Awesome news guys, i've been going months without the N900 working and utterly fed up with it until tonight, i finally took a crack at what i thought the error was and it fired right back up with sim card recognition, fast boot and all phone function working (Its still under trial though! but i believe there is an even more perminent fix to what i've done! AND, it doesnt cost a penny!

I need owners to try this fix and report back to this thread please! if its not software and external hardware (Antenna) then its more then likely a symptom of cracked solder within the board (From what i read at the time, solder cracking due to heavy impact.)

I believe the issue and location of damage solder could be different for people, but heres how i've fixed mine.

Tools :

1 x Hammer
1 x Fine Point AWL screwdriver in micro precision screwdriver set (Tesco's about 3 quid IIRC) however a micro phillips should perform too, as well as a nail!

Step 1 :
Take buggered N900



Step 2:
Remove back and battery of N900


Step 3: Remove Sim Card




Step 4: Inspect image below, now with your screwdriver/AWL/Nail, gently impact the metal contacts in the image until you put a small dink in them, apply some pressure as the dink needs to be notable, however DO not put a hole through your N900, Otherwise your in trouble (Well maybe not).

Hit the parts CIRCLED IN RED!, You must hit the contacts in their respective centres, i'm not responsible for any damage, but i assure you my N900 is correctly WORKING! (so far) its down to you whether you want to attempt this, i must say though, shock could cause further damage, maybe even the screen! mine didnt thankfully :P





Step 5: Re-assemble and power device up.



Got this call perfectly timed as soon as i booted!

Step 6: Your sim and signal should be found and operating normally, give your dusty N900 time to adjust, mine was up to something and i have no idea what!




Please if you have a lifeless N900, try this mehod! i have a second method that runs on from this that i will try if my N900 decides to fail again!

Will keep you posted guys!

- Migs


Edit : Update guys, its had the odd drop out, im thinking theirs more contact points under the sim mount support, will have a look later, for now people SHOULD start seing telephony increase! (We can work on it !