Database Users

[Q] How can I unbrand my Surround?

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.

[Q] Update with Atrix Unlocked phone.

Hello, my Atrix phone is at&t unlocked phone, now it remind me about new update has available.
Should I update it? Will my phone be locked again if I install it? Anyone please answer my question please. I worry that it remind me each 1 hour, may be I click to install and my phone become a pager block
Thanks

Updated and run well :|

danghung83hn said:
Updated and run well :|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not understand your answer. Did you upgrade? Was your phone still unlocked after the upgrade?
I am in the same boat as you. My Atrix is unlocked, I use it on T Mobile in the US. I would like to upgrade also, since my phone is nagging me all the time to upgrade.

I also have an unlocked AT&T Atrix phone that I use here in the Philippines. I updated about 2 hours ago via OTA and everything is fine. My phone is still unlocked.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

JDMpire said:
I do not understand your answer. Did you upgrade? Was your phone still unlocked after the upgrade?
I am in the same boat as you. My Atrix is unlocked, I use it on T Mobile in the US. I would like to upgrade also, since my phone is nagging me all the time to upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have an sim-unlocked atrix, here in Brazil. The phone is still unlocked after applying the 1.57 back then and 1.83 OTA updates, so you shouldn't have any problems updating yours.

upgraded but lost root

Once you unlock your phone it stays unlocked forever

Need upgrade on unlocked atrix
Hello everyone.
I am still trying to get upgrade.
When i did upgrade from second step it tells me that insert sim card (third option from the list).
But it did not upgraded and restarted.
I have to hard reboot it.
When I was trying to upgrade after copying zip file and restarted phone, it did not upgraded.
Im waiting for upgrade. Please help me to do the upgrade on my unlocked atrix in india.
Thanks

[Q] Original ROM

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

[FIX] Enable FOTA update for UNLOCKED bootloaders WITHOUT brick

Hello pals
Well I have a kind of good news
All of you know about the FOTA update problems when your bootloader is unlocked. Well forget about it.
Simple as that, FOTA brick is past.
Now is possible to unlock bootloader and even repair the already unlocked ones to be able to update via FOTA.
So if you have this problem and you want to fix it you know what to do. (Send me a PM)
This process have no cost but if you want to buy me some Dr. Pepper you can donate
DONATE
You will need to download this: Download Me
And also a paperclip or wire will be needed.
Video Proof

Unlock by SETool, right?

Yup new update released

Flo95 said:
Unlock by SETool, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to unlock for repair already unlocked phones
So it does NOT require credits

Ok, video is up and working

We did this yesterday and it worked brilliant.
took just a few minutes.
Another great job done by Alejandrissimo.
rooted update worked without complications.
thank you very much

Jinx13 said:
Yup new update released
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, okay. Nice.
Well, I'm already unlocked and used the SE method.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App

Update!
Users with phones unlocked by omnius/others-tools can NOT use this fix without re-unlock the phone.
I think is caused by different signature certs

Hello
Just to see if I got it right.
I unlock my mk16i using the code provided by Sony. Now i can't update using PC companion or SEUS, because they both say, I've got modified software installed.
Will this fix this isue and allow me to install the upgrades directly from Sony?

Luis_Avo said:
Hello
Just to see if I got it right.
I unlock my mk16i using the code provided by Sony. Now i can't update using PC companion or SEUS, because they both say, I've got modified software installed.
Will this fix this isue and allow me to install the upgrades directly from Sony?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but a re-unlock will be needed
Sent from my Galaxy Note using xda premium

Thanks,
If I decide to do It, will you help me?
I will be sure to buy you some Dr. Pepper

Can't update
I can't update my Neo V MT11i......it says "Your phone contains modified software" while i update through Update Service .....what to do any suggetion?

hi guys is there a way to find out what the original network lock for the phone is...for example if it is originally on o2 before it was unlock. and how can i tell if it was unlocked via setool? when i bought the phone it was already unlocked.

So practically now if I flash for example .42 firmware with my bootloader unlocked and search for updates and get notified about .62 firmware, OTA Update it, when the new firmware is installed, my phone won't brick anymore? Or I have to patch it or fix it with this tool? I mean did Sony fixed their firmwares to work on unlocked bootloaders too?

great promises and dead links.
I hope the guy made trillons in donations.
would have been useful to tell others a lil bit how this worked and whether other models can do similar things.
but no, the secret went down togther with the op's website
Alejandrissimo said:
Update!
Users with phones unlocked by omnius/others-tools can NOT use this fix without re-unlock the phone.
I think is caused by different signature certs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Sprint S7 unlocked: Is there a way to update it safely?

Long time reader...first time poster
I bought an unlocked sprint s7 from ebay and it works like a dream and i was wondering if there was a safe method to update the phone WITHOUT ruining the unlock that the seller put on the phone.
Current software is update PC5 and i would love to benefit from security and bug fixes in new releases.
Thanks in advance!

nmarz3 said:
Long time reader...first time poster
I bought an unlocked sprint s7 from ebay and it works like a dream and i was wondering if there was a safe method to update the phone WITHOUT ruining the unlock that the seller put on the phone.
Current software is update PC5 and i would love to benefit from security and bug fixes in new releases.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always thought if a phone gets carrier unlocked it didnt matter what u did to it, it would stay unlocked. Unless the way he got it unlocked was thru a mod maybe that can b ruined. Im not sure

shooterlgk said:
I always thought if a phone gets carrier unlocked it didnt matter what u did to it, it would stay unlocked. Unless the way he got it unlocked was thru a mod maybe that can b ruined. Im not sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely not a carrier unlock do to a unlocked padlock during boot animation as well as samsung pay not working due to software mods that im guessing made it unlocked in the first place. Thanks for the reply!

nmarz3 said:
Most likely not a carrier unlock do to a unlocked padlock during boot animation as well as samsung pay not working due to software mods that im guessing made it unlocked in the first place. Thanks for the reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea ur safest bet is to keep it as it is so u wont lose that. No problem

nmarz3 said:
Most likely not a carrier unlock do to a unlocked padlock during boot animation as well as samsung pay not working due to software mods that im guessing made it unlocked in the first place. Thanks for the reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader unlock and sim unlock are two different things. You said it has an unlock pad on boot up screen. That means it's bootloader is unlocked. Which means if I am correct if it has a custom recovery you are unable to do future ota updates. Can and possibly brick your phone. You can flash a ton that has the new update no issues developers are usually fairly quick to update there rom on the latest ota.

marcviado said:
Bootloader unlock and sim unlock are two different things. You said it has an unlock pad on boot up screen. That means it's bootloader is unlocked. Which means if I am correct if it has a custom recovery you are unable to do future ota updates. Can and possibly brick your phone. You can flash a ton that has the new update no issues developers are usually fairly quick to update there rom on the latest ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now my question is that since my phones bootloader is unlocked via custom software, would it be safe to root it and install custom roms that have the current updates? thanks

nmarz3 said:
Now my question is that since my phones bootloader is unlocked via custom software, would it be safe to root it and install custom roms that have the current updates? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! You are in the wrong forum though. You are on sprint but need to be with the enxyos forum ND running their tarp and roms

Have the same dilemma as OP.
unlocked on PC5 firmware with GCPro. No root was used
Should i update OTA or leave it be.

xronikus said:
Have the same dilemma as OP.
unlocked on PC5 firmware with GCPro. No root was used
Should i update OTA or leave it be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that updating over OTA will NOT screw with the unlock of the device. If your samsung pay does not work i would disable knox with a package disabler app to receive samsung pay in you new updated state.

OTA update from PC5 to PH7 on unlocked phone went smoothly.
Thanks

I have a unlocked Sprint S7 but im outside of America, is there any way i can update without losing the unlock? i don't want to end with an expensive brick.
Im stuck in G930PVPU2APC5 and i can't receive OTA updates

I bought unlocked sprint s7 that I'm using with metro PCS, but it's not letting me update the profile and because of that I'm not getting the wifi hotspot option. How do I get it to work?

@ThaDunder : You must initially do it manually over samsung smart switch then OTA will work @zirnitra : Sadly wifi tethering is not working for me either...no idea how to fix it =/ must be a symptom of the unlocking like wifi calling

nmarz3 said:
@ThaDunder : You must initially do it manually over samsung smart switch then OTA will work @zirnitra : Sadly wifi tethering is not working for me either...no idea how to fix it =/ must be a symptom of the unlocking like wifi calling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already tried that, smart switch says there is no update available.