[TUT] How-to: downgrade SPL, flash XSPL, flash Custom ROMs & Radios

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begin here

1. find out device's Bootloader version. Settings -> About -> More Info
2. make sure device's battery is greater than 60% before proceeding.
3. download task 00 and task 29, here and extract contents.
4. note. USB drivers may need install. e.g. Active Sync / Windows Mobile Device Center
5. continue to next Step according to Bootloader version...
   
   
   instructions to downgrade OSPL
   
   
   if Bootloader version is 5.xx
6. a. for those with a Pre-Mango Zune Backup,
   - see Zubair Kirmani's thread, here.
   b. for Europe devices,
   - see ansar.ath.gr's thread, here.
   c. for everybody else,
   - try Y-Cable method here
   - or Goldcard method here.
   
   if Bootloader version is 4.xx
7. download non-Test NoDo or Pre-NoDo Radio specific to your device, here.
8. extract the contents of the 7-zip.
9. turn off device. then while pressing the volume down button, boot your device.
10. device should be in Multi-Colored screen, which says 'Serial' in the white section.
11. connect device via USB to PC
12. device should now say 'USB' in the white section.
13. in the 'stock' folder of the extracted Radio, flash SPL_Signed.nbh using task 00.
14. note. this will also downgrade the Radio, as well as the SPL.
15. once flash successfully finishes, disconnect device from USB.
16. repeat Steps #1, #2 & #5.
    
    
    instructions to install RSPL
    
    
    if Bootloader version is 3.xx or 2.xx or 1.xx
17. download XSPL, here.
18. extract the contents of the rar.
19. run DFT_RSPL..._LAUNCH.exe
20. please, read information text. select 'Next' button.
21. power off device and enter Bootloader.
22. connect device via USB to PC, 'Serial' will change to 'USB' once connected properly.
23. select 'Next' button on the XSPL wizard and it should now detect your device.
24. note. do not proceed if OSPL is 5.xx or 4.xx, instead go to Step 05.
25. select the closest OSPL, on the wizard, to the one on device.
26. select 'Next' button. wait until wizard proceeds to final page. read and close window.
27. note. device must boot into Bootloader.
28. if Bootloader reads RSPLX.Y.Z and CotullaRSPL, then RSPL was successful.
29. continue to Step #30 or #38.
    
    
    instructions to install HSPL
    
    if RSPL'd and HSPL is desired
30. make sure RSPL wizard is closed.
31. run DFT_HSPL..._INSTALL.exe
32. please, read information text. select 'Next' button.
33. device should already be RSPL'd and connected to PC, still.
34. select 'Next' button. wizard should detect your device.
35. select HSPL, then select 'Next' button. wait until wizard proceeds to final page.
36. read and close window, then disconnect device from USB.
37. enter Bootloader on device, if it reads HSPLX.Y.Z and CotullaHSPL, then flash was successful.
    
    
    instructions to install a Shipped or Custom ROM
    
    
    if a different OS is desired
38. download ROM of choice. Shipped ROMs are available, here.
39. extract RUU_Signed.nbh (if Shipped ROM) or RUU_Unsigned.nbh (if Custom ROM).
40. note. flashing a RUU_Signed.nbh will also replace device's R/HSPL to OSPL of ROM.
41. bring device into Bootloader and connect to PC via USB.
42. flash extracted *.nbh using task29.
43. once flash successfully finishes, disconnect device from USB.
44. enjoy new ROM.
    
    
    instructions to install a Radio
    
    
    if a different Radio is desired
45. download the Radio of choice, here.
46. extract the contents of the 7-zip.
47. boot device into Bootloader and connect to PC via USB.
48. flash RUU_Unsigned.nbh from 7-zip with task00.
49. after flash successfully finishes, disconnect device from USB.
50. enjoy new Radio.

note. if links are down, please let me know, will reupload.

disclaimer. i hold no responsiblity for one's actions and the result of one's device because of those actions.

thanks alot man this really helped me out!
I just got my phone and it has these:
OS: 7.0.7392.0
Radio software: 5.65.09.25a_22.45.50.21U
Bootloader: 3.1.2250.0
(btw its from T-mobile)
So I should be following the instructions to install RSPL and It lookss easy.
but what about my OS? can I leave the OS as it is and install one of these custom roms:
DFT's Freedom.
dotcompt's DeepShining.
itje's Touch-It.
Or do I need to update to Stock mango first?
Finally, what are radios for and should I flash a new one? if so what should I flash.
sorry about all these questions but its my first time having a WP and I dont want it to break from day one

Originally Posted by iKarido

thanks alot man this really helped me out!
...
So I should be following the instructions to install RSPL and It lookss easy.
but what about my OS? can I leave the OS as it is and install one of these custom roms:
...
Or do I need to update to Stock mango first?
Finally, what are radios for and should I flash a new one? if so what should I flash.
sorry about all these questions but its my first time having a WP and I dont want it to break from day one

you should click the Thanks button, instead of thanking me in a post. : )
and you are welcome. glad i can help.

yep, with Bootloader version 3.1 start with RSPL.
when you flash a Custom ROM, it will be replace your current OS and Radio, if included with Custom ROM.

Radios give you your signal... so, a different Radio could help give you a strong signal in places.

everything went great.
using touch it rom now (:

Originally Posted by iKarido

everything went great.
using touch it rom now (:

glad to hear the tutorial helped and that you are running a Custom ROM.

sh4d0w86.

I have a silly question, would flashing a different Rom or radio sim unlock my device? My phone is locked to o2 uk

Originally Posted by ak47kalam

I have a silly question, would flashing a different Rom or radio sim unlock my device? My phone is locked to o2 uk

unfortunately, no.
wish it were that simple.

sh4d0w86.

i tried task 29
and it says the update utility can not open the requested file
check your update utility

my phone is a tmobile hd7
my pc is vista zune recognises my phone though

Originally Posted by 1milenia

i tried task 29
and it says the update utility can not open the requested file
check your update utility

what are you trying to do?
what file are you trying to use?
have you tried redownloading task 29 or the file in question?

sh4d0w86.

i want downgrade the mango 7720 to nodo
so i can rspl/hspl then download a rom

my problem is i downloaded your task 29 unzipped and ran it pluged in my hd7 and went through the utility and at the end it said
and it says the update utility can not open the requested file
check your update utility