Database Users

some questions about roms

Hi guys,
this is my first post in this forum.
A couple of days I've already been browsing through the forums and the wiki, and now I have a few simple questions regarding flashing of roms.
I'm the owner of a BLAC100 in the O2 Germany version (Rom:1.14.207.2 (241011) GER, Radio: 1.09.25.14)
As O2 has not (yet) offered their version of the 1.56.407.2 Rom I was thinking of flashing the generic version using USPL.
Ultimately I'm hoping to run a fully working Android on the device, but till then I'll probably have to wait a little longer.
Is it possible after flashing a different rom to completely restore the device to factory settings? (Is there a rom available?)
What happens to the software installed on SD?
I guess I'll have to reinstall that too?
THX in advance,
Kayoz

Welcome to the forum!
I assume the BLAC100 is the Blackstone?
I also have the touch hd originally from O2 Germany.
If you want to flash a new ROM, but you still want to keep the original SPL, then don't install an HSPL, but instead use USPL. Of course, if you were to use HSPL, you could always go back and put the original SPL for warranty purposes. It's really up to you. I've always only used USPL.
If one day you want your original stock ROM, then download it from this list here.
Wiki: Stock ROMs
Just scroll down to the Germany section, and pick the one that applies to you.
There are some great instructions on flashing ROMs here.
Follow them closely - especially if you want to flash a 1.56 ROM - you'll need to first update your SPL/HSPL/USPL to a 1.56 version. It is all explained in that tutorial.
I use Dutty's 3.7 XT ROM and it's great. I have used his ROMs since v2.1.
When you flash a new ROM, you'll most likely need to install the programs on your SD card again (at least - I have always had to). You can use a program like spb Backup to make an image of your device after you are done installing all your programs and adjusting all your settings. If you have to hard-reset, you can just restore that backup file and in no time you'll have all your programs back. However, if you flash a different ROM, that backup file will likely not work with it.

restore the device to factory settings == the rom you flashed's factory settings
there is no behind the screen rom you can always revert to after you flash your device
if change the rom you change the rom
only way to go back to how your phone was bought is to flash it again
with the rom version it came with like you would any other rom

Thanks for the quick replys!
Chris Cross said:
Welcome to the forum!
I assume the BLAC100 is the Blackstone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes indeed.
I also have the touch hd originally from O2 Germany.
If you want to flash a new ROM, but you still want to keep the original SPL, then don't install an HSPL, but instead use USPL. Of course, if you were to use HSPL, you could always go back and put the original SPL for warranty purposes. It's really up to you. I've always only used USPL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I already mentioned I was thinking of using USPL, but here comes one more question will i have to replace SPL with the newer SPL to install the latest roms?
Is it possible to do that using USPL and is it possible to revert back to the original SPL
If one day you want your original stock ROM, then download it from this list here.
Wiki: Stock ROMs
Just scroll down to the Germany section, and pick the one that applies to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There seem to be 3 different O2 roms (all of them appear to be homemade) which is the right one/what are the differences?
Or is it possible to create an image of the rom i have on the device atm, and revert back to that later?
There are some great instructions on flashing ROMs here.
Follow them closely - especially if you want to flash a 1.56 ROM - you'll need to first update your SPL/HSPL/USPL to a 1.56 version. It is all explained in that tutorial.
I use Dutty's 3.7 XT ROM and it's great. I have used his ROMs since v2.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to read some more into cooked roms and their pros and cons, for now i think i want to stick to the stock roms (just to get the feeling for successful flashing...)
When you flash a new ROM, you'll most likely need to install the programs on your SD card again (at least - I have always had to). You can use a program like spb Backup to make an image of your device after you are done installing all your programs and adjusting all your settings. If you have to hard-reset, you can just restore that backup file and in no time you'll have all your programs back. However, if you flash a different ROM, that backup file will likely not work with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought.
Thanks again

As I already mentioned I was thinking of using USPL, but here comes one more question will i have to replace SPL with the newer SPL to install the latest roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you need to go from 1.14 to 1.56 if you want a new ROM based on 1.56
Is it possible to do that using USPL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. I did it and I have never used HSPL. I just followed the instructions in that tutorial link.
and is it possible to revert back to the original SPL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as far as I know - yes.
There seem to be 3 different O2 roms (all of them appear to be homemade) which is the right one/what are the differences?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correction: Hmm, I just looked into it. Some do seem to be "homemade" or altered roms. (for example see this discussion). Thanks for pointing it out. I was under the impression they were 100% original stock roms.
I can't tell you what the differences are. It looks like the O2 roms are all the same. This table shows you the various stock roms in each country (scroll down). There it only shows O2 germany as having ROM 1.14.207.2(24011)
Correction: (old info erased) My original O2 rom was 1.14.207.2(24011). The 1.14.407.3 was once I flashed later.
Check your phone right now. Go to settings, system tab, device information and look and see what version it says you have. You can also look at the red numbers when you start your phone. Write those down, as they say your ROM and radio info etc...
Or is it possible to create an image of the rom i have on the device atm, and revert back to that later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making an "image" doesn't mean you are saving the whole ROM. I'm not a cook, so I can't tell you how you could do that. But maybe these links will help:
Instructions 1
Solution to one possible error
I'll have to read some more into cooked roms and their pros and cons, for now i think i want to stick to the stock roms (just to get the feeling for successful flashing...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had my stock ROM for several weeks. And once I flashed Dutty's ROMs I never went back. I use his latest ROM right now (3.7 XT).

I made quite a few changes to my previous post, so you might want to read it again. I had some mistakes in there. I also included some new links with info if you are interested in backing up your current "true" stock rom. It would be really helpful for the rest of us too, since apparently the "stock" roms provided in the wiki are not 100% stock. I don't know if the altered stock roms in the wiki would be recognized as such and therefore void the warranty.

Chris Cross said:
Check your phone right now. Go to settings, system tab, device information and look and see what version it says you have. You can also look at the red numbers when you start your phone. Write those down, as they say your ROM and radio info etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I already mentioned in my first post these are my versions:
Rom:1.14.207.2 (241011) GER, Radio: 1.09.25.14
Making an "image" doesn't mean you are saving the whole ROM. I'm not a cook, so I can't tell you how you could do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my understanding making an image of the rom (dumping the rom) is basically saving all the contents of the rom.
If not please tell me what would be missing.
I had my stock ROM for several weeks. And once I flashed Dutty's ROMs I never went back. I use his latest ROM right now (3.7 XT).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can point me to some page with more info on that rom and what makes it differ from the stock rom(s).
thx, kayoz

In my understanding making an image of the rom (dumping the rom) is basically saving all the contents of the rom.
If not please tell me what would be missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I believe you are right, but I am not sure if there are any hidden files or boot files that you need to make sure are included in there. And then, once you dump it, you have to make it "installable". My knowledge is not good in that area, so I don't want to give you information that could be wrong or misleading.
The best thing would be to post a thread in the Blackstone ROM Development forum.
Maybe you can point me to some page with more info on that rom and what makes it differ from the stock rom(s).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a link to Dutty's latest ROM for WM 6.1
It is faster and more user friendly and nicer design than my original stock ROM. It also has the new Manila version with the new contact cards etc... You can also use Manila in portrait or landscape mode.
It has extra useful apps without making the ROM a big bloat.
Check out the thread for details.
EDIT::::::::::::::::::::::
Here is a thread devoted to ROM extraction and creation.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

ok, so I've read some more material and successfully dumped my rom, now working on reconstructing it so it can be flashed back onto the device.
I also did (my first) hard reset and I noticed after the hard reset the protocol version of the device changed from:
52.49a.25.26U
to:
52.49a.25.26H
anyone knows what that means?

kayoz said:
ok, so I've read some more material and successfully dumped my rom, now working on reconstructing it so it can be flashed back onto the device.
I also did (my first) hard reset and I noticed after the hard reset the protocol version of the device changed from:
52.49a.25.26U
to:
52.49a.25.26H
anyone knows what that means?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool! Great to hear. It looks like we might now have a true 100% stock ROM for O2 Germany. (Assuming you'll share it with us )
Unfortunately I don't know the difference in protocols. Maybe someone else can help.

So, I've been playing around those last couple of days trying to reconstruct my rom.
I've been unsuccessful so far. When I'm trying to do nbsplit on a stock rom and then run imgfsfromnb on the payload i always end up with an empty imgfs.bin.
I also tried using Part02.raw as imgfs.bin directly then it only tells me not to use the created imgfs-new.bin.
anyone might know what i could be doing wrong?

kayoz said:
So, I've been playing around those last couple of days trying to reconstruct my rom.
I've been unsuccessful so far. When I'm trying to do nbsplit on a stock rom and then run imgfsfromnb on the payload i always end up with an empty imgfs.bin.
I also tried using Part02.raw as imgfs.bin directly then it only tells me not to use the created imgfs-new.bin.
anyone might know what i could be doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kayoz,
I was wondering, were you ever able to reconstruct your ROM?
Im looking to flash a different ROM onto my phone, but I am unwilling until I have a copy of my current ROM on my THD.
Does anyone know if it matters if two ROMs are identical in all aspects except for the protocol versions?
My ROM comes with
ROM version: 1.18.707.3 (23358) WWE
ROM date: 12/10/08
Radio version: 1.09.25.14
Protocol version: 52.49a.25.26W
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the closest that I was able to find was the RUU_BlackStone_hTC_Asia_WWE_1.18.707.3_Radio_52.49a.25.26_1.09.25.14_Ship.exe which has a slightly different protocol.
Cheers.

Some really really simple queries

Hey guys,
I have been browsing this forum extensively for the past two days and must say there is wealth of resources here and lot of knowledge sharing.
However I find that most of the threads are bit on the steep side for a Windows mobile novice like me to understand. I just got a new HD2 few days back.
Can some one please give a one line meanings of below terms and if possible links on this site or elsewhere that can give a lay mans definition. Once I got a hang of the terms then I can go around on my own. I am sure there are many like me.
- HSPL (I saw the main HSPL thread but does not explain what is HSPL)
- Flashing
- Cooked ROM, stock ROM
- Radio
- SPL
Thanks in advance.
Metal

metal675 said:
Hey guys,
I have been browsing this forum extensively for the past two days and must say there is wealth of resources here and lot of knowledge sharing.
However I find that most of the threads are bit on the steep side for a Windows mobile novice like me to understand. I just got a new HD2 few days back.
Can some one please give a one line meanings of below terms and if possible links on this site or elsewhere that can give a lay mans definition. Once I got a hang of the terms then I can go around on my own. I am sure there are many like me.
- HSPL (I saw the main HSPL thread but does not explain what is HSPL)
- Flashing
- Cooked ROM, stock ROM
- Radio
- SPL
Thanks in advance.
Metal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi and welcome!
You might want to read this wiki:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=SPL Questions?
It should cover all of the above (it is designed for a non-HD2 device, but the explanations aren't dependant on model).

metal675 said:
- HSPL (I saw the main HSPL thread but does not explain what is HSPL)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"HSPL" or "Hard SPL" is a bootloader. What this means is that it's software that goes on your phone which is invoked as the phone loads, and from there loads the operating system and/or presents and executes other advanced functions.
The default bootloader is "locked" so that only signed ROMs can be flashed. HSPL un-"locks" this so you can flash any ROM.
metal675 said:
- Flashing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Flashing" refers to writing to ROM. When you "flash" a phone you write a new operating system to its ROM.
metal675 said:
- Cooked ROM, stock ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A "stock" ROM is one distributed and/or made by the OEM. A "cooked" ROM is one distributed and/or made by a non-OEM.
The ROMs you can download from HTC's site are "stock".
The ROMs you can download in the ROM forum are "cooked".
metal675 said:
- Radio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "radio" is the firmware that goes on your phone that controls most of its BIOS functions.
metal675 said:
- SPL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A bootloader for the phone. The "H" in "HSPL" means "Hard" meaning it's un-"locked".

Great responses.
rp-x1,
Thats precisely the kind of url I was looking for. It explains fair bit on SPL. Are there any other pages here, perhaps one which is indexed or a step by step tutorials going further into flashing and explaining other terms?
Spike 15,
Thanks for the definitions.
So I understand that 'flashing' is a Winmo term for actually changing the core rom.
If i relate it to Windows terminology, then I guess ROM in WinMo is similar to set of custom dll, exe's in Windows that affects the core OS.
Also, what is a signed and unsigned ROM? I know in Symbian we have signed and unsigned apps but they can be self signed, I guess this must be something similar.
- Is installing HSPL (the one on this forum) recommended?
- How would I determine that I need to upgrade or change to another ROM be it stock or cooked?
For e.g. I tried installing the new HTC rom from their website but I got an invalid vendor id. I believe that is because my phone is locked to T Mobile UK. Would HSPL + a WWE ROM unlock the phone?
Thanks again.
Metal

Bringing up thread.
Can someone please respond?
Should I really install HSPL or a Soft SPL?
If it is HSPL can I use the one given on this
link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=611433
Should i use the HSPL.zip and HSPL2_RUN.zip ?
I am locked to T Mobile but want to use O2, will Hard SPL allow me to do that? Means if I do HSPL and then flash a WWE rom
Thanks

Metal,
Before you do anything there has been early Tmobile USA hd2's out there so i have to ask... do you have a hd2 from europe or from USA.
the new TMobile USA hd2 has SPL 2.X.X, the hspl you see around is for the europe one and WILL NOT work on TMO USA HD2.
U asked if it was recommended... well it does void the warranty... but you can go backwards if needed to send into repairs, but that scares some people in to even attempting this for a 500-800 dollar device.
Now away from that part of it, yes unlocking your phone allows you to flash these "cooked" roms into your phone... which by theory will make your phone work faster, better, and do things it "should have" out the box. There are normally little treats as well as built in software that makes your experience better because you don't have to load on apps and slow down your phone because they are already "cooked" into the ROM.

Boredtonite,
Thanks for the reply.
I am on T Mobile UK, so I assume that it is the European version.
I had a look at few vids on youtube regarding flashing and then reverting it back, so it does not look that difficult to me.
Only thing that I want to know is if I should do it, if yes which is the correct version I should use.

Can anyone provide me the link to the correct version of HSPL that I should use for my T Mobile UK phone
Also once I run that is it recommended if I flash the HTC wwe rom from its website?

Ok guys - Need help with flashing a rom

I have had no such luck in another thread the tmobile us hd2 section and ppl are I feel being kinda snotty to me. I would like if someone could answer a few questions for me and help me out.
I want to Flash to Energy.Leo.21905.Sense2.5.GTX.Themed and I got the HSPL for it. My question is where can I find the stock rom and spl for the phone incase I need to warranty exchange or return it. I have the Tmobile US 1024 Leo

sherlockpwnz said:
I have had no such luck in another thread the tmobile us hd2 section and ppl are I feel being kinda snotty to me. I would like if someone could answer a few questions for me and help me out.
I want to Flash to Energy.Leo.21905.Sense2.5.GTX.Themed and I got the HSPL for it. My question is where can I find the stock rom and spl for the phone incase I need to warranty exchange or return it. I have the Tmobile US 1024 Leo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm well try searching the forum. If that doesn't help, i'm sure I saw a stock T-mobile rom somewhere...HSPL will allow you to install the T-Mobile rom back onto the device. Go to T-mobile's website, i'm sure they've released an update for the HD2, you can flash that back onto the HD2. And remember to remove HSPL when you send your device back if something happpens. Hope I helped

Thanks yeah. I guess the better question is the update they released on the tmobile website is that suffecient since thats just an update?

go to t mobile section, click rom development thread, one of the top 4 or 5 threads (its a sticky) is called [rom] leo 1.5 test and stock roms or something like that, in there is a list of roms from 2.0 right up to 2.13 (stay away from those below 2.10, just for safety, some of them have dodgy spl's)
the two you should take note of are 2.10.0 and 2.13. Theyre the two stock roms that the tmous shipped with. (the 2.10.1 in that folder isnt an official stock rom, your phone will see it as a cooked rom)

Ahhh Awesome. Thanks. So if I need to send it back I uninstall the hspl and when I install the stock rom the spl is automatically put back?

sherlockpwnz said:
Ahhh Awesome. Thanks. So if I need to send it back I uninstall the hspl and when I install the stock rom the spl is automatically put back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
depends which is your stock
if its 2.10
install the 2.10.0 stock from usb, then run hspl1024 and choose 2.08.0000
if its 2.13
run hspl1024 and choose 2.08.0000 and THEN flash the 2.13 stock from usb.
for 2.10 you can do it either way round, remove hspl first and then flash the stock, or flash teh stock then remove hspl. (because it's stock, it doesnt need hspl) for 2.13 however you must remove hspl first, because you need to flash back to spl 2.10.0000 and hspl1024 doesn't support that, so when you flash 2.13 if hspl is NOT installed then your spl will be upgraded to 2.10.0000, but if you leave hspl installed it wont remove it, and you will need to downgrade again so you can remove it, then upgrade again, lol.

my ROM is 2.13 and spl i suppose is 2.10

So who was being snotty to you. I answered all these questions in your last thread about the same thing. I ever went so far to link you to everything.

i felt a few of your replies were kinda anotty in assuming i didn't read any of the threads or didn't do searches. just to clear it up i spent weeks looking around reading before i decided to sign up and ask not because i was lazy to read but because i didn't understand it too much. also a few other people i felt were a little rude in assuming that i would be doing all of this with no computer.

Sorry if people come off that way but the information is there and it tends to get asked a lot and answered just as much so people tends to get tired of answering the same thing over and over.
I'll apologize for everybody. Sorry if we came off rude. Like I said it's all there I linked to what you needed in the other thread. I understand it can be frustrating to try and find information that doesn't contradict itself from thread to thread. The last thing you want to do is brick an expensive phone.
So you'll want to download HSPL2-sync the phone on the computer-run HSPL-follow instruction
Once that is done go into T-Mobile rom section - download one of the NRG roms( can't go wrong with his for your first flash)- unzip and put the file LEOIMG.nbh into the main directory of the memory card - turn off the phone and put into bootloader - hit the power button to load the rom - done........
Hope that helps and simplifies things for ya.

its alright man i understand there are idiots that don't read. i know my problem is with my browser the search doesn't show up so if it doesn't come up in google i don't find it. i did read though i gotta downgrade my stockrom in order to get to spl 2.08

yep HSPL 2.08 then Hard HSPL 2.08

cool cool. I sent a pm to nrgz and asked him personally to make sure the rom I chose will work but no reply I think he might have a crap ton of messages and wont read it. Waiting to see if someone will let me know. it's the gtx themed energy leo rom for 1024

Which one are you looking at I can tell you or tell you which one is the right one with the same options.
Did you have a chance to run HSPL yet?

he is talking about the gtx version of this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=591784

Yep it will work with no issue. Though using that one will not have any of the preloaded T-Mobile programs. As long as you know that.

i need guides...

hi. i just bought a tmobile hd2. some of my phones informations is:
spl-2.10.0000 8g xe
fcc id:nm8pb81120
os version 5.2.21892 (21892.5.0.89)
manila ver 2.5.20121412.2
rom 2.13.531.1 (90963) wwe
redio ver 2.10.50.26
protocol 15.39.50.07u
cpu 8250b
speed 1024mhz
ram 576 mb
flash size 1024mb
i've read lots of articles on this site. i suppose i'll need to instal another rom on my phone. i read a lot but i get little confused. i think first i have to instal HardSPL (forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=653614) second i have to flash a radio and i can instal a rom. and on this page (forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=591784) it says i don't need to flash a radio. which means that i just install hardspl and instal this rom... am i right?
can you guys help me what am i suppose to do... and which version of hardspl, radio and rom works well for me?
sory to ask lots of questions but i don't know enough about wm phones ( thanks for guides...

Hi, basic steps are
1. Backup your important data like contacts etc..
2. Its very IMPORTANT that you Flash HardSPL first before flashing any ROM (No worries,it only needs to be done once for you to enjoy subsequent custom ROMs). Version 2.08.HSPL is ok.
3. Browse the threads for a suitable "TMobile HD2 compatible ROM" or visit this link for comfirmed ROMs.
4. Perform a Hard reset after successfully flashing any of the ROMs
5. Enjoy!
i suggest u clear your schedule, get coffee, tea, drink(s) and visit This Link . It contains info and links to all the guides you can possibly need to push you and your device to a higher level. i wouldn't recommend trying android till you are very comfortable with flashing ROMs.

you dont need to worry about the radio just yet, because since you have a tmous phone, it already has a radio that will work with all tmous compatible roms anyway.

Well I'm gonna just say right now I'm not an expert or anything since I'm relatively new too. I'm just trying to help, I would however advise wait for a more experienced person to answer.
First, if you want to flash a ROM follow this guide for the TMOUS HD2's. It goes over how to do it, which ROMs are compatible and all that.
Yes, you do have to get HSPL (except I think there are methods when you don't, though that might just be for the international phones...). But to get HSPL you should probably use this. I don't know if it is the only thing that does it but it, from what I understand, is the most well known. It also keeps you from "bricking" your phone.
From what I understand the only time you have to flash a radio is if the ROM needs it, and the chefs will say if it needs a certain one or list ones that it works with on their ROM page. I think most of them support the radio that comes stock, though don't take my word for it. I would wait for someone else to confirm or re-explain this paragraph because I'm not completely for sure.
As for which ROM is right for you...well only you can answer that. They all are different and different ones have advantages over the others. You just gotta explore a little and see what looks nice. This is the list of ROMs that support the T-Mobile HD2 so stick to it. I don't know how up-to-date it is (meaning I don't know if there are any new ones or not) but stick to those, you can "brick" your phone otherwise.
I would however advise if you're new to WM phones to try out themes first. They are a lot safer and I don't think there is any chance of ruining your phone (the only reason I flashed mine is because I've done it with a different phone before and felt comfortable doing it). Don't do anything you are uncomfortable doing and understand all the risks that go into anything you do to your phone before you do them.
Sorry for the long post, just hope this helps a little.
Edit:
I just got double ninja'd

thaks everybody for all informations. i'm still reading to find out how to install a rom and which one is good. i liked enegy rom gtx themed. i'll take a try. just before doing something to my phone i'm just tring to learn more but i'll do it anyway with a goodway or hardway... i hope everythig goes well...
thanks again...

Muzun28 said:
thaks everybody for all informations. i'm still reading to find out how to install a rom and which one is good. i liked enegy rom gtx themed. i'll take a try. just before doing something to my phone i'm just tring to learn more but i'll do it anyway with a goodway or hardway... i hope everythig goes well...
thanks again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's d spirit...You'll be amazed @ what the search function on XDA coughs up...Everything'll go well once u stick to d guides and TMobile compatibie ROMs & Radios.

i picked up this rom (forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=652649) but there is two options. 1) com5(c5) 2)com2(c2). i don't know what it means... and if want to install one of these roms do i have to flash a radio after installing hspl?
and what is the stock rom?
thanks again...

It looks like COM5 and COM2 are just different versions. COM5 offers more options it looks like though, but I'm not sure. Someone else can probably answer that a lot better than me. I am also unable to answer the radio question. Sorry.
As for stock ROM though, that is the ROM that came already on your HD2 when you got it.

Muzun28 said:
i picked up this rom (forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=652649) but there is two options. 1) com5(c5) 2)com2(c2). i don't know what it means... and if want to install one of these roms do i have to flash a radio after installing hspl?
and what is the stock rom?
thanks again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see u picked out Kumar's ROM...Click Here for a thread on the definitions and differences between COMs...And No, you won't need to flash a radio after installing HSPL or a custom ROM (Unless you are having problems connecting to your network in which case, u need 2 be careful 2 flash a radio known to work with Tmobile HD2).
Stock ROM is the original/default ROM which TMobile shipped with your device. Follow this guide and you can grab the stock ROM from here. The Stock ROM has to be re-flashed to your device if u ever have to return it to Tmobile as flashing a custom ROM voids your warranty. Grab useful links and watch video tutorials here.
Hope dis helps ya.

thaks voncrane i learned a lot today...

Muzun28 said:
thaks voncrane i learned a lot today...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome, we r all noobs on different levels..

New User with HD2

Hi, I recently bought a T-mobile HD2, the unit isn't unlocked yet but I plan to unlock it and use it with AT&T, anyways I'm interested in running Android on the device. Would updating the HD2 from the HTC website which I believe is the official update website prohibit me in anyway from locking out Android or do anything negative in terms of customization of the HD2 unit?

I am running the updated rom 2.13 I am on t-mobile though and I am able to use android all day but once I restart it reverts back to WM. So I am not sure if this helps you...I was able to get everything running but the calls sounded robotic. I read I needed to flash to a new rom.

Poopmonkey said:
Hi, I recently bought a T-mobile HD2, the unit isn't unlocked yet but I plan to unlock it and use it with AT&T, anyways I'm interested in running Android on the device. Would updating the HD2 from the HTC website which I believe is the official update website prohibit me in anyway from locking out Android or do anything negative in terms of customization of the HD2 unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well first, if you have the T-Mobile version of the phone, you do NOT want to use an update from the HTC site, that's for the euro version of the phone. The upgraded stock rom that you can use is available on T-Mobile's support page for the HD2.
Now, flashing to the correct updated ROM will not prevent you from doing anything...you'll still be able to unlock it later, you can still run Android, and you can still do any customizations you want. It's just a newer version of the stock ROM that originally came on the phone.

Hey, thanks so much guys, I'll search for the T-mobile page. I'm glad you guys caught it before I bricked me phone.

BTW, I read that you the T-Mobile Version of the HD2 doesnt use radios. What exactly are radios? I know they mean like firmware versions but what is the term. Also, do you guys recommend flashing a different WM rom or just keep the stock one? I tried to read about Android on the HD2 but I need some user advice. Is Android now stable enough for everyday use on the HD2? Also, could you use applications on the HD2 Android Rom? Will they work as they should? Lastly, why didn't the developers develop a Android rom that you could flash so you didn't have to reboot into it after every Hard Reset?

Poopmonkey said:
BTW, I read that you the T-Mobile Version of the HD2 doesnt use radios. What exactly are radios? I know they mean like firmware versions but what is the term.
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Click to collapse
The US HD2 certainly does use radios, it just uses different ones than the euro version...in fact, that's most of the reason the wrong ROM could brick your phone, because of radio incompatibility. As you said, the radios you see referred to here are the firmware packages used to control the hardware radios in the phone (voice, 3G/EDGE, GPS, WiFi, BT). When you flash a different radio, you're applying a different set of settings to the way all that functions.
Also, do you guys recommend flashing a different WM rom or just keep the stock one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's generally completely a matter of personal opinion, some people will tell you that using a custom ROM is so critical that if you don't your grandchildren will walk funny, etc....whereas I am doing just fine running the stock ROM and just manually tweaking and hacking it to my liking, part by part. However, if you're going to be running Android on it, there's evidence that having a custom ROM vs the stock will help with some of the known problems with the Android ports that are available.
I tried to read about Android on the HD2 but I need some user advice. Is Android now stable enough for everyday use on the HD2? Also, could you use applications on the HD2 Android Rom? Will they work as they should?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's several builds available, and all of the current ones are remarkably stable compared to the first attempts. But, I believe that that there's still not any that are absolutely 100% fully-functional...each has some minor drawback or caveat, like BT or 3G or the camera not working right, but usually that's the only issue(s). Also, it's been a couple of days since I checked on those, so they may have come even farther since then. One common drawback to all of them though is the heaaavvvy battery drain...but this is also being addressed as quickly as possible. And yes, in every build the apps and marketplace seem to be working just as they would on any factory android install.
Lastly, why didn't the developers develop a Android rom that you could flash so you didn't have to reboot into it after every Hard Reset?
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Click to collapse
That seems to have become the final frontier for Android on the HD2...the release of a fully stand-alone ROM. Trust me, they are working on that, there's tons of members here drooling and waiting for that exact thing. It requires a completely different method of loading Android into memory, so there's a lot more kinks to work out

sirphunkee said:
The US HD2 certainly does use radios, it just uses different ones than the euro version...in fact, that's most of the reason the wrong ROM could brick your phone, because of radio incompatibility. As you said, the radios you see referred to here are the firmware packages used to control the hardware radios in the phone (voice, 3G/EDGE, GPS, WiFi, BT). When you flash a different radio, you're applying a different set of settings to the way all that functions.
That's generally completely a matter of personal opinion, some people will tell you that using a custom ROM is so critical that if you don't your grandchildren will walk funny, etc....whereas I am doing just fine running the stock ROM and just manually tweaking and hacking it to my liking, part by part. However, if you're going to be running Android on it, there's evidence that having a custom ROM vs the stock will help with some of the known problems with the Android ports that are available.
There's several builds available, and all of the current ones are remarkably stable compared to the first attempts. But, I believe that that there's still not any that are absolutely 100% fully-functional...each has some minor drawback or caveat, like BT or 3G or the camera not working right, but usually that's the only issue(s). Also, it's been a couple of days since I checked on those, so they may have come even farther since then. One common drawback to all of them though is the heaaavvvy battery drain...but this is also being addressed as quickly as possible. And yes, in every build the apps and marketplace seem to be working just as they would on any factory android install.
That seems to have become the final frontier for Android on the HD2...the release of a fully stand-alone ROM. Trust me, they are working on that, there's tons of members here drooling and waiting for that exact thing. It requires a completely different method of loading Android into memory, so there's a lot more kinks to work out
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Click to collapse
Wow, thank you so much sirphunkee, you sir are a scholar with your detailed response. Anyways, I apologize but I am intrigued by your response and more questions evolve. Once my HD2 comes I assume it will have a older ROM version and a official T-Mobile Update will be available for me. Now, I'm just wondering would I need to worry about what radios I need or will that be taken care of for me.
Also, I'm still a little confused on the whole radio aspect. For example, in this picture located here:
hxxp://support.t-mobile.com/doc/images/tm54430/tm54430_06.gif
The image version is different one is 2.10.531.1 and the other 2.13.531.1. Are these the radio versions or is this like the ROM version. If so how do I find out what my Hd2s radio is? I mean before I flash a rom how do I find out the radio it contains? For example on your HD2, sirphunkee, in your signature, you have:
ROM: 2.10.531.1 (82076) WWE/5.2.21889 (Stock 6.5)
Sense: 2.5.2012
Radio: 2.08.50.08_2
So I assume that you don't have the latest stock ROM right? Also, what does the WWE mean in your ROM version. Would you recommend me updating my HD2 to the latest stock ROM or not?
Also, I read before you flash a phone you need to install HSPL3 on the phone. This is what I'm told is a bootloader. But then Im also told that usually this bootloader is paired with official or leaked roms so that each SPL matches the ROM, so if I need to flash a HSPL3 on my HD2 before I flash a custom ROM do I need to redo it everytime? I mean the HSPL3 is supposedly hard bootloader that survives a hard reset so it won't be wiped from the device until I overwrite it so does that mean I need reflash it everytime I get a new rom so it matches the ROM?
Anyways, sirphunkee, you mention tweaking the stock ROM, would you recommend BSB tweaks or something else because I read about it and users have discovered that they lose some functions after tweaking their phones. Also would I need to install this if I just plan to tweak the original/stock rom?
Furthermore, is Android on the HD2 currently run over/on top of the WM OS so could that be the cause of the heavy battery drain? Also, is the Android OS on the HD2 booted through an exploit in the firmware of the HD2? If so could this be patched? Just a personal opinion of everyone here do you believe that Android on the HD2 that is flashed onto the HD2's NAND itself will be possible/could this final frontier be achieved?
Again I would like to sincerely thank you for everyone's patience with me, especially sirphunkee. Thank you.

No problem!
Poopmonkey said:
Once my HD2 comes I assume it will have a older ROM version and a official T-Mobile Update will be available for me. Now, I'm just wondering would I need to worry about what radios I need or will that be taken care of for me.
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Click to collapse
Most of the HD2's built or shipped in the past 2 months have the newer ROM on them, but even if yours doesn't then yes you can just go to the T-Mobile site and get the newer one.
Both of the stock ROM's have the radio(s) included, so you don't have to worry about it if you just stay with one of those ROM's. If you flash a custom ROM it (usually) won't have a radio included, it'll just use whatever radio was already on your phone (i.e. whatever one came with the stock ROM originally). You can flash to different radio versions....ONLY ones that are clearly labeled as being compatible with the US HD2...doesn't matter if you're running a stock or custom ROM, but it does require HSPL first before a radio can be flashed.
Also, I'm still a little confused on the whole radio aspect. For example, in this picture located here:
hxxp://support.t-mobile.com/doc/images/tm54430/tm54430_06.gif
The image version is different one is 2.10.531.1 and the other 2.13.531.1. Are these the radio versions or is this like the ROM version. If so how do I find out what my Hd2s radio is? I mean before I flash a rom how do I find out the radio it contains? For example on your HD2, sirphunkee, in your signature, you have:
ROM: 2.10.531.1 (82076) WWE/5.2.21889 (Stock 6.5)
Sense: 2.5.2012
Radio: 2.08.50.08_2
So I assume that you don't have the latest stock ROM right? Also, what does the WWE mean in your ROM version. Would you recommend me updating my HD2 to the latest stock ROM or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original stock T-Mobile US ROM (yes, the one I'm running currently) is 2.10.531.1 ("2.10" for short), and the newer one that's been released is 2.13...so that pic you linked there just shows the stock upgrade utility about to upgrade a ROM to the new version (with an included radio).
You can tell what ROM/Radio is on your phone by reading the little text that appears on the bottom of the screen during bootup, and you can also access that info through a settings option once the phone is running.
"WWE" = "WorldWide English"....just means that I have an english-based ROM. Other languages are available by applying ROM's specifically built for that language, but I honestly don't even know if any exist for the T-Mobile HD2, I think they're only available for the euro model.
Since it's very easy to flash the upgraded stock ROM, if your phone comes with the older one I would just suggest running that for a few days and see if it gives you any headaches....if so, then just go ahead and flash to the newer one. There's a number of threads in this section that discuss the differences in the stock ROM's, and the advantages/disadvantages of each. Regardless of which stock ROM you have, the process to flash to a custom ROM is the same either way (HSPL, etc).
Also, I read before you flash a phone you need to install HSPL3 on the phone. This is what I'm told is a bootloader. But then Im also told that usually this bootloader is paired with official or leaked roms so that each SPL matches the ROM, so if I need to flash a HSPL3 on my HD2 before I flash a custom ROM do I need to redo it everytime? I mean the HSPL3 is supposedly hard bootloader that survives a hard reset so it won't be wiped from the device until I overwrite it so does that mean I need reflash it everytime I get a new rom so it matches the ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPL is "permanent", in the sense that it remains on your phone until you manually flash a different HSPL (like flashing back to stock SPL should you need to return the phone for warranty reasons). Once you have HSPL (yes, a hard bootloader) on your phone (HSPL3 being the latest/best to use), you can flash all the different custom ROMs or radios that you want, without having to apply HSPL again.
Anyways, sirphunkee, you mention tweaking the stock ROM, would you recommend BSB tweaks or something else because I read about it and users have discovered that they lose some functions after tweaking their phones. Also would I need to install this if I just plan to tweak the original/stock rom?
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Click to collapse
There a bunch of different things you can to to tweak a stock ROM, or to futher tweak a custom one, and BsB is just a nice tight convenient collection of some of the more common ones. I use BsB and don't have any issues related to it, but I also skip a few of the settings in it ("tap time" for example) that have caused issues for other users. Besides BsB, I also use HD2Tweak, JWMD Icon Changer, CHT/CHTE, as well as a whole list of other stand-alone tweaks that come in the form of cab files, or manual registry hacks...some are related to performance or function, while some are strictly visual or style tweaks.
Furthermore, is Android on the HD2 currently run over/on top of the WM OS so could that be the cause of the heavy battery drain? Also, is the Android OS on the HD2 booted through an exploit in the firmware of the HD2? If so could this be patched? Just a personal opinion of everyone here do you believe that Android on the HD2 that is flashed onto the HD2's NAND itself will be possible/could this final frontier be achieved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originially thought the same (that Android ran in parallel with WM and that was causing the batt drain), but from what I read it actually shuts down WM when it runs, so I guess that isn't the cause of the drain...but honestly I haven't been able to keep up with all the finer details of the Android porting that's going on. And yes, a version of Androd that will load straight to NAND at bootup is the final hurdle I was talking about, and that's exactly what a number of dev's are trying very hard to make happen....I suspect that a breakthrough in that is right around the corner, but I'm no dev so take that with a grain of salt!
Hope that helps! It will be a lot easier once you have the unit in-hand and can play with it yourself. Also be sure to look over this thread (if you haven't already): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=663845

Thank you again sirphunkee! Anyways I just got my hd2 and for the most part I like it. Though, I have a question, how can I backup my contacts so that after a new rom install I dont need to relink their facebook accounts again? Basically, I don't have the same names for my contacts, I only have first names so I have to redo it manually one by one and I want to use activesync to do it but it's telling me I need Outlook. Why do I need Outlook? Isn't that a stupid outdated email application? Also, how do you remove all the bloatware like blockbuster from the HD2? Is flashing a custom rom the only option?

Also, I noticed a problem that windows marketplace apps seem to not install. I try to install Skyfire and I see the progress bar and it goes to like 3/4 of the way and never goes past that.
An unrelated question I want to install HSPL3 I have a SPL 2.10.000 on my Stock 2.13 T-Mobile I'm wondering since in the instructions it tells me, that:
*YOU CAN NOW CHOOSE WHICH VERSION OF SPL OR HARDSPL YOU WANT TO FLASH TO YOUR PHONE*
*You can only select between SPL2.08.0000 or 2.08.HSPL. This is to avoid people with 1024LEO's installing an incompatable version and bricking their device*
What exactly am I suppose to pick? A SPL or HSPL? I mean I want to run Android but will this HSPL interfere with my stock ROM? Also, can someone give me like specific instructions on what I need to pick in the installer?

anyone have a idea? I'd like to experiment with android but i wanna make sure i have the right settings to i dontt have a brick in my hands after I'm done.

Poopmonkey said:
Also, I noticed a problem that windows marketplace apps seem to not install. I try to install Skyfire and I see the progress bar and it goes to like 3/4 of the way and never goes past that.
An unrelated question I want to install HSPL3 I have a SPL 2.10.000 on my Stock 2.13 T-Mobile I'm wondering since in the instructions it tells me, that:
*YOU CAN NOW CHOOSE WHICH VERSION OF SPL OR HARDSPL YOU WANT TO FLASH TO YOUR PHONE*
*You can only select between SPL2.08.0000 or 2.08.HSPL. This is to avoid people with 1024LEO's installing an incompatable version and bricking their device*
What exactly am I suppose to pick? A SPL or HSPL? I mean I want to run Android but will this HSPL interfere with my stock ROM? Also, can someone give me like specific instructions on what I need to pick in the installer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're just going to put android on the phone, you don't need to mess with H/SPL at all...you only need that if you're going to flash to a custom winmo ROM before putting Android on there.

sirphunkee said:
If you're just going to put android on the phone, you don't need to mess with H/SPL at all...you only need that if you're going to flash to a custom winmo ROM before putting Android on there.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply once again sirphunkee, but it says in this thread that I need HSPL3 to get android to run stably.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732380
Also, don't you need HSPL3 to flash a custom ROM in the first place as described here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=653614

Poopmonkey said:
Thanks for your reply once again sirphunkee, but it says in this thread that I need HSPL3 to get android to run stably.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732380
Also, don't you need HSPL3 to flash a custom ROM in the first place as described here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=653614
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what that thread is saying is that having a custom ROM is what helps with the stability of Android, not just putting HSPL3 on there (unless that's buried in that thread somewhere that I missed...). But yes, putting a custom ROM on the phone would have the prerequisite of HSPL anyway.
I don't have a custom ROM or even HSPL on my HD2, and I'm currently using the Desire v5 build of Android on here. It seems to run very stable, but I haven't yet gotten a few things working on it (i.e. 3G)...I can't say if a custom ROM would make those things work, but I can say it doesn't ever crash or hang or seem to slow down at all.
I just wanted you to know that HSPL wasn't mandatory for you to be able to try out Android on your phone.

Ok thank you so much sirphunkee again. Anyways, I'm wondering if you know why my weather will not update now when I ask it to on a Wifi connection. I try to update it and just says that its a connection error. And also my windows marketplace app installs seem to stall on the 3/4 complete and they never finish. Could you perhaps help me with that?
Lastly, I was wondering would you be able to tell me if I wanted to put a custom ROM on my HD2 what setting do I need to put on my HD2 for a successful flash?

FIND THE "ANDROID ON HD2" THREAD everything is explained.