[Q] What now for my bricked Defy+? - Defy Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I was beginning to get a bit fed up with the constraints of my green lens Defy, so I thought I'd upgrade myself to a Defy+. I was lucky - so I thought - to get a nearly new one for a reasonable price on eBay, especially when it turned out to be in pristine condition when it arrived.
My first disappointment was to find that I couldn't root it - SuperOneClick was completely ineffective, and none of the other rooting tools suggested on XDA worked either. I noticed that the system build was a version I hadn't seen before: 4.5.1-134_DFP-188, and I decided to try flashing another 2.3.6 SBF which was reported to be rootable. Unfortunately this turned out to be a bad idea, since every 2.3.6 SBF I've tried has left the phone unresponsive. It goes though the "Updating SW" phase OK but all I ever get after RSD Lite reports PASS is a black screen.
I thought that if I sent the phone off to Motorola they'd at least be able to put a working build on it. I wouldn't even have minded paying a small fee for the repair. But no, second disappointment: they say that the IMEI doesn't appear in their "system" so they won't repair it. What's all that about? It's clearly a Motorola phone - it says "Motorola" on the front! - so what's the IMEI got to do with whether or not they can repair it? They sent it back still bricked, and I've not yet managed to get a sensible explanation from them as to why.
I was beginning to get a bit suspicious at this point: unknown IMEI, previously unknown system build - and now I find that the same seller seems to have a listing for a "nearly new" Defy+ on eBay almost continuously - but only ever one at a time. Is it just me, or does that look a bit fishy?
So anyway, here I am with an unusable Defy+ which Motorola apparently won't touch with a bargepole. I'm trying to work out what's my best course of action:
* I could raise a dispute with eBay - but then I've got no real proof that the seller is dodgy, and arguably the phone stopped working as a result of my own actions;
* I could sell the phone on eBay as "spares or repair", at a significant loss;
* A bit extreme this one: I could try a bit of surgery, and swap the red lens module from the Defy+ into my Defy, which should allow me to flash a proper GB SBF on to it. I'd be left with a dead Defy+ minus a camera module, and a green lens camera module, neither of which would likely fetch very much on eBay. There would also be a serious risk of killing my working Defy;
* I could just hang on to the Defy+ in the hope that an SBF will eventually turn up online that will bring my phone back to life. Right now, though, that feels a bit like hoping for a miracle...
Anyone got any other suggestions, or helpful advice?

look here to see if your phone has a fake iemi number
http://www.esoftnetonline.com/cellphones.htm

I have checked the IMEI number of the Defy+ here and here. Both web sites say that IMEI is valid, issued by BATB, and that it's a Motorola. The first site identifies the model as MB525+ whereas the second site identifies it as an ME525+ - but does then say that it's a Defy+. The phone (when it was working) said that it was an MB526, which AFAIK is the correct model number for the Defy+. The other slightly odd thing is that the bluetooth address on the IMEI sticker is missing. If I could power the phone up I could check its WiFi MAC address - I know that WiFi worked when the phone was working. Oh well, too late for that.
There's a photo of the front of the phone and the battery compartment here. Apart from the missing BT address it looks OK. I'm not sure what the wee sticker in the SIM slot is about.
So it looks like the IMEI might be genuine, but the model number is a bit odd. Maybe that's why Motorola won't touch it.
Could someone with a genuine MB526 Defy+ check their IMEI through those web sites and report back what they say?
UPDATE: So it looks like my phone might be either a Chinese (ME525+) or Hong Kong (MB525+) model. So maybe 4.5.1-134_DFP-188 is the latest Chinese firmware. I suppose I could go looking on mfunz but it's not easy to read that forum, even translated through Google.
I wonder what eBay would say about a non UK market phone being sold here, without any indication that it was a grey import? It would certainly explain why it was sold without any box or instruction manual. The way the seller seems to work makes me think that maybe they have relatives regularly going back and forth, bringing a phone with them each trip...

this is t-mobile firmware version

omyg said:
this is t-mobile firmware version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting! Do you have access to the SBF?

Related

Display anomaly: problem with color reproduction

Hi...
So i bought the new galaxy s...the best screen of mobile phones at the moment, super amoled....is everything to me except "super" right now.
The phone is merely a month old. I bought it from some guy that sells phones without the bill but with valid warranty (seal+signature) because in my country (Croatia) it wasn't officially available when I was buying it (it is now)...
Everything was fine for a week or so, when one morning I turned it on (left it for recharge during night) and noticed that something is wrong with the display. It had a certain "mist" layer (similar to when you boost brightness too much) in the home screen and menus were different too. I couldn't tell what exactly happened until I opened a few dark HD pictures.
I realized that the phone isn't displaying colors correctly, or their depth or something.
It displays them as if someone messed with color depth in driver settings and set it to 16 or even 8-bit (default is 24 or 32-bit as far as I know).
I tried fully resetting the phone (by typing in the code for factory wipe+reset) but with no luck.
Then I called the guy that sold it to me and he wasn't very polite, saying that it can't be possible and that I must have messed with phone or dropped it or something, which I haven't, I even have a special case for it to avoid scratches, etc. Nevertheless, he told me to send it to him and I did.
I also wrote him a short message explaining what the problem is, and even told him to compare the display with the other new galaxy s and to lookup some dark pictures, because the anomaly is best seen there.
The phone was for 2 weeks at him, and he kept saying that everything is alright with the display, that he compared it with other phone, etc. and that he'll keep running some tests just to make sure. I said alright, didn't want to mess with his job.
Today I received the phone. You're guessing - he didn't fix anything but I paid postal charges alright.
Since he doesn't seem to know or care about my problem I'm asking you for some favors. I need pictured proof of my anomaly, which I will then send to him again in hope he'll finally understand the problem and do something about it.
What I'm asking from you is to take screen shots of your Galaxy S with these two pictures on the screen (when they open click on them to get full size):
1. http://img824.imageshack.us/f/14213741.jpg/
2. http://img819.imageshack.us/f/35743610.jpg/
Please, just make sure that the pictures are clear to see. You might need to turn off your lights and take a night shot with macro to capture the screen properly.
After you do that, just post the screens here. I will need those pics to send him the evidence.
These are my screen shots, take a look at the pictures and you will see what I mean:
The home screen. Artifacts can be seen:
The menus screen:
The gallery screenshot, even here you can see the color anomaly:
The second pic. Please compare this to the second link I gave above:
And yes, everything is alright with my digital camera, the picture just looks that awful on the phone's screen
The second pic when screen dims after 30sec (notice how it adds purple layer):
The first pic. Please compare this to the first link I gave above:
The first pic when screen dims after 30sec:
So there it is...
If some of you wise people know how to fix this problem without sending it again to that guy or voiding the warranty, please do tell me. I assume it has something to do with color depth or something, maybe somehow that setting changed, don't know how or why, maybe some software I installed triggered it although none of it was illegal or malicious in any way...I think...
Thank you in advance for any help and I appreciate your efforts for helping!
Have you flashed any new firmwares lately?
No, I'm afraid to get the warranty void, nor do I know which firmware to flash, how to do it and how to un-do it. I also don't know if serial numbers will change or something :|
Sorry
Don't be sorry. I was just asking because there have been reports that some of the 2.2 froyo firmwares had some similar issues, but I think that was mostly when watching films.
So you didn't do anything "new" when this happened? Installed an app, messed with phone settings etc?
I received an advice to go to video player and while playing a video go to settings. There are some color controls but it didn't help.
One more thing I didn't mention before, the color anomaly is present even when phone boots up or shuts down, when those logos spin, etc. For example, when it boots, the big shiny "S" also has this anomaly instead of being smooth as it was originally...
Here, I even recorded a video of the bootup, maybe you can see what I mean although my digital camera isn't intended for capturing video so it may not be the best quality :/
At 0:14 where purple color is, it isn't smooth, instead it looks like thick lines of purple...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50G2uLFDo5I
Just take it to the closest Samsung Service Center for repair/replacement. Forget the dealer. If you have proper warranty papers there shouldn't be a problem.
Same thing happened to mine, bought directly from Vip, about one hour after turning it on. Returned it to the Vip center and got a new unit 2 days later.
In any case, the address of the authorized service center is somewhere on the eastern outskirts of Zagreb.
It's got warranty papers of that guy's company. I don't think it would be accepted by official Samsung service center because it's not the original Samsung warranty paper that is legitimate in every Samsung center. This guy owns a small cellphone service company, sells cellphones bought outside of Croatia and gives his own warranty on them. Who knows how he gets them, I just know he had Galaxy S far sooner than it appeared here officially. Thanks for the advice anyway...
BronzedDroid said:
Have you flashed any new firmwares lately?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you recommend to flash a new firmware? I've read guides and I can do it, I just need an advice which firmware to flash? Will it void the warranty?
Sorry for posting one post after another, but this is important. I found someone else with the same problem: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1520586
I don't think I'm gonna try flashing the firmware, I'll wait until monday to contact the warranty guy and ask for repair of the device or the replacement. I will also send him a link to this post, so if you can take your screenshots, now would be a good moment :/
Thanx
I'd do the shots but I've got nothing to take them with. Sorry.
In any case, a replacement is necessary. It's definitely a hardware fault and it appears to affect early units. My replacement device has a later manufacture date and a newer firmware than the first, dead one.
AnnihilatorSC said:
It's definitely a hardware fault and it appears to affect early units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know this, is there a link about this? Is it a known fault for early units? How do I know if my unit is an "early unit" ?
Wierd. You should definitely give Samsung a call. Your phone should be still under the manufacturers warranty. Hopefully they will replace the screen without any hassle.
Neo-ST said:
How do you know this, is there a link about this? Is it a known fault for early units?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't, sorry. I'm just guessing based on my experience and the fact that it happened to other people who bought the phones early on.
I just called the guy who gave me the "warranty" and they don't admit that there's a problem with the phone, instead I have to pay analysis at the official Samsung service center (approx. 10€) to get the official paper saying that something really is wrong with the screen. After that he'll give me a new phone and take this one.
I'm not 100% satisfied with this solution, but considering other options I had and a fact that I bought it on the black market, this one is fastest.
So...
My phone just returned from Samsung Service. Yes, the screen is faulty. I already knew that so it didn't surprise me, but behavior of the "warranty guy" did.
He attacked me verbally, saying that I'm a liar and that he doesn't believe me (although I did all this just because of him). He asked me worksheet number of my case at Samsung Service so that he can check if I'm telling the truth. To make to long story short, he refused to help even after he was convinced. One of his statements was "you bought the phone for half the price, what did you expect?! why didn't you buy the real one!".
After I ran out of nerves and being polite with him, I told him to fix the problem or face the consequences (inspectorate), after which he went mad again saying that I'm threatening him and that he can pay someone to find and kill me... I told him to do so freely. Then he yelled some more and finally hung up the phone. After 10 minutes I received a call from him saying to send him the phone on Monday.
So, suma summarum, I ended up being without the phone for more than a month and with 40€ of postal costs + Samsung Service's inspection.
I came across this thread, and it look interesting.
Best of luck claiming your warranty. There always problems when it comes to 'service' warranty, because the seller will need to repair/pay repair bill from Samsung/get you a new device from his own pocket.
I personally would never buy a electronic gizmo w/o manufacturer's warranty.
Neo-ST said:
So...
My phone just returned from Samsung Service. Yes, the screen is faulty. I already knew that so it didn't surprise me, but behavior of the "warranty guy" did.
He attacked me verbally, saying that I'm a liar and that he doesn't believe me (although I did all this just because of him). He asked me worksheet number of my case at Samsung Service so that he can check if I'm telling the truth. To make to long story short, he refused to help even after he was convinced. One of his statements was "you bought the phone for half the price, what did you expect?! why didn't you buy the real one!".
After I ran out of nerves and being polite with him, I told him to fix the problem or face the consequences (inspectorate), after which he went mad again saying that I'm threatening him and that he can pay someone to find and kill me... I told him to do so freely. Then he yelled some more and finally hung up the phone. After 10 minutes I received a call from him saying to send him the phone on Monday.
So, suma summarum, I ended up being without the phone for more than a month and with 40€ of postal costs + Samsung Service's inspection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow dude. Sorry you had to go through all that, that's just ridiculous. That guy clearly shouldn't be selling technology if he doesn't expect to get any returned because of issues. I hope you get it resolved okay and end up with a nice new phone.

screen / keyboard problem

I have had my HTC Wildfire for approximately 5 months and never had any problems with it until now.
The keyboard calibration has suddenly changed to the point where I cannot select the item on the screen I am trying to click. It seems to be about one centimeter adrift, but even moving past where I want to click it just will not select what I want eg. in k9 mail I cannot select the email I want only the one below it and when using market place to update an application I click "Update" yet the action it takes is "Uninstall" (directly beneath) It actually isn't possible to update any of my apps now as "Update" cannot be selected.
I've logged a ticket with HTC as it maybe a hardware fault. My phone is rooted and running a custom 2.2 ROM. If it turns out to be a hardware fault and I get the go ahead to take to an HTC repair shop am I going to be told I have no warranty as the device is rooted running a non official ROM ?
It does indeed look like a hardware issue (With your digitizer). Anyhow, just try reinstalling a ROM with a full wipe (Probably a stock ROM) to confirm it.
When giving in your phone, just install a RUU and then give it. They won't be able to make out if it was rooted or not, and, when giving it, specifically say to them to not touch the software else you will be get an official 2.2.1 updated phone.
Thanks for your response. Yes it definitely is a hardware problem, the un-clickable items can be clicked no problem in landscape mode. Basically the first inch down from top to bottom is dead. I already tried previous ROMS and they all exhibit the same behavior.
By RUU you mean return it to original stock ROM ? Presumably I'll have to unroot it also ?
What are HTC like to deal with when it comes to warranty ?? I got my device from T-Mobile free in the UK with 18 month contract tie in -- but currently reside in Thailand. Are HTC likely to ask me to send my device back to T mobile in the UK or just repair it at a local HTC repair centre here? If the former I'm going to be without the device for 3 weeks or so -- worse still they may send me brand new unit which is neutered and non-rootable (yet).
Flashing an RUU will automatically remove root. So, if you flash an Eclair RUU, you will get an Unrooted Phone with HBoot 0.80x but if you flash a Froyo RUU, you will get the unrootable HBoot 1.01x. RUUs can be found here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=windows%20mobile&model=Buzz
The conditions of the repair centres depends on place to place. Whereas in some places, they are pretty helpful and work as per your preferences, some places are extremely particular and over-organized. In your case, I *think* the local HTC Service centre will not repair your device under warranty, since it is from T-Mob. But, if you pay for it, they probably may. Again, what I said above is just my presumption. If you are lucky, they may repair your device for free under warranty.
Good Luck
droidafx said:
I have had my HTC Wildfire for approximately 5 months and never had any problems with it until now.
The keyboard calibration has suddenly changed to the point where I cannot select the item on the screen I am trying to click. It seems to be about one centimeter adrift, but even moving past where I want to click it just will not select what I want eg. in k9 mail I cannot select the email I want only the one below it and when using market place to update an application I click "Update" yet the action it takes is "Uninstall" (directly beneath) It actually isn't possible to update any of my apps now as "Update" cannot be selected.
I've logged a ticket with HTC as it maybe a hardware fault. My phone is rooted and running a custom 2.2 ROM. If it turns out to be a hardware fault and I get the go ahead to take to an HTC repair shop am I going to be told I have no warranty as the device is rooted running a non official ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first flash an eclair RUU of ur region. in 99% cases it will be successfully unrooted. even it shows errors, u can use the PC49IMG.ZIP process to unroot.
remember while unrooting with both the above processes, the HBOOT should not be downgraded.
if u make some version changing processes and try to downgrade HBOOT, then ur phone will have issues like touch screen problem, and etc. here the hboot may get downgraded with phone errors.
and if u dont make any version changing processes and try to downgrade the HBOOT, it just shows an error like it cannot be downgraded, without showing any phone issues.
so, do it correctly and u will finally get an unrooted device. now it will have warranty. if the problem persists, give it to a service center.
i expect the problem solves after unrooting.
Thank you for all the helpful responses. It is a hardware problem for sure, the phone is now useless, the keyboard has a mind of its own and the top inch of the screen is dead. I'm now back using my Nokia.
Just to give an update on the service provided by "HTC Global Warranty".... ermm... it appears not to exist.
The support guy on the web ticket did his damnedest to get rid of the call anyway he could or make it someone else's responsibility after I'd went through the various resetting methods he suggested. He acknowledged it sounds like a hardware problem. He then suggested I send back to the UK (I'm in Bangkok) where the fix times is 10 days -- so with shipping time I'd be looking at a one month minimum. Or try another support number to help fix it or send it back to T mobile to see what they can do.
I asked about using a local repair centre -- no you can't because you bought from T mobile. I told him 99% of phones sold in the UK are provided by networks and that T mobile didn't manufacturer the device and purporting to have a "Global Warranty Service" given what he was offering is disingenuous or possibly illegal under trades and descriptions act . I requested to make a formal complaint and speak to a supervisor. I heard back as below -- hopefully they can make good on below promise.
-------------------------------------------
I would first like to say how I am sorry for the service which you have received from HTC, and thank you for bringing this to our attention. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the service we provide and it is a disappointment to hear that in this instance we have failed you. I would like the opportunity to resolve your issue and hope that this does not deter your from using us in the future.
I understand that you are currently experiencing difficulties with global warranty process to repair your mobile device and you requested a call back from a manager.
I believe that the reason for this is because you have an exclusive product from T-mobile UK network and you live outside of Europe.
In order to rectify this I would like you to request the following:
Can I please ask for a telephone number and a time of which would be possible to call you during the day, that best suites you. Bare in mind of the time zone difference as we only work from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (London time).
I will then pass this information onto the Care Team Manager for them to contact you back.
I hope that this information meets with your requirements. I will wait for your next communication.
3xeno said:
Flashing an RUU will automatically remove root. So, if you flash an Eclair RUU, you will get an Unrooted Phone with HBoot 0.80x but if you flash a Froyo RUU, you will get the unrootable HBoot 1.01x. RUUs can be found here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=windows%20mobile&model=Buzz
The conditions of the repair centres depends on place to place. Whereas in some places, they are pretty helpful and work as per your preferences, some places are extremely particular and over-organized. In your case, I *think* the local HTC Service centre will not repair your device under warranty, since it is from T-Mob. But, if you pay for it, they probably may. Again, what I said above is just my presumption. If you are lucky, they may repair your device for free under warranty.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It never came with Froyo -- it had 2.1 initially. I don't suppose it will matter if I put 2.2 on it now as long as it is an official ROM (I could well have done an over the air update).
After I rooted the device initially I backed up the 2.1 ROM first -- reverting back to this had no effect on the problem so I don't suppose un-rooting it is going to achieve anything as either ROM in little over four months never exhibited this behavior until now. But obviously an official ROM is necessary prior to it going in for repair (whatever form that takes).
I cannot load a stock ROM -- I chose the TMO UK one from suggested link and get below errors:
Prior to error it says I have version:
2.34.75.1
and proposes to replace with below but fails.
1.14.110.1
-----------
Error [140]: BOOTLOADER VERSION ERROR
The ROM Update Utility cannot update your Android phone.
Please get the correct ROM Update Utility and try again.
Any ideas ?
Read about a bit, and, it seems downgrading is not allowed. (2.37 -> 1.14).
Try this procedure out:
http://lukasz.szmit.eu/2010/04/extracting-rom-files-from-htc-android.html
3xeno said:
Read about a bit, and, it seems downgrading is not allowed. (2.37 -> 1.14).
Try this procedure out:
http://lukasz.szmit.eu/2010/04/extracting-rom-files-from-htc-android.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks 3xeno -- I'll give it a go.
Also if I managed to downgrade back to stock -- will the phone be locked back to T mobile network ? I use a local SIM where I am. I don't suppose it would be too much trouble unlocking it again.
This is so much aggravation -- I'm tempted to just go in and pay an HTC repair store to repair / replace the busted component seeing as HTC global warranty appears to be non existent.
If the "care manager" calls me back and repeats the canned responses already provided by their support desk about my device being a "special T mobile product" and I must send to the UK for repair I intend to cause an enormous stink and warn others that HTC provide "ZERO GLOBAL WARRANTY" (and looking in Google I won't be the first). There is nothing special about the phone form T mobile (or any other network provided phone other than branding) I paid for the phone in full by way of commitment to a 2 year contract and T mobile paid HTC in full for the unit -- that has failed in a little over four months.
It shouldn't. Was the phone locked initially when you got it? If so, how did you get it unlocked?
Also, I tend to agree with you on getting it repaired locally. It seems to be too much of a hassle to get the phone halfway across the globe to replace one component.
It was locked yeah, but I paid for an unlock code online -- maybe it will still work if needed.
I followed your instructions thanks from previous URL, I've got rom.zip and copied to sd card and assumed I'd be able to install the normal way like other ROMS through clockwork but it doesn't work -- toggling unsigned doesn't help either.
Any ideas ?
More reading up. This is one topic which I dont have indepth knowledge about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=766927
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=575448
This should be applicable for the Wildfire as well. The only difference should be that the file should be renamed to pc49diag.zip instead of the code for the Hero as stated in that thread.
Be very careful in this process though. I would rather wait for advice from some senior member here confirm this before you attempt it.
Thanks again. I may as well go ahead and try; I've got nothing to lose -- it is unusable with the top part of the screen not working. If I don't get it back to stock I have no warranty. The choices are a brick or a brick ;-)
I'll probably wait until tomorrow -- there are some phone repair shops around here and I'm told the shop I need to go to carries spare HTC parts. The Thai's are pretty much hands on and if they can diagnose and have the parts they will fix -- that includes the HTC repair centre (as long as I'm paying).
Quite possible I'll be buying a new device tomorrow from HTC directly. But before I do so I'm going to call HTC head office in Taiwan and get it on the record what exactly a "Global Warranty" means in HTC speak. I want to hear it from somebody other than a script reading support monkey in the UK or some retail chap where I am who will speak very limited English. The garbage excuse about "special network phone" should hold no water then if it fails within the warranty period. But I want a name and phone number and confirmation email before I shell out 4 or 500 quid on another potential paper weight.
Over the years I've had global warranty claims no problem from HP & IBM (now Lenovo) the last time being when an SSD drive failed in a laptop bought through a reseller in the UK -- no problem they sent and engineer to my house in Phuket who fitted a new drive within 72 hours of logging the call. It's getting to the point where these devices are more than just phones. They are as capable (almost) as a laptop and in the same price bracket as low to mid range laptops; therefore they should IMO carry the same level of after sales customer support.
I'd be very interested to know of other peoples warranty experiences with HTC. Maybe I'm an imbecile for even considering buying another one. Very frustrating; its been working like a dream right up until a few days ago and has been the best smartphone I've owned by a long way -- but if after sales service has all kinds of conditions attached to it; then buying another one is out of the question.
They probably are not honouring your warranty because you got a subsidized phone from a network operator, which doesn't "really" belong to them. Maybe that is how they handle such cases. Not really sure about it because the concept of contracts by phone service providers is non existent here in India, but, I am pretty confident that if you had got a proper HTC Branded Wildfire, they would definitely have honoured your warranty.
The thing is though just about all phones in the UK are provided by the networks and the subsidy for the most part is essentially bogus. Eg. you couldn't go and get an Iphone 4 for free because you took out a 15 quid month contract -- that would be a subsidized phone. They are 2 years minimum contract and start at £40 per month to get one for free. You have more than paid for the phone -- hardware vendor is paid in full and no doubt the network make a margin on the handset too.
A one month old article: (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-iphone lists the single cheapest monthly contract to get an Iphone 4 from tesco is £25 for a 12 month contract........ as long as you stump up £342. So the math is £40 for two years and the phone is free (give or take a few quid) That is not a subsidy by any definition of the word. Also think of the economies of scale the networks use to leverage better pricing -- 02, Vodafone, T-mobile etc aren't paying no 600 quid a unit like joe shmo has to for an Iphone 4. Corporate buying might when talking 10's / 100's of thousands of units can demand and most of the time get 40 to 50% off the RRP price. Networks & hardware vendors are doing very well whilst spinning this bulls**t line about subsidized phones -- off the back of which enables the likes of HTC to provide no global warranty. If HP, Lenovo, Nokia and many others can use local repair resources so can HTC -- but you know good customer service costs money and if the small print allows them to get away with they're happy to do so.
I did the rename (PC49IMG.ZIP) and placed ROM on root of empty SD card. HBOOT saw it and attempted to instal but it failed with below:
Main Version is older!
Update Fail!
Press <POWER> to reboot.
3xeno said:
They probably are not honouring your warranty because you got a subsidized phone from a network operator, which doesn't "really" belong to them. Maybe that is how they handle such cases. Not really sure about it because the concept of contracts by phone service providers is non existent here in India, but, I am pretty confident that if you had got a proper HTC Branded Wildfire, they would definitely have honoured your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC "Global" Warranty:
DOES NOT EXIST !!!
I'll start a new thread about this also. I heard it from three authorised HTC resellers, and an official HTC store & HTC service centre in Bangkok MBK; all of which I visited today. The country you buy the phone in is the place which honors the warranty.
So in the UK they use the lie -- you bought from a network and not a stock handset direct from HTC; therefore it can only be repaired in the UK.
Then lie number two -- if you buy from us directly you get global warranty and can use local repair in the country you're in; absolute nonsense. If it was true I'd be playing with a brand new desire right now -- instead I have my 4 month old Wildfire to use as a beer mat whilst using my Nokia -- f***ing cheers HTC.
Still not able to get fresh stock T-mob ROM applied. So far I've tried:
1. Applying the stock T-mob ROM via cable and exe. program
2. Applying stock T-mob ROM renamed to PC49IMG.zip
3. Also tried applying an Asia stock HTC ROM via .exe program and cable (above method cannot be used -- this ROM extracts everything to numerous cabinet files and there is no ROM.zip)
All of the above result in errors relating to what's there being newer and failure to apply ROM.
I had a back up of the T-mob eclair ROM it came with which I took before applying custom Froyo ROM; so I reverted back to that and then tried the stock one again to make it vanilla and unrooted (in the hope it may correct faulty top part of screen) it but that didn't work and again complaines about what was there being newer.
It seems once you've gone forward there's no going back -- but that isn't consistent (I can recover using my back-ups back and forth between leaf Froyo ROM and Eclair ROM via nandroid restore.
I also put on a gingerbread Cyanogen mod to see if it would fix screen problem -- it didn't, so now back to T-Mob Eclair. I suppose I can go about unrooting now on the eclair ROM for the purposes of returning handset for warranty -- but I really wanted a flat vanilla stock ROM to see if cures screen problem, (I'm pretty sure it wont and it is a hardware problem).
Anybody got an idea of what else to try ?
thanks

[Q] URGENT !! Dell venue pro not switching on(dead) ..Error while flashing

URGENT..Please help !! :fingers-crossed:
The device was initially freezing a lot ..So I happened to change the sd card to a 16 gb microsdhc from a 8gb one..But it still was having the same problems..Then I got to know about the EM app in the phone and I by mistake updated the touch firmware in it.
That is when I decided to flash the phone.Now while flashing the phone the phone froze all of a sudden(as already mentioned this was my original(earlier) problem).And the command prompt through which I was flashing the phone showed an error,so I removed the USB cable.From then,I'm not able to even switch on the phone(Not even able to see the Dell logo).
And please give me a solution about the touch firmware that I updated by mistake(That rendered the phone unresponsive to touch)
And there is no light even in the keyboard.
Thank you .
SANTHOSHGODSPEED said:
URGENT..Please help !! :fingers-crossed:
The device was initially freezing a lot ..So I happened to change the sd card to a 16 gb microsdhc from a 8gb one..But it still was having the same problems..Then I got to know about the EM app in the phone and I by mistake updated the touch firmware in it.
That is when I decided to flash the phone.Now while flashing the phone the phone froze all of a sudden(as already mentioned this was my original(earlier) problem).And the command prompt through which I was flashing the phone showed an error,so I removed the USB cable.From then,I'm not able to even switch on the phone(Not even able to see the Dell logo).
And please give me a solution about the touch firmware that I updated by mistake(That rendered the phone unresponsive to touch)
And there is no light even in the keyboard.
Thank you .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, once you do the touch screen firmware update via EM, your phone can't be fixed via USB flashing anymore. From what I've read the unbricking process here on xda won't work at least. I'm not sure if a RIFF box would do it with what we have on the DVP so somene might want to chime in on this?
Does the computer recognize the phone even?
aleunge said:
AFAIK, once you do the touch screen firmware update via EM, your phone can't be fixed via USB flashing anymore. From what I've read the unbricking process here on xda won't work at least. I'm not sure if a RIFF box would do it with what we have on the DVP so somene might want to chime in on this?
Does the computer recognize the phone even?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is a RIFF box ? No the computer is no longer able to recognize the phone ..
SANTHOSHGODSPEED said:
What is a RIFF box ? No the computer is no longer able to recognize the phone ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a google at riff box/jtag man. I think someone here was doing something with one to try and revive his bricked DVP. Have a seach and contact him maybe?
And if all else fails, someone is selling a DVP system board off the bay for $40. I have no idea about the details of the listing so check it out yourself before jumping the gun. AFAIK, it even comes with a 16GB card And make sure it's worth the $40 for such an old phone... I regreted purchasing a glass for $50 to fix another cracked glass DVP when you can get one for not that much more if you wait for deals...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dell-Ve...209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5aebab3361
(the DVP is quite easy to tear down BTW, just search the forums for a service manual)
Thanks Aleunge.. you are the man!! +2 reps to your meter for this.. i went and bought my system board.. i get a free 16gig sd card and the system board is unlocked!! best part... :good:
new
aleunge said:
Have a google at riff box/jtag man. I think someone here was doing something with one to try and revive his bricked DVP. Have a seach and contact him maybe?
And if all else fails, someone is selling a DVP system board off the bay for $40. I have no idea about the details of the listing so check it out yourself before jumping the gun. AFAIK, it even comes with a 16GB card And make sure it's worth the $40 for such an old phone... I regreted purchasing a glass for $50 to fix another cracked glass DVP when you can get one for not that much more if you wait for deals...
(the DVP is quite easy to tear down BTW, just search the forums for a service manual)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know buying this mother board would certainly assure me that my dvp would get revived back.
And also would need the perfect tools to open up the phone ...right? Would you suggest me to open-up the dvp.(the warranty is already void).
Although I'm pursuing bachelors in technology,I've never opened-up a phone .. I don't want to regret it
new
mykalogist said:
Thanks Aleunge.. you are the man!! +2 reps to your meter for this.. i went and bought my system board.. i get a free 16gig sd card and the system board is unlocked!! best part... :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey..just saw your post..Have you bought the system board? Is the phone now working properly ?
What kind of tools did you use ?
How did you open up the phone ?
Thanks
Hi, i bought my system board yesterday, tracking number says it will arrive at my house by monday so i'll let you know how it goes.. swapping a mother board out always fixes system errors which bricking would categorize under.. it wouldnt fix things like phone not charging or screen problems but definitely will fix cpu issues..
SANTHOSHGODSPEED said:
I don't know buying this mother board would certainly assure me that my dvp would get revived back.
And also would need the perfect tools to open up the phone ...right? Would you suggest me to open-up the dvp.(the warranty is already void).
Although I'm pursuing bachelors in technology,I've never opened-up a phone .. I don't want to regret it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh hey mykalogist, just PM you. Didn't know you already bought the baby. Good luck with it! :victory:
And yes, SANTHOSHGODSPEED, I can't say for sure it'll fix whatever is up with your phone, but if it was mine, I would give it a try for that price. It seems very probable since so much is on that DVP board like MK said. And don't worry about taking open the phone. Just remember that it's already broken. Being physically broken further ain't so bad right?
I've taken open a few phones and the DVP is really one of the easiest. Just grab the service manual from here and peak through it before you attack it (or youtube it first). The hardest part I find is really just taking the back cover off (fingernails and guitar pick help). After that, it's easy breezy.
And I think all you need is a couple of Torx screw drivers. I think a T4 and T5 but I can't remember exactly. Tweezers or a small pair of pliers help for taking out the microSD card.
UPDATE!! :good:
Ok so i recieved my system board today from RAKI computers on ebay thanks to Aleounge's great find.. i installed the system board and my phone works flawlessly.. yay its alive again!!.. i only have two bad things to mention however.. before i do let me point out that you will be getting a totally new phone new IMEI, service tag and E sevice number so your old phone doesnt exist anymore... ok my bads, the service board i got is locked to a network i have no idea what it is i'm still pending a find i'll be checking out my EM here shortly to see what network it is.. i tried both T-Mobile and AT&T sim cards and none of them were accepted, its asking me for a PIN/Unlock code. And remember your phone is now a totally new phone so when you call dell for this unlock code they will ask for your phone info which will be listed under a different owner so they wont give it to you until you provided them your purchase invoice from RAKI Computer. Oh so thats my update, phone works and booted up again and i was able to install updates up to Tango but the phone will not accept my T-Mobile or AT&T sim ... Thanks again Aleounge and i hope this helps someone.. Remember to Rep me one
thanks
mykalogist said:
Ok so i recieved my system board today from RAKI computers on ebay thanks to Aleounge's great find.. i installed the system board and my phone works flawlessly.. yay its alive again!!.. i only have two bad things to mention however.. before i do let me point out that you will be getting a totally new phone new IMEI, service tag and E sevice number so your old phone doesnt exist anymore... ok my bads, the service board i got is locked to a network i have no idea what it is i'm still pending a find i'll be checking out my EM here shortly to see what network it is.. i tried both T-Mobile and AT&T sim cards and none of them were accepted, its asking me for a PIN/Unlock code. And remember your phone is now a totally new phone so when you call dell for this unlock code they will ask for your phone info which will be listed under a different owner so they wont give it to you until you provided them your purchase invoice from RAKI Computer. Oh so thats my update, phone works and booted up again and i was able to install updates up to Tango but the phone will not accept my T-Mobile or AT&T sim ... Thanks again Aleounge and i hope this helps someone.. Remember to Rep me one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey ..thanks for the update ..
So according to you the phone is working fine and its booted-up and that you are able to update it to tango ..
But you are not able to use the phone with any mobile carrier...ie you are not able to make or receive calls..is that right ?
So you would not advice me to go with that option ?? or do you?
How's the tango update ? Is there much of a difference to the start screen ? Are you able to resize the live tiles ?
And if you do like me to go forward with that ..Can you please tell me how you disassembled and assembled it ?
Looking forward to you reply
SANTHOSHGODSPEED said:
Hey ..thanks for the update ..
So according to you the phone is working fine and its booted-up and that you are able to update it to tango ..
But you are not able to use the phone with any mobile carrier...ie you are not able to make or receive calls..is that right ?
So you would not advice me to go with that option ?? or do you?
How's the tango update ? Is there much of a difference to the start screen ? Are you able to resize the live tiles ?
And if you do like me to go forward with that ..Can you please tell me how you disassembled and assembled it ?
Looking forward to you reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes exactly right.. I found out via my EM that the system board i bought is currently locked to Cincinnati Bell Wireless(CBW).. Because of this it will not accept my T-Mobile Sim or At&T.. The good thing about this is that you will get a new Service Tag, IMEI and E Service number Sticker with the system board.. This information will be blank as if you purchased a new phone. So all you have to do is call Dell Mobility Support.. They are gonna ask you for this info then ask for a copy of your Purchase invoice as proof.. When you send them this information they will register then new system board which is an entirely new phone to your name and give you the Unlock/Pin code to Bypass your sim error.. I havent messed around with tango much so i dont know the new features yet.. Hope this helps..
Can you check what the rom version is?
I havnt heard of a Cbell locked VP before (it's possible I merely overlooked this though)
It's EM -> Phone Information -> SW version.
I assume it'll be something like
Code:
2250.1800.7720.219
GLEOS2A421934_?
CBW-US
Problem
mykalogist said:
Yes exactly right.. I found out via my EM that the system board i bought is currently locked to Cincinnati Bell Wireless(CBW).. Because of this it will not accept my T-Mobile Sim or At&T.. The good thing about this is that you will get a new Service Tag, IMEI and E Service number Sticker with the system board.. This information will be blank as if you purchased a new phone. So all you have to do is call Dell Mobility Support.. They are gonna ask you for this info then ask for a copy of your Purchase invoice as proof.. When you send them this information they will register then new system board which is an entirely new phone to your name and give you the Unlock/Pin code to Bypass your sim error.. I havent messed around with tango much so i dont know the new features yet.. Hope this helps..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You see that's the problem for me ..I'm from India and Dell representatives don't know a thing about this phone(they don't even know if this phone was ever launched in the market)..And at the same time I can't call the US helpline(as they would advice me to call the indian helpline;which is of no use..)..So even if I get this phone assembled I won't be able to make calls with it..(Unless I know someone in the US)
Yes it was CBW-US.. and it was locked to that network.. i called Dell and you are right they dont know anything about anything.. i waited on the phone for hours and didnt get any good news from they just loop holes.. But i found this guy that knew everything about the Dell Venue pro, sent him my imei and the network it was locked to and got the phone unlocked, i only paid 16$ on ebay and he's located in china where the phone was manufactured so i gave him my trust and it came through.. He unlocked the phone in literally 10mins.. i've been using it Flawless ever since..
Hey
mykalogist said:
Yes it was CBW-US.. and it was locked to that network.. i called Dell and you are right they dont know anything about anything.. i waited on the phone for hours and didnt get any good news from they just loop holes.. But i found this guy that knew everything about the Dell Venue pro, sent him my imei and the network it was locked to and got the phone unlocked, i only paid 16$ on ebay and he's located in china where the phone was manufactured so i gave him my trust and it came through.. He unlocked the phone in literally 10mins.. i've been using it Flawless ever since..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey
Can you give me the link to that chinese guy's site ?
I also found out some cheaper and free options ...
And please can you tell me how you disassembled and assembled it? ..
SANTHOSHGODSPEED said:
Hey
Can you give me the link to that chinese guy's site ?
I also found out some cheaper and free options ...
And please can you tell me how you disassembled and assembled it? ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey you guys, make sure to give "[email protected]" a try first with the unlocking (search the forum for more details). I've unlocked at least 4 DVPs and for the last two (very recent), I don't recall even mentioning it was locked to TMO. I think now that the DVP has hit EOL, Dell doesn't care too much about finding out who the original owner is (they asked for the first couple I tried unlocking, but I never actually mentioned it as I got them used and I don't even know the owners) or the other specifics. Just give them a try first since well... it's free! If it's a no go, go with what MK suggested?
A tip I think might help is to mention you're using it for business and will be leaving the country shortly. I also brought up how much I liked the phone
Hey
aleunge said:
Hey you guys, make sure to give "[email protected]" a try first with the unlocking (search the forum for more details). I've unlocked at least 4 DVPs and for the last two (very recent), I don't recall even mentioning it was locked to TMO. I think now that the DVP has hit EOL, Dell doesn't care too much about finding out who the original owner is (they asked for the first couple I tried unlocking, but I never actually mentioned it as I got them used and I don't even know the owners) or the other specifics. Just give them a try first since well... it's free! If it's a no go, go with what MK suggested?
A tip I think might help is to mention you're using it for business and will be leaving the country shortly. I also brought up how much I liked the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to see whether this email id works, I just sent them the IMEI code of the phone that is already unlocked(currently bricked) ..this is what I got in reply
Dear Customer,
The below device is a retail piece. Please contact carrier with proof of payment in order to procure the code also do let the carriers know that the below device is a retail piece.
Please visit the link to get the contact details of the Carrier:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?docid=269106
Tmobile : Contact
http://www.t-mobile.com/Contact.aspx
http://locator.t-mobile.com/
Thanks and regards,
Suri
Mobility Unlock code Team
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aleunge said:
Hey you guys, make sure to give "[email protected]" a try first with the unlocking (search the forum for more details). I've unlocked at least 4 DVPs and for the last two (very recent), I don't recall even mentioning it was locked to TMO. I think now that the DVP has hit EOL, Dell doesn't care too much about finding out who the original owner is (they asked for the first couple I tried unlocking, but I never actually mentioned it as I got them used and I don't even know the owners) or the other specifics. Just give them a try first since well... it's free! If it's a no go, go with what MK suggested?
A tip I think might help is to mention you're using it for business and will be leaving the country shortly. I also brought up how much I liked the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[email protected] wont help you because the system board you get from ebay will be unregistered.. I tried and got a response saying the phone is blank(unregistered) in their system so i need to call the mobility support to register the phone then reply with the phone info.. I called Mobility but theyre so unprofessional, i had to call back 5 times to get with someone who actually knows what they were talking about and still didnt get the phone registered as theyre telling me i had to wait 2-3 days and some run around.. so i met this chinese guy who said he knew how to unlock it in 10min, i sent him the paypal $16 and phone was unlocked right after.. Dell Support sucks.
aleunge said:
Hey you guys, make sure to give "[email protected]" a try first with the unlocking (search the forum for more details). I've unlocked at least 4 DVPs and for the last two (very recent), I don't recall even mentioning it was locked to TMO. I think now that the DVP has hit EOL, Dell doesn't care too much about finding out who the original owner is (they asked for the first couple I tried unlocking, but I never actually mentioned it as I got them used and I don't even know the owners) or the other specifics. Just give them a try first since well... it's free! If it's a no go, go with what MK suggested?
A tip I think might help is to mention you're using it for business and will be leaving the country shortly. I also brought up how much I liked the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I went on to buy this system board from ebay..It looks like its not available for me
(as i'm from india) I searched in more sites but I didn't get any advertisement or anything where they sell this CS.5J16R.002 system board ..do you know any other site which is offering this system board..?

[Q] Galaxy S5 fake/international/broken - I am at loss

I have a galaxy S5 that I have purchased from someone on Craigslist (been doing this for years, never had a bad experience).
But I am completely at loss about this device.
The box and the battery labels have one kind of a EMEI and the phone SW in the "about" section a completely different one.
Prior to purchasing the phone, I have asked the owner for the EMEI, I have called the ATT store and they said it's unlocked. (this is the one on the back of the device under the battery and the box). After I have purchased the phone (because I am a fool) and realized there is something wrong with it, I have called Samsung US customer service. I have given them both EMEI numbers from under the battery and in the menu, but they were not able to find anything. They said that if it is an international device, they would not have any information on this device. Which makes sense, but doesn't help at all.
I have downloaded an info app to get the exact model number because if I click on the model in the menu, it pops up and I can change it to anything I want.(wtf???) The info app says its a SM900S version, the SSN number on the back says its a G900G SMH version.(The model no. is simply SM-G900). The sticker says a certain serial number, the inside SW in about section says 123456789ABCD. This phone is a joke.
Battery drains like crazy, the display seems to be something like a 240p resolution when taking videos or pictures.
Watching youtube videos is laggy and washed out. I thought it's the fake Galaxy S5, but the finger scanner works, heartbeat sensor works as well (these would not work on the fake ones as far as I understand it correctly). By now I figured this is not an American version but a unlocked version (works with ATT on H speed and T-Mobile on Edge and uses roaming for a European version). The info app shows that there is a 801 processor in it and that all CPU's are running. GPU is 330.
What puzzles me is the screen resolution and the horrible quality of the picture/videos on the screen and camera. I have reset the phone to see if it helps, but it doesn't. I don't feel great about reselling it knowing that there are these issues there. I wanted to see if it is even possible to burn a ROM on this device and see if it helps, but since the label and SW version show a different model, I have no clue which version, or whether I can install a ROM in the first place.
For the love of God, can anyone think of something here. Please do not go into "don't buy of Craigslist" thing.
I really need help with this piece of ****e
I live in DC, MD, VA area. I am willing to meet with someone in the DMV or PA area if you would be willing to take a look at this phone.
emanko111 said:
I have a galaxy S5 that I purchased from a Craigslist owner (been doing this for years, never had a bad experience).
But I am completely at loss about this device.
The box and the battery labels have one kind of a EMEI and the phone SW in the "about" section a completely different one.
Prior to purchasing the phone, I have asked the owner for the EMEI, I have called the ATT store and they said it's unlocked. (this is the one on the back of the device under the battery and the box). After I have purchased the phone (because I am a fool) and realized there is something wrong with it, I have called Samsung US customer service. I have given them both EMEI numbers from under the battery and in the menu, but they were not able to find anything. They said that if it is an international device, they would not have any information on this device. Which makes sense, but doesn't help at all.
I have downloaded an info app to get the exact model number because if I click on the model in the menu, it pops up and I can change it to anything I want.(wtf???) The info app says its a SM900S version, the SSN number on the back says its a G900G SMH version.(The model no. is simply SM-G900). The sticker says a certain serial number, the inside SW in about section says 123456789ABCD. This phone is a joke.
Battery drains like crazy, the display seems to be something like a 240p resolution when taking videos or pictures.
Watching youtube videos is laggy and washed out. I thought it's the fake Galaxy S5, but the finger scanner works, heartbeat sensor works as well (these would not work on the fake ones as far as I understand it correctly). By now I figured this is not an American version but a unlocked version (works with ATT on H speed and T-Mobile on Edge and uses roaming for a European version). The info app shows that there is a 801 processor in it and that all CPU's are running. GPU is 330.
What puzzles me is the screen resolution and the horrible quality of the picture/videos on the screen and camera. I have reset the phone to see if it helps, but it doesn't. I don't feel great about reselling it knowing that there are these issues there. I wanted to see if it is even possible to burn a ROM on this device and see if it helps, but since the label and SW version show a different model, I have no clue which version, or whether I can install a ROM in the first place.
For the love of God, can anyone think of something here. Please do not go into "don't buy of Craigslist" thing.
I really need help with this piece of ****e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought the device with a creditcard you should be able to get your money back because of fraude. Or contact the seller and see if he reverses the sale, if he will not do that file a police report for fraude and give them as much details/info as you can. Thats about it mate you can do imo, good luck mate
gee2012 said:
If you bought the device with a creditcard you should be able to get your money back because of fraude. Or contact the seller and see if he reverses the sale, if he will not do that file a police report for fraude and give them as much details/info as you can. Thats about it mate you can do imo, good luck mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Of courseI have paid cash, it's hard not to with CS stuff. (he went down from $480 to $420 bc I was willing to meet him the PM hours).
I will contact the police although from what I heard, they don't give a damn about "fraud" cases such as these.
Also, I wonder how can I prove that I have purchased a device from him, if I have no receipt?
emanko111 said:
Thanks.
Of courseI have paid cash, it's hard not to with CS stuff. (he went down from $480 to $420 bc I was willing to meet him the PM hours).
I will contact the police although from what I heard, they don't give a damn about "fraud" cases such as these.
Also, I wonder how can I prove that I have purchased a device from him, if I have no receipt?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless there we`re witnesses present during the sale you can`t prove anything.
Its impossible to prove who a seller is through the ad so legally the police can't do anything, And you didn't pay with credit card so basically you are completely stuffed and your only 2 choices are to track him down and beat the **** out of him or just take this as a life lesson and spend a bit more next time from a reputable seller.
Michael_P said:
Its impossible to prove who a seller is through the ad so legally the police can't do anything, And you didn't pay with credit card so basically you are completely stuffed and your only 2 choices are to track him down and beat the **** out of him or just take this as a life lesson and spend a bit more next time from a reputable seller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
But does anyone have an idea about whats going on with the phone?
I have the same model, but I was aware beforehand that it was a fake. My question is this: Has anyone found the correct way to hard reset this model SM-G900 (G900SMH) ? I can get to the factory reset screen, with the android guy saying "no command". I need help on this one, if anybody has the correct sequence of button presses?

Samsung Support and Repair Services

I had an issue recently that required that I send my phone in for what I thought would be Warranty Repairs.
To be honest, the issue I had is a bizarre story in itself and worthy of a separate thread so suffice it to say, I needed Samsung to return my phone to full stock, ATT Note 20 Ultra. (when flashing an update recently, my phone was somehow switched from a Locked ATT Note 20 Ultra to a Locked Samsung Note 20 Ultra and I was not able to switch it back no matter what I did - as a result, I lost WiFi Calling and HD Voice Calls.)
Anyway - I created a Warranty claim and returned my phone following the usual protocols. After a couple of days I was contacted by Samsung saying that my phone required a repair to the Back Camera Lens (Discovered during their inspection) and because the broken lens was the result of a drop or something, I had to pay $120 for repairs) For what it's worth, the camera was fine when I sent it in - in fact the lens was covered with a Glass Screen Protector since the day I received the phone. I never dropped it or had any accidents and I really could not believe the Lens was broken. I decided to go ahead and pay for the repair despite the fact that the camera was fine when I sent it in. (I almost wonder if they removed or broke the glass screen protector on the camera during their inspection and because of that thought the Lens had broken)
In any event, Samsung is now repairing the Lens but I am still waiting to hear what the prognosis is regarding the issue I sent the phone in for in the first place. I need the phone to be fully Att Stock so I can use WiFi calling (not possible on Samsung Devices that are not branded to ATT) and Like I said earlier, there was nothing I could do to fix it, so I wait...and wait... Hopefully I will hear something from them this week.
Sounds shady AF. Hope it works out for ya
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
Geekser said:
I had an issue recently that required that I send my phone in for what I thought would be Warranty Repairs.
To be honest, the issue I had is a bizarre story in itself and worthy of a separate thread so suffice it to say, I needed Samsung to return my phone to full stock, ATT Note 20 Ultra. (when flashing an update recently, my phone was somehow switched from a Locked ATT Note 20 Ultra to a Locked Samsung Note 20 Ultra and I was not able to switch it back no matter what I did - as a result, I lost WiFi Calling and HD Voice Calls.)
Anyway - I created a Warranty claim and returned my phone following the usual protocols. After a couple of days I was contacted by Samsung saying that my phone required a repair to the Back Camera Lens (Discovered during their inspection) and because the broken lens was the result of a drop or something, I had to pay $120 for repairs) For what it's worth, the camera was fine when I sent it in - in fact the lens was covered with a Glass Screen Protector since the day I received the phone. I never dropped it or had any accidents and I really could not believe the Lens was broken. I decided to go ahead and pay for the repair despite the fact that the camera was fine when I sent it in. (I almost wonder if they removed or broke the glass screen protector on the camera during their inspection and because of that thought the Lens had broken)
In any event, Samsung is now repairing the Lens but I am still waiting to hear what the prognosis is regarding the issue I sent the phone in for in the first place. I need the phone to be fully Att Stock so I can use WiFi calling (not possible on Samsung Devices that are not branded to ATT) and Like I said earlier, there was nothing I could do to fix it, so I wait...and wait... Hopefully I will hear something from them this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
""my phone was somehow switched from a Locked ATT Note 20 Ultra to a Locked Samsung Note 20 Ultra and I was not able to switch it back no matter what I did - as a result, I lost WiFi Calling and HD Voice Calls.)""
I can understand why @AeroSatan said it sounds shady as FK because number one Samsung doesn't HAVE LOCKED FIRMWARE! I'm on the unlocked version of Samsungs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra that I bought directly from them and if I wanted to I could easily flash ANY carrier's firmware that I chose to and then turn around and flash right back to Samsungs unlocked firmware! Why would Samsung want to lock a phone to them? That makes no damn sense! It sounds like you're trying to cover up the broken camera glass by claiming shipping broke it or Samsung broke it to try to get a free repair from Samsung lmfao!
Also you said
""I need the phone to be fully Att Stock so I can use WiFi calling (not possible on Samsung Devices that are not branded to ATT)""
Which is wrong again! If I want those features on my unlocked version of Samsungs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra all i have to do is flash the Verizon HOME CSC and then I'll have all of that and still be on unlocked firmware!!
When I sent my Note 8 back to Samsung for the screen replacement under warranty because the top half of the screens colors stopped showing up correctly and there was a very noticeable tint and when I sent the phone I sent it with my glued together s-pen because I accidentally rolled over on it when I fell asleep in bed and I super glued it back together and I never said anything about my s-pen just the screen and when my phone was returned it had a brand new s-pen in it that I never asked for or mentioned so I don't see Samsung breaking your camera glass and then trying to get payment from you for it.
This is so weird. I don't understand why you would pay for something that you didn't break. Second did you try to flash your device and things went wrong? Not being a jerk but none of this makes sense
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
MrMike2182 said:
""my phone was somehow switched from a Locked ATT Note 20 Ultra to a Locked Samsung Note 20 Ultra and I was not able to switch it back no matter what I did - as a result, I lost WiFi Calling and HD Voice Calls.)""
I can understand why @AeroSatan said it sounds shady as FK because number one Samsung doesn't HAVE LOCKED FIRMWARE! I'm on the unlocked version of Samsungs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra that I bought directly from them and if I wanted to I could easily flash ANY carrier's firmware that I chose to and then turn around and flash right back to Samsungs unlocked firmware! Why would Samsung want to lock a phone to them? That makes no damn sense! It sounds like you're trying to cover up the broken camera glass by claiming shipping broke it or Samsung broke it to try to get a free repair from Samsung lmfao!
Also you said
""I need the phone to be fully Att Stock so I can use WiFi calling (not possible on Samsung Devices that are not branded to ATT)""
Which is wrong again! If I want those features on my unlocked version of Samsungs Galaxy Note 20 Ultra all i have to do is flash the Verizon HOME CSC and then I'll have all of that and still be on unlocked firmware!!
When I sent my Note 8 back to Samsung for the screen replacement under warranty because the top half of the screens colors stopped showing up correctly and there was a very noticeable tint and when I sent the phone I sent it with my glued together s-pen because I accidentally rolled over on it when I fell asleep in bed and I super glued it back together and I never said anything about my s-pen just the screen and when my phone was returned it had a brand new s-pen in it that I never asked for or mentioned so I don't see Samsung breaking your camera glass and then trying to get payment from you for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, It may have been a poor choice of words in how I described my problem - basically - when I got the phone originally it was lilsted in software settings as ATT/ATT/ATT - which shows it is an ATT device - and the features like WIFI Calling and other enhanced calling features will work.
After flashing and having the issue I had - my phone was now listed as XAA/XAA/ATT - the same that Samsung devices show that are not tied to a specific carrier. Because it was not an ATT recognized device any more, WIFI calling would not work and no matter what I did - flashing firmware for 986U or 986U1 - nothing helped, my service provider stayed stuck on XAA/XAA/ATT (but again, when I first purchased the phone it was ATT/ATT/ATT)
So the only thing I could do is send back to Samsung to have them revert it back to ATt/ATT/ATT or replace the phone under warrenty.
Hope that helps to clear things up ?
IN the years I have been on ATT, I have never been able to get a phone that is not recognized as an "ATT" Device to get WIFI Calling and HD VOICE. I have tried what you suggested and it has not worked for me - on any phone - except a few years ago when I was using an International device that I had rooted - this time, being Snapdragon, it can't be rooted and ATT WIFI Calling and HD VOICE would not work on my device any more. (it had worked originally when my phone was showing ATT/ATT/ATT as network provider - but when it got stuck on XAA/XAA/ATT it would not work any more)
It may work for yoiu on VERIZON - IT DOES NOT Work that way on ATT.
butchieboy said:
This is so weird. I don't understand why you would pay for something that you didn't break. Second did you try to flash your device and things went wrong? Not being a jerk but none of this makes sense
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanted to get my phone back sooner rather than later - and if I got into a big argument about this it would only delay that - plus, I had no proof that it wasn't broken when I sent it - it could easily become "He said - She Said" - then who is going to win that argument? They had the phone - I just wanted to try to speed up the processes as much as I could.
Regarding flashing, yes,This originally happened when I was attempting to update my phone with new firmware - something happened during the flash and it failed. I had to download new firmware and try again. The update did work this time but that is when I discovered my phone had switched from ATT/ATT/ATT to XAAXAAATT -
to try to fix this, I tried flashing every combination of firmware for this device - and nothing worked to change it back to ATT/ATT/ATT - I tried every possible option - N986U and N986U1 firmware (and even combinations of both) Nothing I did would switch it back to what it should be.
Geekser said:
I just wanted to get my phone back sooner rather than later - and if I got into a big argument about this it would only delay that - plus, I had no proof that it wasn't broken when I sent it - it could easily become "He said - She Said" - then who is going to win that argument? They had the phone - I just wanted to try to speed up the processes as much as I could.
Regarding flashing, yes, I tried every combination of flashing the firmware for this device - and nothing worked to change it back to ATT/ATT/ATT - I tried every possible option - N986U and N986U1 firmware (and even combinations of both) Nothing I did would switch it back to what it should be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next time, take a pick of the devices condition before sending it in to have proof that it was in one piece before being sent out. There has been shenanigans with Samsung's trade in program before where they would claim the phone you set in wasn't pristine or missing altogether. Always document these things so then they can't just upsell you for no reason for a camera which they mightve broken unpacking your phone. It sucks.
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
If you are At&t and have At&t sim the firmware should have provisioned to your sim once firmware was flashed. I know its a little late to tell you this now.
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
butchieboy said:
If you are At&t and have At&t sim the firmware should have provisioned to your sim once firmware was flashed. I know its a little late to tell you this now.
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that - that is the whole problem - I purchased an ATT Device - I have ATT Firmware - when I originally recieved the phone, everything worked properly - but after a recent flashing issue, I am no longer provisioned like that - I tried everything - even went to ATT to ask for their help - nothing we did (and believe me, I tried everything) nothing worked. This is why I had to send back to Samsung and I am still waiting for word on what is wrong and what they are going to do to fix it.
Well, finally received my phone back from Samsung Support - and unfortunately, they didn't fix the primary problem I had originally sent my phone in for.
When I inserted my ATT Sim card into the device, after booting it up - everything worked properly - well most everything - I still did not have WiFi Calling. I checked in Settings/About Phone and discovered that the Service Provider was listed as XAA/XAA/ATT - that is not what it is supposed to be - it certainly is not what it was when I originally purchased the phone. (It should be ATT/ATT/ATT)
I called Samsung Support again and went thru the "whole story" reviewing what my problem was and what I needed fixed - the support person was apologetic and seemed to understand my issues - so I have resubmitted my phone and made sure it was clear that I either needed them to fix my phone or replace it - Damn, what a PITA!
Some of the Samsung Shops do run in a shady manner while other provide top class support. I had a similar experience with one of their shops while exchanging my Note 10+ for Note 20 Ultra. I generated a quote using the Upgrade option in My Galaxy app and when i reached the Samsung Shop, they refused to agree to the quote. They gave weird reasons like now the price has come down so we cannot give you that much. They offered me a price which was 200$ less than the quote on the app. After a bit of haggling, they agreed for a price which was 90$ less than the quote i had. Now the story gets even more shady, the samsung executive had to enter details of my phone in his Samsung portal to complete the exchange process. After getting all my details, he asked for the quote ID which i generated in the phone and when he was done entering, he moved far away from me pretending to talk on phone but i knew he was hiding the next screen on his phone app which would have shown the correctly approved quote. I didnt create much fuss since i was tired of waiting for my online order which was delayed by 2 weeks, so i needed to get the phone that day. But still it was an interesting turn of events to see what people do for earning few extra bucks and they dont even worry about tarnishing the image of the company they are working for.
Geekser said:
Well, finally received my phone back from Samsung Support - and unfortunately, they didn't fix the primary problem I had originally sent my phone in for.
When I inserted my ATT Sim card into the device, after booting it up - everything worked properly - well most everything - I still did not have WiFi Calling. I checked in Settings/About Phone and discovered that the Service Provider was listed as XAA/XAA/ATT - that is not what it is supposed to be - it certainly is not what it was when I originally purchased the phone. (It should be ATT/ATT/ATT)
I called Samsung Support again and went thru the "whole story" reviewing what my problem was and what I needed fixed - the support person was apologetic and seemed to understand my issues - so I have resubmitted my phone and made sure it was clear that I either needed them to fix my phone or replace it - Damn, what a PITA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. So what happens when you try to flash the regular u firmware now? Ath3 or ath4?
Oh and I should note since you made the rear camera comment. When I broke my front display and sent the phone in for repair they noted they also replaced the rear camera glass. The metal piece around the cameras was replaced too. They actually did me a favor as the original one you could see where the drill bit they used to make the bevel stopped. Actual stop marks. It was weird.
dottat said:
Ok. So what happens when you try to flash the regular u firmware now? Ath3 or ath4?
Oh and I should note since you made the rear camera comment. When I broke my front display and sent the phone in for repair they noted they also replaced the rear camera glass. The metal piece around the cameras was replaced too. They actually did me a favor as the original one you could see where the drill bit they used to make the bevel stopped. Actual stop marks. It was weird.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I flash the Stock firmware for N986U - when I boot the phone, it boots up fine - no ATT LOGO during the boot process - only Samsung - No WiFi Calling - no ATT Video Calling either. It is basically treating my phone like a Non-ATT Samsung Note 20 Ultra - but I specifically purchased the ATT Variant and when I originally received it, WiFi calling worked perfectly.
As stated earlier, I did call Samsung Support and after a long conversation, at the direction of the support people I submitted a ticket for support and have sent the phone back to Samsung. They should get the phone in tomorrow and I am hoping to have this fixed once and for all soon.
Fingers Crossed....
Geekser said:
When I flash the Stock firmware for N986U - when I boot the phone, it boots up fine - no ATT LOGO during the boot process - only Samsung - No WiFi Calling - no ATT Video Calling either. It is basically treating my phone like a Non-ATT Samsung Note 20 Ultra - but I specifically purchased the ATT Variant and when I originally received it, WiFi calling worked perfectly.
As stated earlier, I did call Samsung Support and after a long conversation, at the direction of the support people I submitted a ticket for support and have sent the phone back to Samsung. They should get the phone in tomorrow and I am hoping to have this fixed once and for all soon.
Fingers Crossed....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still think it's fixable by you. You just need to do the right steps in the right order.
dottat said:
I still think it's fixable by you. You just need to do the right steps in the right order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about that - and I really kind of have done that already.
From the second my phone arrived back from Samsung, in the Settings/about phone, my phone was listed as XAA/XAA/ATT - just like a SAMSUNG phone would be - but when I first bought the phone it was ATT/ATT/ATT and that is what Samsung was supposed to turn it back to.
Following the steps as you said will not change that Service Provider Indication - at least not to my knowledge. Do you know of anyone with a stock SAMSUNG phone that shows ATT/ATT/ATT in that part of Settings?
Geekser said:
Not sure about that - and I really kind of have done that already.
From the second my phone arrived back from Samsung, in the Settings/about phone, my phone was listed as XAA/XAA/ATT - just like a SAMSUNG phone would be - but when I first bought the phone it was ATT/ATT/ATT and that is what Samsung was supposed to turn it back to.
Following the steps as you said will not change that Service Provider Indication - at least not to my knowledge. Do you know of anyone with a stock SAMSUNG phone that shows ATT/ATT/ATT in that part of Settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your phones current state does it allow you set the csc code by putting this into the dialer?
*#272*(yourimeinumber)#
dottat said:
In your phones current state does it allow you set the csc code by putting this into the dialer?
*#272*(yourimeinumber)#
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know - I no longer have the phone in my possession - I sent it back to Samsung on Friday - hoping they fix it correctly this time - if that doesn't happen, then I will see if I can change it using that code when I have the phone.
Thanks for the tip.
Phone has been returned and works perfectly.
It has taken some time - and I actually had to send the phone back once when Samsung had returned it to me without fixing the primary issue. 2nd time around, after an indepth conversation with Service Support, Samsung has fixed my phone and returned it to me - like new.
I have been using it several days now and fallen in love again with it's speed and responsiveness. The Camera is second to none compared to any phone/camera I have owned previously.
Honestly, while I am very pleased and happy to have my phone back, I will be a little nervous about flashing U1 Firmware with CSC from the normal U - I had a flash failure previously and that is what led to my phone having problems - I really don't want to go thru that again, but I think if I am careful - I should be ok

Categories

Resources