Develop Bugs

Flashing ROMs (Newbie)

Alright... I've pretty much lurked around here for the past month or so, reading everything I can about the subject, but I still have a few questions I haven't been able to find answers too.
1- If I flash my rom... will a hard reset return it to the original firmware, or whatever I flashed with? If not, is it possible for me to backup my original Telus firmware before flashing?
2- As noted above, I'm on Telus, but I see most roms are based upon Sprint, is this a problem?
3- What are the real advantages, honestly. I know picking and choosing your apps and such, "de-branding" the phone, but is there any performance enhancements, new features, etc?
Thanks for the time, and I appologize if this has been asked before. I did use the search button, I swear =D

Hi,
I too have a similar query. I tried finding it using the search function, but was unsuccessful in finding out how to backup my O2 XDA Trion ROM, as well as how to go ahead with installing a new one (an english ROM on a German XDA). Any tip will be helpful. In the meantime, I will go ahead and search some more. Thanks.

Depending on which rom you choose, you will be replacing the firmware on your phone. So if you ever want to go back, you will need to re-flash with the OE data/file.
OE roms consist primarily of 6 things:
1. SPL/bootloader
2. Radio
3. First splash screen
4. Second splash screen
5. Operating System
6. Extended Rom (carrier customizations)
Typically, to unlock a device, you will replace the bootloader with a hacked version that allows you to install roms that were not signed by the manufacturer for your device.
Most of the roms you'll find floating around are just OS and ExtRom updates, although some also include the radio. The splash screen is fairly irrelevant, and some cooks will replace it, while others don't even bother.

BobSlob said:
...1- If I flash my rom... will a hard reset return it to the original firmware, or whatever I flashed with? If not, is it possible for me to backup my original Telus firmware before flashing?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright, as for backing up your telus rom, be sure to check out dcd's vogue rom thread here, the last page says for you to pm him, and he will help you out there. there may now be one on the ftp however, since at least two others have already requested that he help them with the rom dump.
and no, a hard-reset will not restore your rom to the original. flashing your phone goes farther than a hard reset, and that is sort of one of the beauties of a custom rom as well; you can hard-reset at any time (to clear out footprints, screwed up files/reg keys/etc...) and not have to worry about installing all your apps again, re-setting up your email, re-editing your registry...etc.
hope that helps a slight little bit.

ROM Flashing Question - Is it possible to safeguard the device for reflashing?

Hello,
I have a question that I have wanted to ask for ages and have never found the answer:
Is there a way I can 'safeguard' my phone so if something goes wrong in the flashing process I can re-flash any ROM onto it and not the original device ROM?
I mean, could I put some special bootloader on first before flashing or something?
I ask this because for my device there is currently no original ROM (XDA Cosmo) - and I would like to test out some ROMs but am concerned I'll brick my device. I haven't had a problem yet doing it, but who knows - it does seem to happen to people even when they do everything right. And I don't think I'm the only person with this problem.
Any advice from more experienced members?
Thanks

A Bricked Device, Or Temporary You Cannot Reboot Your Mobile Device
uccellino said:
Hello,
I have a question that I have wanted to ask for ages and have never found the answer:
Is there a way I can 'safeguard' my phone so if something goes wrong in the flashing process I can re-flash any ROM onto it and not the original device ROM?
I mean, could I put some special bootloader on first before flashing or something?
I ask this because for my device there is currently no original ROM (XDA Cosmo) - and I would like to test out some ROMs but am concerned I'll brick my device. I haven't had a problem yet doing it, but who knows - it does seem to happen to people even when they do everything right. And I don't think I'm the only person with this problem.
Any advice from more experienced members?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have so called bricked my test device more than 100 times and each time I have unbricked it each time. So never panic if you brick your mobile device. I have even bricked the wifi several time, I just unbricked the wifi also, have fun with the new 6.1 ROM'S with out worry............!

Technology said:
I have so called bricked my test device more than 100 times and each time I have unbricked it each time. So never panic if you brick your mobile device. I have even bricked the wifi several time, I just unbricked the wifi also, have fun with the new 6.1 ROM'S with out worry............!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like your idea and your optimistic view
The problem is, I've read so often: "solve this error by reflashing with your original ROM", just I don't have one... and sofar I've haven't been able to recreate one. I did however hear about downgrading the bootloader before doing a real ROM flash and thought maybe this could be a solution...

Just re-read this: Excalibur Update SPL (USPL) 1.11
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=329605&highlight=wm6+excalibur+S620
And read this:
EDIT:
You can now also flash the USPL allowing you to flash any unsigned (cooked ROM or ROM module, e.g. radio or OS) or signed ROM with any model/vendor ID. The USPL substitutes your SPL until you perform a full ROM update. Consider it as an extra insurance in case something goes wrong with flashing cooked ROMs or any other ROM update !
Instructions:
1. Run the USPL (Excalibur USPL- CID BYPASS.zip)
2. Run the ROMUpdateUtility.exe (Excalibur-USPL-RUU.zip)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean even if something goes wrong flashing, I can still flash something else back (not the original ROM)?
I suppose another question I have is: Is a CID unlock, eg. from IMEI-check, permament?

Check this link to see if your official ROM is listed.
Official ROM Collection

Mikey1022 said:
Check this link to see if your official ROM is listed.
Official ROM Collection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately not There seems to be no XDA Cosmo ROM image anywhere.

Dump stock rom

Hi, Prior to flashing a new rom (Can't wait) I want to dump the original one for warrantee reasons. I have found a thread regarding the Kaiser, which is apparently ok for the Diamond.
1. Is there an easier way of doing it?
2. Is there an Orange stock rom out there?
Thanks in advance

I would be intersted in this aswell for warrenty reasons.
Would idealy like to just download a stock one for orange but i guess if we had the first batch we just need the stock HTC one as there are no orange bloat on them yet. I just hope orange realise this if any of the first batch have to be returned and dont turn around and say they have been flashed when they hanvet.

Interested by that for the same reasons.
And one more question : since when you flash a new rom you'll lose all your contacts and stuff, if you dump your rom, will those contacts be saved in the dump, and so will you get all back exactly the same way it was if you flash the dumped rom back ?

Question on newbie with rom update

okay, guys, I have a few question that I am hoping it can be answered before I advernture ito flashing my rom.
First of all, I relaly appreaciate all of the people who work so hard getting the rom updated. You guys rocks.
Now, this is the first time I am going to flash to my tilt 2. As I have read the flashing the GSM phone guide (which I am hoping that's the guide I should be following to flash). I am just a bit confused as to how to do it.
It appears to me that I must flash the SPL unlocker in order to flash to the any rom am I correct? Just curious what exactly does it do? If I flash it, would tehre be any issue if I decided to go back to the original rom. I saw that at HTC's site, they have stock rom for ATT phone (http://www.htc.com/us/support/tilt-2-att/downloads/)so if I want to go back, can I just use that file and flash it back? Or I need to flash to a diff HardSPL? before I can use it?
Also, i am curious as to are there any program that will let me keep all of the settings and stuff up to date. in my past where I have the hp's ipaq. I had a tool where after I flash teh rom or do a hardreset, I can run that tool to revert all of the program and configurations (of course, I had a backup file first).
Let me just double check:
basically
1-hardspl
2-rom
3-all set
again, my phone is ATT tilt 2, I would really appreciate any information.

The SPL is kind of similar to the BIOS in your computer; it performs very low-level functions, and functions as a bootloader, among other things. The SPL is responsible for flashing new ROMs to the device, and the SPL that comes on your device won't let you flash ROMs not signed by HTC. HardSPL is a patched SPL that removes this ROM signature check, allowing any ROM, official or custom, to be flashed. The way HardSPL is designed also makes it more difficult (though not impossible!) to brick your device.
If you ever want to restore your original SPL (for warranty purposes,etc.) there are a few threads which explain how to do this, and the HardSPL thread has all the SPLs available for download. If you flash the package from AT&T, your ROM will be the original ROM, but the SPL will still be HardSPL, which isn't okay if you're returning the device for warranty purposes since they check for that. As I said, there are a few threads which have full tutorials for restoring your AT&T Tilt2 to stock.
For backup, there are tons of solutions out there such as the User Customization types (XDA User Customization and Sashami), as well as the full backup and restore suites (Sprite backup, SPB backup). I've automated everything on my device with XDA User Customization, so I don't know much about the full backup and restore suites, though a backup and restore suite might be more what you're looking for based on your description.
Lastly, you have the order of flashing correct. Optionally, you can flash a radio ROM later on, but if this is your first time flashing, you might want to wait awhile until you're more comfortable with flashing.
OMGHAX 900th post!

Question from a NOOB about ROM's

I currently have a touch pro 2 with the stock sprint winmo 6.1 rom.
This thing is starting to lag and causes me to delete alot of messages
that i really don't want to.
I have downloaded a copy of the energy rom and the sprint 6.5 rom
but really have no idea what to do with them. I have read about
the hard spl and that if things are not done right, you can brick
the phone. Not trying to do much with it except get it to move
a little faster without the freeze.
Help please!!!

Firstly, you need to understand that flashing a new ROM will overwrite everything saved on your device's internal memory. If you have games, documents, or anything else of value on the internal memory, you'll need to back it up before you flash. Micosoft My Phone is a good way to backup contacts, SMS, and other personal data on your device.
After backing everything up, you'll need to prepare your device to accept an unsigned ROM. Keep in mind that flashing a new ROM VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY. There is no need to ever tell your carrier about it, though, and restoring it to factory conditions if you ever need to send it in is a piece of cake. Just don't go flashing a new ROM and show it off in your carrier's stores, because I guarantee you that they will block you from your warranty.
Now, you'll need to go over to the CDMA Hard SPL thread and follow the instructions there to put the Hard SPL on your device. You can't do anything until this is done. Hard SPL overwrites the SPL on your device and allows you to flash unsigned ROMs, radios, and other things that your carrier frowns upon.
Once that is done, you'll want to go on over to the CDMA task29 thread and run that tool as directed. This erases and formats your internal memory and prepares your device to accept a fresh new ROM. Only use the task29 tool with the files it comes with. Never swap out any part of it, unless you feel like messing something up.
Following the task29, you are now free to flash which ever ROM or radio you desire. Make sure you read the information presented in the threads of the ROMs you may choose. Many contain valuable information that will answer most of your questions.
You have a lot of reading ahead of you to understand how this all works. I strongly urge you to do some research into what you are doing and read the instructions carefully in each thread I've mentioned.
Lastly, make sure that everything you flash (ROMs, radios, et cetera) to your device is meant for a CDMA device. If your try to load something that is for a GSM device, you'll have yourself a shiny new paperweight on your hands.

Thanks for the info. Now if i want to flash to a new rom or update to 6.5 do i need to flash a new radio?

Dr.Ama said:
Thanks for the info. Now if i want to flash to a new rom or update to 6.5 do i need to flash a new radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you do not. Use which ever radio works best for you.

Dr.Ama said:
Thanks for the info. Now if i want to flash to a new rom or update to 6.5 do i need to flash a new radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. you shallnt need to flash a new radio with the rom.
just remember.
as cajunflavoredbob said...
flash only...
cdma hardspl.
cdma task29.
cdma rom(s).
sh4d0w86.