and Who is The BEST ROM ?
There is no such thing as a "best ROM" - it's all up to personal preference
Hi -
There is no one right ROM for Trinity. Here's a quick explanation for what a ROM really is. There are many people on this board who know more about ROMs than I do, so if anyone sees any errors in what I've written, please let me know.
A ROM is a collection of software packaged together that when flashed to your phone installs the software. ROM packages generally consist of four categories of software:
1.) An operating system (some flavor of Windows Mobile, 5 or 6)
2.) Radio software (Radio ROM)
3.) Phone software (Dialer, Task Manager, Multimedia, SMS/MMS software, contact list)
4.) All other software (Adobe Reader, TomTom, etc.)
People create new ROM packages by gathering an operating system, a radio, and a collection of software, and "cooking" them into a single distribution file, usually in the form of a CAB compression file.
The differences between AXL and Mary are in the OS, radio and other software they have mixed together. You have to look at the contents of each ROM yourself and compare to see the exact differences. Although it would be nice, I'm not aware of anyone listing out the differences between the software choices made by each of the main ROM cookers, so you have to do it yourself.
Some important notes on ROM packages:
1.) Any software that is "cooked" into the ROM can't be removed or updated, it's in there permanently until you change your ROM. This is something to consider if you want to be able to upgrade to future versions, and is the reaosn many ROM cookers also make a "lite" version of their ROM.
2.) I'm pretty weak on this, but from what I understand in addition to the normal physical ROM memory, there is a section of physical ROM called "hidden" or "extended" ROM, and the cookers have figured out how to make that ROM available for use. This is why some ROMs show 70+ megs of ROM/RAM available. I think this extended ROM can also be used to store software.
3.) The operating systems (OS's) do continue to change. People get new phones from their telecom operator, and when they dissassemble the phone's ROM, they can extract the new OS's and check the version numbers. There is no way I know of currently to update the OS without flashing a completely new ROM. Different ROMs include different versions of the operating system, although many of the ROM cookers are quick to re-release their ROMs when a new OS comes out.
4.) Any software that can be installed manually can be installed in a ROM. This includes "trial" or "unregistered" versions. For that software, it may be installed on your phone when you install the ROM, but it is a limited-use version and you will need to purchase the software and get a registration code to unlock the full software. If the software is "cooked" into your ROM and you decide not to use it, YOU CAN'T UNINSTALL IT without reflashing to a new ROM. It won't do any harm, but it will use up memory that could be put to better use.
5.) A suggestion on other software: If you flash your OS often, it makes things easier to keep copies of the CAB files for your favorite other cab installations on your SD card, so you can easily reinstall them when you reflash the OS.
6.) Most of the ROMs use the same installer software,which works well and can recover from some errors (just follow the instructions or if no instructions retry the flash procedure). However, some telecom operators install something called a Service Provider Lock (SPL) to prevent people from installing "unapproved" software on their phone. Removing or otherwise getting around this SPL is a process called "unlocking" - if you try to reflash your phone's ROM, and something goes wrong, this SPL could prevent you from being able to fix your phone, making it useless (or "bricked"). There are software packages that should be able to fix a bricked phone (search the board to find), but it is easier to remove the SPL first, so you never have to worry about crashing your phone.
7.) If you remove your SPL, you have technically violated the terms of your contract with your service provider!!!! In daily use, it really doesn't affect them, so they probably won't make a stink about it, and probably can't tell you've done so. But, if you bring it in for service, send it in under warranty, call their service line to get support, the technician will probably see you have removed your SPL, and can refuse to provide service or warranty support. However, the techs are people and depending on the issue may or may not make a big deal about it, but it's certainly within their right to refuse to service for free.
8.) There are differences in telecom providers!!! This is particularly important with respect to Radio ROMs. If you think about it, your phone has to send the right signals to your service provider's radio tower to make a call. The specific information it has to send and the manner in which it sends it are determined by the radio protocol, which is built into the radio software. As a result, some radio software will not work with some providers, and some will work better than others. This difference willbe regional, so consider where you will be using the phone (Asia, Europe, SA, Africa, NA). Some radios could even be configured to specific providers (but I don't know for sure).
9.) Latest vs. most stable - sometimes, the latest versions introduce new bugsor are less stable than others, so consider this as well.
10.) Most of the differences between the ROMs seem to revolve aroudn the cooker's choices for phone software - the dialers, the contact managers, etc. These primarily change the "look and feel" of the phone rather than the raw performance or capabilites. Since look and feel is the big difference, it's impossible to say which look and feel everyone will like - it's a matter of taste / personal preference.
11.) Don't bug the cookers!!!! The people cooking ROMs for us are doing it in their spare time. They're not getting paid to do it, they're just trying to help each other out. While they seem to be interested in hearing about bugs so they can fix their ROMs, pestering them with requests to make some piddly change just for you is rude. Don't pester them with change requests and customizations, and then throw a hissy fit when they don't want to do it your way. If you don't like their ROM, then cook your own.
So, to pick the ROM that works for you, you're probably going to have to try a few out. The combination of OS and Radio will likely be regional (some will not be able to use the latest radio, for example), and form there on in you have to choose which has the dialer/contact manager you like the most, and includes the software you want to have (or go with a lite version).
Good luck!
Mike
to Mike (landshark),
thank you and congratulations on your excellent explanation. I wish I read this when I bought my device, would make things much easier.
Great post!!!!
Good work!!!!
will be very usefull!
Thank you!
Wonderful post!!!!
Beautiful work!!!!
will be bloody usefull!
Orz
Sticky pls !
Thanks! Very useful for a noob like me
Question about SSPL
landshark said:
Hi -
There is no one right ROM for Trinity. Here's a quick explanation for what a ROM really is. There are many people on this board who know more about ROMs than I do, so if anyone sees any errors in what I've written, please let me know.
A ROM is a collection of software packaged together that when flashed to your phone installs the software. ROM packages generally consist of four categories of software:
1.) An operating system (some flavor of Windows Mobile, 5 or 6)
2.) Radio software (Radio ROM)
3.) Phone software (Dialer, Task Manager, Multimedia, SMS/MMS software, contact list)
4.) All other software (Adobe Reader, TomTom, etc.)
People create new ROM packages by gathering an operating system, a radio, and a collection of software, and "cooking" them into a single distribution file, usually in the form of a CAB compression file.
The differences between AXL and Mary are in the OS, radio and other software they have mixed together. You have to look at the contents of each ROM yourself and compare to see the exact differences. Although it would be nice, I'm not aware of anyone listing out the differences between the software choices made by each of the main ROM cookers, so you have to do it yourself.
Some important notes on ROM packages:
1.) Any software that is "cooked" into the ROM can't be removed or updated, it's in there permanently until you change your ROM. This is something to consider if you want to be able to upgrade to future versions, and is the reaosn many ROM cookers also make a "lite" version of their ROM.
2.) I'm pretty weak on this, but from what I understand in addition to the normal physical ROM memory, there is a section of physical ROM called "hidden" or "extended" ROM, and the cookers have figured out how to make that ROM available for use. This is why some ROMs show 70+ megs of ROM/RAM available. I think this extended ROM can also be used to store software.
3.) The operating systems (OS's) do continue to change. People get new phones from their telecom operator, and when they dissassemble the phone's ROM, they can extract the new OS's and check the version numbers. There is no way I know of currently to update the OS without flashing a completely new ROM. Different ROMs include different versions of the operating system, although many of the ROM cookers are quick to re-release their ROMs when a new OS comes out.
4.) Any software that can be installed manually can be installed in a ROM. This includes "trial" or "unregistered" versions. For that software, it may be installed on your phone when you install the ROM, but it is a limited-use version and you will need to purchase the software and get a registration code to unlock the full software. If the software is "cooked" into your ROM and you decide not to use it, YOU CAN'T UNINSTALL IT without reflashing to a new ROM. It won't do any harm, but it will use up memory that could be put to better use.
5.) A suggestion on other software: If you flash your OS often, it makes things easier to keep copies of the CAB files for your favorite other cab installations on your SD card, so you can easily reinstall them when you reflash the OS.
6.) Most of the ROMs use the same installer software,which works well and can recover from some errors (just follow the instructions or if no instructions retry the flash procedure). However, some telecom operators install something called a Service Provider Lock (SPL) to prevent people from installing "unapproved" software on their phone. Removing or otherwise getting around this SPL is a process called "unlocking" - if you try to reflash your phone's ROM, and something goes wrong, this SPL could prevent you from being able to fix your phone, making it useless (or "bricked"). There are software packages that should be able to fix a bricked phone (search the board to find), but it is easier to remove the SPL first, so you never have to worry about crashing your phone.
7.) If you remove your SPL, you have technically violated the terms of your contract with your service provider!!!! In daily use, it really doesn't affect them, so they probably won't make a stink about it, and probably can't tell you've done so. But, if you bring it in for service, send it in under warranty, call their service line to get support, the technician will probably see you have removed your SPL, and can refuse to provide service or warranty support. However, the techs are people and depending on the issue may or may not make a big deal about it, but it's certainly within their right to refuse to service for free.
8.) There are differences in telecom providers!!! This is particularly important with respect to Radio ROMs. If you think about it, your phone has to send the right signals to your service provider's radio tower to make a call. The specific information it has to send and the manner in which it sends it are determined by the radio protocol, which is built into the radio software. As a result, some radio software will not work with some providers, and some will work better than others. This difference willbe regional, so consider where you will be using the phone (Asia, Europe, SA, Africa, NA). Some radios could even be configured to specific providers (but I don't know for sure).
9.) Latest vs. most stable - sometimes, the latest versions introduce new bugsor are less stable than others, so consider this as well.
10.) Most of the differences between the ROMs seem to revolve aroudn the cooker's choices for phone software - the dialers, the contact managers, etc. These primarily change the "look and feel" of the phone rather than the raw performance or capabilites. Since look and feel is the big difference, it's impossible to say which look and feel everyone will like - it's a matter of taste / personal preference.
11.) Don't bug the cookers!!!! The people cooking ROMs for us are doing it in their spare time. They're not getting paid to do it, they're just trying to help each other out. While they seem to be interested in hearing about bugs so they can fix their ROMs, pestering them with requests to make some piddly change just for you is rude. Don't pester them with change requests and customizations, and then throw a hissy fit when they don't want to do it your way. If you don't like their ROM, then cook your own.
So, to pick the ROM that works for you, you're probably going to have to try a few out. The combination of OS and Radio will likely be regional (some will not be able to use the latest radio, for example), and form there on in you have to choose which has the dialer/contact manager you like the most, and includes the software you want to have (or go with a lite version).
Good luck!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sow basicly if I use Soft SPL and install a rom that has no radio and something goes wrong I can return to my original ROM. Is that right?
Thread renamed: added [Q] tag.
Please read the Announcements in the forums regarding posting rules!
Related
I've been reading the forum, and based on the information and the tools there I have been able to modify my extended ROM, which is great. Now of course I'd like to modify the main ROM as well, but despite the many hours I've spent searching the forum, I can't find the necessary information to do it. There's always something essential missing, something which probably is obvious to a programmer, but not to a normal user. As I've been able to modify the extended ROM, I guess I should be able to modify the main ROM too. Who can point me in the right direction?
from what i understand it's not even 100% possible with xda1 since people cant seem to make the extracted files back to a nbf file
and there are no tools that i know of that even extract the main rom from a xda2
As I understand it, when you upgrade the operating system, you're actually modifying the ROM. Some people here like to call it to "flash", I think, and there are a lot of messages about it in here. I just haven't found the information necessary to do it. I want to modify the ROM on my XDAII.
no the operating system is the rom which is in a eeprom in the device
when you flash the rom you replace the operating system with the new one
when you say modifying it mean more in the way of exchanging different files inside the rom
but if you just mean flashing the rom with a newer then here is a guide
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/wiki/HimalayaRomFlashing
What does EEP stand for? How many ROMs are there?
I've seen a ROM created here for the XDAI, containing more programs than what the devices normally come with. I would like to have a ROM on my XDAII containing the programs I use, so that I don't need to reinstall them every time the device is hard reset. Isn't this possible?
What does EEP stand for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
huh what does EEP have to do with this ?
suppose it could stand for
Executive Excellence Publishing
or
European Environmental Press
how many roms there are i think there are 1.5 1.6 1.66 and 1.72
about extra programs then they are not! in the rom they are in the extended rom any CAB file you copy to the extented will install after automatic after a hardreset
you should take a look at the romkitchens ( specifically for xda1, but can be made for xda2 as well ).
and mkrom, and the other romtools
EEPROM stands for "electrically erasable programmable read only memory".
this is sort of the predecessor of flash memory.
"electrically erasable programmable read only memory" sounds like a contradiction, but thanks for that, it makes more sense than EEPROM.
What about all of us users who don't have a Unix machine? I suppose we're stuck with the original ROM then, and have to install our programs over and over again for every hard reset. Of course you can put a few of them in the extended ROM, but it becomes full too quickly and you're left with installing the rest of them manually.
well you can upgrade to a newer rom as they come out
like i have 1.66 but if i wanted 1.72 i could upgrade
about contradiction heh yeah suppose so but then if it was 100% always READ ONLY then it would be random was what in it as how the transistors randomly set when it was produced
A newer ROM wouldn't contain the programs I want.
no :/ but it could contain bug fixes for ms and radiostack and such
i suspect that extented rom was made so it would be easier for the phonecompanys' and other 3th party resellers to get programs preinstalled fast without having to mess around too much in the rom
this is at the cost of memory though
but then some programs dident like to be in the rom i believe here i mean if setting files were places in the rom aswell and the program could not write to the setting file
mkrom also works on cygwin under windows.
( now I also wrote this in the wiki page )
Isn't that just for XDA I?
it works for windows ce in general.
that doesn't mean that there is no work involved in getting it to work, but it is possible to make it work for the xda2. I use it to build custom roms for the devices we sell, that is why I wrote it in the first place.
What's cygwin?
How much space is there in the ROM to add extra programs? In the ROM that this forum developed for XDA I they added quite many programs from what I could see.
http://www.google.dk/search?hl=da&ie=UTF-8&q=cygwin&btnG=Google-søgning
Thanks for that, Rudegar.
To Itsme: I don't mind the work, but it looks like its written for programmers and that if you're not a fairly skilled programmer, you wouldn't be able to do it.
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.
Can I use a ROM from one model phone to another. Ex. can I use the ROM from a Blackstone and use it on a Fuze? I know I can use the blackstone radio but how about the ROM?
thanks
fuzeman219 said:
Can I use a ROM from one model phone to another. Ex. can I use the ROM from a Blackstone and use it on a Fuze? I know I can use the blackstone radio but how about the ROM?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO!
You can't use another device ROM or RADIO.
thank you sir, but you say you cant use the radio either? in other forums people are using different radios, ex. blackstone radio on a raphael, (fuze)
Yes you can use radios in 2 cases:
1) the radios are compatible. If you're not sure, don't flash it.
2) the phone is security unlocked.
Also, to use a ROM from another device it must be dumped and then ported in a Kitchen, you can't just flash it. The Kernel's and drivers just won't work.
Dave
Well, a teacher I had, always told "you can, but you must not". You can jump down from the roof of a highscraper, but you should not have to do it...
So, you MUST NOT flash a ROM of a device into another different one. Yes, you have tools to do it, but you'll probably get an electronic brick to put in any hole of a brick wall.
There's a part of the ROM which is specific for the device. Another part is specific for the OS. So, some parts of a ROM are related to WM6.1 or WM6.5, etc. and some others are related to a device. That's what is called the Kernel, mainly related to a nk.exe file inside the ROM files. In example, we can run WM6.5 into a Kaiser with a nk.exe belonging to a kaiser and WM6.1... BUT for running same OS of a different device, (i.e. Opal's WM6.1 into Kaiser) you'll completely inutilize (maybe forever) the device. Yes, you can do it if sou have enough money to buy another device, but if you don't want it, I suggest you to send me your device or give it for charity, but not to destroy it.
Another thing you can do is, as you were told, "dumping" the ROM, this is extracting all the files and structure, and then port it (this is, adapting it) to your device's needs - this means, getting your specific drivers and kernel files and substituting them into the folders you obtained of the ROM. (Also, getting the correct screen resolution files). In example, nk.exe and other files will be different for a Kaiser and for a Herald. And you should have different Camera files, as the drivers are different for one device and the other one. Also, a Touch HD uses different screen resolution that a Herald... so you must find the correct files for every device.
This looong post is to tell you that using ROMs from other phones is RISKY and also it GETS LOTS OF JOB (and TIME), and you'll always miss something. Only good, big teams, like to do it, not an only person. And they spend days, weeks, and must correct bugs and make trials and risk their devices even if they have lots of experience.
thanks
thanks folks, makes complete sense..
this leads to another question, how do you know if the radio is compatible with another device, ex. the blackstone radio with a raphael? I know the simple answer is to read the forums, which I have, but besides taking someones word for it, how do you know?
fuzeman219 said:
thanks folks, makes complete sense..
this leads to another question, how do you know if the radio is compatible with another device, ex. the blackstone radio with a raphael? I know the simple answer is to read the forums, which I have, but besides taking someones word for it, how do you know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to know about the chips in the phone and what's in the radio firmwhere, I leave it upto the experts .
Just take peoples word for it, if in doubt, don't use it.
Dave
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.
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.