Database Users

Challenge to coders in here (Stolen Phone Location Cab file)

ok here is the challenge, now some of us know the horror of a lost or stolen phone. Who has it? Where is it? Can i track it? Well thats where this challenge comes in. We all know about the extended rom , most people dont think that u can mess with this but actually you can. For those who dont know what the extended rom is, it a file folder that contains all the cab files that are used to restore your pda back to factory preinstalled. Well i know that using some programs you can actually edit or delete files in this folder. What i propose or challenge the coders to see if they can come up with a cab file or program that can be placed into the E.R. so that if someone hard resets the pda, that when it comes back and resets it would set off the cab file to collect information like the phone number of the new sim card the thieves put in the stolen unit, and or any other info that can be used to track this device. to email it or say call you at a certian time. Point is that if you can get the number of the person that has your phone, you can get it traced and at least get the cops to go to the address that the new sim card is registered to.

Wow, I like that idea.
I was actually coding it so that the first thing it would do is execute a full-screen lock and you'd have to enter a preset passcode. The only way to get around anything in the Extended ROM though is by performing a soft-reset during the 3-second pause.
The problem with the current WM5 HTC devices (Wizard, Universal, and Apache) is that they have a digital signature feature enabled by default. So I can't hack the Autorun (even if I could) to bypass the 3-second pause, since that would break the authentication of the digital signature.
I could, however, disable the security on the Wizard and Universal with a digitally-signed CAB file found in the Apache's Extended ROM...
If someone could teach me how to access the SIM, that would be key...

Um, am I missing something or isn't this what IIWPO does (for the WM2003/SE devices anyway)? As soon as someone changes the owner info. and puts in a new SIM, it SMS's you the details - I already have it installed in my ext.ROM.
For the WM2005 devices it might not work but it's currently protecting my XdaII.

can you provide a link for iipwo

no sim
doesnt seem like that program access the sim, it seems that it relys on the new owner to input their information, but how many of us actually do that. i dont for sure. so if the new owner doesnt imput their contact info then there is no way of finding them, where as i propose to make come up with a way to read the sim and get the phone number, that way its definatly going to get them

BeyondtheTech said:
can you provide a link for iipwo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's here on xda-dev, just search. Oh, and it's iiWPo not iipwo.
henvanvo said:
doesnt seem like that program access the sim, it seems that it relys on the new owner to input their information, but how many of us actually do that. i dont for sure. so if the new owner doesnt imput their contact info then there is no way of finding them, where as i propose to make come up with a way to read the sim and get the phone number, that way its definatly going to get them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't need to, all it does is compare the existing text (or lack of) with the stored value (your own), then gets any data and sends it. If nothing else you'll get the phone number as part of the SMS. If they DO enter info (and most people I know do, just in case it is returned if lost), then you get that too.
You also get the satisfaction of slowly racking up their bill for them if they are charged for SMS and if they query it and the telco starts to ask questions about where the 'faulty' handset came from or suggests it goes for repair... Gotcha!

wm5
isnt this only for WM 2003? has anyone got this to Work on a WiZard ?

if someone steals/finds a wizard then what are the chances they will know how to or even if you can hard reset it? and the ones "in the know" might just install a new/default rom image overwriting whats on the modified ext rom.
what you need is something that executes on maybe the 2nd or 3rd incorrect pin number entry.

not true
thats not true , u can get a manual at imate to show u how to hard reset. but there is no manual unless u read these kind of forums. most theives are crack heads that just take the phone to see if they can sell it for money. no knoledge of these devices

what i mean is there is no manual to enter the extended rom unless u read these kinda forum, we are fanatics

iiwpo relies on security by obscurity.
It works quite well on Walaby and Himalay.
If put into extROM it will be installed after hard reset as well (but since it is not signed the user wil get the ability to cancel in WM5.
I am planning to test its functionality on WM5 with my new Wizard.
BTW: Anyone allready has a ExtROM editor to bypass the read-only protection in newer ROMs?

Why do people keep upgrading ROMS?

I know I am going to cause some trouble by asking this but why?
On taking my new Orange SPV M600 out of the box, I have to agree a bit sluggish, but this was mainly due to Windows.
After a little tweaking with the registry and some third party software it is now flying.
I originally thought that putting third party software over the top of the system would slow it even more, but know, the opposite was true. Using the standard windows task bar and start menu was dreadful. I tried a number of third party softwares such as True Toolbar, Handyswitcher etc, finally settling on Wisbar deluxe.
Everything now opens as soon as it is selected no nasty lag like windows. With some skinning and removal of Customised Today the phone looks great and is performing great. That is apart from my wired hands free. I can now answer and close calls with the button, but it does not activate voice dial when pressed, so I can't dial out hands free. All prevoius phones, Nokia and SE did this no problem, so why not this phone?
Anyway, back to the point of ROMS, why keep flashing?

I just got me one of those SPV M600 things and its not that slow, but I havent added anything else to it yet. Would you care to elaborate on "registry tweaks"? Im new to XDA/phones and havent started messing about yet.

I can not remember all of the tweaks I used, but there is a big section somewhere in here listing them. I have them somewhere on the computer but my filing is a mess and I can't remember what I called the text file or where I put it.
Basically the tweaks are just simple things like increasing cache size for fonts, programs etc. Moving file storage off main memory to SD card, disabling and enabling etc. It is claimed by doing this that the system will speed up a little. I am not sure if any of these actually did anything or if it is just down to Wisbar. All I can say is that when I click on a program it fires up straight away, before it could take a second or two.

Spenner said:
I just got me one of those SPV M600 things and its not that slow, but I havent added anything else to it yet. Would you care to elaborate on "registry tweaks"? Im new to XDA/phones and havent started messing about yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check out this tread and application
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=39725&highlight=easy+tweaking
good luck
R

Actually, the rule about flashing is: If it's not broken don't fix it.
People upgrade because they want to get rid of bugs or add features like AKU 2.0 that includes push mail and some other stuff.
Also some brands are better that others in some ways, and worse in other ways. There are several ROMs for the Prophet: Dopod, i-mate, Qtek, Orange. Finally some people cook their own ROMs throwing out useless stuff and adding apps they 'must have'.
All in all if you are pleased with your phone there is no need to change the ROM. When I got my Jamin it had the i-mate 1.xx ROM so I upgraded to 2.13 to get the AKU 2.0 goodies.

I always belive the latest is the greatest, even if its not. I still run the latest. While the release notes say "Added this, fixed that" they also contain a lot of fixes and changes not documented.

Hi all.
Thats actually a very good question. From my experience you dont really need to change anything. Maybe as you said some registry tweaking or some basic settings. However as someone already said, the golden rule should be if it is not broken dont try to fix it.
On the other hand you might want to change things with no reason, just because you can.. and I have to admit that it is hard not to do. Then you have to make sure that you know what you are doing cause otherwise you might end up spending your day in forums try to fix whatever you &^%$ up..
Take care.

Thanks for the replies.
I have to admit, when I first got the phone I started tweaking, then I found this forum and others. Once I discovered unlocking and flashing ROMS, I was very close to doing it. Then I remembered what I used to be like on my PC. With old systems like Win ME, I used to spend about 70% of my time tweaking and fixing, and only 30% actually using the damn thing. Not what I want out of a phone.
Just by messing around with skins, I have already managed to lose my phone dialer all together, I was left with a blank screen, so I had a phone that could not phone. I have it nicely skinned and running now, but I was never able to get the Orange dialer back.
Guess the only time I will flash my ROM is when there is a genuine update and it is covered by warranty, that way if the ROM is bad, Orange can give me another phone.
Thanks

I look at it same way as i look at windows.
My windows isn't broke but I always use Windows Update.
Why do YOU update windows, if you do at all. I guess im not sure if this is advisable, but that's just the way i do it.
Regarding upgrading ROM, MOST of the time, it makes the device faster and adds more features ( i never install extended ROM ) so I always upgrade when there is a new one.
I've downgraded ONCE. And only the RADIO because 1.11 didn't agree with my device.
There are ways to Backup the device, change to a different BRAND/VERISON of ROM then restore the backup. This makes changing ROM very easy.
Anyway, I have nothing better to do with my time so i upgrade whenever a new ROM comes out.

Sorry to but in again but I simply must disagree with the Windows update analogy.
I have my PC set to auto update as well, but Windows XP runs updates in the background and doesn't delete you data in the process.
ROM upgrade means HARD RESET, and unless you have a good backup a long restore process.
Also there is the danger of communication / power interrupt during the flashing and a bricked device as a result.
Finlay, like with your radio ROM, some OS updates have new bugs as well as fixes for the old.
But I do wish it was as simple as updating windows - then I would say, update away, couldn't hurt.

My analogy was based only on the reason for updating, not the process itself that you are stating.
What I mean is if your windows works, why update?.... This thinking... Not the "ritual"...
Sorry i did not explain that clearly. The guy just asked why update if you are content with what you have.... It has nothing to do with "I would update only if the process were simpler" like what you stated.
Sorry for the misunderstanding

I upgrade because I can cook my own ROM with better application suite

Jorgee said:
What I mean is if your windows works, why update?.... This thinking... Not the "ritual"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's full of holes and most of the updates are plugging them.

I think the main point is you dont have to upgrade, you can if you want, its a matter of choice.
I like to always update, some like to keep the same and have never hard reset in their life. Im on my 9th this week :S but it is a new device and im still figuring it all out.

TheBrit said:
Jorgee said:
What I mean is if your windows works, why update?.... This thinking... Not the "ritual"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's full of holes and most of the updates are plugging them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, then i guess your advice to NewSPV is to upgrade.
Me too, as i said in earlier post, i will always upgrade to the newest ROM, then just downgrade if i don't like the changes. Unfortunately it isn't as easy to downgrade from Windows SP2 hehehe

Jorgee said:
TheBrit said:
Jorgee said:
What I mean is if your windows works, why update?.... This thinking... Not the "ritual"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's full of holes and most of the updates are plugging them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, then i guess your advice to NewSPV is to upgrade.
Me too, as i said in earlier post, i will always upgrade to the newest ROM, then just downgrade if i don't like the changes. Unfortunately it isn't as easy to downgrade from Windows SP2 hehehe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was talking about Windows, not WM5.
My phone came shipped with an AKU2 rom and it's fine - after a little tweaking. I'm not going to risk bricking my pride and joy with a rom upgrade - as so many people have done already on this forum. :wink:

Can anyone name some good places to read about how to flash your device with a new ROM?
Also, I was wondering about what the "extended ROM" is. Is it basically partitioning part of your storage card for use as "internal memory" ?
Thanks for the info guys!

brounstoun said:
Can anyone name some good places to read about how to flash your device with a new ROM?
Also, I was wondering about what the "extended ROM" is. Is it basically partitioning part of your storage card for use as "internal memory" ?
Thanks for the info guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at the top left of this very page and you will see a link to the wiki section of this site. How to flash is in there.
The extended rom is where the operator adds thier own customisations (over and above what M$ provide) to the device, for example Orange and O2 add their own options in there and they install when the device is powered up for the first time or when it's hard reset. If you get access to the extended rom (again look in the wiki) you can manipulate what gets installed and if you're really clever, add some of your own stuff.
Don't ask me how to do these things as I have not tried myself, the risk of bricking the device is too great for my liking.

cool, thanks paul

TheBrit said:
Don't ask me how to do these things as I have not tried myself, the risk of bricking the device is too great for my liking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it is virtually impossible to brick your device by manipulating the contents of the extended ROM. It is only accessed once, during first boot, and event that can be avoided by quickly soft resetting the device.
Basically it acts exactly like "file store" used to on WM 2003 devices, the only difference being it is hidden so ordinary users won't get rid of the operator junk.
In my case it was very nice of i-mate to provide various goodies there like voice dial (should be in ROM) anti virus (not only useless but damaging crap) Skype (could have just downloaded from their site, but nice thought) and backgammon (toys are always welcome).
But now ofter the initial installation it makes all the sense in the world to save these cabs (9MB~) to my PC and have extra 10 MB storage on the device.

Sprite Terminator - GPS coordinates thru SMS, Wipe/Lock remotely!!!

Hey all,
I'm not usually a person who will just plug random commercial software, but I came across some software that I felt compelled to share with all of you, since we now have GPS, and this could be very useful in the event that you lose your phone, and aid you in having the local authorities get your phone back.
It's called "Sprite Terminator," and it's from the same company who brought you Sprite Backup, which if you haven't used it yet, you should buy it. It's the simplest, most effective backup solution for Windows Mobile I've ever used.
Anyway, on to the meat and potatoes as they say
Sprite Terminator will allow you to do many things with your phone in the case of loss or theft. the program installs, and runs in the background at all times. you can send it an SMS message with a special command, your password you set, and then the action you would like it to perform.
For example, if I send a text message to my phone that looks like this:
spritecmd (password) gps
it will reply to me with a CLICKABLE LINK that takes me to google maps and shows me exactly where my phone is!!!!!
The other options are that you can completely wipe your phone and storage card clean, you can lock your phone so that no calls can be made, you can unlock it, you can change the password, you can get your call log sent to you to see what calls have been made since you lost it, the list goes on...See the bottom of this post for an excerpt straight from the company.
Even better is that it's completely unapparent on my mogul. the program intercepts the SMS so you never see it at all on the phone.
Better yet is that having this installed has not increased my powerdrain (If you know me you know I'm very anal about how much battery power my mogul is using at all times) and it doesn't seem to affect my amount of RAM either, or else it's extremely negligible.
All in all, 15 bucks for this isn't too bad!!
***************************************************************
Here's an excerpt of the features from their site, which is located at
http://www.spritesoftware.com/store...MoreLink&utm_campaign=Terminator-HMP-MoreLink
When will Terminator save you?
* Find your lost phone using GPS - See exactly where your phone is and track it.
* Lost or Stolen Phone - Remotely Lock or Wipe it
* Decommissioning a phone for re-cycling or resale - Don't risk leaks or embarassment
Why should I care?
Personal or Corporate Data on Smartphones means you risk your privacy and/or your company’s confidential information. According to the Gartner Group, over 250,000 cell phones and PDAs are lost or stolen at airports every year, and only 25 to 30 percent of them ever make it back to their rightful owners.
Key Features
* Locate your phone using GPS - See exactly where your phone is and track it on via Google Maps, or Virtual Earth.
* Set and Forget – Once configured, Sprite Terminator is unobtrusive and can only be uninstalled with the correct password
* Remote Delete – Send an SMS message to initiate the wipe operation including all external storage cards
* Remote Lock-Down – Send an SMS message to lock all functionality or re-set the device master password
* SIM Change Alert – Receive a notification SMS message if the SIM card has been changed
* Activity Retrieval – Send an SMS message to retrieve call log entries
* Supports all Windows Mobile 5 & 6 Phones

is there a way to cook it into a rom, with password and settings already all configured? (that way a hard reset wont wipe it out)

ooh, that's an excellent idea!! I don't know if you could do that or not. I'll try to investigate a little

defaultdotxbe said:
is there a way to cook it into a rom, with password and settings already all configured? (that way a hard reset wont wipe it out)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm certain you could, but it might take some fiddling. You can configure an OEM to drop into a kitchen that will put the files and reg tweaks in place, but you first have to figure out what they all should be.
Probably wouldn't be ridiculously difficult, though.

taxilian said:
I'm certain you could, but it might take some fiddling. You can configure an OEM to drop into a kitchen that will put the files and reg tweaks in place, but you first have to figure out what they all should be.
Probably wouldn't be ridiculously difficult, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone want to take a crack at it?

Sifter said:
Anyone want to take a crack at it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't played with the Kitchen's yet, but I just might be that guy this time. We'll see what my week has in store for me. Anyone know if it's available on a trial basis? I'd hate to drop $15 on it just to see if this can be done. I like the thought of it, but if circumventing it is only a hard reset away, I don't see a need.
Update: NM on the trial, they do offer one. So give it a try if you're uncertain give it a try, but be aware "Don’t plan on hard-resetting your device as part of a trial?" is right there on the page.

theFear13ss said:
Update: NM on the trial, they do offer one. So give it a try if you're uncertain give it a try, but be aware "Don’t plan on hard-resetting your device as part of a trial?" is right there on the page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I poked around their site, did a search, and didn't see anything regarding a its ability to survive a hard reset. I'd expect to test it with a hard reset. Is it that easy to get around or did they cook some magic into it?
Any progress on integrating it into a Kitchen or anyone's ROM? Thanks--RR

Sprite Terminator Suvives On Hard Reset (Kaiser)
I spent hours working out how to do this but I have been able to cook a rom with Sprite Terminator installed and configured. Now when your device is hard reset, Sprite Terminator continues running fully featured and hidden! If anyone thinks this might be helpful let me know.

Here is a similar program if your pda gets lost/stolen
It's also free!
StealSafe (WM5, WM6)
by ZEDSOFT Hungary Ltd.
With this application you can delete all your Appointments, Contacts, Messages, Tasks and/or your Storage Card with a simple SMS.
http://tinyurl.com/6rtp8v

I am very interested if you all can get this into an OEM. I just purchased both Terminator and Backup and would like to see Terminator survive a hard reset as well. I do use UC but if I wiped the SD card then a hard reset would not install it.

I have been using Remote Tracker for the last couple of months and it does practically everthing sprite does except it is free. check it out
http://remotetracker.sourceforge.net/

diterex said:
I have been using Remote Tracker for the last couple of months and it does practically everthing sprite does except it is free. check it out
http://remotetracker.sourceforge.net/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it works with CDMA and not just GSM networks? I like the Terminator as I can wipe the unit clean. I didn't see that as a feature here, but I do like that it is custom ROM capable so I can cook it in my ROM and it will survive a hard reset.

[email protected] said:
I spent hours working out how to do this but I have been able to cook a rom with Sprite Terminator installed and configured. Now when your device is hard reset, Sprite Terminator continues running fully featured and hidden! If anyone thinks this might be helpful let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share how you got it into an OEM and configured it to survive a hard reset?

i would also be very interested in an oem. i plan on flashing DCD 3.2.6 this weekend and would like to include terminater.

Anyone compare this to WIMP?
That's what I'm using now.
http://www.wimp-software.co.uk/

Cooking Sprite Terminator Into Your Kaiser (And Possibly Other HTC Devices)
It is a real pleasure to be able to contribute something useful to the XDA Developers community for a change. I have found these forums to be invaluable in my search for answers!
This is quite a long procedure and not quite for noobs but is clear enough for anyone to follow.
Could someone please be kind enough to make this a sticky for others to find?
The procedure is attached!
Good luck.
If anyone finds an error in my procedure, let me know by PM.

[email protected] said:
It is a real pleasure to be able to contribute something useful to the XDA Developers community for a change. I have found these forums to be invaluable in my search for answers!
This is quite a long procedure and not quite for noobs but is clear enough for anyone to follow.
Could someone please be kind enough to make this a sticky for others to find?
The procedure is attached!
Good luck.
If anyone finds an error in my procedure, let me know by PM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks way complicated. I guess we are just looking for an OEM folder to put in the Kitchen to include when we cook a ROM. Like the Chess game I have attached is an OEM folder in my kitchen.

[email protected] said:
It is a real pleasure to be able to contribute something useful to the XDA Developers community for a change. I have found these forums to be invaluable in my search for answers!
This is quite a long procedure and not quite for noobs but is clear enough for anyone to follow.
Could someone please be kind enough to make this a sticky for others to find?
The procedure is attached!
Good luck.
If anyone finds an error in my procedure, let me know by PM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holy Molly! 76 steps! I think people will like it(or at least me) if you make it as an OEM folder, along with some xml file input? You may create a new thread and it will get some attention!

kmartburrito said:
When will Terminator save you?
* Find your lost phone using GPS - See exactly where your phone is and track it.
* Lost or Stolen Phone - Remotely Lock or Wipe it
* Decommissioning a phone for re-cycling or resale - Don't risk leaks or embarassment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does this program enable gps to get a fix before it sends the location ?
Is it possible to send a sms to prime the gps ?

How GPS works in Sprite Terminator
_Mac_ said:
So does this program enable gps to get a fix before it sends the location ?
Is it possible to send a sms to prime the gps ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer to the first question is yes. It will not send an SMS with a GPS fix until you send it the GPS command. Then it will wait (and eventually timeout) until it gets a GPS fix. I don't know what the timeout is (nor is it configurable) but it is quite a long time. If it does not get fix, you get an SMS saying no GPS fix was possible.
Answer to the second question, there is no need since the timeout is quite a while.

Touch HD Security - My HD was stolen!

Hi guys,
A bit of bad news... my HD was stolen yesterday - i am gutted!
Orange have blocked my handset and SIM card after I gave them my IMEI number - this is somewhat reassuring, however my phone is using a custom rom, so I am concerned if the block sent by orange will actually get to the phone? Also, orange say the handset and the SIM will be blocked.
Is the "handset" just the phone part of the HD? in other words. is the device still useable as a PDA (without phone access).
I use PIM to backup all my appointments, text messages, phones numbers etc, but as far as I am aware, this data is stored on the memory card (damn it). I also use Sprite backup to backup my phone entirely... it copies the 35mb backup file to my computer which is great (but i dont think sprite stores the text and numbers ifor like PIM does). Does anyone know if PIM would copy the files to my computer?
At worst, I know I have all my telephone numbers and appointments because these are in outlook. But its not clear yet how much "stuff" ive lost for good... I guess its the memory card that im most concerned about. Is the memory card blockable? encrypt-able? password-protect-able? I'm guessing the theif can use my card in their computer and access all my data? Orange said that "if i syncronised the memory card with the phone, the card is only accessible via that phone" - this seems to ring a bell - i think i did see an option to do this when I had the original orange factory rom and I think I did actually do it back then, but since ive been flashing new roms, I havent done it since - should I assume that the "pairing" of memory card and phone has been severed once I changed rom and my card is actually accesible via any phone or computer? Any ideas?
Sprite backup gave me the option to backup my memory cards content as apart of the backup process, but I chose against it because *most* of the files I had on my computer anyway, but now I wished I had done (i guess the fact that it'd probably take a good half an hour to backup a 4GB memory card put me off).
To round off, in the future I would like to protect myself from loosing my phones data. Has any one got any ideas or advice for better practice? Is there a way of protecting my memory card etc?
All help and advice is much appriciate in my time of grief! I was so happy just two days ago (I even posted my feelings in the Rhodium forum recommending ppl stick with the HD and just get Dutty's V3 ROM - how sad am I) lol.
PS. Anyone selling a HD or know where I can get one on the cheap. lol.
Thx.
WizzKidd

How did it happen? Did you leave the HD unattended?

Why you didn't install any anti-theft software? I'm using RemoteTracker (free) and I'm just waiting that somebody will steal my HD .

wizzkidd said:
Orange said that "if i syncronised the memory card with the phone, the card is only accessible via that phone"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fraid not, unless you've specifically activated some encryption. They can just stick it in a memory card reader.

esackbauer said:
How did it happen? Did you leave the HD unattended?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work in a school as an IT technician, my HD was on charge beside my computer in my office. Students enter the room to pick up work they've sent to the colour printer... one student decided to help himself (even though there was 2 members of staff in the room at the time anyway). Police are involved, we have CCTV footage of students entering the room and leaving, but nothing conclusive. But the odds are against me getting the phone back. And for that extra kick in the goolies, my phone wasnt insured.

That stealing thing is quite a nightmare scenario, they'll know everything about you. What's more, any deleted data can be easily recovered if it was not securily deleted before. Ironically, any normal cell phone is more secure than any WM phone ... What's currently missing is a WM True Crypt type software which allows to encrypt the whole device, with password boot security. That's what RT does not offer you: silent and above all secure remote deletion of all or selected files on the storage card.

johnpatcher said:
Why you didn't install any anti-theft software? I'm using RemoteTracker (free) and I'm just waiting that somebody will steal my HD .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I probably would have installed software of that nature eventually, but I had only just flashed it with Dutty's V3, and the latest radio and the latest SPL (check my signature). The device was fresh... It only had Tom Tom 7 and S2U2 on it.

There is a god!
THERE IS A GOD! I have been reunited with my Touch HD! wooohooo.
To cut a long story short, the thief/student in the school who was suspected pretty much sh*t themselves so much after being interrogated by the schools head teacher and internal police officer, as a result my phone is back in my hands (albeit without a battery - don't ask me where or why that's missing, but 95% of the phone is back with me, I've been told the battery will be back with me by tomorrow too - I cant even be bothered to ask questions, i'm just like "yeh? ok cool, thanks". lol.
Now what should I install on my phone from a security perspective? I feel like putting an electrocuting circut on the damn thing now. lol
WizzKidd

wizzkidd said:
THERE IS A GOD!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If so you phone shouldn't been stolen, should it .
wizzkidd said:
Now what should I install on my phone from a security perspective? I feel like putting an electrocuting circut on the damn thing now. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I'm using RemoteTracker, however there are many others out there, just hit a search with the keywords "anti theft".

that remote tracker sounds like a good thing to have. which version will i need? my htc touch hd is alsmost straight out of the box. dont want to mess with it too much incase i break it lol

Take a Look at SpritTerminator,
it's a nice Tool like Remote Tracker, but with more importent features.
automatic sending a sms with gps-data and sim-card-numer, if a unauthorized SIM is used, partner phones are configurable, auto lock after succesfully sending
remote control your device from authorized phones only via SMS-Comands like
"lock phone"
"remotly send phone book or call history"
"delete all data" - format storage card
"display a warning message" like "Wow, you have find my phone, bring it back, our position is tracked"
i like this tool
but the better way is, to integrate SpriteTerminator in the own custum ROM with correct config, so that it resist a hard reset (my plan for future)

sethos said:
Take a Look at SpritTerminator,
it's a nice Tool like Remote Tracker, but with more importent features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear the OP got his phone back, albeit sans-battery.
http://www.spritesoftware.com/products/sprite-terminator looks good.
I'm just wondering though, does the application access the GPS functionality in the back-background to find out where it is (meaning it's not obvious GPS is being used / no loading of Google Maps or anything silly like that!).
US$14.95 is not bad for data security and curiosity (if it gets stolen) purposes.

sethos said:
automatic sending a sms with gps-data and sim-card-numer, if a unauthorized SIM is used, partner phones are configurable,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RemoteTracker does quite the same thing .

I guess Remote Tracker is a good idea. Nonetheless, there is also the need to protect your data on your phone (even if it were only the storage card)... something like Truecrypt ...

Check this, kinda like truecrypt, but works on PDA's
FreeOTFE
Haven't tried it though

wizzkidd said:
THERE IS A GOD! I have been reunited with my Touch HD! wooohooo.
To cut a long story short, the thief/student in the school who was suspected pretty much sh*t themselves so much after being interrogated by the schools head teacher and internal police officer, as a result my phone is back in my hands (albeit without a battery - don't ask me where or why that's missing, but 95% of the phone is back with me, I've been told the battery will be back with me by tomorrow too - I cant even be bothered to ask questions, i'm just like "yeh? ok cool, thanks". lol.
Now what should I install on my phone from a security perspective? I feel like putting an electrocuting circut on the damn thing now. lol
WizzKidd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now get it insured!!! £5/month with orange. covers damage,loss, thiefed etc
with an access of only £15.. worth it i think, as i have my HD covered by this

i hear good things about WIMP (Where Is My Phone)

Georgeous2008 said:
I guess Remote Tracker is a good idea. Nonetheless, there is also the need to protect your data on your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't anything critical on my device, and if a thief is keen on the phone numbers there are better ways to get them .
sparky steve said:
now get it insured!!! £5/month with orange. covers damage,loss, thiefed etc
with an access of only £15.. worth it i think, as i have my HD covered by this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me this is wasted money at all, but I guess it is a philosophery question. I can't remember to have lost anything like that in the last couple of years, so you just need to have an eye for your device(s) .

I personally use http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=464336
It's awesome

I asked Sprite about Terminator and was told it is not compatible with Orange, dont know why.....

Lost my HD2

Well i lost my phone on sunday, my fault but still verry annoyed. I tried using the myphone advanced features before but they never worked! Would have been so handy at this time, anyway I wasnt insured so I have to buy another one.
Anyone know what insurance companies are good for covering my HD2?
Im hoping someone hands it in, but in london thats highly unlikely

Can't help you this time round; but when you buy your replacement, go the Sprite Backup's website. They are offering HTC owners a discount on Sprite backup, plus an app (better than Microsoft's) called 'Terminator' that tracks your phone on Google Maps, disables/wipes it if you want. It will also send you an SMS if anyone tries to change the SIM card. But it will noy operate after a hard reset.
http://www.spritesoftware.com/products/sprite-backup-htc-special

interesting
now if someone would develop an app that could be built into a custom rom that would (unless disabled by a password after a hard reset) transmit a call log, the current sim number, the latitude/longtitude somewhere we'd have a pretty good chance of screwing up any thieve's plans... unless they know how to flash a rom. (although they shouldn't really be aware that this program is activated after a hard reset so they generally wouldn't know to flash the rom...)

josep54 said:
now if someone would develop an app that could be built into a custom rom that would (unless disabled by a password after a hard reset) transmit a call log, the current sim number, the latitude/longtitude somewhere we'd have a pretty good chance of screwing up any thieve's plans... unless they know how to flash a rom. (although they shouldn't really be aware that this program is activated after a hard reset so they generally wouldn't know to flash the rom...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey ...
Yes ... this would be really great.
An sms would pretty much be good enough.
Well unless the person is a regular here as well. LOL!!!

Stephen Selby said:
Can't help you this time round; but when you buy your replacement, go the Sprite Backup's website. They are offering HTC owners a discount on Sprite backup, plus an app (better than Microsoft's) called 'Terminator' that tracks your phone on Google Maps, disables/wipes it if you want. It will also send you an SMS if anyone tries to change the SIM card. But it will noy operate after a hard reset.
http://www.spritesoftware.com/products/sprite-backup-htc-special
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if it is compatible with HD2, says on there site "Supports all Windows Mobile 5, 6 and 6.1 Phones"

Try this next time...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=394203
Also the author offers the possibility to cook it directly in the ROM.

muntos said:
Try this next time...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=394203
Also the author offers the possibility to cook it directly in the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. as with any great idea it's already been done, here

p4rma said:
Well i lost my phone on sunday, my fault but still verry annoyed. I tried using the myphone advanced features before but they never worked! Would have been so handy at this time, anyway I wasnt insured so I have to buy another one.
Anyone know what insurance companies are good for covering my HD2?
Im hoping someone hands it in, but in london thats highly unlikely
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too lost my last phone HTC Viva (opal) in public transport.. i had installed various security software which wud sen sms incase sim is changed...... but didi got..... i think nothin worlks if ur thief is xda reader .....
one thinng we can do is insure ur phone or else avoid public transport lol....

is there a way to stop someone from seeing my info on the phone? I reported it lost to o2 and they said it would be blocked.
The phones gone, i just dont want the lucky sob to see all of my stuff

Will O2 offer to sell you a replacement HD2?
When I was with Orange many moons ago, if you didn't have insurance and lost/damaged your phone they would offer you a replacement (refurbished but looked new) at a reduced price (about a third of the RRP) as long as long as you would then take out insurance.
Just wondering if O2 offer anything like this?

Nope, they just said "We are sorry, there is nothing we can do" lol well something like that.
lol wish there was a remote self destruct on the phone

p4rma said:
Nope, they just said "We are sorry, there is nothing we can do" lol well something like that.
lol wish there was a remote self destruct on the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try to call your old number? Maybe the one who found the phone is honest and will give it back.

when I rang it, went straight to voicemail. this happened all night and into the morning, so eventually I got o2 to block the phone.
I have my replacement sorted now, through my house insurance. (really didnt wanna do that) expensive excess at that! £250!!!
The **** thing about the police, pardon my language is the fact that if handed in I have to check with any police station which it could have been handed in at, there is no centralised lost storage system.
Oh well, you live and learn just hope my phone didnt have as much info as i thought it did!
I might write to HTC see if they can do something via the imei number.

ROM with theft protection.
josep54 said:
now if someone would develop an app that could be built into a custom rom that would (unless disabled by a password after a hard reset) transmit a call log, the current sim number, the latitude/longtitude somewhere we'd have a pretty good chance of screwing up any thieve's plans... unless they know how to flash a rom. (although they shouldn't really be aware that this program is activated after a hard reset so they generally wouldn't know to flash the rom...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since we all will have different "settings" in the anti theft program there is not going to be a ROM that can include a functional recovery system. I would like someone here to teach us to replace our ROM with our current phone configuration, that way we can add our GPS protection software, configure it and replace the ROM. Is it possible?

aaronio said:
Since we all will have different "settings" in the anti theft program there is not going to be a ROM that can include a functional recovery system. I would like someone here to teach us to replace our ROM with our current phone configuration, that way we can add our GPS protection software, configure it and replace the ROM. Is it possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, i've not had time yet to read about creating a custom ROM nor the antitheft software linked in this thread but this is potentially the quickest solution.
but what I was envisaging was some form of registration with a webserver, probably based on serial number. i.e. with the software installed after every hard reset it would (when connected to the net) send the sim number and serial number to this webserver, thus allowing the registered owner to find all the information they need to really start messing with the thief. and from the updates on that anti-theft software thread i've seen there is talk of a webserver i think so this is probably the track they are going down...
unless the thief was to steal your HD2 and then not even use it once for the internet but that would be crazy