Database Users

Roms - noob questions

I've gone through all the pages in the Prophet part of the forum I can't seems to find answer for the (probably) very simple questions that I have. I'm guessing that just about everyone (except me of course) knows the answers to these questions so here goes:
1. Upgrading ROM, why?
I'm guessing that the main reason to do an update is the same a running updates for a normal PC? Old problems and issues are resolved with a new rom?
2. Different versions?
Going through the forum you run across various versions; Dopod, I-mate, S200 (and some I've probably missed). Is there any page or guide that shows the differences between the various versions?
3. Phone company info?
If you update the rom, will all phone company info be lost? Can you enter the stuff that needs to be entered manually? I'd hate to do an update and then not be able to use my phone anymore.
4. Warranty?
Any idea if messing with your rom voids the warranty on the phone?

1. Upgrading ROM, why?
I'm guessing that the main reason to do an update is the same a running updates for a normal PC? Old problems and issues are resolved with a new rom?
Yes.
2. Different versions?
Going through the forum you run across various versions; Dopod, I-mate, S200 (and some I've probably missed). Is there any page or guide that shows the differences between the various versions?
Mainly due to some of the goodies attached to some of the ROM, e.g. the splash screen some of the Today's plugins.. and mostly on the Ext ROM.
3. Phone company info?
If you update the rom, will all phone company info be lost? Can you enter the stuff that needs to be entered manually? I'd hate to do an update and then not be able to use my phone anymore.
Yes. Yes. You can still use your phone if you know what you are doing.
4. Warranty?
Any idea if messing with your rom voids the warranty on the phone?
Yes, it will void your warranty in most cases.

thanks for the quick reply..
2. Different versions?
Any idea if you can see somewhere what the differences are? And does it really matter if I use the Dopod rom on my Qtek S200?
3. Phone company info?
I was suddenly wondering if you really need to enter any info at all. Isn't it enough to set Network to automatically select and the info on the SIM will take care of the rest?

Hi cobra25.
In the future I recommend you don't restrict your browsing to the Prophet part of the forum. There is a lot of interesting stuff in the general forums for everyone and then there is the WiKi.
Now to your questions:
1) Yes, it's just like updating your desktop windows and device drivers, but while a certain update may fix some issues, it may cause others.
Example: AKU2 update gives you push mail and A2DP (BT stereo) but it removes clock from taskbar and makes the date plugin 2 lines high. This really annoys some people.
2) This are versions from different brands. Ordinarily you can only upgrade to the same brand you bought the phone under. To change brand you need to CID unlock you phone or use a special updater that doesn't check for vendor ID. All this info can be found in the WiKi.
Unfortunately, I don't think there is a comparison page for Prophet (someone posted a doc file for the Universal a while back). I do remember a couple of month ago someone on this forum written a comparison after flashing several different ROMs.
3) Settings for MMS and internet (I assume that's what you meant, since everything else is stored on the SIM) will be lost unless the update was issued by your phone company (like Orange or O2), but it is not difficult to recover. You can set it up manually (your phone company is obligated to provide the setting on their site or through customer support), or you can unlock the extended ROM (simple registry tweak) and save the settings cab file to the PC.
4) If you use an official update from the OEM or the phone company, it shouldn't void the warranty. However it is best to check with who ever sold you the device on the exact policy.

Thanks for the answers. The weekend is just around the corner so I'll take your advice and take a look in the general forum.
As for point 3:
Can you believe that I haven't even looked at MMS & Internet yet. I've got my normal PC for internet. Currently using it to play games, use the calendar, contact and mainly the normal phone.
Next thing I'm going to take a look at is push mail, that certainly seems interesting..

Ok, well to set you off on the push mail thing:
If you have an exchange server available, it as easy as entering its info in ActiveSync on the device.
If not look up mail2web. It's a free service, but you do need to create an account.
But heed my warning:
Push mail uses a lot of GPRS traffic and as a result shortens battery life significantly.
It is not recommended if you have limited data plan or can't recharge your phone every day.
Oh and one thing I forgot to mention:
When you update the ROM all data in your device is deleted so back it up!
Have a nice weekend!

cobra25 said:
Next thing I'm going to take a look at is push mail, that certainly seems interesting..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another disturb factor is SPAM. It is push mail killer.

Artemis upgrading.

Hi there:
I am new to Mobile Phone upgrading, so please be patient if some questions seem to be "lame".
I have just obtained an O2 Orbit, (Artemis), for one of my boys. It is in it's original, purchased, state; WM5, etc.
I have been informed that there is an upgrade for the Windows Mobile that will change the O/S to WM 6 or 6.1. Is this true and if so where can this be obtained? Is it an easy task to upgrade?
The next question is slightly more adventurous, I have been told that the iPhone "front end" is available for this phone. Does anyone know if this is true? If so, how can this be obtained and is this a simple transition?
Thanks in advance for anyone that can spare the time to answer these queries.

The O/S upgrades you refer to are available in software downloads called ROMs. A ROM is basically Windows along with a suite of applications that the maker of the ROM has chosen to include with it. For example, the current ROM on your Orbit contains WM 5, Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, etc etc... But someone making their own ROM may decide not to include Windows Media Player and add a different music player instead.
So basically, go through the Artemis forums looking for threads about ROMs. the best ones are the "Touch" and "Vanilla" series of ROMs by Meschle. Sadly he has left the forums but his ROMs can still be found.
Once you have downloaded a ROM, follow the instructions that will probably come with it, or can easily be found on here. Basically it's a 2 step process. You run one file which will remove the SIM lock (you may see the term USPL associated with this). and then another which will install the new ROM.
Just remember though, this will wipe your memory in the process, so make sure you've backed up anything you had on there that you want to keep.
As for the Iphone thing, it's not a complete front end, just several apps designed to make certain functions appear like the Iphone. Although I tried this and it seemed really buggy so I wouldn't recommend

Thanks for the help
WOW:
Thanks for the speedy response and the info'.
I didn't expect a response for days; if at all.
Your info will be acted on ASAP and I will let you know what happens.
Thanks again
Brian

Hi Gaz:
Thanks a lot. I downloaded your recomended ROM's and I have updated the Orbit. It was just as easy as you said. My son is using the phone and finds it infinitely easier to use than his last phone. Once again; thanks for your help from me and my son.
I wonder, do you have knowledge of the Orbit 2 ROM's? I realy would like to alter my O2 Orbit 2 and install the HTC ROM's. This uses TOM TOM and I have used this fro years; I don't like the O2 supplied CoPilot.
I have asked for help on the Orbit 2 forums but I still cannot find the necessary ROM's.
Hopefully
Brian

Advice on several items please

Hey guys and gals. Right, i'm a newbie to all this stuff. Although i have managed to change my t-mobile theme to that of the black HTC theme. I've got a t-mobile mda compact iv and i'm really keen on wanting to expand my knowledge.
I tried to download a couple of games from the t-mobile site, but couldn't quite manage to get them to work. Maybe i didn't save them to the correct place.......
Where and how do i do this.
Also can someone explain to me the 'manilla editor', 'system config', 'total commander' and the best way to get some more themes etc.
Sorry if you've all heard these requests before, but once i get to know my way round a bit more, i won't need to ask such mundane questions.
Thanking you in advance

Advice please
Hey guys and gals. Right, i'm a newbie to all this stuff. Although i have managed to change my t-mobile theme to that of the black HTC theme.
I've got a t-mobile mda compact iv and i'm really keen on wanting to expand my knowledge.
I tried to download a couple of games from the t-mobile site, but couldn't quite manage to get them to work. Maybe i didn't save them to the correct place.......
Where and how do i do this.
Also can someone explain to me the 'manilla editor', 'system config', 'total commander' and the best way to get some more themes etc. Where do i save them too etc
Sorry if you've all heard these requests before, but once i get to know my way round a bit more, i won't need to ask such mundane questions.
Thanking you in advance

Well, it's not surprising that newbies ask such "mundane" questions, as most applications really don't explain what they are, and names can be misleading
Perhaps the mods could edit certain obscure application threads so that it's not so opaque?
Anyway, manilla is the name of the touchflo 3d application - hence the manilla editor allows you to change certain functions, tabs, etc.
System config is just that, a nice pretty front end to registry tweaks for the phone.
Total commander is a decent replacement for the native file explorer, and does more too.
Most apps can be installed to internal storage - there are exceptions, especially if they tie closely into the OS (manilla, etc). As it stands though, you've only really got two choices on where to install, try internal storage first, if it doesnt work, try main memory.
Most PPC based applications are installed using a cab file - you copy this to the device, then just run it using file explorer to install. Some are windows installers that will automatically do the copy and run the cab for you.
And thats about it

Thanks very much for your reply. It's starting to make sense now

Further on to that, where is the best place to install the manilla editor, system config to

Immersed in Information (and drowning!)

Hello All,
First off, I want to thank everyone whos cooked and added information on these forums.
Also I want to state beforehand that for the past 3 days I have gone through countless pages of threads to try and learn as much as I can on ROMs & the such.... its a lot of info! Thats not so much the problem, as I have a pretty good idea now on how to do it (though haven't decided on a custom ROM yet), but the problem is some of it so scattered you can easily have 20 tabs open and either get confused or something.
I have been unable to find (and if there is forgive me for not searching well enough), a thread, topic, or FAQ which would state where you can get programs (ie. Windows Live/Messenger, Internet Sharing, etc) that some ROMs remove. Thats really what has held me back so far from flashing a new ROM, as I really like some of these, but they might be missing certain things I would need (like messenger, or even maybe 5 fav?) but I can't find exact information on all of this.
Edit: I understand if I want to find a program I can just Google it. But what if I don't know theres this awesome program I have never tried or heard before? Can't google a program I don't know! That's why I ask if there is a thread, site that would list them all, or a good amount. I know there couple threads here and there that display default HTC ones, and maybe some odd others.
If anyone can please help me out, or direct me where I can find more info on this I would be really grateful! I might have future questions from then on but i'll definitely be searching to keep the asking to a minimum.
One other question I do have right now is the Radio version. I know theres a thread on a current version, but I see some ppl already have a version higher than that.. is there a place where you can find the current version always, and also, when u flash ROM, does that update your Radio too.. or is it seperate?
Thank you in advance all who help!
I really do hope to be part of this community.

Well I took the dive (woot!) and HARDSPL my phone succesfully. Just finished flashing the default OEM rom and upgrading to the newest radio as well without any problems thanks to all the info you guys provided.
I can't wait to get home (where I have really bad reception) and see if this truely helped me. Im in the mood now to play with all your ROMs as well (I feel like a kid at christmas).
Update: Flashed Open 7.7 and loving it. just need to get used to this brave new world..
Status:
Play and get used to this!
My only concern, and one i cannot find so far is.. at the moment i have no MyFav program.. if i call my currents fav i had will T-Mobile still know, or do i have to have the myfav program installed on my phone so i don't get my minutes charged for calling them?
New concern is i keep getting a text from "4670" saying WCI 1.1 111 every so often, is that normal when you get this program?
Another question: When I install programs, must they always be installed ON the Device, or can I install them on the Storage Card? If i do will they work fine? (or some u can, some u can't.. and some examples)?
Sorry for all the questions!

I install all my programs to storage card. haven't had any problems there. I deleted myfavs because t-mobile stores your favs on their system, so when you call a fav their system should recognize the number. the myfavs program uses memory is why I deleted it.
the text you are getting I don't know what to tell you on that.
sounds like you have the rest down pretty good

????
How did you delete the my fav program? any assistance would be helpful

Where to start?

Hi all,
I inherited an old Orange SPV m500, and found this forum while searching for a way to unlock it from Orange. It worked and was very helpful, so you have my thanks for that!
Then I see all this skinning business and I would love to customise the phone a bit more; there's several things I'd like to do including installing a bigger dialler, a better 'homepage', etc, etc. So I went ahead and installed what seemed to be the latest ROM I could use (the WWE_O3 Cottula rom, which is the last one with a working camera from the looks of it - I need the camera). That's all fine and dandy and worked nicely (although it often tells me I've just inserted a memory card when I haven't).
However, all this extra software is an absolute mystery. It's all circular references which isn't helped by the lack of clear English (no offence, I know it's not everybody's mother tongue). I simply can't seem to find a start point that explains what software does what, how to install it, etc. All the threads seem to assume that you already know the software and what it does. Even the 'wiki' for the magician is limited to descriptions of upgrading the ROM. JMLToday Touchflo Manilla 3d 2d etc. etc.
I don't have a very modern device, so I don't expect to be able to install all of the latest whizzbangs on it, and to be honest I don't need a huge bundle of features, but I'd love to make my phone easier and faster to use and I know you guys have put huge effort into software to do just that. I just can't figure out what I need or how to go about getting it.
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the forum xobby. First of all xda-developers is mainly a technical forum to help in upgrading and tweaking your device. There may be threads involving applications but , like you said, it's not very organized. So the first thing you have to do is use the search function to look for what you are looking for. If you can't find anything then you might ask nicely from the members in the forum for help. If you are looking for specific applications then there are other sites that is more suited for searching for applications.
I would suggest that you do a general search of the internet for programs, skins, etc that you would like to install in your unit and where to download them. It requires a lot of searching and looking I know but that is just the way it is.
Good luck!
By the way. Since you upgraded to WM6.1 by Cotulla, you will have no problem installing almost all of the newest applications available for windows mobile the same as those for the newer more expensive phones.

ferdiebaq said:
Welcome to the forum xobby. First of all xda-developers is mainly a technical forum to help in upgrading and tweaking your device. There may be threads involving applications but , like you said, it's not very organized. So the first thing you have to do is use the search function to look for what you are looking for. If you can't find anything then you might ask nicely from the members in the forum for help. If you are looking for specific applications then there are other sites that is more suited for searching for applications.
I would suggest that you do a general search of the internet for programs, skins, etc that you would like to install in your unit and where to download them. It requires a lot of searching and looking I know but that is just the way it is.
Good luck!
By the way. Since you upgraded to WM6.1 by Cotulla, you will have no problem installing almost all of the newest applications available for windows mobile the same as those for the newer more expensive phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for the advice!