Related
Ok, need a bit of help to know how much repairs will cost...
My phone got sent back 3 weeks ago to HTC via Carphone warehouse to have screen replaced as it had the known issue with the "oil" effect and the screen not responding
Upon it being sent back, HTC have now held my phone, waiting responce off myself saying that "illegal firmware" is present on the phone and it will require a motherboard replacement and has had the warrant fully voided.
I dreaded this senario as I thought this could be the case, as I had one of Duttys firmwares install but couldn't revert back before I sent it due to the broken screen.
Anyone got any idea of cost? or ways of working around this issue and getting the to think it still is warranty covered?
I am so gutted and upset, really can't afford a new screen and motherboard ! Im guessing it will be costly?
Aside from this do you feel HTC have grounds to be able to refuse to fix a hardware issue and say it needs a new motherboard to correct the "illegal firmware" before they will ever consider looking at the damaged screen?
Anyone have any ideas of info? It's a real shame HTC have this attitude, it's just putting further limits on allowing there device to be used to full potential
Moved out of development
My two cents (altho I'm no expert)
Maybe you could get angry with HTC - explaining this is a hardware fault, not a software one, (although I've heard they don't accept that)
Or you could probably reinstall stock ROM, just by working out the key presses (e.g. hard reset, that run USPL, then run firmware upgrade)
But now they know you've used Dutty, they might still quibble.
But it's not right they refuse a hardware problem because of a a software change, as they're not related, and I remember someone else on this forum playing hardball and saying they were going to get their lawyer involved, you could threaten that?
smeddy said:
My two cents (altho I'm no expert)
Maybe you could get angry with HTC - explaining this is a hardware fault, not a software one, (although I've heard they don't accept that)
Or you could probably reinstall stock ROM, just by working out the key presses (e.g. hard reset, that run USPL, then run firmware upgrade)
But now they know you've used Dutty, they might still quibble.
But it's not right they refuse a hardware problem because of a a software change, as they're not related, and I remember someone else on this forum playing hardball and saying they were going to get their lawyer involved, you could threaten that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's took them to the 28th day to respond with this message about it being "illegal software" after another 8 day it took carphone warehouse to send it to HTC repairs... So it's already been over a month since I last had my phone... Im just worried that if I hold out and argue, it's going to add another month onto the wait, and then my phone will have been gone for such a long time.
I might just ask them how much do they think the repairs cost for the Motherboard, but then I envisage them saying along with motherboard, they will want cost for a new screen too !!
My edvice is to take your HD back and gave to any phone repair shop , they are able to replace screen, as for software ,once you have screen fixed you'll be able to flash again and use it , new screen don't need any software to run . I know that as fact because I work in phone repair shop .This is cheapest solution for u because HTC will definately charge you for foulty screen plus motherboard , and that will cost you almost the same as buying new HD.Sorry for bad English.
if you can get it back and cant work out the keys download mymobiler, It auto installs to ppc when connected
As mentioned, get it back and have it done locally...you don't have time for HTC's games!
As already stated by a few people, your best advice is to ask for it back and get a screen replacement locally. Also, for them to say its needs a new motherboard seems a bit 'over the top' as well!
Does HTC have a centralised device blacklisting?
If not he can get it back and flash factory ROM and give it in a different service centre.
BTW HD screen is toooo delicate, a guy who broke it with pressure against his chest wall in a crowded train, got it replaced, don't know costs but they flashed factory ROM for him and warned him that illegal ROMs not only voids warranty but they may refuse to service the device.
BTW replacing motherboard for ROM flashing is too harsh a punishment IMHO.
Phone is in your hands now and does phone power on normally ? If it is , just flash back stock SPL and ROM via PC. After that send again to htc repair centre (send it by some friend, not you)
UPDATE
Spoke to Carphone warehouse, who further read me the message HTC sent them, then realised that HTC contact them over 21 days ago about this responce, but nobody updated me.
They then transferred me back to my local store, saying they have no idea where to go next.
Who then passed me onto a contact directly at Carphone Warehouse repairs centre near me.
Spoke to a guy there who was very helpful.
He got HTC on the phone, who were argueing about the Firmware. Refusing to do any further work, untill screen is replaced.
Now HTC are awaiting my phone call, they have given me my IMEI number and said I can contact them to try and disscuss this further.
Fingers crossed.
This makes me a bit hesitant about installing new rom on my brand new Touch HD.
I am so lucky that I live in Germany...
No such problems... in the first six month, THE SHOP where you bought it HAS TO PROOVE that the cooked ROM is really responsible for the hardware failure.
After that you still have another one-and-a-half years where you can easily proove that a simple ROM isn't able to kill the display in this manner.
If this was my case in my country, I would have set them a deadline to repair, bought a new phone and sued them for compensation.
Can't believe your case... but if you are really depending on the manufacturers guarantee, then... good luck!!! Don't you have any warranty claims (in USA?) against Carphone Warehouse as seller itself?
hey make sure you get the screen sorted them downgrade, HTC want to charge me 151 for a new motherboard
Hi,
Three weeks ago Blackstone developed fault with earpiece - from time to time (rather often) couldn't hear anything while calling/answering.
Phoned HTC UK for repair and they collected it two days after.
Before sending it i rolled back to stock ROM and radio but forgot about stock HSPL...and that's where problem begins.
After couple days received first email from HTC saying that motherboard was damaged by ILLEGAL SOFTWARE and warranty does not cover it so i need to either pay GBP160 for repair or Blackstone will be sent back to me for GBP20 if I do not agree.
As an IT Technician I told them that's ridiculous that software smashed motherboard and asked for the proof of that unfortunate ILLEGAL SOFTWARE causing it.
So after another week I got email with picture of Illegal firmware upgrade.....SPL-1.56.Olinex.... in bootloader screen.
Is there any chance to do anything else but paying GBP160 for repair?
Lets say I will ask for return of the phone damaged as it is and try to send it again after a month or so of course this time properly prepared for warranty. You think any luck with that ?
Help will be really appreciated on this.
Cheers,
Martin.
Sorry Martin, but I'm guessing that they will have already marked your warranty as having being voided.
Would tend to agree with Budadank, but you should pay the GBP20 and and get your phone back then try restoring SPL & stock rom. Then send device back under warranty.
personally i would get in contact with trading standards on 2 points:
1; this is not ILLEGAL software, it was given to you by the developer. there is nothing in UK or EU law that says putting any software on a computing device can be used to justify refusal to repair hardware. as you rightly say, no software could cause the ear piece speaker to blow (or as is more likely, to have a dodgy bit of wiring
2; they are stating that the software caused the problem, this is misrepresentation under UK and EU consumer law, they are acting illegally
on another point, the warranty doesnt come into it, you have consumer rights under UK and EU law, personally i would go with the EU law (you cant swap back and forth, you choose which legal rights you are going with and have to stick with it) EU consumer rights laws give a much greater level of protection and the emphasis is fully on the supplier to PROVE (as in beyond reasonable doubt (or near enough, not quite the criminal burden of proof but near as damn it)) that the damage was not either there are the point of delivery or is not due to misuse. again they would be hard pressed to prove that the installation of any SOFTware could damge a non processing part of a computers hardware (overclocking could obviously damage cpu and ram)
FORGET ALL THE ABOVE!!!!! well dont, but this is actually even more pertainent.
i have just read the whole of the warranty card document that came with my HTC TouchHD...... despite numerous exclusions listed, there are absolutely none that even mention an exclusion from warranty repair of hardware due to software installations of any kind
so what i would do is this:
pay the £20 and get your device back. restock stock SPL and ROM..... ensure that it wasnt infact the custom ROM causing sound loss (ie prove to yourself it is hardware)
then send it back completely as stock setup and claim under warranty. if they then say the same... ask them to give you in writing the explicit exclusion under the EU limited warranty that mentions an exclusion of damage by software to hardware... they wont be able to do so
if by some miracle they can.... then go do your statutory rights route
remember HTC is an asian company and may not be fully up to speed with the consumer protection that exists in europe (a bit like apple and the exploding IPODS)
good luck and dont give up the good fight, they are just trying to blag you
a lesson for the rest of us though... please return your unit to stock spl and ROM before a warranty claim so they have no excuse to try and pull the woll over our eyes like they have to Martin
Jonajuna...........that was great! if i was in the trenchies i would want you there! what an informative and detailed reply!
mtodak said:
Lets say I will ask for return of the phone damaged as it is and try to send it again after a month or so of course this time properly prepared for warranty. You think any luck with that ?
QUOTE]
Did you try, return the phone and flash again and send it in again for warranty? I have the same problem, I releaded the Stock Rom and forgot the SPL. Now they want me to pay for the repair...
Regards Onedutch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a fee that is. Long story short my rooted phone would reboot every time I used data about 3 months ago. I tried flashing all types of roms, but the problem still persisted so I flashed everything on my phone back to stock. However more problems emerged and everything got worse and worse to the point that I couldn't charge my phone because it would get really hot and reboot itself and get stuck on the X. The phone was useless I couldn't make a phone call without the dam thing rebooting.
I sent my phone to HTC and I was told that my mainboard needed to be replaced and it wasn't covered under warranty, I asked the lady that was speaking to me why I wasn't covered under warranty and I was told that I was running a custom rom. I asked her why is it that so many other people who were running custom roms were able to get a replacement. I was told that it was because they were able to flash their phones completely back to stock and they couldn't flash my phone back to stock. What a load of bull! She told me that my mainboard needed to be replaced because they could not flash my phone completely back to stock in order to do their tests. My mainboard needed to be replaced because it was faulty not because of the rom I was running!
Besides my unlocked bootloader, everything was completely stock. I flashed everything back to 2.1 and the default recovery. I then updated to 2.2 through OTA.
It seems perfectly reasonable to me. HTC replacing defective displays/digitizers/buttons makes sense even if it is flashed with a custom ROM. There is no reasonable way that damage to these components would occur due to a custom ROM.
The mainboard however is a component that could easily be damaged by irresponsible overclocking or (far less likely) a bad ROM. HTC has no way of determining whether or not the damage was original or due to tinkering and in that case, especially since we were given plenty of warning, is justified in refusing warranty.
I sympathize with your plight but am siding with HTC on this one.
By stock they may mean v2.1. If they cant downgrade to 2.1 then maybe thats why they're having an issue.
By unlocking the bootloader you've voided your warranty anyway so no point complaining since they have no obligation to fix your phone.
unfortunately you were better off putting your device back to stock before sending it in.
cymru said:
By stock they may mean v2.1. If they cant downgrade to 2.1 then maybe thats why they're having an issue.
By unlocking the bootloader you've voided your warranty anyway so no point complaining since they have no obligation to fix your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not once did she mention anything about the bootloader being unlocked voiding my warranty. If she said straight up that I had unlocked my bootloader and they won't repair my phone under warranty and that the people who were able to get their phone replaced were under different circumstances, I would have accepted the fact that I am SOL.
However that was not the case and she stated that they would not replace my mainboard under warranty because they could not fully flash my phone back to its original state. Because of this they need to replace my mainboard in order to get it to stock.
I've read enough posts on people who's phones were acting the same way as my phone was, difference though is that they got their phone replaced under warranty no questions asked.
My phone had the exact same problem, and I did the exact same thing. I unlocked to it to try flashing different roms. Well it didn't work.
Called HTc I was very polite about the whole thing, got a replacement. I did opt for a swap because I thought that if I sent it in for repair thy may notice the unlocked bootloader so I figured swap would be better and it worked out great!
Maybe call again and explain the whole thing, tell them you paid over $500 for this great phone, but you can't even use it for a a phone because of the factory defects, and you are sure you have they have seen this problem in the past with many other customers; like myself. And tell her that some people online recommend you try unlocking the bootloader so you could reflash it or something, and that you don't understand it all, regardless it didn't work and all you would like is a working phone. So ask if they would be willing to simply change the motherboard or send you out a replacement unit.
I don't know just an idea, worth a shot maybe talking to them again! Goodluck
Tech_Boy said:
My phone had the exact same problem, and I did the exact same thing. I unlocked to it to try flashing different roms. Well it didn't work.
Called HTc I was very polite about the whole thing, got a replacement. I did opt for a swap because I thought that if I sent it in for repair thy may notice the unlocked bootloader so I figured swap would be better and it worked out great!
Maybe call again and explain the whole thing, tell them you paid over $500 for this great phone, but you can't even use it for a a phone because of the factory defects, and you are sure you have they have seen this problem in the past with many other customers; like myself. And tell her that some people online recommend you try unlocking the bootloader so you could reflash it or something, and that you don't understand it all, regardless it didn't work and all you would like is a working phone. So ask if they would be willing to simply change the motherboard or send you out a replacement unit.
I don't know just an idea, worth a shot maybe talking to them again! Goodluck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried the same exact tactic to get my macbook fixed but the mac genius was juts too stubborn. remember politeness+cluelessness is the way to get a warrantee acknowledged. well good luck with getting your phone fixed!
... where are all the people on this board that flame you if you dare to ask for a way to re-lock the bootloader? You know ... the ones calling one names and telling people that HTC will honor the warranty despite the bootloader unlock.
HTC did the same to me when mine overheated and cracked it's screen sitting on my desk charging overnight. File a report with the BBB if anything, I did after HTC kept my Nexus for 3 weeks and refused to fix it because of the bootloader and I had a new one 2 days later.
I broke some resistors on my motherboard. They wont fix it for free. I'm so angry.....you accepted the voiding of the warranty when you unlocked. The lady used the wrong terms but you know what she ment. If you void a warranty and the company still honors your voided warranty then good on them. They don't have to and flashing roms CAN mess up a motherboard by overheating it among other things (over voltage etc).
_Dennis_ said:
I broke some resistors on my motherboard. They wont fix it for free. I'm so angry.....you accepted the voiding of the warranty when you unlocked. The lady used the wrong terms but you know what she ment. If you void a warranty and the company still honors your voided warranty then good on them. They don't have to and flashing roms CAN mess up a motherboard by overheating it among other things (over voltage etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said, warranty is voided, end of story. We all agreed to those terms when we unlocked our phones.
Anyone willing to sell their broken Nexus One
I killed my Nexus One, replaced the display, but it turns out I need to replace the lower board as well. Anyone have a broken Nexus One they're willing to part with?
BTW, I don't care about the condition of the display, or outside shell.
_Dennis_ said:
I broke some resistors on my motherboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How in the hell did you do that?
HTC also refused to repair my faulty power button because I had an unlocked bootloader and wanted to hit me with the cost of a new motherboard to fix it. I spent close to a week arguing with them (over phone and in person) before they relented to do it at no charge. My phone came back repaired but my motherboard was not replaced. They're just out to charge us for unlocking the bootloaders.
Sure glad I used the one-click root, after getting mine replaced for insensitive touchscreen...
I was trying to remove camera and when I was prying the plastic under the battery off I broke the resistors.
My phone did nearly the exact same thing your did. Every time GPS was used it would reboot. Every time I was on a call for a long period of time - reboot. etc.
I eventually called in a repair ticket, flashed my phone to complete stock (with unlocked bootloader), sent it in and they repaired it. Never said a word.
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
Dear Readers,
I am about to tell you my story of myself a current Galaxy Note user and the unfortunate episode when my phone had problems. I have been a long time user of xda, but a first time poster of this wonderful forum.
First of all I want to tell you I currently reside in Australia, Sydney and I am a Vodafone customer. I have been using this phone for about 6 months without any problems whatsoever, until a couple of weeks ago my phone started to inconsistently charge. At first I thought it was a cable issue, so I isolated the problem with a different cable and it didn't work. Fear and doubt crept into my mind for the next couple of days, if I should return the phone to Vodafone for repairs because as you may have guessed, my phone is rooted with a custom rom called, "AllianceROM_N7000_ICS_v2.1" with the wonderful "SpeedMod Kernel".
I searched through google and I found out that I wasn't the only person to have this problem with this charging issue. From further research I also found out that some people have claimed that sending a rooted phone into repairs will void your phones warranty, and some other people say that it won't void your warranty. Rather confused with this conflicting information, what other better way to confirm this issue than to call up Samsungs service centre. When I asked, the gentlemen on the other end just simply answered, "Yes".
So with this new information, I finally decided to unroot my phone and installed a stock official rom called N7000BDULR5_N7000BVAULR4_VAU. But before I did all this, from further research through XDA's forums I found out that I needed to reset my Binary count with Triangle Away by Chainfire. But with the issue of the phone not charging properly, it did not help with the issue of unrooting the phone, because the battery was constantly flat. After painstaking hours I finally unrooted my phone.
As I came home after handing my phone into Vodafone, a thought crept into my mind. Will they void my warranty, if I did not have the bloatware in which Vodafone has pre-installed into the phone? Because the stock rom in which I installed did not carry the bloatware.
Through the following week of praying that they will not void my warranty because of this issue, I got a message from Vodafone to pick up my phone. I called Vodafone customer repair centre and they told me that they have fixed the issue by replacing the micro usb connector which the pins was dislodged and also the UNIT-SUB PBA- which is the motherboard. Vodafone told me that this is a rare case in which the both of these hardware issues occur in the Galaxy note. Phew..
As of right now I am charging my phone without any problems so far. I will keep you guys updated if I have any other further issues with the repairs done on my phone.
I'm in Malaysia and I had the similar problem with you as well.
Initially I sent in my phone with the stock ROM but I forgot to reset the binary count and the 3rd party service center voided my warranty.
I took back my phone and installed "triangle away" by chainfire which reset my custom binary count and this time I sent it in to Samsung for a warranty claim and after the next day. They called me to collect my phone and my mother board + micro usb was replaced.
I did a little research myself and I've came to this conclusion and incompatible external battery packs messed up the system as I never had an issue with my phone charging till I bought myself a cheap external batter pack charger which then i guess messed up my board.
conclusion for me:
invest in a proper external batter pack which is compatible with the N7000 battery.
Congrats on getting your phone repaired without getting caught. Same thing had happened to me when I gave my phone to ssc. I had unrooted and used triangle away but unfortunately forgot to uninstall it. My phone was repaired and it still had triangle away in it. I guess they don't look into the phone that closely.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
without getting caught.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the hardware is faulty, the pins don't last, apparently it's even a known issue at Samsung.. This repair has nothing to do with firmware. The phone boots, it runs, it can have different firmwares flashed to it, the issue is purely a hardware issue and so the warranty should cover the repair even with the custom binary... i dont like the loophole use by the warranty center when, as with this guy, the user clearly hasn't damaged the device... That would just be wrong.
Paranoid V. 5 | Hydracore 4.3 OC
GT-N7000
TopOfNewYork said:
the hardware is faulty, the pins don't last, apparently it's even a known issue at Samsung.. This repair has nothing to do with firmware. The phone boots, it runs, it can have different firmwares flashed to it, the issue is purely a hardware issue and so the warranty should cover the repair even with the custom binary... i dont like the loophole use by the warranty center when, as with this guy, the user clearly hasn't damaged the device... That would just be wrong.
Paranoid V. 5 | Hydracore 4.3 OC
GT-N7000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Mr TopOfNewYork,
You maybe correct about the correlation with software Vs hardware issue that may render your phone having problems. But no legal terms and conditions will release the manufacturer of any legal liabilities with the products being offered to the public. (In Australia it is called the Australian Consumer Law 2010, Please check with your local countries consumer protectionism law.)
On another note, the phone has a random automatic reboot issue at random times, and as of now wont even boot to Touchwiz UI. The only way I can use the phone is to directly charge the phone, while using it. I have had the phone for two days from the date of it was returned to me, and I have complained (in a logical, non violent yelling manner) to Vodafone and they have agreed to send me a new Samsung Galaxy S3 16gb White.
I am absolutely satisfied to receive a new phone, and will update the situation about the new phone on the S3 forum.
Thank you for reading and have a happy and prosperous year.
Glad to know you got your problem solved.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I sent my phone to samsung while it was still rooted and had a custom rom on it, they mustnt even check if its a hardware fault cause i had it back within 5 days with a new screen.
Alexanderbooth said:
I sent my phone to samsung while it was still rooted and had a custom rom on it, they mustnt even check if its a hardware fault cause i had it back within 5 days with a new screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I just sent my Note 2 in and it took the service center 2 weeks to enter my phone...during that time Samsung cancelled my claim because the service centre in Quebec didn't enter it in time.
I called Samsung and they called the center and set them straight and now I just got a reply that my phone, while rooted, has never had a custom ROM on it and never had anything but stock...I rooted it only to kill the rogers bloatware that I could not uninstall.
I just got a reply and they told me the repair will cost $672 to repair the screen due to it being rooted....wtf
Reason it was sent in was in woke up, unplugged my phone from charging and noticed a stuck red dead pixel on the screen...wasn't there the night before....so how does root on a stock phone cause an hardware issue....time to call and complain to Samsung.
This is unreal....
I too had the problem! First I thought it was lint, etc, so I prodded etc. It would charge for5 min then stop.
In the end I got a new daughter board for£10 with the USB socket, new mix and antenna. Took less than ten mins to fit. It's been like new since.
I've the same issue on my Kindle HD, but that's another tale........
Box 13.
I unrooted my phone before giving it to the "Samsung" repair shop, which in my town is just a dodgy phone shop with a big Samsung sticker on the window. I got it back the next day with an untested bad ROM update so the keyboard just typed nonsense.
In the end I spent ages fixing the damage they caused and never got to the bottom of the original issue.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
Never had to warranty repair any of my Samsung devices until now...hope I never have to again as they suck!
Respect lost.
I had a rooted N7000 go into Samsung service with a hardware & a software issue & both issues were sorted under warranty for free & no mention of it being rooted, (it came back unrooted).
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
I had unrooted device with blue hotpixel, these dumbasses first tear it down, then realized the receipt is not enough for proof so they want an invoice from seller stating where he got phones from. And because seller was a retard he didn't send me it in time, they reassembled the phone and sent it back (leaving a hair between frame and screen - proves that it was disassembled) I wonder for what they got grade A from Samsung...
From the same private service center, once they tried to prove that non-rooted and untouched phone was flashed (it was aftermath of failed Kies/Odin update), intervention in Samsung Poland helped, they sent a new phone.
In any case of imbeciles at service senter, contact Samsung, their people usually have more knowledge and are willing to help
Gambolputty said:
I had unrooted device with blue hotpixel, these dumbasses first tear it down, then realized the receipt is not enough for proof so they want an invoice from seller stating where he got phones from. And because seller was a retard he didn't send me it in time, they reassembled the phone and sent it back (leaving a hair between frame and screen - proves that it was disassembled) I wonder for what they got grade A from Samsung...
From the same private service center, once they tried to prove that non-rooted and untouched phone was flashed (it was aftermath of failed Kies/Odin update), intervention in Samsung Poland helped, they sent a new phone.
In any case of imbeciles at service senter, contact Samsung, their people usually have more knowledge and are willing to help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phones are under warranty by the date of manufactur ... you don't need reciepts or anything, it doesn't matter if its been sold to ten different people with no reciepts its still under Samsung Warranty.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app
Unfortunately not in Poland, they still require at least receipt, but new internal procedures of service center require shop's invoice, especially since they see phone was bought in service/second hand shop (still it was brand new, untouched etc.), maybe they're just too dum dum to handle their internal stuff or are afraid it was serviced somewhere else, I must speak with Sammy about this
Gambolputty said:
Unfortunately not in Poland .........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why Samsung would tell you that I have no idea.
Samsung here in Canada asked for a copy of my receipt to be faxed within 5 days or the claim would be void.
morabass said:
I unrooted my phone before giving it to the "Samsung" repair shop, which in my town is just a dodgy phone shop with a big Samsung sticker on the window.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I would strongly suggest to find authorised local service centres from the Samsung website of one's respective country/region. Alternatively, one could either call or send an e-mail to the customer support of one's respective country/region to enquire about the details of authorised local service centres.
For illustrative purpose, I would find the Samsung website for my country/region from, http://www.samsung.com/uk/function/ipredirection/ipredirectionLocalList.do, and I would then proceed to find authorised local service centres by using the Find Service Locations found under the Support menu.
:good:
Udonitron said:
Samsung here in Canada asked for a copy of my receipt to be faxed within 5 days or the claim would be void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I've been looking at a few countries warranty wording & yes it does say "Original purchase reciept" required for repairs so strange as it sounds they abide by different rules depending where you live.
I've not been asked for anything other than my personal details & address for collection. Yes that's right Samsung (I'm in UK) arrange to collect the phone & then deliver it back afterwards without any proof of purchase or reciepts. I have friends who have done the same & several of these phones including mine were bought secondhand but still in warranty (2yrs on some phones).
I want to share my warranty claim experience too (indonesia):
1. Galaxy S3, broken camera hardware. Clear binary, Flashed stock JB, sent to SSC. Asked for original purchase receipt, didn't have it. So i asked her to check the phone by serial number, warranty granted, fixed in 3 days and whooaa got extra 3 month warranty. I bought it when S3 launching event at June 12, extended to 31 sept 2013
2. Broke my Galaxy Nexus usb ports pin so usb cord can't plug properly and sometimes not detected in PC. I was too lazy to flash stock.. So with unlocked bootloader & Paranoid Android rom installed i went to same SSC, haha asked again for receipt and i didn't have it also. Granted, and got it fixed less than 1 hour
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2