Database Users

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"...
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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.
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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.

Need a Guidance Counselor (LOL): How to ROM swap.

This could actually help others for I have read many threads and still don't have a clear HOW TO.
The Thread are for Elfs....from reading threads I GUESS I have an Elf(in)....My Box Reads:
HTC Touch [ROM: 256MB; SDRAM: 128MB DDR]
This is a Rogers branded Touch, grayish color. OS is Windows 6 Professional.
Now I have done some registry hacks, shut off animation and sounds (from TouchFlo too) and the Touch is far better than before, but I still find it somewhat laggy, when flipping through apps, eventhough I have the Task Manager off.
After reading many threads I have two routes that I would like help with:
- Being an Avid Palm programmer, who've done it all, including bricking one (lol), I know for a fact that a fresh, light ROM improves performance and makes the unit much zippier. So which ROM would be the best for me? There are so many around and i dunno which is best for my unit.
- Second, Should I just do the Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade, and ride off into the sunset? will it make the unit much better than a custom ROM (i doubt it)...atleast the question is out here.
Lastly, I mainly use the Touch for checking emails, browsing on Wi-fi as well as my network providers'. I use the mobile office a lot, and the messenger as well. For internet browsing I use Netfront, but hope to compare it to the new IE. My aftermarket apps are: SPB Mobile Shell 2.0, Pocket CM, PCM Keyboard, SIP Change, and Advanced Config.
Hope this helps the more experienced members lend me a hand.
Cheers,
Paul

yes!! you should do a rom upfgrade my advice for you is to go with the swiftblades vblue elves rom on the upgrading thread on this great site its very easy for new comers to update their rom using this rom ...its a custom wm6.1 rom ~ so you can ride off into the sunset in style~ and yea 6.1 is alot better than 6,0 its got a threaded sms and it fixes the memory leak...
oh and if you have just post a reply on the forum you got the rom froum usually swiftblade himself will help who ever is having trouble and if he doesnt theres alot of other xda brothers and sisters that will help assist you were like a family here dont be affraid to ask questions theres no stupid questions just stupid people!!!! oh and stupid answers!! ~
and here you go i will help you out with the rom updating process it is very simple but worry some... the reason im saying use blue elves is because it has a cid unlocker built into the package... and it has very clear instructions!!!
FOR FIRST TIME CUSTOM ROM UPGRADERS:
1. Copy the Cert_SPCS.CAB and EnableRapi.CAB from the zip folder to your device's Storage Card.(###*** you dont have to do this step if you have allready used the sim unlocker program!!***###)
2. Install the two cabs to your Device memory and do a soft reset.
3. Restart your PC or laptop (Optional)
USING THE INTEGRATED ROM UPDATE UTILITY WITH USPL CID UNLOCKER:
(ATTENTION: REMOVE YOUR 4GB, 6GB or 8GB mircoSDHC CARD WHEN FLASHING THIS ROM!)
1. Turn off your computer's Anti-Virus software if you can. ( not nescary )
2. Activesync your device to your PC using USB port.
3. When the connection is completed (after synchronisation), double-click on [START] batch file to begin the integrated ROM Updating Utility.
4. Now follow closely the instructions that appear on the computer screen.
5. Press [ENTER] to accept at each prompt to continue the process.
6. After Step 2/3 of USPL CID Unlocker, the device screen will turns "blank white" and your activesync icon gray (in Windows XP only).
Congratulations! You have successfully CID unlocked your device. Press [ENTER] to proceed NOW!
(NB: If you failed to see the "blank white" screen, then your CID unlocking has failed.
Restart your installation process from Step No.1)
(####**** now dont panic if you dont get the white screen just soft reset your device sticking the tip of your styulus in the hole to the right of the usb port... then you may get the tri color loader dont panic just soft reset again then you may get a screen that will prompt you on a few things ###***your screen will not respond.... this is when you remember you have HARD KEYS!!!!! youll need to use them in this if you get it***### dont panic yet just continue pmce your started again set up active sync and start your process all over again!!! your phone shouldnt be bricked
7. Your device will now proceed to update your rom. Select and hit [NEXT] at each prompt to continue.
8. When the rom updating is completed at 100%, your device will restart automatically.
9. Congratz! You have successfully upgraded to a new rom.
Enjoy & Lots of Have Fun!
(((####****and remember this is why you DIDNT BUY AN IPHONE!!! ****####)))

Thank you very much Bereda, and thanks for such a warm welcome. My next question is....which of all the ROMS is the one that I want? I see several versions and only one says Touch on it, the rest say Elf, Elf(in), etc. Mine on the box says Touch, but in here it seems that the Elf is also the Touch, a bit confused...
Cheers,
Paul

i also recomand this rom.

I will go ahead and give it a go, as soon as I know which is the best ROM for my Equipment.
Thanks OmerS,
Paul

Beginner
I have no idea what I am doing. LOL. Why would I do a Rom upgrade??? And secondly where can I upgrade to WM 6.1. I have the HTC Touch..Please help!!!

AfflictedSatisfaction5, Welcome to the Club. A clean ROM eliminates many apps that one rarely uses, that consumes memory and normally are replaced by other third party apps. In General, a modified ROM runs quicker and better than the OE ROM.
You can find the WM 6.1 upgrade on the Microsoft Windows Mobile Site and take it from there OR Get a custom ROM with WM 6.1 already there.
I am just waiting to see which ROM is the one for my phone, since there are several variants of internal ROM memory (64, 128, 256, etc).
Cheers,
Paul

If you have a Rogers branded HTC Touch, BEFORE you do anything, try to dump your ROM. (Read around, you'll find how to do it). The community, including myself, been struggling with this for months. Thanks.

Evilmonkey...will search for ROM dumping...by the way, it IS a Rogers Branded HTC....BUT...my phone will not be used for Rogers network, but for a latin american company called Viva.
Cheers,
Paul

after u dump backup ur current rom.. i suggest u make up ur mind what u want for instance, there are many many variants of touch roms around here ranging from bare naked clean bases to fat boy mem hogging bloated ones.. u can check my thread for a clean base rom or try kokotas's new rom (its fresh) blue elves and shadow ce takes the cake like always
happy flashing

i didn't dump my rom and i have a rogers htc touch aka htc elfin... not elf so paul you have a elfin... and trust me stick with the custom roms theres no need to dump your rom due to the fact that theres like 20 of the "rogers" rom on here already just download a copy of it and your set... thats if you want to step backwards and go back to stock...if you get a stripped down rom from the windows mobile website you loose out on all the features that make this phone a touch and a iphone killer... i think its wrong to take out the cube and other programs that are made for the touch! these programs are why you bought a touch in the first place... its like buying a Lamborghini and taking the five speed and the v12 out of the car and replacing it with a automatic transmission and putting in a little 1.8 litter v4... like what would be the point of buying a Lamborghini if your going to make it just like all the other economy cars... plus you could have saved your self a ton of time and just bought a 318i bmw... and for the people that do strip it down to nothing, why didnt you just buy the htc p3300 plain and simple htc ppc like all the rest.

bereda said:
i think its wrong to take out the cube and other programs that are made for the touch! these programs are why you bought a touch in the first place
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
instead of making judgements, i suggest you read the specifications and reasons mentioned by the great rom builders of xda in their threads why they have striped down their roms. people may buy touch so they can get a faster 201mhz device at economy prices
its like buying a Lamborghini and taking the five speed and the v12 out of the car and replacing it with a automatic transmission and putting in a little 1.8 litter v4... like what would be the point of buying a Lamborghini if your going to make it just like all the other economy cars... plus you could have saved your self a ton of time and just bought a 318i bmw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont know anything in detail about cars but i'll still add my 2 cents. its more like buying a lamborghini and heavily tweaking it by stripping the parts and adding some, removing some and building a entirely new car out of that to suite each one's individual likes and dislikes. having done that you get a personalised car designed by your own hands and will n wish
for the people that do strip it down to nothing, why didnt you just buy the htc p3300 plain and simple htc ppc like all the rest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
two words for that one "MORE SPEED" i suggest you take a look at this http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacomparer&id1=619&id2=947 and you'll find the answer why we dont buy p3300 against a touch. its good to retain the looks of the touch and have more speed like dual and more options for functionality as per our likes n dislikes
hope paul finds what he is looking out for. i personally dont advice and support picking up a rom from an expert and editing it to your tune. either use it as is or build your own rom happy cooking or flashing

Ha ha ha ha ha, thanks Bereda and thanks Ababrekar, and please...be nice
Bereda: Thanks for the explanation NOW i know my is an "ELFin", LOL, only knew it as a Touch. Thanks also for the tip...so I shouldn't dump it, i don't have a lot of things on my phone....3 weeks old so..... the personal data or course is backed up.
Ababrekar: Thanks for the encouragement pal... Like Bereda said, I'd like the HTC pack that is offered on the Blue Elves ROM, plus if you read my initial post.. most of the apps i used (SIP Change, PCM keyboard,etc) are already in that ROM so....
I take it this is the ROM I want....right? :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=364901
Can never be too sure...
Thanks for taking the time.

bereda said:
i didn't dump my rom and i have a rogers htc touch aka htc elfin... not elf so paul you have a elfin... and trust me stick with the custom roms theres no need to dump your rom due to the fact that theres like 20 of the "rogers" rom on here already just download a copy of it and your set... thats if you want to step backwards and go back to stock...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please point me to at least one? Also, it's a "step backward" for warranty and de-bricking purposes.
Paul, it's okay that its from Latin America, as long as the phone says rogers. Thanks.

evilmonkey1987... umm im not sure but i think that flashing will void warentee iwith any rom even plain wm6.1 because the elf and the elfin and the voque(sprint version of elfin) are all standerd
wm6.0 but heres the good part you can allways flash back for warntee purposes say you need to send it back and they cant
tell at all hehehehe!!! its a sneaky move but its well worth it!!!
sorry i thought you ment point you to a plain wm6.1 hahaha sorry ill find one
PAUL... yea thats it had it when i first flashed to wm6.1 and loved it but make sure you flash a radio with it!!!!!! its very simple to do ... heres the radio link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=342265
and
heres a little step by step
1. connect using active sync (after youv flashed the new rom of course )
2.remove sim and sd card
3. locate elf uspl and open it it will bring you to a dos screen *(windows command screen)*
4.press enter continue until you get to step 2/3 press enter then your elfs screen will turn white just like when your flashing the rom then !!!!!!STOPPPP!!!!!!! do not continue to press enter make sure your screen is white!!!!
(####****if your screen doesnt turn white start proicess again****###)
5. open up the radio folder while still keeping the dos screen up
6. youll find a operation call ruu which stands for rom update utility start that
7. follow the on screen steps and it will work fine
8 enjoy
*****#### in bothe the uspl unlocker and in the start batch file it will say elf... dont panic you have the RIGHT!!! FILE AND OPERATION....####****

Will do it tonight, btw.....STUPID QUESTION NO.1:
What is a Radio?

the radio is what is used to get your calls its what gives you your signal and there are every now and then a update for the phones which will either give you more signal or better call quality

Thanks for asking these questions, I had the same ones in my head

Installation Froze. I am on step 2, 75%...Touch/Elfin Reads:
Welcome to Haret
VRAM ADDR: 0X200001020
CREATING PRELOADER 1:1 MAPPING.
PREJUMPER IS AT 0X17EF40000
JUMPING TO SYSTEM MODE...
LOADING SPL TO RAM....
waited 10 minutes, nothing has happened. I removed the USB cable
the program on my screen stated that the Touch should have a white screen, if not, to repeat steps. SHould I restart/reset the Touch?
Help needed, I'll wait a while see if I get a response from one of you

Removed Battery, Restarted Phone, everything seems as before i did anything....gonna re-try the ROM upgrade from Step 1.
Restarting Computer....

Unlock Extended Rom

Hi there
I've just got my shiny new Touch HD. Wow - what an upgrade to my Orbit 1 (don't laugh). I loved my Orbit but this is so much better. It's not revolutionary, but everything has evolved so well i.e. the big screen, no horrible frame around the screen, USB 2 connection, love the Drive mode thingi when you plug it to your computer ect.
Only problem is I can't get TomTom to work - I'll sort that out later...
Now to the question - how do you unlock the extended rom (I think that what they call it)? I want to prevent the applications from installing i.e. TouchFlo Home Plugin after a hard reset. I find the combination of SPB Pocket Plus 4 Tabs, Today Agenda (and a few other apps.) a much better combination for me.
Hope someone can help.
Anis

Did you try a soft reset when the waiting screen pops up after a hard reset?

Why dont you just uncheck TouchFlo in Settings-Today?

Thanks for the replies.
Ideally I wouldn't want unwanted apps to install. I know it's a fast device but I like to have a clean system.
I could reset the device when it's about the install everything (don't even know how to reset) however I want to keep certain things like the Black HTC theme and a few other things.
Anis

Tried and failed - what did I do?
RacerII said:
Did you try a soft reset when the waiting screen pops up after a hard reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried this last night and tried at multiple stages... and no matter what it insisted on installing all the bloatware. Any idea what I might be doing incorrectly?
When you say "wait screen" - do you mean the initial WinMo v6.1 green-splash screen, or the same display with "Please wait while we [something] for first time use"? I also tried at the Home screen before the customization begins, and while it was running... all still ended up with the software being installed. :/
I've read some great posts (here and Howard Forums) about using Total Commander and entering "\Extended Rom\" but that doesnt open anything on my device. Does that area need to be unlocked?
Thanks for any tips!

I think you need a custom Rom without all of the applications. I had one on my Omnia.

hmm...
typing "\Extended_Rom\" in total commander does not work.
those registry which hide/unhide and lock/unlock extended rom are not there too.
check the wiki, nothing about extended rom or customed rom which is meant for Service Provider specific.
Or is it because the HD I am having is tied to 1 provider, but it is already SIM unlocked which can use other providers SIM.
The original rom is lag, very lag, lots of rubbish in "\windows\" directory beside M$ original files.
How are the cooked roms around in the forum?

drbf said:
I think you need a custom Rom without all of the applications. I had one on my Omnia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for this plan. I'm running a lighter custom 6.5 rom (NRG) with none of the startup ui's. I've loaded Mobile shell#3 and it works very well. Quickest combo I've found so far for snappy-ness and speed. Battery life is fine with it. Try diff light roms without the startup bloatware and you may find something that you like.

Why would I install custom ROM

I hope this is ok here, I have searched a lot and my question is not directly answered (or I can not find it)
I have just had a new HD turn up, had one when they first came out but liked iPhone so much, could not stop using it, so Touch HD went back.
Just been through lots of different phones again, as at last I am finding iPhone limiting in the things I want to do. Just rejected a TP2 as it has no 3.3mm socket, and is a bit heavy, quite happy with soft keyboard now from iPhone use, so I think Touch HD will suit me fine.
OK, I really liked the TP2 feel, and software, but I also liked using SPB Mobileshell 3 on it, so I plan to use this on my HD.
Now, finally my question
I have never understood why I might want to put a custom ROM on my device. I have read all the guides, and the dummies guide, but although that helps me understand HOW to do it, not sure why I would WANT to do it?
I can understand for those people that have a horrible Orange branded one or something, but mine is standard 1.56.405.1 from HTC, unbranded.
So, I see that Custom ROM can have programs already in them, and they add features like the new TF3D on the TP2, which I liked, but since I am gonna use SPB MS3 is there any point?
Sorry if I sound like a total noob, I really am not (just flashed an Orange Samsung i8910 from and to Orange 4 times so I can follow these things), but in the case of the i8910, I could see why I would flash new ROM, to get rid of Orange crap, but here, just really confused.
Thanks in advance for any insight, if I have posted in wrong place, please point me to correct place.
Kev

I also use MS3 and have been wondering if it's worth upgrading to a new ROM as most are TFL3D.
I guess after upgrading to a new ROM that the provider details will need to be reset - but that's not a bigee as the OS looks up the details right ?
<draws up a chair>

A small list of pro's & con's below:
Pros:
- New features - A lot of new features first arrive on cooked roms like new touch flow interface from the new rhodium and topaz htc phones. Obviously most stock roms now have this, but originally they didn't. Without flashing, this wouldnt have been available.
- New manila which makes customization easier
- You can install new OSs such as windows mobile 6.5
- Various types of roms available, i.e. "lite" ROMs which have very little features and as a result are faster or "heavier" ROMs which tend to be a bit slower though gap in speed has dramatically decreased with newer versions.
- Have many features/apps already "cooked" into the ROM to save you installing them yourself after a hard reset
- Some have new drivers which improve performance.
- Some have custom interfaces
- Process isnt that hard once youve got hardspl/uspl sorted (and that gets easy after a short while too). its all run through an app on your computer with your HTC connected via activesync to your computer which is about as easy as installing a program (just click next, i agree etc.)
Con's
- Can take a bit of time to get used to the process. But once you have it becomes vry quick
- Need to use backup software as all your apps and contacts (everything on the main memory is wiped clean. Information on SD is left untouched). Recommend Sashimi, PIM Backup & SPB Backup.
If you use your HTC for more than just its basic features and want to get the most out of it, definately flash a new ROM. The performance increase is noticeable going from a stock ROM to a well cooked ROM. You'll have to use HSPL or USPL on your phone first. My mate cRaCKwHoRe has provided this excellent guide

new manila which makes customization easier, offers landscape all over, better speed all over, even under heavy stress....my absolute favourite, Start is no longer that ugly WinMo '90s look-a-like square drop down menu, it's a program launcher i can open from any tab, program, whatever, so it's oh so easy to open anything from anywhere in two very fast and smooth clicks
can't even remember does the stock have whole Facebook profile linking to Contacts profile, saving pic and birthday (which i then sync to Outlook, which syncs it to Calendar)....oh, manila calendar, the WinMo thing is just awful, i'd rather use pen and paper
the whole experience is much much prettier, more user friendly and faster at that....with every update there's less WM and more manila, which is what everyone probably wants (from HTC or generally) :/

OK, so Manila and TF3D are exactly the same thing?
So assuming this is true, all the stuff I could do on the TP2 I had would be doable on this Touch HD if I put a cooked ROM with Manila 2.5 on?
Kev

Fallen Spartan said:
A small list of pro's & con's below:
- Can take a bit of time to get used to the process. But once you have it becomes vry quick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for taking the time to do that. I think I am getting.
As I ask someone else, Manila and TF3D are the same thing right?
So, this HardSpl and softSpl, I have read the guide, but am still not clear why I would use one over the other?
At first glance, it would make sense to only use Hard? Why might someone not want to do that?
Kev

huh, i use USPL because it's a small program you run, it takes about 10sec to load and you're done, ready to flash....HSPL seemed like more hassle to begin with and USPL is really easy and simple :/ somehow even if i flashed 10 times a day, i wouldn't really see a problem with just running USPL :/
manila 2.5 is leaked, not officially out on any phone, 2.1 is out on TP2....and 2.5 is bugged, probably just a fun thing to try, not really use daily and seriously....2.0 and 2.1 are your every day options, and yes, probably everything on TP2 is in some of the ROMs cooked for Touch HD

Ah, OK so USPL would be good for me as I do not intend to flash new ROM very often?
It seems HardSPL would be for people that would be flashing all the time?
I read the bit where you say you would use USPL even if flashing lots, but surely if you were, HardSPL would be better?
Ok, so forget 2.5 Manila then, (just saw a Video and thought it was common), look for ROM with 2.1?
What version do we have on stock HD?
Thanks for answering.
Kev

kevwright said:
Thanks so much for taking the time to do that. I think I am getting.
As I ask someone else, Manila and TF3D are the same thing right?
So, this HardSpl and softSpl, I have read the guide, but am still not clear why I would use one over the other?
At first glance, it would make sense to only use Hard? Why might someone not want to do that?
Kev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPL is an user-modified SPL that you have to flash to your phone. It overwrites the existing SPL on your device with a "hacked" one so to say. It allows you to bypass the HTC certificate check and flash unsigned or CID-mismatching roms to your phone. You only have to flash it once and then you can flash roms anytime.
USPL is a temporary solution. It takes advantage of an exploit in the existing SPL and then loads a modified one to memory, effectively allowing the same thing as HSPL. However, since this is only memory-resident you have to do it each time you want to flash unsigned or CID-mismatching roms to your phone, because this exploited state is lost upon reboot. With USPL you must still have the right version of the HTC SPL that is compatible with the rom you want to use.
Basic difference is that HSPL is permanent and voids warranty and USPL is temporary and thus doesn't void warranty. However, once you use HSPL you can flash any radio & rom any time you want, but with USPL you need to reuse it before every flash to new radio or rom.
If you put HSPL on your device you can remove it by following procedure at bottom on first post in this thread.
There are 2 versions of HSPL, 1.14 & 1.56. Make sure you use the correct version for whatever rom you intend to flash to, i.e.
HSPL 1.56 is for roms based on 1.56+
HSPL 1.14 is for roms based on pre 1.56

kevwright said:
Ah, OK so USPL would be good for me as I do not intend to flash new ROM very often?
It seems HardSPL would be for people that would be flashing all the time?
I read the bit where you say you would use USPL even if flashing lots, but surely if you were, HardSPL would be better?
Ok, so forget 2.5 Manila then, (just saw a Video and thought it was common), look for ROM with 2.1?
What version do we have on stock HD?
Thanks for answering.
Kev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, go to settings tab in TF3D and scroll down to 'About'. It should state something like TouchFLO 3D 2.1.38147.5. I highlighted the version in bold i.e. In this case its manila version 2.1

Ok, I think I need to flash a ROM, as I am finding the Touch HD a little less exciting than the TP2 I just sent back.
I liked the TP2 but it was heavy and had no 3.5mm jack, but it seemed quite a bit faster than this HD. Screen seemed much brighter as well, is that possible?
Anyway, now I have decided, I really don't have a clue what ROM to use. I have been reading this site for the last 4 hours, and am no further forward.
Kev

I'm hoping to get some answers out of this thread as well Kev - without hijacking though
If I want to keep all my current program settings and the like, is there a foolproof method by which I can restore programs from a backup on my Stock rom, onto a newly flashed cooked ROM.
I am looking for the newer features of the latest manilla but I don't want to lose any of my current data and go through the process of reinstalling the programs again.
I have pimbackup so know that will be a synch!

lol, well, Dutty 3.9XT is a huge hit, i love it and think it should be made stock, so you can go with that one....i also tried Laurentis26 latest one and it was lightning fast and smooth and is based on TP2 ROM so that's another option
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=537948
manila 2.1 can have an sms bug, not everyone has it, but even TP2 suffers from it and there's still no official HTC fix....some people can't send 2 sms in a row to a same person, i am one of them and that's why i stick to manila 2.0 :/

Wiggz said:
I'm hoping to get some answers out of this thread as well Kev - without hijacking though
I have pimbackup so know that will be a synch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hijack all you want mate, we will get better answers!
I want to flash before I get it all setup, and I need to hide my iPhone away, the screen is so much brighter than this HD :-(
I keep thinking though, all my old WM devices were based on standard software and SPB Pocket Plus, and I do like the standard today screen. With this in mind, how much will I benefit from a new ROM since they all seem to be based around really good inplementation of TF3D.
Kev

kevwright said:
Hijack all you want mate, we will get better answers!
I want to flash before I get it all setup, and I need to hide my iPhone away, the screen is so much brighter than this HD :-(
I keep thinking though, all my old WM devices were based on standard software and SPB Pocket Plus, and I do like the standard today screen. With this in mind, how much will I benefit from a new ROM since they all seem to be based around really good inplementation of TF3D.
Kev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although a lot of roms are based around good implementation of TF3D, they are also cutomized for speed, performance & stability of phone overall. So a cooked rom should out perform a stock rom in almost all categories

Fallen Spartan said:
Although a lot of roms are based around good implementation of TF3D, they are also cutomized for speed, performance & stability of phone overall. So a cooked rom should out perform a stock rom in almost all categories
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..and what about my particular question relating to restoration of stock rom backup (programs, not rom files obviously)

Just to add my own view to this as I have had the same dilemma in the past.
I stayed with stock....basically because I have quite a few apps installed on my device, and it seems that almost every other day updates are coming out to cooked ROMs to fix bugs, and it takes half a day to reinstall my apps and set them up. if ROM updates are coming out every few days I would spend half my life updating to the new one to fix a bug and then having to reinstall my apps.

Wiggz said:
..and what about my particular question relating to restoration of stock rom backup (programs, not rom files obviously)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
am afraid there's no way to restore programs, they have to be reinstalled since flashing is just like hard reset/clear storage, deletes everything on the device (not the storage card) :/
also, with flashing you're upgrading manila and most other programs to latest released built, so you don't wanna restore old files as they might not work with newer versions :/
i use Outlook to re-sync my contacts and calendar and Microsoft MyPhone to restore sms messages....also have opera6.adr file on my storage card which i just copy into /Windows/Opera folder to restore my bookmarks....RSS Hub i set to use Storage Card for data, then it says i already have some settings there and asks do i want to overwrite, select no and i have my old channels set
rest i do by hand, but post-flash set up takes 30min once you get used to it :/ many programs/icons/stuff require a restart after installation, one just remembers which and does them one after the other and then, after you installed taskbar, clock, icons, s2u2, such, you do one restart and it's all done in minutes
@twisted-pixel: yes, it can happen that you flash weekly to correct bugs....however i'm on the same ROM now for month and a half, did flash last week, 3 times in a day, but i was bored and wanted to try out stuff went back to the same ROM again at the end of the day

I have NRGZ28's ENERGY ROM, its worth flashing it, if for nothing else, the SPEED. My HD had all the 'Orange' crap on it and it was so slow compared to how it is now....go ahead....FLASH!! (your rom, that is)

suisen said:
am afraid there's no way to restore programs, they have to be reinstalled since flashing is just like hard reset/clear storage, deletes everything on the device (not the storage card) :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to update you all on this.
Throy's latest roms have included an auto-install for apps when flashing. I've tried this and it works a charm. See quote below.
Autoinstall thanks to my Good friend Tom: [ FAST and Fantastic.]Create folder in Root of Storage Card called [ Autoinstall ]
Copy all your cabs in that folder
After Flash , and during customisations all your cab will be installed.
Also set your cabs to read only
So get Your Storage Card prepared with all your Cabs to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only drawback on this is that all apps are installed onto main menu, so if you want any apps installed on your SD Card you will have to install them manually or alternatively use Sashimi backup which also auto-installs apps etc

HD is NOT slow. (I can play smooth video while running lots of apps - Video added)

So many ppl saying that HD is slow when compared IPhone. No. HD is faster than IPhone even it has double resolution.
First, watch my video. (I have recorded it with a bad webcam, so its not so smooth sometimes and blurry, sorry for that).
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbn1vm_my-touch-hd-running-lots-of-apps-sa_tech
You can see I am running these apps at the same time;
- MSN Live Messenger (connected)
- Facebook App (connected)
- Opera Mini (via JBed)
- MySpace (Connected)
- SongLoader (Downloading 1 song)
- MediaPlayer (Playing 192Kbps MP3 File, It has some glitches since I cant adjust buffer)
- PocketPlayer (Playing 128Kbps through Wi-Fi, full buffered, so no glitches in sound, smooth)
- CorePlayer (Playing 320x240 25FPS MP4 file with 44100hz 2channel sound WITHOUT SLOWDOWN)
* There is active background services like G-Trigger, GPSModDriver.
* Manila is still smooth while running all those applications at the same time.
Conclusion: HD is maybe twice or more faster than IPhone when you configure your windows well. I dont know why ppl choosing winmo 6.5.. I tried it with every custom ROM, manila was freezing while listening to simple MP3..
If you like it, here is my configration:
- HTC Touch HD without any overclock installed Topix 3.1.2 (WinMo 6.1).
- Installed Neos drivers V3 first, then Xperia X2 Drivers on it. And Graphics Booster 1.2.
- I am using custom priority management (Using SpeedBooster). Most important thing is this. Since speedbooster is not free, you can use sktools (I didnt try it, but heard that it can do priority management).
- Manila.exe and gwes.exe %80 priority. Other apps %60 (Players, browsers, etc.). You can set jbed.exe (Java emulator) %80 too for smoother experience, since it's pausing any running threads when you minimized it. And you must adjust players buffer sizes as much as possible (when you use manila or other %80 prioritied application, your ppc can't process mp3 as fast as playing, in this case it plays from buffer. If you keep doing things in manila, sound will stop when buffered part is played.). So you must adjust these things for yourself, depending on your needings.
Thanks to kwbr for this nice and smooth rom.
This is not for noobs, if you dont know what are you doing, then please dont. You may get your ppc unstable/freeze.

Hello,
thanks for this topic.
Xperia X2 Drivers Where can i download ??
Graphics Booster 1.3, i can only find V1.2 ??
regards,

Roachie said:
Hello,
thanks for this topic.
Xperia X2 Drivers Where can i download ??
Graphics Booster 1.3, i can only find V1.2 ??
regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh sorry for typo, its 1.2 already. post edited. and here is x2 drivers;
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=587176&page=20

I would appreciate it if you could place the links of the used appz, rom and tools.
so people can be sure they're downloading/ installing the correct links and the updated ones.
I wanted to ask you one more question, how long does your battery last ?
because i have to charge my phone every night even if i didn't use it a lot!
(i almost forgot to say that my HD has a standby time of 32 hours is that normal ?)
THAANK YOU!
--------------------------
sorry for my bad English |
and for my n00bish action |
---------------------------

anoniem said:
I would appreciate it if you could place the links of the used appz, rom and tools.
so people can be sure they're downloading/ installing the correct links and the updated ones.
I wanted to ask you one more question, how long does your battery last ?
because i have to charge my phone every night even if i didn't use it a lot!
(i almost forgot to say that my HD has a standby time of 32 hours is that normal ?)
THAANK YOU!
--------------------------
sorry for my bad English |
and for my n00bish action |
---------------------------
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, I would attach files when I back (I am in another country right now, so I can't access my PC). But I am sure that you can find them by searching forum
"neos2007 driverpack 3"
"gfx booster 1.2"
"teksoft speedbooster 2.0.010" (not free)
and, already given xperia x2 drivers.
About battery, since I use topix wm 6.1, it lasts longer (like about 2, 2.5 days). And those programs or drivers didn't affected the battery life so much, it's almost the same.

THAAANXZ
I love your fast reply you're really my hero!!
I'll try searching, but im still waiting for the links
----
BTW:
i think youre still using the Topix 3.1.2 rom?
and which radio /rom version do you have

Thanks for your useful advices, mr barisahmet:
I have installed "NeoS2007_Driverpack_3.cab", reboot after installation, then have installed "X2 Video Driver.cab" and after the required reboot my HD freezees on the boot screen. I have do a reset and dont boot, then remove the battery, and also dont boot. Now I have a beautiful "Blackstone paperweight".
Have you forgot any steep? Well, to late for me.

Yules said:
Thanks for your useful advices, mr barisahmet:
I have installed "NeoS2007_Driverpack_3.cab", reboot after installation, then have installed "X2 Video Driver.cab" and after the required reboot my HD freezees on the boot screen. I have do a reset and dont boot, then remove the battery, and also dont boot. Now I have a beautiful "Blackstone paperweight".
Have you forgot any steep? Well, to late for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before doing all this, did you have Hard SPL 1.56 installed?

Yules said:
Thanks for your useful advices, mr barisahmet:
I have installed "NeoS2007_Driverpack_3.cab", reboot after installation, then have installed "X2 Video Driver.cab" and after the required reboot my HD freezees on the boot screen. I have do a reset and dont boot, then remove the battery, and also dont boot. Now I have a beautiful "Blackstone paperweight".
Have you forgot any steep? Well, to late for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I havent experienced that before since I used always that combination with every rom. You maybe using stock rom? No I explained all steps. I will edit post as "not for noobs", sorry for late edit.
Though drivers and/or radio is not important part. I get almost same results with original drivers and radio. Important part is, well adjusted priorities.
anoniem said:
THAAANXZ
I love your fast reply you're really my hero!!
I'll try searching, but im still waiting for the links
----
BTW:
i think youre still using the Topix 3.1.2 rom?
and which radio /rom version do you have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, fastest rom ever is Topix 3.1.2. And my radio version is .17 .

Yes, I have Hard SPL 1.56 installed with the 1.56 stock ROM decert and 1.17.25.09 radio. Now I have flashed with a custom 6.50 ROM.
Anyway, I don't know how you call "not for noobs" a procedure that consist on install some cabs. I have do many tricks with my phones since my first Qtek 8080 on 2004, including flashing, registry tricks, etc... and I never have freezed a machine before.
I think that if someone follow your steps and freezes the machine, you have forgot some previous requeriment previously included in the customization of your ROM. You must recommend this procedure only for people with your same ROM or identify what is the previous steep necessary and include the steps to do it manually.
At last, sorry for my english. ;-)

Yules said:
Yes, I have Hard SPL 1.56 installed with the 1.56 stock ROM decert and 1.17.25.09 radio. Now I have flashed with a custom 6.50 ROM.
Anyway, I don't know how you call "not for noobs" a procedure that consist on install some cabs. I have do many tricks with my phones since my first Qtek 8080 on 2004, including flashing, registry tricks, etc... and I never have freezed a machine before.
I think that if someone follow your steps and freezes the machine, you have forgot some previous requeriment previously included in the customization of your ROM. You must recommend this procedure only for people with your same ROM or identify what is the previous steep necessary and include the steps to do it manually.
At last, sorry for my english. ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Topix 3.1.2 is a custom ROM.

my little friend, have you tried putting it in boot loader mode, try this, pull the battery out, put back in again, hold both vol up and vol down in at same time then whilst you hold them down hit the power button on the top
you should see a multicoloured screen
now, on your PC go to whoever released your phone and download an "official" ROM for it.
plug your HD in to your PC
your PC might try and install something at this point, let it do it!
now run the official ROM you downloaded and it should install.
next id suggest you install Hard SPL which you will find in the WIKI then try the whole thing again .
your paper weight should no longer be a paper weight

Yules said:
Yes, I have Hard SPL 1.56 installed with the 1.56 stock ROM decert and 1.17.25.09 radio. Now I have flashed with a custom 6.50 ROM.
Anyway, I don't know how you call "not for noobs" a procedure that consist on install some cabs. I have do many tricks with my phones since my first Qtek 8080 on 2004, including flashing, registry tricks, etc... and I never have freezed a machine before.
I think that if someone follow your steps and freezes the machine, you have forgot some previous requeriment previously included in the customization of your ROM. You must recommend this procedure only for people with your same ROM or identify what is the previous steep necessary and include the steps to do it manually.
At last, sorry for my english. ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whoops, missed that post, sorry, well do what i said anyway, it should still un brick your phone

ok now I'm scared!
what is the way of doing it ?
what do i have to do first,could someone give a step by step guide?

Does anyone have the correct links?
and could someone give us a step by step guide?
thaanxz

ok first things first, you need a new ROM incase the one you downloaded is corrupted.
then turn off the device
pull your battery out and put it back in again. holding down the power button will have the same effect but the battery out will make sure its off
step 2
hold down the volume up AND the volume down button on the side
whilst holding down the two volume buttons push the power button once
this mode is called bootloader mood, it will allow you to install a new ROM without the need to boot the HD up in to windows
Step 3
plug in the HD to your computer
allow it to install anything that might pop up on your PC screen.
your PC will look as normal, your HD will be multicoloured with writing on it
now try and install the new ROM as you normally would
its dead easy, and unless your HD is buggered it should get it working again, if it doesnt you wont be any worse off than before!

In speedbooster:
How do i set up process %?
I can just see a bar from green to red and i dont know how much is 80% there

hello guys
Cool that you made such a video, so everybody can see that our Blackstone isn't a slow device.
In my Oppinion Blackstone "could" be faster than a non-customized-LEO.
The problem is HTC and Microsoft don't provide a good Hardware-Driver support, so the blackstone can't run on his maximum Level.
We can see this in such small things like the TF3D 2.5 Landscape Album View.
3D-Games are no Problem for our device if they are well configured by the programer, but we can't slide smooth through a list of 10 MP3-Albums with an small 3D-Effect
That's all because of bad configuration and a bad hardware support.
Why is there a so big community supporting Android drivers, when we should have a good WM-System at first?
greets

cuz we dont have WM drivers, what we have are a bunch of files collected and made to work with one another to give some form of speed improvment but unless someone releases the full driver and code or re writes the OS to use GL we are buggered. moan to Qualcomm and HTC

herpez said:
In speedbooster:
How do i set up process %?
I can just see a bar from green to red and i dont know how much is 80% there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
%80 is, just one step previous than %100. Where %100 is last step.
I think drivers are almost okay. Problem is coding style in some applications. Some apps has very smooth interface with eye-candy graphics, while some apps are slow with a simple UI. But of course, its hard to adapt those applications to many device variants. Iphone has no such variants like those devices. And windows must have better dynamic priority management, like the app you see on screen must have higher priority than foreground apps. In this way we set static priority to an application and it may be kinda unstable. But at least we can see what our device can do.