I have been a member here for the past few weeks and have been excited at the progress made with the latest AKU updates. The problem is that I can only understand what the updates do. I understand what the AKU is, but am confused by a lot of things.
First, I own a UTStarcom 6700. (HTC Apache, I believe?) My carrier is TELUS Mobility in Canada. My biggest fear is bricking my mobile. I understand that I am supposed to install the latest AKU in Bootloader mode. If I mess up an update, or the update just doesn't work with the mobile -- or even if it does work and I want to go back -- can I go into Bootloader mode again and install the last OFFICIAL firmware update to go back to AKU 2.2? There is an update process here on TELUS' web site. Because my mobile came with the latest firmware, I didn't need to do this. But for those more in the know, does that page I just linked detail what I would essentially need to do to go back to the last official firmware?
That out of the way, what exactly is required to update the firmware to add AKU 3.3 support? I have seen a few .exe files floating around, and I am wondering if they are generic? I have seen a couple that indicate they are for the HTC Apache, but are they generic to that mobile, or tailored for Sprint, Verizon, etc.? I'm afraid of crapping something out on my mobile because the firmware adds some features for Sprint, or lacks some features for TELUS. (Things I am worried about are #777 for DUN, that sort of thing, and other carrier features or details.)
That brings me to the next thing... extended ROM. I sort of get the impression that if there is anything specific to my carrier that it is contained in the extended ROM? I've seen people discussing how to unlock the extended ROM, though I haven't figured out how to do it myself, mainly because I am not sure if I have to. If there is nothing for me to gain, I won't do it.
In a nutshell, I own a UTStarcom 6700, my carrier is TELUS Mobility, and I would like to upgrade to AKU 3.3. (I understand that AKU 3.5 is still buggy, like no USB sync support at the moment -- correct me if I am wrong.) I see a lot of posts throughout the forums, but nothing really all in one place. I would love a step-by-step detail of how to do it. In fact, if I could get a few people to help me get this going, I would offer my services to create a how-to with screenshots, etc.
If someone could help me with this, I would really appreciate it. If something comprehensive could be written up, could we sticky it?
So any word on Crossbow yet? I've heard a couple people might be working on it. I'm guessing it will include all of the benefits of AKU 3.3 and then some?
Thanks in advance!
hello i am a total begginer to the windows mobile scene.
Is there anywhere i could go to get basic information such as where to get the unlocker and how to install android and such.
i apologize if im posting this on the wrong forum.
The easiest way to get GPS is to upgrade to you carriers OFFICIAL GPS release, I believe most companies have released their GPS version for this device. If you are looking to customize you device. You will need your carriers updated GPS ROM. So I would suggest you download it from the HTC website anyway. Then follow the links advice: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=394039&highlight=tutorial
The Unlocker can be downloaded here: http://ppcgeeks.com/forum.ppcgeeks/showthread.php?t=20370
Then have fun finding the best ROM for you. A warning to you though. Flashing is very addictive!! Stay away as long as you can....it's like heroin!!
Good luck, and welcome to the community
As for Android I have not done it myself so I have no personal experience but I have posted a link for you. Here.
Make sure you upgrade the radio of your vogue before running android.
What carrier are you on? Give this link a try.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=23244
gold_sprinter said:
The easiest way to get GPS is to upgrade to you carriers OFFICIAL GPS release, I believe most companies have released their GPS version for this device. If you are looking to customize you device. You will need your carriers updated GPS ROM. So I would suggest you download it from the HTC website anyway. Then follow the links advice: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=394039&highlight=tutorial
The Unlocker can be downloaded here: http://ppcgeeks.com/forum.ppcgeeks/showthread.php?t=20370
Then have fun finding the best ROM for you. A warning to you though. Flashing is very addictive!! Stay away as long as you can....it's like heroin!!
Good luck, and welcome to the community[/QUOTE
Do not let the customization run. When you first turned on your phone & WM loaded. You were asked to adjust the screen & such. On the last screen it asks you to tap the screen to start using your device. After you tap the screen there will be a count down to when to customizations start running. You should soft reset your phone right after you tap the screen. I am on Verizon & if you let the customizations run then your GPS will be locked. It can be unlocked but it is quite a process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone know of any custom roms for US Cellular?
I have not seen any on here, at ppcgeeks.com, or ppchaven.com.
One of the other two site may be able to help you as they are more geared towards CDMA devices.
You are in luck!
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=53675
you should be able to flash a custom rom that is not particular to US cellular.
For instance, I'm on sprint, I have a bell radio and a custom bell rom, running no problem.
noob - so noob that I just popped out 3 weeks ago. How exactly (as in step by step) do I flash a rom. I have been looking and searching and googling but to no avail of instructions.
I have seen I need to unlock my phone (codes like ##3242# do not work on my USCC HTC Touch (which shows as a vogu100 on the system screen) and QPST does not even see my phone - but I do not know how to use that either.
I saw that I should use Coke 2.3 (or something like that) from ImCokeman on PPCGeeks (probably here too.
Again where do I get step-by step (in a how-to for complete imbiciles). Could anyone help me here?
All I realy want to do is turn on my GPS and possibly the wifi as my users manual says it has it and there should be a button for it in comm manager but it is also missing.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin M Carman
Maine Notary Net
Bangor, Maine (in the boonies)
mainenotarynet said:
noob - so noob that I just popped out 3 weeks ago. How exactly (as in step by step) do I flash a rom. I have been looking and searching and googling but to no avail of instructions.
I have seen I need to unlock my phone (codes like ##3242# do not work on my USCC HTC Touch (which shows as a vogu100 on the system screen) and QPST does not even see my phone - but I do not know how to use that either.
I saw that I should use Coke 2.3 (or something like that) from ImCokeman on PPCGeeks (probably here too.
Again where do I get step-by step (in a how-to for complete imbiciles). Could anyone help me here?
All I realy want to do is turn on my GPS and possibly the wifi as my users manual says it has it and there should be a button for it in comm manager but it is also missing.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin M Carman
Maine Notary Net
Bangor, Maine (in the boonies)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM & Radio do you currently have? I asume that since you posted on this thread that you are on US Cell?
UNLOCKING
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=20370
You will have to use WINRAR to extract the files to a folder. Connect your phone to your computer with activesync (xp) or WMDC (Vista) to establish a connection. You just need to run the ROMUpdateUtility.exe & follow the instruction.
FLASHING
Once you have unlocked you phone download what ever ROM you want & extract the files to a folder using winrar. Establish a connecrtion & run the ROMUpdateUtility.exe. Then follow the instructions.
You can also flash from the bootloader screan power+camera+reset. If flashing a stock ROM then copy the VOGUIMG.nbh onto your micro sd card. Tehn enter the bootloader screen power+camera+reset. You ROM should start flashing automatically. If you want to us a custom ROM you will follow the same process but you will have to remname the nbh file. It will be named RUU_Signed.nbh & you will need to rename it to VOGUIMG.nbh after copying it to you micro sd card.
Look at this page.
http://www.atwistedweb.com/xv6900/index.html
Carrier is US Cellular (nice instructions -- for verizon - can't chance a se of instructions that brick my phone)
System info shows:
ROM version: 3.01.573.4
ROM date: 10/10/08
Radio Version: 3.42.3
Protocol Version: DCAAXAM-4350H
Hardware version: 0001
PRL Version: 15068
PRI version: 1.32.027
Browser Version: MSIE 6.0
Bootloader shows:
Vogu100
SPL-2.01.0000
cpld-3
I have come across the unlocking thread 13 different times but it is not specific to USCC it even says it. This is for a CDMA device, the HTC vogue aka SPRINT touch (not elf) - if it bricks my phone I am s.o.l. as they rund $500+ retail and I aint got it lying around.
Oh well - maybe I am just paranoid but I need my phone and can't take a chance that my phone becomes a paperweight just for one added feature especially when it does have an option for external GPS and those I can get for 30-50 dollars.
I wish I had more confidence in myself but well...
Thank You.
Update: Unlocked and flashed the ROM in this tread for USCC and still my GPS don't work -- this is the one thing I wanted. No help
Dette makes a really nice fully loaded ROM, fast and smooth, not really my taste mainly because I like to keep all my apps up to date and when they're cooked in you cant. I like a nice clean ROM that I can customize myself, But Dettes is awsome if you just wanna "flash and go", plus your pretty limited on your choices because of your carrier
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=34284
yearn said:
Dette makes a really nice fully loaded ROM, fast and smooth, not really my taste mainly because I like to keep all my apps up to date and when they're cooked in you cant. I like a nice clean ROM that I can customize myself, But Dettes is awsome if you just wanna "flash and go", plus your pretty limited on your choices because of your carrier
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=34284
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for Diamond I have Vogue I did the one that was posted at the beginning of this post and although not bricked major changes made that I do not like.
I now have to see if I can find the original USCC stock ROM only thing I need is the GPS - the rom changed my contact, can not change default area code, plays music when not told to, etc.
that's what I get for trying.
No this is for the Vogue, its just the Diamond edition. I flashed it this morming to my Alltel touch. I assume its called that cause its got the M2D which makes it look like the Diamonds TF3D. Trust me
yearn said:
No this is for the Vogue, its just the Diamond edition. I flashed it this morming to my Alltel touch. I assume its called that cause its got the M2D which makes it look like the Diamonds TF3D. Trust me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may be but when my first rom flash (using the one above causes major problems (opera sucks want IE back (rather firefox but)) and I can not change the default area code anymor. I do not kbnow if I want to try again -- I think I can find my stock USCC rom at HTC site. Iall I wanted was a GPS not 17 hours of headaches.
mainenotarynet said:
That may be but when my first rom flash (using the one above causes major problems (opera sucks want IE back (rather firefox but)) and I can not change the default area code anymor. I do not kbnow if I want to try again -- I think I can find my stock USCC rom at HTC site. Iall I wanted was a GPS not 17 hours of headaches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry man, Ill see if I can help you find it.
Ok found it, hereya go.
http://www.htc.com/us/SupportDownload.aspx?p_id=185&cat=2&dl_id=186
Hi all,
I've been trying to convince NFSFAN to make a US cellular version of his awesome ROM. He said he would do it if there were at least three users interested. So far I just have myself and johnficca interested. Please go to: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=432487 to view the ROM and ask NFSFAN to make a US Cellular version.
P.S. Please be polite, respectful and grateful in your posts. NFSFAN is busy and does a lot for this and other communities.
I don't understand - I have a US Cellular HTC Touch Pro2 and the GPS and WiFi are both working fine right out of the box. My guess is that you either have them turned off (although I don't remember seeing an option to turn the GPS off), or you have faulty hardware.
slochild said:
I don't understand - I have a US Cellular HTC Touch Pro2 and the GPS and WiFi are both working fine right out of the box. My guess is that you either have them turned off (although I don't remember seeing an option to turn the GPS off), or you have faulty hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are answering in the wrong forum. You have a TP2 and this section is for the HTC Touch (aka Vogue).
Hi, I bought a HTC touch pro 2 phone a couple months back with windows mobile 6.5 on the phone and today i woke up to find that the operating system was some beta version and that it has run out so now the phone is not working. There is no information anywhere what to do.
I have tryed going on the htc site and downloading software but when i put the serial number in it says that it is not suitable
How can i install an operating system that will work or even get this version to work
Any help would be apprecitated
What an incredibly weird problem.
Your best bet* is to go to your carrier's website (rather than HTC's) and download their most current ROM.
Alternatively, you could download one of hundreds of custom ROMs here or on other sites. Just make sure you use a GSM ROM if you have a GSM phone or a CDMA ROM if you have a CDMA phone.
*Many are going to insist that a custom ROM is your best bet. Since you don't seem to be very familiar with these concepts I really think a stock ROM from your carrier is the best place to start in order to get your phone working again.
dazzyweb said:
Hi, I bought a HTC touch pro 2 phone a couple months back with windows mobile 6.5 on the phone and today i woke up to find that the operating system was some beta version and that it has run out so now the phone is not working. There is no information anywhere what to do.
I have tryed going on the htc site and downloading software but when i put the serial number in it says that it is not suitable
How can i install an operating system that will work or even get this version to work
Any help would be apprecitated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What model of the TP2 is it, where did you buy it, and what carrier are you using it on?
EDIT: I'm guessing I already know the answer to the 2nd question
sirphunkee said:
What model of the TP2 is it, where did you buy it, and what carrier are you using it on?
EDIT: I'm guessing I already know the answer to the 2nd question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you bought a used phone that someone had put a custom rom on. Ive heard people discuss in the NRG Rom thread that some of the roms previous to April 1st would expire on the first of may. This sounds all too similar.
My advice... flash a new rom. Especially if you DID but the phone used. That's like what is going on. Do some reading in the Rom sub forum and you'll see what I'm talking. find the NRG Rom thread and search "expiration" or something.
Hope this helps some!
Hi, It expired on the 1st may so i guess that might be what the problem is. How can i instal i new rom? and where can i get this information. Do you have any links?
Thanks
dazzyweb said:
Hi, It expired on the 1st may so i guess that might be what the problem is. How can i instal i new rom? and where can i get this information. Do you have any links?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a big question that you're best just doing some reading on and if you have questions as in those threads.
The thread's you want to read are here ---->Touch Pro2, Tilt 2 Windows Mobile ROM Development
Read through those threads that are at the very top with "Sticky" next to them. All the threads below are rom related threads about certain roms availabe to install etc.
Dear all,
I have HTC TP2 device, and I tried to add shortcuts on the home page, when I got the steps from the HTC site, I could not apply them, can anybody help me in this?
- I could not find the '+' button.
- When I press and hold on an icon in the start menu, I can find only one command in the popup menu (Move to top).
---
From HTC site:
Personalizing Your Home Screen: Shortcuts
Placing shortcuts on your Home screen gives you quick access to your favorite programs, contacts you most frequently communicate with, and other information.
Adding a shortcut
Press HOME and then tap the + button. You can also press and hold an empty area on the Home screen.
When the Add to Home options menu opens, tap Shortcut.
Select the type of shortcut to add to the Home screen. You can create a shortcut to a Bookmark, Gmail label, your mail inbox, music playlist, a contact, or a program.
To quickly add an application shortcut that is on the All programs screen to the Home screen, press and hold an application icon. When the phone vibrates, drag the icon to an empty area on the Home screen, and then release it.
This can only be done if you are running Sense 2.5. Most TP2/Tilt2 phones came with TouchFlo 3D or an earlier version of Sense. These have a Programs page where you can choose which program icons you want to appear, but they won't be on the Home page.
Thanks a lot for you reply. May you please tell me what is the difference between Sense and TouchFlo, are they two different programs, which is better and if those programs are supported from HTC or not. In other words, can I go to an HTC shop in my country to install it for me or it is downloadable from their site?
mrtarrouk said:
Thanks a lot for you reply. May you please tell me what is the difference between Sense and TouchFlo, are they two different programs, which is better and if those programs are supported from HTC or not. In other words, can I go to an HTC shop in my country to install it for me or it is downloadable from their site?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get in touch with your carrier to see if an upgrade is warranted for your device. Only a couple of carriers got the Sense "upgrade." It is considerably slower than TF3D if you go through their options. If you really want to experience Sense the way it should be, try one of the many custom ROMs on this site.
Thanks a lot. Can you refer me to one of the good ROMs here in the forum.
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the info and other info that might help:
Country: Egypt
Carrier: Vodafone
ROM Version: 1.86.415.2 (67102) WWE
ROM Date: 12/28/09
Radio Version: 4.49.25.17
Protocol Version: 61.44tc.25.32U
ExtPkg Version: 1.48.415.70
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cajunflavoredbob said:
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for you both. Here are the info and other info that might help:
Country: Egypt
Carrier: Vodafone
ROM Version: 1.86.415.2 (67102) WWE
ROM Date: 12/28/09
Radio Version: 4.49.25.17
Protocol Version: 61.44tc.25.32U
ExtPkg Version: 1.48.415.70
cajunflavoredbob said:
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people seemed pleased with the latest ATT ROM with Sense 2.5. I never flashed it, so I can't personally comment. And the shipped ROM was so horrible, I have trouble believing it myself. Plus, you get the usual ATT bloat. But I mentioned the possibility of an official ROM update, only because many people are scared of flashing a custom ROM.
But I completely agree with you that a custom ROM is probably the way to go.
To the OP, poking around on the internet, I see that Vodafone in Egypt is GSM, so you can use the custom ROMs on this website.
redpoint73 said:
Some people seemed pleased with the latest ATT ROM with Sense 2.5. I never flashed it, so I can't personally comment. And the shipped ROM was so horrible, I have trouble believing it myself. Plus, you get the usual ATT bloat. But I mentioned the possibility of an official ROM update, only because many people are scared of flashing a custom ROM.
But I completely agree with you that a custom ROM is probably the way to go.
To the OP, poking around on the internet, I see that Vodafone in Egypt is GSM, so you can use the custom ROMs on this website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Yes Vodafone Egypt is a GSM operator. Can you tell me whether I can backup my original ROM before I flash a cooked one (in case I needed it) ... And also please refer me to the best cooked ROM here and the steps to flash/install it on my device.
Your reply is highly appreciated.
All you need to flash a custom ROM is on the ROM Development subforum for the TP2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The resources pinned to the top of the subforum are extremely helpful, and indispensable.
One of them is an excellent step-by-step guide for flashing a custom ROM, written for beginners:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
As indicated in the guide, you will need to HardSPL the phone. This unlocks SPL (secondary program loader), which is normally locked so you can only flash "official" ROMs from your carrier. HardSPL is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Also, optional, but highly recommended (I do it before EVERY new ROM flash) is running Task29. This formats the ROM area of the memory, and completely wipes it, so no old fragment of previous ROM linger to screw up the new ROM. It only takes a couple minutes to perform, and can possibly save you the headache of some random bugs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Flashing is really not hard. Just read as much as you can on the threads I linked, and follow the instructions carefully. The threads are really long, and you don't have to read the whole thing, but read as much as you have patience for. Any question or issue you can possibly have about the process has probably been encountered by someone else already, and a solution/answer already posted. The more you know before you start, the less you will panic when something doesn't go exactly as you expected.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will void any warranty you may still have. Although, people generally have luck re-flashing the stock ROM, and re-locking SPL before returning for warranty service, so the repair people actually have no idea the ROM was ever modified. Also, keep in mind that there is a slight possibility of "bricking" or disabling your phone. But follow the instructions and be careful, and it won't happen. Main things to remember, is never mess with the phone (power off, unplug) while its flashing, make sure you have at least 50% battery at each step, and flash the correct software (flashing a CDMA ROM to a GSM phone, or ROM for a completely different phone are highly probably ways to brick it). But normally, it is very safe. People on here have flashed custom ROMs onto their phone dozens, maybe even hundreds of times, without ever bricking their phones.
There is no correct answer to the question "what is the best ROM". Its like asking "what clothes are best to wear", there is no correct answer, it depends on your personal tastes and needs. The best ROM for you depends on how much you want looks and functions over speed and stability, what software you want packed-in, or if you want a minimum of built-in software (a "lightweight" ROM), and to install your desired software yourself. Look through the various ROMs to see the features of each one, look at replies from users, which thread are most popular, and pick for yourself. If you still need some suggestions, Energy, simplicity, Jackos, and Valkyrie are popular. But it would be an injustice to other chefs to suggest that other ROMs are not just as great. If you scan through the ROM Development subforum, you will see some threads along the lines of "what ROM is best, fastest, etc.", and you can look at those for more suggestions/opinions.
Also be sure to read through the first several posts on the ROM thread you pick to flash, as there are often specific instructions and FAQs for that ROM posted by the chef.
You don't need to backup your old ROM. If you need to return to the stock ROM for some reason, just go to shipped-roms.com and download it:
http://shipped-roms.com/
You will however, lose your personal data (contacts, texts, email) when you flash the ROM. There are a bunch of ways to back these up. Microsoft My Phone, synching to your PC on Outlook, or if you are a Gmail person, using Google Synch, are all popular methods.
redpoint73 said:
All you need to flash a custom ROM is on the ROM Development subforum for the TP2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The resources pinned to the top of the subforum are extremely helpful, and indispensable.
One of them is an excellent step-by-step guide for flashing a custom ROM, written for beginners:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
As indicated in the guide, you will need to HardSPL the phone. This unlocks SPL (secondary program loader), which is normally locked so you can only flash "official" ROMs from your carrier. HardSPL is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Also, optional, but highly recommended (I do it before EVERY new ROM flash) is running Task29. This formats the ROM area of the memory, and completely wipes it, so no old fragment of previous ROM linger to screw up the new ROM. It only takes a couple minutes to perform, and can possibly save you the headache of some random bugs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Flashing is really not hard. Just read as much as you can on the threads I linked, and follow the instructions carefully. The threads are really long, and you don't have to read the whole thing, but read as much as you have patience for. Any question or issue you can possibly have about the process has probably been encountered by someone else already, and a solution/answer already posted. The more you know before you start, the less you will panic when something doesn't go exactly as you expected.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will void any warranty you may still have. Although, people generally have luck re-flashing the stock ROM, and re-locking SPL before returning for warranty service, so the repair people actually have no idea the ROM was ever modified. Also, keep in mind that there is a slight possibility of "bricking" or disabling your phone. But follow the instructions and be careful, and it won't happen. Main things to remember, is never mess with the phone (power off, unplug) while its flashing, make sure you have at least 50% battery at each step, and flash the correct software (flashing a CDMA ROM to a GSM phone, or ROM for a completely different phone are highly probably ways to brick it). But normally, it is very safe. People on here have flashed custom ROMs onto their phone dozens, maybe even hundreds of times, without ever bricking their phones.
There is no correct answer to the question "what is the best ROM". Its like asking "what clothes are best to wear", there is no correct answer, it depends on your personal tastes and needs. The best ROM for you depends on how much you want looks and functions over speed and stability, what software you want packed-in, or if you want a minimum of built-in software (a "lightweight" ROM), and to install your desired software yourself. Look through the various ROMs to see the features of each one, look at replies from users, which thread are most popular, and pick for yourself. If you still need some suggestions, Energy, simplicity, Jackos, and Valkyrie are popular. But it would be an injustice to other chefs to suggest that other ROMs are not just as great. If you scan through the ROM Development subforum, you will see some threads along the lines of "what ROM is best, fastest, etc.", and you can look at those for more suggestions/opinions.
Also be sure to read through the first several posts on the ROM thread you pick to flash, as there are often specific instructions and FAQs for that ROM posted by the chef.
You don't need to backup your old ROM. If you need to return to the stock ROM for some reason, just go to shipped-roms.com and download it:
http://shipped-roms.com/
You will however, lose your personal data (contacts, texts, email) when you flash the ROM. There are a bunch of ways to back these up. Microsoft My Phone, synching to your PC on Outlook, or if you are a Gmail person, using Google Synch, are all popular methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear redpoint73,
Really thanks a million, you unleashed a lot of information to me with your very descriptive answer . As I'm new to the Windows phones world, I was confused with its terminologies like chief, ROM, cooking, flashing ... etc etc. But now it is very much easier than ever ... Thank you.