USB device not recognized. Will I be able to upgrade?

[evermore]

I've got the Dopod U1000 version of the Athena with the original WM5 Rom. Unfortunately, a few months after I got it, both my laptop and my desktop (both running XP) suddenly stopped recognizing my Athena when I connected via USB. I always get an error message of USB Device Not Recognized. Since then, I've had to connect via bluetooth to ActiveSync. (The Athena does charge when connected via USB, just isn't recognized by the computer or ActiveSync, obviously.)

Now, I'd really love to upgrade to one of the WM6.1 cooked roms, but it seems I need to use Olipro's Athena wrapper first, right? And it seems that I need to be synced with the PC via USB to run the Athena wrapper, right?

Am I stuck with WM5 or is there a way to make this work? If not upgrading the rom, can I upgrade the radio, or does that also require the wrapper process?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[Bright Neon]

You must synchronize correctly in order to upgrade!

Now you should look for the cause why you can't synchronize? try to go to Settings -> Connections -> USB to PC and see if the choice is checked uncheck it and do a soft rest and try synchronizing

[techntrek]

I had that problem with my previous work computer. After several months the usb port I always connected to suddenly didn't recognize the Athena. Switched to another port, after a while it wouldn't recognize it. Etc, Etc. I was on my last port when they upgraded my computer.

Its been several months now and no problems. Have you tried another computer?

[evermore]

Bright Neon,
thanks for the reply. Have tried many times what you suggested with no success, as well several hard resets.

techntrek,
by different usb ports, do you mean the different physical ports to plug in on the computer? If so, I've tried both on my laptop and all six on my desktop. Don't have access to another computer at the moment.

So, there's no way to use the Athena Wrapper without being synched? From my reading, it seems possible to flash a new rom from the minisd. I was hoping something like that was possible for Athena Wrapper, as well. Definitely not, huh?

[techntrek]

Yes, I meant the physical usb ports. I have no idea why it was such a problem for me on that older computer.

Sorry, don't have an answer for your question about flashing from the mini-SD.

[pdajoy]

..From my reading, it seems possible to flash a new rom from the minisd. I was hoping something like that was possible for Athena Wrapper, as well. Definitely not, huh?

I've extracted the needed file from the AthenaWrapper. See attached.

1st prepare a mini-SD card FAT32 formatted. Unzip and Copy the extracted file into it root.
Or with existing mini-SD, move all existing files into somewhere and copy this attached file
into the root of the miniSD. You must leave the root solely for this special file.

Place the mini-SD into the Athena and execute BootLoader.
It should instantly detect and automatically run the AthenaWrapper from there.
Ensure your Athena with sufficiant battery power or run direct from adaptor.

I've not use this method on wrapper but works fine installing rom.
I am not responsible if anything goes wrong from here.
So if you are comfortable to try than proceed. Otherwise wait for a better solution.

[evermore]

Pdajoy,

Thank you very, very much for the file and instructions!

Now, I've just got to see if I've got the courage to try it. If anyone else wants to weigh in on whether this is likely to work or end in disaster, I'm all ears.

[pdajoy]

Evermore, you are welcome. Hope you solve the USB issue.

To those who happen to find this thread and looking for alternative method, please read http://http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=316846
before begin your advanture, its only 11 pages. :)

[lakeman]

Pdajoy,

Thank you very, very much for the file and instructions!

Now, I've just got to see if I've got the courage to try it. If anyone else wants to weigh in on whether this is likely to work or end in disaster, I'm all ears.

I think it would be very brave of you to upgrade the SPL this way.
I can't remember anyone attempting to do it this way .
So many people were having problems that cmonex made a wrapper to try and prevent problems.
there are a few processes involved in this so I suggest you pm and ask her directly after reading both the AP4 upgrade posts.

[cmonex]

it will not work from SD if you dont have a hardspl currently

[evermore]

Thanks for the reply. I just got my athena back from the shop in an attempt to fix the connection problem, but they were unable to fix it and said I'd need a new motherboard.

So, with no way to connect via usb, I'm stuck with WM5 on this device then, right?

[techntrek]

Have you tried other computers. I would try several more makes/models.

[cmonex]

Thanks for the reply. I just got my athena back from the shop in an attempt to fix the connection problem, but they were unable to fix it and said I'd need a new motherboard.

So, with no way to connect via usb, I'm stuck with WM5 on this device then, right?


there can be a way, actually. run SSPL (a spec version that doesn't have SD removed. current one has it removed, iirc), then use that to read in a ATHEIMG.NBH.

but I do not remember if for Athena SD works in SSPL loaded with jumpspl or only with SSPL loaded from diag (and the latter would require a hardspl already on the device)... drop me a PM and we can test this out.

[kwongwt]

This night sound obvious, but have you tried to use another USB cable?

Also, the USB port of the Athena is bit loss. You might want to try to use a small piece of paper inserted together with the USB male plug to make the contacts tighter.

[evermore]

Hey,

Thanks for the replies. I have tried several cables and computers. I even tried the suggestion of inserting paper to make the contacts tighter, but the fit is actually quite tight, even without the paper. I'm inclined to accept what the repair shop said - that there is a problem on the motherboard where it connects to the mini-usb. So, short of replacing the motherboard, there doesn't seem to be a mechanical fix to my situation. I thank you all again for your suggestions.

Cmonex, I'll pm you to take you up on your offer to see if there's a chance of upgrading without usb connection.

[kwongwt]

A couple years ago the connector on my XDA was broken. The service centre wanted something like US$300 to replace the mother board. I decided that it was not worth it and tried to repair myself. I opened the case and found that the "legs" of the connector were broken - I ended up soldering a mini USB port to the mother board and used it for another year before it was stolen!

My point is it is worthwhile to check whether it is just caused by a broken "leg". If so it is quite easy to repair!

[evermore]

kwongwt,

thanks very much. The guy at the repair shop had the intention of replacing the mini usb, but said there was a problem on the motherboard itself where the mini usb would connect. Don't know, maybe he was wrong and you are right.

I just found the service manual online and, yikes!!!, there is no way I can do this myself (even if I had the right tools). Just way too many ways for me to make a mistake in there. I'm impressed that you were able to do so.

So, until I get some more money together, I can't afford to get a second opinion from another repair place, unfortunately. I hope you're right and it can be repaired, but I won't be able to find out for a while.

Thanks again.

[cmonex]

update... apparently the hardSPL flash worked from SD. :) maybe I'll release that SSPL later. but it seems he now needs to reflash the OS for some reason.

[evermore]

Yes, everybody. Cmonex saved me!

I have just successfully flashed michyprima's latest rom (spl 1.2). Going from original WM5 to this rom ought to be quite a leap, I suspect. And all possible because cmonex help me hardspl flash from sd. Who needs a stinking usb connection, anyway? :D

[douglaschristian]

I was having the hardest time with my FUZE being recognized by my machines. I would have to reboot the phone and reboot the machine to get it to work. Even then it would only work once.

The fix was to get the original USB cable and use it.