I have an HTC Surround that I bought on eBay that originally came from Telus in Canada. I don't live in Canada and I am not connected to the Telus network. Is there any way I can break my Surround's link with Telus and leave it unbranded?
I have looked at the ROMS Ansar has posted here but they all appear to be branded. I'm not certain what the unbranded radio ROMs do? Do they break the link?
At the end of the day, I just don't want a mobile operator on the other side of the world deciding when I can an can't get updates.
Mike
UNbranded version of surround simply does not exist .. that model is EXCLUSIVE for certain carriers
First, download the WP SDK developer tools from here. You'll need them to be able to sideload and install the necessary XAP files.
You will need to developer unlock your device using the instructions here. It was tricky for me, as I did it this morning, and it took the better part of an hour as well as a hard reset to get the Chevron unlocker to communicate with the phone.
You will then need to follow the directions here for debranding your device. The reason why I included the previous steps is that the wpcentral article did not contain enough info by itself to get you on your way.
Let me know if this helped. By the time you finish, you should be able to connect to Zune and get the 7008 "pre-NoDo" update.
Thanks jwzg.
My timing was terrible! The posts telling me how to debrand HTC phones came out a few hours after I asked the question .
Telus made the pre-NoDo update yesterday and my phone is now at 7008 without any hacking required.
I tried unlokcing the phone with Chevron but it wouldn't connect. Before I go through the drama of hard resetting, can anyone confirm if I do this that NoDo will be available?
Has anyone successfully loaded NoDo onto their Surround?
Frankly, I'm prepared to wait another week for NoDo. I am more intersted in permanently breaking the link betwen Telus and my phone so that they have no say in when I can apply available updates.
I'm on Telus and tried it. It didn't give me NoDo. I don't think MS has rolled out to unbranded phones in Canada yet.
for unbranding ... you need disassemble rom . and in XIP section ... EDIT KERNEL boot registry .
thats first .. second - unbranded surround simply does not exist ..
1. TELUS
2. AT&T
3. Cingular
there is not unbranded version like for HD7 - MOZART
if you completely delete carrier information as i described above you could loose updates at all completely
I followed the steps to "unbrand" my surround and lost the ability to send MMS.
The fix was to delete connection setup, redownload it from the marketplace and run it again. Just a suggestion if you follow those steps.
kdj67f said:
I followed the steps to "unbrand" my surround and lost the ability to send MMS.
The fix was to delete connection setup, redownload it from the marketplace and run it again. Just a suggestion if you follow those steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you are on AT&T. Did you update when connected to Zune and if so was it Pre-NoDo or NoDo?
Users that try this please post Carrier and what update you received.
Thank you,
Dwight2001 said:
I see you are on AT&T. Did you update when connected to Zune and if so was it Pre-NoDo or NoDo?
Users that try this please post Carrier and what update you received.
Thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the other dude didn't reply. I have an htc surround and I can confirm that the update is only Pre-NoDo (a.k.a. 7.0.7008.0) anyway when I get the NoDo update I will try to remember to post on this thread.
ryan00793 said:
Since the other dude didn't reply. I have an htc surround and I can confirm that the update is only Pre-NoDo (a.k.a. 7.0.7008.0) anyway when I get the NoDo update I will try to remember to post on this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already posted a tutorial on getting NoDo here. You may have to unbrand and get the pre-NoDo update first, before you follow the directions in that thread.
Sorry, been busy at work. I originally got the 7008 build update, then just tonight went through all the "methods" in the WP7 section and downloaded the March update (7390) which I just finished installing. Both times were connected to my laptop (Win7 64 bit ultimate) using the latest Zune software.
Nodo seems snappier so far. And my phone stayed unlocked because I used the preventing relock trick.
You cannot unbrand the Surround. This is because the other devices you can buy as unbranded but the Surround is only available threw carriers.
Sent from my Surround using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
talontsi07 said:
You cannot unbrand the Surround. This is because the other devices you can buy as unbranded but the Surround is only available threw carriers.
Sent from my Surround using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What everybody is asking about is changing the mobile operator string in the registry that tells MS/Zune which carrier you are using. Technically, it is not unbranding but fooling whatever is checking into thinking the device was an unbranded phone.
I also sharpied over the AT&T logo so it looks like it is unbranded
You can't change the string to unbranded because it doesn't exist. Thats what I have read.
Sent from my Surround using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
talontsi07 said:
You can't change the string to unbranded because it doesn't exist. Thats what I have read.
Sent from my Surround using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made my own provxml to change the mobile operator string using directions on this site, loaded it into provxml deployer and ran it. I immediately was offered the 7008 pre update build when I synced with Zune. I think it worked just fine.
Interesting, link?
Sent from my Surround using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
talontsi07 said:
Interesting, link?
Sent from my Surround using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This post explained a few things, especially with the tool to convert .reg/.rgu files to provxml. I exported a reg from my computer, deleted all lines and re-wrote using the example codes listed. I then used the tool at the bottom of the first post to convert it.
This Is worth a read too...
This thread is where to get the provxml deployer and how to use it.
I don't have too much more time, but read those threads and search the attachments of the dev/hacking threads about NODO and I guarantee someone has already posted up a good working provxml that you can borrow to get some de-branding action.
*EDIT* I attached the exact xap I used to do the mods which got me to nodo. Use at your own risk, I take no responsibility blah blah blah. It makes sure to unlock, prevents relocking, opened advanced settings in the ease of access panel and changed the mobile operator string to "000-88" and following the methods to get nodo listed in WP7 general section and much trying, I was successful. Feel free to go through it and make your own mods, or use this. Or decompile it for an example. Either way, good luck.
Related
Ok, got my HTC Hero Telus, but am kind of overwhelmed by the root and terms used.
Can somenoe just briefly fill me in, what does ROM actually mean and do?
I've been searcing the forums, and found a bunch of updates for RADIO on the Hero, what is this for? What are these updates for?
What's best way to start rooting, and how to learn all these ROMs, Radio, and other terms?
THANKS!
Welcome to XDA!
A ROM is the operating system on the phone. It's called ROM because it gets installed to the phone's "Read Only Memory." There are custom ROMs to replace the stock one, you'll find those in the Hero Android Development forum. This forum also has plenty of posts about how to root/flash your phone.
The radio is the firmware that goes into the phone's radio device. Generally it's best to have the latest radio version installed, currently it's the JU version found in the Official Radio ROMs link in the Hero Android Development forum.
As far as the Telus Hero itself is concerned, there are a couple threads about it in the "Hero General" and "Hero Q&A" forums. Any common problem should be tackled in one of those threads. I think I was the first one to root a Telus Hero (unless someone kept quiet about it) so I've been through just about every Telus-specific issue that has arisen. If you go through those threads and still have questions, I'll be happy to help... but please look through the forums first.
EDIT: Start on page 2 of this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=576826
Thanks for the response Craig, you definitely cleared it up for me.
I'm using the TELUS hero on AT&T, so is there anything different regards the root and radio update process because I'm on AT&T?
gadgeter_1977 said:
Thanks for the response Craig, you definitely cleared it up for me.
I'm using the TELUS hero on AT&T, so is there anything different regards the root and radio update process because I'm on AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That shouldn't make a difference to the radio/root flashing process... However, I have no idea what it'll take to put an AT&T SIM card in a Telus Hero. I know it can be done, I just don't know the steps since I'm using mine on Telus.
Also, a lot of the issues that show up in that thread I linked you to are Telus-specific, so that might not help you as much as I originally hoped.
Good luck!
craig0r said:
However, I have no idea what it'll take to put an AT&T SIM card in a Telus Hero. I know it can be done, I just don't know the steps since I'm using mine on Telus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using the phone on AT&T is really simple. Nothing like the complicated steps you have to do to goldcard/downgrade/root the phone. I'm using a white Telus Hero on AT&T, and didn't have any problems.
One question, though. How'd you buy it? If you bought it "unlocked" from a website like ImportGSM, then all you have to do is open the back of your old phone, take out the SIM card, and put it in the Hero. If you bought it on eBay, had somebody in Canada ship it to you, or bought it yourself from a Telus store/Best Buy/etc., then you need to unlock it first. You can get the unlock code from a number of websites, thought you'll have to pay for it. Then put your SIM card in as above and the phone will prompt you for it. After you put in the code, you're good to go!
If you want to use the internet or MMS, then there's actually one more step. You have to put in the APN settings, which tell the phone how to access the network. They can be found in the forum somewhere or by Googling for "AT&T APN".
Ya I'm using it on AT&T works fine, but I'm trying to root it but not having any luck!
gadgeter_1977 said:
Ya I'm using it on AT&T works fine, but I'm trying to root it but not having any luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, ok! Sorry, I can't help you there. I'm waiting till I've got some sort of backup of the firmware that came on the phone (Or some other official upgrade meant for the North American model) before going through the process to root the phone & load a custom ROM. Just a personal preference
So I finally updated to nodo. I was never unlocked because I wanted to wait for this update. Now that Im updated would i follow the normal guide to updating or is there a newer one?
Da_Franchise said:
So I finally updated to nodo. I was never unlocked because I wanted to wait for this update. Now that Im updated would i follow the normal guide to updating or is there a newer one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
currently no way to unlock once NoDo is installed... as discussed at nasium You'll have to use the backup the updater made and revert back to pre Nodo. Unlock then use the samsung tools to prevent relocking then run the Nodo update again.
That's currently the only way of having a NoDo unlocked phone outside of just paying to be a developer. You know.... the lagit way!
Aaron McCarthy said:
currently no way to unlock once NoDo is installed... as discussed at nasium You'll have to use the backup the updater made and revert back to pre Nodo. Unlock then use the samsung tools to prevent relocking then run the Nodo update again.
That's currently the only way of having a NoDo unlocked phone outside of just paying to be a developer. You know.... the lagit way!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Do you have an idea of when or if they will ever make an update to unlock nodo
EDIT: sorry for all the questions, but can this unlock work on a windows xp computer?
Confirmed Unlocked
I just did this today. I used fastgsm services(no, im not advertising them) after the NoDo update and it works. phone unlocked successful.
He is asking about developer unlock not SIM unlock.
Sent from my SGH-i917R using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
re nodo
somebody please tell me how to revert back to pre nodo ..
c_sureshc said:
somebody please tell me how to revert back to pre nodo ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need is.... this
Install any of the two:
Samsung i917 Focus firmware UCJK2 AT&T USA
Samsung i917R Focus firmware UXJL2 ROGERS CANADA
That link and going back to pre-nodo 7004 worked great, thanks EnderPsp !!
Hello, I can't find the original ROM. Somebody could provide it? I need some totaly clean without update, so then I could unlock the cell phone. For now I have the most actual and with that I cannot unlock the cell, unfortunatelly also my backup in Zuna is also with update and it's not possible to unlock the cell with it neither. Thank you
batthead said:
Hello, I can't find the original ROM. Somebody could provide it? I need some totaly clean without update, so then I could unlock the cell phone. For now I have the most actual and with that I cannot unlock the cell, unfortunatelly also my backup in Zuna is also with update and it's not possible to unlock the cell with it neither. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont understand why its not possible to dev unlock after updates...unless you are talking Chevron. If this is the case, then you should probably talk to the chevron people as the NODO update closes that gap.
I heard the Chevron people were aware of this, prior to the NODO release and may be able to help you.
Otherwise I do not think anyone here can.
Im also looking for a way to back my phone to 7004. I got a new phone with the 206 FW. So it never had 7004 to unupgrade to..
batthead said:
Hello, I can't find the original ROM. Somebody could provide it? I need some totaly clean without update, so then I could unlock the cell phone. For now I have the most actual and with that I cannot unlock the cell, unfortunatelly also my backup in Zuna is also with update and it's not possible to unlock the cell with it neither. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have a T-Mobile Dell Venue Pro, the ROM is 7004. No update has been completed on it. So if someone can show me how to do a ROM dump, then we can get the ball rolling.
i have also new dell venue pro with nodo 7392 i want to go back to 7004 to unlock the phone with chevron
is there any way to unlock with nodo 7392 ??
chiragpatwa said:
i have also new dell venue pro with nodo 7392 i want to go back to 7004 to unlock the phone with chevron
is there any way to unlock with nodo 7392 ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think so. The GAP was closed by MS.
xmoo said:
Don't think so. The GAP was closed by MS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reply but whats is GAP ?
Can u guide me where can i get 7004 rom for my DVP ?
Thanks
Any one have a flash tool for this device??
Thanks
I haven't even seen a start for a flash tool honestly
Are the back ups phone specific? Couldnt you use a back up someone has of the 7004 an the use it to restore you phone from 7392 through Zune? If someone has a back up made that they could post here or send to me, Ill see what I can do to get it to work. My DVP came the 7392 so I dont have it.
theusername said:
Are the back ups phone specific? Couldnt you use a back up someone has of the 7004 an the use it to restore you phone from 7392 through Zune? If someone has a back up made that they could post here or send to me, Ill see what I can do to get it to work. My DVP came the 7392 so I dont have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
phone specific
Hello, so if someone have the original ROM (without all the update)
on the DVP, you can make a backup of the Zune and add a deposit
here to download? Everyone can then restore his ROM to a state before
all updates thanks to this backup and so we can unlock the phone.
Thnx
batthead said:
Hello, so if someone have the original ROM (without all the update)
on the DVP, you can make a backup of the Zune and add a deposit
here to download? Everyone can then restore his ROM to a state before
all updates thanks to this backup and so we can unlock the phone.
Thnx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you make a backup?
back up using -> Zune software -> settings -> update -> and here you can drive back up
batthead said:
back up using -> Zune software -> settings -> update -> and here you can drive back up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm ... maybe less than complete response.
I'm sitting at my update screen. I see that my phone is up to date.
I see my previous restore points.
I do not see anyway to force a backup.
I'm a simple person, and it drives me nuts when people respond and don't respond with detail. As best I understand it right now, there is no way to do a backup via automation (except when doing an update). I know there are ways to do a backup via the support tools -- but that is not what was responded above.
how to force a backup (or restore):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103011
i also would like to have the option of a nodo rom to unlock and to pass it over to newer os versions but unfortunality my phone (europe dvp version) had already nodo on it
you can not use another phones backup on your phone. they are very much device specific. It has been tried by many in the WP7 forum but with no luck. They are encrypted and function for only the phone that they were created from.
munkeyphyst said:
you can not use another phones backup on your phone. they are very much device specific. It has been tried by many in the WP7 forum but with no luck. They are encrypted and function for only the phone that they were created from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, how do I return to my original ROM which will unlock? Thnx
Um... As of now you can't. But there is an official chevron unlock that is on the horizon that will cost $9 and will dev unlock any os version
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Do you need with NODO or without? if with, pm me and I will send
My DVP decided to crap out yesterday for no reason. I read the "how to unbrick your phone" thread and was able to revive the phone using the TMO ffu file. It crapped out again so it looks like it's the SD card. I will be doing the flash again but does anyone have that file for AT&T instead of TMO? Thanks in advance.
It might be possible to use the TMO ffu, update to 7720, then use cabsender to send the ATT firmware bundle and turn it into the att version (as that's the only file that differentates the 3 versions)
It could also possibly brick you to the point that nothing can fix it, so I'm intentionally not posting the direct link to the files, but there are links to them if you search around for the VP on xda.
TheManii said:
It might be possible to use the TMO ffu, update to 7720, then use cabsender to send the ATT firmware bundle and turn it into the att version (as that's the only file that differentates the 3 versions)
It could also possibly brick you to the point that nothing can fix it, so I'm intentionally not posting the direct link to the files, but there are links to them if you search around for the VP on xda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'll give it a try, can you point me to the right cabsender? If it bricks I really don't care, went out and bought a Lumia 900 and actually like it. Thanks for the help.
Joey
I'm only make a (hopefully) educated guess on the whole thing, I believe there's only 1 version of cabsender(?), but it's the actual cab that i'm talking about that i'm not linking to.
Since the potential issue of permenetly bricking isnt an issue(?), look on the VP page on the xda wiki, it's listed there.
TheManii said:
I'm only make a (hopefully) educated guess on the whole thing, I believe there's only 1 version of cabsender(?), but it's the actual cab that i'm talking about that i'm not linking to.
Since the potential issue of permenetly bricking isnt an issue(?), look on the VP page on the xda wiki, it's listed there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found it, thanks again!
SPYDar007 said:
Found it, thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried this and what happened?
mofotech said:
Have you tried this and what happened?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to flash the phone and get it running but it shows TMO as the carrier. It does work with the AT&T sim card, so no issues.
this FTF is created from my Phones4u unlocked handset.its UK generic fimware without any bloadware. should work on other unlocked european hanset too. here is the link
https://mega.co.nz/#!txkCQArB!LMVBizNxSHpuqqvgIEPLsQWJPpxvgUXSXr7zYWz8gqw
Here is the quick guide to flash ftf using flash tool.
The first thing that you need to Download last version. Search google for latest version
Step 1 : Download the Flash tool and install it. Open "C:\Flashtool\drivers"
Run the program “Flashtool-drivers” .Check the option “Select components to install” and find the phone for which you want to flash the ftf file In this case Xperia Z2. Select both ”Flashmode drivers” and “Fastboot drivers”. Click the “install” button and wait till drivers are installed on your PC. If you are using window 8.1 64bit, follow this guide to install these drivers
64-Bit editions of Windows require digitally signed drivers. The problem is that many devices ship with unsigned drivers. Today, I'll show you how to install them regardless.
Keep Pressing shift button and select restart.
Once your Computer has rebooted you will need to choose the Troubleshoot option.
Then head into Advanced options.
Then Startup Settings.
Since we are modifying boot time configuration settings, you will need to restart your Computer one last time.
Finally, you will be given a list of startup settings that you can change. The one we are looking for is “Disable driver signature enforcement”. To choose the setting, you will need to press the F7 key.
That’s all there is to it. Your PC will then reboot and you will be able to install unsigned drivers without any error message
Now open ”C:\Flashtool\firmwares”, copy paste the downloaded ftf file specific to your xperia device & latest firmware.
Run FlashTool
Step 2 : Switch off your xperia,wait for 30 seconds, Insert USB Cable in PC first & hold “Volume Down or volume up” button while you insert cable in Xperia phone. Green light in notification LED confirms that phone has been connected successfully.
Step 3 : Notice the “Black Thunder” option in the top most left corner. Click & Choose option “flashmode”.
Click “Select source folder” and select the copied ftf file from “C:\Flashtool\firmwares” and check the option “Wipe Data”. Under option “Misc” , check mark the option “No Final verification” if you are on Android 4.0.4 ICS Stock version.
Click OK, now Flashtool will prepare files for flashing & flash the selected ftf file on your xperia device.
Start the phone once the flashing is done. The first reboot will be very slow. after that.
That's it you are done.
Thanks for posting this its greatly apprecaited
will this work over the top of a Vodafone uk branded version.
Thanks
Link is dead
stinkypoo said:
Link is dead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i will upload it tomorrow on torrent
wroenadinho said:
will this work over the top of a Vodafone uk branded version.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i highly dought as i only tested on unlocked bootloader unit. Voda or any other carrier handset is coming with LB.
rehanraza said:
i highly dought as i only tested on unlocked bootloader unit. Voda or any other carrier handset is coming with LB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need an unlocked bootloader to flash stock ftf file with flashtool.
This will work fine on any branded set but will replace firmware with generic so no network specific apps (bloatware).
---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:05 PM ----------
rehanraza said:
i will upload it tomorrow on torrent
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. Dropbox is capped at 200GB per day.
This file generated some serious interest.
Please do
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Yes this will work onto of Vodafone as that's what I did
Excellent. I fully intend to de-o2 my handset as soon as they ship, thanks.
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
I tried to install this on a Locked BL Belonging to Vodafone and it didnt work...
I can't see why it won't work what error did it give ?
stinkypoo said:
Please do
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download link is updated now
I'm on Vodafone with a locked boot loader and can confirm that I have flashed this firmware and also the other firmwares on here several times with no issues. So should work for you
Strangeland16 said:
I'm on Vodafone with a locked boot loader and can confirm that I have flashed this firmware and also the other firmwares on here several times with no issues. So should work for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi everyone!
Please be kind if this is a stupid question :laugh:
Got my Z2 from vodafone today as they have carrier exclusivity. I know that debranding the phone will do nothing with regards to the SIM lock status of the phone, however I want to get every step out of the way as soon as possible.
Is it okay to flash the firmware BEFORE having received an unlock code and will an unlock code for the network just remain the same or should I wait until the phone is unlocked and then apply the debranding?
Any advice appreciated!
(Also: Has anyone who has flashed noticed speed increases or anything that doesn't work smoothly? It seems only VODAFONE UPDATE is impossible to get rid of and I wonder if it's worth the drama ).
THANKS GUYS!
WallaceWells said:
Hi everyone!
Please be kind if this is a stupid question :laugh:
Got my Z2 from vodafone today as they have carrier exclusivity. I know that debranding the phone will do nothing with regards to the SIM lock status of the phone, however I want to get every step out of the way as soon as possible.
Is it okay to flash the firmware BEFORE having received an unlock code and will an unlock code for the network just remain the same or should I wait until the phone is unlocked and then apply the debranding?
Any advice appreciated!
(Also: Has anyone who has flashed noticed speed increases or anything that doesn't work smoothly? It seems only VODAFONE UPDATE is impossible to get rid of and I wonder if it's worth the drama ).
THANKS GUYS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes my vodafone uk z2 was simlocked when i flashed mine with no dramas havent really noticed any problems except no bloat now from vodafone all phones features work as they should and i also find battery is a tiny bit better. it wont make any difference to the sim lock before or after
Cheers op now flashed and got the free films as well no more Vf rubbish and unlocked as well
stinkypoo said:
Cheers op now flashed and got the free films as well no more Vf rubbish and unlocked as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you get the free films i couldnt find them when i looked earlier could find the games but not the films anywhere ?
I just went to the xperia lounge and they are they downloading Elysium as we speak
stinkypoo said:
I just went to the xperia lounge and they are they downloading Elysium as we speak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, when i try to download it say voucher is currently unavailable. dont know whats going on. even reported to sony