Related
Hi there,
first of all, many thanks to all the talented people here, who give their time and energy to serve pda enthusiasts! I'm new to the htc smartphone world, just bought a Magician, a Prophet (G4), and a Universal to get a nice introduction into the mobile world. So far, I've read tons of materials before first deciding on changing ROM on my Magician, with success. Well, it's a risky business, and so many times you read alarming posts from people who wracked their nice working devices just by lack of knowledge. In fact, it all reminds me of walking on a ground stuffed with landmines. There are leaders who find a safe path (write an instruction), tell the others to follow, but never miss saying "remember, we don't take any responsibility".
I think the instructions are fine, but what I would really appreciate is to have some light shed on how the things work, so that I know what I'm doing, not just following the footsteps of someone who knows. I'm desparate to see some real piece of knowledge, but they are scarce. Take, e.g. a paragraph I found here (http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=FAQ#faqOsPhone) on IPL/SPL:
"IPL: Initial program load - usually paired with Secondary Program Load (SPL), is the boot loader of your phone, much like the BIOS is the boot loader for your PC. Note: IPL/SPL are highly hardware dependent, flashing the wrong IPL/SPL is much more serious than a flashing the wrong ROM. It may be noted that, sometimes a ROM package also contains the IPL/SPL which will be flashed into your phone. Hence be extra careful what you are flashing. Note: although a ROM may also contains the IPL/SPL, `ROM` usually refers just to the OS (eg. the Windows Mobile 5, not the IPL/SPL) and the ExtRom."
Well, it looks like this stuff is absolutely vital to anyone who ventures beyond entering the bootloader screen of their device, but why the fundamental questions raised there are left without answers? Some of such questions are:
1. Why do some ROMs contain IPL/SPL, if IPL/SPL are hardware dependent?
1. How do I know if a specific ROM I'd like to flash on my device contains the IPL/SPL? And then - can I flash its IPL/SPL on my original IPL/SPL?
2. What does it mean "flashing the wrong IPL/SPL"? How do I find out which ROM is suited for the IPL/SPL on my phone?
3. How do I find out the IPL/SPL for my Magician, if it's not desplayed neither on the spash screen, or in device information tab?
Please have some understanding for those newbe's questions. Maybe they are naive, but I don't want to learn the hard way... My question is: do you know any good site (or hardcopy materials) with regular knowledge to learn from about the mentioned and other important issues on pda modding/upgrading? I'll be really grateful for some guidance tips on how to guide myself
Many thanks in advance,
greg
and Who is The BEST ROM ?
There is no such thing as a "best ROM" - it's all up to personal preference
Hi -
There is no one right ROM for Trinity. Here's a quick explanation for what a ROM really is. There are many people on this board who know more about ROMs than I do, so if anyone sees any errors in what I've written, please let me know.
A ROM is a collection of software packaged together that when flashed to your phone installs the software. ROM packages generally consist of four categories of software:
1.) An operating system (some flavor of Windows Mobile, 5 or 6)
2.) Radio software (Radio ROM)
3.) Phone software (Dialer, Task Manager, Multimedia, SMS/MMS software, contact list)
4.) All other software (Adobe Reader, TomTom, etc.)
People create new ROM packages by gathering an operating system, a radio, and a collection of software, and "cooking" them into a single distribution file, usually in the form of a CAB compression file.
The differences between AXL and Mary are in the OS, radio and other software they have mixed together. You have to look at the contents of each ROM yourself and compare to see the exact differences. Although it would be nice, I'm not aware of anyone listing out the differences between the software choices made by each of the main ROM cookers, so you have to do it yourself.
Some important notes on ROM packages:
1.) Any software that is "cooked" into the ROM can't be removed or updated, it's in there permanently until you change your ROM. This is something to consider if you want to be able to upgrade to future versions, and is the reaosn many ROM cookers also make a "lite" version of their ROM.
2.) I'm pretty weak on this, but from what I understand in addition to the normal physical ROM memory, there is a section of physical ROM called "hidden" or "extended" ROM, and the cookers have figured out how to make that ROM available for use. This is why some ROMs show 70+ megs of ROM/RAM available. I think this extended ROM can also be used to store software.
3.) The operating systems (OS's) do continue to change. People get new phones from their telecom operator, and when they dissassemble the phone's ROM, they can extract the new OS's and check the version numbers. There is no way I know of currently to update the OS without flashing a completely new ROM. Different ROMs include different versions of the operating system, although many of the ROM cookers are quick to re-release their ROMs when a new OS comes out.
4.) Any software that can be installed manually can be installed in a ROM. This includes "trial" or "unregistered" versions. For that software, it may be installed on your phone when you install the ROM, but it is a limited-use version and you will need to purchase the software and get a registration code to unlock the full software. If the software is "cooked" into your ROM and you decide not to use it, YOU CAN'T UNINSTALL IT without reflashing to a new ROM. It won't do any harm, but it will use up memory that could be put to better use.
5.) A suggestion on other software: If you flash your OS often, it makes things easier to keep copies of the CAB files for your favorite other cab installations on your SD card, so you can easily reinstall them when you reflash the OS.
6.) Most of the ROMs use the same installer software,which works well and can recover from some errors (just follow the instructions or if no instructions retry the flash procedure). However, some telecom operators install something called a Service Provider Lock (SPL) to prevent people from installing "unapproved" software on their phone. Removing or otherwise getting around this SPL is a process called "unlocking" - if you try to reflash your phone's ROM, and something goes wrong, this SPL could prevent you from being able to fix your phone, making it useless (or "bricked"). There are software packages that should be able to fix a bricked phone (search the board to find), but it is easier to remove the SPL first, so you never have to worry about crashing your phone.
7.) If you remove your SPL, you have technically violated the terms of your contract with your service provider!!!! In daily use, it really doesn't affect them, so they probably won't make a stink about it, and probably can't tell you've done so. But, if you bring it in for service, send it in under warranty, call their service line to get support, the technician will probably see you have removed your SPL, and can refuse to provide service or warranty support. However, the techs are people and depending on the issue may or may not make a big deal about it, but it's certainly within their right to refuse to service for free.
8.) There are differences in telecom providers!!! This is particularly important with respect to Radio ROMs. If you think about it, your phone has to send the right signals to your service provider's radio tower to make a call. The specific information it has to send and the manner in which it sends it are determined by the radio protocol, which is built into the radio software. As a result, some radio software will not work with some providers, and some will work better than others. This difference willbe regional, so consider where you will be using the phone (Asia, Europe, SA, Africa, NA). Some radios could even be configured to specific providers (but I don't know for sure).
9.) Latest vs. most stable - sometimes, the latest versions introduce new bugsor are less stable than others, so consider this as well.
10.) Most of the differences between the ROMs seem to revolve aroudn the cooker's choices for phone software - the dialers, the contact managers, etc. These primarily change the "look and feel" of the phone rather than the raw performance or capabilites. Since look and feel is the big difference, it's impossible to say which look and feel everyone will like - it's a matter of taste / personal preference.
11.) Don't bug the cookers!!!! The people cooking ROMs for us are doing it in their spare time. They're not getting paid to do it, they're just trying to help each other out. While they seem to be interested in hearing about bugs so they can fix their ROMs, pestering them with requests to make some piddly change just for you is rude. Don't pester them with change requests and customizations, and then throw a hissy fit when they don't want to do it your way. If you don't like their ROM, then cook your own.
So, to pick the ROM that works for you, you're probably going to have to try a few out. The combination of OS and Radio will likely be regional (some will not be able to use the latest radio, for example), and form there on in you have to choose which has the dialer/contact manager you like the most, and includes the software you want to have (or go with a lite version).
Good luck!
Mike
to Mike (landshark),
thank you and congratulations on your excellent explanation. I wish I read this when I bought my device, would make things much easier.
Great post!!!!
Good work!!!!
will be very usefull!
Thank you!
Wonderful post!!!!
Beautiful work!!!!
will be bloody usefull!
Orz
Sticky pls !
Thanks! Very useful for a noob like me
Question about SSPL
landshark said:
Hi -
There is no one right ROM for Trinity. Here's a quick explanation for what a ROM really is. There are many people on this board who know more about ROMs than I do, so if anyone sees any errors in what I've written, please let me know.
A ROM is a collection of software packaged together that when flashed to your phone installs the software. ROM packages generally consist of four categories of software:
1.) An operating system (some flavor of Windows Mobile, 5 or 6)
2.) Radio software (Radio ROM)
3.) Phone software (Dialer, Task Manager, Multimedia, SMS/MMS software, contact list)
4.) All other software (Adobe Reader, TomTom, etc.)
People create new ROM packages by gathering an operating system, a radio, and a collection of software, and "cooking" them into a single distribution file, usually in the form of a CAB compression file.
The differences between AXL and Mary are in the OS, radio and other software they have mixed together. You have to look at the contents of each ROM yourself and compare to see the exact differences. Although it would be nice, I'm not aware of anyone listing out the differences between the software choices made by each of the main ROM cookers, so you have to do it yourself.
Some important notes on ROM packages:
1.) Any software that is "cooked" into the ROM can't be removed or updated, it's in there permanently until you change your ROM. This is something to consider if you want to be able to upgrade to future versions, and is the reaosn many ROM cookers also make a "lite" version of their ROM.
2.) I'm pretty weak on this, but from what I understand in addition to the normal physical ROM memory, there is a section of physical ROM called "hidden" or "extended" ROM, and the cookers have figured out how to make that ROM available for use. This is why some ROMs show 70+ megs of ROM/RAM available. I think this extended ROM can also be used to store software.
3.) The operating systems (OS's) do continue to change. People get new phones from their telecom operator, and when they dissassemble the phone's ROM, they can extract the new OS's and check the version numbers. There is no way I know of currently to update the OS without flashing a completely new ROM. Different ROMs include different versions of the operating system, although many of the ROM cookers are quick to re-release their ROMs when a new OS comes out.
4.) Any software that can be installed manually can be installed in a ROM. This includes "trial" or "unregistered" versions. For that software, it may be installed on your phone when you install the ROM, but it is a limited-use version and you will need to purchase the software and get a registration code to unlock the full software. If the software is "cooked" into your ROM and you decide not to use it, YOU CAN'T UNINSTALL IT without reflashing to a new ROM. It won't do any harm, but it will use up memory that could be put to better use.
5.) A suggestion on other software: If you flash your OS often, it makes things easier to keep copies of the CAB files for your favorite other cab installations on your SD card, so you can easily reinstall them when you reflash the OS.
6.) Most of the ROMs use the same installer software,which works well and can recover from some errors (just follow the instructions or if no instructions retry the flash procedure). However, some telecom operators install something called a Service Provider Lock (SPL) to prevent people from installing "unapproved" software on their phone. Removing or otherwise getting around this SPL is a process called "unlocking" - if you try to reflash your phone's ROM, and something goes wrong, this SPL could prevent you from being able to fix your phone, making it useless (or "bricked"). There are software packages that should be able to fix a bricked phone (search the board to find), but it is easier to remove the SPL first, so you never have to worry about crashing your phone.
7.) If you remove your SPL, you have technically violated the terms of your contract with your service provider!!!! In daily use, it really doesn't affect them, so they probably won't make a stink about it, and probably can't tell you've done so. But, if you bring it in for service, send it in under warranty, call their service line to get support, the technician will probably see you have removed your SPL, and can refuse to provide service or warranty support. However, the techs are people and depending on the issue may or may not make a big deal about it, but it's certainly within their right to refuse to service for free.
8.) There are differences in telecom providers!!! This is particularly important with respect to Radio ROMs. If you think about it, your phone has to send the right signals to your service provider's radio tower to make a call. The specific information it has to send and the manner in which it sends it are determined by the radio protocol, which is built into the radio software. As a result, some radio software will not work with some providers, and some will work better than others. This difference willbe regional, so consider where you will be using the phone (Asia, Europe, SA, Africa, NA). Some radios could even be configured to specific providers (but I don't know for sure).
9.) Latest vs. most stable - sometimes, the latest versions introduce new bugsor are less stable than others, so consider this as well.
10.) Most of the differences between the ROMs seem to revolve aroudn the cooker's choices for phone software - the dialers, the contact managers, etc. These primarily change the "look and feel" of the phone rather than the raw performance or capabilites. Since look and feel is the big difference, it's impossible to say which look and feel everyone will like - it's a matter of taste / personal preference.
11.) Don't bug the cookers!!!! The people cooking ROMs for us are doing it in their spare time. They're not getting paid to do it, they're just trying to help each other out. While they seem to be interested in hearing about bugs so they can fix their ROMs, pestering them with requests to make some piddly change just for you is rude. Don't pester them with change requests and customizations, and then throw a hissy fit when they don't want to do it your way. If you don't like their ROM, then cook your own.
So, to pick the ROM that works for you, you're probably going to have to try a few out. The combination of OS and Radio will likely be regional (some will not be able to use the latest radio, for example), and form there on in you have to choose which has the dialer/contact manager you like the most, and includes the software you want to have (or go with a lite version).
Good luck!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sow basicly if I use Soft SPL and install a rom that has no radio and something goes wrong I can return to my original ROM. Is that right?
Thread renamed: added [Q] tag.
Please read the Announcements in the forums regarding posting rules!
Hello all-
First off, I wanted to express my thanks to all those that have developed these ROMs, add-ons, etc, and made them available to people like me who just don't have the ability to do so. Thanks!
Second, I've been studying these forums in order to do some surgery on my XV6900. I even acquired a second one so I can practice flashing ROMS, etc, and get it right so I don't lose use of my phone if/when I screw it up.
My question...
I have downloaded a ton of files (NFSFAN's 6.5 V15 ROM, NFSFAN's Custom Verizon 1.5 ROM, dialers, cabs, etc...) and am a bit confused about how many of them I need to do.
All I really want is to use the GPS on my XV6900 (thanks a lot, Verizon). So, I realize I need to flash a custom ROM. What I'm unclear about is this: if I flash NFSFAN's winmo 6.5 ROM, do I still need to do the Verizon custom ROM? Do I need a separate GPS radio file or are all the necessarry bits included in the ROMS? You guys are incredibly advanced when it comes to packaging these programs, and the phone companies should frankly be paying you all as consultants!
I've bookmarked NFSFAN's 6.5 FAQ, but for somebody who's never messed with this part of his phone, I'm just a little unclear about how many of these steps are necessary, versus how many are fun/cool to do...
I also bookmarked a tutorial by theoneownz on a complete Verizon gps fix.
My confusion lies in the fast that it seems like these tutorials have different steps. I'm just a little slow...
Any help appreciated, flame away for missed topics or incorrect observations.
Thanks!
Ryan
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=533639
i new to this stuff but im want to install the energy rom 4 tilt 2 and i jus wanna know if everything still work fine like all functions of keyboard and the icons and if it run sluggish thxs
NRG has included in his ROM a Carrier Provisioning tool. After you flash the ROM, just start the tool, select ATT and the keyboard is automatically configured to ATT's layout, and any other settings which are needed to work on ATT's network. Its super slick, and worked perfectly on my Tilt2.
The Energy ROMs are much better than the stock ROM. Less program memory usage, faster, and more stable. Also, no bloatware, great cooked-in apps, and awesome functionality and looks.
There is still some lag, which is just the way it is with Windows Mobile. But its much better with the Energy ROM. And if you want it even smoother than use the Titanium version. Personally, I use the GTX version, b/c I'm a sucker for eye candy.
thx
can you tell me where i can get one that works so i dont brick my phone please. and i also saw one on youtube with a moving background screen it was like thunder and clouds. its so cool is that the energy rom and where do i get the keboard rom that configures my keboard thanks very much
Yoiu might try the ROM Development subforum, where this question should have been posted.
Yeah, there is a whole sub forum on here which contains all the ROMs you will ever need, tools to flash, instructions, etc.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The thread sticky-ed to the top of that forum are extremely useful. The following guide for flashing a ROM is a MUST READ.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
Also, you will need to HardSPL your phone before you can flash a new ROM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
And I highly recommend running Task29 after you HardSPL, and before flashing a new ROM to completely wipe the memory, which will prevent any fragments of the old ROM from interferring with the new ROM (which can sometimes cause random bugs):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=649191
Read through the first part of the above threads, and at least the last couple pages of each one, too (to say what common or recent issues may have popped up, what problems people have, etc.).
Read and understand all the instructions, and follow them carefully, and you will not brick your phone. It seems intimidating and complicated at first, but its not really that hard (and you will be addicted!). Just prepare properly before you start!
tyronekndrck said:
i also saw one on youtube with a moving background screen it was like thunder and clouds. its so cool is that the energy rom and where do i get the keboard rom that configures my keboard thanks very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the weather tab on Sense 2.5 (HTC's interface for Windows Mobile, an updated version of Touch FLO 3D, which your ATT Tilt 2 has on it). Any ROM with Sense 2.5 will have that. It is included on all the Energy ROM versions (except the Titanium versions, which does not have Sense).
As I already mentioned, the Energy ROM already contains the Carrier Provisioning Tool which will configure the keyboard. You don't have to download anything extra to configure the keyboard. If Energy ROM is what you want, then here is the thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=562773
can u please tell me step by step how to flash it i want the same one you have
Dude, flashing ROMs is something you shouldn't attempt unless you know how to do it. There is tons of info in the ROM Development subforum on the procedure. The procedure is different depending on whether it is an authorized or a cooked ROM. Spend some time reading up on the procedure instead of just asking questions in the wrong subforum.
tyronekndrck said:
can u please tell me step by step how to flash it i want the same one you have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the guides I linked to? The one is called "Flashing your First GSM Rhodium Rom (For Noobs)"! The name kinda says it all. Its VERY step-by-step, and meant to be very simple, straight-forward and idiot-proof. The author put lots of work into these instructions, and did a great job. Use it!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
Just download the ROM you want, and follow the noob instructions. Its pretty simple.
But as I said earlier, its a very good idea to read through all the stickied guides I linked, and browse some through the threads (particularly the last few pages). Random glitches sometimes popup. Glitches that other people encountered and found solutions to. So it can save you a lot of headaches (and anxiety) if/when something random happens during a flash.
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.
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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.