To prevent new users asking the same questions again and again, i decided to write this little FAQ and introduction about ROM flashing.
To all of you who are new to ROM flashing: Don't mind to ask, we all will help you if possible, but you should understood that it is annoying when the same question is asked 20 times a week. So please first search, then ask. Thank you.
If someone finds an error please do not post it, just send me a pm and I will correct it. Additional FAQ entries will be added regulary. If someone likes me to add a question, please send the question and the answer to me via PM and i will add it asap.
Thank you to the whole community, because without all of your information, this FAQ could not be possible.
If you are new to ROM flashing, please read this thread. It will give you information about your device and a short introduction on how to flash another ROM to your phone.
Below you will find the ROM flashing FAQ and the Introduction to ROM flashing.
Please feel free to add links to this thread to your signature using the following code:
[b][url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1790046#post1790043]ROM flashing FAQ[/url][/b]
[b][url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1790046#post1790046]Introduction to ROM flashing[/url][/b]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM flashing FAQ
ROM flashing FAQ:
Q: What is a ROM?
A: A ROM contains the operating system and often additional software which can be “installed” to your mobile device. Most ROM’s provided by the chefs (people who create cutomized ROM’s) just contain the operating system and additional applications. Shipping ROM’s (ROM’s provided by the manufacturer or official providers) also contain a Radio ROM and a bootloader.
Please notice: A ROM can ONLY be flashed to a device it is made for.
Q: What is a bootloader?
A: A bootloader contains information about your device. It is quite similar to a computer’s BIOS. Official bootloader also have a security option called CID (Carrier-ID) which allows you just to install ROM’s from the provider of your phone. So, if you want to flash another ROM, you first have to turn off this security option by “CID-unlocking” your device. Check the flashing instructions below on how to do this.
Q: What is a Radio ROM?
A: The Radio ROM contains the drivers for the communication devices of your phone. Some ROM’s need one or more specific Radio ROM’s to work properly. Usually the chef, who created the ROM recommends a Radio ROM. But don’t mind, if your Radio Rom does not match, you can always flash another without needing to flash the ROM containing the Operating System (OS) again.
You can check the version of your Radio ROM when you click Start > Settings > System > Device Information or booting your device (there will appear three lines of red text. The Radio ROM version is the number after the R:.
You can download Radio ROM's at the xda-developers FTP-Server in the Uploads/Kaiser/Radio-Folder. Username and password are both 'xda'. To install it, download, extract and execute it. Then follow the instructions on your screen. Flashing a Radio does not delete any files on your device's ROM.
To choose the perfect Radio ROM for you check this thread.
Q: What means CID(-unlock)?
A: All known providers add a Carrier ID to their devices. This CID is added to prevent a device being flashed with a ROM which is not from the provider and/or not designed for your device. Be sure to brick your Kaiser, if you try to flash a ROM designed for a Wizard.
To flash other ROM's, you have to unlock the CID. If you flash another ROM on a CID-locked device, the new ROM will not work properly.
Q: What means SIM-Unlock?
A: Lots of providers want to bind their customers. So they add a SIM-Lock to their devices with only allows to use SIM-Cards using their networks. If you want to use a SIM-Card from another provider, you need to SIM-unlock your device. This can be done by contacting the phone's provider (paid & sometimes free), using a service like www.imei-check.com, or using Jockyw2001's Kaiser SIM Unlocker.
Q: Can I brick my phone by flashing a ROM?
A: To be true… YES. But if you follow all instructions, it is quite implausible that your device bricks.
Q: Does flashing affect the warranty of my device?
A: Yes, but, as long as your device can be flashed again, you will find some help at jcespi2005's thread where you can find dumped original ROMs.
Q: What can I do, if i gain problems with the ROM i flashed to my device?
A: First of all you should inform the creator by posting in the ROM's thread if the problem is not described yet. Then you should wait for an update/fix or, if the issue is a showstopper for you, try another ROM.
Q: Which is the best/fastest/... ROM?
A: Nobody can answer you this properly. There are nearly daily new ROM's here and everybody has different demands to a ROM. If you want to know, which fits best for you, read the ROM description and try the ROM('s). Only you can decide, which ROM is the best (for you).
Q: I own an AT&T Tilt. After flashing another ROM, my hardkeyboard does not work properly.
A: AT&T uses another keyboard layout than HTC. To fix this, install the tilt keyboard fix.cab. You can download it at Dutty's Kaiser CAB Collection.
Q: What is the difference between a hardreset and a softreset?
A: A softreset reboots your device. A hardreset sets all settings back to the ROM's defaults. All of your data, settings and additionally installed programs will be deleted.
Q: What are *.CAB-files and/or how do i use them?
A: Cab-files for WINCE-Devices are different to the files you may have seen (e.g. on your Windows Installation CD). They do not only contain files but also installation information similar like a MSI package. To install them, just copy the *.cab to your Mobile Device and run it from there. Most shipped ROMs delete cab-files after executing, most cooked do not. To be sure, check the registry. If HKLM\Software\apps\Microsoft Application Installer\nDynamicDelete = 0 (DWORD decimal), cab-Files will not be deleted after execution.
Q: I have questions which are not described in this FAQ. What shall i do?
A: First of all search the forum and the wiki (http://wiki.xda-developers.com). Maybe the question has been already answered. If you don't find an answer, create a new thread. As i know from experience, the community will always try to help you as soon as possible.
Introduction to ROM flashing
Introduction to ROM flashing
These are the steps on how to flash your device the first time:
1: CID-unlock your device by following the instructions at pof's HTC Kaiser Hard-SPL v1 - CID Unlock & Flash any ROM to your device (4 free)-thread
This needs to be done to flash a ROM to your device which is not created from your provider (or HTC if you own a device with HTC branding).
Additionally you may check persianowns Kaiser HardSPL Walkthrough Video.
If you are running in a white screen running HardSPL, please read this thread.
2: Search this forum for the ROM, you like to flash. Then download and, if needed, extract it.
3. Check, if your Radio-ROM matches the new ROM. If you don't find any information in the ROM's thread don't mind. You can update your Radio ROM later if you gain any problems.
4. Make sure, your devices battery status is NOT LESS than 50%.
5. Connect your device to your computer and wait until activesync/Windows Mobile Device Center recognizes it
6. Last chance to synchronize and/or backup files. All files and databases will be deleted after performing the next step!
(Optional: If you want to save your text messages and/or eMails, use a tool like DotFred's PIM Backup.)
7. Execute the .exe file you downloaded with the ROM.
8. Follow the instructions and DO NOT disconnect your device until flashing is finished.
9. Disconnect your device from your computer.
10. You need to delete the old activesync/Windows Mobile Device Center partnership, because it thinks, your device is not the same as before... and it is right ^^. Deleting an old partnership is only possible, if the device is not connected.
(Optional) If you want to change the name of your device, do that now by clicking Start > Settings > System > About > Device ID. Enter the new name of your device and click on Ok.
11. Connect your device to your computer, create a new partnership and synchronize. Then configure your device to your needs and if needed install additional software.
Congratulations! You succeed flashing your device!
Great FAQ....simple, concise, and informative
Well done
Excellent post bmueller77!
This should clear up a bunch of the questions that are asked.
thanks for that
its hard to find some basic info on here like this, so can we please sticky
Really Good Thank you...
Can you please make a general version of it and put it in general wiki so that it can benefit all not just kaiser guys
Although I am more interested in HTC Elf Touch version []
you could add my video to it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaCt5pUn6iI
shows how to hardspl
verysmartncool said:
Really Good Thank you...
Can you please make a general version of it and put it in general wiki so that it can benefit all not just kaiser guys
Although I am more interested in HTC Elf Touch version []
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's see. I am already working on a more general FAQ version including info on Windows Mobile but, to be honest, a general flashing introduction would be much more complicated and i want to make it as easy as possible for newbies.
I think it would be better, if someone grabs this thing and would edit it for another device to keep it concise. If anyone is interested, just ask me via PM and i'll send you the whole including vbCode.
persiansown said:
you could add my video to it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaCt5pUn6iI
shows how to hardspl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. Thank you.
I have made this thread a sticky upon request.
I feel that this info should be ported to the wiki so that it can be found and edited by all.
At the momnet we have FAR to many sticky's in this section which makes finding anything hard to say the least.
Have a look at the BA section (in my signature) to see what I mean.
Aright, will add a general version to the wiki at the weekend.
Thank You but still have a question
Hi, I just got my HTC TyTn 2 as a present from my dad he got it from orange and got it sim unlocked for me. But I don't like it because Orange has their crappy stuff on it I wont the original stuff from HTC on it like HTC Home etc. I've got my phones detail in my signature can some one plz help i jus want to know if i can use it on my rom n radio version. Thanks.
thx
Super! Thank you!
this thread is awesome...it really help a newbie like me
the wiki is also very helpful
keep up the good work
I've been flashing ROMs for a long time. There is one thing I don't know. Does anyone know what is the reason behind stopping flashing RadioROMs at 95%? Whatever RadioROM I want to flash to my Vario III (keeping the standard T-Mobile ROM) it stops. In the RadioROM thread, there were several cases like mine. Can it be that for being able to flash another RadioROM you have to flash a custom ROM like Dutty or Schaps before flashing the Radio? I cannot recall such problems with Hermes.
Thanks for the guide. Also am not new to this I haven't done this in a while. ROM Flash went without a hitch. Keep up the good work.
haamedullah said:
Hi, I just got my HTC TyTn 2 as a present from my dad he got it from orange and got it sim unlocked for me. But I don't like it because Orange has their crappy stuff on it I wont the original stuff from HTC on it like HTC Home etc. I've got my phones detail in my signature can some one plz help i jus want to know if i can use it on my rom n radio version. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So long as your phone is SIM unlocked as in you can use any sim card in it then you flash it exactly the same as described in this thread. I flashed mine no problems. Does that answer your question or are you just wanting the home screen without flashing? If so Im not sure if thats possible, I heard some people say that you can enable it on orange phones but I flashed mine before I ever tried it.
Excellent FAQ!
Now i can get my hands dirty with that so called "ROM flashing" .
noobie question, but how do i install a cab file? thanks
Related
Hi everybody!
I’ve surfed this forum many times, trying to find topics, where I could get info, such.
What are Radio Rom, Extended Rom, and Extracted Rom?
What they include inside?
To whom belongs files nk.nbf and ms.nbf?
What gives new version, when you do update?
What is Bluetooth version 1.0 ----2.0, is it version of chipset, or is it version of software?
Can you change this version of bluetooth, and a lot of questions, where I can’t find any answers over Word!!!
I have seen many times, instead answers just redirect to old topics.
Where do I know, may be from that time this question about WM5.0 is WORK?
I am myself seen QTEC2020i(XDAIIi) complete with mobile 5.0.
Please, answer how to Search(make sentence) and where(index), or answer to one of the many questions above?
Hi YARMen!
I know the search can be problematic if you do not enter the right keywords and even then it doesn't cover the WiKi which is where you should look for most of the answers.
Here are some quick answers for you:
Radio ROM - The drivers and stuff that control the phone WiFi and BT (all the radio) this is separate from the OS and can be updated by it self.
Extended ROM is a part of the devices FLASH that is hidden (can be unhidden with reg hacks and used to store files so they won't be deleted during hard reset). It is used to store provider customization cabs that install automatically after you hard reset the device.
Extracted ROM is a ROM image extracted from a device. Basically you take all the OS, drivers and stuff and save them to a file on the PC for later use.
To whom belongs files nk.nbf and ms.nbf?
What gives new version, when you do update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly sure what you mean here. the mbf files are ROM images, and updates are produced by the OEMs. (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
Not sure about BT, but I think it's hardware.
That's it.
radio rom also called radio stack
have the software which also control the gsm/umts phone software
Thank you very much for answers!
Not exactly sure what you mean here. the mbf files are ROM images, and updates are produced by the OEMs. (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I updated my PDA I used ROM which consisted files ms_.nbf, nk.nbf, and radio_.nbf. I think it get 1, 2, 3 steps to install the softwere.
You can upgrade all of them or just one, moving files from folder, where installer starts.
So I know now what is radio_.nbf, it is radio ROM about that you have told me. Question is what the rest?
And please, if you know, what about version Bluetooth below?
Ok, well nk.nbf is 'main' ROM. It's the OS and hardware drivers for touch screen, LCD etc.
I am not sure but that leaves ms_.nbf to be the extended ROM. I could be wrong though.
Thank you, Levenum.
Good job!
There is a solution of search.
If you want to find exact words or sentences into this forum, or another wiki sites go to Google.com or another search server, put your words in extended search and choose domen(write down) 'forum.xda-developers.com' and etc.
Hi I am new to all this.
I have an XDA EXEC, copied the T-mobile rom all works fine...except thebusual crap GPRS/3G reception.
I was looking at installing WM6 today....
Which file is the best/most stable at the moment there are many threads with many updates etc..
What do I gain by upgrading to WM6..
I am sure I am not the only one to ask this question
I to have an xda exec looking to install WM6 it is an old one from o2 since i only hear new ones can have WM6. So please help me to obatin the right file or rom as people have called it, i have done a search and found a few things related to WM6 but not sure whats stable and right to use before bricking my xda exec.
badman112 said:
I to have an xda exec looking to install WM6 it is an old one from o2 since i only hear new ones can have WM6. So please help me to obatin the right file or rom as people have called it, i have done a search and found a few things related to WM6 but not sure whats stable and right to use before bricking my xda exec.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there
If the instructions are followed as written, it would be quite hard to brick your device.
As a start you could try Jwright's WM6 rom version 2.02.02, works great for me & I don't have any wifi bug (I use wifi a lot).
I say it's a good starting point as it is an executable upgrade (make sure to d/l the correct one for your device) just like the OFFICIAL roms, only it installs WM6 instead of WM5.
Download that one and give it a go.
That rom is very simple to install as it is a single executable file, with the whole package contained within.
All I did was
D/L the ROM for my device (jwrights 2.02.02, locate it in the forum).
Unrar it somewhere to my pc.
Put device into bootloader mode (power,backlight & reset) a screen with no backlight appears with the words serial vx.xx (x.xx being your version of the bootloader) you may need a torch to see it.
Connect device via usb.
Execute upgrade (file that you unrared to pc)
Once finished (about 20mins or so), unplug device & perform a hard reset (both softkeys & reset until the white option screen appears) and select "Restore" from the options. I believe it's 0 (zero).
This also upgrades your radio rom to the latest V1.15.
Happy bricking!
OOPS I mean upgrading.
Hello,
i'm new here. I come from the Sony Community. I getting in the next 2 Days my new TyTN II. So, now i've got some questions about making a own ROM. I have read so many Pages, but i can't find a easy step by step Howto. I would like to write a German dummy Step by Step HowTo. But i understand how it works... I would like to take some existing ROM's (expl. the ROM from Sleuth), but i would like to run a german version with my own Tools.
First of all, i would like to integrate a Tool like 'Where is my Phone' in actual German ROM File from HTC. See wimp-software.co.uk. So if somebody steal my Phone, i getting the new Phonenumber and the GPS Position Data with this Tool. I think, this Tool is very nice.
The problem with this tool is, when someone make a Hardreset, the Tool will be removed from the PDA. Now, i would like to integrate this Tool to a selfmade ROM.
Ok, i'm understand, that someone can build his own ROM and if he upload his ROM to the Smartphone, my Tool will be destroy. But this is a other problem.
Now, let me beginning. Which are the best steps to create this ROM based on a German ROM Release? I think there are 3 Ways.
1. Way: I install the newest original ROM from HTC to my Mobilephone. Then i install my Application like 'Where is my Phone' and i make my Reg. Tweaks (expl. GPS Camerafunction). After i have install all the good things, i make a Dump from my Mobile and i create a ROM from this Dump.?!
2. I install the newest German ROM Release to my PDA. I make a Dump. And i extract this Dump in my PC, so i can manually add the OEM Packages and Reg. Tweaks.
3. I search in the internet for a German actually ROM (System and Radio ROM). And i manually add the OEM Packages. and Reg. Tweaks.
Can you help me, and tell me, which version is the best for me? My Target is, when a new version from HTC will release, i can easy add my Tools to this ROM. But for this, i have to know, how it works.
With Sony Erricsson, there was some ROM Updates, which have some security issue. So with a ROM Version expl. higher than 1.90 you can't downgrade or make a selfmaking ROM. Is this possible with a HTC device? So i have every time to check, when a new Release goes Public, if i can make downgrades, changes and a selfmaking ROM? Or is this with the HTC device no problem?
So, which Version does exist?
I found the fellowing ROM Function:
SPL -> ???
SPLASH -> this looks like the Bootup Screenfile
RADIO -> this is the GSM Version
SYSTEM -> This looks like the OS
I hope some nice guys can help me, to make my own ROM Release. If it works, i would like a very easy Step by Step Manual in German, with pictures. So that every one can create his own ROM with his own language.
Hi, I have 3 questions:
1) I've looked around a lot, but can't seem to catch hold of a chinese language for my vox...Its called Dopod rom right?? Where can I get the files and instructions??
2) Does a ROM (when dumped) contain absolutely everything that is on the phone and if flashed on another phone will be a "duplicate" of original phone??
3) I've found the wiki on how to dump my rom, but how would I be able to re-flash it onto another phone??
Thanks guys
Wow somebody who actually read the Wiki before posting - nice
1.It's on the ftp. But look at the stuff that is written in the Wiki, about no Wifi and so on.
2.Nope it isn't it's only the operating system and all the software that comes with it! So no contacts or appointments or other files you put on. When you do a hard reset, you would see what all comes with the ROM! (but don't do it, it'll wipe all your data)!
3.You would have to put it into the kitchen and try to cook a new ROM out of the dump, but look around on the ftp first, there are a lot of shipped ROMs, yours is probably there too!
I can't seem to locate the Dopod wiki... But are there ANY ROMs that can handle chinese text without sacrificing the wifi function??
In terms of the shipped ROMs folder - I couldnt find my one and besides, I'd like to have one with all my programs on. So where can I find easy to follow (I'm a newbie on all this) instructions on cooking and creating a ROM??
(Is this thread the right one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=337066 ) ???
Thanks for your help
Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional Build 23075 for the Apache
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE DONE TO YOUR DEVICE BY FLASHING MY ROM. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Introduction
This is the first in a series of constant ROM updates for this device. Please remember that Windows Mobile 6.5 is still in beta. It's not finalized and thus bugs will be present.
This ROM is meant for the average user. I'm only providing updates for Windows Mobile 6.5 for the Apache as many people have no idea how to build a ROM. It's a minimal ROM, but it WORKS!. You want something more complex? Go build it yourself.
I'm working on this in my free time. Please bare with me with updates and fixes. I'll try my best to keep development going in a timely manner.
ROM Download
Mirror 1: Available soon...
Carrier CAB Download
My ROM is built genericly. This means your phone will lack the necessary carrier software to work correctly on your carrier's network.
These carrier cabs were designed for the Titan, but they work just fine on the Apache:
http://dcd1182.n715dp.com/index.php?dir=Titan/carriers/
Select your carrier from that site, download the cab file and run it on your device after you flash this ROM.
Installation
This update will completely wipe your device's memory. Please backup any critical data before attempting to use this ROM upgrade.
The best way to successfully flash a ROM with the Apache is to do so in bootloader mode. To get into bootloader mode do the following:
1) Unplug the device from your PC.
2) With the device on, press and hold the power button.
3) While holding the power button also press & hold the voice memo button (the one on the side that looks like a cassette)
4) Now, while holding the power and voice memo button, insert a stylus or pen into the reset hole on the bottom of the device.
5) If everything was successful the device will now show a screen stating the bootloader version. If not, try again!
6) Reconnect the Apache to your PC and wait for Windows to install drivers for the device.
7) Run the ROM updater posted above.
General Information
If a specific carrier ROM/bootloader specific ROM is needed, please feel free to ask. I'll cook one up and post it here when I get a free moment. As in, if you want a ROM with your carrier support built in...ask me!
If a specific app is requested, tweak, or feature please feel free to message me or post in this thread. I would appreciate feedback as to what to include in the next release. I'm open to any suggestions!
Reserved For Future Use
What rom kitchen are you using?
I can't find a way to cook a wm6.5 build 23412 rom for apache, only build 21501... I was wondering how you did.
simzz said:
I can't find a way to cook a wm6.5 build 23412 rom for apache, only build 21501... I was wondering how you did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look and read here
i'm have cooked for myself http://depositfiles.com/files/c9ffrk7ks (bootloader v1.0 Verizon)
Quick Update: My Apache decided to go haywire. It decided to have the infamous Error 37 involving Mobile IP problems. I'm waiting for Verizon to manually issue me an IP for my Apache. It will be a few days before this is released, and it will be built on the newest core available.
/me needs data to test ROM
Sorry for the delay!
plz link to rom for BOOTLOADER 2.02 !
gramilla said:
plz link to rom for BOOTLOADER 2.02 !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it working, so I can post a 2.02 Verizon rom if you want, but I need to know whether you use the NoID ruu or not.
i am use NoID ruu.
Here is a WM6.5 build 23412 Verizon rom for bootloader 2.02. (NoID)
Includes:
* SDHC Fix
Please use at your own risk.
Download here
oh! man! thx! Great present in my Birthday =)
Flashing your rom! Speed good! If intresting i may send you bagreports
I have a stable ROM of WM 6.5 23075 built. I tested it on my Apache a week ago and all seemed well. I did not bundle any programs with it as it can be quite finicky so I'm taking baby steps.
My Apache died (screen cracked), but I'm willing to keep updating this ROM base with the newest available builds if I get feedback.
You need to have a Verizon device with Bootloader 2.5. If all goes well I will rebuild the ROM to be generic and link to specific carrier cab installation files.
PM me if you want a copy. I don't want the masses installing it just yet.
I want! =) send PM U
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/906457/WM 6.5 23057 BOOTLOADER 2.5 VERIZON .rar
Build 23057 for VZW w/ 2.05 Bootloader.
Need feedback peoples!
ptcfast2 said:
I have a stable ROM of WM 6.5 23075 built. I tested it on my Apache a week ago and all seemed well. I did not bundle any programs with it as it can be quite finicky so I'm taking baby steps.
My Apache died (screen cracked), but I'm willing to keep updating this ROM base with the newest available builds if I get feedback.
You need to have a Verizon device with Bootloader 2.5. If all goes well I will rebuild the ROM to be generic and link to specific carrier cab installation files.
PM me if you want a copy. I don't want the masses installing it just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think you could make one for a 1.0 bootloader? I would be more then happy to test for you.
Mr1337 said:
Do you think you could make one for a 1.0 bootloader? I would be more then happy to test for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Building one for you now for Bootloader 1.0/1.01/1.04.
I'm also building a new one for Bootloader 2.02/2.04/2.05.
I've included a few programs I feel are basic and useful:
-HTC Performance
-Arcsoft MMS 5
-Apache Camera App
-Internet Connection Sharing
-Advanced Configuration
-SDHC Card Support
-6 Button Com Manager
-Touchflo Dialer w/ Smartdial (kinda buggy but it works at the moment)
I'm going to work on tweaking the build next. Once I get a stable mix of programs I'm not going to include many more. The Apache is very limited when it comes to memory so less is better.
I'll post it when I have it uploaded for you all.
Thank you cant wait!
Any Updates?
not support camera and SD