Database Users

XDA Mini S Screen problem - Photo's now available

I've got a problem with my XDA Mini S. It's been sitting in a box in my shed for about a year, before I got it out yesterday to have a play around with it, and possibly try some software I found on it.
I put my sim card in, plugged it in to charge, and turned it on. It worked absolutely fine.
I haven't done anything with it yet, but I've turned it on now, and the colours are messed up on the screen. For example there is a red hue over the today screen, and on certain screens (like in bootloader mode) the colours appear to be inverted (I will post pictures later if needed).
I've tried reformatting the device, but this has not fixed the problem. I thought I would try reflashing the rom on it. I used to have the original o2 rom on my old laptop, but lost that when I had to reload windows.
I downloaded the original rom from here, along with the Rom Update Utility, and attempted to reflash it. It gets as far as 'verifying the information on your PDA phone', then crashes with the error: Rom update utility MFC application has stopped working.
I'm running windows vista on my laptop, and read that the RUU won't work until the drivers are updated. Following the instructions on mrvanx.org, I have downloaded the driver for vista and installed it, but i'm still getting the problem when I try and reflash the device.
I've also tried running the RUU in compatibility mode for XP as it worked fine on my old laptop which was running xp, but it still crashes, every time.
I'm beginning to wonder if reflashing it will even work though, since the colours are messed up in bootloader mode as well, which leads me to think it may be a hardware problem.
I know next to nothing about repairing these though, and probably wouldn't bother if it's a hardware problem, but until I can reflash the firmware, I won't know whether this is a case.
I'll get the photo's of what the screen is like uploaded to my server later on, and post the links here, so you can see what the problem is.

Photo's now available
I've uploaded a couple of photo's to show what the screen is like:
http://csc2ya.co.uk/images/bootloader.jpg
http://csc2ya.co.uk/images/startup.jpg

Update
i've got my old laptop out, reloaded xp on that, and attempted the flash using that. However, I get the message 'rom update utility MFC has encountered an error and needs to close'
I just want to get it to reflash to see if it fixes the screen, but so far i'm having no luck at it.
I've sucessfully reflashed it in the past with the o2 rom using my old laptop, so I can't figure out why it isn't working now.
Update: I didn't have activesync installed on my laptop which was why the updater was crashing. I've installed activesync, but now i've got another problem that is preventing me from reflashing it. I start the updater, and click through the prompts. It gets to 'verifying the information on your pda phone', stays like that for about 30 seconds, then activesync disconnects, and I get the error: microsoft activesync cannot recognize this device for one of two reasons: then the other information that the dialog gives. I'm not going to bother typing it all out, as i'm sure nearly everyone has seen it at least once before.
Additional info: No idea if this is relevant or not, but the extended rom has been formatted using the service tool.
Another update: I have now managed to get the device to reflash, but it boots up afterwards as if I had just turned it off and back on again. I have tried a hard reset afterwards, but cannot seem to get any of the o2 stuff back. It appears that the screen problem is hardware related though, as it is still present even after reflashing.
I can also no longer get it to go into bootloader mode, but the phone will still boot normally.

csc2ya said:
It's been sitting in a box in my shed for about a year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be flippant, but there's your problem right there. Two things: extreme temperature, and moisture. Both are the enemy of electronics. Chances are very good that you're screwed.
The first thing I'd do is buy (or even better, borrow) a new battery. Yours is probably done for.
If that doesn't fix the problem, I recommend disassembly and thorough cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, followed by at least 24 hours of strong, dry airflow between 50-80 Fahrenheit. Any floor or desk fan would do. Reassemble and pray. If that doesn't do it, you're going to have to find your fun elsewhere, I'm guessing.

Myrddin Wyllt said:
Not to be flippant, but there's your problem right there. Two things: extreme temperature, and moisture. Both are the enemy of electronics. Chances are very good that you're screwed.
The first thing I'd do is buy (or even better, borrow) a new battery. Yours is probably done for.
If that doesn't fix the problem, I recommend disassembly and thorough cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, followed by at least 24 hours of strong, dry airflow between 50-80 Fahrenheit. Any floor or desk fan would do. Reassemble and pray. If that doesn't do it, you're going to have to find your fun elsewhere, I'm guessing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery appears to be fine. I charged it overnight, and it still seems to hold a decent charge.
I haven't really got the tools to dissasemble it fully, but I will give it a go sometime in the next few weeks (i've got a copy of the service manual on my computer, so that shouldn't be a problem).
I only really got it out to play around with it again, and possibly try some apps on. It still appears to work fine apart from the screen (and the o2 applications now missing due the extended rom format, but i'm not bothered about those). I've installed the my mobiler screen program on my laptop so I can at least view the screen properly using that.
Thanks for the suggestions anyway.

csc2ya said:
I've installed the my mobiler screen program on my laptop so I can at least view the screen properly using that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this certainly changes things. You have a bad screen, or a bad connection to the screen. You can get replacement for around $100USD, or you can try to get a broken unit with a good screen for less (maybe). I'd still disassemble it first, though, in case it's just a weak connection.

NoGSM after phone drop

I recently dropped my 8525 hard enough to throw battery out of phone. I reinserted battery and started phone. Though I lucked out as everything seemed to work until I couldn't make a call. During boot I get "no GSM" instead of a battery version. I have done a hard reset, but it didn't help. I going to try to install a new ROM and if needed try to flash a new radio.
Anybody else have this problem? I am afraid it is a hardware malfunction in the radio.
If I cannot get this to work (I have already bought a new phone) I will be more then willing to donate (just pay for shipping) the phone to anyone who would like to work on it or test things on it. I have one half good battery and one good battery as well. Like I said everything seems to work but the actual phone. Let me know if you want it.

meh, that is not good news my friend, hope you get it fixed!
if it is a no go however, i wouldn't mind taking it off your hands
best of luck,
tbae2

Try to reflash original or stock rom. Go with the carrier rom you are supposed to have. It might work as there have been reports to indicate this.
Hope it works for you.
Cheers...

I have recently gone through similar problems, there are numerous things that can cause the NO GSM error on post. So here is the complete solution:
1. Some hard drops can jostle the antenna connection on the board, (a dodgy way of testing if this is the issue is to give the phone a shake and a few soft resets, the NO GSM error will sometimes disappear and state your radio version). There are numerous service manuals that describe how to disassemble and reassemble your handset (read the forums). It sounds scary at first, but so does not having a working phone (be sure you are out of warranty first). You will want to get some electronic circuit board cleaner and give the area around the golden clip on the top left (back facing up) a good spray (while you are at it, why not clean out some dust scroll button detritus). Then dry and reassemble, taking care to force the antenna all the way into the clip.
2. If step one really scares you or you are still in warranty, skip straight to here. A program called mtty (i use vers 1.42 , check the forums) can be used to interrogate the board logic from the bootloader, there are numerous tasks that can be used to clear registers and check gates for errors (for lack of a better word), the wiki has a great entry on all these.
3. A reflash of the radio and maybe even the os isn't a bad idea either... although remember that the latest radio may not be the best for your area/network (READ THE FORUM on this too)
Let us know how you go with it all, and good luck
if you need any further assistance PM me.

ultramag69 said:
Try to reflash original or stock rom. Go with the carrier rom you are supposed to have. It might work as there have been reports to indicate this.
Hope it works for you.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was my idea last night as well. Froze on bootloader. I tried to also Install new radio but also a no-go. I am now downloading a new ROM without radio to see if I can get something other then bootloader. I will keep posted.
I can take the phone apart if I need to, I will make it a last resort. I am not afraid to though as I already have a new phone.
Seeing as I still cannot figure out how to make a ROM to contribute (vista and lack of programing skills) This would be a way I can assist If it would be more useful to someone here not dismantled I would like to look into it.
Update:
The radio hardware must be bad. I cannot flash a new radio or any rom with a radio. Schap's EM6 is working fine. I am going to look into discodergenson 's suggestion of taking the phone apart.

Schematic Diagram
Hi, I have a HTC 8525, with the same problem, doesnt start phone module.. anyway, in my phone, the sim card is not detected. Anybody have schematic diagram for this model? Or any other htc model, for reference.
I think this problem can be caused by dry solder in the driver of sim card, must identify it.
Thanks in advanced
(Sorry for my bad english)

datachaos said:
Hi, I have a HTC 8525, with the same problem, doesnt start phone module.. anyway, in my phone, the sim card is not detected. Anybody have schematic diagram for this model? Or any other htc model, for reference.
I think this problem can be caused by dry solder in the driver of sim card, must identify it.
Thanks in advanced
(Sorry for my bad english)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think a bad SIM card connection is a problem. Without a SIM card the phone still needs a radio connection to make 911 calls.
also obviously I only have a t8 and higher, not a t6 which is needed to take phone apart. I will update when I get phone apart.

Issues like crazy

Ok first off im a total noob when nit comes to Windows mobile. Ive been using a Palm treo for 2 years and was given an att 8525 for free i just have to see if i can fix it. i have searched for my issues in other threads and found some but not all of the issues, so here goes
~Screen fades to white and if squeezed on the left side will come back but then fades out again and it seems to be worse when slid open. (i believe this is the flex cable issue that ive read about)
~Radio drops out one min i have full bars and the next nothing. i havent found any patterns to it.
~When send sms it will send a few but then i will get a few that come back saying phone not ready.
~Power button has a almost exact 23 second delay from the time you push it to the screen comming on ( i noticed that after i did a fresh install of wm6 it went away for a little while and then came right back)
~Wifi wont connect to secure network (i enter the PW and it will connect then as soon as i igo to a website it says cannot connect and then asks me for the PW again)
~SD card inserted and phone doesnt show any signs of recognizing it including when you go to setting/system/memory it says card not installed, doesnt even light up when you insert the card
Thank you in advance for any help even iif its direction to a forum that has answers that might help.

Damn, your 8525 has alot of problems, iam guessing it was dropped??. There may be a chance that all these repairs will cost you the price of a working used hermes. Anyways, I had the same radio problem as you, and it was the most longest, and stressfull thing ever to get it to actually work. I was opening up hardware, flashing radio/roms, using mtty, numerous of times. Trust me, its not worth it. And if your flex cable is damaged its gonna cost $30 or more to fix. And if wifi or SD card slot is broken too, the device is practically an PDA of the past. You could try to fix it(With the possiblitiy of killing yourself from all that stress), or sell it on ebay for parts(sells for a decent price actually).

Thank you for your response. was kind of afraid that was the response i was gonna get. damn that sux. the $30 for the flex cable i could swing, but from what your saying it sounds like majority of my issues are hard ware and not software (like i was hoping) and ive priced most of that out and might as well buy a new one i agree. thanks though ill keep playing with it. but now i know not to get my hopes up.

For sd card problem, you might be able to get it to recognize the sd card if you insert then do a soft reset, others have had this issue. I'd also check to see if the sd card is registering on the pc with a card reader because if its not, you may need to get a new sd card.
Wifi, Might be a rom problem... Read up on the thread if others have this problem, might have a fix or might need to find another rom...

Here are Some of the Fixes that i have found and some of the issues i am still having~~
~Screen fades ---fixed Kinda, i have disassembled the phone checking all the connections and putting tape tightly over all connections, i still get the white screen on occasion but its %90 better and i can always press on the bottom ov the screen and bring it right back
~Radio drops out one min i have full bars and the next nothing. i havent found any patterns to it. (still an issue but am trying to update radio ROM to one that i read in the forums that is supposed to be better for my carrier. If i can get the RUU issue corrected)
~When send sms it will send a few but then i will get a few that come back saying phone not ready. (i have found it is realted to the radio issue above)
~Power button has a almost exact 23 second delay-- i have found it seems to be correctable if i make sure there are not alot of stuff running. (found a program that actually closes the apps with the x button instead of just minimizing them)
~Wifi wont connect to secure network--didnt really do anything but seems to be working again (who knows)
~SD card inserted and phone doesnt show any signs of recognizing it including when you go to setting/system/memory it says card not installed, doesnt even light up when you insert the card... still an issue but now it will on occasion recognize the SD Card.
Thank you in advance for any help even iif its direction to a forum that has answers that might help.

Screen Issues

Having some random and annoying screen fluctuations. Its like the screen depolarizes and the images become distorted and somewhat inverted. Happens off and on and reboots do not help. Im gonna go back to stock just incase it needs to be sent in and to see if the ROM I am using is completely to blame, I have tried reflashing too.
Just thought I put this out there to see if anyone else is having similar issues.

I may have had something similar the other day - basically the color blue would go away, and the remaining R&G pixels would smear. Best way to describe it would be to pretend that there is a specific frame buffer for blue, and it has a pointer, and that pointer was getting whacked. Meanwhile the pointers for the red and green buffers were having less-significant bits screwed with. Yeah, like I said, "pretend". My initial gut said it was a simple case of some bad silicon on a line driver. Done.
While getting ready to exchange the Tab (aka removing stuff), I discovered the behavior was strongly impacted by memory pressure. If you've played with ESXi, you know what I'm referring to. If not, go read about Ballooning.
With lots of crap floating around, screen gets more wonky more often to the point of being unusable. Including during the boot splash screen. Remove the junk (not programs - just... stuff, music, browser cache, whatever)... less wonky, less often. Still wonky, mind you, but less wonky, and less often.
Decided the culprit was likely Task Manager by Rhythm Software. Removed exactly it, cold started, and never had an issue since. Note that I'm not really keen on saying Rhythm's work was at fault, especially since saying "it's fixed!" is trying to prove a negative and this is not a reported problem. OTOH, the behavior did start within a few days of installing it, and the behavior's ending exactly coincides with RTM's removal.
In that sense, take a close look at what you're installing - something otherwise fine might be suffering an... unexpected feature.
HTH,
- sbb

Thanks for the tip, mines still looking like hardware failure. Sometimes when i put it into the samsung keyboard dock it randomly clears up, as if the jiggle in the pin connector port affects it but it will reappear eventually.
Been trying to use the return to stock stuff from the main sticky in the development section but it keeps erroring and failing in CWM when I attempt to flash. Oh well.
Thanks for the reply yo!
I think its because the stock rom they have is p700 and I am p7510 or whatever. Am I in the wrong place? lol Time to scavenge the forums.

Unroot for Return
So, I made my backup copy of my ROM after it was rooted. How do I get this thing rooted again so I can take her in? I tried using the info on the stickie in the Dev section but I get an error when flashing the supplied stock ROM, repeated, no mistakes I am pretty sure.
Any tips?
also, hasnt been 30days, should I just go back to best buy or call samsung?

I have the exact same issue with my tablet and going to return it for warranty. I had to unroot and get it back to default blind, since the screen is almost never readable here (too much distortions).
I got it back to factory default (unrooted) through ODIN + Download Mode. Use the files and step-by-step guide on this webpage: http://droidangel.blogspot.com/2011/06/samsung-galaxy-tab-101v-p7100-stock-rom.html

I got the same problem. the screen just distorted, which happens on several custom ROM. It happens after heavy use. I have to put it aside for a couple of hours to get it back to normal.
Is that hardware issue? If it is, how could you convince the shop to get it replaced?
you may not be able to reproduce it at the shop.

I lost my interest to samsung product. It took quite some time to create an account and file a case. Now the webpage just keeps telling that it is processing the data.
I remember that I have never succeed to create an account through the TAB.
very bad service.

Well, mine's finally going in for repair.
As mentioned in the post above... after removing a few apps and most of the data from the tab... not a single issue with the screen, since.
Then... the behavior came back last week, gradually becoming worse until the colors are just plain hosed. Blew out the browser caches, wiped any remaining data... pulse, etc... and it cleared back up again... for about an hour, but rapidly reverted back to horrid. Did a hard reset... no avail.
It is quite the interesting behavior, to say the very least.
It's not mechanical. It's not thermal.

Is samsung service center the only solution for this?

Does yours look like this?
www youtube com/watch?v=WauTDdzxGq0
(Sorry, you;ll need to fill in the obvious missing doys. It was either that or posting 8 random posts)

My Tab also has similar issue and it still appears after hard reset, trying to convince the shop to exchange or help me to send back to Samsung.
Did Samsung cost you any charge for repairing? The shop say it need charges and they don't want give any help.

not really. Mine has distorted display but more likes adding white noise.
Seems that sumsung really sucks. products have so many different issues.
pholklore said:
Does yours look like this?
www youtube com/watch?v=WauTDdzxGq0
(Sorry, you;ll need to fill in the obvious missing doys. It was either that or posting 8 random posts)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

simgamer50 said:
My Tab also has similar issue and it still appears after hard reset, trying to convince the shop to exchange or help me to send back to Samsung.
Did Samsung cost you any charge for repairing? The shop say it need charges and they don't want give any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was covered by seller warranty. I sent it back, and the seller sent me a new device. I don't know where you're at, but usually sellers are required to handle this for you, if under warranty, _by law_. This is obviously a manufacturing fault, not bad usage.

Disassembled HD2 w/o lcd/DIGITIZER. working correctly?

Hello HD2 users. i need some help from your possible experience (this might be a bit long to read, sorry)
I got a disassembled HD2 from a friend, which didn't have lcd/digitizer. I took it to a shop in my country which is an expert with htc phones (called htc solutions ). they said they will test the mainboard. if it works, they would put a digitizer and an lcd.
after a week i called back and they said the mainboard wasn't working so i took it back (still disassembled, no lcd/digitizer).
i got bored while studying for exams, so i tried assembling some stuff and testing it. apparently i connected the bottom buttons, the volume buttons, in-call mic and vibrator. i can tell that because i put a battery on the pins, plugged a usb in and it vibrated!
so i tried again... worked again.
then i hold down volume buttons, connected to usb and it was recognized. i even flashed ruu while holding battery with my hands.
then it rebooted, after some time while still connected to usb, orange led went on. after some time too, green one did (it's my other hd2 battery which was charged completely). device was recognized by pc again. i ran windows mobile device center, it showed hd2, asked to register etc...
i decided to try a custom rom, and flash worked and same thing happened.
now, in order to get activesync/wmdc to connect, the phone must completely boot right?
i asked them on their fb page, they said that it didn't work with them, and the expert said it stucked on htc screen.
and since it booted with me and connected to wmdc, then it booted right?
i couldn't test sound because i must put the back cover right? and i'm not expert, even connected the stuff inside the phone without watching tutorials/asking.
they said they can add the digitizer and lcd on my responsibility, (90$) so should i go for it?
also, does android boot if not all hardware is present? i tried to execute clrcad and haret in both roms (ruu and crossbowHD2 wm6.1), but never got adb to connect. i wanted to test clk and fastboot for android, but didn't have time

Yes Windows would need be booted but perhaps the stuck HTC screen was far enough for WMDC to recognise the device.
If it did indeed reflashed fully things sound promising.
Have you tried installing MyMobiler on your PC as allows you to view HD2 screen image on notebook, needs push file to device but can't remember if any interaction is needed on HD2 but worth a try.
Can you see your device in Windows explorer & view content of phone storage ?
Personally I would be inclined to buy a pre assembled lcd/digi combo (around 30USD)or lcd & digi separately if want save a little more & test it myself & rebuild it after reading some tutorials as will save yourself some dosh ($) if things are not 100% & should be able to resell parts to recoup outlay.

Thanks for your reply.
today before going to exams i downloaded and installed my mobiler and booted it. after connecting usb, (still on wm6,1 due to that ruu has install restriction policies for security, and wants me to confirm installation and launch of exe's afaik) my mobiler started installing on the phone automatically. and it showed the screen!
i saw that there was no sim card (cuz there was not) and pressed cancel in winmo, i got to home screen. so it works right? there's no way that pc could control the hd2 and get to homescreen if the screen is stuck on htc logo.
edit: i forgot, yes, i could browse nand or sdcard if connected from windows explorer. it seems very normal
oh, and i'm not gonna try to flash HSPL it's already flashed cz custom rom worked, and not safe at all since i have to keep holding battery with my hands for it to stay on )

Sounds good so far. Due to fact your HTC specialists don't appear to be too special I would recommend commencing with repair yourself.
Rebuilding the device with a pre built lcd/digi assembly is very easy & almost foolproof if you use this forum & research tutorials & do the job right & with a lot of care.
You will save a serious amount of cash & have the knowledge & feeling of achievement of doing the repair work yourself.

well, i can't find any digitizer or lcd replacemet in my country and can't order them, the reason i went to htc specialists.
but i'm not that sure i will come to them. if android boots fine, i might use ubuntu or make something with it

link below ship to Lebanon if you could get around ordering or have someone do it on your behalf.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330834252960

Mister B said:
link below ship to Lebanon if you could get around ordering or have someone do it on your behalf.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330834252960
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, i may know someone who could order from ebay so i might do this after all. i think i'm missing the volume buttons, but the htc solutions store would give it to me at no cost. i love these guys but they're a complete rip-off.
i will see some tutorials on xda and the internet. if i find i'm capable of assembling it, i will do it
Thanks a lot for your help and your support, ( out of thanks ) :good::highfive:

make sure you order the right one, because there are 2 types of connection:
1st plug and play, 2nd with soldering. This is a piece of cake, I repaired mine recently with use of screwdriver and knife. Youtube has good tutorials "htc hd2 disassembly"

yaro666 said:
make sure you order the right one, because there are 2 types of connection:
1st plug and play, 2nd with soldering. This is a piece of cake, I repaired mine recently with use of screwdriver and knife. Youtube has good tutorials "htc hd2 disassembly"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not an issue when replace lcd/digi as a combo as they are already paired & it always best go for the plug/socket connector type. LCD to mainboard ribbon is same on them all.

not an issue actually because i got the button board's cable cut accidently (i feel so ashamed) and 90% i'm gonna leave it for spare parts for the working leo i have

Button board is only 3 to 4USD at the most & could probably be ordered same time as screen assembly. Only really worth doing if need 2 working handsets or want sell it or something otherwise keeping as spares is worthwhile but expect first thing you will need is a working digitizer lol