Database Users

Question about Roms...........

From what I was taught in school, I thought that ROM files CAN NOT be replaced. So, how does this ROM thing work?
I would like to know as I am so confused, as I've installed TouchFlo3D a long time ago, but I don't think that's necessarily a ROM, because it's cab file and it runs through Xperia's ROM.
Any simple explanations would be nice, and essentials links would be too. The links are confusing for me to learn on my own.

poetryrocksalot said:
From what I was taught in school, I thought that ROM files CAN NOT be replaced. So, how does this ROM thing work?
I would like to know as I am so confused, as I've installed TouchFlo3D a long time ago, but I don't think that's necessarily a ROM, because it's cab file and it runs through Xperia's ROM.
Any simple explanations would be nice, and essentials links would be too. The links are confusing for me to learn on my own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thread moved.
ROM's can be Flashed rather than Written To. The ROM is an area on the NAND chip in the device.
If you want to upgrade your ROM with the update from your carrier you can do by following their instructions.
If you want to flash one of the Cooked ROM's on here you need to replace the bootloader (SPL) with a patched one (called Hard SPL) that doesn't check if the ROM image is signed by HTC or not (amongst other things).
If you're wanting to so this I'd have a look on the wiki and read the sticky threads before you start.
Good luck,
Dave

Basically a ROM is read-only, that is to say you are not meant to put files on it and remove them again. However, you can FLASH the ROM, FULLY REPLACING IT WITH OTHER CONTENT. The ROM serves as a kind of installation disc afterwards, Windows Mobile is then installed on a secondary memory which is NOT ROM and it is run from this memory. The ROM is only used for Hardreset, where you kinda reinstall Windows Mobile.

I really like the costum Touch It Rom, but I am afraid of the bugs, so I'd like to know this:
1) If I flash my ROM, does it FLASH only my ROM, will it flash my Rom and also save my installations/settings? For example, if I want a clean ROM, do I need to format the phone first?
2) I really hate installing over 30 of my .cabs and .exes everytime I format the phone!
3) Does flashing my ROM to a new version require formatting the phone?
4) Is the ROM version the same as Firmware Version?
5) You said this:
If you want to upgrade your ROM with the update from your carrier you can do by following their instructions.
So How where do I go to update my OFFICIAL ROM?
I've gotten all of the softwares that I have ever wanted...thanks to you guys and thanks to the software I purchase
My next goal is to get the best capabilities out of my phone, (while learning this very new thing called rom flashing)

flashing
if you flash a new rom....(either custom or official)... you will have to install all of your cabs over again. flashing a rom will erase everything on the phone just like a hard reset.
if you want official firmware from an official source then go to sony ericsson's support website and download the software updated program. the other option is to go to the list of all available roms here on xda-dev site and just download the offical rom you want and flash it using the sd card method. if you choose to download and flash a custom rom you will need hard spl first.

project92si said:
the other option is to go to the list of all available roms here on xda-dev site and just download the offical rom you want and flash it using the sd card method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean flashing it using the sd card method as in:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=446070
Which means backing up my ROM before installing the update?
Also is this the official link to the OFFICIAL R2 Rom?
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/support/softwaredownloads/detailed/updateservice/x1?lc=en&cc=us
Also, if I install the ROM officially, would I still reformat my phone?

poetryrocksalot said:
Do you mean flashing it using the sd card method as in:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=446070
Which means backing up my ROM before installing the update?
Also is this the official link to the OFFICIAL R2 Rom?
http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/support/softwaredownloads/detailed/updateservice/x1?lc=en&cc=us
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the first link is to "how to flash custom roms"....if you just want to flash an official rom with the sd card method you do not need the steps for the hard spl. just follow Step 2 (flashing roms)
the second link you provided is for the sony update software.. you download that and install it to your pc. connect phone to pc with active sync. launch the program and follow instructions.

poetryrocksalot said:
Also, if I install the ROM officially, would I still reformat my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES, when installing a new ROM, official or cooked, through SEUS, SD-card or RUU, your memory gets erased.

Lokatho said:
YES, when installing a new ROM, official or cooked, through SEUS, SD-card or RUU, your memory gets erased.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I just decided to update my rom the official way, and it told me it will delete my data. So I just purchased sprite backup right now, and I'm in the process of backing up.
By the way, why does the version on SEUS say version 2.9 and the version on our site says R2A?????

poetryrocksalot said:
yeah I just decided to update my rom the official way, and it told me it will delete my data. So I just purchased sprite backup right now, and I'm in the process of backing up.
By the way, why does the version on SEUS say version 2.9 and the version on our site says R2A?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry i cant help with this question as i always do the sd card method... its much faster then seus.

Dear anyone reading this: what is the difference between ROM version and Firmware version?
Thankyou for the answering.

poetryrocksalot said:
Dear anyone reading this: what is the difference between ROM version and Firmware version?
Thankyou for the answering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing realy.
This forum has shed loads of different terms and depending on the context depends on what people are on about.
ROM version and Firmware version are usually the same. I'd reckon it's whatever it says in the Device Information in Settings.
There's an OS / CE Build (or XIP/SYS) version which relates to the version of the operating system (Windows Mobile) on the phone.
Ta
Dave

DaveShaw said:
Nothing realy.
This forum has shed loads of different terms and depending on the context depends on what people are on about.
ROM version and Firmware version are usually the same. I'd reckon it's whatever it says in the Device Information in Settings.
There's an OS / CE Build (or XIP/SYS) version which relates to the version of the operating system (Windows Mobile) on the phone.
Ta
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I just wanted to make sure.

some questions about roms

Hi guys,
this is my first post in this forum.
A couple of days I've already been browsing through the forums and the wiki, and now I have a few simple questions regarding flashing of roms.
I'm the owner of a BLAC100 in the O2 Germany version (Rom:1.14.207.2 (241011) GER, Radio: 1.09.25.14)
As O2 has not (yet) offered their version of the 1.56.407.2 Rom I was thinking of flashing the generic version using USPL.
Ultimately I'm hoping to run a fully working Android on the device, but till then I'll probably have to wait a little longer.
Is it possible after flashing a different rom to completely restore the device to factory settings? (Is there a rom available?)
What happens to the software installed on SD?
I guess I'll have to reinstall that too?
THX in advance,
Kayoz

Welcome to the forum!
I assume the BLAC100 is the Blackstone?
I also have the touch hd originally from O2 Germany.
If you want to flash a new ROM, but you still want to keep the original SPL, then don't install an HSPL, but instead use USPL. Of course, if you were to use HSPL, you could always go back and put the original SPL for warranty purposes. It's really up to you. I've always only used USPL.
If one day you want your original stock ROM, then download it from this list here.
Wiki: Stock ROMs
Just scroll down to the Germany section, and pick the one that applies to you.
There are some great instructions on flashing ROMs here.
Follow them closely - especially if you want to flash a 1.56 ROM - you'll need to first update your SPL/HSPL/USPL to a 1.56 version. It is all explained in that tutorial.
I use Dutty's 3.7 XT ROM and it's great. I have used his ROMs since v2.1.
When you flash a new ROM, you'll most likely need to install the programs on your SD card again (at least - I have always had to). You can use a program like spb Backup to make an image of your device after you are done installing all your programs and adjusting all your settings. If you have to hard-reset, you can just restore that backup file and in no time you'll have all your programs back. However, if you flash a different ROM, that backup file will likely not work with it.

restore the device to factory settings == the rom you flashed's factory settings
there is no behind the screen rom you can always revert to after you flash your device
if change the rom you change the rom
only way to go back to how your phone was bought is to flash it again
with the rom version it came with like you would any other rom

Thanks for the quick replys!
Chris Cross said:
Welcome to the forum!
I assume the BLAC100 is the Blackstone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes indeed.
I also have the touch hd originally from O2 Germany.
If you want to flash a new ROM, but you still want to keep the original SPL, then don't install an HSPL, but instead use USPL. Of course, if you were to use HSPL, you could always go back and put the original SPL for warranty purposes. It's really up to you. I've always only used USPL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I already mentioned I was thinking of using USPL, but here comes one more question will i have to replace SPL with the newer SPL to install the latest roms?
Is it possible to do that using USPL and is it possible to revert back to the original SPL
If one day you want your original stock ROM, then download it from this list here.
Wiki: Stock ROMs
Just scroll down to the Germany section, and pick the one that applies to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There seem to be 3 different O2 roms (all of them appear to be homemade) which is the right one/what are the differences?
Or is it possible to create an image of the rom i have on the device atm, and revert back to that later?
There are some great instructions on flashing ROMs here.
Follow them closely - especially if you want to flash a 1.56 ROM - you'll need to first update your SPL/HSPL/USPL to a 1.56 version. It is all explained in that tutorial.
I use Dutty's 3.7 XT ROM and it's great. I have used his ROMs since v2.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to read some more into cooked roms and their pros and cons, for now i think i want to stick to the stock roms (just to get the feeling for successful flashing...)
When you flash a new ROM, you'll most likely need to install the programs on your SD card again (at least - I have always had to). You can use a program like spb Backup to make an image of your device after you are done installing all your programs and adjusting all your settings. If you have to hard-reset, you can just restore that backup file and in no time you'll have all your programs back. However, if you flash a different ROM, that backup file will likely not work with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought.
Thanks again

As I already mentioned I was thinking of using USPL, but here comes one more question will i have to replace SPL with the newer SPL to install the latest roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you need to go from 1.14 to 1.56 if you want a new ROM based on 1.56
Is it possible to do that using USPL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. I did it and I have never used HSPL. I just followed the instructions in that tutorial link.
and is it possible to revert back to the original SPL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as far as I know - yes.
There seem to be 3 different O2 roms (all of them appear to be homemade) which is the right one/what are the differences?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correction: Hmm, I just looked into it. Some do seem to be "homemade" or altered roms. (for example see this discussion). Thanks for pointing it out. I was under the impression they were 100% original stock roms.
I can't tell you what the differences are. It looks like the O2 roms are all the same. This table shows you the various stock roms in each country (scroll down). There it only shows O2 germany as having ROM 1.14.207.2(24011)
Correction: (old info erased) My original O2 rom was 1.14.207.2(24011). The 1.14.407.3 was once I flashed later.
Check your phone right now. Go to settings, system tab, device information and look and see what version it says you have. You can also look at the red numbers when you start your phone. Write those down, as they say your ROM and radio info etc...
Or is it possible to create an image of the rom i have on the device atm, and revert back to that later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making an "image" doesn't mean you are saving the whole ROM. I'm not a cook, so I can't tell you how you could do that. But maybe these links will help:
Instructions 1
Solution to one possible error
I'll have to read some more into cooked roms and their pros and cons, for now i think i want to stick to the stock roms (just to get the feeling for successful flashing...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had my stock ROM for several weeks. And once I flashed Dutty's ROMs I never went back. I use his latest ROM right now (3.7 XT).

I made quite a few changes to my previous post, so you might want to read it again. I had some mistakes in there. I also included some new links with info if you are interested in backing up your current "true" stock rom. It would be really helpful for the rest of us too, since apparently the "stock" roms provided in the wiki are not 100% stock. I don't know if the altered stock roms in the wiki would be recognized as such and therefore void the warranty.

Chris Cross said:
Check your phone right now. Go to settings, system tab, device information and look and see what version it says you have. You can also look at the red numbers when you start your phone. Write those down, as they say your ROM and radio info etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I already mentioned in my first post these are my versions:
Rom:1.14.207.2 (241011) GER, Radio: 1.09.25.14
Making an "image" doesn't mean you are saving the whole ROM. I'm not a cook, so I can't tell you how you could do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my understanding making an image of the rom (dumping the rom) is basically saving all the contents of the rom.
If not please tell me what would be missing.
I had my stock ROM for several weeks. And once I flashed Dutty's ROMs I never went back. I use his latest ROM right now (3.7 XT).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can point me to some page with more info on that rom and what makes it differ from the stock rom(s).
thx, kayoz

In my understanding making an image of the rom (dumping the rom) is basically saving all the contents of the rom.
If not please tell me what would be missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I believe you are right, but I am not sure if there are any hidden files or boot files that you need to make sure are included in there. And then, once you dump it, you have to make it "installable". My knowledge is not good in that area, so I don't want to give you information that could be wrong or misleading.
The best thing would be to post a thread in the Blackstone ROM Development forum.
Maybe you can point me to some page with more info on that rom and what makes it differ from the stock rom(s).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a link to Dutty's latest ROM for WM 6.1
It is faster and more user friendly and nicer design than my original stock ROM. It also has the new Manila version with the new contact cards etc... You can also use Manila in portrait or landscape mode.
It has extra useful apps without making the ROM a big bloat.
Check out the thread for details.
EDIT::::::::::::::::::::::
Here is a thread devoted to ROM extraction and creation.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

ok, so I've read some more material and successfully dumped my rom, now working on reconstructing it so it can be flashed back onto the device.
I also did (my first) hard reset and I noticed after the hard reset the protocol version of the device changed from:
52.49a.25.26U
to:
52.49a.25.26H
anyone knows what that means?

kayoz said:
ok, so I've read some more material and successfully dumped my rom, now working on reconstructing it so it can be flashed back onto the device.
I also did (my first) hard reset and I noticed after the hard reset the protocol version of the device changed from:
52.49a.25.26U
to:
52.49a.25.26H
anyone knows what that means?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool! Great to hear. It looks like we might now have a true 100% stock ROM for O2 Germany. (Assuming you'll share it with us )
Unfortunately I don't know the difference in protocols. Maybe someone else can help.

So, I've been playing around those last couple of days trying to reconstruct my rom.
I've been unsuccessful so far. When I'm trying to do nbsplit on a stock rom and then run imgfsfromnb on the payload i always end up with an empty imgfs.bin.
I also tried using Part02.raw as imgfs.bin directly then it only tells me not to use the created imgfs-new.bin.
anyone might know what i could be doing wrong?

kayoz said:
So, I've been playing around those last couple of days trying to reconstruct my rom.
I've been unsuccessful so far. When I'm trying to do nbsplit on a stock rom and then run imgfsfromnb on the payload i always end up with an empty imgfs.bin.
I also tried using Part02.raw as imgfs.bin directly then it only tells me not to use the created imgfs-new.bin.
anyone might know what i could be doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kayoz,
I was wondering, were you ever able to reconstruct your ROM?
Im looking to flash a different ROM onto my phone, but I am unwilling until I have a copy of my current ROM on my THD.
Does anyone know if it matters if two ROMs are identical in all aspects except for the protocol versions?
My ROM comes with
ROM version: 1.18.707.3 (23358) WWE
ROM date: 12/10/08
Radio version: 1.09.25.14
Protocol version: 52.49a.25.26W
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the closest that I was able to find was the RUU_BlackStone_hTC_Asia_WWE_1.18.707.3_Radio_52.49a.25.26_1.09.25.14_Ship.exe which has a slightly different protocol.
Cheers.

Need some clarifications!

Hi, I need some clarifications as the topic says..
I want to install:
this
and
SPB Mobile Shell 3.5 (btw, can someone give me a link to the download?)
I've installed SPB 3.5 before and therefore I know that it doesn't delete any old things like the standard HTC Topaz ROM. So SPB wasn't really a question, but I wonder how this HSPL works. I've read the guide but I don't get it, how does it work. Can someone explain more specific. I want to try out some ROM without deleting my custom ROM from HTC (WM 6.5 Pro).
Then, will the sms-layout work together with SPB 3.5?
And as it says in the install-description, you have to disable and enable stuff. And that will change my system.. so it doesn't feel right to install it before I have a backup on my phone - if something goes wrong.
So shortly, how do I backup my whole system (ROM, files, settings)? And how do I reinstall my backup? (don't forget to also explain how the HSPL works)
Thx for reply!
C

haha, maybe it was to complicated written?
To sum up:
- How to fully back up Topaz stock ROM?
- How to recover/reinstall the stock ROM?
And if you want an example of what I meen: read this (it's how you back up your Xperia)

Cir0w said:
Hi, I need some clarifications as the topic says..
I want to install:
this
and
SPB Mobile Shell 3.5 (btw, can someone give me a link to the download?)
I've installed SPB 3.5 before and therefore I know that it doesn't delete any old things like the standard HTC Topaz ROM. So SPB wasn't really a question, but I wonder how this HSPL works. I've read the guide but I don't get it, how does it work. Can someone explain more specific. I want to try out some ROM without deleting my custom ROM from HTC (WM 6.5 Pro).
Then, will the sms-layout work together with SPB 3.5?
And as it says in the install-description, you have to disable and enable stuff. And that will change my system.. so it doesn't feel right to install it before I have a backup on my phone - if something goes wrong.
So shortly, how do I backup my whole system (ROM, files, settings)? And how do I reinstall my backup? (don't forget to also explain how the HSPL works)
Thx for reply!
C
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
You should use search. It really helps
" i want install ...this". So, what stopping you. Download, install, if dont like uninstall.
SPB MS3.5. SPB.com site or google.
HardSPL is changes the Bootloader so you can install a different ROM regardless if it's signed.
And you can not have 2 ROMs at the same time.
If you want try custom ROMs you will have to install Hard SPL. Without it you can upgrade only with HTC ROMs.
About dumping and rebuilding. Use wiki page about Topaz. Everything you need is there.
Good luck with flashing,
Artukas613

sry, but I can't find anything useful :S can't you give me some links, to backup stock rom and reinstall it?
when I watched the videoguides of XperiaX1 it was so simple... you could find your stock ROM in a sticky in your phones part of the forum. And also not just the stock rom for uk, but also a swedish stock rom. And when you downloaded that. You simply copied the file to your microSD root direction and went to the bootloader and poff you got the original ROM. So, plz get me some direct links to this

Cir0w said:
sry, but I can't find anything useful :S can't you give me some links, to backup stock rom and reinstall it?
when I watched the videoguides of XperiaX1 it was so simple... you could find your stock ROM in a sticky in your phones part of the forum. And also not just the stock rom for uk, but also a swedish stock rom. And when you downloaded that. You simply copied the file to your microSD root direction and went to the bootloader and poff you got the original ROM. So, plz get me some direct links to this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Info on all available stock ROMs is only a search away and then the flash procedure is as you mention. So you have all the details you need to experiment to your hearts content.

[Q] how to restore stock rom

hi,
I am new to Android so this might be a noob question but i really want to know how to flash my phone back to original from liberated rom. i grow impatient of waiting for official 2.2 to release so i want to flash the liberated rom but how do i make a backup of my stock rom so i can restore the phone back to its original when it comes to make a warranty claim or when htc has the official froyo release for aria?
thank you

atp01 said:
hi,
I am new to Android so this might be a noob question but i really want to know how to flash my phone back to original from liberated rom. i grow impatient of waiting for official 2.2 to release so i want to flash the liberated rom but how do i make a backup of my stock rom so i can restore the phone back to its original when it comes to make a warranty claim or when htc has the official froyo release for aria?
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the link to download the original Aria ROM. Click on the "More" link to see the instructions to follow to flash the RUU.
http://www.htc.com/us/support/aria-att/downloads/

thanx for the reply.
1)if my aria is SEA version not under AT&T, is there a difference?
and
2) i've read somewhere from the forum that HTC Sync wont run on CM6, if i flash cm6 instead of liberated, can i still use HTC Sync to recover it back to original?
3) by flashing this rom, my phone will be like original out of the box? which allow me to claim for warranty? ( rooted or flashed will void warranty)
Thanks Again

atp01 said:
thanx for the reply.
1)if my aria is SEA version not under AT&T, is there a difference?
and
2) i've read somewhere from the forum that HTC Sync wont run on CM6, if i flash cm6 instead of liberated, can i still use HTC Sync to recover it back to original?
3) by flashing this rom, my phone will be like original out of the box? which allow me to claim for warranty? ( rooted or flashed will void warranty)
Thanks Again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK sorry, this ROM file is for the AT&T branded Aria. I do not know where you would find the SEA version of the ROM.
It is true the HTC Sync cannot interact with CM 6.1 ROM at the application level to sync contacts and such, but you can still use HTC Sync to flash these HTC original RUU ROM files.
Hopefully someone else may be able to point you to the SEA original RUU ROM file.

I don't know what "SEA" is but this may be of some help to you and PM'ing the OP or posting in the thread someone may be able to help you...unless of course one of the RUUs from the first post is what you are looking for:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819610&highlight=stock+ruu
Edit: I guess SEA stands for southeast asia?

[Q] Reinstall custom ROM after stock ROM install

Hello there, and first of all excuse my english, I'll try to explain my question as best as I can
I have an htc Surround running a custom ROM (the phone was already running an old DFT ROM when I got my hands on it), after some research I am still doubting if flashing my phone with a stock ROM can lock something making it unable to reinstall the current Custom ROM on my phone.
It's just a simple question, but can't find any clear info about that, so I am asking as my last resource, I don't want to lock the bootloader or something like that.
My plan is to install a stock ROM, then upgrade it step-by-step to 7.8 using the Seven-Eighter tool, and if anything goes wrong or I don't like it, reinstall the custom ROM from always using the RUU I have on my hard disk
If need to post some info about my phone feel free to ask about it.
Regards and thanks for reading!

Hi, it's me again
Reading more I find this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1195647
looks like I should lose my HSPL (as I refer to bootloader in my previous post) if I flash using a stock ROM using the RUU from NODO.
Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Regards