Database Users

XDA Mini S Screen problem - Photo's now available

I've got a problem with my XDA Mini S. It's been sitting in a box in my shed for about a year, before I got it out yesterday to have a play around with it, and possibly try some software I found on it.
I put my sim card in, plugged it in to charge, and turned it on. It worked absolutely fine.
I haven't done anything with it yet, but I've turned it on now, and the colours are messed up on the screen. For example there is a red hue over the today screen, and on certain screens (like in bootloader mode) the colours appear to be inverted (I will post pictures later if needed).
I've tried reformatting the device, but this has not fixed the problem. I thought I would try reflashing the rom on it. I used to have the original o2 rom on my old laptop, but lost that when I had to reload windows.
I downloaded the original rom from here, along with the Rom Update Utility, and attempted to reflash it. It gets as far as 'verifying the information on your PDA phone', then crashes with the error: Rom update utility MFC application has stopped working.
I'm running windows vista on my laptop, and read that the RUU won't work until the drivers are updated. Following the instructions on mrvanx.org, I have downloaded the driver for vista and installed it, but i'm still getting the problem when I try and reflash the device.
I've also tried running the RUU in compatibility mode for XP as it worked fine on my old laptop which was running xp, but it still crashes, every time.
I'm beginning to wonder if reflashing it will even work though, since the colours are messed up in bootloader mode as well, which leads me to think it may be a hardware problem.
I know next to nothing about repairing these though, and probably wouldn't bother if it's a hardware problem, but until I can reflash the firmware, I won't know whether this is a case.
I'll get the photo's of what the screen is like uploaded to my server later on, and post the links here, so you can see what the problem is.

Photo's now available
I've uploaded a couple of photo's to show what the screen is like:
http://csc2ya.co.uk/images/bootloader.jpg
http://csc2ya.co.uk/images/startup.jpg

Update
i've got my old laptop out, reloaded xp on that, and attempted the flash using that. However, I get the message 'rom update utility MFC has encountered an error and needs to close'
I just want to get it to reflash to see if it fixes the screen, but so far i'm having no luck at it.
I've sucessfully reflashed it in the past with the o2 rom using my old laptop, so I can't figure out why it isn't working now.
Update: I didn't have activesync installed on my laptop which was why the updater was crashing. I've installed activesync, but now i've got another problem that is preventing me from reflashing it. I start the updater, and click through the prompts. It gets to 'verifying the information on your pda phone', stays like that for about 30 seconds, then activesync disconnects, and I get the error: microsoft activesync cannot recognize this device for one of two reasons: then the other information that the dialog gives. I'm not going to bother typing it all out, as i'm sure nearly everyone has seen it at least once before.
Additional info: No idea if this is relevant or not, but the extended rom has been formatted using the service tool.
Another update: I have now managed to get the device to reflash, but it boots up afterwards as if I had just turned it off and back on again. I have tried a hard reset afterwards, but cannot seem to get any of the o2 stuff back. It appears that the screen problem is hardware related though, as it is still present even after reflashing.
I can also no longer get it to go into bootloader mode, but the phone will still boot normally.

csc2ya said:
It's been sitting in a box in my shed for about a year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be flippant, but there's your problem right there. Two things: extreme temperature, and moisture. Both are the enemy of electronics. Chances are very good that you're screwed.
The first thing I'd do is buy (or even better, borrow) a new battery. Yours is probably done for.
If that doesn't fix the problem, I recommend disassembly and thorough cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, followed by at least 24 hours of strong, dry airflow between 50-80 Fahrenheit. Any floor or desk fan would do. Reassemble and pray. If that doesn't do it, you're going to have to find your fun elsewhere, I'm guessing.

Myrddin Wyllt said:
Not to be flippant, but there's your problem right there. Two things: extreme temperature, and moisture. Both are the enemy of electronics. Chances are very good that you're screwed.
The first thing I'd do is buy (or even better, borrow) a new battery. Yours is probably done for.
If that doesn't fix the problem, I recommend disassembly and thorough cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, followed by at least 24 hours of strong, dry airflow between 50-80 Fahrenheit. Any floor or desk fan would do. Reassemble and pray. If that doesn't do it, you're going to have to find your fun elsewhere, I'm guessing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery appears to be fine. I charged it overnight, and it still seems to hold a decent charge.
I haven't really got the tools to dissasemble it fully, but I will give it a go sometime in the next few weeks (i've got a copy of the service manual on my computer, so that shouldn't be a problem).
I only really got it out to play around with it again, and possibly try some apps on. It still appears to work fine apart from the screen (and the o2 applications now missing due the extended rom format, but i'm not bothered about those). I've installed the my mobiler screen program on my laptop so I can at least view the screen properly using that.
Thanks for the suggestions anyway.

csc2ya said:
I've installed the my mobiler screen program on my laptop so I can at least view the screen properly using that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this certainly changes things. You have a bad screen, or a bad connection to the screen. You can get replacement for around $100USD, or you can try to get a broken unit with a good screen for less (maybe). I'd still disassemble it first, though, in case it's just a weak connection.

Urgent help required (touch screen problem)

i have a mda vario 2 ( hermes) i've been installed a rom called hermes_wwe_3.62 Malina2d now phone boots up fine but the touch screen dose not work at all ! can anyone help ? .
To get pass the alignment screen i had to create a file on storage card " welcome.not" and that got me pass alignment screen.
now i am a newbie so please all the help would be appreciated i did have a look for file called touch.dll to replace it but could find one. ( as i read somewhere that might be the problem.
my ipl -1.04 & spl-2.10.01ipro
i really don't know what to do i have tried to re flash the rom no luck there.
all the hardware buttons work fine.

Not sure about that one. Why not post the question in the thread from where you got the rom? That name doesn't ring a bell.
If not try flashing the stock shipped rom, or the at&t stripped to see if the issue goes away. If it does go away, then don't use that rom.

cant really remember where i got the rom from as i the phone is my little sisters. do you have a link for the rom you suggested

My sig has the stripped rom, and the shipped at&t roms. You can also find some programs and my roms there too.
And to be safe make sure that hardspl is installed.
If that doesn't fix it, there might be a hardware issue.

cheers for your help. i am going to download one of your roms and pray that might resolve the issue . what the latest hardspl ? i thought 2.10 was the latest ? how do i tell what is the on i have installed on the phone ? Hardspl and spl are they the same thing ?

If you flash one of mine, flash the at&t rom first, that will straighten out any issues with the memory.
if you have 2.10olipro, your all set! spl (or hardspl) is the bootloader.

no luck still having issue with the touch screen wont wont work.

the touch screen used to work fine before. all this it just became very laggy so i decided to upgrade the rom , i went to thru a few roms.
any other idea ?

i must say i do love your rom everything is set out all nice and neatly shame the touch isn't working.

Thanks for the compliment on the rom!
Sounds like it has some kind of hardware issue. If your inclined to take it apart carefully (I haven't taken mine apart yet), you might be able to check all of the connections, and for dirt or anything that might be the issue.
I believe there are disassemble instructions on the wiki.
Maybe someone with more experience in taking the phone apart can chime in.

touchscreen issue
i m having the stupid touchscreen issue i have tried everything ( including disassembly and removing gasket but it still does not calibrate
starting to hate that phone

Sounds like Digitizer could be dead.... Need to replace the LCD and Digitizer if thats the case.
The trouble with this is there are a few different things that could be causing this and just replacing the LCD might not fix it.
Sounds like it could be though. If you are having trouble, DON'T do a hard reset until you have installed an app called "remote screen alignment", freeware off the net. It copies the alignment info to the PC so you can do a quick alignment using the PC instead of the buggered screen. Otherwise you'll be going in circles for ever without being able to get into the today screen.
Cheers...

actually i have hard reset the device
the trick is to put a file called welcome.not on memory card to skip first time alignment
i'll change screen and see if it fixes itself later
i ll use the phone as it is till then

new lcd
i changed the lcd it worked flawlessly for 3 weeks then bang! the bottom half of the lcd stop to work
i think that the ribbon on the lcd got damaged when i installed it on the hermes the fact that it needs to be turned 360 degrees during assembly cause the problem any thoughts from you guys????

Screen stopped working, black screen.

Many ppl have problems with "black" screens that "stop" working.
my HD: Stock rom, radio, europe location, non modified, non damages.
Screen is just black, but phone,sound and touch panel! work
first time when screen gone black i make hardreset by (unplug touchpen)press vol-up + vol-down + power. after HR screen work again !.
7-14 days ago screen gone black again ... HR dont help, unload&load battery dont help, so i use product Warranty, and now w8 for back HD & summary.
If you have the same problem just post here.

I have the same problem and sent it back for servicing.
Apparently needs to change the whole board.
Looks like there is a defective batch of HD. Reported also by another user.

I have the same problem, sometimes screen goes black about 5-6 times for day,sometimes 2-3 day is ok! im sending back to store

Mine is doing the exact same thing, touch still works fine but screen shows nothing on it. Lucky i had MyMobiler installed so i can see the screen through activesync on my PC

I have this problem too. This is becoming quite a common problem with HD.
I sent mine back for repair where they have to replaced the mainboard.
Definitely a hardware problem. Hope you have warranty.

How will warranty go with a custom (Dutty's) ROM installed?
Was installed using USPL, has never had HardSPL installed on there

Pugsley_21 said:
How will warranty go with a custom (Dutty's) ROM installed?
Was installed using USPL, has never had HardSPL installed on there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't have warranty with a custom ROM. Did you backup your stock ROM?

Stock ROM can be downloaded from the HTC site, but how to install it without a working screen?

Pugsley_21 said:
Stock ROM can be downloaded from the HTC site, but how to install it without a working screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this problem with black screen though I could still feel vibrations when clicking soft keys etc, so I knew phone was on.
What I did:
Removed battery overnight
Inserted battery and turned on device
Device worked normally again.
If this doesn't work then you definately have a faulty motherboard.
This also means you would be unable to flash custom rom on device. This could void your warranty. However I have heard of people getting phones fixed under warranty with same problem due to HTC not being able to check wther or not you had changed rom beforehand

Hmmm, well currently my phone is back where i bought it, they wanted all packaging so they haven't sent it off yet. I'll get it back tomorrow and try removing the battery overnight, as mine sounds just like yours in that it still turns on but with no screen
According to the HTC site the stock ROM should install as long as activesync can see the phone. So there might be hope in flashing a stock ROM back on before warranty

Pugsley_21 said:
According to the HTC site the stock ROM should install as long as activesync can see the phone. So there might be hope in flashing a stock ROM back on before warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your phone turns on and still connects to pc, then yes its possible. Try it and see what happens. You should still be presented with standard flash pop up screen on pc as well as % flashed etc which will change to flashing finished so you know you have completed flash process.

I've found out that MyMobiler will automatically install itself onto the phone when it is plugged into the PC, so there's still hope to see the screen after a reflash. Just need to get my phone back

Went to the shop and managed to flash the stock ROM back onto the phone, after downloading it from the HTC website. Now it's going back (hopefully) to HTC, or possibly Telstra. I'm hoping they send me a new one, as they wanted all of the accessories that came with it, box etc

Yep, same problem here. And mine is also a Telstra T8285. Maybe the bad batch is mostly in those?
Anyway, I have managed to re-load the stock rom with no screen. It's quite easy actually. Just make sure ActiveSync sees the phone, and you're good to go. No need to have to see the screen of the phone.
I'm in the US and was routed to HTC's support here in the US. Of course when I told them the model I have, they said they don't have the parts to repair it here in the US, so I'd have to send it overseas. He said they will contact me from HTC over there within 2 WEEKS. What? So I sit here and wait... blah.

stpete111 said:
Yep, same problem here. And mine is also a Telstra T8285. Maybe the bad batch is mostly in those?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
btw, mine is also a Telstra T8285 so it definitely seems to be a problematic batch for Australia. Mine took three weeks to return and they replaced the mainboard. So far so good.

Hi,
I have exactly the same issue. The screen is black, but the phone does operate. I can connect it to my PC and even "see" the screen using EveryWAN remote.
The problem is, I have the Energy 6.5 ROM and Hard SPL 1.56 installed, and I cannot flash it back to the stock ROM and SPL, so that I can send it back under warranty.
I have tried 2 ways:
1. Putting it into Bootloader by pressing Vol down and ON - but it is impossible to tell if it actually goes into it because the screen is black, and when I try and run the ROM update utility, it cannot connect (error 260).
It seems like I cannot actually get it into the bootloader. I have tried lots of times...
2. Running the installer from when the phone is on and connected to the PC by activesync. In this method, the update utility gets as far as starting the progress bar, but then the phone seems to disconnect from the PC and again I get connection error 260.
This is really frustrating, any ideas would be greatly appreciated...

stutjones said:
Hi,
I have exactly the same issue. The screen is black, but the phone does operate. I can connect it to my PC and even "see" the screen using EveryWAN remote.
The problem is, I have the Energy 6.5 ROM and Hard SPL 1.56 installed, and I cannot flash it back to the stock ROM and SPL, so that I can send it back under warranty.
I have tried 2 ways:
1. Putting it into Bootloader by pressing Vol down and ON - but it is impossible to tell if it actually goes into it because the screen is black, and when I try and run the ROM update utility, it cannot connect (error 260).
It seems like I cannot actually get it into the bootloader. I have tried lots of times...
2. Running the installer from when the phone is on and connected to the PC by activesync. In this method, the update utility gets as far as starting the progress bar, but then the phone seems to disconnect from the PC and again I get connection error 260.
This is really frustrating, any ideas would be greatly appreciated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I'd try is running USPL before running RUU
Quote from wiki
ERROR [260] : CONNECTION
This error occurs when the RUU cannot make a connection to the device right before flashing. This typically happens when you try to flash a new SPL to your device. Use Soft-SPL before attempting the RUU again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks for the help Fallen Sparten.
Unfortunately it does not work.
The USPL also cannot find a connection. I think it is because I cannot actually put the phone into the bootloader - It is impossible to tell because the screen is blank. What I can say, is that when I press both the volume down and power key, nothing seems to happen. There is no connection sound from my computer and the RUU does not detect the phone.
I also get the same error if I try and update the phone from an activesync connection. i.e. when the phone is operating normally - I can tell it is operating normally because I can view the files with activesync.
Please any more ideas?

This happened to me as well. Was there some kind of software update that HTC pushed out that affected a few phones?
I see about 10-15 people on here that got hit with the same thing at the same time.

well I've had this issue as well, I have flashed back to stock rom (blind as activesync could see it tho I couldnt so no idea whats gone on)
When I called customer service they barely batted an eye and ahve arranged a replacement to be shippped to me tomorrow.
Be interesting to see what they say (if anything when they get mind back)

Help! my Touch HD stopped working!! Need your help!

Hi everyone,
Since yesterday my touch hd stopped working! It seems like the touchschreen is not working anymore. Only the power en volume buttons are working.
Because of this I tried to do a hard reset which resulted in the same problem. Now I'm stucked on the align screen. If I press really really hard I can align 3 corners of the 4 on the screen, so I can't get further to the next step.
Im currently in a hot hot Australia which might be the reason for all this. If you have a good look at the screen while turning it horizontally, you can see that one part has weird colours/reflection.
So what do you think? Can I buy a new screen and solve the problem or is there more going on?
Can I have warranty? The device is not having the stock rom on it. Can I maybe control the device and install the stock rom on it using a program on a pc or so?
Aaaaaaany help would be so appreciated! Im using the device as tomtom GPS as well, which I really need to travel to Melbourne next week. So I kinda need your help/advise cause I'm a bit in a hurry....
Thank you very much anyways!
Pauwel

Hi
Do a search on "newton rings" which I believe is the weird color / reflection problem.
As an aside when I knew I was getting a replacement I saw a post that suggested putting the phone in freezer for 10 minutes or so !
I did then wrapped it in tissue to absorb the condensation and it worked !!
r
Andrew

Plenty of threads on Newton rings if you search the General Forum like this one.
If its not Newton ring I you want to get past alignment, one method is to skip or bypass the alignment process altogether. Some Chefs do this already, namely Dutty, to among other things speed up the set up process.
How to do it: there are a couple of ways you can find in the forum, however, one way is to create a blank text file called, welcome.not, instead of welcome.not.txt, and place it in the root of your storage card. Next, flash a new rom or hard reset and you're done. It's up to you whether you leave your SD in during flash. I do not. If you do not, after the rom flash, stick your SD in and hard reset. If all goes to plan, the "welcome" phase will be bypassed, any you will not be prompted to align the screen or set the date, location, time etc. If for some reason it does not, go into the root of your SD and manually with your stylus or via activesync on your desktop create a new blank file in there and name it welcome.not. That actually worked for me. If it works then leave it in the root of your SD and it will allow the bypass with each new flash or hard reset.
The screen coordinates should load automatically after the bypass. If for any reason you need them, here are the Blackstone alignment coordinates from HKLM/Hardware/Devicemap/Touch/ Calibrationdata:
511,542 183,881 183,198 834,197 883,880.

Had that problem and you need a new ditigiter. Only problem is you will most likely break the screen replacing the ditigizer. So, the only fix is a new LCD screen and digitizer. You can get them from ebay. I did it and it was pretty easy, just take your time and get the videos and manuals people have posted on here. Good luck.

Touch hd major problem with the screen

OK, here what's the deal: a few days ago I cracked the screen, so I bought a new one and replaced it. BUT, now the phone does not recognize it and the screen doesn't turn on at all. The phone boots and it's working fine, I can recieve calls normaly, but the screen is dead. ALSO, the volume keys stoped functioning...
Any ideas please? I'm getting kinda desperate here...
Tnx

You probably messed up somwhere in your wiring. Open it back up and make sure everything is intact. Check out some guides online to make sure everything is in the proper place.

Allready done that, everything is in place...I do have a cooked ROM thought I can't remember which since my screen is not working, obiveously...Could it be tha I nedd to switch back an original ROM for it to be able to recognize the new hardware??? And is there an app that would allow me to monitor phones activity over PC???

No, A cooked rom wont affect a screen replacement in anyway.
I repaired mine while KWBR's Topix 6.5 was on the handset, infact Ive never had this handset on a stock rom, so it wont make a difference or help you.
Did you buy your Screen and Digitizer factory pre-assembled, the small price difference compared to buying the part standalone is worth every cent in preventing these sorts of after repair problems.