I've got a problem with my XDA Mini S. It's been sitting in a box in my shed for about a year, before I got it out yesterday to have a play around with it, and possibly try some software I found on it.
I put my sim card in, plugged it in to charge, and turned it on. It worked absolutely fine.
I haven't done anything with it yet, but I've turned it on now, and the colours are messed up on the screen. For example there is a red hue over the today screen, and on certain screens (like in bootloader mode) the colours appear to be inverted (I will post pictures later if needed).
I've tried reformatting the device, but this has not fixed the problem. I thought I would try reflashing the rom on it. I used to have the original o2 rom on my old laptop, but lost that when I had to reload windows.
I downloaded the original rom from here, along with the Rom Update Utility, and attempted to reflash it. It gets as far as 'verifying the information on your PDA phone', then crashes with the error: Rom update utility MFC application has stopped working.
I'm running windows vista on my laptop, and read that the RUU won't work until the drivers are updated. Following the instructions on mrvanx.org, I have downloaded the driver for vista and installed it, but i'm still getting the problem when I try and reflash the device.
I've also tried running the RUU in compatibility mode for XP as it worked fine on my old laptop which was running xp, but it still crashes, every time.
I'm beginning to wonder if reflashing it will even work though, since the colours are messed up in bootloader mode as well, which leads me to think it may be a hardware problem.
I know next to nothing about repairing these though, and probably wouldn't bother if it's a hardware problem, but until I can reflash the firmware, I won't know whether this is a case.
I'll get the photo's of what the screen is like uploaded to my server later on, and post the links here, so you can see what the problem is.
Photo's now available
I've uploaded a couple of photo's to show what the screen is like:
http://csc2ya.co.uk/images/bootloader.jpg
http://csc2ya.co.uk/images/startup.jpg
Update
i've got my old laptop out, reloaded xp on that, and attempted the flash using that. However, I get the message 'rom update utility MFC has encountered an error and needs to close'
I just want to get it to reflash to see if it fixes the screen, but so far i'm having no luck at it.
I've sucessfully reflashed it in the past with the o2 rom using my old laptop, so I can't figure out why it isn't working now.
Update: I didn't have activesync installed on my laptop which was why the updater was crashing. I've installed activesync, but now i've got another problem that is preventing me from reflashing it. I start the updater, and click through the prompts. It gets to 'verifying the information on your pda phone', stays like that for about 30 seconds, then activesync disconnects, and I get the error: microsoft activesync cannot recognize this device for one of two reasons: then the other information that the dialog gives. I'm not going to bother typing it all out, as i'm sure nearly everyone has seen it at least once before.
Additional info: No idea if this is relevant or not, but the extended rom has been formatted using the service tool.
Another update: I have now managed to get the device to reflash, but it boots up afterwards as if I had just turned it off and back on again. I have tried a hard reset afterwards, but cannot seem to get any of the o2 stuff back. It appears that the screen problem is hardware related though, as it is still present even after reflashing.
I can also no longer get it to go into bootloader mode, but the phone will still boot normally.
csc2ya said:
It's been sitting in a box in my shed for about a year.
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Not to be flippant, but there's your problem right there. Two things: extreme temperature, and moisture. Both are the enemy of electronics. Chances are very good that you're screwed.
The first thing I'd do is buy (or even better, borrow) a new battery. Yours is probably done for.
If that doesn't fix the problem, I recommend disassembly and thorough cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, followed by at least 24 hours of strong, dry airflow between 50-80 Fahrenheit. Any floor or desk fan would do. Reassemble and pray. If that doesn't do it, you're going to have to find your fun elsewhere, I'm guessing.
Myrddin Wyllt said:
Not to be flippant, but there's your problem right there. Two things: extreme temperature, and moisture. Both are the enemy of electronics. Chances are very good that you're screwed.
The first thing I'd do is buy (or even better, borrow) a new battery. Yours is probably done for.
If that doesn't fix the problem, I recommend disassembly and thorough cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, followed by at least 24 hours of strong, dry airflow between 50-80 Fahrenheit. Any floor or desk fan would do. Reassemble and pray. If that doesn't do it, you're going to have to find your fun elsewhere, I'm guessing.
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Click to collapse
The battery appears to be fine. I charged it overnight, and it still seems to hold a decent charge.
I haven't really got the tools to dissasemble it fully, but I will give it a go sometime in the next few weeks (i've got a copy of the service manual on my computer, so that shouldn't be a problem).
I only really got it out to play around with it again, and possibly try some apps on. It still appears to work fine apart from the screen (and the o2 applications now missing due the extended rom format, but i'm not bothered about those). I've installed the my mobiler screen program on my laptop so I can at least view the screen properly using that.
Thanks for the suggestions anyway.
csc2ya said:
I've installed the my mobiler screen program on my laptop so I can at least view the screen properly using that.
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Click to collapse
Well, this certainly changes things. You have a bad screen, or a bad connection to the screen. You can get replacement for around $100USD, or you can try to get a broken unit with a good screen for less (maybe). I'd still disassemble it first, though, in case it's just a weak connection.
Related
I make a ROM upgrade for WM6(1st versions) three week past.
Works for 2 days and after this, when i reset or turn ON, show the Rom versions numbers normaly and when it should enter in Mobile Windows, the screen distorts and they show some vertical lines.
I try reinstall the others ROM, but nothing.
What i do.
Thanks,
Fersoft
Wish I could help
Sounds like its been dropped or knocked. I've never heard of anything like this previously. I've been upgrading for years on all types of htc phones. I may be corrected but I do not see how a ROM can ruin your model in this way.
Have you got the original back up of the ROM that you started with?
I can olny enter in USB mode.
What ROM to RESERT completly my Pocketpc ?
Thanks any help.
Have you tried to flash an original ROM from the three color screen?
WM6 is the problem...
I got the same problem as you dude.... sounds like crossbow version isn't really suited for prophet. And I guess we'll get more and more of these troubles while more and more users are tested it (at least the first versions). I guess it has something to do with power management, and the way WM6 handles the battery. Mine got better after I flashed it back to WM5, but it still had the problem, and I had to send it back to warranty...
While you find a "solution", you can get it to work again for a few hours by letting it turned off for a few hours, battery out. That way I could flash it back to another rom. But still, after a few hours it would crash or reset itself, and you'll have to let it off without battery for a moment...
If an admin read this, I guess it could be VERY usefull to stick it to let people know they can arm their device that way.
Good luck
Amazing. I got exactly the same problem.
I am back to WM5, however, I still cant use the phone properly. After ten minutes into a phone call it crashes. When I reset I get until the OS loading screen (sometimes it even omits the radio rom number which usually comes between the SPL and OS). Then the screen distorts and thats it.
If I get the battery out for a short while and then connect it to the charger, I can restart the phone after 1-2 hours and it will load properly. However, again after 10 minutes into a phone call it crashes.
Any idea if a new battery would help, because I get more and more the feeling that something is actually wrong with the power/battery system.
Is WM6 even a final version?
I don't see any equipment running WM6 as of now, that's why i asked.
really? I don't think so.
However, every MS software still has a lot of a bug....
I have the same problem, but now even a bigger problem !
I have NO backup!
I don't know how to get it back to the original rom because mine freezes with the screen when the os version is in screen!
Damn, I only got the phone back for 4 hours because is was getting repared for a speaker failure.
and isn't that ironic..
A few days ago, I bought an 8525 phone off my friend for $25. He told me that he only used the phone for a month, so it was practically brand new. I have been tinkering with it for the past couple days, using Wifi to download games and things, and it has been fine. The phone worked, texting worked, everything was perfect.
About two days ago, I accidentally dropped it about a foot onto wet asphalt. The battery fell out and the touch screen got a few drops on it, but I dried it all off, turned on the phone and tested everything; no problems from dropping it.
At some point later that night, the phone started having problems. It would randomly freeze every few minutes while in use, and I would have to take out the battery to reset it. Some buttons on the touch screen wouldn't respond at times, but then work later (the buttons next to volume, service and wifi or whatever). Then my texting and phone service stopped working. I couldn't get service anywhere that I walked, and the Settings button wouldn't work. I also tried to reconfigure the connection, but that didn't help.
I came home and found the phone I had previously, and I put the SIM card into it to see if that was the problem, which it is not. The old phone works fine with the SIM.
I don't know what the problem is, but there are a few things that may have caused it to happen:
-dropped it in rain
-plugged USB into a laptop that only turns on, but does nothing else
-maybe got virus from browsing internet on Wifi
-overheating (there was a point where the back was really hot after sitting on the USB)
-games/applications installed messing with system
Those are some examples of what I've done with the phone, but that's it.
Here is device info:
-Hermes 8525
-Windows Mobile 6 Pro
-CE OS 5.2.1948 (Build 18548.0.7.0)
-Processor: SC32442-400MHz
-ROM Version: Schap's 4.31
-ROM Date: 10/03/07
Sorry if I haven't provided enough information on the problem, I'm new to all of this stuff, but I hope somebody can help.
Actually, my problem has changed.
I attempted to put a new ROM on, and it seems I did something wrong. When I turn on my phone, it does the boot animation, and then the screen turns white and doesn't do anything else. I attempted to hard-reboot, but nothing happened.
I went into My Computer on my desktop, and the folder 'Mobile Device' showed up. I clicked inside of it, and apparently my entire OS is gone off the phone. How do I install a new OS?
I hope you had Hard SPL V7 installed or you will need to find your shipped stock rom.
If you did, great.
1. Format 2Gb or less sd card FAT32. Copy .nbh file of rom onto it and rename to hermimg.nbh.
2. Insert sd card into Hermes and boot into bootloader.
3. If you did everything right then follow onscreen instructions.
If you didn't & can't find your shipped stock rom, you are now the proud owner of a Hermes paperweight....
Instead of taking the battery out, there is a reset hole on the bottom near the IR port. Push in with your stylus.
I have the "No GSM" text showing up when I turn on the phone, and then it goes to the white screen. I tried to do the mtty.exe thing, but I couldn't figure out how to use the program.
I was going to try the fix that uses Visual Studio and Windows Embedded, but I'm pretty sure my phone doesn't have kitl (which I need to do that).
Most of the fixes suggested require using ActiveSync to connect to the phone, however, my ActiveSync doesn't connect. It knows the phone is there, but it can't connect, which disables me from updating the ROM.
When I attempt to flash a ROM, it says that the current ROM image on the phone is ' ' (just an empty space) and it asks if I want to update to the newer ROM image. It gets to the point where the progress bar appears on my phones screen, but as soon as it hits 1%, the whole thing fails and I get an error on the computer saying it could not connect.
Currently, I am attempting the method to fix the white screen by removing the battery for 20 minutes, and then I'm going to try the method that says to remove the battery and put it back in multiple times to fix the 'No GSM', but I'm pretty sure I messed the radio up.
@ultramag69 - I have an SD card, but I don't have a port or anything small enough on my computer to insert it. What should I do to do what you said?
Buy an adaptor, should only be a few bucks...
SD method is the easiest way to fix the problem BUT as was said earlier , you need Hard SPL V7 on your Hermes 1st.
You could also try putting your Hermes into bootloader, attaching it to the USB and flashing that way. Just make sure that "Allow USB Connections" has been unticked in Activesync on the PC.
At least you might be able to install Hard SPL V7 that way...
During synchronisation, I found that the screen in my HD had gone blank. It could still receive calls. A soft reset didn't solve it. I rang HTC support, and all they could say was to send it in for repairs.
I then used mDesktop to look at the screen from my PC. It seemed there were some programs still to be installed. After installing these, I did a Sprite backup. This must have fixed the registry as the machine came to life during the reset.
I'm just leaving this in case someone else has this problem.
There's a way out.
I wrote too soon. Blank again. I suspect an intermittent hardware problem.
Try turning off device and removing battery overnight. Then re-insert battery and turn on device.
Thanks, I'll give that a try.
Tried this, but didn't seem to make a difference. I'll try a hard reset.
Strangely, after one last kiss of life with nDesktop (a soft reset controlled from the desktop), the HTC seems to be working fine. It's lasted more than 12 hours now. I hope for more.
What does disconnecting the battery overnight do?
Kevin Murray said:
Strangely, after one last kiss of life with nDesktop (a soft reset controlled from the desktop), the HTC seems to be working fine. It's lasted more than 12 hours now. I hope for more.
What does disconnecting the battery overnight do?
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Other users have experienced similar situations as yourself with screen going blank but functions still working. One fix for this was to remove battery and leave device off overnight. I'm not sure why this worked, possibly letting device cool off, but it has worked for others. This is why I suggested it
Going blind slowly
Well, there seems a pattern. With time, the screen eventually fails to turn on. I then sync with the desktop and use mdesktop to re-boot the device. It works for up to an hour, sometimes more. Then it lapses back into blindness.
It can't be a software fault, as it happens even after a hard reset.
I don't think it's a faulty component, as it wouldn't fix after a sync.
It must be some strange electrical thing going on that responds to the reset process, but then eventually fades.
Perhaps I need some sorcery.
Kevin Murray said:
Well, there seems a pattern. With time, the screen eventually fails to turn on. I then sync with the desktop and use mdesktop to re-boot the device. It works for up to an hour, sometimes more. Then it lapses back into blindness.
It can't be a software fault, as it happens even after a hard reset.
I don't think it's a faulty component, as it wouldn't fix after a sync.
It must be some strange electrical thing going on that responds to the reset process, but then eventually fades.
Perhaps I need some sorcery.
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Click to collapse
If it is indeed hardware why not return it under warranty? Just make sure you have a stock SPL and rom on device before you return it
It's just out of warranty. That's why I was so keen to find a solution first.
Is the warranty 2 years?
Warranty is generally 12 months. Found this similar thread which may help
I assumed it was 12 months, but when I looked at the warranty pdf file from HTC's website it says 2 years.
http://www.htc.com/www/support/warranty.html
Western Europe, Windows Mobile
2. This Limited Warranty shall last for twenty-four (24) months from the
date of original purchase for mobile devices, and twelve (12) months
for accessories (whether included in the mobile device sales package
or sold separately) other than the media on which any software is
provided, CD-ROM, memory card (“Warranty Period”).
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Click to collapse
Firstly,i would like to apologise for making another thread with the same topic if there's any.I've searched the forums and most of the threads seem to be 'Dead'.
Last week,my phone had something strange going on.When it's at sleep mode,it automatically lights up.I picked it up and i see this thing called the 'Navi-Panel'.The screen was in landscape mode.The only thing that i can access was the phone.I managed to exit the Navi-Panel through the task manager but the problem's still there,my phone and my SMS are in landscape.Also,the phone calls that i make and received are always on loudspeaker mode.I also cannot connect the phone to the computer via the USB. I've tried various ways to fix the phone such as hard reset and rom flashing but it's still the same.I'm currently on the Stock rom version 1.66.707.1(76641) WWE. Can someone post a solution for my problems?
It happened to me twice when a tiny drop of water dropped on the micro usb slot, creating a temporary short circuit.
Make sure the slot is clean, (no conductor material inside).
It may be a small chance, but it is still a chance...
I have the same problem
My phone got wet last night due to rain. And the Navi panel kept coming up. So I set the option for Navi panel not to have an automatic launch. Thats fine now, but I got another problem to sort through. When ever I pick up a call the speaker is automatically turned ON. Its embarrassing now. I am just hoping its temporary..
If anyone has an idea on how to turn off the automatic speaker on call pick up, pls let me know.. Thanks in advance.
Whats more is: I cant connect to the Activesync now. The phone is charging well though.
I can probably live with that since I can connect through Blue Tooth. Hoever, if someone has any idea on how to turn off the "Auto external Speaker mode", pls let me know .. any registry key ... or any other means.
Thanks in advance.
This happened to me a few months back now on a wet evening, assuming the phone must have got wet through my pocket. Tried everything to fix it, left it to dry out for 24 hours near radiator with the battery out to no avail. But then flashed a new ROM and it started working. (Had to flash the same ROM three times till it started working. Every ROM since has been fine)
Hope this helps.
Thanks .. That gives me a hope. Could you pls tell me what ROM you flashed.. may be its something to do with that specific ROM..
Activesync died...
Thanks all of you who contributed to the forum. My HD2's activesync stopped working yesterday... and main challenge was to put shipped ROM and send it to the repair...
There is only one thing that I could not explain... When OS is up and running (regardless whether it is cooked or shipped) there is no active sync can be established (only charge function is working). However, when phone is in boot loader (RGB screen) I could connect it thru USB and install ROM from computer...
switch off quick sync on HD2
XAH said:
switch off quick sync on HD2
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Click to collapse
Thanks for trying to help XAH, but this was the first thing in my troubleshooting process. Usually it helps when you plug in the phone, computer acknowledges it, but pop in warning sign that USB device is not recognized. In my case there was no reaction (on multiple computers) - like nothing is plugged in... Will see what repairer says... I'll post an update as soon as I'll hear from them.
got my HD2 from repair centre
I've got my HD2 back from repair centre... and it works fine... most bizzar part is paper say that nothing was done...
a friend of me hat this problem some time ago. it disappeared after about 1 or 2 weeks iirc.
Same problem for me, but i've changed 5 diferent rom's and nothing...i will try the airdryer now
Stupid thing is that I can do everything to it aside from getting it to boot all the way to work! I tried reflashing OEM roms and I tried custom roms. They all work just fine and it just won't boot all the way. I can turn it on and off, use format option, download mode and magldr. I keep my sim out and memory card. Before this all happened I always used OEM OS. Last thing I did was check my bank account, close the browser and click the power button to turn it into sleep mode. Few weeks ago I did have an issue with it for a day. It kept turning on and off constantly boot to random points. Mostly to the AT&T screen. It would boot all the way rarely and I got it to stay on a couple times for about 10 mins to copy all my stuff from it. Is it possibly something to do with the hardware being a POS and Just crapping out for no reason because cell phones are poorly made expensive bricks?
I've seen this issue across the forum several times. Unfortunately, just one case seemed to "return" to life, without understanding the reasons behind the "lapse".
What I can suggest you can do (and feel free to disagree) is get in touch with Cottula (creator of MAGLDR) and see if you can help you. You can send him the phone, maybe he can analyze it and get something out of it.
GL, mate, and if you find a solution, I'm sure other folks here would be glad to hear it.
Ahhh ok thats what I figured. I browsed a bit, but most of what I saw is people couldn't do anything. I didn't see anyone saying they could do as much as what I can do with it. I'll try your advice and see if maybe he could help. I took apart the phone to see if maybe someone came loose, though I saw nothing. Clean as a whistle. What I think maybe happen is it burnt up finally. I notice at times it would run extremely hot, mostly when I'm talking on it for more then an hour.
Well, for your sake I hope it's not burned out (hardware issue). I hope it has some software component that's screwed and that has a chance of being investigated and maybe fixed.
Also, the getting hot while talking/browsing for periods more than 30 min it's a known issue. It's however supposed to be quite warm, but not actually really hot, if you know what I mean. It it however possible that exposing the phone to higher temperatures to cause hardware issues.
In any case, I wish you good luck. Who knows?
I gave AT&T a call to see what they could do. The software warranty is 6 months past and she wasn't able to override anything that much passed over. Though I was able to get my 2 years wavered and get a early upgrade. So I got myself a Xperia Ion. I'm happy I don't have to put up with a flip phone for another 4 months. lol
I tried working on my focus a bit more playing with zune and other programs I found. Though I don't see it coming back to life trying all the different ROMs. I would think to make it work again is to re-flash the actual phone bios itself. Just like a computer starting it still uses DOS then loads the OS. I don't know how a phone works to much, but I'd assume same process. Something to do with the root-root of the phone telling it to be stupid and not boot properly.
Another note, where is the best place to sell this to get some money out of it? Screen and other pieces of its hardware are 100%. Should I try ebaying it?
I had a similar issue, last thing i did was removing the SD card before re-flashing the MGLDR and custom ROM