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noob questions about ROM flashing

hi,
i have an HTC touch (the 128/256 would be Elfin right?) to which i want to flash another ROM.
well i'm a total noob at this so i don't really understand where or how to start and what to do;
1-is the process reversible?in other words can i downgrade to my original ROM (downloaded it from HTC website)?
2-is it necessary that i upgrade/change the IPL,SPL,USPL,...etc?
3-when doing a CID unlocking,is it safe?or what's the worst case scenario?
4-does the ROM contain a radio by default or should i install it seperately?and is it necessary to upgrade/change it?
sorry for asking too many questions,but i wanna know how to do it right
thanks

suzaku said:
hi,
i have an HTC touch (the 128/256 would be Elfin right?) to which i want to flash another ROM.
well i'm a total noob at this so i don't really understand where or how to start and what to do;
1-is the process reversible?in other words can i downgrade to my original ROM (downloaded it from HTC website)?
2-is it necessary that i upgrade/change the IPL,SPL,USPL,...etc?
3-when doing a CID unlocking,is it safe?or what's the worst case scenario?
4-does the ROM contain a radio by default or should i install it seperately?and is it necessary to upgrade/change it?
sorry for asking too many questions,but i wanna know how to do it right
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) Yes, once you Hard Spl your phone you can flash any rom, custom or OEM
2.) Yes, you must change from a stock spl/uspl to a custom one.
3.) Yes, For the most part it is safe, but like driving your car, accidents happen and the worst case is you brick your phone.
4.) some roms contain radios and some roms do not, you can always flash your favorite radio after the rom flash.
Don't worry this is the right section to ask questions. Read this thread and other threads in the upgrade section. Re read until it makes sense and then go for it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=445666

1.) Yes, once you Hard Spl your phone you can flash any rom, custom or OEM
2.) Yes, you must change from a stock spl/uspl to a custom one.
3.) Yes, For the most part it is safe, but like driving your car, accidents happen and the worst case is you brick your phone.
4.) some roms contain radios and some roms do not, you can always flash your favorite radio after the rom flash.
Don't worry this is the right section to ask questions. Read this thread and other threads in the upgrade section. Re read until it makes sense and then go for it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=445666
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot denco,your help is really appreciated .
i did some digging myself about this,and i ran through this topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=408637
and now things are starting to become more clear,but now i have another questions:
1-if i dump my IPL/SPL,can i restore them again over the stock ones (in case i wanna sell my phone or something like that)?
2-it seems a bit dumb ,but i thought CID unlocking and USPL changing are 2 completely different things,but now i see that they are two different descriptions for the same thing,am i right?
thanks

suzaku said:
thanks a lot denco,your help is really appreciated .
i did some digging myself about this,and i ran through this topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=408637
and now things are starting to become more clear,but now i have another questions:
1-if i dump my IPL/SPL,can i restore them again over the stock ones (in case i wanna sell my phone or something like that)?
2-it seems a bit dumb ,but i thought CID unlocking and USPL changing are 2 completely different things,but now i see that they are two different descriptions for the same thing,am i right?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can restore everything to stock for warranty return, providing it is not your usb connector that is th problem.
They used to be two different things, but now with the new Uspls/Spls it is the same thing

so from what i understood,all i have to do is upgrade my USPL and dump my stock IPL/SPL for restoring purposes (or can i do that without having to dump them?) and i'm ready to flash...right?

Clarification about SPL

I've read the wiki article about SPLs, located here
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=SPL Questions?
What is the difference between Flashing and installing?
And I've a few clarifications to make. There was this note that says "You should never use a SoftSPL to flash a full ROM to your device. You should only use them to flash a new SPL and once the new SPL is on your device, then flash the ROM! This is why you need to extract the SPL and flash it first and then once it is "HARD" on your device you can flash the ROM."
From what I understand, a SoftSPL cannot be used immediately until the SPL is extracted first, then flash it, then flash the ROM.
Then why not provide 2 things, the extracted SPL and the ROM, rather than both in one, and thereby create the need for the warning in the article?
Sorry if I sound like a noob, cos I really am!
Thanks!

ferns_mccanus said:
I've read the wiki article about SPLs, located here
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=SPL Questions?
What is the difference between Flashing and installing?
And I've a few clarifications to make. There was this note that says "You should never use a SoftSPL to flash a full ROM to your device. You should only use them to flash a new SPL and once the new SPL is on your device, then flash the ROM! This is why you need to extract the SPL and flash it first and then once it is "HARD" on your device you can flash the ROM."
From what I understand, a SoftSPL cannot be used immediately until the SPL is extracted first, then flash it, then flash the ROM.
Then why not provide 2 things, the extracted SPL and the ROM, rather than both in one, and thereby create the need for the warning in the article?
Sorry if I sound like a noob, cos I really am!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think of it in PC terms, installing is downloading a program Adobe Flash or
Itunes ans installing it on your hard drive. Flashing is like going from Windows XP to Vista, you are replacing your operating system.
Generally , anything installed will get erased after a hard reset, anything flashed will survive a hard reset.
Generally the spl's are extracted from the roms already and are available in the forum to flash to your phone. Once your phone is flashed with Hardspl there is no need to flash a new spl for every rom.
Stock roms come with a new spl for every version, cooked roms do not contain an spl. There fore your phone must be flashed with a hard spl prior to flashing a custom rom.
Some say that when flashing a cooked rom that you should , for performance sake, flash the patched spl (hardspl ) that came with the rom that the cooked rom is based on ie: 3.56hard for roms that are based on AT$T 3.56.xxxx 6.1 roms or 3.34hard for 3.34.xxxxxx WWE based roms. I personally have seen no " hard " evidence of this. I have always used 3.29Hard whether I was flashing stock or cooked roms.
For more info, Dave has a nice thread on this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=498320

Further clarification about ROMs
Thanks for the reply, I think I'm understanding all these a bit more.
Another thing to clarify:
Basically, my phone comes with PAPAGO, a navigation software pre-installed. In other words, after a hard reset, it's automatically installed. So if I do a ROM upgrade, does that mean I won't have this software anymore?
Thanks!

ferns_mccanus said:
Thanks for the reply, I think I'm understanding all these a bit more.
Another thing to clarify:
Basically, my phone comes with PAPAGO, a navigation software pre-installed. In other words, after a hard reset, it's automatically installed. So if I do a ROM upgrade, does that mean I won't have this software anymore?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct, you will not have it anymore, unless the new rom includes it.

but im pretty sure there is a program to install from a sd card to newly flashed rom. so if the navigator software is on card then you could do this

Back to my stock rom

Hi guys, I couldn't find this on the forums:
I want to go back to my stock rom, named: _HTC Touch Pro_MRII_RUU_Raphael_HTC_NLD_KPN_5.05.478.1_R_Radio_Signed_Raphael_52.58.25.30_1.11.25.01_Ship.exe
But I have flashed a HardSPL from Olinex. What are the safe and correct steps to go completely back to the original rom?
Many thanks.

You can flash the stock rom, and keep the hard spl, it won't make a difference. If you are returning the phone for warranty, you will want to flash back to stock spl.
Check the sticky threads for the hardspl, it has instructions for returning to original for warranty. There is another thread for returning to spl 1.95, if that is the original spl you had. But you may be like me and didn't pay attention to which version you had before flashing harspl by olinex.
In the wiki you should be able to find all of the stock roms.
Cheers!

Thanks mate, I did a little gambling and just tried to flash the normal rom. It worked, with the SPL still intact I think. I sold it without warranty so it isn't my problem anymore .

[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

[SOLVED] Going back to Original ROM

Hi guys,
nice work from JockyW, ookba and everyone doing the job to bring us excellent software (pls if i forgot anyone, don't be mad ). I really appreciated the RUU_MAPL_3VOLUTION_WM65_3VO.2.50.112509 for a long time but I will sell my Maple now. It time to move on and try something new. Thats why I need to go back to the Official HTC ROM. I just cannot get it to work...
Obviously just flashing the original HTC Rom won't do the job because of the Hardspl, but how do i get around this. I just need some help on going back.
Thanks in advance, UKFencer

160 hits and nobody got an idea...? Or is the answer too simple?
If i am missing something pls point me to it.
Thanks,
UKFencer

Sorry, I don't think I have any idea. I *think just flashing the original ROM should work, I have upgrade/downgraded other phones with factory/custom roms with no problem. I have a question on top of yours. If I don't Hard SPL, what do I lose? There's a thread about downgrading the HardSpl to 1.19 or 18, I don't know if that helps. I would like an answer to my AT&T question as well. Sorry about hijacking your topic but I at least bumped it.

Download original rom in HTC website. Thats all.

Or you could use goldcard model to flash back to original WWE ROM

alinkwok said:
Or you could use goldcard model to flash back to original WWE ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where can i get that?

Sorry, for not replying any earlier, but was finishing my finally year project...took longer than i thought...anyway now i back to re-install the original firmware...
@Sonnguyen
doesn't work because of HardSPL...tried it.
@alinkwok
yeah, i've read about it...without a seccond mobile, i'll have to buy the software if i recall correctly.
So, any other tips where to look for howtos...?
UKFencer

Have you ever imagined looking into Wiki
If I were your Maple buyer I would apreciate more to have it upgraded to a cooked ROM, rather to have ugly stock.
You can go back and install any ROM you want

orb3000 said:
Have you ever imagined looking into Wiki
If I were your Maple buyer I would apreciate more to have it upgraded to a cooked ROM, rather to have ugly stock.
You can go back and install any ROM you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I agree with your sentiments regarding the ROM, point is however that once the custom ROM is flashed with the Hardspl, the original ROM cannot be flashed back, which is sometimes required, especially if something happens to the phone and it has to be returned for repairs etc to the retailers.

Strange, it´s the 1st time I know that an HTC device can´t go back to original ROM...
I´ll do some research...

The original SPL is included in the package you downloaded from here..... Just have to use it, flash original rom, and you are on your way....

How exactly do I flash the original spl nbh file? I tried replacing the hard spl nbh with the original and running RUU but the spl remained the same.

you need to get the one from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=558003
there is a folder marked original spl in there. it is the same process you did when you put the hard spl on there, just using the original nbh