Upgrading Cingular 8525

[TechBill]

I brought Cingular 8525 off Ebay over a month ago and love it. I like experimenting things to improve and learn of this website about upgrading your Hermes to make it better than stock version provided by your carrier. I have been reading this forum for almost a month now since I got this 8525 and wanted to dive into it but I would like someone to confirm the step I am plan on doing is the way to go with least risk of bricking my pda. I understand there always a risk of bricking it but I want the least risk as possible =P

From reading this forum and wiki I learn that I should do this steps but correct me if I missed a step or doing something in wrong order.

1) Since I am going to use Hard SPL I don't need to SuperCID my phone and just download Hard SPL Hard-SPL-V2.zip at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=296722 and flash it using usb port on a xp with activesync installed.

2) Download Radio 1.38 without gps HERM_RADIO_1.38.00.10_Only_SSPL.rar at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=297925 and flash it the same method above via usb and activesync.

3) Test phone make sure everything working after 2 flashes.

4) Download WM6 ROM (I am leaning toward MWVI Black Edition v1.2) Windows_Mobile_VI_-_Black_Edition_v1.2_(Release_22-03-07_GMT+10_4am).exe at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=298936 and flash it the same step as above via usb and activesync.

This part I am lost on is the statement on that forum -> "To install, run the (.exe). This will automatically push Des's SSPL to your phone although if you have security enabled then you will need to answer "Yes" to the dialogue when it appears on your phone."

Do I need to answer yes because I have Hard SPL install or is it going to overwrite my Hard SPL with Des's SSPL? I am lost about that one and wasn't sure on this.

5) Download cabs to restore Cingular data and mms settings at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1163312&postcount=1 and install it on phone.

6) Download Cingular Keyboard layout fix and install.




Also I am thinking of skipping step 2) - Radio upgrade also 4) - MWVI ROM upgrade and instead go with LVSW Edition at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=298809 which came out yesterday and since it come with Radio 1.34 and are there any steps I need to do with SPL or it will flash fine with Hard SPL? then resume step 5) and 6)


In the future if I want to get a new pda and sell this one, all I need to do is download stock ROM from Cingular and flash it back on my 8525 then it should be back to the state it was like when I brought it overwriting or removing the Hard SPL and Radio and OS?



Thank for your inputs and help!
Bill

[silent_killa]

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[TaurusBullba]

... answer, "yes". It's just a warning/message, that's all. Sounds like you have a handle on everything else. Just go for it (and be sure to keep your eyes open).

[vp3G]

This part I am lost on is the statement on that forum -> "To install, run the (.exe). This will automatically push Des's SSPL to your phone although if you have security enabled then you will need to answer "Yes" to the dialogue when it appears on your phone."

Do I need to answer yes because I have Hard SPL install or is it going to overwrite my Hard SPL with Des's SSPL? I am lost about that one and wasn't sure on this.SSPL stands for SoftSPL, so no, it won't overwrite Hard-SPL. It will run 1.09.des bootloader on your device for the duration of the flash, then you'll be back to whichever SPL you had before you started. If you don't have security turned off on your device (most don't), you'll have to answer 'Yes' when SSPL is pushed to your device because it's unsigned code. It has nothing to do with being Hard-SPL.

Whether or not you'll overwrite Hard-SPL with your flash depends whether the ROM you are flashing also contains SPL (and what version it is). Best to know exactly what you're flashing before you do.

The rest of your plan looks good to me, especially step 1 being to flash Hard-SPL. While nothing can "innoculate" your device from a brick (i.e., sh*t happens), Hard-SPL does give you a way out if a flash goes south on you.

Watch the Cingular settings cabs... I've had some issues with them. I prefer to set things up manually after a hard reset, but that's just my experience. They work fine for others.

Also, IMHO the newer radios work better with WM6. The combo shown in my sig runs beautifully for me (but, as always, your mileage may vary!).

[thasiccest13]

i am on a cingular 8528 and i am looking fo rthese 2 cab files.
WM VI Black Clean Icon Patch.cab
Cingular 8525 keyboard CAB
i am in a huge rush so can someone point out where tehy are? thank you in advance!
Eric

[silent_killa]

1) Since I am going to use Hard SPL I don't need to SuperCID my phone and just download Hard SPL Hard-SPL-V2.zip at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=296722 and flash it using usb port on a xp with activesync installed.

Yep

2) Download Radio 1.38 without gps HERM_RADIO_1.38.00.10_Only_SSPL.rar at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=297925 and flash it the same method above via usb and activesync.

Yep

3) Test phone make sure everything working after 2 flashes.

If you wish

4) Download WM6 ROM (I am leaning toward MWVI Black Edition v1.2) Windows_Mobile_VI_-_Black_Edition_v1.2_(Release_22-03-07_GMT+10_4am).exe at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=298936 and flash it the same step as above via usb and activesync.

Looking good

This part I am lost on is the statement on that forum -> "To install, run the (.exe). This will automatically push Des's SSPL to your phone although if you have security enabled then you will need to answer "Yes" to the dialogue when it appears on your phone."

Do I need to answer yes because I have Hard SPL install or is it going to overwrite my Hard SPL with Des's SSPL? I am lost about that one and wasn't sure on this.

Hard SPL is only there to help recover your device if it gets bricked during a flash. The security is OS dependant and only requires you to click yes when SSPL is pushed to your phone as it indentifies it as an untrusted source. This will probably happen when you install the Radio upgrade as well. SSPL is only a temporary psuedo bootloader and will not overwrite Hard SPL or any other bootloader on your device.

5) Download cabs to restore Cingular data and mms settings at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1163312&postcount=1 and install it on phone.

Unsure if those settings will work, maybe a cingular user can confirm this. If in doubt copy down your MMS and data connection settings and input them manually after OS upgrade.

6) Download Cingular Keyboard layout fix and install.

Great!!

Also I am thinking of skipping step 2) - Radio upgrade also 4) - MWVI ROM upgrade and instead go with LVSW Edition at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=298809 which came out yesterday and since it come with Radio 1.34 and are there any steps I need to do with SPL or it will flash fine with Hard SPL? then resume step 5) and 6)

Ok, if you decide to go for the LVSW ROM then download the OS only repack that is posted somewhere in that thread (not the one thats in the 1st post). The reason for this is because it includes a bootloader that will overwrite Hard SPL. Just download OS and replace with Black Edition noted in step 4.

In the future if I want to get a new pda and sell this one, all I need to do is download stock ROM from Cingular and flash it back on my 8525 then it should be back to the state it was like when I brought it overwriting or removing the Hard SPL and Radio and OS?

Shouldn't be a problem


Thank for your inputs and help!
Bill

No problem, nice to see someone do a bit of research for a change.

S.K.

EDIT: LOL!! Deleted my first post to create a nice lengthy reply and other ppl have beaten me to it now.... *cries*

[thasiccest13]

The Cingular settings worked for me to access the internet and mms!

[vp3G]

i am on a cingular 8528 and i am looking fo rthese 2 cab files.
WM VI Black Clean Icon Patch.cab
Cingular 8525 keyboard CAB
i am in a huge rush so can someone point out where tehy are? thank you in advance!
EricHey pal, the search function works really fast on this forum. Try using it for a change instead of cluttering threads with your "I'm in a huge rush" nonsense. You're not the only one on this planet that's busy. :rolleyes:

[thasiccest13]

WM VI Black Clean Icon Patch.cab
Can i use this if i am using the LVSW Edition
thank you,
Eric

[thasiccest13]

Hey pal, the search function works really fast on this forum. Try using it for a change instead of cluttering threads with your "I'm in a huge rush" nonsense. You're not the only one on this planet that's busy. :rolleyes:

First off i hate being called PAL, but thats ok.... i did search BUT i can not find it! i found 2 links that were not in use anymore, so i could not download, instead of making a nasty reply why even reply at all?
I am new and i do this for fun, just like everyone here, so relax and have a good time!
Eric

[Arktronic]

First off i hate being called PAL, but thats ok.... i did search BUT i can not find it! i found 2 links that were not in use anymore, so i could not download, instead of making a nasty reply why even reply at all?
I am new and i do this for fun, just like everyone here, so relax and have a good time!
Eric

You hate being called PAL? What about SECAM? :p

OK, seriously though, the Black Edition patch was designed for the Black Edition, it's probably not a good idea to use it on the LVSW ROM.

The search function can be pretty crappy at times, which is why you can search the forums using Google instead. I think that changing the registry yourself is better anyway because then you know what you're doing...

[TechBill]

Wow thank you everyone for your replys!!

I am still undecide which OS ROM to go with.. Both look great!

Bill

[Arktronic]

I am still undecide which OS ROM to go with.. Both look great!

You could try both if you want to. That's one of the benefits of this community. You can actually *choose* what you want, and then have the option to change your mind as many times as needed!

[vp3G]

First off i hate being called PAL, but thats ok.... i did search BUT i can not find it! i found 2 links that were not in use anymore, so i could not download, instead of making a nasty reply why even reply at all?
I am new and i do this for fun, just like everyone here, so relax and have a good time!
EricOk SPORT (better?), perhaps you're totally oblivous to the fact you hijacked the OP's thread as if your woes take precendence over anyone else's. But oh, that's right... "you're in a rush (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1181839#post1181839)".

Not "being nasty", just asking that you demonstrate a modicum of respect for the forum.

[TechBill]

Upgrade was a success!

I went with Black Edition and I must comment it got nice Splash screen and today screen! I was a little worried it was going to be gothic looking screen but it wasn't and it is a very nice looking screen and setup and seem to be easier on the eyes too.

Thank you for all your inputs and feedbacks!


I entered the Cingular WAP setting manually and use a cab to fix the keyboard layout then uninstalled the cab so it wouldn't be in my Remove Program box.


Bill

[vp3G]

Upgrade was a success!Congrats on no longer being a flashing virgin! :p Watching that radio flash creeeeeep along is a real nail-biter the first time, isn't it? :D

[digzdadefn1]

Thanks for this post! These were the same questions I had!

[TechBill]

Congrats on no longer being a flashing virgin! :p Watching that radio flash creeeeeep along is a real nail-biter the first time, isn't it? :D


OH yeah you got that right! The Radio flashing was exactly what you said. A real nail biter, there was moment when I thought my phone is screwed then it would jump another 4% or so in the status bar then another long pause.

But it was an awesome learning experience for me and now I feel more comfortable upgrading my pda.

[DSmithZ28]

You hate being called PAL? What about SECAM? :p

OK, seriously though, the Black Edition patch was designed for the Black Edition, it's probably not a good idea to use it on the LVSW ROM.

The search function can be pretty crappy at times, which is why you can search the forums using Google instead. I think that changing the registry yourself is better anyway because then you know what you're doing...


Really I am having problems with the search function in this site too. I'll try google as mentioned.