Well, here it is, a new rom since Asus last put out a rom update back in 2008.
Thanks to Makuu (especially), Lenny, AstainHellbring, the creators of the tools I used to make this rom, and anyone else that I failed to mention in name who gave me the knowledge to complete this rom.
Asus Mypal A6x6 WM6.1.4 version 1
Windows CE version 5.2.20757 (Build 20757.1.4.0)
This was tested on an Asus Mypal A626 (and works). It should work with the A686/A696, but the other models were not tested.
Updates
Office Mobile with the addition of a zip decompressor
Additions (due to OS update)
Task Manager
domain enrollment
support for Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager
Removals
none
I really just took the stock Asus rom from the latest OEM update and upgraded the os.
download: http://sharecash.org/download.php?file=135906
At this time, this will be the only download link. Mirrors will be created in the future (after I give permission).
Instructions
Before you do anything, make sure you have at least a 256mb SD card and a card reader (you can get one at a place like Radio Shack or Office Depot). You also need to install winrar (found at http://www.win-rar.com/index.php?id=943&dl=wrar390.exe). Your SD card must be formatted with the FAT16 file system.
To format your SD Card with the FAT16 file system
Step 1: To do this insert the SD Card into the reader and go to "My Computer".
Step 1a: BACKUP YOUR FILES before you start!!
Step 2: Right-click the drive letter of the SD Card reader (differs for each computer, probably either E:\ or F:\ or G:\) and click "Format".
Step 2a: Don't worry about any of the options except for file system, choose "FAT"
Step 3: Click "Start" and wait until it is done
Step 1: Get (OS) rom image
Step 2: Extract files to any folder on hard drive using Winrar
Step 3: Go to the folder where you extracted the files in the RAR archive
Step 4: Make sure that the filename is "CANNES_A_WM6.img"
Step 4a: if the img file it's not exactly "CANNES_A_WM6.img", rename it to that
Step 5: Format the SD card if you haven't already done so using the instructions above
Step 6: Copy the img file to the SD card, see step 6a
Step 6a: Make sure that the img file is the ONLY file on the SD card after formatting
Step 7: Take SD Card out of SD Card reader and put it in the a6x6
Step 8: Make sure that the a6x6 is plugged in via ac adapter before doing the next few steps
Step 9: activate SD Loader using the following instructions {
Step 9a: Hold down the power button and enter button (that's the button in the center of the d-pad)
Step 9b: Double tap the soft reset button while holding the other 2 buttons
Step 9c: After double tapping the soft reset button, keep the other 2 buttons held until a blue screen comes up that says something like Asus Cannes flashing utility
Step 9d: Wait until the process is finished (it's near the end when it says "writing private")
}
Step 10: At this point, your a6x6 should reboot on its own
Step 11: enjoy your updated rom
If you have any questions, feel free to just post or PM me.
Update: As I release new roms, if you have a support question, please give me the rom version so I know what rom you are working with. You can get the rom version from the filename of the rom pack.
Example: Asus_A626_WM614_1
A626 = device (most often it will be A626, will rarely be different), WM614 = os version, 1 = release #
I do plan on posting a kitchen so you can make your own roms in a few days. Any future releases will include a changelog and will (probably) be posted on different threads.
My work is free for everyone's use, but if you feel compelled to give a donation towards my work (I am a full-time college student working on this in what little spare time I have), my paypal e-mail is "[email protected]"
It doesn't work on A696.
Flashing ok but on reboot it stay on Blue Asus logo.
Have to downgrade with USBLoader.
Try formatting the sd card with http://www.sdcard.org/consumers/formatter/ (you want full erase, not quick erase), then try the formatting and flashing instructions again. It can't hurt to run scandisk on the sd card either (check both fix and repair).
I tryed what you said, no luck.
I succesfully installed 6.1 from Globalbus but it suffer from translation problems.
Back to 6.0.
Ready to test future versions as 6.1 is MUCH faster to launch apps.
Thanks for the update Steven.
I'll be flashing tonight after work. I have to dig around to find a smaller SD card. Can the img be converted to an nb0 file that I can flash over usb? I found a tool called img2nb0 that was used with the Dell Axims but it didn't seem to convert correctly... I get a 0 byte output file. It's a dotnet program so I'm going to try to decompile it tonight and see if I can understand it at all.
I'll post later tonight when I've gotten it flashed and tested.
I tryed, but no luck too . Getting to something you call Asus Cannes flashing utility. It detects FAT16 SD Card and asking for external power. After plugging external power simply rebooting device after detecting SD card with no errors very quickly.
yurius said:
I tryed, but no luck too . Getting to something you call Asus Cannes flashing utility. It detects FAT16 SD Card and asking for external power. After plugging external power simply rebooting device after detecting SD card with no errors very quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the formatting program I posted a link to before and then try all the steps again.
I did modify the instructions to include the part about plugging it in the wall. I forgot that the asus tech support dude said you had to have it plugged into the wall before it will work.
bmasephol said:
Thanks for the update Steven.
I'll be flashing tonight after work. I have to dig around to find a smaller SD card. Can the img be converted to an nb0 file that I can flash over usb? I found a tool called img2nb0 that was used with the Dell Axims but it didn't seem to convert correctly... I get a 0 byte output file. It's a dotnet program so I'm going to try to decompile it tonight and see if I can understand it at all.
I'll post later tonight when I've gotten it flashed and tested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't waste your time. Unlike the dell axim, the a6x6 actually uses the img file as the flashing format (no extracting anything from the img file needed).
darky_mtp said:
I tryed what you said, no luck.
I succesfully installed 6.1 from Globalbus but it suffer from translation problems.
Back to 6.0.
Ready to test future versions as 6.1 is MUCH faster to launch apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who makes the sd card you are using and what is its size? SDHC cards will NOT work for this procedure, it must be a NORMAL SD card.
Also, the img file should be the ONLY file on the SD card after formatting.
Tryed to use USBLoader with this img file, get "CANNES_A_WM6.img is not a valid image file!" error. Next step was using SDFormatter with recomended settings (full erase, FAT16) - same thing with rebooting after detecting SD card (1GB Sandisk).
I was able to successfully flash my A626 tonight. Used a sandisk 1gb sd card. Formatted it with windows as FAT, did a full format not quick and copied just the img file. Rebooted the A626 using the instructions and it worked.
Played around a bit with WM, tested bluetooth and wifi. Installed my music program and it worked. Changed some settings around just to ensure that all worked.
Thanks for working on this Steven... let me know if there is anything specific you need tested. I'm going to leave it on the device. I use it everyday for a music player at work.
I might play around with the img2nb0 tool tomorrow after work just to see if I can get it to work.
bmasephol said:
I was able to successfully flash my A626 tonight. Used a sandisk 1gb sd card. Formatted it with windows as FAT, did a full format not quick and copied just the img file. Rebooted the A626 using the instructions and it worked.
Played around a bit with WM, tested bluetooth and wifi. Installed my music program and it worked. Changed some settings around just to ensure that all worked.
Thanks for working on this Steven... let me know if there is anything specific you need tested. I'm going to leave it on the device. I use it everyday for a music player at work.
I might play around with the img2nb0 tool tomorrow after work just to see if I can get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's good to see that at least 1 person verifies that my instructions and rom work.
You won't get the img2nb0 file to work at all on the asus rom. The img2nb0 tool was designed with the structure of (only) the axim rom in mind. It will not work with a non-axim rom (I tried it when I started my research on a626 rom cooking).
bmasephol
Is it possible for you to create NB0 file from clean (just after reflash or after hard reset)flashed device? This will help to create alternate method of flashing Asus A6x6 with this ROM.
yurius said:
I tryed, but no luck too . Getting to something you call Asus Cannes flashing utility. It detects FAT16 SD Card and asking for external power. After plugging external power simply rebooting device after detecting SD card with no errors very quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this effect too.
Several tries later it worked !
I used a 256MB card with only one file.
I think that if something was wrong with the card or file, the flash sequence could not say "all ok".
There's something my A696 don't like.
darky_mtp
I have sume suggestions about our problem. I think ,that problem is in AC adapter. I'm using some universal 5V 500mah adapter, that switch device into some data transfer mode (many usb devices charging only when connected to PC). So when I get Motorola AC adapter with MiniUSB I'll try to flash device from SD card.
yurius said:
darky_mtp
I have sume suggestions about our problem. I think ,that problem is in AC adapter. I'm using some universal 5V 500mah adapter, that switch device into some data transfer mode (many usb devices charging only when connected to PC). So when I get Motorola AC adapter with MiniUSB I'll try to flash device from SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I tested the rom, I used the standard ac adapter that came with the device. I would say that the only "supported" ac adapter with my roms is the one that asus gave you in the package.
My A626 enters SD flashing mode but then it reboots before flashing the new rom. I use Kingston 512 MB SD card, I tried doing full format on it both with Windows tool and SDFormatter. Flashing Globalbus 6.1 via USB works OK.
yurius said:
bmasephol
Is it possible for you to create NB0 file from clean (just after reflash or after hard reset)flashed device? This will help to create alternate method of flashing Asus A6x6 with this ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be willing to do that but I would want Steven to "bless" that because it's his ROM and I don't want to create another distribution source without his approval.
As for the ROM it has been working all morning without issue.
Ok, there is a tool that I used to turn the the img into nb0 files. However, that tool splits it into 3 parts, (apparently bootloader, os, and storage). The bootloader and storage nb0 files should not be touched. As for the os nb0, I have no idea what effect flashing just the os nb0 (generated with the tool) part via usbloader would do. If you do try flashing just the os nb0 file via usbloader, you're on your own as far as support and recovery is concerned. Even if the usbloader thing worked, I have no idea what effect it would have on the bootloader and storage parts (the device could be scarred for life as far as it's concerned).
Related
Hi everybody,
I'm stuck trying to upgrade my TyTn to WWE WM6 (HTC_TyTN_WWE_3.54.255.3_6275_1.48.00.10_108.exe).
After following all the steps of the upgrade wizard, the screen of the Tytn goes black and subsequently the ActiveSync connection is lost. After a while i then get the dreaded "ERROR [260]: CONNECTION".
I am running the original ROM (ROM 1.18.255.3) , and active sync 4.5 on Windows XP SP2. I downloaded the WM6 upgrade directly from HTC website after properly registering my device.
I even tried upgrading to SPL version is 2.10.olipro, but i still get the same behaviour.
[EDIT] Another thing i noticed is that when launching the upgrade executable, when it "veryfies informationj on my computer", if the TyTn is already connection via ActiveSync, it automatically resets into bootloader (4 colors window) and i am forced to perform a soft reset before re-trying the upgrade.
Could anybody help me out here?
Thx!
few people have seen this - no solution as yet.
Best workaround is to use the SD Card update method. No USB connection required.
todd_jg, could you please point me out to a procedure for upgrading to WM6 via SD card?
Thank you in advance.
dondobert
There is a description in the WIKI, just go HERE for instructions on how to flash from SD card.
Best wishes
I'm having the same exact problem....
I'll try the SD card method I guess. I'm suspecting it has something to do with how activesync recognizes my phone, because when I just sync normally it doesn't do it as well as previous phones, for example when I plug in the phone it wont auto recognize, I hafta manually start active sync on my computer before it starts.
this is because the usb port in the device is crap...it gets worn and then the cable gets lose....im having the same problem ,it is a nitemare...new usb cable sometime fixes the problem.i have tried 7 new cables the same happens. it gets so bad tha you will be unabled to charge the device,im afraid we got to send the device to htc for repair.
Still nothing...
Just tried for a few hours to perform the upgrade via SD card... but no way!
After reading various threads on the forum i think i tried every tweak and twist in order to have the upgrade via SD card method work (made sure the SD card is formatted as FAT32, not corrupted and with only the HERMING.nbh on it; tried also with SSPL-HERM.exe; etc.) but still no success at all.
Like other users i read of, after entering bootloader, my TyTn just sits there and the only way to proceed is to perform a soft reset.
Any idea?
Has anybody who has the USB upgrade problem been able to succesfully upgrade with the SD card method, or does there seem to be some kind of connection between the two failures?
Thx
@dondobert -
i assumed, you have already tried to uninstall and re-install ActiveSych 4.5 and recreate the synch profile.
OR
try this -
#1. on your phone device goto start-settings-connections-USB to PC
and set the tick mark to Enable advanced network.
#2. synch your device via ActiveSync
#3. do your upgrade OS or Radio
#4. once you are completed the install, undo #1.
Note 1: only do the above steps if you are having continously encountered the lost connectivity to ActiveSynch during the OS or Radio upgrade.
Note 2: your device must has either HardSPL Olipro method or SuperCID
The best way I have found to work around error 260 is
First disable Antivirus software
Next Go into Windows Firewall then exception tab, and search for "Windows Mobile-based Device Connectivity". Check it as an exception.
For the people who use Microsoft Live OneCare,
Go to "Change OneCare Settings" then go to the "Firewall" tab then click the "Firewall Connection Tool" . Make sure the Active Sync/Windows Mobile Device Center is checked on
Good luck
Let me know if this works
dondobert said:
Just tried for a few hours to perform the upgrade via SD card... but no way!
After reading various threads on the forum i think i tried every tweak and twist in order to have the upgrade via SD card method work (made sure the SD card is formatted as FAT32, not corrupted and with only the HERMING.nbh on it; tried also with SSPL-HERM.exe; etc.) but still no success at all.
Like other users i read of, after entering bootloader, my TyTn just sits there and the only way to proceed is to perform a soft reset.
Any idea?
Has anybody who has the USB upgrade problem been able to succesfully upgrade with the SD card method, or does there seem to be some kind of connection between the two failures?
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this problem, and managed to upgrade with my SD card just fine. In fact, my upgrade died and the device was stuck on bootloader mode.
The SD upgrade method is so reliable I may just do it now for every upgrade.
@dondobert -
on your reply post #8, you have mispelled on the HERMING.nbh file name. it should be HERMIMG.nbh
please verify the file name on your SD card, and rerun the SD procedure.
I had the same 260-error. Fixed:
- Did a "Clear Storage" (factory settings)
- Did all the "settings up your new device"-stuff.
- Did new active sync to computer (vista)
- Flashed just fine from original exe. (And i do have olipro SPL)
I have problem and resolved
Hi I have a same problem but, i just try to upgrade with mobile in boot mode and appears the error, but when connect normally mobile to pc and start upgrade error dissapear, and upgrade full, schap's spanish and radio 1.50 try this method cheers
Had the same problem and got it working
You need to set you TyTn in bootloader (4 color screen) mode and then connect it to the computer. then start loading the WM6 and you should be fine. I had done it using Schaps wm6 and it worked fine...
good luck.
Hi there ...
I had the same Prob with error 260 ...
- After i disabled the "USB-TO-PC" extendet function
- Reboot the PC
- Soft Reset my Vario II
ist works, but i don't know why
I hope it will work on yout decive to ... CU No.Trace !!!
Successful!!!
Thank you all for the great support!
For all of those out there still struggling with the problem, for me it finally worked following hellomotto's suggestion.
Regarding otoro_315 remark: yes, my mispelling int he post, file name on SD card was indeed HERMIMG.nbh.
Thank you all again!
Cheers
Had exactly the same problem. Resorted to SD upgrade - went very smoothly (Official Cingular WM6). However, will keep these suggestions in mind for the future.
I think the SD upgrade probably also eliminates some possible points of failure. According to wiki instructions, SD must be erased except for the img file - takes a bit to transfer 2G to/from SD. Don't know if this is a must - but didn't want to take a chance. Might just buy a cheapie SD just for upgrades.
One more for the SD card method. Extremely quick too ...I was really amazed that a 45MB ROM would flash in less than 5 minutes.
And it worked fine for me WITHOUT even formatting the SD Card first, I just pasted the extracted .nbh file to the root folder and loaded the SSPL file.
You mean the SD card was not erased and there were other files on it? (You don't say that explicitly).
I too was amazed at the speed - the wiki said it takes about 30 minutes - when it indicated complete in less than 10 min, I let it alone for about 15 min. because I thought it was going to do something else!
consul said:
One more for the SD card method. Extremely quick too ...I was really amazed that a 45MB ROM would flash in less than 5 minutes.
And it worked fine for me WITHOUT even formatting the SD Card first, I just pasted the extracted .nbh file to the root folder and loaded the SSPL file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey guys,
i've problems to update my pocket pc to mobile 6. I tried both methods no one works for me.
First i tried to connect my pocket to my pc and started windows mobile center. Downloaded all the files, but always when i start the update, my pocket goes to the boot screen with the red, freen and blue stripes and the connection disconnects. And i get the message 260 update problems and my pocket stays at the boot screen. Than i tried the same with Windows XP and ActiveSync, the same problem again.
After that, i tried to update with a micro SD card 2GB. I downloaded the "Hard-SPL-V7"-File and saved it to the micro SD. Rebooted the Pocket, but nothing happend, the pocket stayed in the boot screen. Than i renamed RUU_signed.nbh in HERMIMG.nbh and tried it again, nothing happens.
Can somebody help me please? I want to use mobile 6, because i want to use a 8GB Micro SD.
EDIT: THANKS A LOT, but now i have a new Problem i described it in post #6 in this thread. Thank u 4 helping me.
EDIT II: Thank u all, i fixed it by myself. Finally the upgrade worked with XP and ActiveSync. The best thanks to ultramag69 again, he solved my problem.
If you are using vista you need to install this, removing all older versions
Do you have the newest .net framework on your computer from here?
You wont be able to flash via SD without HardSPL, so you need todo it via activesync.
Try another USB port.
Try flashing the shipped from for your device, you can get your newest WM6 rom from here.
If that fails, tell us:
Whats your device (theres loads of different models of the Hermes)
Have you flashed anything before?
What rom is on your device atm?
What SPL do you have atm? (Hard or not)
Also check your serial number against this list for known problems.
There are certain steps needed to be taken. First is making sure your computer has the .net compact framework. Get it here.
Only then can you run hard spl from your computer.
Also, when you put on a .nbh file onto the microsd and rename it, you need to go into bootloader not reboot. You need to hold the power button and ok button while pressing the reset button with stylus...
I have got the same problem....
Using XP not able to flash neither via Active sync nor by SD card...
Stck at MRH 8.4...
Go to post 1160 on page 116 of this thread to flash Hard SPL using the sd card method - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=296722
You can't flash using the sd card method without Hard SPL. To flash Hard SPl on you need to do an extra step - flash with soft SPL.
To flash the os just leave out steps 5 & 6 from the above post after you have Hard SPL installed...
Cheers...
Thank you guys for helping me,
A big thank to ultramag69, your post solved my problems. It worked great.
But now i have a new problem. I upgrated the SPL to HardSPL v7 (opipro 2.10). With the help from ultramag69 it worked perfect. Sooner i did the radio update with Micro SD - worked perfect too.
So finally i tried to update the ROM, downloaded the german ROM version from this Thread copied all files to the micro SD, renamed the SPL.nbh file in HERMIMG.nbh and did a reboot (ok, start and reset buttons) like i did it before. But it shows me at the screen only HERMIMG.nbh and BOOTLADER. When i start the update it runs 2 seconds and i get the message HERMIMG.nbh - OK BOOTLOADER - OK UPDATE COMPLETE. But it doesnt start the WM6 Update. Why not? Can someone help me again please?
I think the only file that's supposed to be on the microsd is the hermimg file...
not sure if having other files there will effect it like that...
Rollswap said:
... copied all files to the micro SD, renamed the SPL.nbh file in HERMIMG.nbh and... But it doesnt start the WM6 Update. Why not? Can someone help me again please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only file that you have to copy to your SD card is RUU_Wrapper.nbh (size: about 90 MB) after naming it to HERMIMG.nbh
note that this will up-/downgrade your Radio to V1.47.00.10 so you can also check other available German Versions with other Radio versions on the Hermes Wiki
Please help
I have done everything but not able to flash...
Currently i have flashed AT&T rom...
with Hard SPL (a year ago)
I am not able to flash via USB or by SD card...
always everything stuck at bootloader
Please help
alex8525 said:
Please help
I have done everything but not able to flash...
Currently i have flashed AT&T rom...
with Hard SPL (a year ago)
I am not able to flash via USB or by SD card...
always everything stuck at bootloader
Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok are you running XP? what errors do you get on your PC? what ROM are you running currently? etc etc, the more information you can give us the more we can help
zocster said:
Ok are you running XP? what errors do you get on your PC? what ROM are you running currently? etc etc, the more information you can give us the more we can help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using XP..Activesync 4.5 installed...
Previously I have flashed many ROMs using this setup and even I have flashed AT&T official ROM yesterday (Previously I was on MRH 8.4)
Now I am not able flash...Phone is connected and synced...
On strating any Flash (I have tried many PDAcorner, MRH, Schaps etc.. Even AT&T official again) It goes upto bootloader, I can see USB in bootloader..
After that PC shows your phone is not connected acheck USB connection...
And even using SD card method I can go up to bootloader then it does'nt flas anything and not even shows any ROM...
I have Hrd SPL alredy flashed
Any one help?
alex8525 said:
I am using XP..Activesync 4.5 installed...
Previously I have flashed many ROMs using this setup and even I have flashed AT&T official ROM yesterday (Previously I was on MRH 8.4)
Now I am not able flash...Phone is connected and synced...
On strating any Flash (I have tried many PDAcorner, MRH, Schaps etc.. Even AT&T official again) It goes upto bootloader, I can see USB in bootloader..
After that PC shows your phone is not connected acheck USB connection...
And even using SD card method I can go up to bootloader then it does'nt flas anything and not even shows any ROM...
I have Hrd SPL alredy flashed
Any one help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so what is the status of your device now, have you flashed back to official shipped rom?
Please try these instructions. also here please view.
If the sd card is more than 2gb it won't be recognised by bootloader. The os (wm06+) is able to detect and read sdhc but the bootloader doesn't.
Did you format the sd card fat32. I know a few people who swear black and blue they did but when I reformatted it, it was registering as being fat.
Did you copy ONLY THE .NBH file to the sd card and rename it to hermimg.nbh? Won't be recognised if you didn't.
These are steps I tend to go through myself as 1 little thing overlooked can mean either nothing happens or disaster....
Cheers...
WHile trying to install NFSFAN's latest Telus rom my phone disconnects and reconnects causing an error right after teh 0% progress bar shows up on the phone's screen.
I don't think it's a new problem because the Windows Vista machine makes the connect/disconnect noise repeatedly when I plug the USB cord in (though I've never had a problem syncing contacts etc.).
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew a fix for me so I can play with Manilla 2D etc.
I advise you read more on how to unlock your phone, and perform a proper flash.
If for some reason your PC is not loading the drivers correctly, then you should use the mini SD card method of flashing.
1) Save the rom as voguimg.nbh on a fat32 drive less than 2gb.
2) power+camera+reset on bottom will put the phone into flash mode and begin reading the file from the flash drive.
eatmeimadanish said:
If for some reason your PC is not loading the drivers correctly, then you should use the mini SD card method of flashing.
1) Save the rom as voguimg.nbh on a fat32 drive less than 2gb.
2) power+camera+reset on bottom will put the phone into flash mode and begin reading the file from the flash drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he should probably do a bit more reading on the topic like NFSFAN says first...
the direct sd card method is what I use (since i'm on Linux) but you have it incorrect as case matters.
The firmware should be named:
Code:
VOGUIMG.NBH
it should reside in the root directory of your sd card and it sometimes helps if theres nothing else on the card. ppcgeeks has a great faq on the whole ordeal. Read first thoroughly imo.
Did you even unlock it? (using Coke)
Try putting it into bootloader, let it load the drivers, and then run the upgrade...
USB ERROR
I had trouble with the driver install as well. I used Vista Business with no luck. Next I tried XP, still no luck. Lastly, I tried on my laptop that has Windows 7 Beta. W7 Beta installed the driver and it read as a palm os base device, NFSFAN's Beta 3 Rom Rom has the phone codes in the Program folder under system Tools. You can enable it that way. I was able to accomplish the agps methood.
i read around for methods on flashing a rom. this is my first time .i did a back up with hpb backup and put hard spl 2 on my phone. from what i read sdcard is the best route to go . my question is do i need to erase everytihng off of my card before doing the rom? or can i leave it all there put the ruu file on there and get started ? maybe i should ask is there a tutorial to how to do the different methods?
a side note how do i know if a rom is friendly to changing the orientation when you slide for the keyboard
Natureboyhcg said:
i read around for methods on flashing a rom. this is my first time .i did a back up with hpb backup and put hard spl 2 on my phone. from what i read sdcard is the best route to go . my question is do i need to erase everytihng off of my card before doing the rom? or can i leave it all there put the ruu file on there and get started ? maybe i should ask is there a tutorial to how to do the different methods?
a side note how do i know if a rom is friendly to changing the orientation when you slide for the keyboard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't have to take everything off the card. Make sure your card is 2gig or smaller and not SDHC. Here is a link to the instructions in the wiki:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Hermes_SDCardFlash
As far as the keyboard orientation you could search in the rom's thread for any reference to it or just flash the rom and see for yourself.
KK13 said:
No you don't have to take everything off the card. Make sure your card is 2gig or smaller and not SDHC. Here is a link to the instructions in the wiki:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Hermes_SDCardFlash
As far as the keyboard orientation you could search in the rom's thread for any reference to it or just flash the rom and see for yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im confused, does the card need to be 2gb or smaller, not sdhc, to properly do hardspl or general. cause ive read the phone only supports 2gb or smaller microsd. but i have also seen the 16gb or 32gb thread, ive seen others saying about using larger than 2gb cards in their phones. im awaiting the delivery of my phone currently and i have a 4gb microsd i use in my htc excalibur i was planning on using. so im majorly confused as to if im going to be able to use it or not, or if i just need a 2gb to do the intial hardspl then ill be fine w/ my 4gb once i go to a cooked rom.
would greatly appreciate some clarity on this all from someone.
WM05 and bootloader only support 2Gb or less though there is an sdhc patch for WM05.
WM06 had the patch to support SDHC cards from 4Gb up to 32Gb. WM6.1 and WM6.5 are also SDHC compliant.
You need a 2Gb or less sd card to flash an OS or different SPL as the bootloader only supports 2Gb or less. Its not upgradeable.
Now that everythings clear as mud,
Cheers...
You could also pick up a 1 gig (or even a 512meg) card on the cheap to do your flashing, and use the 4 gig for your everyday storage in the phone. Then have the best of both worlds!
psylink said:
im confused, does the card need to be 2gb or smaller, not sdhc, to properly do hardspl or general. cause ive read the phone only supports 2gb or smaller microsd. but i have also seen the 16gb or 32gb thread, ive seen others saying about using larger than 2gb cards in their phones. im awaiting the delivery of my phone currently and i have a 4gb microsd i use in my htc excalibur i was planning on using. so im majorly confused as to if im going to be able to use it or not, or if i just need a 2gb to do the intial hardspl then ill be fine w/ my 4gb once i go to a cooked rom.
would greatly appreciate some clarity on this all from someone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need a smaller than 2gig card for flashing. Everything else you can use your 4 gig card. (As Ultramag69 and Boog321 say) The original question was to do with flashing hardspl or roms only.
KK13 said:
You need a smaller than 2gig card for flashing. Everything else you can use your 4 gig card. (As Ultramag69 and Boog321 say) The original question was to do with flashing hardspl or roms only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HardSPL only needed to install once, after that you can install whatever ROMs you like many times.
True, but if you use the sd card method to install roms you will still need a 2Gb or less sd card...
ultramag69 said:
True, but if you use the sd card method to install roms you will still need a 2Gb or less sd card...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Ultramag
I have a problem installing with sdcard.
Have followed the Wiki, have discussed with you previously, Boog and anagarika still no solution. I have elaborated step by step what I did in separate thread.
Do you mind have a look and advise some?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=316726&page=34
StefanHou said:
Hi Ultramag
I have a problem installing with sdcard.
Have followed the Wiki, have discussed with you previously, Boog and anagarika still no solution. I have elaborated step by step what I did in separate thread.
Do you mind have a look and advise some?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=316726&page=34
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try formating the SD card on a desktop (or laptop) computer and not phone with Memaid?? Maybe that has something to do with it. Is it a 2gig card or less than 2 gig??
As KK13 said, try a pc to format the card as the steps are right.
Double check that the .nbh is named hermimg.nbh as I know of at least 2 people who named it herming.nbh, small mistake but a critical one.
Remove and insert the sd card then reboot to tri-colour screen. Might do something.
But I strongly recommend using the PC to format the sd card FAT32.
Cheers...
ultramag69 said:
As KK13 said, try a pc to format the card as the steps are right.
Double check that the .nbh is named hermimg.nbh as I know of at least 2 people who named it herming.nbh, small mistake but a critical one.
Remove and insert the sd card then reboot to tri-colour screen. Might do something.
But I strongly recommend using the PC to format the sd card FAT32.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Onya dude .. you have a better way with words !!
ultramag69 said:
As KK13 said, try a pc to format the card as the steps are right.
Double check that the .nbh is named hermimg.nbh as I know of at least 2 people who named it herming.nbh, small mistake but a critical one.
Remove and insert the sd card then reboot to tri-colour screen. Might do something.
But I strongly recommend using the PC to format the sd card FAT32.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, will find SDconverter and try the suggestion, thx KK and Ultramag
*Newbie* Custom ROM Flashing Guide
Just follow the steps start from 1. Don't skip step unless it is an optional step.
PC Requirement: Windows XP, ActiveSync [Don't try to flash with Vista if you are new], 7zip Installed (Google it)
Connect your device to your computer and make sure the ActiveSync icon appeared on your phone before proceeding. 50% or above bettery is a must. Your phone won't charge when flashing.
1. HardSPL (A Big Big Must)
I asume you are using the original ROM from manufacture as HardSPL won't work with custom ROM.
Download HardSPL V7 from here. Unzip the whole things. Execute the "RUUWrapper" thing and select "Force Using SSPL". Check all the boxes in all the steps and continue with updates. Look at your phone and press "Yes" to everything that prompted. Then your phone will restart in Tri-Color mode [a.k.a bootloader] and start flashing HardSPL.
In this case if any errors appear on your computer screen before the update progress start, soft reset your phone, let it boot into Windows and start RUUWrapper again.
If error appear during flashing progress, then you might in deep hell. Try not to worry. Manually put your device into bootloader (Hold On/Off Btn + Left OK Btn, then push the soft-reset btn). Then start the RUUWrapper again.
End of the step you should see 'HardSPL 2.10Olipro' in bootloader mode.
2. Radio Flashing *Optional*
You can choose not to flash your Radio Stack if you satisfy with the existing. Additional, Radio Stack flashing is the main cause of device bricking (the death of your device)
Choose and download your Radio ROM here. Do some research about the Radio ROM that fits you and your country. Recommended the latest 1.56.70.11. Unpack everything and you will see something similar to HardSPL (RUUWrapper). Don't run RUUWrapper this time.
Let's do the safe way. Format your MicroSD card into FAT32 (Kill yourself if you don't know). Then copy the RUU_signed.nbh into your MicroSD. Then rename RUU_signed.nbh to hermimg.nbh. Put your MicroSD into you phone.
Manually put your phone into bootloader mode. Then a different screen with grey background should appear shortly. Press On/Off btn to start flashing. After the process done (it will tell you when it is done, don't try to judge yourself if you feels that 50% is done), soft-reset your phone.
During flashing, put your phone aside and enjoy your coffee. Don't touch it before it ends as this is dangerous. Don't ever fail radio flashing. Careful, careful and careful.
End of this step, you should see R 1.56.70.11 during Windows Boot.
3. Custom ROM Flashing
First, download Dopod 838 Stripped ROM. Then unpack it. Delete your previous hermimg.nbh in MicroSD which you use to flash Radio Stack. Then copy RUU_signed.nbh from Dopod 838 Stripped ROM to your MicroSD and rename it to hermimg.nbh. Put your device into booloader and start flashing like how you flash you radio rom. After it done, give your device a Hard-Reset (Hold Left + Right softkey and press Reset. Slide you keyboard then press R and SPACE). This official ROM from Dopod is very important which need to be flashed before you flash your custom ROM.
Then the last step is get your custom ROM loaded. Download custom ROM from this forum (Recommended from TAI_sw or JoshKoss).
Then simply follow the steps in Dopod 838 Stripped ROM Flashing.
(Then copy RUU_signed.nbh from Custom ROM to your MicroSD and rename it to hermimg.nbh. Put your device into booloader and start flashing like how you flash you radio rom. After it done, give your device a Hard-Reset (Hold Left + Right softkey and press Reset. Slide you keyboard then press R and SPACE).)
Yes. I have grammar mistakes. Sorry!
That's your ROM and don't expect every ROM is stable. You will see some bugs in Custom ROM. Post your bugs at their own thread.
Anything just PM me.
Thanks
-Ziv-
zivkong said:
*Newbie* Custom ROM Flashing Guide
Just follow the steps start from 1. Don't skip step unless it is an optional step.
PC Requirement: Windows XP, ActiveSync [Don't try to flash with Vista if you are new], 7zip Installed (Google it)
Connect your device to your computer and make sure the ActiveSync icon appeared on your phone before proceeding. 50% or above bettery is a must. Your phone won't charge when flashing.
1. HardSPL (A Big Big Must)
I asume you are using the original ROM from manufacture as HardSPL won't work with custom ROM.
Download HardSPL V7 from here. Unzip the whole things. Execute the "RUUWrapper" thing and select "Force Using SSPL". Check all the boxes in all the steps and continue with updates. Look at your phone and press "Yes" to everything that prompted. Then your phone will restart in Tri-Color mode [a.k.a bootloader] and start flashing HardSPL.
In this case if any errors appear on your computer screen before the update progress start, soft reset your phone, let it boot into Windows and start RUUWrapper again.
If error appear during flashing progress, then you might in deep hell. Try not to worry. Manually put your device into bootloader (Hold On/Off Btn + Left OK Btn, then push the soft-reset btn). Then start the RUUWrapper again.
End of the step you should see 'HardSPL 2.10Olipro' in bootloader mode.
2. Radio Flashing *Optional*
You can choose not to flash your Radio Stack if you satisfy with the existing. Additional, Radio Stack flashing is the main cause of device bricking (the death of your device)
Choose and download your Radio ROM here. Do some research about the Radio ROM that fits you and your country. Recommended the latest 1.56.70.11. Unpack everything and you will see something similar to HardSPL (RUUWrapper). Don't run RUUWrapper this time.
Let's do the safe way. Format your MicroSD card into FAT32 (Kill yourself if you don't know). Then copy the RUU_signed.nbh into your MicroSD. Then rename RUU_signed.nbh to hermimg.nbh. Put your MicroSD into you phone.
Manually put your phone into bootloader mode. Then a different screen with grey background should appear shortly. Press On/Off btn to start flashing. After the process done (it will tell you when it is done, don't try to judge yourself if you feels that 50% is done), soft-reset your phone.
During flashing, put your phone aside and enjoy your coffee. Don't touch it before it ends as this is dangerous. Don't ever fail radio flashing. Careful, careful and careful.
End of this step, you should see R 1.56.70.11 during Windows Boot.
3. Custom ROM Flashing
First, download Dopod 838 Stripped ROM. Then unpack it. Delete your previous hermimg.nbh in MicroSD which you use to flash Radio Stack. Then copy RUU_signed.nbh from Dopod 838 Stripped ROM to your MicroSD and rename it to hermimg.nbh. Put your device into booloader and start flashing like how you flash you radio rom. After it done, give your device a Hard-Reset (Hold Left + Right softkey and press Reset. Slide you keyboard then press R and SPACE). This official ROM from Dopod is very important which need to be flashed before you flash your custom ROM.
Then the last step is get your custom ROM loaded. Download custom ROM from this forum (Recommended from TAI_sw or JoshKoss).
Then simply follow the steps in Dopod 838 Stripped ROM Flashing.
(Then copy RUU_signed.nbh from Custom ROM to your MicroSD and rename it to hermimg.nbh. Put your device into booloader and start flashing like how you flash you radio rom. After it done, give your device a Hard-Reset (Hold Left + Right softkey and press Reset. Slide you keyboard then press R and SPACE).)
Yes. I have grammar mistakes. Sorry!
That's your ROM and don't expect every ROM is stable. You will see some bugs in Custom ROM. Post your bugs at their own thread.
Anything just PM me.
Thanks
-Ziv-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Ziv
I have flashed over twenty or more cooked ROM, and they are successfully done through Active Sync. As you see in my signature, My IPL is 1.04 and my SPL is 2.10 Olipro.
I have also followed Ultramag and KK suggestion to format the SDCard using PC. And still stuck in bootloader (3 colors) and one more: it states 'Serial' in the bottom color (white).
I also bought the new 1GB SDCard, but the problem persit.
So, is there any other suggestion to try?
StefanHou said:
Hi Ziv
I have flashed over twenty or more cooked ROM, and they are successfully done through Active Sync. As you see in my signature, My IPL is 1.04 and my SPL is 2.10 Olipro.
I have also followed Ultramag and KK suggestion to format the SDCard using PC. And still stuck in bootloader (3 colors) and one more: it states 'Serial' in the bottom color (white).
I also bought the new 1GB SDCard, but the problem persit.
So, is there any other suggestion to try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ultramag, KK13, Boog & Zocster
Have tested using SD Converter and formatted it with PC, still no use. In the boot loader screen, I stucked with 'Serial' in the white bar. Is this meaning something to you? Any other work around?
Man, I don't have a clue. The only issue I ever encountered was thinking my card was formatted fat32 when it wasn't.
I think this is now beyond me.
StefanHou said:
Ultramag, KK13, Boog & Zocster
Have tested using SD Converter and formatted it with PC, still no use. In the boot loader screen, I stucked with 'Serial' in the white bar. Is this meaning something to you? Any other work around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well now .. you've got me too. I have only had "serial" showing in the boot loader once and it was because I had the wrong sd card in with no HERMIMG file. Once I put the right one in with the file and reset the device it was ok. All I would suggest is to do a Hard reset and follow all the steps again one by one, triple checking everything. Maybe write everything you do down and post it back here.
Also check your spelling of hermimg.nbh as a simple error will screw up everything...
Also put sd card in then reset to bootloader, hold in all the buttons - ok, power and reset with stylus, until the bootloader comes up.
Cheers...
KK13 said:
Well now .. you've got me too. I have only had "serial" showing in the boot loader once and it was because I had the wrong sd card in with no HERMIMG file. Once I put the right one in with the file and reset the device it was ok. All I would suggest is to do a Hard reset and follow all the steps again one by one, triple checking everything. Maybe write everything you do down and post it back here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KK13, Boog and Ultramag
OK this is what I did last night:
1. Flashing to the shipped AT&T Stripped ROM
2. Having it reflashed with the HardSPL V7 (to ensure the file is non corrupted, I re-downloaded it from some links in some thread and check the file size, they are all the same )
3. Reformating my SD Card with PC for FAT32;
4. Copy the nbh file and rename it with HERMIMG.nbh (recheck three times and I think I get it right. btw, is there any different to write it in capital? );
5. Press OK and Power, then stick the reset button.
6. Go to the boot loader (with 'Serial' on ht white screen)
Hello everyone. I haven't flashed Android to NAND yet but I'd like to try it.
I am sure this question has been asked before but I did try the search and I couldn't find it. Sorry if this has already been asked.
So, for the Kaiser, if I flash Android to NAND (ie: Polymod's most recent) how do you flash back to Windows Mobile?
I'm concerned because USB does not connect properly when Android is running with HaRET ("unrecognized USB device" using XP SP3 couldn't make heads or tails of the drivers in the SDK but then I didn't try installing the whole environment)
So I guess my question is -- even with the device unrecognized, can you still flash it back? If so, how? Is it really simple and easy?
Please let me know and point me in the right direction! Thanks!
aikeru said:
Hello everyone. I haven't flashed Android to NAND yet but I'd like to try it.
I am sure this question has been asked before but I did try the search and I couldn't find it. Sorry if this has already been asked.
So, for the Kaiser, if I flash Android to NAND (ie: Polymod's most recent) how do you flash back to Windows Mobile?
I'm concerned because USB does not connect properly when Android is running with HaRET ("unrecognized USB device" using XP SP3 couldn't make heads or tails of the drivers in the SDK but then I didn't try installing the whole environment)
So I guess my question is -- even with the device unrecognized, can you still flash it back? If so, how? Is it really simple and easy?
Please let me know and point me in the right direction! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beleive you can always follow the process here.
Your boot loader should not change when flashing so not being able to use the USB while in Android is not going to prevent your returning back to a stock ROM. I have not tested this but I'm pretty sure that you can always get back to your boot loader screen and re-flash from that point. Can someone confirm that this is the appropriate solution?
deekjx said:
I beleive you can always follow the process here.
Your boot loader should not change when flashing so not being able to use the USB while in Android is not going to prevent your returning back to a stock ROM. I have not tested this but I'm pretty sure that you can always get back to your boot loader screen and re-flash from that point. Can someone confirm that this is the appropriate solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did anyone try this solution?
Since the bootloader is still there all you do if not able to flash via async when in android is flash via bootloader
Moved to general as not ROM Dev.
Thanks for the information, guys!! I will have to try it out over this weekend and see how it goes...
I can confirm that flashing via bootloader works fine, also flashing from SD works as well, in fact I keep a 128MB sd with a WM kaisimg.nbh on it handy just in case I need to flash a good WM rom for some reason.
Is there an Android OS with everything working on the Kaiser?
Dukenukemx said:
Is there an Android OS with everything working on the Kaiser?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can see in different post of android rom what works and what doesn't works.
actually, Bluetooth and camera never works for in android 2.x build and some other apps doesn't works
I've been running Android for a few weeks now from this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=614382
I've found everything to work with the exception of Bluetooth, video camera (normal camera works fine), and the barcode scanner. Also, my battery life is cut in half, but I have an extended life battery so I get a day or two out of it.
I prefer this method as you can just boot Android at will and can soft reset to go back to WinMo.
Just to let everyone know I did flash WM back just fine since I have HardSPL 3.56 and used the stylus to press the reset + camera button at the same time to get to the tri-color screen.
From there I flashed from USB without any problems.
Thanks again for all the help!
I am having problems reverting back to WM after attempting to install android to NAND. Something happened where the only way I was able to get to the android installer would be if I had the KAISDIAG.nbh file on the SD card so it would get past the tri color hard spl screen . Well as a result, I can't get into boot loader. It shows that screen for a split second, then if I do camera + power and then reset. Then I have to pull the battery. Can someone help me? It seems like it will only go into the Android bootloader, which obviously won't allow it to install a WM rom. SD flashes are my only choice because the usb port is pretty messed up. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
The procedure for flashing WM back using SD card is much the same as flashing the Nand bootloader for Android.
First get a WM rom, copy the RUU_Signed.nbh to SD card, rename it to KAISimg.nbh, pull the battery, replace, press power and hold camera button, this should start the flash process.
Note that the SD card must be formatted FAT32, or it will not find the KAISimg.nbh.
If you prefer to flash a stock rom you will usually have to extract the RUU_Signed.nbh from the installer, just open it in winrar.
the reset in android is not working correctly. The correct way to get into bootloader is to pull the battery, wait a few minutes, rpelace the battery, press power and then press and hold camera button, do not use reset.
zenity said:
The procedure for flashing WM back using SD card is much the same as flashing the Nand bootloader for Android.
First get a WM rom, copy the RUU_Signed.nbh to SD card, rename it to KAISimg.nbh, pull the battery, replace, press power and hold camera button, this should start the flash process.
Note that the SD card must be formatted FAT32, or it will not find the KAISimg.nbh.
If you prefer to flash a stock rom you will usually have to extract the RUU_Signed.nbh from the installer, just open it in winrar.
the reset in android is not working correctly. The correct way to get into bootloader is to pull the battery, wait a few minutes, rpelace the battery, press power and then press and hold camera button, do not use reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but unfortunately this still did not work. Have any other suggestions? I think the only way will it even do anything is if I have the KAISDIAG.nbh file on the card. It recognizes that, but then goes straight to linux. IDK what else to do. Could you be a little more clear on the procedure for getting into the bootloader? Thanks.
Ok please follow these steps carefully.
1. Format the SD card, make sure you are formatting it as FAT32, not FAT.
2. Download a Winmo Rom from somewhere handy.
3. Extract the Rom to a handy folder, find the RUU_Signed.nbh file, rename that to KAISimg.nbh
4. Copy the KAISimg.nbh file to the SD card. You should only have one file on the SD card, no folders just the NBH file.
5. pull the battery from the phone, wait at least 5 minutes.
6. Replace the battery. Press Power button, and hold down camera button, until the tri color screen appears.
7. The screen should now change to a white one, and when it's checked the nbh it will ask you to press power key again. do that.
8. Now it should flash the rom, this should take a while, 5-10 minutes, once it's finished you should get a message of success.
9. Now pull the battery again, wait 5 minutes, replace the battery, and power on, you should now boot into Winmo.
Hopefully this should solve your problems, if not then let me know which setp failed and we can work on that stage.
Finally, don't panic, take it slow, it'll all work out
Thanks, but the problem starts at number 6. I am supposed to press the power button, release it, and hold the camera button till it gets to the white screen, right? It's still stuck at the splash screen. I tried holding both and that didn't work either. Anything else I can try? I hope i'm not screwed?
If I put the battery in, boot it up, then push the camera and insert the stylus into the reset hole, it gets to the tricolor screen, then for about 0.5sec it flashes the white screen with a message saying "No image File." I know for sure the .nbh file is there.
I have experienced this before, when I tried to use an SD card that was formatted FAT, when formatting you must make sure it is formatted FAT32, the bootloader cannot read FAT formatted SD cards, even if Winmo and Android can.
I format using a card reader, and in windows it is sometimes easy to overlook the file system type, most SD cards are usually formatted FAT when they are new, and you must change the formatting, or it will just format FAT again.
zenity said:
I have experienced this before, when I tried to use an SD card that was formatted FAT, when formatting you must make sure it is formatted FAT32, the bootloader cannot read FAT formatted SD cards, even if Winmo and Android can.
I format using a card reader, and in windows it is sometimes easy to overlook the file system type, most SD cards are usually formatted FAT when they are new, and you must change the formatting, or it will just format FAT again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, as much as I wish it was, it is not the problem. I'm on a Mac, but booted windows 7 to be make sure it was formatted to FAT 32, which it was. Is there some way I can fix permissions? Every time it runs, I keep getting the error saying that it is in read only mode. I obviously need to get it into writing mode. I don't think the fix permissions option on the installer did anything either.
The eclair build still will not install on my phone. I changed to an earlier .nbh file and now don't need the KAISDIAG.nbh file to get out of the splash screen and into the installer. When I run the install command for NAND, it says it can't mount, "no such file exists", "failed to extract." Keep in mind I haven't even gotten Android installed to NAND, just the installer itself. I can't even go back to WinMo either. It also seems like a permissions error since I believe it said the SD card is read only, but when plugged into my computer I fixed that and now it is read-write, but not on the phone. Please help because I really want to either get this working, or get back to WinMo instead of have this useless phone I currently have. Thanks.
Is there a way to enter the command line from the installer screen?
Tilt Fanatic said:
The eclair build still will not install on my phone. I changed to an earlier .nbh file and now don't need the KAISDIAG.nbh file to get out of the splash screen and into the installer. When I run the install command for NAND, it says it can't mount, "no such file exists", "failed to extract." Keep in mind I haven't even gotten Android installed to NAND, just the installer itself. I can't even go back to WinMo either. It also seems like a permissions error since I believe it said the SD card is read only, but when plugged into my computer I fixed that and now it is read-write, but not on the phone. Please help because I really want to either get this working, or get back to WinMo instead of have this useless phone I currently have. Thanks.
Is there a way to enter the command line from the installer screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, I'll try and sum up your experiences. Tell us if we're missing anything;
You have the following symptoms
Linux Android-installer works
Tri-color bootloader semi-works
You cannot use the USB
You cannot install polymod's Eclair build
Now, you have mentioned a couple of things you have tried, such as
Replacing the Linux NBH with another version
Fixing permissions on the SD-card
Fixing permissions through the Android-installer
Flashing a WinMO ROM through SD card
You did mention getting other behaviours when you switched to another NBH, such as "KAISDIAG.nbh" not being required.
Now, this is a long shot coming from me, as I have had no troubles with flashing, and the fact that I can use my USB, but since your phone is pretty messed up I guess it can't hurt as a suggestion;
You can flash to other NBH's I take it, as you mentioned you did a downgrade. What I'm a bit curious about is whether you did try to flash to a WinMO rom when you had downgraded to your current NBH.
Also, you said the previous NBH required you to have "KAISDIAG.nbh" on the card to even get working. Did you try and rename a WinMO-ROM's NBH to "KAISDIAG.nbh" and flash that? Might be that the flasher is really constrictive with the file names.
EDIT: Oh, and what about trying to run other Eclair builds? Just to see if you can nail it down to this being a problem of the builds or something more bound to the actual hardware/SPL/NBH's.