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.
I've been reading up on the cooked ROMs that people are using, and it seems that they are using an older version (1.48) instead of the released ROM from AT&T (1.54). Is there a reason for this?
The reason I ask is because i want/need a cooked ROM using the storage saver cab from tadzio.
I also like the looks of vp3G's WM6 v3.0 ROM, but it also uses the older ROM (1.40.30.00) instead of the AT&T version (1.54.07.00) I know this has to do with the radio and since I am using the 1.54 I have noticed a HUGE difference in signal gain... which is why I want to keep that.
So my question is, has anyone cooked up a ROM that uses the lates AT&T released version with vp3G's 3.0? And also, why do people use the older versions still?
There are many parts to a "ROM". The two parts you are probably talking about are the OS and the Radio. Most ROMs now are just OS ROMs - they don't change your Radio ROM. The best Radio is not necessarily the most recent one, so ROM cooks like to let people decide for themselves if they want to update their Radio or not.
Also, most unrecoverable bricks happen when flashing new Radio ROMs, so many people who don't have problems with reception or battery life (like me) don't bother to update their Radios.
If you want a certain OS with a certain Radio, you can use Dutty's Good NBH Tool. It is good. With that tool you can choose the OS, Radio, and other parts of your ROM before you flash it. Just download the OS you want, the Radio you want, use the tool to extract both and meld them together into a new ROM.
Happy flashing - and if you haven't already be sure to read Mr. Vanx's upgrade guide and flash Hard-SPL before you do anything else!
See, Im glad that I posted because I did not realize that there were two parts and that most ROMs nowadays are just opperating ROMs... so thats for that tidbit.
Alright, now I just have to go fishing for the OS that best fits me. I know that I want the storage/space saver and the updated BT and camera features. I also see that a lot of people are getting the WM6.1 so I'll have to check that out. Im going to have to spend a lot of time going throuh each and everyone.
Thanks again.
also, the os only roms WONT change your radio so you can find a rom you like that doesnt include the radio part of the rom and safely flash your os. you will keep whatever radio rom you currently have installed. so if you have the radio you like you can pick just about any cooked rom on this forum and still keep your updated radio (make sure its for the hermes though). happy upgrading. by the way, make sure you hard spl your phone 1st thing so if something does go wrong during flashing you migh recover it easier than if you dont. i suggest doing some reading 1st. cheers.
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
I know nothing about radios. Could someone please explain to me what it means and what it does for you? I have T-Mobile and only get 2 to 0 3G bars at work. It is really interfering with my music streaming. Would love to get more bars. I have a stock ROM and am not interested in flashing a new ROM.
T-Mobile
HTC TP2
WM 6.1 Prof
Radio 3.5.25.14
Stock ROM
thebrenda said:
I know nothing about radios. Could someone please explain to me what it means and what it does for you? I have T-Mobile and only get 2 to 0 3G bars at work. It is really interfering with my music streaming. Would love to get more bars. I have a stock ROM and am not interested in flashing a new ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Radio" in reference to "new radio" or "flashing a radio" refers to a radio rom -- it's a software thing. And it affects (at least) your cell connection as well as your GPS connection...and probably how well the radio uses power and affects battery life. And I'm very happy with the new radio I'm using -- better than the stock radio.
But in order to flash a new radio (radio-rom) you need to first do the HardSPL thing, which is also required before flashing an OS rom.
So, if you say you don't want to flash a new OS rom (to avoid voiding your warranty, for example), then you probably won't want to do the HardSPL either, because that's as major (from a non-stock standpoint) as flashing a rom.
If you read just a few threads above this one you´ll find some interesting answers:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=679322
I have done quite a bit of reading but it still is not clicking. I need a beginners article. I will find it, but have not yet.
So the Hard-SPL thing-a-ma-jiggy at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131 - is that just for the radio or a ROM / radio. I do not mind flashing a radio, just do not want to flash a ROM because I don't have a need and do not want to spend the rest of my life on this new toy - i mean necessary piece of office equipment.
What radio would the Hard-SPL at that link give me? Is it true that software alone can increase the number of 3G bars?
thebrenda said:
So the Hard-SPL thing-a-ma-jiggy at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131 - is that just for the radio or a ROM / radio. I do not mind flashing a radio, just do not want to flash a ROM because I don't have a need and do not want to spend the rest of my life on this new toy - i mean necessary piece of office equipment.
What radio would the Hard-SPL at that link give me? Is it true that software alone can increase the number of 3G bars?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the technical explanation...but the HardSPL is necessary in order to flash any rom -- that means a new radio (rom) or a new custom OS rom. (By "OS--rom" I mean all of those custom roms listed in all those threads in the TP2 Windows Mobile ROM Development sub-forum) The phone won't accept the non-stock rom (including radio-rom) without the HardSPL.
The HardSPL doesn't change anything else, though. You still have the same radio and the same stock rom. But it's necessary to do that before you flash a non-stock radio-rom or a non-stock OS rom.
Radio-roms (software) can improve your reception...but which one will/may do that depends on where you're located and other factors, so you would probably want to try more than one -- but once you've done it you'll see it's easy. It's also possible that 3G coverage in your area is simply poor.
If you need/want more details about alternative radio-roms you probably should post in the Rhodium GSM Radio Collection thread.
MCbrian said:
I don't know the technical explanation...but the HardSPL is necessary in order to flash any rom -- that means a new radio (rom) or a new custom OS rom. (By "OS--rom" I mean all of those custom roms listed in all those threads in the TP2 Windows Mobile ROM Development sub-forum) The phone won't accept the non-stock rom (including radio-rom) without the HardSPL.
The HardSPL doesn't change anything else, though. You still have the same radio and the same stock rom. But it's necessary to do that before you flash a non-stock radio-rom or a non-stock OS rom.
Radio-roms (software) can improve your reception...but which one will/may do that depends on where you're located and other factors, so you would probably want to try more than one -- but once you've done it you'll see it's easy. It's also possible that 3G coverage in your area is simply poor.
If you need/want more details about alternative radio-roms you probably should post in the Rhodium GSM Radio Collection thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect answer, amigo!
Brenda, I saw that you were thinking about doing the tmo 6.5 upgrade anyway, which of course includes the .57 radio, and that's the path I would suggest...it'll let you try out wm6.5 as well as that radio, and flashing an official upgrade like that is even easier than doing the HSPL-custom rom thing. So, that way you can see if either of those changes are good for you, with minimum effort and hassle. If the .57 radio doesn't seem to offer any improvement, then you can start getting into flashing others to try...and if you do then I suggest you start with the one MCBrian has in his sig, .77
Thanks sirphunkee for all you rhelp. I will take your advice. I was going to upgrade to 6.5 right away but decided to load a ton of software on my phone first to see what I liked. Well .... I like it all. Now I have so much software that I do not want to take a weekend to reload everything. But I will have to bite the bullet. I sit in a cube all day and like to listen to streaming music. I have napster but I like the unpredictability and pleasant surprises that a streaming station can offer. The low bars are interfering with my music.
I have kept good notes on all my applications installs and have all the software and "fixes". Have screen prints of all my "setups" for email. I use activesync with my desktop Outlook so all of that is saved. Don't think that there is anything else to save. Just wonder if you have any advice before I upgrade. Is there anything I should do before wiping clean my device? Should I clean my program files, outlook attachments, etc on my storage card?
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.
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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.