Database Develop

A helping hand needed to upgrade my MDA Vario!

Hello guys!
I got my MDA Vario last week, and I am very much impressed with it!
I got the MDA Vario brand new without a contract and my intention is to use it with one of those O2 Genie PAYG SIM cards. So.... after much reading this excellent forum I figured out that I would need to unlock the SIMlock on the Vario. Got hold of the Lokiwiz utility, followed the advice on these forums, and tested it with the Orange SIM in my regular phone, and hey presto.... MY PY PHONE IS UNLOCKED!
Next step - to remove all T-Mobile customisations. Again, I had a simple bit of advice from one of you good folk - hard reset, then soft reset when the phone starts to install customisations and now all the pink girlie stuff has gone! Only reminant of T-Mobile left on the phone is the logo on the phone dial keypad.
My thoughts are now with upgrading the ROM. T-Mobile have been very slow with updating their ROM package -a new one is apparently due very soon. Now.... in preparation of installing a new ROM, Ive CID unlocked my phone. I would really like to know which ROM I should upgrade to - there are so many out there! As the phone has been CID & Sim Unlocked, does the phone remained unlocked irrespective of what ROM I install? Can I install a T-Mobile ROM after changing it to another?
As I intend to mostly use an O2 PAYG SIM in it, would it be better to use a new 02 update? If so, which one? Or do I go for another ROM? All very confusing! Finally, Ive heard that I cannot browse the net via GPRS on an 02 PAYG SIM. Is that true? Do I need to flash an ExtROM too?
I know Im asking a lot here and am being a bit of a pain in the backside, but I would really appreciate any and as much advice as possible as I realy dont want to end up with a dead phone! Many thanks in advance!

Hi, yes you could wait for the new rom and i am a believer in sticking with your manufacturer roms because many of the posts here seem to people experimenting with different roms and it all going wrong - lol.
But if you do upgrade proberly the commonest choice is the aku2 qtek rom that i use
download here ftp://xda:[email protected]/Wi...digy_2170702_21707102_20710_QTEK_WWE_Ship.exe
and the o2 aku2rom not a bad idea too, but without the o2 extras.
Yes you could then upgrade to the t-mobile rom then but often you need to unlock again with lockiwiz 0.3a.
PAYG o2 will browse internet but msn etc.. does not work.
btw yes you are a pain in the arse but then most people here are!! :lol:

Cheers Mark! Nice to have some basic advice - very reassuring for a thicko newbie like me!
Well... I couldnt wait for the new T-Mobile ROM and went ahead with the upgrade with the Qtek upgrade you suggested.
Was a little tricky at first because the upgrade wouldnt happen (port failing to open) but I had a few programs running in the background on my desktop PC and shut them all down so that I had a `Clean` PC. The upgrade process was then as smooth as a babys bottom.
MDA Vario is running really well - well worth the upgrade IMO. Everything seems quicker and generally better. Only problem I have is with wifi - it seems to take ages to make a connection with my PC (ad-hoc peer to peer) whereas on the original T-Mob ROM it was very quick. Any ideas here?
I read that you say I would need Lokiwiz 0.3a to install the AKU2 T-Mob ROM when it is eventually released. I was under the impression that once the PDA was unlocked (lokiwiz 0.2b) I wouldnt need to unlock it again. Is it different with the very latest T-Mob ROM? Can I not revert (downgrade) to the original T-Mob and then upgrade to the new T-Mob ROM? Ive not heard of lokiwiz 0.3a being out yet - would it be as simple as unlocking with lokiwiz 0.2b?
Finally, how on earth do I get the latest 02 ROM? I need to enter my 02 mobile number and IMEI to download it. Do I need lokiwiz 0.3a to install that or any other current ROM?
Cheers for your friendly advice.
Al.

Hi, no problem - glad to help.
Lokiwiz 0.3a is out see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=50768
For some reason when upgrading (in think it renews cid/spl) to aku2 rom seems to lock again - i had to unlock my qtek with above tool.
Yes you can go back to original rom - but if does not work use farias method of unlocking and downgrading rom (post is in this forum)
Most of the roms are in the wiki http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Wizard_Upgrades
including the o2 roms, but i would refrain from too much chopping and changing because you can destory the bootloader and then has to go back to the manufacturer.
Many reported problems with the wifi setting up - i would read some of the threads in the wizard forum if i was you. First thing to try is tweak wifi on device to wlan g and it may work better.
see registry tweaks here http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Wizard_Upgrades
btw good to hang out in the wizard forum too - you will learn alot of tips from there.

Want to also say thanks from another newebie with T-Mobile MDA. Have unlocked phone and CID and flashed with 2.17 QTEK ROM and all is good.
Thanks !!!

if you want th get rid of the tmobile crap on the face...use a 2p coin and move it downwards...not accross
it takes the tmobile paint etc off without any marks..

Jesus sbouri that logo was killing me, brilliant tip, nice one mate!!!

hi
i just got my mda vario and manage to unlocked the phone with lokiwiz03. i know my phone is now sim unlocked, but how do i check if it is cid unlock as well?
i am eager to flash the rom with the qtek version but i have no idea how to do it.
i know i must have my phone cid unlock in order to install a different rom, so do i just download the latest qtek rom, connect my device to usb and activesync it, and then just run the RUU?
i am really noob here.
cheers.

Hi mate if i was you i would use MR CLEANS ROM i flashed with that and its excellent, tottaly clean with no tmobile crap and i didnt do anything with the cid so dont worry.
ftp://xda:[email protected]/Uploads/Wizard/ROMS/MrClean_RUU_WIZARD_224_AKU23_WWE.zip
Just download this and run follow instructions, real easy. Good luck mate.

thanks for the advice...i took a bold move and flash it with a qtek rom. works like a charm. before that i did cid unlock using lokiwiz02a, not lokiwiz03.
i will take a look at mr.clean rom at a later stage.
i notice that my imei number is different from the one in my box. does flashing the rom change it?
now my next task would be update to a better radio rom and check out the extension rom.
cheers.

SBouri said:
if you want th get rid of the tmobile crap on the face...use a 2p coin and move it downwards...not accross
it takes the tmobile paint etc off without any marks..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great tip, worked like a charm and left no marks.
Thanks.

Hi there, I'm about to flash my UK MDA Vario too.
I'm not sure to use the Mr clean one or the Qtek 2.17 version.
Before I do anything, which is better of the two?
Also, what settings to I need backed up? I have my txt msg service numbers, as well as voicemail. And all of my MMS & GPRS settings.
Am I to assume that all I have to do is input the settings into the device once it's been flashed?
Thanks

Scottland said:
Hi there, I'm about to flash my UK MDA Vario too.
I'm not sure to use the Mr clean one or the Qtek 2.17 version.
Before I do anything, which is better of the two?
Also, what settings to I need backed up? I have my txt msg service numbers, as well as voicemail. And all of my MMS & GPRS settings.
Am I to assume that all I have to do is input the settings into the device once it's been flashed?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The mr clean rom is a more advanced rom and has no extras. The qtek official rom is probably a safer install because its an official rom and many good reports of success and users pleased with the outcome.
Yes when you have flashed just input all those settings again.
Plus you can backup your voice tag database between hard resets by copying the file CommandModel1.bin found under the windows folder to your pc or to the memory card. After rom upgrade copy it back to your windows folder and all your voice tags are back!
Create backup of windows\start menu - most programs that are on the storage card dont need a reinstall.
Create copy of pim.vol in the root directory of the device - contains contact and appt information. After flash change the new pim.vol to pim.vo and copy and paste old pim.vol (use total commander or gsfinder file explorers for this) and soft reset and you will have info back.
Create backup of windows\favorites - for all your internet favorites.
That will make restore a bit quicker than otherwise.

Cheers for the info. I was actually thinking of trying the Mr. Clean one first, is there anything missing from this one, or is it just less stable?

Mr clean is just a clean rom without any of the manufacturers addons. It will probably run very well - its the flashing process with it that may not be as safe as an original rom and may possibly destroy your bootloader etc.. so you have a brick phone. I would always go for the safest option and would not suggest chopping and changing roms. Read the many users stories where everything goes wrong and the forum needs to help them out.

meschle said:
Mr clean is just a clean rom without any of the manufacturers addons. It will probably run very well - its the flashing process with it that may not be as safe as an original rom and may possibly destroy your bootloader etc.. so you have a brick phone. I would always go for the safest option and would not suggest chopping and changing roms. Read the many users stories where everything goes wrong and the forum needs to help them out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, I didn't think about that. Thanks again.

Ive been using Mr clean rom for 1 week now and its excellent from my experience. Its tottaly clean and runs so fast!
By clean i mean it has no customizations as you will find on official roms. It flashed just like any other rom too. Easy as pie. Just my info as people would like to know.

I've just upped to the QTEK ROM, and I've a couple of problems, nothing too serious though I don't think?
Firstly, when making my GRPS connection - I can't seem to find anywhere to input the WAP Proxy settings?
Edit, sorted this one now
Secondly, when settinp up my MMS - I can't select connect via Picture Message in the settings, it's not there?
I'm guessing this is some other connection I have to make up?
Any idea guys?

Scottland said:
I've just upped to the QTEK ROM, and I've a couple of problems, nothing too serious though I don't think?
Firstly, when making my GRPS connection - I can't seem to find anywhere to input the WAP Proxy settings?
Edit, sorted this one now
Secondly, when settinp up my MMS - I can't select connect via Picture Message in the settings, it's not there?
I'm guessing this is some other connection I have to make up?
Any idea guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant find what you say under settings - what does it do?

Never mind ignore me, that'll teach me not to read T-Mobile's site correctly

Help flashing firmware

Sorry, but i am a newbie i just got my MDA, it sometimes freeze up on me, so i talk to a friend he said try upgrading the firmware, so i wanted to upgrade the firmware just dont know which one cause there's so many...i wanted Tmobile USA, with all of the Tmobile programs such as MMS, Tzone, Email basic program from Tmoile...thanks alot- looking for something more stable, maybe faster WIFI, bluetooth those good stuff any recommandation would be great..and another question when i TRY to flash the fireware will i lose all of the data or program like the spb, theme and whether program thanks again sorry for all the question but i know you guys can help
I am using Rom- 1.8.10.2.WWE
ROM DATE-12/10/05
Radio Version-01.09.10
Protocal version-4.0.13.20
Extrom version 1.8.10.104

Not trying to be rude, but you really need to spend a week or two reading the threads in the "Wizard Upgrading" forum before you even thinking of flashing your Rom.
FYI firmware is for cellphones, Roms are for Windows Mobile Devices.
As to which Rom to use, that depends what you're looking for.
You can go for the latest, the most stable, or one that supports a specific feature. Again this is somethign you really need to read-up on. If you are looking for a specific feature use http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php .
Honestly, you will gain speed and stability with any 2.x Rom.
To use one of the custom Roms you will need to CID unlock your device (search for it) first.
For your first flash you might just want to stick to an official Rom.

First, don't even think of attempting a CID unlock until you figure out if you have a G4 chip or not, unless you want to turn your MDA into a brick. There are other articles on the unlocking forums, as well as the Wizard forums that go into this in detail.
Until this is ironed out, I'd consider paying $40 to the guys at www.imei-check.co.uk. I've not heard any bad press about these guys, so if you want a SIM/CID unlock, go here.
If its freezing up on you, I'd consider backing your stuff on it, doing a hard reset, and restoring it. Make sure you have the data backed up (if ActiveSync doesn't have it, there are other backup utilities which can work well for your MDA you can purchase.) If you are getting freezes with just the factory installed stuff on it, you may have a hardware issue.
Lastly, quite a number of things can be enhanced/fixed without a ROM reflash, so unless T-Mobile USA comes out with new downloadable ROMs, I'd not worry about a reflash just yet.
hieu512 said:
Sorry, but i am a newbie i just got my MDA, it sometimes freeze up on me, so i talk to a friend he said try upgrading the firmware, so i wanted to upgrade the firmware just dont know which one cause there's so many...i wanted Tmobile USA, with all of the Tmobile programs such as MMS, Tzone, Email basic program from Tmoile...thanks alot- looking for something more stable, maybe faster WIFI, bluetooth those good stuff any recommandation would be great..and another question when i TRY to flash the fireware will i lose all of the data or program like the spb, theme and whether program thanks again sorry for all the question but i know you guys can help
I am using Rom- 1.8.10.2.WWE
ROM DATE-12/10/05
Radio Version-01.09.10
Protocal version-4.0.13.20
Extrom version 1.8.10.104
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Sorry for butting in
Well i have this wiza200 tmobile MDA and would also like to Flash it because of speed and performance enhancement my question is when i flash a new rom will it make my phone again sim lock? because right now its already sim unlocked
my wizard came in with the stock rom any enlightenment will be greatly appreciated
Thanks

What you need to know before upgrading the ROM?

Hi all.
I've just got my new Orange M700 on contract and have a few basic questions before upgrading to WM6:-
1. Before upgrading is it sensible to backup the existing ROM etc? Are there tools to do this?
2. After upgrading SPL, GSM and ROM and presumably installing the latest UK network wizard software from HTC will the existing SIM just carry on working as before without Orange being any the wiser as to my actions?
3. In the case of a warranty claim or if I just want to go back to factory default for some reason, what's the recommended process (if any) of reverting to the original ROM etc?
I've been reading hundreds of posts here but thought it best to double check before proceeding. Could be useful for other newbies to see the answers to these questions as well I guess.
Thanks

good questions.....
the network manager is a good idea- wonder if there is one for the Aussie market??? Anyone?
from what i have read do a Hard SPL flash first in case of any problems.

No-one has yet extracted the Orange ROM for reinstallation. It is not a simple process! If you don't want to do it yourself, then there's no point in taking backups etc prior to a ROM update, because you can't go back Never try and apply a restore after a ROM update- you risk screwing things up big time!
Orange SIM's will continue working fine, and Orange will be none the wiser about the upgrade.
If you need a warranty repair, you will either have to hope someone has extracted the Orange ROM and posted it for download, or trust to luck that Orange will accept it as it is. A number of people have reported that they have successfully had a flashed device replaced, as long as the fault wasn't due to the ROM update itself.
If you are in any doubt, DON'T DO IT ! The differences from the Orange release ROM in the UK, and the cooked WM6 ROM's are pretty minimal, apart from the cosmetics.

Good info. Many thanks. Time to get flashing.

I'm in the process of dumping and rebuilding an Orange UK M700 ROM at the moment .... so hopefully I'll be able to upload it soon.
the only caution I would add is that you will loose access to the Orangeworld website after flashing, until someone can work out where Orange hide the files that identify the phone and allow the full graphics version of the site. Depends if thats an issue really

just to point out you can't upgrade to official WM6 for Trinity yet- the ROMS are cooked- i.e taken from other handsets and modified to work with Trinity hardware.
I tried many many cooked WM6 ROMS for the Prophet. All had pros and cons, but were too problematic to live with (e.g. wifi and BT setting vanishing, not reliably charging over USB etc).
I'll be waiting for an official WM6 ROM for Trinity - well here's hoping.

hollandg said:
I'm in the process of dumping and rebuilding an Orange UK M700 ROM at the moment .... so hopefully I'll be able to upload it soon.
the only caution I would add is that you will loose access to the Orangeworld website after flashing, until someone can work out where Orange hide the files that identify the phone and allow the full graphics version of the site. Depends if thats an issue really
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. I was going to have a go myself but haven't managed to make the time yet.
Fingers crossed, good luck etc

HTC ROM

Hi there, I've just received a "new" HTC Trinity from Vodafone Portugal and I've some doubts regarding it. The ROM version is pretty old (1.15.410.2) and I was wondering through the HTC support and they have a new generic ROM (portuguese ROM) with GPS enabled and other improvements.
So the risk of upgrading to this new ROM is practically null (is it?) since it is a ROM provided by the vendor, and afterwards I will have the GPS working, but the SIM will remain locked.
Then I can run the batch file provided by pof to unlock the ppc, and there it is : a GPS enabled Trinity that I can use in PT and UK.
Well, is this so linear or am I missing something?
thanks,
and cheers
mouro

download rom removes sim lock?!
if downloading the new rom resets all the settings from the vodafone operator, shouldn't also remove the SIM lock?
well, this might appear a dumb question but it make sense (at least to me )
thanks

1)
If your phone is a Vodaphone, and you install a HTC generic ROM on it, you may lose the benefit of your Vodaphone warranty.
But since your ROM version is so old, I guess it's a second hand phone, not a new one, so your Warranty period has probably already expired.
In this case, you have nothing to lose.
2)
Flashing a new ROM on your phone doesn't make it a sim unlocked phone.
Besides, if there is SPL/IPL on that so called generic HTC ROM, you may not be able to flash it onto your phone, unless you CID unlock it.
Hard SPL is a wise option, search on the forum, you'll find everything for SIM and CID unlock.

Thanks for the reply.
I've already seen how to unlock the SIM/CID.
I'm gonna try the upgrade to Hard-SPL. If I'm successful then i can change to a recent cooked ROM.
thanks,
i'll let you know if I bricked my ppc
hope not!
cheers

Well I've managed to update the bootloader to SPL 1.20 and the Radio ROM. Now I can see the radio version on the settings panel.
These tools are really something, I didn't have any problem flashing the ROM !!!
Next step is to upgrade to a new ROM, but :
1) Can I use any ROM available (independently of the CID)?
2) Are there any cooked ROMs with GPS software?
3) Is the WM6 a must have, or is it more or less like WM5 with some extra eye
candy and extra overhead ?
4) Can I SIM unlock the phone with the pof tool with the SPL bootloader?
Thanks for the help!
regards,
mouro

Hi Mouro
I also have a P3600 in Portugal. In the begining I also installed the htc rom from vodafone to enable gps.
I think you have to unlock the phone cid (instal super cid) in order to be possible the installationn of any coocked rom.
I´m sure that all the coocked roms have gps enabled.
WM6 has some advantages, especially the htc task manager and maybe a bit more speed... but I think the advantages are not that much when compared with WM5. Anyway, it´s the latest version and we always consider that important...
Yes, you can use the tools provided by pof to unlock the phone.
Mine is working fine and very stable.
Nothing to complaint about.
Best regards

hey nj05
thanks for your reply
I think I'm gonna give it a try.
before installing the HARD SPL I was a little scared because after all, this is an expensive toy but now after seeing all the positive feedback I'm gonna give it a try.
Tomorrow I'll post here the results.
best regards
cheers
mouro

all rigth baby
well,
finally I have my ppc unblocked with an original ROM from HTC with everything running smooth!!!
Thanks to everybody!
keep up the good hacking work!
cheers

Should I get a TyTn?

Morning all
I have been offered a swap for my iPhone for a brand new boxed Orange TyTn II and Im just wondering if its worth doing?
I have had previous windows mobile phones and do like the phones so I am considering the trade, I am currently on o2.
The thing is i have read all the posts about unlocking and flashing roms etc and im a little on edge about doing it myself as im sure i will break it lol
I would basically need to sim unlock the phone and remove all the orange software as I think it looks naff!
How much work is envolved in doing what i need and how long would it take?
Sorry if im repeating a post, im not the best at forums and get lost with all this info you guys have!
Cheers
Sy

Absolutely YES!!!
There is no contest. The TyTN II wins hands down!!!
Leave well enough alone. Perhaps get a sim unlocker. Just do a search and you should find something. But don't play around with flashing roms etc. You may regret it.
Use the HTC original apps which you will find on a sticky at the beginning of this forum.

You'd be suprised how easy it is to Flash the Tytn II, the only things you have to remember is:
Flash Pof's HardSPL first,
Then Flash your ROM,
And make sur eyou have a Radio that is compatable with the ROM you've chosen (although if you have an incompatable radio, your device will still turn on and function, you just won't be able to use certain elements, calls/gps/etc)
Plus, you'll notice a MASSIVE speed increase when you've flashed to a new ROM
Hope this helps

I'm wondering if i should get a TyTn 2 now or wait for a Xperia.
Checked out the TyTn at a store a couple of days ago and i loved it, the only thing i didnt like was that it doesnt have a radio. Then i read around in this forum and came across the driver problems and the touchscreen bug and due to them i'm more inclined to wait for Xperia, but then i checked out Xperia's design and i didnt like the way the keyboard slides to, makes you operate the joystick with the right hand instead of the left and that's kind of uncomfortable.

seriously, who uses radio? I stream my Sirius satalite radio..
Sirius Pwnz AM/FM

..........

Audio said:
You'd be suprised how easy it is to Flash the Tytn II, the only things you have to remember is:
Flash Pof's HardSPL first,
Then Flash your ROM,
And make sur eyou have a Radio that is compatable with the ROM you've chosen (although if you have an incompatable radio, your device will still turn on and function, you just won't be able to use certain elements, calls/gps/etc)
Plus, you'll notice a MASSIVE speed increase when you've flashed to a new ROM
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont you need to CID unlock it first? what is this hardspl and what does it do?

jonneymendoza said:
dont you need to CID unlock it first? what is this hardspl and what does it do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you MUST CID unlock as well (unless it has already been done, which is doubtful if it is on Orange).
My advice...Before even getting the TYTN II, read the sticky's and Wikis in the upgrading ROM section at least 3 times over to ensure you have an idea of what you are going to need to do before even doing anything. when you think you understand it, read them again.
Then go ahead and flash any ROM you fancy and enjoy the benfits of the TYTN II voer the Iphone.
HardSPL is the replacement bootloader that allows you to install an non original ROM.

Im on T mobile and i hav heard that the ROM is not heavily branded. im just worried about bricking it. i already have the MDA viara 3.
reading this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=334679 doing hardspl, does that automaticly unlock the CID or is there another tool to do that? if so do CID unlock it first and then hardspl?

You will NEED to CID unlock AND HardSPL...Do not consider doing anything untill you are 100% certain of the steps you are performing and why, otherwise you will have a rather expensive paperweight.
EVERYTHING you need to know and more about Rom flashing is contained here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=369282
Seriously, ensure you read every link and sub link related to ROM flashing. Even make sure you read the "inspirational reading" bit, that will give you the confidence to try it.
As long as you read you will be fine.
When I was new here I spent 4 days solid reading reading and reading before biting the bullet and flashing my first ROM. At

Thanks for the advice. one small question. if i was to follow this guide : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1790046&postcount=3 word for word i should be succesful?
there is one question i am still confused about and thats this hardspl/cid unlock. according to the Thread i linked, all i got to do is follow the guide from HTC Kaiser Hard-SPL v1 - CID Unlock & Flash any ROM to your device (4 free) and bam im ready to Flash the ROM?
also what are the major benefits of flashing to a custom ROM?
does the procedure from that last link above hardspl AND CID at the same time?

hi i managed to hardspl my device succesfuly. so im ready to install a new cooked ROM? what are the best ROMS out there that i can try. i have seen dutty's ROM that many have used and was wondering if thats the best one
Does the DUTTY rom improve the camera and video playback?