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Can Vodaphone v1640 be upgraded to roms with other brand?

Dear elite members of XDA-Developers.com:
I am new to Pocket PC Phone and New to HTC Universal, but cerntainly not new for hot gadgets, have owned various Palm and PPC unite. I've been reading there forums and couldn't come up with an confirmed answer.
My question is, can my Vodaphone be able to flash to ROMs like the Asian Dopod, O2 XDA Exec or I-Mate Jasar? If that's out of the question, am I be able to atleast flash the radio from my current 1.04.10 to the newest? I am also without the exe file to flash the radio file. Can someone kindly provide his compatible version to me here? My main concern is can I still flash the whole rom?
I find it is very trouble to unclock any kind of HTC universal currently, I am asking my UK friends to help me find a local service to see if they can unlock my phone, if that attempt failed, I am gonna give a go to www.imei-check.co.uk, just got their comfirm that they can unlock my phone but for a charge of 50GBP plus 16GBP to mail the unit back to me. Which gonna be quite a bit of money even before adding my cost of shipment to send the unit to them.
Finally, please answer my questions, I did the search but couldn't come up with a confirm answer, thank you very much.
Alex

I'll write some more info later but just so you know flashing all Universal devices from one operator rom to another is not a problem.
We have several V1640's running custom brewed ROMs or the AKU2 iMate ROMs without any issues. You will need to use the "No country ID" upgrade exe and you really would need to check the bootloader (read other threads) as bootloaders pre 1.00 can be a bit funny and most of our V1640's where running really old bootloaders and ROMs.
John

I find it is very trouble to unclock any kind of HTC universal currently, I am asking my UK friends to help me find a local service to see if they can unlock my phone, if that attempt failed, I am gonna give a go to www.imei-check.co.uk, just got their comfirm that they can unlock my phone but for a charge of 50GBP plus 16GBP to mail the unit back to me. Which gonna be quite a bit of money even before adding my cost of shipment to send the unit to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no linkage between the SP lock and the ROM image. Even if you upgrade you will not see any difference in this respect.

Thank you for clearing my irresolute mind. I am feel much safer to flash my rom to a much newer version. Any recommandation? Good news is, I do have a bootloader v1.0, this support by what I saw from the bootloader screen, it has v1.0 at the bottom. :twisted:
Thank you jbn for the the reminder. I've been educated through out these useful forums that there is no charmer to unlock the phone via flashing rom files. Good point yo've brought up that there is no linkage between the SP lock and ROM image. Maybe that's why when I asked www.imei-check.co.uk a question that is sort of vice versa, I asked them after unlocking, can I still flash the phone to a newer software without affecting the unlocked status of the phone, that answer was a firmly 'NO'.
Thank you guys for the answer. By reading the forums, I've got a impression that the only way to unlock this phone without sending the phone out is to contact the provider, which in this case is Vodafone UK. I've called them and they said they need a phone number that come with this phone when it was purchased. I've been trying to work with the eBay guys who sold me this phone to get a phone number. But he seems unwilling to cooperate with me by agreeing to look for on-line unlocking service for me. Which I've already looked.
I am planning to call Vodaphone again see if I can get a unlock code from them without the phone number for a charge. Before I do that, is any of you guys have experience that this will work? Or is there any possibility that you can legally own a vodaphone without owning a phone number (signing contract). Because the guy did mention that he bought the phone without phone numbers, and he's selling whole bunch of them.
Thank you again
Alex

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...

For those with UNLOCKED WING

Ok. This is a request to everyone that has an unlocked t-mobile wing. I have a wing and I have been looking at attempting to find a free solution for sim-unlocking this device. Now the only other device I know about with a good unlock solution was the wizard, and that was a wonderful unlock solution. There are two ways currently I have been looking at for the unlock. First tear apart every part of the SPL/IPL until I can find the section related to the sim and its restrictions. The second which has to be possible but maybe more difficult would be to determine the relation between IMEI and sim restriction code. I have looked into this before on other devices and have found no matter how slight there is always some relation. While I go over the ROM I want to ask anyone who has unlocked their WING using an unlock code to send me a copy of your IMEI and the sim unlock code you used. I hope if I can get enough codes and IMEIs then I may be able to come up with a pattern for how they are generated and test it.
Last thing. I have heard which I have not yet tested since I want to keep my WING factory stock so I can have a good test environment for working with the device, that some people have unlocked their devices by flashing the stock HTC branded ROM to their device. If this has worked for you I would like to know which ROM you used and your current IPL/SPL versions and your previous IPL/SPL versions.
I know this is a lot to ask but here is to hoping for freedom for our Heralds.

Turbo777 said:
Ok. This is a request to everyone that has an unlocked t-mobile wing. I have a wing and I have been looking at attempting to find a free solution for sim-unlocking this device. Now the only other device I know about with a good unlock solution was the wizard, and that was a wonderful unlock solution. There are two ways currently I have been looking at for the unlock. First tear apart every part of the SPL/IPL until I can find the section related to the sim and its restrictions. The second which has to be possible but maybe more difficult would be to determine the relation between IMEI and sim restriction code. I have looked into this before on other devices and have found no matter how slight there is always some relation. While I go over the ROM I want to ask anyone who has unlocked their WING using an unlock code to send me a copy of your IMEI and the sim unlock code you used. I hope if I can get enough codes and IMEIs then I may be able to come up with a pattern for how they are generated and test it.
Last thing. I have heard which I have not yet tested since I want to keep my WING factory stock so I can have a good test environment for working with the device, that some people have unlocked their devices by flashing the stock HTC branded ROM to their device. If this has worked for you I would like to know which ROM you used and your current IPL/SPL versions and your previous IPL/SPL versions.
I know this is a lot to ask but here is to hoping for freedom for our Heralds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just call t-mobile and have it unlocked for free?

Because he wants to come up with a free solution.. I may call T-Mo and get a subsidy code and send it to ya.. look for my PM later this week.

Just Got the Code from T-Mobile
I called T-Mobile yesterday, asked them to unlock my Wing. They took my phone info (IMEI) and today I got an email with the unlock code. Just put in a Cingular Sim put the code and ready to go. the best way to do it. I also have a T-mobile MDA and because I was willing to do testing with this device I used the steps to unlocked in Wizards forums. It worked excellent...
Just call T-mobile...The best way to go.

Hi!
Can You help me with unlocking code?
I will appreciate very much!

Not everyone buys their wings from T-Mobile. I would assume that's why he's interested in creating a way to unlock them.

This is what you do. Pick someone you know who has service from T-Mobile. It does not matter what kind of phone he/she is using. Have them call T-Mobile and say that they are planning on going overseas and would like to unlock their phone. They will ask for the IMEI number and an email address. Give them the WING's IMEI number and in about 24-48 hours they will send the unlock info to the email address. Worked for me and I hope it works for you.

wordizbond007 said:
This is what you do. Pick someone you know who has service from T-Mobile. It does not matter what kind of phone he/she is using. Have them call T-Mobile and say that they are planning on going overseas and would like to unlock their phone. They will ask for the IMEI number and an email address. Give them the WING's IMEI number and in about 24-48 hours they will send the unlock info to the email address. Worked for me and I hope it works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats all good and dandy bit i believe as with all other phones he wants it unlocked on his own .. As would i as i just got 1 yesterday. have been away for a while as I was ill and seen a lot of new people and new ideas .. But I too want to cid unlock it and change this horrible rom that pre-installed . Worst piece of mess i have seen besides windows vista.

Sim lock

Hello guys,
Does anyone know if the turbo sim will bypass the sim lock on the htc tattoo?

if you have it try it and tell us, but if you don't i would recommend you to unlock it via imei preferable.

Flashing Won't remove CID lock
Hi
I have tried several methods on here to change from my UK Orange branded Tattoo.
I purchased an unlock code, but this was just based on the IMEI from HTC & didn't allow me to use any other sim.
Orange have really butchered the software to stop you using a different network.
I have managed to remove the Orange branding & got back the standard HTC apps.
However the Orange CID (customer ID) still remains & prevents any other sim being used. Even with the HTC software the APN is still greyed out.
Eventually I bought an I-sim2008, a few websites have them but I chose ebay.
With this underneath my sim it bypasses the CID check & allows me to use a different sim card.
Many people have claimed to use the phone with a different sim, but this is the only method I have found to work, I have spent about a week non-stop flashing, I now believe the only way to remove the CID would be on a rooted device with a custom ROM image.
Hope this helps a bit?
Up to now there is no development on the root or rom side, either not many people have the Tattoo or they dont' think it's worth while doing.....
Lets keep our fingers crossed.....

yash08 said:
Hello guys,
Does anyone know if the turbo sim will bypass the sim lock on the htc tattoo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What network is it on?
Codes for Orange UK have been a problem. The codes are correct but you need to flash the right rom.
The Italian locked Tattoo's don't have any problem with regard to unlocking.

jusumgeezer said:
Hi
I have tried several methods on here to change from my UK Orange branded Tattoo.
I purchased an unlock code, but this was just based on the IMEI from HTC & didn't allow me to use any other sim.
Orange have really butchered the software to stop you using a different network.
I have managed to remove the Orange branding & got back the standard HTC apps.
However the Orange CID (customer ID) still remains & prevents any other sim being used. Even with the HTC software the APN is still greyed out.
Eventually I bought an I-sim2008, a few websites have them but I chose ebay.
With this underneath my sim it bypasses the CID check & allows me to use a different sim card.
Many people have claimed to use the phone with a different sim, but this is the only method I have found to work, I have spent about a week non-stop flashing, I now believe the only way to remove the CID would be on a rooted device with a custom ROM image.
Hope this helps a bit?
Up to now there is no development on the root or rom side, either not many people have the Tattoo or they dont' think it's worth while doing.....
Lets keep our fingers crossed.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up dude. Have you tried to enter the code after flashing the rom?still no good?Well, Ive seen a good place on the web where I can get a I-smartsim 2008 and its much cheaper than buying the code.
ferraripassion said:
What network is it on?
Codes for Orange UK have been a problem. The codes are correct but you need to flash the right rom.
The Italian locked Tattoo's don't have any problem with regard to unlocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So ferraripassion you assure me that if I flash the ROM, the code will work?
Ive been in touch with htccode and their prices are really good (compared to others on the web) but problem is that they do not have a money back policy in case the code doesnt work. From the various reviews Ive read here and there, I dnt think I should invest in something that might not work when I have the I-smartsim.
On the other hand there is unlock-now, their prices are a bit higher but they assure me a money back in case that their code does not work on my mobile. I think Ill give it a shot. I have nothing to lose, if it works Ill be very happy if it doesnt ill have my money back
Well, thank for your comments guys. Have a merry christmas 2009 and a happy new year 2010
Cheers

yash08 said:
Thanks for the heads up dude. Have you tried to enter the code after flashing the rom?still no good?Well, Ive seen a good place on the web where I can get a I-smartsim 2008 and its much cheaper than buying the code.
So ferraripassion you assure me that if I flash the ROM, the code will work?
Ive been in touch with htccode and their prices are really good (compared to others on the web) but problem is that they do not have a money back policy in case the code doesnt work. From the various reviews Ive read here and there, I dnt think I should invest in something that might not work when I have the I-smartsim.
On the other hand there is unlock-now, their prices are a bit higher but they assure me a money back in case that their code does not work on my mobile. I think Ill give it a shot. I have nothing to lose, if it works Ill be very happy if it doesnt ill have my money back
Well, thank for your comments guys. Have a merry christmas 2009 and a happy new year 2010
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked for me, bought the code in htccode.com, flashed my device and everything ok.

MiSSigNNo when you enter HBOOt, do you have an option <simlock>?

ferraripassion said:
What network is it on?
Codes for Orange UK have been a problem. The codes are correct but you need to flash the right rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What would the correct ROM be for one on Orange UK?
I have used the RUU Click HTC WWE 1.67.405.6 WWE release signed NoDriver.rar from their website & am still having problems getting any other sim card to work.
As mentioned in my last post, I have been trying for about a week to get it working.
@yash08: I have this option, but when I tried to use it I got an error about files missing of the mem card?

@jusumgeezer: Am no expert, really and I might be completely wrong on this, but from what ive understood is that tattoo's not from orange uk dont have this <simlock> option, and orange uk does. Might this be why we cant use an imei generated code? Must we unlock this some other way?
By the way, I flashed and bought the code and it does not work neither!

Same as me then, got rid of the orange branded rubbish & got all the HTC stuff back, but still need the i-sim2008 to use another sim card. Otherwise it just gets stuck on the "unlocking Sim Card" screen or the APN is greyed out.

Well on my side I am very satisfied with unlock-now.com service. As soon as I supplied a video proving that the code didnt work, I got a refund without any hassle. Was like a knife in butter . They are very professional, I recommend their service to anyone.
Now I am just waiting for the I-SmartSim 2008 to be delivered. If this can be of any help to anyone, I bought it from here: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12167.

Hey guys are there any developments on unlocking Tattoo from Orange UK, it's been more than a week that i got the phone and i still can't use it, it's driving me crazy.

Nobody knows what should flash ROM code to take HTC Tattoo Orange UK?

The only solution is as per the link above, that is how I got my Orange phone to work. It is the only known solution to date even though it is just a workaround and far cheaper than an unlock code.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5229016&postcount=11

Code I have already paid. And the phone for sale, it will be difficult to explain why the client needs turbosim.

Hello
Could You tell me please which ROM should i use to unlock this handset? I've got the code...
I've tried:
r2-mcr-tattoo-withadditions-signed.zip
Says "network unlock success" but still not working
and this one:
fyodor-TattooROM_v0.5.3.1.zip
Says "network unlock success" but after this freezed on "Unlocking SIM card" for around 20 mins and I'm still waiting...
Any advices?
Thank You

hi guys,
i just want to know if the i-smartsim is the only thing needed to unlock the device or will i have to buy an unlock code as well?
If i choose this phone, it will be locked on Orange Fr network.
Thanks for your help.

Well the ismartsim is no more needed. If you get the last ROM update from Orange, you will be able to remove the simlock with a imei based code.
And to answer your question, no you dont need to buy a code if you use the ismartsim but as I said you can unblock your phone with the code now.

Ok, thank you.
I've order both the phone and the ismartsim (just in case )

[Q] Looking for clarification - sim-unlock

So i was recently given an HTC surround to try my hands at, after years of working with blackberry and iphone, and im finding this to be just a tad confusing as far as the language is concerned. The surround is currently locked to ATT and i would like to be able to use my t-mobile with it, however when looking for "unlocking" or any similar term, all i see is mass use of the word unlock for several things that don't actually remove the sim/carrier lock.
I have looked at some of the threads about flashing roms, and it seems like this would take care of the unlock, but i am not able to find a clear "how-to" on flashing roms......
I have successfully unlocked the device for homebrew apps (using wp7chevron) however, that does not remove the sim lock (as im sure everyone else knew, lol). Any help or pointing me to a guide/page that would assisst me in doing this would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to trying my hand at something new to tinker with...

you will need the IMEI code which you can get by going to the phone and dialing *#06#
then call ATT and tell them you want the unlock code, odds are they will have no clue as to what you are saying but keep talking to them and eventually they will get it and give you the code.
if they refuse you will have to pay some website to send you the code
I do not think there is any other way to unlock the surround right now.

http://www.htcsimunlock.com/htc-surround-unlock.html
Never used the site