http://www.mrvanx.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=26
(1) MUST DO: Download and install SPL (Bootloader) version 2.10.Olipro (HardSPL v7)
(2) Optional: Download and install an updated Radio. I'm using 1.54.07.00
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334697
Pick out a ROM and download it. I'm currently running vp3G's
ROM version: VP3G's v3.62
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334946
Install the ROM.
Study your phone, read, study your phone, read. Very soon, all of this will become second nature to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's basically what I just did last night after getting my 8525. I did the unlock before the above tho.
pretty easy and quick.
now I need a keyboard skin that is grey... schap's version (I think it was his) does not work for me dunno why.
Wow!
Thanks guys that was lightning quick!
I'll take a proper ganders at your responses tomorrow.
Thanks
Stu
ikkoku said:
That's basically what I just did last night after getting my 8525. I did the unlock before the above tho.
pretty easy and quick.
now I need a keyboard skin that is grey... schap's version (I think it was his) does not work for me dunno why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to programs\advanced config (or system tools, cant remember)
Find advancedconfiguration options, go to keyboard, then select Cingular out of the list
I had to do the same thing on schaps with my 8525
heheheh...this is post # 69 for me!
intrglctcrevfnk said:
go to programs\advanced config (or system tools, cant remember)
Find advancedconfiguration options, go to keyboard, then select Cingular out of the list
I had to do the same thing on schaps with my 8525
heheheh...this is post # 69 for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you talking about system tools\ htc custom?
it's already on Cingular
Also, anyone know how to get rid/change the second startup screen (Blue and Green with Windows Mobile)
Whoa, subject hijack...
...oh well, not to worry.
Anyway, in response to gwtx2, I might want to go back because some little thing I need might not work, and I might require some T-Mobile support, I'm sure they'll not touch a phone thats been reflashed with unofficial fw.
Also T-Mobile might release an official WM6 Hermes upgrade too.
Besides, have you never heard of this 'take backups = a good thing' thing?
Besides, it must be relatively easy, how else would all these custom hermes firmwares be built from?
How do these guys do it?
Thx
Stu
sorry .. didn't mean to hijack
Upgrade process.
gwtx2 et al.
Many thanks for pointing me towards MrVanx's Hermes Guide site.
Are you sure its fine to be using the VP3G firmware for my phone given it was derived from and is in general use with a US model AT&T 8525 (A hermes 100)?
My phone is a UK model T-Mobile MDA Vario II (A hermes 300)? Thats three differences I see (Country, operator firmware, hardware revision)!
Although MrVanx guide says the Vario II is suitable on the first page, I'm thinking its worth going for a different ROM derived from the Vario II for luck.
If I choose to go with another that was derived from the HTC official one, I'm presuming the general instructions are the same then?
eg.
#1 take down settings and xfer files.
#2 reflash HardSPL bootloader
#3 reflash radio version
#4 reflash ROM.
#5 restore settings & apps.
Am I right?
Many thanks again.
Done some stuff!
Hi all again.
Right, I've been perhaps too brave for my own good, but it turned out well!
I've installed HardSPL 2.10.Olipro on my phone, plus I've gone the whole hog and picked a very up to date radio version 1.54.00.10, I think it was originally ripped from a french firmware, I figured a Euro fw would be best suited for my UK model Hermes.
I was right I think - I now see a good fast T-Mobile home webpage, and sites load pretty good once it finds it. I also tried YouTube on TCPMP player, that seems quicker but I couldn't be totally sure.
One point I should note - When running the RUUWrapper app, AutoDetect flashed up a YES NO question on the PDA screen to accept running the program. Problem is I didn't catch it in time, so instead it threw up an autodetect error. Now after closing RUUWrapper and re-running it, it never throws up the YES NO question any more in any radio flasher (even after rebooting the PDA and the PC)! Instead I had to choose the HardSPL tickbox and the SPL 2.02/2.10 fourth option down, to continue. Slightly concerning but it worked.
Now all I need to do is up to a WM6 firmware when I choose one, it's gone well so far so my luck is bound to change!
QUESTION PLEASE-
Does anybody know the T-Mobile UK 3G Cellular Line access point password? I know the username but would need to fill in the pwd. The username is t-mobile but the pwd is ****** and wont copy paste of course! Its in the bit where you see the access point address - general.t-mobile.uk.
Many thanks to all for helping me this far.
Stu
Heliosphan said:
gwtx2 et al.
Many thanks for pointing me towards MrVanx's Hermes Guide site.
Are you sure its fine to be using the VP3G firmware for my phone given it was derived from and is in general use with a US model AT&T 8525 (A hermes 100)?
My phone is a UK model T-Mobile MDA Vario II (A hermes 300)? Thats three differences I see (Country, operator firmware, hardware revision)!
Although MrVanx guide says the Vario II is suitable on the first page, I'm thinking its worth going for a different ROM derived from the Vario II for luck.
If I choose to go with another that was derived from the HTC official one, I'm presuming the general instructions are the same then?
eg.
#1 take down settings and xfer files.
#2 reflash HardSPL bootloader
#3 reflash radio version
#4 reflash ROM.
#5 restore settings & apps.
Am I right?
Many thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The general answer to the first part is it doesn't really matter which provider gave you your Hermes as long as it is one. (Actually, there are some differences between Hermes models but honestly don't worry about that for now.)
Don't worry about going for a ROM that's derived from T-Mob. Basically, all the different network providers get given the latest working versions of Windows Mobile from time to time for them to either check and have a play with or to customise and release as an upgrade or in the newest issues of their phones (or as a download for current users).
My Hermes is Orange UK (i.e. SPV M3100) but I've ended up at various times having WM6 versions derived rom AT&T, T-MOb, HTC et al. The only thing that matters is that it's Windows Mobile for the Hermes.
As to going back to WM5, I think it's worth having the original ROM about. If you search around the Hermes Wiki (I'd do it but it's late and I honestly can't be bothered, soz!) you'll find a list of original ROMs available for download. Note your current version and go download it so it's there ready for you to pit back on should you ever want to. (Warranty-claim time can be a good time for that.)
I'd suggest the following as a routine, myself:
1. Note down any details you might need later such as ROM version etc. Anything that comes up briefly after soft-reset or in Device Info and About in settings and any network setting for acessing GPRS or 3G etc.
2. Download the OliPro bootloader and install. The reason for this is to protect yourself as much as possible against problems.*
3. Have a gander at all the current cooked ROMs. I'd advise initially going for a lightish version as you can always add to it with cab files for your preferred extra bits.
4. Don't go for the Kitchens yet. It's best to mess with installing ROMs before trying to make one. The people eho run the kitchen threads, and the people who wrote the tools they use, have all worked very hard on making it possible for people who don't know much to make their own version of WM6 easily. It's easy but do it later.
5. Radio is absolutely optional and in most cases not very unnecessary. Like everyone else, I always want the latest of everything just in case there's a tiny, incremental improvement but if you have no problems with reception or internet access then worry about that last, if ever. Not every radio version is 'better' than the previous. The most recent version always has the highest version number obviously, but new versions are often brought out to deal with issues in a particular geographical area (usually country-specific AND network-specific, though it may or may not be better for other users elsewhere). The latest version of radio may be better for you but it might be worse and it might stop your internet of wifi working or something. Leave it for now if you have no issues with any kind of radio-related functions.
6. Installing your apps and settings is obviously something you'll do when the phone itself is done.
*There is another BRILLIANT touch to make sure you're extra super-safe and it's particularly easy: follow this link: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Hermes_SDCardFlashing . Basically, if you keep a copy of the a ROM image (renamed to HERIMG.nbh) on your microSD card (check the wiki item for specifics) then you can flash your phone at the touch of a button (well, two butons) from there in an emergency. even if your house loses ekectrical power during the flashing process whilst it's connectedto your PC and your Hermes won't even THINK of booting with half an OS flashed to it, you can very nearly always restore the ROM by flashing from the card.
It's all dead simple one you get into it, it's just a tad worrying before you start to take a scalpel to a new toy you just paid good money for.
You'll be fine mate.
Aha! Your success story must've appeared whilst I was busy typing!
Nice one. Ah well!
WOOOHOOO! I'm on WM6!!!
Many thanks chunkymunky for all your comments, its nice to know some fellow brits are on here too. Which phone do you have?
Its also nice to know that any hermes ROM will work on my phone, and I'm definitely going to have a go at this SD card reflash at some point now I'm gaining confidence in reflashing. Having said that, I have an old HTC Blue Angel (Orange SPV something) and that used to occasionally crash and do a full hard reset, erasing everything. My hermes has never done that so SD reflashing could be moot.
As it goes I'd like to share my experiences - late last night I flashed my Vario II with Fun_Keys 1.5.2 thats based on the 3.62 WM6 ROM. It reflashed fine, and I am utterly over the moon!!!! My phone has been reborn into something far better, faster in lots of areas. T-Mobile UK be damned for not releasing an official WM6 upgrade (yet) because WM6 is noticeably faster, looks really great with the shiny black theme. etc etc etc.
And because of all the work the ROM authors have done, I now get full on HSDPA access on my phone, I get the H icon on the top bar and everything! I know the H Icon being present now doesnt mean that I didn't get HSDPA before on my original WM5 firmware, but I'm pretty sure it is muchos faster.
Besides, a while back, a guy on T-Mobile UK tech support said I'd only get HSDPA when using my phone as a modem for a laptop, not via PocketIE on the phone itself. That made me feel I'd been a bit ripped off.
Oh and TCPMP with FlashVideoBundle works fine too and the phone downs YT Videos really quickly. I don't even have a serious problem with the ATI Imageon stuffs.
I'd like to mention that after a good while using radio versio 1.54.00.10 that it works fantastically on a UK T-Mobile MDA Vario II. HSDPA access included. Not unexpected since it was on 1.05.05.00!!!
Also TomTom works fine with two different bluetooth GPS receivers I have. WM6 has granted me access to the 'External GPS' option in the control panel I was missing originally (bloody operator firmware!) - as a result Google Maps can now use my GPS too!!!
As a techie by profession, I'm also loving all the extra tools Fun_Keys put on, like the advanced configuration tool, the task manager, regedit etc.
Countless other advantages I've gained has basically brought my phone a new lease of life, now I definitely dont plan to upgrade to a newer phone any time soon.
Who would have thought such a simple thing would bring such happiness!
The only disappointment was with having to up to ActiveSync 4.5 which killed my partnerships! No biggie, and nothing to do with WM6.
a big Thank You to the XDA Developers forum in general for your tireless efforts.
Stu
every time i tried to update the rom or radio i've got the
260 error...why is that?...i have a htc mda basic t-mobile...and its sim locked to austria....can somebody tell me how to unlock it?
Hi all....
1st.. dont flash any full stock ROM cause it includes SPL and radio those (most important radio) are the first thing to brick a device...
2nd.. many times i flash back to wm6 just to test the performance, is ok but you must to stripp the stock rom and guess what?... is hard... so i suggest if you all want to go back to wm6 use the stripped att stock rom

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