Database Users

goodbye sidekick 3, hello MDA!

hey everyone.. just signed up and wanted to say hi.
i just ordered my new MDA, and should be here in a few days! ive had the SK3 for a month after upgrading from the SK2, and its just not what it used to be. Im looking for something with way more functionality other than being cool. Not to mention a more mature phone.
anyway, i just wanted to see if you guys could help me. seeing as how i dont have the phone yet, i wanted to read as much as i can about hacking it up. im aware that the stock phone (USA Tmobile MDA) rom isnt very well, so i need some pointers on where to start...
ive tried searching already, but theres only so many "newbie" threads i can sift through... basically can someone point me into the right direction of everything i need to get started? it would be most appreciated! Wink i guess which rom, how to update, which apps, where to go... lol, basically everything!
ill obvisouly be reading until the day the phone comes (and charged for 12 hours) so i should be more knowledgeable by the time the phone arrives.. but i really appreiciate any help!
thanks!

banky said:
im aware that the stock phone (USA Tmobile MDA) rom isnt very well, so i need some pointers on where to start...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first thing to check is that your MDA has the latest ROM (2.26) - intalling this solved a lot of my problems. I have no other "hacks" on the MDA and am now happy with its performance.

I would definitly start by SIM and CID unlocking the phone with lokiwiz (free and available on this forum) if it has a 1.X and not a 2.x rom (if the comm manager screen has 4 icons not 6...), because once this is done it is permanent, and once you upgrade it is MUCH harder to do.. if you need specific directions let me know.
I would then upgrade to the T-Mo 2.26 rom as suggested above, I am using it now and I really like it.
I personally use Registry Wizard to tweak the wizard, at least for the basics... Some good tweaks to start with are disabeling the go online and unsigned program warnings, enable 802.11g, Enable Indicator (lets you know when CAPS and symbol are on), Different GPRS/EDGE icon, and personally I always enable the IE 4-way nav, engineering mode (type string *#*#364#*#* into phone and hit send to show cool technical info...) I also set GPRS always on... (probably not a good idea unless you have unlimited data, like I do... (if not you also may elect not to disable the go-online warning, so you know when its doing stuff...))
Agile messenger is a good program, total commander is more or less essential, and I have recently been using a program called Hubdog ( I think it can do more than I do with it, but I just use it as an rss reader...) All are free. Novii remote also works well (however with limeted 2-3 meter range) but is not free...
If you want any more info on programs I use, where to get them, ect..., or any other tweaks please just let me know.

i appreciate the help!
ill definitely be coming to you for questions
when you first got your phone, did you charge it for the whole 12 hours before using it?

Starcruiser1229 said:
I would definitly start by SIM and CID unlocking the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I upgraded to a custom 2.24 ROm without SIM unlocking. If I want to SIM unlock now should I downgrade to 1.8, SIM unlock, then upgrade to whatever ROM I want (probably xelecin's custom 2.26 when it's out). I don't really care about the SIM lock since I'm in a contract with Tmo, I'm not changing any time soon. I just don't want to have problems if I upgrade the ROM later on.
Sorry not trying to hijack...I swear

bittermormon said:
Starcruiser1229 said:
I would definitly start by SIM and CID unlocking the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I upgraded to a custom 2.24 ROm without SIM unlocking. If I want to SIM unlock now should I downgrade to 1.8, SIM unlock, then upgrade to whatever ROM I want (probably xelecin's custom 2.26 when it's out). I don't really care about the SIM lock since I'm in a contract with Tmo, I'm not changing any time soon. I just don't want to have problems if I upgrade the ROM later on.
Sorry not trying to hijack...I swear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem
so, did everyone here charge their phone for the full 12 hours before using their phones?

also, another question, on the sidekick there was an app called "money clip" where it allowed me to keep track of different accounts such as my checking, savings, and credit cards... are there any apps like that available for the MDA?
i tired to use exel right now to see if i can just do it the ghetto way, but its not really letting me.. ;x

hey good job man (i donno about money clip) about returning the sidekick 3 for the MDA. i did that too. and i upgraded from a sidekick 2 too.
i can tell you the MDA is at least 9 times better (random number?)... but the only thing i haven't gotten to work is setting up outlook email... hopefully you have better luck. (but it is because the free yahoo doesn't support it).

hmmm, i charged phone for maybe two hours out of the box, did the cid unlock and sim unlock, and have been flashing the rom ever since (remember to thank all the folks here who cook up all these lovely roms)

zetajunkie said:
hmmm, i charged phone for maybe two hours out of the box, did the cid unlock and sim unlock, and have been flashing the rom ever since (remember to thank all the folks here who cook up all these lovely roms)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha.. cool, so i dont need to do a full charge on the it?
where can i find the instructions on how to flash the ROM? and also, which ROM is recommeneded?

I'm a newb waiting for my MDA too. I dont see why one should SIM unlock if he/she already has the MDA (US). Can't I just upgrade to the 2.26? Or are there some feautures that I would be noticably be missing?

Starcruiser1229 said:
I would definitly start by SIM and CID unlocking the phone with lokiwiz (free and available on this forum) if it has a 1.X and not a 2.x rom (if the comm manager screen has 4 icons not 6...), because once this is done it is permanent, and once you upgrade it is MUCH harder to do.. if you need specific directions let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version of lokiwiz would you recommend using? I noticed there are two different threads, one for 0.2 and one for 0.3. Do they do the same thing? The steps for 0.3 seem to require a second SIM, is that true? Thanks.

Ok, first, the reason to SIM unlock is because then you can swap to a different providers SIM later on, for instance if you dump T-mo or you travel to Europe or something. For me, it simply seems like a good idea to do it now, because then I know I have it if I need it.
CID unlock is for using other providers ROMS. You can just upgrade to the 2.26, but then what happens when you decide you want to upgrade to the cingular 3.xx b/c of some amazing feature... Once you are in a 2.x rom it becomes much harder to do this. It is sooooo simple, why not just do it now? again, your phone, yor decision, and I think flashing an unofficial rom will void the warranty if they can prove it (personally I don't care, some do)
As far as Lokiwiz, I used Lokiwiz 02b, downloaded from this forum. The newer version, .03, is only needed if you have already upgraded to a 2.x ROM.
As far as SIM unlocking after upgrading, I do not know if it is possible to downgrade from a 2.x to a 1.x, especially if you haven't CID unlocked already... I think you may be stuck using the .03 2 sim card method (this is required as the phone dosen't know it needs to prompt for unlock code untill you enter a 'banned (ie from another provider)' sim... get a cheep prepay (NOT T-mo prepay if you have T-mo) from the local drug store/Walmart... This may be easier than downgrading and then upgrading anyway, and since ( I am assuming) you have already CID unlocked, I do not think you will have any problems...
.02 does not need the second sim as it changes the setting directly by accessing some part of the memory on the device, which cannot, apparently be done in the new roms...
O. Brown... SIM, as I mentioned above, is different from CID. You are thinking of CID. I would do it simply b/c you cannot do it later, yet once done it is permanent...
Bittermormon, same idea...
As far as chargeing, I am notorios for taking it out of the box and hitttng the power. If it turns on, well then why should I charge it...? Plus, you can turn it on plugged in, so if you are worried, plug it into the wall and then start playing... but I don't want to promise this won't have some negative effect, do what you feel safe with, all I am saying is what worked for me...
As far as financial software goes, I checked out the PocketPcMag Nominations for best software 2006, in the financial category... Cash Organizer '05 Premium, Pocket Quicken, PocketMoney, Spb Finance, Stock Manager... I have not used any of theese. I do not know if they are what you want... I do not know how much they cost, but it is a place to start at least.
As far as pocket outlook, no problems here, except with gmail pop access, which always seemed kinda... messed up... to me... So, I did something even better... I setup a free exchange account with mail2web.com (I think they call it mail2web live or something...) and my gmail forwards a copy of all incoming mail to the exchange mail address... THis allows me to use PUSH email for my gmail acct (which is my main acct.) If you have a corporate exchange, you can use that instead. The only "Problem" with this is that deleting messages on the phone does not delete them in gmail... I personally like this as I cna then use gmail on my pc to its fullest to label, archive, ect... On the ppc I delete all of the newsletters ect... and only really read personal mail or important stuff. This lets me keep my phone inbok clear, and I can still read all of the other stuff later on the desktop... Or you can always just switch to using the exchange email address as your main...
And as far as the best ROM, well, that is as much opinion as anything else... I am running the T-mo 2.26 with the extended rom installed... I have noit seen any cooked versions of this yet, although I believe someone on the HOFO is working on one... I gotta say, I like this rom. I have a few small glitches, but I think that it is installed software, not the ROM...
A few other tips... I recently discovered microsoft voice command, and I am enjoying it very much... First of all, no setting voice tags, and secondly, for me, I could never remember exactly what the voice tag was for someone, especially when I had one for the house and cell... Now I can just say ther full name ie, Call John Doe on Mobile, and the phone does it... as with any other software, your mileage may vary... PM me if you want me to email the cab...
Also, buying a large miniSD is a great idea, I have a Sandisk 1gb and I love it. Watch out for 2gb cards, a small minority may be valid, most are fakes, and all are probably lower quality...
Any other questions, feel free to ask, or even PM me (especially if I do not seem to be responding fast enough....)
And Uh, SORRY about the length... just trying to answer everythng...

Brand New Unopened MDA (T-Mobile USA)

I'm getting a new t-mobile mda usa phone this week and was wondering what are the first steps expert gurus like yourselves would do?
I've never used MDA before, but I'm a quick learner and have upgraded firmware and whatnot for other things in the past.
So, what would be the first step?
Test it out, see if it works...bla bla bla
Then? Would I upgrade the firmware? Which firmware should I use?
If I upgrade to a firmware that voids the warranty, could I flash the firmware back to stock T-mobile firmware and they would never know the difference (not that i would do that, just wondering)?
What programs/tweaks would you install?
If i get the 5.99 or whatever T-Zones, could I view any website and send/receive email through gmail...or would there be additional charges? Could I also use AIM, or would that cost extra?
I bought 5 MDA's for $250 total from amazon. However, it required me to select the data internet plan which is like $30/mo for each phone. But i was told I could cancel it within 14 days for all the phones, and instead get t-zones for $5.99?
Also...could you guys recommend some good accessories w/links or prices?
Screenprotectors, BT headsets...etc?
I'm also looking for a good, but cheap MiniSD 2gb card.
http://www.outpost.com/product/4922971 <-- Would this work for me, or is there a better one I should look at?
Sorry for asking so many questions, it's just that my MDA is coming this week and I'm really excited and want to be prepared for it.
Thanks guys!

THAT KINGSTON mini sd is the roxs!! works really well!
thou it might not read on ur card reader thru teh mini sd adapter, but hey for that price you can't go wrong!!
there are a ton of progs out there.. i would carefully breeze thru the wiki and other sticky's and then mod/add prog
if you have 1.80 ver firm.. unlock sim and CID then upgrade to 2.26!!
then programs and stuff is your liking.
enjoy.. sorry im in a rush, but you'll get plenty of help!

well .. MDA's cool but if you could wait a couple of weeks or maybe just get it's current version which is the MDA II (Vario II) which should be coming out soon here in the US ... In Europe, it's been out for at least a month or so... The MDA II (Vario II), aka XDA Trion, HTC TyTN, Orange SPVM3100, and the soon to be released Cingular 8525 is available online... just my two cents worth .... the new version has a lot more power and newer / current features which would work on HSPDA/UMTS ....
FYI

I got my MDA in July or August, I believe. I got it from T-Mobile, not one of their distributers, because I could control the family plan better, that we already had, and could request the area code I wanted (Also got a Samsung t-809 slide--a really cool phone).
Coming from an HP IPAQ 6315, I am VERY pleased with the MDA. However, I did not synch it with my Jensen B/T headphones because the driver wasn't compatible with WM5. More importantly, no matter what I tried I couldn't hook it up to my Garmin GPS 10--a B/T GPS unit that works AMAZINGLY well at finding your location--Both the headset and the Garmin work with the HP.
So I followed T-Mobile's directions to upgrade the MDA firmware to the ROM version 2.26.10.105 and I am SO glad I did!
The new version has its own A2DP driver, so the Jensens immediately synched beautifully.
The Garmin was trickier. I had to buy a registry editor--I went for Kilmist which works very nicely. You need to hack the registry to reveal the GPS Icon in the System tray.
The tree is:
Pocket PC\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ControlPanel\GPS Settings.
You delete ALL the keys under GPS Settings, especially the REDIRECT key.
I've read that you can switch the HIDE key from 1 to 0, but I couldn't get that to work--when I cleared the REDIRECT it worked.
Reboot, and the GPS Icon should appear. This allows you to tailor the device's COM port to match the GPS software from Garmin.
I'm not really crazy about the Windows Media Player--it's a pain to use, a pain to set up, and I have NO idea what MS was thinking. Instead, I use something called BetaPlayer both for movies and music. It's simple, clear, obvious, and you don't have to go through stupid gyrations to get either music or movies to it (it plays AVIs). When we travel, I'll rip movies using Pocket PC DVD (an nice, inexpensive pgm) to AVIs in the 15-225 meg range, and dump them to the Mini-SD card. BetaPlayer allows me to play them without any problem and rotates to landscape mode with a tap.
BetaPlayer is a free download, that Pocket PC DVD sets you up with. I THINK they have replaced it with an upgrade.
I can use it with AIM, but the return key on the keyboard doesn't "send"--so far I've had to tap the Send icon with the stylus--Is there a way around this?
eMail works very nicely--I route to my own account, not T-Mobile's, so I can get and send my mail. But it ALWAYS truncates the mail, forces you to click on it and re-download. Again, anybody have a way to fix this?
Compared to the HP IPAQ 6315, there's really no comparison. The HP has a bigger screen, but it's a bigger, bulkier unit and I don't notice a difference. It does just about everything better than the HP, and I don't have to soft-boot it every single day!
BIG plus on the MDA/Wizard--the antenna doesn't stick out so you can't break it off (I actually broke off the cover of the antenna on the HP in an airport--Had to replace the entire antenna assembly to replace the cover!)
I really like the SanDisk cards. I have 4 2-gig cards I bought on-line for about $40-$50 apiece (I forgot which). I THINK it was at Buy.com--not sure. I've never had a SanDisk card or flash drive fail or fail to connect. Yeah, 2g mini-SDs work just fine on this PDA.
The MDA is more like a thick cell phone than a PDA in size and feel. I hope to explore a lot more of its capabilities.

Hi, thanks for all the replies guys.
I've been trying to do as much research as possible before getting the phone.
Bigshoguns said:
unlock sim and CID then upgrade to 2.26
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you explain how to unlock SIM/CID? I tried following a sticky, but it seems some of these forum links are dead or different b/c of the new forum software. I think i have to use lokiwiz or something, but I cant seem to find it? If anyone can point that out plus give me instructions, I'd appreciate it.
Also, I'm a bit nervous about OC'ing the device. Do you do it in increments? How do you know when you've OC'd it too much, does it start to freeze or will it just not turn on or something?
Yanktar03 said:
I can use it with AIM, but the return key on the keyboard doesn't "send"--so far I've had to tap the Send icon with the stylus--Is there a way around this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been doing some reading and I think I found an answer for you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=985458&highlight=return#post985458
Not sure if you can do it with the regular AIM, but with the hacked AIM you could go to options/preferences and under IM/Chat/Mobile make sure "Enter Key Inserts Return" is unchecked.
Sorry if this is incorrect, I dont have an MDA and have never used one but I'm just going by some stuff I read.
Oh yeah, does anyone know when MDA II (USA) is coming out..I would feel a bit of buyers remorse if it's coming out soon and will be offered at an attractive price for new contracts. Oh well....MDA is still good, right?
Anymore help/suggestions would be greatful!
Thanks!

chroniX said:
Hi, thanks for all the replies guys.
I've been trying to do as much research as possible before getting the phone.
Could you explain how to unlock SIM/CID? I tried following a sticky, but it seems some of these forum links are dead or different b/c of the new forum software. I think i have to use lokiwiz or something, but I cant seem to find it? If anyone can point that out plus give me instructions, I'd appreciate it.
Also, I'm a bit nervous about OC'ing the device. Do you do it in increments? How do you know when you've OC'd it too much, does it start to freeze or will it just not turn on or something?
I've been doing some reading and I think I found an answer for you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=985458&highlight=return#post985458
Not sure if you can do it with the regular AIM, but with the hacked AIM you could go to options/preferences and under IM/Chat/Mobile make sure "Enter Key Inserts Return" is unchecked.
Sorry if this is incorrect, I dont have an MDA and have never used one but I'm just going by some stuff I read.
Oh yeah, does anyone know when MDA II (USA) is coming out..I would feel a bit of buyers remorse if it's coming out soon and will be offered at an attractive price for new contracts. Oh well....MDA is still good, right?
Anymore help/suggestions would be greatful!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile makes you wait 90 days before they will give you the unlock code and procedure for free. But if you already are a customer you may be able to bully them into it sooner. I did because I added my MDA and T-809 phone to our family plan.
I don't know about the CID, but if you get the T-Mobile unlock that's all you need. The upgrade of the ROM, via the T-Mobile procedure and software is very easy and does NOT void the warranty.
Thanks about the AIM--I found another thread here yesterday where there is a modified version of AIM 2.0 that is FAR better than T-Mobile's and gives you the "return" key back, and allows you to force the sign-on. Apparently you don't have to pay for messaging with it--it's via Internet!
Little by little the MDA is becoming the PDA I always wanted.

chroniX said:
Hi, thanks for all the replies guys.
Could you explain how to unlock SIM/CID? I tried following a sticky, but it seems some of these forum links are dead or different b/c of the new forum software. I think i have to use lokiwiz or something, but I cant seem to find it? If anyone can point that out plus give me instructions, I'd appreciate it.
Also, I'm a bit nervous about OC'ing the device. Do you do it in increments? How do you know when you've OC'd it too much, does it start to freeze or will it just not turn on or something?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for unlocking use Lokiwiz02b.zip which is found in the Xda ftp:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=BA_FTP_Site
dont worry about overclocking - im running mine @ 224 with the 2.26 rom
i was overclocking @ 240 with the custom 2.24 - really helps out performance
for overclocking someone recommended Batterystatus which is a small neat program, using very little resources to manage the battery and overclock and its free
http://www.chi-tai.info/cs_BatteryStatus_XDA_Neo_WM5_iM_cs.htm

Whatever you do don't buy ShieldZone Screen Protector.

ZzFDKzZ said:
Whatever you do don't buy ShieldZone Screen Protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that the same as Invisible Shield? I thought those were supposed to be good.
What would you recommend then?

If you plan to upgrade to the Official Tmobile 2.26 rom you do not need to unlock. It will handle all of that for you. Just make sure your battery power is over the suggest amount (I think its 50%) I have seen some nightmare stories here from people who didn't.

Software problem with qtek 9100

Hello,
I just bought a used qtek 9100 two weeks ago and am now starting to have problems. The previous owner installed windows mobile 6 underground edition, as well as some other updates. Currently the phone is freezing almost once a day, in which I have to take the battery out to reboot. If anyone can help me any suggestions would be greatly apptrietiated. I thought about trying to go back to the original wm5 or upgrading to wm6 does anyone know if that would work?
Thanks for any and all help
Matt

irishmatt12 said:
Hello,
I just bought a used qtek 9100 two weeks ago and am now starting to have problems. The previous owner installed windows mobile 6 underground edition, as well as some other updates. Currently the phone is freezing almost once a day, in which I have to take the battery out to reboot. If anyone can help me any suggestions would be greatly apptrietiated. I thought about trying to go back to the original wm5 or upgrading to wm6 does anyone know if that would work?
Thanks for any and all help
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried doing a hard reset and then load it back up with your apps? This might clear a bad registry issue. Also the problem could be a 3rd party app that doesn't work well on WM6.
I would suggest you do move back to an original rom if you are having problems. Then you can look at playing with custom roms later when you get a feel for the device. Key thing is you want to get it stable.
Read the following on how to Flash roms:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=298613
Since you are already running a WM6, its likely (if this is a G3) that you are CID Unlocked already (if you are a G4 than its likely you are not CID Unlocked).
You could try a newer WM6 (like XPlore 2.0 or Faria Vanilla from his kitchen) both of which are found in the Wizard WM6 board located here. But I think I'd recommend you just go back to the official carrier rom first.

Thank you
When you say to go back to the original software, where can I get that? I came accross a update on the t-mobile site that said it would remove all data stored on device, is this what you are talking about? I would hate to do something to make this phone incapacitated.
Also has anyone seen the windows mobile vista for a ppc? Does anyone know where to get it? Once I fixe this problem I would like to upgrade to that, unless there is something wrong with it.
Thanks for all your help
Matt

irishmatt12 said:
When you say to go back to the original software, where can I get that? I came accross a update on the t-mobile site that said it would remove all data stored on device, is this what you are talking about? I would hate to do something to make this phone incapacitated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On PPC devices, if you flash a new rom (upgrade, downgrade) it wipes everything on the phone in memory. Sorry but no way around that. After doing it a few times you learn what to keep on your SD card, and you get pretty good at reinstalling stuff fairly quickly (but even then, I plan on about 2 hours of downtime when I'm going to flash my phone. About 15 mins to get some backups (so I can get back to where I was if the new rom doesn't work out), 30 mins to flash an official rom and flash the new rom, reflash the radio to the one I want. Then a good hour to set all of my apps back up (that part of the time is getting shorter).
Also has anyone seen the windows mobile vista for a ppc? Does anyone know where to get it? Once I fixe this problem I would like to upgrade to that, unless there is something wrong with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no Mobile Vista. There is WIndows Mobile 6 and there are Vista style themes for it (heck there are Vista themes for WM5 for that matter).
So back to your original issue... You need to plan on wiping this device one way or another due to the current issues you are having (IMO). So if you want to stay with the Underground version of WM6, then just do a Hard Reset, and then set the phone back up. Otherwise, you need to look at getting the original rom for yoru phone (you can find these on the carrier's websites usually in the support/downloads area) or upgrading to some other custom rom.
Again, read the thread I gave you previously. You really need to read up on how this stuff works before you just start looking at flashing a new rom (official roms are pretty straight forward if you stay with the rom meant for your phone).

Now a different problem
OK, now im trying to get the phone back to the original settings from the company, but am having difficulty. I ran the update from t-mobile and it keeps saying there is a communication error. Im not sure if the previous owner had t-mobile or what carrier he used does this matter?
is there a way to un-grade the phone without a pc?
Im really having a hard time with this, ive been trying for around 4 hours to fix this issue without luck, someone please help im about to start using heavy drugs. Not really but you get the gist of it.
Thanks

Hello there, Im new around here and was hoping for some friendly help?

Hello to everyone, A quick introduction - Im new to the PDA Place if you could call it that, I personally use a Nokia N95 at the moment, And just the other day managed to get hold of an o2 XDA Exec second hand. Unfortunatly for me the devices appears to be in chinese when turned on so as you are aware theirs is not exactly much I can do with it!
I am familiar with the flashing process on Symbian phones and have done it a few times, With this knowledge in mind I thought and assumed I would need to flash this XDA Exec to an english firmware, or ROM as it seems to be called around here. I have been reading through a few threads in regards to updating and have also tried to download a new update off the o2.xda website, But it seems to keep saying I have an incorrect IMEI Number even though I have entered the correct one by typing in *#06#
I found this forum and was hoping perhaps someone would be kind enough to help me in regards to the problem I am having. I believe this device has Windows Mobile 5 and have seen and heard that Windows Mobile 6 has been released. I assume you have to purchase this much like you have to purchase a new copy of windows for a PC. Is this correct?
I had a go at the flashing process, And downloaded this EXTROM Unlocker from a buzz site? I didnt know what to do with it as its a .cab file so I downloaded KDSkamal WM5 Ultimate edition and thought well if I can at least get it to english then its a starting point at least. I double clicked the file inside and went through the update process, Then it said that it was not designed for my device, And this is where I am upto because im lost with what to do now.
Any help, information and/or advice would be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance

Hi there, whenever you try to change the ROM of one of these new Windows CE devices (all those names are the "marketing geniuses" ideas, PocketPC, Windows CE, Windows Mobile), the device verifies that you are installing the "right" type of ROM for your device, as uncle Bill would say, you cannot put anything that you shouldn't suppose to, and by "suppose to" I mean anything that they don't want you to do, I think it's enough on politics.
Anyway, if you try to change the languaje of your ROM, the bootloader will not let you to do so, so we use an special (treatened) kind of upgrading tool.
It is normally inlcuded in the ROM.
If you read the wiki, you should be able to find the whole process, well explained, right now I just can't remember the exact name of this file (something like noIdUpgrade, MaIdUpgrade, or something like this), normally all our programming gurus supply it with the cooked ROMs.
I know how frustating it is at the begining (also considering that you know Symbian), but consider that these questions arise too many times and people get the idea that you come and ask the same question that literally have been answered thousands of times and you don't even want to make some research work.
Again, read the WiKi, it's the perfect place to start with your device, when you get to know some of the jargon, you'll begin to understand many of the things discussed here.
cheers and good luck

Thankyou for the reply, I shall indeed read the wiki. Since I posted that I managed to get hold of an o2 update ROM which I tried to install, as it was doing it where it says do not disconnect it came up with ERROR 101, and that the cable had been removed when it had not. I also tried again and the same thing, Now the PDA wont turn on at all. If I try to press the hard reset buttons it says press 0, but then does nothing. At the moment it seems to be stuck on the bootloader I think you people call it. And wont come out of it :-( looks like I broke it already

Ok, quick udate after alot of messing about and research I finally flashed it, Its now on the newest version of the o2 firmware. Though now its full of o2 rubbish. I tried to install this custom one I pointed a link to in a previous post but when installing it says its not designed for my country. I assume this is in line with your reply but I tried a search for that program and it turned up nothing.

vwrmic said:
Ok, quick udate after alot of messing about and research I finally flashed it, Its now on the newest version of the o2 firmware. Though now its full of o2 rubbish. I tried to install this custom one I pointed a link to in a previous post but when installing it says its not designed for my country. I assume this is in line with your reply but I tried a search for that program and it turned up nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, O2 is full of crap. Try this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=320116
As I suggested in it. KDSKamal's ROM is the best. Better than official ROMs. You can find links on how to upgrade in that thread too.
---

Hey i had exactly the same problem as you, just bought an O2 Xda Exec in China, and all in Chinese but now I changed my Chinese WM5 to the KDSKamal's ROM, it works perfectly, and it seems stable.

Excellent, Thanks for the replies! I had a good play with it last night web browsing and such, I must say its so much easier than a Nokia N95 I love the software and such on it, Now if only there was a PDA/Phone that had the specifications of an N95 that would be great! I know there is the HTC Tytn but that only has a 2MP Camera I believe.
Anyway I really am pleased I got it working thankyou to everyone.
Now I know the basic process I would like to take it a step further and upgrade to Windows Mobile 6. Is there a way of doing this? I assume I need to get hold of another ROM, I admit I had a look around and found some dead links I assume due to copyright issues with Microsoft but im not sure.
Another question I had, Was I was looking around games you can get games like Riven (Myst series) And Age Of Empires which look just like the PC Version! Wow im overwhelmed by all the stuff you can get. On some of the games I have been looking at it says you need a certain graphics chip or higher in your device, May I ask what is in the Xda Exec? And if its a 3D Graphics chip thats good at running games.
How would I find out if the device is unlocked? Just popping in a card and trying? As I have a contract with T-Mobile where I get free internet, So it might be worth using my T-Mobile sim card on it instead of on o2.
The case isnt in the greatest condition, The screen and keyboard are perfect but there are a few scratches and blemishes on the case of the PDA, Is there an easy way of changing this and buying a new one to swap it with? I know it involves taking the machine apart which im comfortable with doing, Preferably getting a non o2 one would be great.
I hear about the radio and such, Does this device have a radio built into it?
Also is there anywhere I could either purchase a copy or download a copy of the manual? Im not sure how this device actually turns off, It seems to just go into standby mode when I press the power button.
Other than that, Thankyou very much so far!

again check the wiki my friend.... all answers to your questions are already posted there...

beginners guide to all things hermes ???

hello. i just got hold of a t-mobile vario 2 (htc tytn). it is unlocked and is running wm6. i have installed a spb shell which i really like but as i read more and more it seems there is much to be learnt about this little machine.
anyone have any pointers as to where to start?
i would like to flash it so all t-mobile branding such as bootsplash and OS elements are gone. also i would love to know more about upgrading it with roms/software etc.
my main worries are of course wrecking it. i also want to know if flashing/upgrading it will mean having to reinstall OS or unlocking again??
thanks for any advice. i have come into this late i know....

Try My Tutorials
mredvers said:
hello. i just got hold of a t-mobile vario 2 (htc tytn). it is unlocked and is running wm6. i have installed a spb shell which i really like but as i read more and more it seems there is much to be learnt about this little machine.
anyone have any pointers as to where to start?
i would like to flash it so all t-mobile branding such as bootsplash and OS elements are gone. also i would love to know more about upgrading it with roms/software etc.
my main worries are of course wrecking it. i also want to know if flashing/upgrading it will mean having to reinstall OS or unlocking again??
thanks for any advice. i have come into this late i know....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look on my Tutorials they will show you how to Unlock and everything after you do that you will be able to do anything
Good Luck

thanks! i really need to understand more about what cid and sim unlocking is/does...what will happen if i do this and what i can gain.. as you can tell im very new to all this. i know my way around a pc pretty well but this is new to me.
main questions i suppose are:
1 what is a radio ?
2 what will i gain by flashing it?
3 will i lose anything ?
4 what preperations do i need beforehand? (using xp pro sp2)
5 what are the best roms/software ?

mredvers said:
1 what is a radio ?
2 what will i gain by flashing it?
3 will i lose anything ?
4 what preperations do i need beforehand? (using xp pro sp2)
5 what are the best roms/software ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Check This Out. Radio
2. Same Link As 1.Radio
3. Nope
4. You will need activsysnc for windows XP. i think it is 4.5.
5. Best roms...really depends on your phone and what OS you want on it. U can get WM5,WM6, or the new WM6.1

cool... sorry to ask questions like this.
i am pretty happy with it so far using wm6. really just want to get rid of the t-mobile branding and get the most out of it.
thanks for your help.
going to do some reading up on those links!

mredvers said:
cool... sorry to ask questions like this.
i am pretty happy with it so far using wm6. really just want to get rid of the t-mobile branding and get the most out of it.
thanks for your help.
going to do some reading up on those links!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep No Problem. Here To Help!

Mr Edvers,
You definitely need to look here....http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Hermes
WB

woaahhh... thats exactly what i was looking for.
thanks very much!! i will report back after i have a good fiddle with my hermes.

TyTN UPGRADE TO WM6 ETC
Hi, I've been reading through many forums and I know your fantastic experience of pocket pc matters really blows my mind away! Sooo bad that I'm left really confused!
So, as a complete & utter pathetic novice that I am, would you be so kind enough to just read my little plea for help?
I have a TyTN200 Hermes with WM5 BOUGHT SIM FREE
1) ROM VERSION: 1.18.225.3
2)ROM DATE: 07/22/06
3)RADIO VERSION: 32.34.7010.01H
4)EXT ROM VERSION 1.18.255.106
I would like to update to WM6 & did go through the procedure of disabling USB part on the WMDC & downloading the USB driver. But when it came to installing the driver, it kept coming up:"the best driver is on your computer".
I've tried 100+ times to install the update WM6 but the answer is always the same:"Error 260".
HTC do not care & their London "Hotline" is a laugh!
What confuses me is this "cookin'"; "kitchen"; and this constant "Flash"??
Would you be so kind to just say the following:
1) what should I deal with first to get the upgrade? Radio?
2) Kick my butt for getting a expensive pocket pc that even the manufacturer cannot be bothered helping poor novices.

mredvers said:
woaahhh... thats exactly what i was looking for.
thanks very much!! i will report back after i have a good fiddle with my hermes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a half way house if all you want to do is remove t-mobile bloatware. Perform a hard reset and at the point where it says installing operator customization (quite far through) then stick your stylus in the soft reset hole. With this method you avoid flashing a new ROM and no need for any expertise. If you then don't like the result you just do another hard reset and let it install everything again.
Of course if you are tempted by some of the ROMs noted around here don't let me put you off flashing a completely new ROM For this purpose I suggest looking seriously at MrVanx guides.
Mike

beegeebopper said:
Hi, I've been reading through many forums and I know your fantastic experience of pocket pc matters really blows my mind away! Sooo bad that I'm left really confused!
So, as a complete & utter pathetic novice that I am, would you be so kind enough to just read my little plea for help?
I have a TyTN200 Hermes with WM5 BOUGHT SIM FREE
1) ROM VERSION: 1.18.225.3
2)ROM DATE: 07/22/06
3)RADIO VERSION: 32.34.7010.01H
4)EXT ROM VERSION 1.18.255.106
I would like to update to WM6 & did go through the procedure of disabling USB part on the WMDC & downloading the USB driver. But when it came to installing the driver, it kept coming up:"the best driver is on your computer".
I've tried 100+ times to install the update WM6 but the answer is always the same:"Error 260".
HTC do not care & their London "Hotline" is a laugh!
What confuses me is this "cookin'"; "kitchen"; and this constant "Flash"??
Would you be so kind to just say the following:
1) what should I deal with first to get the upgrade? Radio?
2) Kick my butt for getting a expensive pocket pc that even the manufacturer cannot be bothered helping poor novices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry it's me again, but I'm still trying to get this damn update on my phone!
I've searched high & low, (probably not enough), but all this lingo is new to me.( and givin' me a headache!) The threads I've read always seem to mention a phone that's been provided by a network (orange,o2 etc), but is a SIM free phone already unlocked 'cos it can take any SIM card form any network?
I still get error 260 & I've checked the ports & it seems fine to me, but obviously it isn't. So where do I go from here on the Vista I have? I've used a neighbours XP & it was the same there.
Can anyone help please?