I've been using my XDA Exec for almost a year now and have tried my hand at a few ROM upgrades - I'm not toally sure what I'm doing so I don't tend to try much. I now want to understand more about what each element of the upgrade does and I'm having problems finding out what does what. Can someone explain in easy terms what the CE ROM is and what it contains (I'm guessing its the operating system), what the Extended Image is and what it contains, and finally what the RADIO ROM is and what it does (or contains). I then want to try and mix and math the various bits to get the device I'm after.
Thanks
I'm currently showing ROM 2.01.06, RADIO 1.15.00, protocol 42.51.P8 and OS build 5.2.318 (Build 15341.0.0.0)
More confusion
Also, please, what is the difference between a standard ROM and a WWE ROM? I note that my question has not been covered in the glossary of terms, so is everyone else confused or is eveyone else too lazy to help out a n00b?
o.k very simple:
Ce ROM : (WM5 or WM6 etc) is the OS of your device, it can be compared to windowsXP in your desktop.
Extended Image=Extended ROM: is the image/ROM which has additional 3party application software on it. Those software’s can be related to your service provider settings /application or application simple as Adobe PDF; Backup software etc.
Extended image will be installed in a special area which called Extended ROM (ca. 10mg capacity) on your device. Normally this area is locked and hidden in official ROM. Application software or information stored in this area still untouched and available after a “hard reset (setting the device back to factory/provider settings)”
But in the ROM’s that are available in this form here (self cooked/made) is the extended ROM is mostly unlocked and visible. Moreover You will observe that this area has no more application on it anymore. Therefore you can make use of this area with storing some important data which you want to still available in case of hard reset.
RADIO ROM: includes only information for Phone functionality. It is a “application” to able the devices communicate with GSM, 3G etc. However you will find few available Radio versions. The most used one is currently 1.15 but it really depends on your location. Some are very happy with 1.15 but others having problems to receiving signals with it and leading the device been unstable.
WWE= World Wide English: that is related to OS (CE ROM) language version. It means it is English ROM.
I suggest you read the WIKI ,a lot of things that you can take from there
Bulldog,
Very many thanks for your help, and yes, I've read various bits of the Wiki but couldn't find the answers I was looking for. I appreciate the basic explanation.
I am currently using the extended ROM area as storage as I haven't found anything (CABs?) in there. Another question ref the OS ROM bit, do all 'cooked' OS ROMs of the same version have the same contents or can they vary from ROM to ROM (even if they say the same version number)?
Rgds, Phil
Hi Phil,
I assume you are using ROM made by one of the cooker here?
every cooker has own preference of software (additional to the OS) that includes in to ROM image. Basically they combine now the OS with extended rom.
You may hear the expression of "Vanilla" that indicates that ROM clean from any additional software and has only the OS on it.
Moreover different cooker may use different supporting application like commanager etc and build ROM which is XXX version. Moreover during the cooking different ROM builder using different registry settings which ends up as XXX version but have totally different performance.
Bulldog,
I am using one of the ROMs from this forum, from one of the 'stikkies'. I've tried a few but can't find the one I originally upgraded to when WM6 first came available (and also don't know whose it was!). I think I'm currently using Helmi's "Helmi_WM2k6_v.1.1
WM6 OS 5.2.318 (Built 15341.0.0.0)" ROM although I'd like to try the DarkForce one but can't find it (see other post). I'm also going to try the vanilla ROM posted by Graham but have yet to upload it to my XDA.
Once I get a bit more comfortable, I'm going to try and teach myself (via lots of reading here) how to cook my own ROM to provide the apps and features I want - but that might take me some time!!
try the PDAVIET ROM, very good. Stable and fast! you will not regret it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=317823
darkforce rom hangs alot!
Related
I've noticed that there are a lot of people wanted to upgrade the 'radio ROM' for some reason.
I'm just wondering, what is a Radio ROM?
And, as far as I understand about Extended ROM, it is for the network provider to add in their customed software/icon/logo (and application goodies) into the system, right? So, how about the irritating splash screen? That's in Ext ROM?
Sorry to create a new topic for this but I don't want to disturb the readily busy sites on topic how to upgrade radio rom on their respective devices.
Forum searches are wonderfull things....
Basically, the radio rom is the firmware that runs the phone, wireless and blutooth portions of the phone. Newer versions are likly to improve performance or fix bugs.
The extended rom does include operator customisations, and other programs to be installed when a hard reset occurs.
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=
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
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
Ok so i'm new to this custom rom thing but i'm kinda forced to it since I bought my Diamond in India and apparently htc doesn't offer updates on their site and I can't be bothered to go to the airtel website (wich is probably in Hindy ) and look for an update.
So I managed to update to HardSPL 1.4 using the tutorial thread (thanks btw, all worked like a charm ) and installed the radio 1.0.25.05 (according to the same thread the recommended version)
So now i'm seeing many roms out there and have absolutely no clue wich rom to choose.
Maybe some advice ?
Here is my wishlist/stuff that matters
I'm based in Holland, so i'm bound to end up with one of the major providers here and gonna go for some hsdpa contract.
I'd love my HTC to be faster
I like the msn thing, but it's not required.
I don't want to be running beta/buggy softwares, my pc runs that kind of softwares, not my phone
Also i've seen (after installing the radio rom) that in a different thread there is a lot more different radio roms, with people liking the some better than the one reccommended in the tutorial post, is there a better rom and should I use it ? (better gps, faster, less batt usage ?)
Best are 1.93 rom for the "fast" part you asked but it's getting old (like 6 or 8month i guess). After you will want to go for a 2.03 rom which provides you more functionalities.
I will advise you Hikari rom, udK Syrius Topaz or Shaks or nataly. These are the rom I try every time there is a new release, I change rom every 1 or 2week so better is you check yourself.
You must have HardSPL unsigned edition for some of these rom, it's the same procedure as 1.4 SPL.
BTW, you know you can upgrade directly from your internal storage?
just put your nbh file in your storage card with the name "diamimg.nbh" (stands for Diamond Image) then reset while pressing VOL_DOWN + BACK (the button up from the hang up button). After this, you will see a HardSPL like screen (red blue green) then a gray~light blue screen asking to press the power button to upgrade.
You can do this for radio, spl and rom. It's quicker, safer and better IMO.
'night