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.
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.
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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
Hello all-
First off, I wanted to express my thanks to all those that have developed these ROMs, add-ons, etc, and made them available to people like me who just don't have the ability to do so. Thanks!
Second, I've been studying these forums in order to do some surgery on my XV6900. I even acquired a second one so I can practice flashing ROMS, etc, and get it right so I don't lose use of my phone if/when I screw it up.
My question...
I have downloaded a ton of files (NFSFAN's 6.5 V15 ROM, NFSFAN's Custom Verizon 1.5 ROM, dialers, cabs, etc...) and am a bit confused about how many of them I need to do.
All I really want is to use the GPS on my XV6900 (thanks a lot, Verizon). So, I realize I need to flash a custom ROM. What I'm unclear about is this: if I flash NFSFAN's winmo 6.5 ROM, do I still need to do the Verizon custom ROM? Do I need a separate GPS radio file or are all the necessarry bits included in the ROMS? You guys are incredibly advanced when it comes to packaging these programs, and the phone companies should frankly be paying you all as consultants!
I've bookmarked NFSFAN's 6.5 FAQ, but for somebody who's never messed with this part of his phone, I'm just a little unclear about how many of these steps are necessary, versus how many are fun/cool to do...
I also bookmarked a tutorial by theoneownz on a complete Verizon gps fix.
My confusion lies in the fast that it seems like these tutorials have different steps. I'm just a little slow...
Any help appreciated, flame away for missed topics or incorrect observations.
Thanks!
Ryan
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=533639
I have Verizon wireless touch pro 2, and I found a link at
hxxp://www.app4mobile.com/2009/10/13/htc-touch-pro2-windows-mobile-6-5-upgrade-now-available/
in there it points me to HTC.com and has an upgrade option to 6.5. my question is is it safe since I have a U.S. phone with Verizon?
I went to the site on my pc and it didn't show up that time so, I looked up at the address bar and it was the europe site that had the upgrade, but its not on the US site. I'm just asking before I jump into a situation I can't get out of ya know?
anyhow, thanks for the info and help.
Have a look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=517
You´ll have more information so you can flash the proper ROM
Hope it helped,
No, that upgrade isn't for your device, so it won't flash it. You have a Verizon TP2, so you're most likely going to get updates from Verizon. If you stick with Stock ROMs (meaning you will only run official ROMs) you will probably have to wait until early 2010 by the look of it.
However, if you visit the link that orb3000 posted above me, there will be instructions on how to get Windows Mobile 6.5 on your device right now, for free (but your warranty will be voided, and all data on your device will be lost). If you read carefully, don't take shortcuts, and most importantly, flash ROMs for CDMA devices like yours, you should be fine (if you decide to flash a custom ROM).
thanks for the info guys. I'm impressed with the tp2 stock rom right now, but I'm sure I'll flash it sooner or later.
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.