Yes, we're all noobs!!!
I have a brand new Excalibur (I bricked my first one five mins. out of the box) and I attempt to upgrade following instructions on the tutorial posted on these forums.
What's not stated on said tutorial (and no one tells you, only after you bricked your phone) is that YOU MUST BACK UP YOUR ORIGINAL ROM before the upgrade, because if anything goes wrong, that is the only ROM you can flash to your phone to restore it, otherwise IT IS BRICKED. (Believe me, it happened to me).
So, to all you experts reading these, please, help us noobs and post here a complete guide on how to back up your original ROM.
We will thank and worship you forever!!!
These days, there is no need to backup your own Rom.
We have a collection of ROMs on this site alone. Or in my signature.
I do suggest to download one prior to updating your ROM.
This forum uses most of a collection of ROM i have uploaded for everyone.
Click here for the forum of original ROMS
Mikey1022 said:
These days, there is no need to backup your own Rom.
We have a collection of ROMs on this site alone. Or in my signature.
I do suggest to download one prior to updating your ROM.
This forum uses most of a collection of ROM i have uploaded for everyone.
Click here for the forum of original ROMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two questions: Firstly, there is no official O2 Xda Cosmo ROM or? Secondly, if you back up the ROM first, how can you flash it back to the device? Is there a tutorial for this?
Thanks
READ this thread
uccellino said:
I have two questions: Firstly, there is no official O2 Xda Cosmo ROM or? Secondly, if you back up the ROM first, how can you flash it back to the device? Is there a tutorial for this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i'm waiting for the official O2 Xda cosmo ROM. i need it badly because my camera doesn't work anymore with new ROM. and i am totally agree to write a clear reminder to backup your original ROM first before upgrading in the upgrading ROM thread. just in case for noob like me....
Mikey1022 said:
READ this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After rereading, I still have the questions:
1. How is it possible to flash back a saved backup ROM image?
2. If I use a USPL and then something goes wrong while flashing a cooked ROM, can I only re-flash my original ROM (i.e. for XDA Cosmo which doesn't exist)?
Thanks
Okay - maybe I just figured out the answer to my own question: if I flash the USPL-RUU first before flashing a ROM update, maybe this means I can reflash if something goes wrong? Is this correct, or is there a chance that the SPL get overwritten before the error and I still get stuck?
Well, in fact, it is necessary...
Mikey1022 said:
These days, there is no need to backup your own Rom.
We have a collection of ROMs on this site alone. Or in my signature.
I do suggest to download one prior to updating your ROM.
This forum uses most of a collection of ROM i have uploaded for everyone.
Click here for the forum of original ROMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...When I mean original ROM, I mean the ROM that could only work on a CID-Locked-by-a-carrier Excalibur, not the HTC WW ROM release.
Also, many of us noobs are international, I doubt that on the ROM database on this website we'll be able to find, say, the Movistar Mexico HTC Excalibur WM5 1.15.0000 ROM, which in my case, is the only one I would be able to flash in case anything goes wrong on the upgrade attempt. (I dedicated a week searching this ROM for the first Excalibur I bricked, no results)
Therefore - and I really hate to contradict -, for many of us, a ROM backup IS necessary and a tutorial from you experts on how to do it would be a great, great contribution to this community. (And also to the database, 'cause I'll definitively upload my ROM once I back it up)
velascoperroni said:
...When I mean original ROM, I mean the ROM that could only work on a CID-Locked-by-a-carrier Excalibur, not the HTC WW ROM release.
Also, many of us noobs are international, I doubt that on the ROM database on this website we'll be able to find, say, the Movistar Mexico HTC Excalibur WM5 1.15.0000 ROM, which in my case, is the only one I would be able to flash in case anything goes wrong on the upgrade attempt. (I dedicated a week searching this ROM for the first Excalibur I bricked, no results)
Therefore - and I really hate to contradict -, for many of us, a ROM backup IS necessary and a tutorial from you experts on how to do it would be a great, great contribution to this community. (And also to the database, 'cause I'll definitively upload my ROM once I back it up)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it's quite easy to CID unlock your phone to load whatever ROM you want. Much easier in fact, than dumping your current ROM and restoring it. I was able to flash my first ROM within about 30 minutes of reading on this forum, and had no problems at all.
velascoperroni said:
...When I mean original ROM, I mean the ROM that could only work on a CID-Locked-by-a-carrier Excalibur, not the HTC WW ROM release.
Also, many of us noobs are international, I doubt that on the ROM database on this website we'll be able to find, say, the Movistar Mexico HTC Excalibur WM5 1.15.0000 ROM, which in my case, is the only one I would be able to flash in case anything goes wrong on the upgrade attempt. (I dedicated a week searching this ROM for the first Excalibur I bricked, no results)
Therefore - and I really hate to contradict -, for many of us, a ROM backup IS necessary and a tutorial from you experts on how to do it would be a great, great contribution to this community. (And also to the database, 'cause I'll definitively upload my ROM once I back it up)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you
I just have no idea how to restore a backed-up ROM and I haven't read anything saying how to do it either. As you say, many of us a stuck with devices CID locked to some international ROM that is impossible to get.
So once again the question: Does anyone know how to re-flash a backed-up ROM?
I'm no expert but all I'm going to say is this. If you have a Rom from a different carrier that has not leaked to the public, then you are probably out of luck. You take the risk of hoping your phone will not have serious problems down the line of your contract or usage. You should pick up insurance on your phone depending on the stipulations your carrier has about lost or stolen or even broken phones. In that case you could return/replace your phone if need be after modifying it to your liking. I also would suggest that the entire reason we are here is that we don't want to be like the norm. We want what we paid for and don't want to be restricted. It's a risk. You must make that choice and succeed or fail that's not anyone's problem but your own. With all the Roms out there you should find one to your liking. If you brick your phone which seems so much more difficult than my razr modding days, than sell it for parts and lesson learned.
In the U.S. the Open Headset Alliance is our future so what we do to our phones in the future will be our choice.
Good Modding
Pfunk
C'mon guys...
Wy all the negativity?
I'm I conspiring against copyright laws if I want to have a backup of the ROM I paid for?
Is backing up a ROM frowned upon on this community? or is it so easy (from what I can gather it requires "dumping" and "restoring") that it is even insulting for me to ask you how to do it?
Yes, we are all here because we don't conform to the norm, but we are all HERE to help each other out. Why the closure? Why the elitism?
Like all of you, I want to take full advantage of the piece of technology I acquired without the restrictions installed on them by the phone corps. Yes, I would like to have the minimum risks while doing so, and yes, I would like to do it as cost effective as I can, just as anyone of you would.
It is a risk to upgrade a Cid.Locked phone with the bypass provided on this website, It happened to me and to many: USB cord unplugs and voila, bricked phone.
One alternative is to pay $40 bucks for a permanent Cid.Unlock, which will allow you to flash and flash and flash, even if you get stuck in the middle of one process.
The other, used by many here who wont pay, is to use the Cid bypass, while having a backup original rom "just in case".
What I only ask (for myself and my peer noobs) is to have this same other alternative as many, many of you.
Really, is it to hard to post the following?
1. Downoad these softwares;
2. Do this to "dump";
3. Do that to "restore";
4. To re-flash, do this.
C'mon, all for one and one for all right?
p.s. For my friend asking how to re-flash a backed up ROM, from what I've gathered, it goes something like this: your backed up ROM must be in a *.bn format (I still don't know how to even achieve this); then you must get a hold of any HTC RUU Software, extract it (Winrar) and replace the *.bn file inside the extracted folder with your *.bn file; with the HTC connected in bootloader mode, run the exe file in the extracted folder.
velascoperroni said:
...I doubt that on the ROM database on this website we'll be able to find, say, the Movistar Mexico HTC Excalibur WM5 1.15.0000 ROM, which in my case, is the only one I would be able to flash in case anything goes wrong on the upgrade attempt. (I dedicated a week searching this ROM for the first Excalibur I bricked, no results)
Therefore - and I really hate to contradict -, for many of us, a ROM backup IS necessary and a tutorial from you experts on how to do it would be a great, great contribution to this community. (And also to the database, 'cause I'll definitively upload my ROM once I back it up)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Official ROMs collection is as full as I can make it. To have more images, we need everyone to upload ones that are missing to something like rapidshare, mediafire, or one of a few dozen other hosting sites, then tell up here on xda dev. Or upload it to several yourself. Spreading things on the net is much easier than ripping the ROM out anyway, and you benefit from the online backups, too.
So, yes, if you aren't going to back up your ROM, hope that someone else already has. Or, even better, be that first guy who does it, to make things easier for the rest of us. Besides, we might want to see what kinda goodies are tucked in the Movistar version
Indeed!
Profezza said:
...Or, even better, be that first guy who does it, to make things easier for the rest of us. Besides, we might want to see what kinda goodies are tucked in the Movistar version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the support Profezza, indeed I intend to be the first, but in order to do that, I need to know how to do it.
I'll keep my hopes up for someone to post here the procedure for backing up my own ROM.
Also, the Movistar version is pretty lame, at least it would be a language addition to the database since it is originally in Spanish.
velascoperroni said:
Thanks for the support Profezza, indeed I intend to be the first, but in order to do that, I need to know how to do it.
I'll keep my hopes up for someone to post here the procedure for backing up my own ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My post kinda ignored that point, as... I don't actually know how it is done.
velascoperroni said:
Also, the Movistar version is pretty lame, at least it would be a language addition to the database since it is originally in Spanish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the version # system is controlled by HTC and fairly consistent across brandings, so it looks like it is a rather old one, but yeah, it could handy just for the Spanish. And ya never know, maybe a better graphic or two in some odd corner. I'll come back and bump this if it looks like it is fading away.
velascoperroni said:
p.s. For my friend asking how to re-flash a backed up ROM, from what I've gathered, it goes something like this: your backed up ROM must be in a *.bn format (I still don't know how to even achieve this); then you must get a hold of any HTC RUU Software, extract it (Winrar) and replace the *.bn file inside the extracted folder with your *.bn file; with the HTC connected in bootloader mode, run the exe file in the extracted folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi velascoperroni!
Thank you for your help - this is helping me to get closer to understanding
Basically I have my old ROM image as .img files (actually 5 of them) produced by bkondisk, together with a log file saying what goes where. So now all we need to figure out is how to turn these back into a .bn file and we'll be in business. For info on bkondisk, which lets you save your ROM (as .img files), see this wiki http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=bkondisk
Could anyone point me to some resources on these two file formats? Then maybe we could come up with a conversion program when one doesnt exist
Getting closer!
Great, it seems we are getting closer to our goal!!!
But still surprises me that no one has posted a complete how to... perhaps the only few who know the deal haven't read this thread yet.
Now we know the following:
1. Bkondisk: software that allows to backup ROM in *.img format.
2. The original format of the ROM is *.bn
We don't know if the *.img file needs to be converted to *.bn or if they are compatible.
I also found out about an easier method to re-flash the ROM:
1. Format your SD Card in FAT32;
2. Copy your *.bn file to your SD Card;
3. Turn off phone, insert SD Card, Turn on phone in bootloader mode;
4. The phone should automatically recognize the ROM and start the flashing process.
Uccelino: Try placing the *.img file in the SD Card instead of the *.bn file. Maybe, just maybe the phone also recognizes *img files!
Getting closer!
Great, it seems we are getting closer to our goal!!!
But still surprises me that no one has posted a complete how to... perhaps the only few who know the deal haven't read this thread yet.
Now we know the following:
1. Bkondisk: software that allows to backup ROM in *.img format.
2. The original format of the ROM is *.bn
We don't know if the *.img file needs to be converted to *.bn or if they are compatible.
I also found out about an easier method to re-flash the ROM:
1. Format your SD Card in FAT32;
2. Copy your *.bin file to your SD Card;
3. Turn off phone, insert SD Card, Turn on phone in bootloader mode.
4. The phone should automatically recognize the ROM and start the flashing process.
Uccelino: Try placing the *.img file in the SD Card instead of the *.bin file. Maybe, just maybe the phone also recognizes *img files!
Also...
Sorry for the double post back there!!
Also check out this thread I started when I bricked my first Excalibur:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=378050
I never got a feasible response to wether sprite backup would work or not, and I did not want to spend $30 bucks to find out.
velascoperroni said:
Great, it seems we are getting closer to our goal!!!
But still surprises me that no one has posted a complete how to... perhaps the only few who know the deal haven't read this thread yet.
Now we know the following:
1. Bkondisk: software that allows to backup ROM in *.img format.
2. The original format of the ROM is *.bn
We don't know if the *.img file needs to be converted to *.bn or if they are compatible.
I also found out about an easier method to re-flash the ROM:
1. Format your SD Card in FAT32;
2. Copy your *.bin file to your SD Card;
3. Turn off phone, insert SD Card, Turn on phone in bootloader mode.
4. The phone should automatically recognize the ROM and start the flashing process.
Uccelino: Try placing the *.img file in the SD Card instead of the *.bin file. Maybe, just maybe the phone also recognizes *img files!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just had an idea: I will flash a ROM, back it up, and compare the *.bn files to the *.img files I get from backing up - maybe they are or are almost the same, and we can convert them
I will try. Thanks
I own HTC diamond from my carrier - Orange.
Its 1.93 rom.
I really wish to upgrade the rom, try different new roms for making the device faster and cleaner from things I dont use or need.
I read threads regarding dumping the rom and I understand that its possible.
Now after that, for upgrading to another rom I need to upgrade the hspl too.
This procedure voids the warrenty as well? Is it possible to dump that files also?
I dont want to void the warrenty.
I wanna be sure its possible to dump all the files I need in order to restore them for having my warrenty when I'll need that
I really appreciate the help.
ok for now....
im not a very experienced user also.. but what i know is... every provider has its own varrinty rules... for some any change in rom hspl or anything else is a broken rule and you loose it... for others it is just the problem that is interristing ... means.. if you have to use your varrinty because you speaker is broken or microphone.... you still have the rights becuase it is not caused by the rom..
as long you can turn you phone into bootloader mode you can change everything back to normal... as far as i know
But is it possible to take all the needed files from my specific device and not downloading it from the wiki's threads of roms?
In that case, What is needed for completely restoring *everything* back to normal?
Thanks again
eranyanay said:
But is it possible to take all the needed files from my specific device and not downloading it from the wiki's threads of roms?
In that case, What is needed for completely restoring *everything* back to normal?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will find information here about dumping your OS (by pof) and Splash screen (search my Rogers Canada dumped ROM thread for info).
There are already threads where you can download the Radio and SPL that matches your device's version (so you don't need to back those up).
When you want to restore everything back, do so in this order:
- Flash back the stock Radio
- Flash back the stock Splash Screen
- Flash back the stock OS (ROM)
- Finally, use the SSPL method to flash back the original stock SPL.
You'll be back to factory state.
Thanks, another small, last two questions
dsixda said:
You will find information here about dumping your OS (by pof) and Splash screen (search my Rogers Canada dumped ROM thread for info).
There are already threads where you can download the Radio and SPL that matches your device's version (so you don't need to back those up).
When you want to restore everything back, do so in this order:
- Flash back the stock Radio
- Flash back the stock Splash Screen
- Flash back the stock OS (ROM)
- Finally, use the SSPL method to flash back the original stock SPL.
You'll be back to factory state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comment.
I used the information I found in the thread you told me about, for backing up my splash screen.
About the details in the device information,
-ExtROM is included in the rom backup?
-What is Protocol version?
About the radio, is it built-in inside the rom? When I flash to another rom does it change?
Some threads I found here saying Yes, and some saying No..
Can the radio or stock spl can be customized by the cellular operator? Or Theres no need to bother breaking my head how to back up those two as well?
And last thing is about the files I have now, .raw and .nb, How can I check and see they are all fine, that I backed up right..to check if they're not corrupted?
Is there a way for that?
By doing all that I could actually save my warrenty for future purpose?
okay, guys, I have a few question that I am hoping it can be answered before I advernture ito flashing my rom.
First of all, I relaly appreaciate all of the people who work so hard getting the rom updated. You guys rocks.
Now, this is the first time I am going to flash to my tilt 2. As I have read the flashing the GSM phone guide (which I am hoping that's the guide I should be following to flash). I am just a bit confused as to how to do it.
It appears to me that I must flash the SPL unlocker in order to flash to the any rom am I correct? Just curious what exactly does it do? If I flash it, would tehre be any issue if I decided to go back to the original rom. I saw that at HTC's site, they have stock rom for ATT phone (http://www.htc.com/us/support/tilt-2-att/downloads/)so if I want to go back, can I just use that file and flash it back? Or I need to flash to a diff HardSPL? before I can use it?
Also, i am curious as to are there any program that will let me keep all of the settings and stuff up to date. in my past where I have the hp's ipaq. I had a tool where after I flash teh rom or do a hardreset, I can run that tool to revert all of the program and configurations (of course, I had a backup file first).
Let me just double check:
basically
1-hardspl
2-rom
3-all set
again, my phone is ATT tilt 2, I would really appreciate any information.
The SPL is kind of similar to the BIOS in your computer; it performs very low-level functions, and functions as a bootloader, among other things. The SPL is responsible for flashing new ROMs to the device, and the SPL that comes on your device won't let you flash ROMs not signed by HTC. HardSPL is a patched SPL that removes this ROM signature check, allowing any ROM, official or custom, to be flashed. The way HardSPL is designed also makes it more difficult (though not impossible!) to brick your device.
If you ever want to restore your original SPL (for warranty purposes,etc.) there are a few threads which explain how to do this, and the HardSPL thread has all the SPLs available for download. If you flash the package from AT&T, your ROM will be the original ROM, but the SPL will still be HardSPL, which isn't okay if you're returning the device for warranty purposes since they check for that. As I said, there are a few threads which have full tutorials for restoring your AT&T Tilt2 to stock.
For backup, there are tons of solutions out there such as the User Customization types (XDA User Customization and Sashami), as well as the full backup and restore suites (Sprite backup, SPB backup). I've automated everything on my device with XDA User Customization, so I don't know much about the full backup and restore suites, though a backup and restore suite might be more what you're looking for based on your description.
Lastly, you have the order of flashing correct. Optionally, you can flash a radio ROM later on, but if this is your first time flashing, you might want to wait awhile until you're more comfortable with flashing.
OMGHAX 900th post!
I'm thinking about flashing a cooked rom to my TP2 and before i take the plunge i want to check that i understand what has to be done
firstly i am not sure how to identify which type of Rhodium i have. its an orange UK handset.
once i have determined this i need to use the relevant hardSPL utility. am i correct in thinking that this simply enables you to install non official roms to the device? does it leave the existing rom intact or do i need to flash the new rom before the device can be used?
flashing the rom looks pretty straight forward, remove sim & sd card, sync with activesync / wmdc, run the custom rom.exe when complete power down device and replace sim & sd card, power on. anything i've got wrong here?
Finally i'd like to know a little about radio roms. is there a definative best one to use? what benefits are there in different radio roms?
Thanks in advance.
Ryan.
deejayry said:
I'm thinking about flashing a cooked rom to my TP2 and before i take the plunge i want to check that i understand what has to be done
firstly i am not sure how to identify which type of Rhodium i have. its an orange UK handset.
once i have determined this i need to use the relevant hardSPL utility. am i correct in thinking that this simply enables you to install non official roms to the device? does it leave the existing rom intact or do i need to flash the new rom before the device can be used?
flashing the rom looks pretty straight forward, remove sim & sd card, sync with activesync / wmdc, run the custom rom.exe when complete power down device and replace sim & sd card, power on. anything i've got wrong here?
Finally i'd like to know a little about radio roms. is there a definative best one to use? what benefits are there in different radio roms?
Thanks in advance.
Ryan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are whole threads dedicated to most of these questions.
please, take the time to use the forums search function.
it helps the fine staff at xda from answering the same questions over and over and over and over and over and over and over....
gets repetitious, and annoying.
so now that youve learned something new, make use of it and hopefully youll have a newly flashed rom within the next 10 mins
deejayry said:
I'm thinking about flashing a cooked rom to my TP2 and before i take the plunge i want to check that i understand what has to be done
firstly i am not sure how to identify which type of Rhodium i have. its an orange UK handset.
once i have determined this i need to use the relevant hardSPL utility. am i correct in thinking that this simply enables you to install non official roms to the device? does it leave the existing rom intact or do i need to flash the new rom before the device can be used?
flashing the rom looks pretty straight forward, remove sim & sd card, sync with activesync / wmdc, run the custom rom.exe when complete power down device and replace sim & sd card, power on. anything i've got wrong here?
Finally i'd like to know a little about radio roms. is there a definative best one to use? what benefits are there in different radio roms?
Thanks in advance.
Ryan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the ROM Development forum and check the "Flashing ROM ... for NOOBs" thread. I think your answers will be there. The radio is flashed separately and will not affect the underlying ROM.
deejayry said:
firstly i am not sure how to identify which type of Rhodium i have. its an orange UK handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's GSM I believe. Remove the battery, and it will show the model number under it: RHOD100, RHOD200, etc. Search on these forums to see which is which (I don't know off hand).
deejayry said:
once i have determined this i need to use the relevant hardSPL utility. am i correct in thinking that this simply enables you to install non official roms to the device? does it leave the existing rom intact or do i need to flash the new rom before the device can be used?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, all it does is unlock the SPL, and allows the flashing of ROMs other than the official one(s) released by your carrier. Your ROM remains intact.
deejayry said:
flashing the rom looks pretty straight forward, remove sim & sd card, sync with activesync / wmdc, run the custom rom.exe when complete power down device and replace sim & sd card, power on. anything i've got wrong here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's pretty much it. Be sure to read the n00b guide, make sure your phone is charged over 50% for each step, don't let your PC go to sleep, etc.
Also running Task29 is optional, but highly recommended before you flash you new ROM. It wipes/formats the memory, so you won't have any remnants of the old ROM remaining (which might cause random bugs). See the Task29 stickied thread in the ROM forum.
deejayry said:
Finally i'd like to know a little about radio roms. is there a definative best one to use? what benefits are there in different radio roms?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is no definitive best radio. The newest ones are sometimes the best. But it can be geographically dependent as well. It might take some trial and error to find the best radio for you (which gives the best reception and battery life for your area).
If your TP2 is GSM, than its easy to flash a new radio, it only take a minute or so, and it leaves the rest of the ROM intact, so you can easily try various radios to find the best one for you.