Database Users

Checklist/upgrade guide to WM6/Custom Roms.

First a hello, since i am new to this forum, but very much impressed with everyones effort to pull as much out of these devices and software as possible.
I have been reading a lot about upgrading, flashing, bricks, problems, etc. This to increase my knowledge of what is and what can be. So, now i am thinking about upgrading my htc 3300 to WM6 and have a few questions i can not really find a direct answer for. I was looking for a all in one post or a recent update guide, but couldn't find one. Perhaps this can help others aswell.
Here we go:
A rom is like an image of the OS with certain applications included. You can flash this to your device overwriting the current OS and all of its applications? Does this mean anything i have installed like TT will be removed and i need to reinstall this?
USPL needs to be run first for all custom roms, but not for official HTC ones, then again it can't hurt to run it anyways? Does it leave any permanent changes?
Running USPL or upgrading to WM6 official or cooked has an effect on warrenty?
Are Custom WM6 roms or Official WM6, the real thing. As in it gives all the new functionality (*ahum*) that WM6 is supposed to or are the custom roms a 'simulation' to the real thing? Even if i read that the official wm6 doesnt have much to offer, will it increase performance or slow down things? Is there some post with all possible roms, custom included, like Mark, Meschle's, HTC, vanilla...
If TT is currently installed (pre installed actually), how can i reinstall this program or any maps if i happen to remove this. Is there a key somewhere i need to write down, can i make a backup copy/image so i can always put it back?
There are probably millions of questions more, but these are the ones going through my mind now. I am just somewhat cautious about changing anything to my new device, yet i really want the WM6 instead of WM5.
I hope some of you are willing to answer my questions or will i get a 'use the search function', cause trust me i have, there is just too much and its too much dispersed (sp?)

Ravennl said:
First a hello, since i am new to this forum, but very much impressed with everyones effort to pull as much out of these devices and software as possible.
I have been reading a lot about upgrading, flashing, bricks, problems, etc. This to increase my knowledge of what is and what can be. So, now i am thinking about upgrading my htc 3300 to WM6 and have a few questions i can not really find a direct answer for. I was looking for a all in one post or a recent update guide, but couldn't find one. Perhaps this can help others aswell.
Here we go:
A rom is like an image of the OS with certain applications included. You can flash this to your device overwriting the current OS and all of its applications? Does this mean anything i have installed like TT will be removed and i need to reinstall this?
yes you need to reinstall all your personal applications, and you will loose all the PIM's data as well
USPL needs to be run first for all custom roms, but not for official HTC ones, then again it can't hurt to run it anyways? Does it leave any permanent changes?
It does not leave any permanent changes, once you upgrade to new ROM it will return your mobile to notmal locked status.
Running USPL or upgrading to WM6 official or cooked has an effect on warrenty? some official distributor may cancel tha warranty if you upgrade to your own ROM.
Are Custom WM6 roms or Official WM6, the real thing. As in it gives all the new functionality (*ahum*) that WM6 is supposed to or are the custom roms a 'simulation' to the real thing? Even if i read that the official wm6 doesnt have much to offer, will it increase performance or slow down things? Is there some post with all possible roms, custom included, like Mark, Meschle's, HTC, vanilla...
You can check the details of each ROM from below link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=362
If TT is currently installed (pre installed actually), how can i reinstall this program or any maps if i happen to remove this. Is there a key somewhere i need to write down, can i make a backup copy/image so i can always put it back?
if you have backup program you better backup all the licensed softwares keys, because it will delete all preinstalled software.
There are probably millions of questions more, but these are the ones going through my mind now. I am just somewhat cautious about changing anything to my new device, yet i really want the WM6 instead of WM5.
I hope some of you are willing to answer my questions or will i get a 'use the search function', cause trust me i have, there is just too much and its too much dispersed (sp?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can read all the post regarding the upgrade from this forum and it is very helpful for beginners
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=362

[Guide] A Topaz Pre-Guide Guide (Beginners look here)

There seems to be some confusion as to what exactly flashing is. People talk about flashing ROMs AND flashing HardSPL...wtf?!?
well, you do flash both, but think of flashing HardSPL as you would when flashing your BIOS on your PC (if you have never done it, then think of it as a new version of the white writing that tells you your pc specs when you switch your pc on - startup screen)
Flashing a ROM:
Your phone is running Windows Mobile (6.1 or 6.5) just like your computer is running Windows XP/Vista/7 (or, if ur a real tosser, Mac OS). Now you may sometimes update your OS (that stands for Operating System) via automatic updates. you haven't actually REPLACED your OS, just added a little to it.
That is NOT what flashing a ROM is.
Flashing your ROM is like having Windows XP Home and installing Windows 7 Ultimate. You COMPLETELY take away Windows XP and ALL files associated with it and install a newer OS.
So, you cannot just "upgrade" from WM 6.1 to WM 6.5.
WHAT IS A ROM?
A ROM is practically (using above's example) a CD/DVD with Windows Mobile on it (which version of Windows Mobile doesn't matter). Now of course it IS NOT an actual CD/DVD, but rather a smaller file (where are you gonna fit a CD/DVD into your phone, huh? )
So, when people talk about choosing your ROM, they are practically saying, which version of Widows Mobile do you want, BUT ALSO how customised do you want it?
Different ROMs:
- Stock ROM/Original ROM/HTC ROM:
these ROMs are absolutely basic and come with nothing extra or edited to make them faster/change them. it is the version you can download from HTC
- Cooked ROMs/Modified ROMs/Custom ROMs:
these ROMs are prepared by the chefs in our kitchen (it's a metaphor, there aren't really chefs in any kitchen, we just call the guys who piece together the custom ROMs, chefs)
these ROMs come in many shapes and sizes, some of them offering more eye candy (that's what we call things that look pretty) and some optimized for speed and performance. You will need to read through the description the chef gives, as well as the forum feedback to be able to evaluate just how likely you are to use that ROM.
Now, once you understand those terms a bit better, have a look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=585201
for a simple step by step guide to flashing HardSPL and then your first ROM.
Good luck
Other Terms you might encounter:
Radio Version: The radio ROM is responsible for Wifi, phone signal, GPS. Changing the radio ROM can improve your phone (or make it worse) regarding Wifi sensitivity, phone signal availability, GPS satellite receiving and GPS lag. Most ROMs come with a radio that should work best for them, however, if they do not, then your old radio will simply be left in place.
Unfortunately there is no confirmed measurement available yet to tell you which radio ROM is best for you. It depends on the OS ROM you use, the region you are living in and your personal needs.
Sense/Manilla/TF3D/Touch Flo: These are words/descriptions given to the HTC Touch Flo Interface (Touch Flo 3d is the TF3D term in words)
- Manilla (BLACK AND WHITE) is the original version "old" version, whilst Sense (COLOURED ICONS) is the new one.
- So anything that is graphically NOT the standard Windows Mobile 6.1 or 6.5, probably counts towards the Touch Flo Interface.
Hard Reset: A hard reset is the same as "Restore Factory Defaults" on most cell phones. So ANY data you have added (contacts, data files - music, photos, etc) will be deleted. The phone then reverts ALL settings (any background changes you're made, any ringtones, etc will be set to the original, default ones the phone came with) *note: your phone will NOT reset to the original ROM/Windows Mobile version it came with, it will still be the same ROM you flashed with!
To perform a hard reset, you can either do so by looking for the Restore to factory settings in your menu
OR
Switch your phone off. Now hold both volume buttons down and press the power button. Your phone will now hard reset.
Soft Reset: Pressing the red button under your battery cover, or selecting the quick reset option in the menu(s). This is pretty much comparable to restarting your pc if it is running a bit slowly for some reason.
If you still have questions, or would like to read more, Please go to the Topaz Mega Thread
(to all the (Senior) Members, if you have any tips i might have left out, please PM me with them and i'll update as necessary, as i would rather keep this thread as clear and unlittered as possible for the new guys, thanks)

Please add this guide to sticky..thank you for the guide

I second that

Thank you
Thank you so much for this guide

Doubt!
well, the guide was very useful now i kinda got the confidence to flash my diamond2 with a new dutty rom.. which rom would u suggest ? R3?
and another doubt is that after i hardspl , and flashed the rom do i hav to insta; something called the Radio?

Consider yourself Stuck.

darkmessiah said:
well, the guide was very useful now i kinda got the confidence to flash my diamond2 with a new dutty rom.. which rom would u suggest ? R3?
and another doubt is that after i hardspl , and flashed the rom do i hav to insta; something called the Radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey man.
R3 seems to be good from Dutty, personally, i'm still using R1 (because of the task manager, i feel it is the fastest feeling ROM i've used to date (with Sense 2.5))
Your question about the Radio is a good one. I will add an explanation above soon, but in short, don't worry about it. If you flash a ROM that DOESN'T come with a new Radio, then your phone will automatically keep the old one. If your new ROM DOES have a new Radio...well, it will update automatically
keep checking here for updates to other definitions

Success....
Drag-on..dude.. thank you so much for ur guide that helped me out in successfully flashing Dutty holy grail R3 ROM on my HTC Touch Diamond2..

Drag-On, can you clarify from where can I select the quick reset option in the menu?
can Soft Reset be done by Press the Power Button for 3 seconds and then power again without opening the cover...?? if yes can you please add to your your wonderful guide

darkmessiah said:
well, the guide was very useful now i kinda got the confidence to flash my diamond2 with a new dutty rom.. which rom would u suggest ? R3?
and another doubt is that after i hardspl , and flashed the rom do i hav to insta; something called the Radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dutty's holy grail R3 is stable/good
you dont need to install a radio but you can if you like a better one. 4.49.25.17 is the best for this moment check here radio list

Please continue the good work.....
geo

Thank you very much. This guide is useful.

htc touch diamond WM 6.1
Hey all,
I'm new here and have been doing a ton of research on my phone from sprint. I have a lot of questions mainly to do with enhancing my phone from default. You know all the must haves and so forth to opptimize and have some fun with it. I wasn't sure where to post but I figured this was as good as any. On a more speciffic note, Is there a way to increase the in-call volume so that botton pushes would have a greater effect on the volume level?
I installed the newest Opera and I would like to like it to the Touch Flo 3D like the current one is. Not sure how to uninstall the original if that's what it takes or even if this is my best option? Links or any assistance to get me off in the right direction would be great.
Thanks!

Thanks for the much needed idiots guide to HTC ROM stuff.

Tech Wannabee said:
Hey all,
I'm new here and have been doing a ton of research on my phone from sprint. I have a lot of questions mainly to do with enhancing my phone from default. You know all the must haves and so forth to opptimize and have some fun with it. I wasn't sure where to post but I figured this was as good as any. On a more speciffic note, Is there a way to increase the in-call volume so that botton pushes would have a greater effect on the volume level?
I installed the newest Opera and I would like to like it to the Touch Flo 3D like the current one is. Not sure how to uninstall the original if that's what it takes or even if this is my best option? Links or any assistance to get me off in the right direction would be great.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u will need to wait for a newer build/ROM that integrates Opera (the new version)
currently, Opera 9.xx is "linked" to Touch Flo 3d. it should technically be possible to "link" Opera 10, but that's where my know-how ends.
maybe others will have a better idea, but as far as i know, it's something a chef would have to do with his ROM, or/and an HTC update

HARD SPL
do i do a Hard SPL every time I flash a rom or its just one time activity?
Please Help

madz001 said:
do i do a Hard SPL every time I flash a rom or its just one time activity?
Please Help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you would read this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=585201
(it IS linked in my Original Post) then you would read that you DO NOT need to flash HSPL every time. just the first time.

flashing from device
Hi. Is possible to flash a Rom from Internal Storage like Diamond does? (Vol Down + <-- + Reset). Thanks in advance

Hi, I'm a begginer-no-idea.
I'm wondering if it is possible install (and works, of course) Tom Tom 7... or not.
At the moment I tried 4 or 5 times but whitout success.
Do you have a tutorial for mono neuronal begginers?
Thanks.

malatest said:
Hi. Is possible to flash a Rom from Internal Storage like Diamond does? (Vol Down + <-- + Reset). Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TD2 has external storage card, no internal storage.
You can flash from storage card.

Queries on Cooked ROM

Hi,
I have just gone through the beginners guide and I have couple of queries.
1. I am having WM 6.5 original ROM from HTC for my HTC Touch Diamond2 and I am planning to go for cooked ROM. If anything goes wrong with Cooked ROM, Can I able to install again the WM 6.5 original ROM from HTC?
2. Whether cooked ROM have all the applications as which came from original ROM or some of application might not available in cooked ROM?
3. Mainly are we going for Cooked ROM only for look and feel and performance or anyother benefits are there like some extra built-in applications like that..?
4. How can we make sure whether particulat Cooked ROM will fit to our device. For example all the ccoked ROM in "Topaz ROM development" will fit for HTC Touch Diamond2?
Sorry for making so much questions, because it's better to prevent than cure.
and I am very much interested with the cooked ROM. thanks.

Hi, let me try to answer based on my exprerience:
1. Once you have installed Olinex HardSPL1.83 (which is simply NECESSARY), you'll be able to flash ANY ROM of ANY country, cooked or official. Just remember to re-lock the phone (see HardSPL thread) and put an official ROM back if you ever need to send the device back for assistance covered by warranty.
2. Generally, some really useless apps are removed in order to get more free memory but they still are available around , if someone really misses them.
3. Cooked ROMs main advantage is that they have updated apps,less bugs and, as you said, more speed and stability. Cooks generally tend to leave a maximum space available so that single users decide how to use it, but I guess it's also for copyright reasons that no extra apps are added. There are exceptions..for example my ROM contains a very cool app (ported from another HTC device) that allows my phone to act like a WiFi Acces Point, which wasn't there in the official build..Anyway when a ROM is published, cooks always make a list of what was removed,added or updated.
4. Only ROMs listed in their relative phone threads will work. If you own a Touch Diamond 2 (aka Topaz), Topaz forum is the place where you will find working ROMs for it.
Ciao!

thanks for kind reply, sualc.

Custom ROM request (newbie help)

I'm a ROM newbie. I've been tweaking and working with Windows since the 80s, so I'm not a newbie to computer technology just Windows Mobile and devices.
What I would like to do is get a ROM that is latest Windows Mobile (6.5.x for now and then eventually 7.x) and the corresponding drives for the TMOUS HD2. I would want to put this on the HD 2. I'd spend a few days playing around with it so I can learn most of it.
Then have a seperate package for the HTC Sense improvements and poke it a bit to learn it's differences. (If not possible to "add" HTC Sense, then a ROM that includes just the WinMo and HTC Sense.)
Once I've done all that, I'd like to include the T-Mobile features as well, such as My Account and so on. I'm guessing these can be included in a CAB without a problem.
* * *
I'd need/want the following:
1) Windows Mobile 6.5.x ROM
2) HTC Sense CAB (or ROM of WinMo with HTC Sense if no CAB)
3) T-Mobile HD 2 CAB
4) T-Mobile HD 2 ROM (to be able to flash phone to out-of-box status). Reading some of the posts, it seems the phone stores a ROM of this somewhen on it?
* * *
How would I go about getting a "kitchen"?
Where would I get the various ROMs?
Am I going about this completely wrong?

Dude.. You want a LOT of things which are already available. All you have to do is look around.
I am not sure or even heard that that the stock ROM is stored on the device even after you flash a Cutsom ROM. I have not read it anywere in these forums.
You can download any ROM that is compatable to your deivce. Just make sure that you Hard SPL (HSPL) your device first before flashing a ROM.
You can download any ROM that has Sence 2.5 and disable the sense and use the WM 6.5.5 UI to play around. Then you can enable Sense 2.5 and then see the difference in features for yourself.
Please spend time in reading some basic stuff before asking all these open questions. There is a lot of info out there.
You can even use the Wiki. Good Luck!

Thanks for the response, VizagDude.
I had read the forum for about 2 days before posting. After 1 more day, I've pretty much got all the answers to my questions. My main problem was trying to understand how the various components (SPL, ROM, Radio) interacted and "stood on top of one another". I've got a pretty good understanding of it now, kinda, so I think I'll be okay.
As for the device storing the stock ROM on it, it was the way another poster had worded their advice about reverting and my lack of understanding of some of the basics. He was instructing us to flash the ROM from the SD card so it would load the SPL included in the ROM on to the device. He forgot to put the step before that stating to put the stock ROM on the SD card first.
I'm just about ready to pick a ROM and test it out. But first I'm trying to find a tool to grab the ROM already on the device so I can flash it back to "out of the box" if I want.

htc touch hd

hi guys im new here and im new in all of this.
i just bought htc touch hd so i got some question.
1. my htc with wm6.1 some people told me that it will be good if i will upgrade the wm6.1 to 6.5 and my device will be faster'
so how can i do that? i need to buy the software or it is free?
if i'll upgrade the software all the settings and the software will be remove?
2. where can i find sites for free apps?
thanks a lot.

read the wiki!!!
has all your answers!
it is free
need to hspl first (sticky in rom dev)
it will wipe everything but you can back up your data
it will wipe your system but you can revert back to your old rom easily
find free apps here!

o.k what is hspl? what is ROM?
do you recommended me to upgrade to wm6.5?
how i backup all the programs i dont have the installations. thers a guids how to do that all?
thank you!

hspl is a hard second program loader. you need to flash that to be able to change the operating system on your device.
roms are images of the operating system. they provide windows mobile in different versions (6.1 / 6.5 / 6.5.3 or even 6.5.5) and additionally come with different versions of manila (aka touchflo 3d or in newer versions also sense).
these are very basic things that you should read more about before attempting to flash your device, or you will break it. it is not like "press one button - done". flashing your device means tempering with your waranty and bypassing locks, set by htc.
you should definetely read threads like the "dummy's guide to hspl and uspl" in the rom development section of the blackstone forum.
in that section you will also find the differnet roms provided here, marked with [Release].
have a look at the different threads to find a rom that you like from the screenshots and read through the experiences, people post with it.
also, a lot of basic windows mobile information can be found on wikipedia's windows mobile and blackstone pages.
and of course, most of all, on xda-dev's own wiki here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:HTC_Blackstone.png
oh, and you shouldn't really back up programs, but re-install them on the new operating system, backing up too much stuff will cause your rom to run instable and slow. you should only use pimbackup, or MS myphone, or outlook, to backup personal data.
if you ever consider to go back to the exact rom you are using now, you could make a full backup with spb backup, but restoring that backup on another rom is highly un-recommended.

wwooww its complicated i think i will give up thanks anyway.

M-Be said:
wwooww its complicated i think i will give up thanks anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't give up. That's defeatist talk. Yeah, it is intemidating at first but nothing worth doing is easy. Just read and you will understand. I read and read and read and when I set down to do it I was able to install a custom rom without incident. That was a year and a half ago. I'm probably going to install a new rom soon so I will read and read and read again to refresh my memory. Part of the complexity stemed from there being two different methods of flashing the phone, iirc. If you give up on trying to mod your phone you might as well jsut have bought an apple.

M-Be said:
1. my htc with wm6.1 some people told me that it will be good if i will upgrade the wm6.1 to 6.5 and my device will be faster'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's in their imagination.