Firmware and Flashing FAQ

What is Firmware?

Firmware is the coded instruction and Operating System, OS (e.g. Symbian, Windows Mobile, Proprietary OS) in the phone. Simply said,


What is Firmware Flashing?






What is branding/debranding and firmware customisation?



Updating Firmware?

Nokia Phone Software Update

Sony Ericsson Update Service (SEUS)

Motorola Software Update

This post has been edited by youngkies: Mar 31 2007, 08:09 AM

Sim Lock and Unlocking FAQ

What is Sim lock?

Sim lock is a function used by network provider to restrict the use of the phone with sim cards from other network providers.

Sim lock is not related to Pin or PUK code of the sim card and to the phone lock/security.

When a phone is locked to a specific network (let says telco A), you won't be able to use the phone when sim card from other network (telco B, C or D) is inserted unless unlocked.

Why the phone is Sim locked?

Sim lock is very uncommon in Malaysia network provider system. However, sim lock is widely applied in phone of foreign network providers (e.g. Vodafone, 3, Orange, DoCoMo, O2, T-mobile, Cingular, Verizon etc). Hence, if you come to a handphone that is locked to some network, it is very likely that the set is brought in from foreign country.

Reasons for network providers to lock the phone are many, including as marketing strategy, to prevent users changing to other network, to lower the value of the phone in the market, because phones are given free or at very low price as part of the contract, and many more.

What is Unlocking?

Unlocking is to remove the lock applied to the phone by the network provider. By unlocking the locked phone, the phone now will be able to use sim card from any network provider.

Unlocking is legal in most country but is debatable too. Network providers have the right not to unlock the phone and phone's owner does not have the full right to claim unlock service from the network either. However, unlocking phone without the permission of the network provider usually is breach of agreement with the provider.

How to unlock?

There are various method of unlocking:

1. Request unlocking service from the network provider. This has to be done by the registered owner of the phone by contacting the network provider. The phone can be unlocked by keying in master code/network code key provided by the network provider or by over-the-air.

2. Third party unlocking services. Unlocking by third party is not involving the manufacturer of the handset or the network provider. Further details on third party unlocking is discussed below.

Unlocking Services

Unlocking methods are not definitive. Different brands, or even different platforms of same brand required different tools, equipments, programs, software, technology or knowledge to unlock it. Some models can be unlocked easily by keying in the unlock code that is generated by some IMEI calculation software, some use the standard data cable and specific software to overwrite the firmware and unlock it whereas some other models required specific and expensive tools or cables to hack into and crack the phone.

For other major brands like SE, Motorola, Sharp, LG, Samsung etc, unlocking are fairly easy and widely available. However, most of these unlocking programs are made/cracked/developed by third party developer/individual, hence upon release of new platform or model, some time is required before unlocking become available and getting cheaper.

For Nokia unlocking story etc: google them or read this:

read (for nokia bb5 platform unlocking):

http://themediaguru.blogspot.com/2007/05/f...-available.html

Unlocking for BB5 platform of nokia is possible now, developed by a Serbian called Dejan, though some Nokia models remained unlockable.

Unlocking services from Garage Sales:

babyk
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=156257

Lalaman
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=333495&hl=

kit_kit
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=176132

jun
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=166992

Reference: Wikipedia

This post has been edited by youngkies: Dec 19 2007, 03:43 AM

Very Useful Topics Discussed Before

Reset Security Code for Nokia S60

Nokia Unlock Code?

FAR manager, customisation & modding on SE phones

Nokia 6630, 6680 Unlocking

SE firmware flashing via Wotan Server

Samsung Unlock

SEUS troubleshoot

What is firmware flashing/unlocking

Soft or Hard Reset for Nokia Symbian Phone

Nokia firmware update introduced by Nokia

Firmware flashing info by BabyK

Nokia Unlocking again

Flashing K750i to W800i

Nokia Update Service again

Another nokia unlocking from aussie '3' thread

SEUS: success or fail?

Australia Nokia can be use here?

Another Nokia bb5 (6280) unlocking thread again

Yay another Nokia N70 (BB5) unlocking thread again

Firmware flashing @ SE service centre



Thread opened for any discussion or question about firmware, firmware flashing, firmware modification, everything about firmware or unlocking, soft-lock, hard-lock, pin-lock, security lock, network lock, sim-lock, everything about unlocking.


Kindly PM me for any correction, addition, removal, update, request or comment about this topic. And feel free to contribute too. Anything is welcomed

This post has been edited by youngkies: Apr 20 2007, 09:04 PM

is modding the firmware counted?

I think so. Anything related to firmware, customisation, since modding phone file system is quite related to the firmware. I guess

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Added on March 25, 2007, 11:51 amOh ya.. specific discussion about the phone firmware/unlock etc can be at the phone specific subforum too..

This post has been edited by youngkies: Mar 25 2007, 11:51 AM

here's my contribution:

Firmware to Windows Mobile Phones:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/index.php

includes SIM unlocking and firmware updates. look through the forum for the correct firmware for your phone.

Great job man

Shall gather / merge all the questions related to firmware flashing & unlocking into this thread in the future.

Does symbian 9.0 music player equalizer settings and all the bell and whistles such as bass boost stereo widening and such firmware/software accelerated or hardware accelerated ?

does flashing invalidates the warranty?
or can u update the firmware at the service center?

it depends.. if it is flashed by authorised party, then it might not void the warranty, if you flash it yourself and cause damage, yes they may said warranty voided as damage cause by user.

but if you update firmware using the authorised method, NSU for nokia or SEUS for SE, it will not void the warranty.

flashing void warranty or not is debatable, it depends on how you say it or how deep they want to go to prove you have void the warranty by flashing it yourself or by non-authorised method or dangerously or that the damage is done by unauthorised flashing method etc etc.

yes you can update the firmware at service centre.

Guys, any idea whether i can actually flash my current Generic without Chinese language support firmware for my K800i AP distributor set? Need phone which supports chinese languages & i'm trying to get its firmware flashed myself thru online.

I know i can send over to any phone shops for firmware flashing but if possible, i would like to get it done myself. Anyone care to share some useful sites? Tried SEUS but only the release date is newer than my previous firmware BUT still without chinese language support. Sigh!

SEUS won't change the region pack for you, that is why even after update you still dont get chinese language support.

Too bad is that k800i system is not really cracked hence no free firmware flashing method is available for it. There are 3rd party flashing softwares, but still required payment and some effort, hence the only free way is, get it to your ap company and demand them to flash the firmware with APAC region (which contains chinese support language). They should do it for free.

Hmmm....... i asked my AP company edi & they r not willing to do it for FOC as they said they'll only flash K800i firmware IF only the current firmware got problem wor. WTF? Hmmm......

Lesson learned: check before you buy next time then.

Tell the ap company, problem is i cant see chinese in my phone. isn't that is a firmware problem to me.

else you got to pay some shops to get it done then. price from as low as rm15 to rm60 as i heard.

Hmmm.... thanx for sharing youngkies. I'll discuss with the AP company that provides the warranty for my K800i. Cheers & have a wonderful weekend ahead.

how about samsung?
does FMG provide free firmware update service?

yes, phones from authorised dealer will be serviced for free for the period of warranty, including updating service.

i want to know for SEUS....
does SEUS upgrade file system or not???
some say it upgrade some say not...
so confuse la....

I've flashed my k750i to w800i firmware.. is it possible to reflash to k750i?? I miss the shortcut button

i think so. if region pack & customisation is placed in fs.

yes you can reflash it back to k750i. how you reflash it with w800i firmware, then that is how you can reflash it back to k750i too.

can i know you using what software to flash w800???
because i don't have k750 and w800 and i planing to but this phone....

you can use wotanserver, davinciteam client to flash it. but it is not free. there is also free way, but i forget about it specifically, such a long time ago. try to search in esato or se-nse for that.

how about SEtool2 and Sonic SEtool???
some say can and some say can not...

Are the SE software updates only Windows compatible? I'm a mac user...so are my only options going to a service centre or using a friend's PC? Much appreciated if someone could confirm this.

yes. SEUS is windows compatible only.

best choice would be update it in service centre.

OK thanks, Youngkies.

last Sunday i already flash my friends phone...
from k750i to w800i...
i using XS++

didi or anyone can get me w900i firmware from topsony?

FS: W900_R5BC004_FS_APAC_1.rar

and

Main: W900_R5BC004_MAIN_CHINA_APAC_THAI.rar

thanks in advance then!

Ya..we all use xs++..u follow the guide..

To everyone,

I will update or rearrange this thread 2morrow or thursday..pls be patience when i update it..TQ

guys i got some question... my fren's UK O2 Mini S has been unlocked by a guy using some 3rd party s/w.... the question is... will the o2 MINI S b sim locked again if its hard-reset... coz logically the 3rd party s/w will b erased as well rite????

thanx in advance guys...

No it won't.

Unlocking by 3rd party (no 3rd party s/w is installed actually) is permanent, until O2 get it back and decided re-locked it.

Flashing the firmware or simply hard/soft reset won't relock the phone. So no worry, go ahead.

thanx alot...

I managed to get my current K800i flashed with APAC version firmware, which supports Chinese languages by my AP distributor in Klang. No charges from them & i would rank their service as best for an AP distributor.

wow you must be one lucky fellow... usually AP company will try to squeeze every one juice outta you.

hi.. how about SE K618i? can flashing too? btw, can add fm-radio to its function?

any phone firmware can be flashed with firmware.

add fm-function? no, it is hardware dependant.

you jsut put a lambo engine in a kancil lol.

I have a problem connecting my V3x to my pc. As i know if i want my pc to detect the V3x, i have u plug it in using a mini usb which i have done but when i plug it in my com shows nothing at all. When i select to memory card mode, i can only access the memory card( Removable F: ) thats all i can do, just drag and drop. But when i switch it to DATA mode and plug it in, my computer doesn't show anything at all. Should I delete and re-install all the Motorola drivers again?

This post has been edited by FamousLastWords: May 18 2007, 09:11 PM

did you try plugging into another usb port, check your control panel phone and modems and remove the previous motorola usb modem entry if there is one there.

I heard from my friend new nokia phone firmware cannot downgrade. Izzit true ?

I think not only Nokia. Even Sony Ericsson, once you update to the latest firmware, you can reverse to the previous firmware that you used.

nope that does not apply anymore.. now downgrading of the phones firmware can be done

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Added on May 15, 2007, 10:44 pmyou sure damn right bro.. of course with the correct procedures

This post has been edited by Lalaman: May 15 2007, 10:44 PM

Oh which model ?? TOt downgrade will kill the phone ? Pls teach me how

what do you means by downgrade? reflash with older firmware. there has been no problem with flashing older firmware of the phone.

downgrade means like you say flashing the phone with older firmware..
newer nokia or motorola phones need to downgrade with the correct procedure or it will kill the phone... it not like sony ericsson where downgrading of firmware = no problem at all.

For sure flashing can "downgrade" the firmware. What we mean here is "downgrade" is using free way. That's totally impossible right ?

There is free way to flash phone firmware, esp. older model phones. So downgrade in free method is possible.

oh do you mean by nokia phones or sony and motorola phones?

Particularly to SE and Moto.

Ok, so to update this tpoic here regarding the unlocking of BB5, i'll just repost it again here.
Recently, Dejan (the creator of Mcode) had announced his unclocking software. BB5 phone can be unlocked now. What you need is the software, a DKU-5/CA-43 cable.
It can be downloaded from here:

Can someone tell me where can i get the dku-5 cable? And how much does it cost?

Just an additional question, if i want to remove the k750i message limit, where can i get this service at lowyat (or somewhere near there)? I'm planning to pay a 'visit' to lowyat tomorrow. And please, if anyone who is kind enough to tell me where's the nokia service centre located?

all pro,i have an question

i juz update to latest me firmware and i found that have some problem ,when i press the music key ,nothing happen,when long press,go to radio

nokia n70me? you may want to ask in the n70 thread for more specific response.

could be the so called 'unclean' flashing. incomplete flashing lead to some minor not functional feature. if a reflash of firmware doesnt remove the problem, it should be just some incompatibility issue then.

its the problem can solve if flash back to old me firmware

this is the problem after install latest me fimware for n70 and n73

1-the music key(cant go media player)
2-take very long time to open the radio
3-theme even worst(take very long time to load the theme-sometime phone will restart)
4-the pc suite come with our hp packages cannot support this new firmware (shown phone cannot detect)
5-whe i press track at gallery ,straight away go media player


This post has been edited by zac1: May 21 2007, 10:39 AM

if its happened to both of your phone, that means either the firmware is just not suitable or compatible for your phone.

if problem solved when reflash to older original firmware, then that double reconfirm your problem above.

latest firmware for n93 released
v 20.0.058

Then can we discuss about the ROM / firmware files for Windows Mobile and where to obtain modified / cooked version ?

You can discuss about it. You can tell where to get as long as it is not violating any rules (piracy, etc etc)

This post has been edited by youngkies: Jun 3 2007, 10:45 PM

is there a way to go beyond the 10 second sony ericsson message alert tone?im using the w850 btw,cuz sumtimes i tend to not hear the message alert until the last bits(my custom message alert not SE's default one)

some question about SEUS...
If my phone is having some problem with the firmware, then i am going to reflash it but while using SEUS, it tells me i am having the latest firmware.
So what should i do in order to SEUS flash my phone although i am having the latest firmware as my phone's firmware is having some problem

It might be region problem. You might need to flash it thru Wotan Server (You have to pay for it, for sure) to flash to APAC region to enable you to enjoy the update from SEUS.

some very old phone is possible via customisation/modding. dont think w850i is possible.

some ap set cant be updated via seus. you will need third party then (e.g. shops, davinciteam, wotanserver, tms, or forumer providing flashing service)

it is not region problem. barely force flash to change to APAC region wont enable you to update via SEUS next time. 2 way to enable you be able to update via SEUS next time:

1) flash back to original / default firmware / region setting to match the original CDA.

2) flash to APAC region with a matching APAC CDA keys.

SEUS detects CDA keys, IMEI etc to determine what region setting / firmware is used to update the phone. if the current firmware / region setting doesnt match the CDA, it will not update. so by changing the CDA keys to match the firmware / region setting, SEUS be able to carry on the updating process.

hav a question.. i wan to update my Nkia N73 firmware to newest version.. my currently firmware is ME edition.. V 3.0638.0.0.30.. if i wan to upgrade to newest version.. do i still nid to change my product code? my product code is 0541715 and it is support english and chinese..juz like 0539343...

btw..be4 upgrade my phone.. i must format my phone 1st? or juz leave it ther and start upgrade? im using streamyx 512k... nid how long time to finish the process?

This post has been edited by xiong91: Jun 7 2007, 06:23 PM

you may want to ask here for more specific answer: http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/453446

can the Nokia 6280 from 3 network Australia be unlocked now?

try google abt such thing:

yeah, googled it, Nokia 6280 still can't be unlocked

that is the answer then. no need to update the first page

im new user here.

can anyone of u tell me more about reflashing especially for k800i?

where places that can do that or can do myself?

if do by other party how much cost it?

get it done in some handphone shops, cost from rm15 to rm30 typically. or get it done in service center, free of charge for ori set.

can u tell me wat is reflashing actually?

reflashing means reinstalling the firmware of the phone.

Thanks for your information

Hey, Any info unlocking Blackberry? Where to find this service in malaysia?

what model. New models are unlockable yet.

where to find, guess you have to walk around and ask shops.

BB 7230.. i've just go to pda shop at the summit, they said no unlock service.. any solution?

BB 7230 is unlockable yet. only those very old model of BB is unlockable. somemore i think very hard to find shop that do have unlock service for BB.

what your phone is locked to? you can try to ask for unlock code/method from the telco.

thats the problem.. already ask the telco, they said we never ever lock our devices and it can used for other service provider.. but when i check the bb, all network and simcard are disable.. damn, its locked

is there anyway for me to extend my w810i sms ringtone lenght?

you can ask in here: http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/445913

i think it is possible on w810i now by modding it. but that will void your warranty.

can teach me how to flash k800?i mean i wanna change the accoustic wan and menu..

My w850i does not have chinese ,do i need to flash it to get the chinese language ..
Where can i get this done ? any idea how much it will cost ?

THANX FOR THE thread MOEDERATOR !!

very useful

This post has been edited by bravobronzo: Jun 15 2007, 03:56 PM

halo

my n70 me cannot load picture and save thing to mmc card (from phone lar)


its firmware problem ,coz i try my mmc on other hp,no problem at all

halo....anyone here can unlock 6280 ??

rm15 to r50 from handphone shops providing flashing service. or service centre.

none.

my 7390 cannot type chinese. how?????

that means the firmware in your phone does not support chinese language.

it is ap set.

bring it back to the ap company and demand to them to flash firmware to support chinese. or bring it to any shop with firmware flashing service (rm15-50).

yomgkies,then mine ler,how to solve

I cant figure out if that is related to your firmware or not.

but since you said it firmware problem, reflash the phone firmware might solve it. reflashing firmware can act as a clean install of firmware, hence resolve all previous firmware-related problem. (just like, format computer and reinstall OS)

my nokia N70 can write and see the chinese word... can i know havo to solve it?

can or cant..

if cant, you will need to reflash the firmware to a firmware that support chinese language.

need help guys. ive updated my N73 to V4.0723.2.1.1 but its RM132 which not allow the use of 3G.
can some1 teach me how to revert the firmware back?

Or maybe install Chinese Star or Q9 that support chinese fonts.

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Added on June 22, 2007, 5:58 pmNeed expensive tools. Better bring it to some other shops that provide flashing service. If not you can spoil ur phone making it dead.

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Added on June 22, 2007, 6:02 pmCannot view picture means? Can't open and view image? Just picture and how abt other file formats?

This post has been edited by ihz: Jun 22 2007, 06:02 PM

who know which shop in ipoh that provide flashing service?i mean the cheapest

try these:

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/166992

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/445586

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/476164

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/333495

frankly you have to walk and ask around, see which shop is the cheapest.