Database Info

How easy is it to brick your phone?

I did a search, and dont see anything to answer this specific question.
Ive got my new Dev 1, and have the latest JF update. I want to install some cool themes, however, I know its a possibility to brick my phone.
Exactly how easy is it to brick your phone while installing a theme? I plan on following the directions step by step, but I will be very upset if something happens.
Any advice would be much appreciated. I suppose I just need some reassurance...
Thanks in advance.

Not too easy but if you Flash a corrupted SPL your toast

not very easy, just remember, if it boots to the SPL or recovery mode you are fine, it's not a true brick. if it doesn't boot at all then you may have an issue. i have had many times where the phone decided it didn't want to boot past the boot screen, or the flashing android and yet i am able to post this now using my phone as a tether. if you get stuck on one of those screens then you need to either flash the dreaimg.nbh or a new update.zip including the full JF build

Dredge said:
I did a search, and dont see anything to answer this specific question.
Ive got my new Dev 1, and have the latest JF update. I want to install some cool themes, however, I know its a possibility to brick my phone.
Exactly how easy is it to brick your phone while installing a theme? I plan on following the directions step by step, but I will be very upset if something happens.
Any advice would be much appreciated. I suppose I just need some reassurance...
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you so worry about brink your phone? If you want to brink your phone pour some concrete on the phone and make a customize brink G1.

tubaking182 said:
not very easy, just remember, if it boots to the SPL or recovery mode you are fine, it's not a true brick. if it doesn't boot at all then you may have an issue. i have had many times where the phone decided it didn't want to boot past the boot screen, or the flashing android and yet i am able to post this now using my phone as a tether. if you get stuck on one of those screens then you need to either flash the dreaimg.nbh or a new update.zip including the full JF build
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whatever he said....^^
I've flashed themes that were designed for RC3xx on my ADP1.1 and managed to "bricked" it. All i did was go to bootstrap and reload the SPL with RC29 and re-flash ADP1.1 to the phone.
As long the hard-SPL on the bootstrap remain untouched, there's always a way to recover your phone...it may be long, boring, and redundant...but it will safe your G1 from truly becoming a brick...or paper weight...or both

This makes me feel a bit better. I will just back up the latest JF update and keep it in case something happens. I will probably just hold off at tleast for a little while before I try doing much. I need to get a feel for the phone before I try to mod it. I found some cool wallpapers that should tide me over for at least a little while. But the clock is u-g-l-y. Im use to having TouchFlo, with HHC, and all the neat custom clocks.

Well, thats why I am probably not going to update my SPL...
I own an ADP1 and so already got the engineering SPL... and as the SPL update seems for me to be the only way to brick my phone... well, I am a coward...
It may be a little offtopic, but i am planning to update to JF1.43, or perhaps even messing around with Ubuntu MID (if ever possible).
Is there a really good reason I should update to HardSPL?

HELP I CAN'T GET DREAIMG.NBH Installed!
I just tried to downgrade my G1 from RC33 v1.42 + Radio Update 1.22.14.11!!!
I think I made the mistake and downgraded my bootloader from SPL_Hard to Original RC29_ SPL, because I was having trouble getting the file Dreaimg.nbh, recognized after booting holding camera + power buttons.
After downgrading from SPL_Hard to Orig RC29, I was able to boot holding the camera + power buttons, and the process started, but just before completing I got an error, FAILED TO UPDATE TERMINATING, and now my phone only reboots to the SPL screen with this showing:
DREA100 PVT 32B RUUNBH
HBOOT-0.95.0000
CPLD-4
RADIO-1.22.14.11
SEP 2 2008
I believe it's has to due with the Radio Update 1.22.14.11...
I'm going to try using QMAT and follow the Inst from that same thread. If that doesn't help can some offer some help???

Follow UP!
QMAT WORKED:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=490960
Sorry about the double posts!

Rogers new rom with Updated Radio inside

Hi,
Rogers released new dream rom with a radio update.
We have 62.50S.20.17H_2.22.19.26I now
This new is:
62.52S.20.18U_3.22.20.17.
Anyone able to get it out so we can flash it on cyan latest mod rom?
Dont know exact radio version but go here for rom:
http://www.htc.com/ca/SupportDownload.aspx?p_id=269&cat=2&dl_id=654
Thanks again.

the whole dump is an nbh file that has to be flashed from the sd. Anybody know how to crack it open?

I bet it contains other fixes as well! The message on Twitter said that they fixed some bugs!

jubeh said:
the whole dump is an nbh file that has to be flashed from the sd. Anybody know how to crack it open?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember back when I had my Wizard, there was a tool to pick apart nbh images and reassemble them. But this was for Windows Mobile, a completely different platform. Perhaps the basic file formats are similar?

Use qmat. It can unpack nbhs.

Mmmm, new radio.......yummy.....I like new stuff.....wait if it is a new radio, will this be able to work for us, how to we know that this won't jeprodize us with the danger spl. I know I ain't gonna be the first to try this

gridlock32404 said:
Mmmm, new radio.......yummy.....I like new stuff.....wait if it is a new radio, will this be able to work for us, how to we know that this won't jeprodize us with the danger spl. I know I ain't gonna be the first to try this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my thoughts exactly...took enough balls to go for the danger SPL in the first place.
my current radio works fine, so I am not going to mess.
then again...never say never. thats what XDA is all about

Well we know the radio calls the spl and that the old radio was not able to call the hayruko spl which cause way too many paperweights so how will we know if this radio will also call it, we can assume that since it is an update would but the word assume means to make an ass out of you and me, so is there any way that this can be checked or tested numerous times before we possibly get another wave of bricks and without a cupcake over the air excuse to fall back on. Just my thoughts.

Never change a running system my father tells. Me all the time.. ;-)

Yeah but I like new stuff, I got so used to it feeling like christmas around with new stuff all the time that I got spoiled. I have had this radio and spl for 3 months now and I am bored off it. I demand something new that could cause some new widespread havoc, can't we get something that causes a self destruct if installed incorrectly, kinda jealous of those iphone 3gs users and their exploding batteries, I want something that explodes and catches fire. I demand a refund what am I paying you dev for, wait I don't pay you, nevermind forget this whole post
P.s. I am just playing

rogers is DREA210
we have mostly DREA100/110
i dont think we r able to flash it...

Hardware is identical.
So it should work OK.
Just give me radio Rom only and i will flash it asap.
drea110 here.
You can go back to default by flashing DREAIMG.nbh and then re-flash with this Rom and all will be OK.BUT YOU WILL LOOSE ROOT!
And that is why i didn't flash it yet
Am waiting for someone to give a proper radio Rom to flash.

There will always be a question about whether any new radio image (IPL) that ships will be compatible with a hacked SPL or other SPL not intended for the specific device. This new IPL could very well brick every device it is installed on when mixed with the deathSPL. I very strongly suggest that nobody tries this IPL unless they switch back to their STOCK SPL. Now that HTC has so kindly provided the kernel source needed to build custom kernels that will boot on a stock dream as provided to rogers, there is absolutely NO NEED to continue using the deathSPL phone killer.

Hey, does this nbh file carry the SPL? (it must, doesn't it?)
If it does, then you could maybe just install this and reroot.

Yes it contains spl and radio rom and os rom on it so it will put back everything on stock.
But you will loose root and as of now there is no way to root on 1.5 version.. yet.
if there is i would flash it.
Re-root leave radio and check spl version.
if newer than deathspl would leave it and flash cyanogen 4.0.4.
If not reflash haykuro new hacked spl back and then wipe and flash cyanogen 4.0.4.
And am back in bussiness with new radio and/or spl.
But rooting on 1.5 cupcake needed to do that so...

demetris_I said:
Yes it contains spl and radio rom and os rom on it so it will put back everything on stock.
But you will loose root and as of now there is no way to root on 1.5 version.. yet.
if there is i would flash it.
Re-root leave radio and check spl version.
if newer than deathspl would leave it and flash cyanogen 4.0.4.
If not reflash haykuro new hacked spl back and then wipe and flash cyanogen 4.0.4.
And am back in bussiness with new radio and/or spl.
But rooting on 1.5 cupcake needed to do that so...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really REALLY WRONG!
As I rank your knowledge about SPLs,Radios and android itself with this post, you shouldn't flash this, except if you wouldn't cry and open up a thread "My G1 is dead" ;-)

maxisma said:
Really REALLY WRONG!
As I rank your knowledge about SPLs,Radios and android itself with this post, you shouldn't flash this, except if you wouldn't cry and open up a thread "My G1 is dead" ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you base that on what?

1.5 is rootable - look for "goldcard"
Second: This update has a different SPL - It's not an Engineering SPL.
It replaces your recovery.
And I think these Recovery and ROM wouldn't boot on a regular T-Mobile G1, because it has a different radio chip.
It's very risky to flash this, because it's from a different phone.
It's NOT the same hardware!

maxisma said:
1.5 is rootable - look for "goldcard"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope this is not a very stupid question, but why would you need a goldcard. Can't you just revert to RC29 and root you device the old and easy way?

maxisma said:
1.5 is rootable - look for "goldcard"
Second: This update has a different SPL - It's not an Engineering SPL.
It replaces your recovery.
And I think these Recovery and ROM wouldn't boot on a regular T-Mobile G1, because it has a different radio chip.
It's very risky to flash this, because it's from a different phone.
It's NOT the same hardware!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course i didn't expect it to be engineering spl, this rom are made of normal ppl to use not experiment so normal spl would be on it but maybe the same as g1 or newer.
rogers only modification was on UMTS 850 / 1900 bands the normal g1 only supports UMTS 1700 / 2100 but rogers g1 users did flash radio rom from g1 vanilla see hardspl or even haykuro's hacked spl and they work fine so why not the contrary?
After all they keep the same base versions:
We have 62.50S.20.17H_2.22.19.26I
They have 62.52S.20.18U_3.22.20.17.
If they had: 3.0008 i wouldn't bother smells from miles is not same radio hardware
But as you can see the code is identical to each other, only newer!
The hardware IS the same my friend only they dont have dvt only pvt motherboards and they all be flashed with latest haykuro's spl and radio!
If am wrong the os will load but i wont have cell reception but that is as far as it goes for a brick.
Am 99% this rom will do just fine on any pvt g1 phone out there.
As for goldcard, didnt know there is a way to root on 1.5 please enlighten me.
Is there anything to download to make this happen? ->link
if it is am more than 101% that this rom will go on my phone sweet.
After that i dont know what happens will i be able to flash haykuro spl back or i will have a brick? will it let me flash custom rom?
Over and out.

[Q&A] SPL and Should You Change?[32B][MT3G] Does Anyone Really Know?;)

Hi all,
First off I am no SPL genius and I don't know much but figured someone should start a thread to get clarity on the matter.
I have noticed that a lot of people have questions about their SPL...
I have noticed that there are lots of SPL threads but many are not that clear (From what I have found...I am not bashing anyone, you guys rock!)
Okay...so...
Here's the first question and I've seen this asked...and I need an answer also.
I have a MT3G and changed my stock SPL to Haykuro's 1.33.2005 SPL with no issues and didn't even have to re-install my ROM. Easy!
Okay... Now I hear and see people saying to use the engineering 1.33.2009 SPL.
Q:What's the difference between .2005 and .2009 SPL?
Q:If it's worth the change can it be easily flashed from one to the other with no issues?
If anyone needs this for reference...
Amon_RA''s H-Boot Collection
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=529019

I also need to know. I did not change my spl. I rooted mytouch with anon ra v1.2.3.
Do I need to change spl, if I do do I need to unroot then root with other spl? Or can I just change my spl without rerooting and reflashing.?

Hey htcclay.,
I currently have mghtymax 1.9.1 Rom can I change my stock spl without removing my Rom ?
Also what's the purpose for spl? Does it make your Rom run faster

jmannyjr33 said:
I also need to know. I did not change my spl. I rooted mytouch with anon ra v1.2.3.
Do I need to change spl, if I do do I need to unroot then root with other spl? Or can I just change my spl without rerooting and reflashing.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well...
I decided to get away from the "stock factory" SPL.
I have heard that the "Stock" SPL is fine in flashing almost anything.
I mainly did so because I wanted to change my boot screen and could do so with out it.
You dont' need to un-root or re-root going from factory SPL to 1.33.2005 SPL.
It's just a simple update flash.
Was for me anyway.
I am not responsible if you brick your phone.

jmannyjr33 said:
Hey htcclay.,
I currently have mghtymax 1.9.1 Rom can I change my stock spl without removing my Rom ?
Also what's the purpose for spl? Does it make your Rom run faster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what is an SPL anyway? What does it do?
The SPL, or Second Program Loader, is essentially the Android bootloader. It's job is more than just loading the Android OS - it also offers several other boot options, including Recovery mode, Fastboot, and HBOOT modes, and ultimately it's the SPL that allows manipulation of the flash nand on your device. Part of the SPL's job is to ensure that the data flashed to the device is correct. Most of the current shipping SPLs (apart from the "Perfect SPL's) let us flash a complete ROM image, but don't let us flash a recovery rom or boot image as it checks the verification signature. Haykuro has modified the SPL's available to remove this check and this is what the Engineering SPL's available offer. As the SPL is so crucial to the handset though, you have to be very careful when flashing it as if it's updated incorrectly then you may be incapable of restoring it without specialised hardware and knowledge. You essentially have a very expensive brick
From this post below.
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Sapphire_Hacking#sec01

Kool thanx for the info bro. I'll keep my boot screen.

Keeping it going

Need some help please

Hello I just bought a mytouch 3g Ive been doing some research on rooting and all that stuff. I have since flashed the latest Cyanogen ROM, however I am looking to flash a Hero ROM with the sense UI.
It seems to install the ROM image onto the device I need a certain SPL. I checked my SPL and it is one of the "perfect" SPLs.
My question is how come I could root the mytouch and flash cyanogen without changing my SPL, but to install the hero rom I am required to?
Also, how safe Is flashing the SPL, which one should I use, and whats the safest way to go about flashing it?

search in the dream section on how to flash a spl. to run a hero rom, you need haykuros spl, which is 1.33.2005 (i am pretty sure lol)
however, flashing this spl COULD BRICK YOUR PHONE. its not a 100% brick rate, but i know that people have bricked while doing it. so READ ALOT BEFORE YOU DO IT, OTHERWISE YOU WILL BRICK SOMEHOW. SO READ AND SEARCH AND READ SOME MORE.

[HOW-TO] Haykuro SPL, Danger SPL, Death SPL FOR DREAM/G1

***MOD EDIT***
PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=655097
***O.P. EDIT***
The link above does contain some more detailed information but the guide below has yet to cause a brick.
IF YOU PLAN TO FLASH THIS SPL PLEASE READ THIS WHOLE POST
This is for the Dream/G1 ONLY. If you have a Sapphire/MT3G this SPL is not needed.
If you have no idea what a SPL is or you are looking for info on other SPLs please read this page http://code.google.com/p/android-roms/wiki/SPL
Let me start off by saying that I have nothing to do with the actual development of the SPL. I also take no responsibility if you do decide to flash this SPL and brick your phone. That being said I decided to create a "How To" for the SPL for the simple fact that I would have switched to it long ago if I knew how easy and safe it was.
The SPL that you need for many of the new Eclair ROMs along with Hero ROMs and some Donut ROMs like Super D is a special SPL created by Haykuro that basically gives you more space to flash larger ROMs. When Haykuro first released the SPL there were reports of people bricking their phones. It turned out that the reason for the SPL causing a brick was because the SPL needed to be flashed over the latest radio and requires a PVT board. If the SPL is flashed over a radio version prior to "2.22.19.26I" or on a DVT board it will cause a brick. After people heard about this SPL causing bricks it became known as the Danger or Death SPL because of the danger that it can cause death to a G1.
A lot of people including my self were very worried about flashing the SPL in fear of a bricked phone. The result being many people not wanting to flash certain ROMs because they do not want to brick their phone. Some devs have actually changed their ROMs just to make them small enough to flash with out the Danger SPL so that more people will use their ROM.
Well if you are reading this and you don't have the Danger SPL because of the fear of a brick well then don't worry its ok to be scared but this "How To" will get you through it safe and sound.
IMPORTANT: Before going any further make sure that you have PVT board. You can do this by rebooting your phone and holding the camera button. The first line should say "PVT" if you see "DVT" then DO NOT flash this because odds are you will get a brick but If it says "PVT" then you are good to go.
First you are going to need to download the latest radio and the SPL. both can be found here http://code.google.com/p/sapphire-port-dream/ There is also a new radio that is compatible that can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=640535
Prior to starting the installation process please make sure that your battery has a good charge. Also DO NOT pull your battery out at anytime during the installation process. I know it seems like common sense but I read a thread where someone had pulled their battery in the middle of the installation process and they ended up with a brick.
Now that all that's out of the way lets get started!
1. Copy "ota-radio-2_22_19_26I.zip" or "G1-radio-2_22_23_02.zip" and "spl-signed.zip" onto the root of your SD card.
2. Reboot into recovery. I suggest using the RA-dream recovery you can download it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=566669
3. Wipe your phone "factory data reset" (this step isnt really necessary since your phone is wiped after flashing the SPL but I always like to wipe before flashing anything)
DO NOT SKIP THIS NEXT STEP OR YOU WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE
You must have the latest radio "2_22_19_26I" or "2_22_23_02" to flash this SPL if you already have the latest radio you should not have to flash it again but it will not hurt if you do flash it again. When in doubt flash it anyway.
4. Flash the Radio "ota-radio-2_22_19_26I.zip" or "G1-radio-2_22_23_02.zip" it will install and then it will ask you to reboot to finish the installation, so reboot, it will then finish installing and then reboot back into recovery.
5. Flash the SPL "spl-signed.zip" it will install and then ask you to reboot to finish the installation, so reboot, it will then finish installing and reboot into recovery so you can flash your ROM
A simple way to make sure that the SPL flashed correctly is when you reboot to the boot loader screen by holding the camera button you will see HBOOT-1.33.2005. You can also see that it flashed correctly by checking your system size it will now be 89mb a very easy was to check this is with the My Account app available in the Market.

Great idea to post this again, since so many people are asking about it.
I flashed mine way back when Haykuro first posted it, and I seem to remember that you had to have a PVT board as well. Is this still the case? I can't remember whether or not anyone found out otherwise.

kathi17 said:
Great idea to post this again, since so many people are asking about it.
I flashed mine way back when Haykuro first posted it, and I seem to remember that you had to have a PVT board as well. Is this still the case? I can't remember whether or not anyone found out otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PVT = a must have.
Also forgot to mention that when you reboot after flashing the SPL, you have to reboot with Home+Back

kathi17 said:
Great idea to post this again, since so many people are asking about it.
I flashed mine way back when Haykuro first posted it, and I seem to remember that you had to have a PVT board as well. Is this still the case? I can't remember whether or not anyone found out otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thats a big reason I decided to post this, so many ROMs now say they require Death/Danger SPL and only a couple actually provide a link or some type of simple instructions. I figure with a dedicated "How To" we can eliminate questions about the SPL in ROM threads and make people feel a little more comfortable with flashing it. I dont believe anyone actually tested it without a PVT board. I havent even seen anyone one here that doesnt have PVT board. Just in case though I will edit the OP, thanks for remembering that because I completely forgot that it has only been tested on a PVT board as far as I know.

also you should include how to know which spl you have. i was about to flash the danger spl again because i forgot i already had it

xsnipuhx said:
PVT = a must have.
Also forgot to mention that when you reboot after flashing the SPL, you have to reboot with Home+Back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rebooted with the reboot option in the recovery with out an issue.

Joe333x said:
I dont believe anyone actually tested it without a PVT board. I havent even seen anyone one here that doesnt have PVT board. Just in case though I will edit the OP, thanks for remembering that because I completely forgot that it has only been tested on a PVT board as far as I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I remember right, some people flashed the radio first, and still bricked, and the difference was that they didn't have a PVT board.
Maybe you should also put in big red letters at the beginning about flashing the radio first. You can tell by reading all the questions on here that at least half of the people don't read the instructions, they just flash away in any order they feel like flashing!

kathi17 said:
If I remember right, some people flashed the radio first, and still bricked, and the difference was that they didn't have a PVT board.
Maybe you should also put in big red letters at the beginning about flashing the radio first. You can tell by reading all the questions on here that at least half of the people don't read the instructions, they just flash away in any order they feel like flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true red letter warning has been added.
Please if anyone has suggestions for this "How To". Dont hesitate to post. I made this to help people out so if you have an idea that will help let me know.

When I first got a G1 as a test phone I tried to flash the radio/spl and it failed repeatedly. I'll try it again as I have had the phone for awhile and I want to try some of the newer ROMs
EDIT: Still getting fails on the radio flash.
it says:
Install from sdcard
Finding update package
Opening update package
E: Can't open /sdcard/ota-radio-2_22_19_26I.zip (bad)
Installation aborted
could it be my sd card?

It looks good now!
I remembered right:
Ok if u press the camera button + power to power the phone up and if u see "PVT" then ur good to go if u see "DVT-1 or 2" then u should defenetly not flash cuz almost every1 with dvt gets "bricked".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
form this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=517593&page=9

So, where can I get the Haykuro/ Death SPL ? Do it same way like Danger SPL ?

MaDaFGG said:
So, where can I get the Haykuro/ Death SPL ? Do it same way like Danger SPL ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Haykuro/Death SPL IS the Danger SPL.

MaDaFGG said:
So, where can I get the Haykuro/ Death SPL ? Do it same way like Danger SPL ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is called Haykuro SP: .2005 you guys have to get your facts straight.Haykuro is the person that ported the Magic's SPL to the Dream to allow larger roms to be installed.
Both the Radio & SPL are here:
http://code.google.com/p/sapphire-port-dream/

So does SPL flashing only apply to G1's? I have a mt3g. I can safely flash any rom w/o flashing an SPL first?

kathi17 said:
It looks good now!
I remembered right:
form this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=517593&page=9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank for finding that I just edited it again

I'm snowed in tonight, so I'm gonna try this out. I hope everything I need to know is here. If I do a Nandroid+EXT backup before, will I be able to Nandroid Restore after the SPL upgrade?

So I tried to flash the spl yesterday cuz i wanted to try out some new roms, but I kept on getting errors everytime I flashed the spl and it aborted. So after a while i just gave up and went back to cyanogen. Does anybody know why there would be errors when installing the spl. and yes I did flash the radio first.

rizocreations said:
So does SPL flashing only apply to G1's? I have a mt3g. I can safely flash any rom w/o flashing an SPL first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. This SPL actually is the one that if for your mt3g but edited for the G1 so that it can flash larger ROMs.

rizocreations said:
So does SPL flashing only apply to G1's? I have a mt3g. I can safely flash any rom w/o flashing an SPL first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its called Sapphire to dream port for a reason.You can use the .2004 or .2010 SPL or whatever its called instead.

If I already have the correct radio, do I have to re-flash the radio again before flashing the SPL?
The reason I am asking is that I have 2 G1's.. the first I unknowingly did everything right and have the danger SPL without any problems. When I went to root the second one a couple of months later, I bricked it even though I thought I did everything right. Now my "new" phone has the correct radio, but only the engineer's SPL and I want to try some of the newer ROMs but am afraid to brick the phone again.
Thanks