I've noticed that there are a lot of people wanted to upgrade the 'radio ROM' for some reason.
I'm just wondering, what is a Radio ROM?
And, as far as I understand about Extended ROM, it is for the network provider to add in their customed software/icon/logo (and application goodies) into the system, right? So, how about the irritating splash screen? That's in Ext ROM?
Sorry to create a new topic for this but I don't want to disturb the readily busy sites on topic how to upgrade radio rom on their respective devices.
Forum searches are wonderfull things....
Basically, the radio rom is the firmware that runs the phone, wireless and blutooth portions of the phone. Newer versions are likly to improve performance or fix bugs.
The extended rom does include operator customisations, and other programs to be installed when a hard reset occurs.
Hi!
sorry, if i´m in the wrong thread and please excuse my english :?
i´ve got a "n00b" question concerning the branding of a MDA Pro/QTek 9000/HTC Universal.
Please correct me if i´m wrong: :roll:
The branding is performed after a hardreset and can be interuppted via a softreset after rebooting.
the branding also includes the network parameters for UMTS/GPRS/MMS/SMS/etc...
Is there a *.CAB file where all these configuration information is stored?
if not - how is the configuration done?
why i´m asking this:
i want to update my ROM, but i don´t want to enter all configs by hand...
Thanks in advance for your help :roll:
there is indeed a cab file for this
i dont know which one it is for your provider... i only know which one it is for the dutch t-mobile settings
you could find wich one it is:
1) copying the current extended rom to your SD card
2) hard reset and soft reset before the custimazation or update to new rom (incl. extended rom)
3) start the 1st cab file and install
4) check if settings are made
5) go to step 3 and use the next cab file, until you found the one that does the correct settings you want.
6) use it in the new rom (put it in extended rom or keep it in SD card)
alternatively you could install the new rom without the extended rom
[edit]
gprs and mms probably have different cabs, they do in the t-mobile rom, so search till you know which cabs you want
hi bartjan!
thanks for your reply. i also got t-mobile. could it be that there is a naming convention for the files ?
do you know which one(s) did it for you?
i want to get the brand out of the MDA - thats the main reason why i want to flash. would it make sense then to flash without the ext_ROM ?
thanks
cab-customization-tmnl-universal-01-03-04aug05.cab
signed_uni_tmonl_conn_112101.cab
signed_uni_tmonl_set_111101.cab
these are the ones i use for my tmnl (T-Mobile NetherLands) settings
one is for my internet, one for MMS and i dont remember what the tird one for is. dont remember which does which also :wink:
if you want the brand out you shouldnt flash without the extended rom indeed.
you could remove the extended rom in this rom (and keep warranty) or flash entirely and use a better and faster rom with aku2 and a2dp support if needed.
Depends also on which bits of branding you want to get rid of.
First, there's the physical printings of tmobile on the alu plate and next to the screen and keyboard. The one on the alu plate can allegedly be removed with a sugarcube without damaging the alu underneath, but that doesn't work for the others.
Second, there's the "t-mobile" screen that pops up as, as it were, the BIOS screen, which is a special part of the OS rom and which you can change using some utilities found around here. Comes up before windows is booted, and then it will get the rom version superimposed on it, and only then you move on to the next bit:
The t-mobile screen while windows is booting, which is also part of the OS ROM (I think) but in the regular filesystem somewhere (?).
Then fourth there's the t-mobile 'theme', pink and white everywhere and a special today screen. That can be turned off in settings>today. The actual presence of the theme is again in OS rom, but the extended rom as its first action actually turns it on. You can easily edit that out of the config.txt in the extended rom if you want (it's the exec cusTSK.exe line).
Then there's the t-mobile Today screen plugin with the 5 icons. Not entirely sure when that comes on. I think it should be extended rom but I can't find it in any of those cabs. Experiment.
And then there's a whole load of other subtler stuff.
hi!
many thanks for the replies!
going to sync. my mda tomorrow - maybe the files are the same (except the language part)
removing the branding on the plates doesn´t interest me 8)
just software branding is what i get rid of.
going to get the qtek rom (1.3x.xx) but first of all i have to check which bootloader i got. don´t know at the moment.
thanks for the tips removing the "branding screens and themes" maybe i´ll need it for the qtek rom?! :roll:
i would like the rom because of speed, i don´t want to listen to "stereo" music via bluetooth and at the moment i don´t need push email (especially looking at the battery times when using it)
thanks and have a nice day
The Qtek rom doesn't have numbers 3, 4, and 5, just number 2 (except that it says QTEK, of course), but that's relatively easily rectified and also a fairly minor problem, given that it only shows up for 10 seconds or so, only after a reset.
thanks!
didn´t have time this weekend to sync. maybe i´ll get it this week.
thanks for the replies!
thanks!
didn´t have time this weekend to sync. maybe i´ll get it this week.
thanks for the replies!
Hi all
I've taken a good long read throughout this Upgrade to WM6 subforum, I like the idea of it a lot and want to go ahead and do it, but having never re-flashed a PDA Phone before (I've done my PSP lots of times tho but thats easy in relation) I think its very difficult to find anywhere to even begin from!
Can anybody just give me a total-overall-topdown-summary-breakdown of the steps I need to perform on a fresh T-Mobile MDA Vario II. Doesn't have to be in detail, just all the basic steps required.
The forums, whilst being great for regulars seems to just confuse me the more I read them because of all the new issues raised and the individual cases on different vendor models of the Hermes.
My phone isnt a new Vario II, but I've done nothing to it except install apps, and it is showing REALLY old bootloader (I think 1.04) and radio versions (cant remember) in the system information. I'm presuming it'll require a radio upgrade at the least.
I would really appreciate a summary of everything and I think all newbies would benefit a lot.
Specific areas of confusion and concern -
-I would like to be able to grab the existing memory contents as an image off the phone just in case I choose to return to WM5 in future, and have a way of easily restoring it with no fuss. Exactly like ghosting a PC will return the whole OS, and all files and apps. Any recommendations how?
-I cant choose which custom third party WM6 ROM to use or just use HTCs official one if I should.
-I dont know if I'll still be able to use TomTom Navigator and some games plus I'm running TCPMP with the YouTube FlashVideoBundle. Will this still work?
-Should I upgrade the radio and bootloader before thinking about moving to WM6? Is there any other areas I should be flashing/rejigging before upgrading? Eg whats this about the ExtRom and gaining more space (obviously good)?
-The vendor lock on the firmware concerns me. Is there one on the UK T-Mobile MDA Vario II? Also about what I read somewhere about how disabling the lock with one of your tools might brick the phone (or am I getting confused somewhere along the line).
-As the community moves on with further developments, the divide between n00bism (me) and l33t (you) increases - case in point - kitchens??? I'm not saying though that it shouldn't happen!
Many thanks for everybodys work.
Stu
I'm basing my comments on Vp3G's ROM,
Begin by reading over
http://www.mrvanx.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=26
(1) MUST DO: Download and install SPL (Bootloader) version 2.10.Olipro (HardSPL v7)
(2) Optional: Download and install an updated Radio. I'm using 1.54.07.00
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334697
Pick out a ROM and download it. I'm currently running vp3G's
ROM version: VP3G's v3.62
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334946
Install the ROM.
Study your phone, read, study your phone, read. Very soon, all of this will become second nature to you.
Heliosphan said:
Specific areas of confusion and concern -
(1) I would like to be able to grab the existing memory contents as an image off the phone just in case I choose to return to WM5 in future, and have a way of easily restoring it with no fuss. Exactly like ghosting a PC will return the whole OS, and all files and apps. Any recommendations how?
(2) I cant choose which custom third party WM6 ROM to use or just use HTCs official one if I should.
(3) I dont know if I'll still be able to use TomTom Navigator and some games plus I'm running TCPMP with the YouTube FlashVideoBundle. Will this still work?
(4) Should I upgrade the radio and bootloader before thinking about moving to WM6? Is there any other areas I should be flashing/rejigging before upgrading? Eg whats this about the ExtRom and gaining more space (obviously good)?
(5) The vendor lock on the firmware concerns me. Is there one on the UK T-Mobile MDA Vario II? Also about what I read somewhere about how disabling the lock with one of your tools might brick the phone (or am I getting confused somewhere along the line).
(6) As the community moves on with further developments, the divide between n00bism (me) and l33t (you) increases - case in point - kitchens??? I'm not saying though that it shouldn't happen!
(7) Many thanks for everybodys work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(1) No idea, but why would you want to return to WM5. Once you have WM6, you'll never go back. I'm sure there is probably a WM5 somewhere.
(2) I use http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334946
(3) Hit and miss. But probably.
(4) Upgrade the boot loader. Radio is optional, but I recommend it to.
(5) News to me
(6) Welcome to the world of custom, "free", ROMS. You like it or you don't. Download, support and enjoy, or move on
(7) You're Welcome
gwtx2 said:
I'm basing my comments on Vp3G's ROM,
Begin by reading over
http://www.mrvanx.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=26
(1) MUST DO: Download and install SPL (Bootloader) version 2.10.Olipro (HardSPL v7)
(2) Optional: Download and install an updated Radio. I'm using 1.54.07.00
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334697
Pick out a ROM and download it. I'm currently running vp3G's
ROM version: VP3G's v3.62
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334946
Install the ROM.
Study your phone, read, study your phone, read. Very soon, all of this will become second nature to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's basically what I just did last night after getting my 8525. I did the unlock before the above tho.
pretty easy and quick.
now I need a keyboard skin that is grey... schap's version (I think it was his) does not work for me dunno why.
Wow!
Thanks guys that was lightning quick!
I'll take a proper ganders at your responses tomorrow.
Thanks
Stu
ikkoku said:
That's basically what I just did last night after getting my 8525. I did the unlock before the above tho.
pretty easy and quick.
now I need a keyboard skin that is grey... schap's version (I think it was his) does not work for me dunno why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to programs\advanced config (or system tools, cant remember)
Find advancedconfiguration options, go to keyboard, then select Cingular out of the list
I had to do the same thing on schaps with my 8525
heheheh...this is post # 69 for me!
intrglctcrevfnk said:
go to programs\advanced config (or system tools, cant remember)
Find advancedconfiguration options, go to keyboard, then select Cingular out of the list
I had to do the same thing on schaps with my 8525
heheheh...this is post # 69 for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you talking about system tools\ htc custom?
it's already on Cingular
Also, anyone know how to get rid/change the second startup screen (Blue and Green with Windows Mobile)
Whoa, subject hijack...
...oh well, not to worry.
Anyway, in response to gwtx2, I might want to go back because some little thing I need might not work, and I might require some T-Mobile support, I'm sure they'll not touch a phone thats been reflashed with unofficial fw.
Also T-Mobile might release an official WM6 Hermes upgrade too.
Besides, have you never heard of this 'take backups = a good thing' thing?
Besides, it must be relatively easy, how else would all these custom hermes firmwares be built from?
How do these guys do it?
Thx
Stu
sorry .. didn't mean to hijack
Upgrade process.
gwtx2 et al.
Many thanks for pointing me towards MrVanx's Hermes Guide site.
Are you sure its fine to be using the VP3G firmware for my phone given it was derived from and is in general use with a US model AT&T 8525 (A hermes 100)?
My phone is a UK model T-Mobile MDA Vario II (A hermes 300)? Thats three differences I see (Country, operator firmware, hardware revision)!
Although MrVanx guide says the Vario II is suitable on the first page, I'm thinking its worth going for a different ROM derived from the Vario II for luck.
If I choose to go with another that was derived from the HTC official one, I'm presuming the general instructions are the same then?
eg.
#1 take down settings and xfer files.
#2 reflash HardSPL bootloader
#3 reflash radio version
#4 reflash ROM.
#5 restore settings & apps.
Am I right?
Many thanks again.
Done some stuff!
Hi all again.
Right, I've been perhaps too brave for my own good, but it turned out well!
I've installed HardSPL 2.10.Olipro on my phone, plus I've gone the whole hog and picked a very up to date radio version 1.54.00.10, I think it was originally ripped from a french firmware, I figured a Euro fw would be best suited for my UK model Hermes.
I was right I think - I now see a good fast T-Mobile home webpage, and sites load pretty good once it finds it. I also tried YouTube on TCPMP player, that seems quicker but I couldn't be totally sure.
One point I should note - When running the RUUWrapper app, AutoDetect flashed up a YES NO question on the PDA screen to accept running the program. Problem is I didn't catch it in time, so instead it threw up an autodetect error. Now after closing RUUWrapper and re-running it, it never throws up the YES NO question any more in any radio flasher (even after rebooting the PDA and the PC)! Instead I had to choose the HardSPL tickbox and the SPL 2.02/2.10 fourth option down, to continue. Slightly concerning but it worked.
Now all I need to do is up to a WM6 firmware when I choose one, it's gone well so far so my luck is bound to change!
QUESTION PLEASE-
Does anybody know the T-Mobile UK 3G Cellular Line access point password? I know the username but would need to fill in the pwd. The username is t-mobile but the pwd is ****** and wont copy paste of course! Its in the bit where you see the access point address - general.t-mobile.uk.
Many thanks to all for helping me this far.
Stu
Heliosphan said:
gwtx2 et al.
Many thanks for pointing me towards MrVanx's Hermes Guide site.
Are you sure its fine to be using the VP3G firmware for my phone given it was derived from and is in general use with a US model AT&T 8525 (A hermes 100)?
My phone is a UK model T-Mobile MDA Vario II (A hermes 300)? Thats three differences I see (Country, operator firmware, hardware revision)!
Although MrVanx guide says the Vario II is suitable on the first page, I'm thinking its worth going for a different ROM derived from the Vario II for luck.
If I choose to go with another that was derived from the HTC official one, I'm presuming the general instructions are the same then?
eg.
#1 take down settings and xfer files.
#2 reflash HardSPL bootloader
#3 reflash radio version
#4 reflash ROM.
#5 restore settings & apps.
Am I right?
Many thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The general answer to the first part is it doesn't really matter which provider gave you your Hermes as long as it is one. (Actually, there are some differences between Hermes models but honestly don't worry about that for now.)
Don't worry about going for a ROM that's derived from T-Mob. Basically, all the different network providers get given the latest working versions of Windows Mobile from time to time for them to either check and have a play with or to customise and release as an upgrade or in the newest issues of their phones (or as a download for current users).
My Hermes is Orange UK (i.e. SPV M3100) but I've ended up at various times having WM6 versions derived rom AT&T, T-MOb, HTC et al. The only thing that matters is that it's Windows Mobile for the Hermes.
As to going back to WM5, I think it's worth having the original ROM about. If you search around the Hermes Wiki (I'd do it but it's late and I honestly can't be bothered, soz!) you'll find a list of original ROMs available for download. Note your current version and go download it so it's there ready for you to pit back on should you ever want to. (Warranty-claim time can be a good time for that.)
I'd suggest the following as a routine, myself:
1. Note down any details you might need later such as ROM version etc. Anything that comes up briefly after soft-reset or in Device Info and About in settings and any network setting for acessing GPRS or 3G etc.
2. Download the OliPro bootloader and install. The reason for this is to protect yourself as much as possible against problems.*
3. Have a gander at all the current cooked ROMs. I'd advise initially going for a lightish version as you can always add to it with cab files for your preferred extra bits.
4. Don't go for the Kitchens yet. It's best to mess with installing ROMs before trying to make one. The people eho run the kitchen threads, and the people who wrote the tools they use, have all worked very hard on making it possible for people who don't know much to make their own version of WM6 easily. It's easy but do it later.
5. Radio is absolutely optional and in most cases not very unnecessary. Like everyone else, I always want the latest of everything just in case there's a tiny, incremental improvement but if you have no problems with reception or internet access then worry about that last, if ever. Not every radio version is 'better' than the previous. The most recent version always has the highest version number obviously, but new versions are often brought out to deal with issues in a particular geographical area (usually country-specific AND network-specific, though it may or may not be better for other users elsewhere). The latest version of radio may be better for you but it might be worse and it might stop your internet of wifi working or something. Leave it for now if you have no issues with any kind of radio-related functions.
6. Installing your apps and settings is obviously something you'll do when the phone itself is done.
*There is another BRILLIANT touch to make sure you're extra super-safe and it's particularly easy: follow this link: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Hermes_SDCardFlashing . Basically, if you keep a copy of the a ROM image (renamed to HERIMG.nbh) on your microSD card (check the wiki item for specifics) then you can flash your phone at the touch of a button (well, two butons) from there in an emergency. even if your house loses ekectrical power during the flashing process whilst it's connectedto your PC and your Hermes won't even THINK of booting with half an OS flashed to it, you can very nearly always restore the ROM by flashing from the card.
It's all dead simple one you get into it, it's just a tad worrying before you start to take a scalpel to a new toy you just paid good money for.
You'll be fine mate.
Aha! Your success story must've appeared whilst I was busy typing!
Nice one. Ah well!
WOOOHOOO! I'm on WM6!!!
Many thanks chunkymunky for all your comments, its nice to know some fellow brits are on here too. Which phone do you have?
Its also nice to know that any hermes ROM will work on my phone, and I'm definitely going to have a go at this SD card reflash at some point now I'm gaining confidence in reflashing. Having said that, I have an old HTC Blue Angel (Orange SPV something) and that used to occasionally crash and do a full hard reset, erasing everything. My hermes has never done that so SD reflashing could be moot.
As it goes I'd like to share my experiences - late last night I flashed my Vario II with Fun_Keys 1.5.2 thats based on the 3.62 WM6 ROM. It reflashed fine, and I am utterly over the moon!!!! My phone has been reborn into something far better, faster in lots of areas. T-Mobile UK be damned for not releasing an official WM6 upgrade (yet) because WM6 is noticeably faster, looks really great with the shiny black theme. etc etc etc.
And because of all the work the ROM authors have done, I now get full on HSDPA access on my phone, I get the H icon on the top bar and everything! I know the H Icon being present now doesnt mean that I didn't get HSDPA before on my original WM5 firmware, but I'm pretty sure it is muchos faster.
Besides, a while back, a guy on T-Mobile UK tech support said I'd only get HSDPA when using my phone as a modem for a laptop, not via PocketIE on the phone itself. That made me feel I'd been a bit ripped off.
Oh and TCPMP with FlashVideoBundle works fine too and the phone downs YT Videos really quickly. I don't even have a serious problem with the ATI Imageon stuffs.
I'd like to mention that after a good while using radio versio 1.54.00.10 that it works fantastically on a UK T-Mobile MDA Vario II. HSDPA access included. Not unexpected since it was on 1.05.05.00!!!
Also TomTom works fine with two different bluetooth GPS receivers I have. WM6 has granted me access to the 'External GPS' option in the control panel I was missing originally (bloody operator firmware!) - as a result Google Maps can now use my GPS too!!!
As a techie by profession, I'm also loving all the extra tools Fun_Keys put on, like the advanced configuration tool, the task manager, regedit etc.
Countless other advantages I've gained has basically brought my phone a new lease of life, now I definitely dont plan to upgrade to a newer phone any time soon.
Who would have thought such a simple thing would bring such happiness!
The only disappointment was with having to up to ActiveSync 4.5 which killed my partnerships! No biggie, and nothing to do with WM6.
a big Thank You to the XDA Developers forum in general for your tireless efforts.
Stu
every time i tried to update the rom or radio i've got the
260 error...why is that?...i have a htc mda basic t-mobile...and its sim locked to austria....can somebody tell me how to unlock it?
Hi all....
1st.. dont flash any full stock ROM cause it includes SPL and radio those (most important radio) are the first thing to brick a device...
2nd.. many times i flash back to wm6 just to test the performance, is ok but you must to stripp the stock rom and guess what?... is hard... so i suggest if you all want to go back to wm6 use the stripped att stock rom
I will receive my HTC Diamond tomorrow, and have a couple of questions regarding ROM upgrade:
1. Will it affect the warranty if I install a non-official ROM?
2. Which ROM is preferred, SwiftBL or Duttys Diamond? Any others?
3. I suppose that I will need to have all menus in English when upgrading the ROM, but is it possible to install Norwegian keyboard (with æøå) for writing messages?
4. In what way will the phone be improved (most recognizable)? Speed? Battery?
5. Are there any disadvantages connected to upgrading the ROM, or only advantages?
The question which ROM is preferred everyone would answer different. If your receiveing the phone tomorrow your rom could already be upgraded with the new original ROM and if it's not I suggest that you try out the original one first then start playing around with your phone.
Also dont forget that if your gonna be playing around with ROMS and SPL you should do your homework so that you dont brick your phone and end up with nothing but a lump.
The phone is improved in speed and battery, but mostly speed if you compare it to the first ROMS.
Ok so i'm new to this custom rom thing but i'm kinda forced to it since I bought my Diamond in India and apparently htc doesn't offer updates on their site and I can't be bothered to go to the airtel website (wich is probably in Hindy ) and look for an update.
So I managed to update to HardSPL 1.4 using the tutorial thread (thanks btw, all worked like a charm ) and installed the radio 1.0.25.05 (according to the same thread the recommended version)
So now i'm seeing many roms out there and have absolutely no clue wich rom to choose.
Maybe some advice ?
Here is my wishlist/stuff that matters
I'm based in Holland, so i'm bound to end up with one of the major providers here and gonna go for some hsdpa contract.
I'd love my HTC to be faster
I like the msn thing, but it's not required.
I don't want to be running beta/buggy softwares, my pc runs that kind of softwares, not my phone
Also i've seen (after installing the radio rom) that in a different thread there is a lot more different radio roms, with people liking the some better than the one reccommended in the tutorial post, is there a better rom and should I use it ? (better gps, faster, less batt usage ?)
Best are 1.93 rom for the "fast" part you asked but it's getting old (like 6 or 8month i guess). After you will want to go for a 2.03 rom which provides you more functionalities.
I will advise you Hikari rom, udK Syrius Topaz or Shaks or nataly. These are the rom I try every time there is a new release, I change rom every 1 or 2week so better is you check yourself.
You must have HardSPL unsigned edition for some of these rom, it's the same procedure as 1.4 SPL.
BTW, you know you can upgrade directly from your internal storage?
just put your nbh file in your storage card with the name "diamimg.nbh" (stands for Diamond Image) then reset while pressing VOL_DOWN + BACK (the button up from the hang up button). After this, you will see a HardSPL like screen (red blue green) then a gray~light blue screen asking to press the power button to upgrade.
You can do this for radio, spl and rom. It's quicker, safer and better IMO.
'night