Extended ROM FAQ? - 8125, K-JAM, P4300, MDA Vario Software Upgrading

I hate to be another of these "I've searched and can't find an answer to this question" guys, but.....
I've read, re-read, digested etc....and successfully flashed various OS ROMS, Radio ROMS, several times on 2 different phones...and, for the life of me I can't get my head around this extended ROM thing.
Let's state what I "think" I know:
1) The extended ROM is an area of ROM on the phone that is not "normally" visible, accessible etc. by, e.g. file explorer, right?
2) The purpose of the extended ROM is to contain the files necessary for cold starting the phone - ie. all the cab files etc. AND all the carrier-specific info - e.g. MMS settings, server addresses etc., right?
3) It is possible with certain hacks to make this area of ROM browsable - but, not totally sure why you would want to do that.
4) Some ROM updates from the highly knowledgable people on this site have no content in the extended ROM area, meaning that it will not overwite anything already in this area. This means, for example that it would be possible to have the registry settings in a new ROM to "call" the customization settings already in extended ROM to customize the phone for, say, AT&T, right?
5) And finally....I believe it is possible to "pre-load" the extended ROM with, say, customization files, and then load an OS update ROM which will then call the customization cabs in the same way as a genuine ROM from a carrier does, yes?
Sorry for the long list of questions and, if there IS an FAQ on this that I have missed, doubly sorry. Aside from simply understanding the above, my purpose today is to load the Jaguar II ROM, which I believe doesn't have an extended rom area along with the AT&T customizations as a base to work from.
By all means tell me if I am talking out of my proverbial with any of the above!
-------------------------
Cingular 8125
TNT 3.0
T-moble 2.19UK GSM

1. Right, however in Wizard it is presented by a hidden folder (You can use Total Commander and navigate to \Extended_ROM to view its contents)
2. Yes, however htc also put some programs such as Voice Commander install cab there
3. It is browseable using other file managers (But NOT changeable if not CID unlocked, or the Extended ROM portion will be damaged and you can see no files there)
4. Partly. Actually the ROM file for flashing is a container that can include IPL, SPL, Radio, OS and Extended ROM, however not all ROMs must exist in the flashing file (nk.nbf). Most custom ROMs does not have the Extended ROM file (Instead many of them only have OS ROM).
It is possible to call the Extended ROM for installation, however due to possible software incompatibilities, ROM cook removes that settings.
Instead, you can visit the Extended ROM and run the customization cab yourself (or even copy the cab to other situation to prevent the Extended ROM from accidentally damaged)
5. Yes, it is possible to customized the Extended ROM and rebuild the nk.nbf with your Extended ROM, however it is only applicable to unlocked G3 devices.
For me, I copied the customization cabs to SD, then run it myself on each hard reset because I don't want to install the bundled Voice Commander and other craps.

Related

Access to cabs in Extended ROM?

I just upgraded to the beta T-Mobile 2.24 ROM. I upgraded from the custom 2.17 by xelencin. I avoided the tmo customizations from installing but have a couple of questions. Is there a way to extract the custom cabs from xelencin's ROM (i.e. the Tmo Network Customizations) that get installed in the Extended ROM or is this something I would have had to do prior to upgrading. If not, is there at least a place I can locate the Certification_Disable.cab separately?
I have a feeling that the answer is that I would have needed to somehow extract them from my MDA in the Extended ROM prior to the upgrade. If so, I am not opposed to going back to the 2.17 or even his new 2.21 ROM but can someone point me on how I can access the Extended ROM to get the cabs if I install his custom ROM?
gilbreen said:
I just upgraded to the beta T-Mobile 2.24 ROM. I upgraded from the custom 2.17 by xelencin. I avoided the tmo customizations from installing but have a couple of questions. Is there a way to extract the custom cabs from xelencin's ROM (i.e. the Tmo Network Customizations) that get installed in the Extended ROM or is this something I would have had to do prior to upgrading. If not, is there at least a place I can locate the Certification_Disable.cab separately?
I have a feeling that the answer is that I would have needed to somehow extract them from my MDA in the Extended ROM prior to the upgrade. If so, I am not opposed to going back to the 2.17 or even his new 2.21 ROM but can someone point me on how I can access the Extended ROM to get the cabs if I install his custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The quickest way for you to get at the cabs would be to install Total Commander (free file manager..search for it via Goooooogle) on your device. Then type "\Extended_Rom" in the path bar at the top. Don't do anything with the files you see there other than copy them to a folder somewhere else on your device. If you try to delete or otherwise modify them you will corrupt you extended ROM (not a big deal, but you'll have to soft reset to fix). Once the files are copied elsewhere you can have your way with 'em.
Something I've never understood is installing a ROM clean without the Ext_ROM cabs....from reading through the posts, it looks like the cabs can be installed later, but will those cabs go into program memory instead of the locked/hidden extended ROM? Wouldn't I be better off letting the Ext_ROM do its thing so I don't waste precious program memory?
Is there any way to uninstall a cab from teh Ext_ROM without a hard-reset? I know deleting files out of the Ext_ROM corrupts it, but these progs don't show up under "Remove Programs", so I'm thinking I'm stuck with them. Guess what I need to do is create my own Ext_ROM without the cabs I don't want?
I think I hit my question limit for one post, so I'll end it now...
jorge_culv said:
Something I've never understood is installing a ROM clean without the Ext_ROM cabs....from reading through the posts, it looks like the cabs can be installed later, but will those cabs go into program memory instead of the locked/hidden extended ROM? Wouldn't I be better off letting the Ext_ROM do its thing so I don't waste precious program memory?
Is there any way to uninstall a cab from teh Ext_ROM without a hard-reset? I know deleting files out of the Ext_ROM corrupts it, but these progs don't show up under "Remove Programs", so I'm thinking I'm stuck with them. Guess what I need to do is create my own Ext_ROM without the cabs I don't want?
I think I hit my question limit for one post, so I'll end it now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a bit of a misconception regarding extended ROM. Most of the cab files there only set registry and provisioning settings. Very few actually install anything to the device. Extended ROM is about 10 megs in size. Whether it's full or not has no impact on your useabable space.
Unlock Extended ROM
But what should I do when I need add new programs to extended rom. My Extended ROM is write protected
Re: Unlock Extended ROM
Marko-z said:
But what should I do when I need add new programs to extended rom. My Extended ROM is write protected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should do a search on Wizard extended ROM unlocking. Here and over at buzzdev.
gilbreen said:
If not, is there at least a place I can locate the Certification_Disable.cab separately?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also be very interested in this. I have a Wizard that has the T-Mobile 2.26 ExtROM, which, needless to say, does not have this file. I don't really want to reflash the ExtROM just for this file. Could someone post it or point me to a place that has it?
Thanks!
Marko-z said:
But what should I do when I need add new programs to extended rom. My Extended ROM is write protected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
best way to add files to the ext rom without corrupting your ext rom is this..
Make your own with the files you want, then flash that ext rom... To learn how to do this you better start reading the millions of threads on here
Found what I wanted...
Well, I seem to have solved my own problem. The Certification_Disable.cab file seems to be the same exact thing as Cert_SPCS.cab, which I found through Google. Even if the files are not exactly the same, Cert_SPCS.cab has the desired effect: it removes the prompting when installing unsigned applications.
Since I bet other people need this file too, I am attaching it here (remove the .zip). I am not positive about the origin of this file, but it sounds like it was included in the ExtROM of the Sprint PPC6700 (Apache).

Need advice on cooking an extended rom based on Xelencin's T-Mobile 2.26 ROM

I really like Xelencin's 2.26 ROM. However, I don't like the T-Mobile_Network_Customizations.cab file. As it is not removable, and more importantly, won't let me set Wi-Fi as my default internet connection. I tried everything and finally concluded that the culprit is that cab file. So I decided to cook up an extended rom with only the files I want. Basically, here are the four Xelencin extended rom cab files that I would like to keep, as they seem essential:
Certification_Disable.cab - Disables certification requirement for CAB installers.
Smart_Dialing_Enable.cab - Enables Smart Dialing.
Missing_Shortcuts.cab - Adds MMS Inbox, Voice Tag control panel, Voice Dialing startup shortcut, ClearVue PDF shortcut, Voice Speed Dial shortcut.
Intent_MIDlet_manager.cab
Intent_MIDlet_manager.cab - Adds the missing Java MIDlet manager to the device.
According to Mr. PrestonMcafee's thread, MP_SmartDialing_enable_0915_signed.cab is the newer updated version of Xelencin's Smart_Dialing_Enable.cab. Can anyone confirm this? Also, it was stated that MP-Shorcut-MMS1-Voice-CV-TMUS-060404.cab is the newer version of Xelencin's Missing_Shortcuts.cab. However, it seems like there is a difference as Xelencin's Missing_Shortcuts.cab file is 96KB in size while the MP-Shorcut-MMS1-Voice-CV-TMUS-060404.cab file is only 72KB. It seems like Xelencin has added something else to his cab. Just confused about that.
I also plan on adding the following files in addition to the ones above, to the extended rom:
- TMOUS_Camera_Profile_reg_0414_signed.cab - Fix for the Camera
- PP_GPRSandEGDE_DTMF.cab - Fix for DTMF tone dialing problem?, sets EnableDTMFSupport and different edge, GPRS icons
- P_Edge_Icon.sa.cab - Replaces Antenna icon with G or E
- Enable_NTIZ_.cab - Network time enable
- MP_CVSDcpl_20060220.cab - voicetagcpl.cpl
- Molski.Biz_Performance Registry_Tweaks.cab
- Molski.Biz_Customizing_Tweaks.cab
Are there any newer versions of these files? And are any of these redundant with the 4 Xelencin cab files? Sorry for all the questions. Just anxious to cook up this extended rom. Thanks!
2.26
I think in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=273019
Xelencin provides a new ROM based on the updated versions. That of course doesn't solve your problem, but it provides a second check on what I did.
I would recommend, before you cook a ROM, to install the stock T-Mobile 2.26 ROM but prevent the installation of the extended ROM, install and use Total Commander to copy the extended ROM files to the SD card, run the ones you want and try living with it for a while, to insure you have what you need. I recently rebuilt mine without the MMS shortcut cab because I don't use MMS myself. This is very easy; if at some point you settle on a preferred configuration, then you can cook a ROM, but I figure, why bother? I copy the files I want to my SD card once and even if I do a hard reset and rebuild the system, I maintain copies of these files to install again.
Thanks for the reply Preston. What you're saying about manually installing the cabs I want from my SD card definitely makes a lot of sense. But part of me wants to try to create an Extended Rom, as a personal learning challenge to myself. Basically, to see if I can do it. It seems fairly easily, particulary in comparison to making a full fledged modified ROM. Faria's Tutorial on Cooking an Extended ROM, seems like a great guide.
Do you happen to know where I can find the official U.S. T-Mobile 2.26 Extended ROM? I couldn't find it through searching, and would prefer not to have to install the official T-Mobile rom, just to get the contents of the extended rom.
Here it is
http://www.t-mobileapps.com/downloadcenter/software_detail.cfm?id=80
I believe this is the entire ROM. I was just looking for the extended_rom download.

how to build custom extended ROM?

I've been debating trying my hand at cooking up my own ROM sometime here soon since I've not been entirely happy with the precooked ones. You know what they say, if you want something done right you just gotta do it yourself. ;-)
Anyways, I was thinking that I would probably like to install more software than I can put in just the ROM itself. I know I can do this through the extended ROM but I don't have the first clue where to begin and there doesn't seem to be any sort of tutorials floating around on the subject (or, indeed, of cooking in general). So how DO you create an extended ROM and add programs through it?
Avatar28 said:
I've been debating trying my hand at cooking up my own ROM sometime here soon since I've not been entirely happy with the precooked ones. You know what they say, if you want something done right you just gotta do it yourself. ;-)
Anyways, I was thinking that I would probably like to install more software than I can put in just the ROM itself. I know I can do this through the extended ROM but I don't have the first clue where to begin and there doesn't seem to be any sort of tutorials floating around on the subject (or, indeed, of cooking in general). So how DO you create an extended ROM and add programs through it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a great kitchen that i got from the forum. I can't upload it right now, but hopefully someone has some bandwidth to get a link. Search for Wizard extended rom kitchen. I believe Faria put it together. Check out the .pdf it contains for instructions.
Basically, you'll use a tool called Winimage to "inject" files into a file called ext-rom-base.nb. In the image is a text file that tells the installer what to run.
Each file must be selected as "read only" after injecting, or it won't work.
Injecting is basically dragging and dropping cabs or exe's into the file, nothing fancy. Note that each file type is called differently, so watch out for that one.
Also - the cabs cannot require operator intervention - or the installer will hang. Make sure they run and tell you that they're done.
Then when you run nb2nbf_wizard, you can check Ext_rom, browse to the file ext-rom-base.nb, image name is Extension_ROM, and address is 9B000000.
You can create the nb.nbk to include just the extended rom, just the OS, just the Splash screens, or any combination you want.
A bit intimidating at first - but actually very easy. I never messed up my phone once working with the extended rom on the Wizard. I broke my Hermes twice already, and still can't figure it out
ftp://xda:[email protected]/Wizard/Extended_Roms/Extended_ROM_Kitchen/
Enjoy.
Post also moved to wizard upgrading.
hi guys,
I had problem when cooking ext rom. I got ''htc-wizard-ext-rom-maker-kit" by faria from ftp. I did exactly all the steps in faria pdf guide, but after hard reset it didn't work. I don't know why? Anyone help me pls.
My device:
IPL/ISL: 3.08
Radio: 2.19.11
ROM: TNT 3 Pro

In need of help

I have just got a 8925 but i want to add some roms to it: ultimate launch, pocket cm, ifonz, & iphone interface. I am not sure of the best way to do this. Should they be added all at the same time, or do i have to add them one by one? Also i am not sure how to unlock the phone so that I can add these apps to the device. I have searched the forums and I haven't found a tutorial for this.
Any ideas?
If you want to be really sure you won't get any problems, soft reset after every installation. This IS overkill, since apps that need a soft reset will ask for one, but it won't hurt you.
Install Kaisertweak first:
http://www.jongma.org/KaiserTweak/KaiserTweak.zip
Extract the zip to your phone and run the extracted .exe from your phone. One of the options found under "Security": "Not-certified Warning". Disable the warning and exit the program (hope you meant this by 'unlocking'). The nag you used to get will be gone.
Good luck!
I think you may mean you want to add some applications and not ROMs? You don't need to unlock your phoine to install applications on them. If you want to flash a different ROM, then you will have to use HardSPL and flash the ROM
Here's pocket CM:
http://www.pocketcm.com/contact.php
Ultimate Launcher:
http://www.ultimatelaunch.de/
As for the Iphone interface, there are plenty of icons floating around, and on the the 'post your today screen' thread on the Kaiser general section, there are massess of info from users on how to achieve an Iphone look to their Kaiser and has links to Iphone Icons
HTC Home customiser is the simplest programme I know where you can input iphone icons and themes to your phone
http://www.pocketemu.com/download4.html
Do i need to hardspl my device to add rom's or can i just softspl?
I suspect you haven't quite understood some basics.
ROM = like Windows. There are 'shipped' ROMs (factory/default/shipped ROMs) and custom ROMs (Dutty/Alex/.../homemade ROMs). You always have 1 ROM 'installed' on your device; otherwise your device wouldn't function (just like a PC without Windows)
CAB = applications. Ultimate Launch, PocketCM, iFonz, & iPhone interface are apps. On PC you need to execute an .exe file (mostly setup.exe) to install an applications. PocketPC's don't work with .exe installers, they work with .cab installers.
Given your posts, I think you only want to install some applications. That means installing .cab files. No need for any ****SPL here.
If you really are already thinking of replacing your shipped ROM, than you WILL NEED HardSPL. But given your explanation I don't think you were planning on doing that.
Hope this clears some things up.
Good luck and welcome...
Can you have more than one rom on a device and just switch back and forth whenever you want to use one or the other?
student174 said:
Can you have more than one rom on a device and just switch back and forth whenever you want to use one or the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope and why do you want to switch ROMs?
Dr. Strangelove said:
I suspect you haven't quite understood some basics.
ROM = like Windows. There are 'shipped' ROMs (factory/default/shipped ROMs) and custom ROMs (Dutty/Alex/.../homemade ROMs). You always have 1 ROM 'installed' on your device; otherwise your device wouldn't function (just like a PC without Windows)
CAB = applications. Ultimate Launch, PocketCM, iFonz, & iPhone interface are apps. On PC you need to execute an .exe file (mostly setup.exe) to install an applications. PocketPC's don't work with .exe installers, they work with .cab installers.
Given your posts, I think you only want to install some applications. That means installing .cab files. No need for any ****SPL here.
If you really are already thinking of replacing your shipped ROM, than you WILL NEED HardSPL. But given your explanation I don't think you were planning on doing that.
Hope this clears some things up.
Good luck and welcome...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a good straight to the point summary

Custom ROM from existing ROM

Hi,
I would like to customize a ROM for myself but i would need your advice...
Is it possible to use a ROM (Lets say NRG ROM 2.5), and to customize it (reg tweaks, MMS config, Exchange Server config with password set by default, install some cab and put the registration keys by default....) ?
If this is possible, is it hard to update it ? for exemple if NRG updates his ROM, i also want to be up to date with mine, is it easy to "synchronize", or reapply all previous actions without too much hassle ?
Do you have any links i should read to start a Kitchen ?
Thanks in advance
It might be worth having a search around for SASHIMI. It'll let you collect .cabs and .reg files etc and automate running then after youve flashed a new ROM.
if you figure out how your reg details are kept for each piece of software (in the registry or a file etc.), you can get it to reinstate them after flashing too.
You could DL the latest verion of a ROM, pull it apart and change whatever you like and then flash it to your phone but it'd be a pain for pain version.
Using sashimi, its also easy to update your setup when indiviudual apps and settings change, without needing to reflash your phone and then re-sync etc.
The way I see it, sashimi only really needs setting up the once and then given a tweak when something changes rather than needing to be re-done as with a ROM...the only down-side I can really find is it needs running after a hard-reset, whereas if you cook the changes in they wouldnt (so its no good for 'find or nuke my stolen phone' type apps).
I believe a lot of cooked ROMs include 'User Customization' (UC) which does a similar thing, but i havent used it myself.
Also, I may be wrong, but i think you could need certain details from the original chef before you can pull apart a cooked ROM too (i remember reading about file somewhere in your kitchen, memory fails me though)-and, of course, the chefs permission
Let us know what you try out.
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