Hi
Is there a UK vodafone ROM for the BA. My provider is vodafone and it would nice to have the correct settingd for my BA, instead of usinf the T-Mobile rom.
Thanks
Lordao
Someone (not me) dumped the ROM here: ftp://ftp.xda-developers.com/Uploads/Blueangel/Vodafone_VPx_1.22.nb1
Read the wiki http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Blueangel for details of how to use this file.
Hope this helps!
hi
Thanks for that, but i don't seem to have permissions to get into that directory.
Regards
Lordao
hi
i got the rom, the extension is different to what i expected, do i have to use a different loader for this, as changing the extension from nb1 to nbf did not work.
Thanks
Lordao
Look at this first..
Hi Lordeo..
Do youself a favour.. Look at this..
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=BA_GettingStarted
After, have a quick look at this..
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=BA_Versions
As you can see, there's no direct UK Vodafone ROM available however, you can look at upgrading your Rom to the highest here..
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=BA_1.42.00_Upgrade
Then applying the UK Vodafone MMS, GPRS and SMS settings from a post I authored a while ago by clicking here..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=32437
Ok, the downside here is that you'll have what is essentally a T-Mobile branded phone..
Lastly, there's always the option of upgrading to WM5.. See here..
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Blueangel_WM5_Home
If you do decide to go ahead with this, please read part of a post I authored a couple of days ago.. It states..
General Tips to you (and others)..
If you do want to update or upgrade then make sure you read everything through first.. Make sure you're happy in doing it.. Perhaps use the search function to read through others comments.. I would also recommend reading others comments about trying to downgrade from WM5 to WM2003SE to see what others have encountered
You will not believe the amount of people who end up posting questions when they've not followed the instructions from Wiki that I've pasted for you here..
Finally, if you are stuck, use the search command and describe your problem in the Keywords section, select Blue Angel from the Category and read through the posts relating to it before posting questions..
I think that's everything..?
Goodnight!
Restoring ROM dump
Take a look at this thread: http://en.pdamobiz.com/en/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=151&PN=1 at the end of the first posting there is a brief section entitled How to Restore. Copy the .nb1 file onto an SD card and follow the instructions in the post to restore. Good luck!
thanks for all the info.
for some reason the rom backup file would not automatically install from the SD. oh well. i went to wm5 very nice but i can not get my gps to pair correctly with bluetooth, back to the t-mobile rom at least tom tom works with 2003 correctly
Lordao
Hi everyone,
I've been going through the numerous threads talking about different versions of ROMs for wm6(on XDA EXEC). As a newbie, I would appreciate if you could help/suggest me the safest way and the best/latest WM6 Rom. I see different threads talking about upgrading using the bootloader method. However, the downloaded ROMs (XDA_Exec_WWE_20108_20301_11300_wwe_ship) have a inbuilt installer. I'm confused and wondering if bootloader was an older method used while having the inbuilt installer(exe) is the lates one.
I know some of you would refer me to already existing threads here which I've already gone through and thats what is causing the confusion to me.
Thanks
Rajat
that rom upgrade you mentioned the file name of is the newest released and easiest to install. just connect to active sync and run the upgrade, that's basically it.
There are a couple of additions to that just to be on the safe side...
1. Make sure battery fully charged before flash
2. Remove SIM card and SD card
... then, flash away.
Basically with ROM updates, there are OEM releases from your provider which are bundled packages consisting of Radio, OS, and ExtROM updates. Then there are the ROMs here written by the developers who mostly release just the OS ROM for you to install to give you choice on the other components (this is where bootloader is required). Jwright has released a full package in his latest WM6 release which does not require bootloader.
It's all quite straightforward if a little nerve racking at first, and well done for not blindly flashing before doing a little research.
Each developer's ROM will have different features and add-on's. Each radio seems to perform differently depending on geographics (don't quote me on that, just appears work for some, not others) and each ExtROM will contain further optional add-on CAB's or blank so you can use as storage.
You really have to read each release thread and work out if the components included match closely enough with your requirements... then read through some of the thread to see what tweaks are necessary, freezing problems, etc and take it from there.
I've tried all but one of the WM6 ROMs and they are all great, but each different too, and Jwright's suits my needs best, and is the most stable with my installed apps and tweaks, but this may not be the case for you.
Don't be put off by bootloader. It's just for developed ROMs not packaged with an installer like you say.
My advice: Stick with your current Radio! Start with a OS ROM flash that you like the sound of. My personal favourites are Midget's and Jwright's. One thing I can say for sure is that any one of the developed ROM's will completely change your device's performance and capabilities compared to your operator's releases!!!
Hope it helps, and good luck
What exactly does WWE Rom mean
Please pardon my ignorance. I have gone through most of the posts but could not find a clear explaination giving the difference between WWE Rom and other ROMs. Could anyone explain.
Where can I get the WM6 rom from, as I had a look on the FTP site and couldn't find the one mentioned in the first post.
Basically, I have the O2 XDA Exec and just want to upgrade to WM6, so what are the different roms (Midget/JWright). Are there different roms for different providers?
Also, what are radio/extended/cooked/dumped roms?
Thanks/...
d_ranade said:
Please pardon by ignorance. I have gone through most of the posts but could not find a clear explaination giving the difference between WWE Rom and other ROMs. Could anyone explain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wwe means "world wide english"
aniel1 said:
wwe means "world wide english"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks aniel.
Hi all.
This will be my first post in this forum, but sadly I think this subject been up here before. I've been searching these forums and the wiki for some time now and it's ALOT of information here... GREAT WORK! by the way.
But I can't really find any guide that describes why I should do a ROM update. I have learned how to flash the ROM, and that ROM's differs in speed, stability and so on.
Questions I haven't find any clear answers to:
- Clear description on how to backup the original ROM with radio (without SD-card)
- Why tf3d config themes won't work on 1.93 ROMs
- Why does many ROMs uses Win CE 5.2 instead of 6.1?
- Howto backup manila (TF3D) incase of upgrade to manilaHD?
Best regards
Bunnny
short answer
bunnny said:
Hi all.
This will be my first post in this forum, but sadly I think this subject been up here before. I've been searching these forums and the wiki for some time now and it's ALOT of information here... GREAT WORK! by the way.
But I can't really find any guide that describes why I should do a ROM update. I have learned how to flash the ROM, and that ROM's differs in speed, stability and so on.
Questions I haven't find any clear answers to:
- Clear description on how to backup the original ROM with radio (without SD-card)
- Why tf3d config themes won't work on 1.93 ROMs
- Why does many ROMs uses Win CE 5.2 instead of 6.1?
- Howto backup manila (TF3D) incase of upgrade to manilaHD?
Best regards
Bunnny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'll share what i know -
1 - as far as i know, there is no way of "backing up" the existing rom, there is a ROM roll up thread here and also a radio sticky - so you see what stock ROM & radio you have and download it and keep it with you (on your computer)
2 - no idea, don't use themes
3-
windows 6.1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Mobile
windows CE 5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_CE_5.0
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=WindowsCE
one is the OS other is the platform.
4 - same as (1) above
i change ROMs because of speed & stability... some do it because of APPS, others because of support... it's what makes you comfortable that counts
hope this helps
cloudedhopes said:
i'll share what i know -
1 - as far as i know, there is no way of "backing up" the existing rom, there is a ROM roll up thread here and also a radio sticky - so you see what stock ROM & radio you have and download it and keep it with you (on your computer)
2 - no idea, don't use themes
3-
windows 6.1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Mobile
windows CE 5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_CE_5.0
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=WindowsCE
one is the OS other is the platform.
4 - same as (1) above
i change ROMs because of speed & stability... some do it because of APPS, others because of support... it's what makes you comfortable that counts
hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, I see (#3), thanks for your reply.
Sadly I havent found my original ROM here.
My OP is 3 sweden and this ROM (1.93.774.3) is not available in the wiki, maybe HTCs ROM (1.93.413.3 SWE) is no loss?
EDIT: Never mind found the rom on the forum http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2572811 (page 7)
Gentlemen!
Both of you are posting instead of searching. All of the above can be easily explained by ..... reading this forum.
So, plz, instead fo making traffic, reserve yourself a free evening with internet connection and mouse....
Regards....
mjaxa said:
Gentlemen!
Both of you are posting instead of searching. All of the above can be easily explained by ..... reading this forum.
So, plz, instead fo making traffic, reserve yourself a free evening with internet connection and mouse....
Regards....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you are not helping, neither with my questions or the traffic.
As I wrote in my post I've been searching and still am.
Now it's just question 2 left. And Im glad to say that I have sucessfully flashed my ROM, but I couldn't use HardSPL OliNex138 instead I used Jockyw2001's 1.24
Sorry to bother you, I'm sure this info is somewhere (or if I understood it a bit better), but if someone could clear a few things up:
1) Have downloaded Hard-SPL 1.23, 1.34 and the latest version - is the newer better/more stable? Or I do have to use the one that matches the ROM I am flashing to?
2) If I want to do a cooked a ROM, will any of the versions of Hard-SPL listed above work for that too?
3) Is there an easy way to back up operator settings (internet, voice mail number etc?) Just got it so there's nothing else on it that needs backing up.
4) Offical ROMs are in .exe format, can I just install them on to my XDA?
Edit: Found the official ROMs, just required looking through several pages (sorry). Can anyone answer the other questions, especially how to back-up network settings.
For the mo I just want to get rid of the O2 branding.
Thanks for your time - have been a mod on several forums and I know you end up having to answer questions 20 times over.
Cheers,
Joe
Regarding Hard SPL, read here fully and carefully. It will tell you all you need to know.
With regards to ROMs, you could use the official ones but you will find AZTOR ROMs far superior. (AZTOR = Alpha Zero Tweaked Official ROM) or alternatively Shaks.P ROM in my signature which is set up for the UK. Both will automatically detect your network and use the correct settings and both are as stable as the original ROMs but with improved performance
I have a UK o2 xda ignito, and the only hard spl I have used is 1.93 from this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=400950
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=101134&d=1216793074
Most of the modded roms can be flashed with the included utilities. But most of the official 2.03 roms can only be flashed from internal storage.
Any info you need can be found with the search function, with a little time.
All the best.
joeearl13 said:
Sorry to bother you, I'm sure this info is somewhere (or if I understood it a bit better), but if someone could clear a few things up:
1) Have downloaded Hard-SPL 1.23, 1.34 and the latest version - is the newer better/more stable? Or I do have to use the one that matches the ROM I am flashing to?
2) If I want to do a cooked a ROM, will any of the versions of Hard-SPL listed above work for that too?
3) Is there an easy way to back up operator settings (internet, voice mail number etc?) Just got it so there's nothing else on it that needs backing up.
4) Offical ROMs are in .exe format, can I just install them on to my XDA?
Edit: Found the official ROMs, just required looking through several pages (sorry). Can anyone answer the other questions, especially how to back-up network settings.
Cheers,
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Responding To Questions:
1) It doesn't have to match your original SPL...if the one you have downloaded works then use it. Very few chefs recommend a specific Hard SPL with there ROM. But this is so rare.
2) if you want to flash a unsigned ROM then you need a developers edition Hards SPL.....or jocky's works as well....I personally use 1.93 so I recommend that one.
3) don't worry about backing up operators settings.....most of these roms come with a "Connection Setup" which allows you to select from a list of operators and it does everything for you. I also have a little app for this if your rom doesn't have this.
@Everyone: thanks for your help.
Will install the 1.93 Developers HSPL and see how that goes.
Can anyone recommend a ROM (don't want any visual tweaks)?
Thanks again
Asking such a question can close this thread .........
This is out of the respect of the chefs who work hard. Please refrain from this topic regarding best roms, etc.
Just try them out and read the threads.
band27 said:
Asking such a question can close this thread .........
This is out of the respect of the chefs who work hard. Please refrain from this topic regarding best roms, etc.
Just try them out and read the threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand people have put a lot of hard work in and have taken a look at a few cooked ROMs, and fully intend to start cooking my own when (if) I have learned the skills.
However just got it and it has O2 branding, so i'd like to play with the original interface for a day or two before I start seeing what can really be done with the interface
Yeah, good idea, this will allow you to compare the true difference between a original and a cooked Rom. That is where one can begin to truly see how much better a cooked Rom is.
AZTOR version for UK?
Gonna try the AZTOR, looks like its got some solid improvements without affecting the UI, which version (WWE/GER) are using for the UK Mike?
Thanks again everyone, you've been a great help.
A mod can close this thread if you want now, got my problems sorted.
Thanks all.
joeearl13 said:
Gonna try the AZTOR, looks like its got some solid improvements without affecting the UI, which version (WWE/GER) are using for the UK Mike?
Thanks again everyone, you've been a great help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always use WWE, have tried lots of roms, but my fall back roms are usually shaks or udk.
currently trying the 6.5 roms. Cloudyfa's beta2 has a very fast manilla.
You won't have much spare time now you have started flasshing
Dear all,
I have HTC TP2 device, and I tried to add shortcuts on the home page, when I got the steps from the HTC site, I could not apply them, can anybody help me in this?
- I could not find the '+' button.
- When I press and hold on an icon in the start menu, I can find only one command in the popup menu (Move to top).
---
From HTC site:
Personalizing Your Home Screen: Shortcuts
Placing shortcuts on your Home screen gives you quick access to your favorite programs, contacts you most frequently communicate with, and other information.
Adding a shortcut
Press HOME and then tap the + button. You can also press and hold an empty area on the Home screen.
When the Add to Home options menu opens, tap Shortcut.
Select the type of shortcut to add to the Home screen. You can create a shortcut to a Bookmark, Gmail label, your mail inbox, music playlist, a contact, or a program.
To quickly add an application shortcut that is on the All programs screen to the Home screen, press and hold an application icon. When the phone vibrates, drag the icon to an empty area on the Home screen, and then release it.
This can only be done if you are running Sense 2.5. Most TP2/Tilt2 phones came with TouchFlo 3D or an earlier version of Sense. These have a Programs page where you can choose which program icons you want to appear, but they won't be on the Home page.
Thanks a lot for you reply. May you please tell me what is the difference between Sense and TouchFlo, are they two different programs, which is better and if those programs are supported from HTC or not. In other words, can I go to an HTC shop in my country to install it for me or it is downloadable from their site?
mrtarrouk said:
Thanks a lot for you reply. May you please tell me what is the difference between Sense and TouchFlo, are they two different programs, which is better and if those programs are supported from HTC or not. In other words, can I go to an HTC shop in my country to install it for me or it is downloadable from their site?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get in touch with your carrier to see if an upgrade is warranted for your device. Only a couple of carriers got the Sense "upgrade." It is considerably slower than TF3D if you go through their options. If you really want to experience Sense the way it should be, try one of the many custom ROMs on this site.
Thanks a lot. Can you refer me to one of the good ROMs here in the forum.
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the info and other info that might help:
Country: Egypt
Carrier: Vodafone
ROM Version: 1.86.415.2 (67102) WWE
ROM Date: 12/28/09
Radio Version: 4.49.25.17
Protocol Version: 61.44tc.25.32U
ExtPkg Version: 1.48.415.70
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cajunflavoredbob said:
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for you both. Here are the info and other info that might help:
Country: Egypt
Carrier: Vodafone
ROM Version: 1.86.415.2 (67102) WWE
ROM Date: 12/28/09
Radio Version: 4.49.25.17
Protocol Version: 61.44tc.25.32U
ExtPkg Version: 1.48.415.70
cajunflavoredbob said:
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people seemed pleased with the latest ATT ROM with Sense 2.5. I never flashed it, so I can't personally comment. And the shipped ROM was so horrible, I have trouble believing it myself. Plus, you get the usual ATT bloat. But I mentioned the possibility of an official ROM update, only because many people are scared of flashing a custom ROM.
But I completely agree with you that a custom ROM is probably the way to go.
To the OP, poking around on the internet, I see that Vodafone in Egypt is GSM, so you can use the custom ROMs on this website.
redpoint73 said:
Some people seemed pleased with the latest ATT ROM with Sense 2.5. I never flashed it, so I can't personally comment. And the shipped ROM was so horrible, I have trouble believing it myself. Plus, you get the usual ATT bloat. But I mentioned the possibility of an official ROM update, only because many people are scared of flashing a custom ROM.
But I completely agree with you that a custom ROM is probably the way to go.
To the OP, poking around on the internet, I see that Vodafone in Egypt is GSM, so you can use the custom ROMs on this website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Yes Vodafone Egypt is a GSM operator. Can you tell me whether I can backup my original ROM before I flash a cooked one (in case I needed it) ... And also please refer me to the best cooked ROM here and the steps to flash/install it on my device.
Your reply is highly appreciated.
All you need to flash a custom ROM is on the ROM Development subforum for the TP2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The resources pinned to the top of the subforum are extremely helpful, and indispensable.
One of them is an excellent step-by-step guide for flashing a custom ROM, written for beginners:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
As indicated in the guide, you will need to HardSPL the phone. This unlocks SPL (secondary program loader), which is normally locked so you can only flash "official" ROMs from your carrier. HardSPL is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Also, optional, but highly recommended (I do it before EVERY new ROM flash) is running Task29. This formats the ROM area of the memory, and completely wipes it, so no old fragment of previous ROM linger to screw up the new ROM. It only takes a couple minutes to perform, and can possibly save you the headache of some random bugs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Flashing is really not hard. Just read as much as you can on the threads I linked, and follow the instructions carefully. The threads are really long, and you don't have to read the whole thing, but read as much as you have patience for. Any question or issue you can possibly have about the process has probably been encountered by someone else already, and a solution/answer already posted. The more you know before you start, the less you will panic when something doesn't go exactly as you expected.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will void any warranty you may still have. Although, people generally have luck re-flashing the stock ROM, and re-locking SPL before returning for warranty service, so the repair people actually have no idea the ROM was ever modified. Also, keep in mind that there is a slight possibility of "bricking" or disabling your phone. But follow the instructions and be careful, and it won't happen. Main things to remember, is never mess with the phone (power off, unplug) while its flashing, make sure you have at least 50% battery at each step, and flash the correct software (flashing a CDMA ROM to a GSM phone, or ROM for a completely different phone are highly probably ways to brick it). But normally, it is very safe. People on here have flashed custom ROMs onto their phone dozens, maybe even hundreds of times, without ever bricking their phones.
There is no correct answer to the question "what is the best ROM". Its like asking "what clothes are best to wear", there is no correct answer, it depends on your personal tastes and needs. The best ROM for you depends on how much you want looks and functions over speed and stability, what software you want packed-in, or if you want a minimum of built-in software (a "lightweight" ROM), and to install your desired software yourself. Look through the various ROMs to see the features of each one, look at replies from users, which thread are most popular, and pick for yourself. If you still need some suggestions, Energy, simplicity, Jackos, and Valkyrie are popular. But it would be an injustice to other chefs to suggest that other ROMs are not just as great. If you scan through the ROM Development subforum, you will see some threads along the lines of "what ROM is best, fastest, etc.", and you can look at those for more suggestions/opinions.
Also be sure to read through the first several posts on the ROM thread you pick to flash, as there are often specific instructions and FAQs for that ROM posted by the chef.
You don't need to backup your old ROM. If you need to return to the stock ROM for some reason, just go to shipped-roms.com and download it:
http://shipped-roms.com/
You will however, lose your personal data (contacts, texts, email) when you flash the ROM. There are a bunch of ways to back these up. Microsoft My Phone, synching to your PC on Outlook, or if you are a Gmail person, using Google Synch, are all popular methods.
redpoint73 said:
All you need to flash a custom ROM is on the ROM Development subforum for the TP2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The resources pinned to the top of the subforum are extremely helpful, and indispensable.
One of them is an excellent step-by-step guide for flashing a custom ROM, written for beginners:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
As indicated in the guide, you will need to HardSPL the phone. This unlocks SPL (secondary program loader), which is normally locked so you can only flash "official" ROMs from your carrier. HardSPL is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Also, optional, but highly recommended (I do it before EVERY new ROM flash) is running Task29. This formats the ROM area of the memory, and completely wipes it, so no old fragment of previous ROM linger to screw up the new ROM. It only takes a couple minutes to perform, and can possibly save you the headache of some random bugs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Flashing is really not hard. Just read as much as you can on the threads I linked, and follow the instructions carefully. The threads are really long, and you don't have to read the whole thing, but read as much as you have patience for. Any question or issue you can possibly have about the process has probably been encountered by someone else already, and a solution/answer already posted. The more you know before you start, the less you will panic when something doesn't go exactly as you expected.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will void any warranty you may still have. Although, people generally have luck re-flashing the stock ROM, and re-locking SPL before returning for warranty service, so the repair people actually have no idea the ROM was ever modified. Also, keep in mind that there is a slight possibility of "bricking" or disabling your phone. But follow the instructions and be careful, and it won't happen. Main things to remember, is never mess with the phone (power off, unplug) while its flashing, make sure you have at least 50% battery at each step, and flash the correct software (flashing a CDMA ROM to a GSM phone, or ROM for a completely different phone are highly probably ways to brick it). But normally, it is very safe. People on here have flashed custom ROMs onto their phone dozens, maybe even hundreds of times, without ever bricking their phones.
There is no correct answer to the question "what is the best ROM". Its like asking "what clothes are best to wear", there is no correct answer, it depends on your personal tastes and needs. The best ROM for you depends on how much you want looks and functions over speed and stability, what software you want packed-in, or if you want a minimum of built-in software (a "lightweight" ROM), and to install your desired software yourself. Look through the various ROMs to see the features of each one, look at replies from users, which thread are most popular, and pick for yourself. If you still need some suggestions, Energy, simplicity, Jackos, and Valkyrie are popular. But it would be an injustice to other chefs to suggest that other ROMs are not just as great. If you scan through the ROM Development subforum, you will see some threads along the lines of "what ROM is best, fastest, etc.", and you can look at those for more suggestions/opinions.
Also be sure to read through the first several posts on the ROM thread you pick to flash, as there are often specific instructions and FAQs for that ROM posted by the chef.
You don't need to backup your old ROM. If you need to return to the stock ROM for some reason, just go to shipped-roms.com and download it:
http://shipped-roms.com/
You will however, lose your personal data (contacts, texts, email) when you flash the ROM. There are a bunch of ways to back these up. Microsoft My Phone, synching to your PC on Outlook, or if you are a Gmail person, using Google Synch, are all popular methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear redpoint73,
Really thanks a million, you unleashed a lot of information to me with your very descriptive answer . As I'm new to the Windows phones world, I was confused with its terminologies like chief, ROM, cooking, flashing ... etc etc. But now it is very much easier than ever ... Thank you.