How to hard reset a N900?

[gomcoite]

hi all, i want to hard reset my N900. How should i go about it?

[Psymastr]

I don't have a phone, but I have knowledge! With that:

Try these 2 things:
1) Take off the cover. Remove battery.
2) Hold the power button down until it resets.

[ioioio]

I don't have a phone, but I have knowledge! With that:

Try these 2 things:
1) Take off the cover. Remove battery.
2) Hold the power button down until it resets.

On a n810 that's a soft reset. A hard reset would be to reflash. I don't think this has changed on the n900. I suggested some time ago that a hard reset mechanism should be built into the n900 (reflashing itself from an image in flash maybe), but it never gained traction.

[krystof_k]

I've the same problem. I tried to flash it using NSU, but it left all data and settings in phone. Is there any other way?

[Untouchab1e]

You cn reset the N900 by doin a re-flash using the FIASCO image and the command line flasher-3.5 tool.

[pagesix1536]

I don't get it. How is everyone messing up Maemo so much in the first week of owning it?... to the point that they have to reflash the OS back to defaults? Might do you some good to stay out of the command line if you're messing it up that much.

[God]

They're all n00bs on this community. teheh

[pagesix1536]

Well, it is possible there's some issue going on, I do see a lot of forum postings from folks that just have weird booting issues...but there's usually a reason for it (memory card inserted that it doesn't know how to read, or someone messed with an init script, or maybe someone did an "rm -rf" on the /etc directory). Granted some are maybe related to issues with the device/OS load from factory, but if it's self inflicted....damn, just stay out of the console prompt and save yourself some hurt.

[floffe]

I've the same problem. I tried to flash it using NSU, but it left all data and settings in phone. Is there any other way?
Flash it as described in the wiki (https://wiki.maemo.org/Updating_the_firmware), user settings etc require flashing the eMMC card as well (see that page). Flashing this and the regular firmware will reset everything.

[fabolousv]

I tried to flash my n900 yesterday with
flasher-3.5 -F imagename -f -R
i thought it would reset my whole devices but my contacts were still there and my messages. also my usernames + passwords for several websites were still there .

[fphillips]

You need to flash it with the eMMC image, not the fiasco image. See the wiki page above.

[fabolousv]

You need to flash it with the eMMC image, not the fiasco image. See the wiki page above.
I see but it says its only for pre-production models. and i dont have a pre-production model :)

[wiebz]

you can flash the emmc image in retail unit aswell. I've flashed mine aswell but it didn't solve my random reboot issue:mad:

good luck!

[maxppc]

I see that emmc have version 1.2009.41-1
while the firmware is 1.2009.42-11

Is safe to flash that emmc on the latest firmware despite different numbers? I'm having production unit

[christexaport]

I don't get it. How is everyone messing up Maemo so much in the first week of owning it?... to the point that they have to reflash the OS back to defaults? Might do you some good to stay out of the command line if you're messing it up that much.
Because most Maemo users are willing to test software and try things that will hose their kit.

[johnnyt76]

hi all!

just need to pick this up. i want to send my n900 back to amazon tomorrow. is the flash with emmc image the fastest way to erase all personal data? or is there some kind of auto erase application out there now

thanx&greetz

JohnnyT76

[kenroy112]

am getting ready to flash now, if i cant flash it am sending back this crap asap, this is serious flaw if i cant hardrest my phone in a user friendly way then this is a big failure by nokia. They need to provide us the software to do it like how is it for windows mobile phones.

[christexaport]

There really should be a way to wipe and format on device. I'm sick of needing a PC to support my device.

[Dave999]

You will never learn if you dont hit the wall :D

[Aliwoo18]

I don't get it. How is everyone messing up Maemo so much in the first week of owning it?... to the point that they have to reflash the OS back to defaults? Might do you some good to stay out of the command line if you're messing it up that much.

Hi,
I'd just like to point out that (though I appreciate there are plenty of people who probably do mess about with things they don't understand), it's a little unfair to assume that's what's happened to everyone, there may be an underlying issue with the software or hardware. I got my N900 on Monday, barely used it til Thursday (I was waiting for my old number to transfer to my new contract), and last night (without having played with the command line or done anything else out of the ordinary), I opened the web browser, the phone began rebooting before it opened, and hung after "NOKIA" displayed on the screen, now you have to pull the battery to switch off, and when you try to boot it just sticks at that same point (when the five blinking dots appear in the center of the screen). I had experienced it rebooting itself a number of times previously but (being used to Nokia Nseries phones) I kind of accepted that as a flaw to be fixed in a later software update.
Anyway, the point is, I've done nothing to screw it up, so it's obviously got a bug in something somewhere, and mine probably isn't the only one in existence that's done it. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not criticising the N900 or Maemo platform (actually whilst it was working I thought it was fantastic), but I think it illustrates that it would be handy if it could be "hard reset" easliy, it might be all mine needs to get going but as it stands it's going to have to go back to Nokia (complete with the few contacts etc. that I have left on it and can't delete).

[mikhmv]

I tried to flash my n900 yesterday with
flasher-3.5 -F imagename -f -R
i thought it would reset my whole devices but my contacts were still there and my messages. also my usernames + passwords for several websites were still there .
linux store most of settings in personal folder. If you want to remove rest of data than:
1. open xterminal
2. type: ls -a
You will see all files and folders even hiden. if you want more information type: ls -la |more
if in line first letter "d" it is mean folder.
Mozilla store all settings in folder .mozilla
3. for remove all data from broser type: rm -R .mozilla
it will remove all mozilla settings. when you will start browser next time it will be like new.
most other programs store settings in similar folders (.name)
Just remove them and reboot.

flash which you did remove all installed by you programs but don't remove settings

good luck

[mikhmv]

remove all seetings and personal files:
SEE EDIT
but be carefull with it. It will remove even pre-installed maps


EDIT: probably will be better:
rm -R $home/user/*
At least one person tried (rm -R $home/*) and it didn't work.....

[msa]

On a n810 that's a soft reset. A hard reset would be to reflash.

um, no.
a hard reset is a hard reset and a reflash is a reflash. both are completely different things.
hard reset is restarting a device after disconnecting it from the power source.
reflash is reinstalling its firm/software.

if a hard-reset via holding down the power-button does not work, then taking out the battery is a hard reset for the n900.

[kenroy112]

I flashed mine last-night it took me a while thought cause number one it doesn't work with windows 7 64bit so I hand to use xp mode and secondly you have to hold down the "u" key on the phone.

[hani1400]

Update your firmware to the same one. download and install Nokia's firmware updater.
That will reinstall the OS from zero... My glitch got fixed
Go here: http://europe.nokia.com/get-support-and-software/download-software/device-software-update

[christexaport]

I'm a bit confused. Is there any way to return the device to factory condition that wouldn't require the Xterminal? I have a loaner device I need to return, and want to learn to swipe it clean, but preferably without CLI. Is this possible? Evidently there is some user data preservation implemented. Can we turn that off so it is wiped too?

[bsving]

The rm -R $home/* for removing all personal data should be on some sticky note or something. This is essential information for everyone returning, selling or giving away their devices.

[fnordianslip]

This doesn't mean your data is gone, it just isn't easily accessed through the file-system. If you're really concerned about personal data, incineration is probably your best bet.

Edit: I wonder if the image for flashing the eMMC fully overwrites the eMMC's flash?

[hani1400]

I'm a bit confused. Is there any way to return the device to factory condition that wouldn't require the Xterminal? I have a loaner device I need to return, and want to learn to swipe it clean, but preferably without CLI. Is this possible? Evidently there is some user data preservation implemented. Can we turn that off so it is wiped too?
Dude! read my post ^ this is exactly what you want
It will be like the first time you turned it on. EVERYTHING will get wiped off!

[bsving]

Dude! read my post ^ this is exactly what you want
It will be like the first time you turned it on. EVERYTHING will get wiped off!
One catch, it does not support Win7. You have to get the command line tool if you have Win7.

[hani1400]

try to run it in xp mode.
right click on the .exe and then click "properties" and i think "compatibility" and tick the "run in xp 32bid mode" or something like that.

[ppriyank]

ok i have to return my phone back to nokia usa tomorrow...so i did the (rm -R $home/*) thing on the x-terminal, and now my phone does not turn on...i turn it on, and i see the nokia logo, but that's about it, the phone turns off after that...WHAT DO I DO???

[Random]

Just tested, Nokia Fw updater will not wipe the personal data from device, tapped phonebook snd my 799 contact was there!!!

[Random]

Just tested, Nokia Fw updater will not wipe the personal data from device, tapped phonebook and my 799 contact are there!!!

[captainqtp]

Just tested, Nokia Fw updater will not wipe the personal data from device, tapped phonebook and my 799 contact are there!!!

Which I actually kind of like.... I don't mind deleting separately

[christexaport]

So the N900 can't be swiped...

[bsving]

So the N900 can't be swiped...
http://wiki.maemo.org/Updating_the_tablet_firmware#Flashing_the_eMMC_in_ the_N900

Done it, it works. (Should definitely be an option on the device itself, but maybe one will come later on)

[cpitchford]

Some UK N900s are running a version of the firmware that is NOT available on tablets-dev.. Version 203.2 seems to be a UK thing, but I'm not sure which other regions might use it.. Either way, you can't download it from Nokia so reflashing is changing your device..

https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=6878

Feel free to comment in order to try to convince Nokia that they should stop messing the UK about with firmware releases

[mikhmv]

Remove all date and return phone to original settings:
1. Download and install Flasher (http://wiki.maemo.org/Updating_the_tablet_firmware). I used Linuxx32 bit version on Linux 64 bit without problem. On linux you will need extract flasher, it is not necessary to setup. For windows read link.
2. Download on computer Images from site: http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php . You will need Vanilla image (RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.41-1.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin) and PR_combined (RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin or on your choice).
3. Fully charge the battery (IMPORTANT!!)
4. Unplug the USB cable from the device.
5. Turn off the device.
-----Flashing USER space ----------------------------
6. Execute the following command (in linux you have to be root!):
* Windows:
flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.41-1.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
* Linux
./flasher-3.5 -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.41-1.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
Debian based Linux (e.g Ubuntu)
flasher-3.5 -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.41-1.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
7. You will see something like:
Image 'mmc', size 241163 kB
Version RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.41-1.VANILLA
Suitable USB device not found, waiting.
8. Plug Phone by USB to computer and wait until will get message that flashing finished. After this phone will reboot by self.
-----------Flashing ROOT---------------------------
9. Fully charge the battery (IMPORTANT!!)
10. Unplug the USB cable from the device.
11. Turn off the device.
12. Execute the following command (in linux you have to be root!):
* Windows:
flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
* Linux
./flasher-3.5 -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
Debian based Linux (e.g Ubuntu)
flasher-3.5 -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
13. You will see something like:
Image 'mmc', size 241163 kB RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin
Suitable USB device not found, waiting.
14. Plug Phone by USB to computer and wait until will get message that flashing finished. After this phone will reboot by self.
15. enjoy by clear phone.....

P.S Check file names for images! They can be different for different regions and language settings. I don't know it. One Image should be Vanilla and second PR.

[mikhmv]

ok i have to return my phone back to nokia usa tomorrow...so i did the (rm -R $home/*) thing on the x-terminal, and now my phone does not turn on...i turn it on, and i see the nokia logo, but that's about it, the phone turns off after that...WHAT DO I DO???

Sorry!!!
Look my post for Flashing. At least I did it.
Look like I made mistake. Need command:
rm -R $home/user/*

[rob_27685]

I've downloaded something and basically messed my N900 up, the screen is jumpy and only part of it is displayed at certian times, will doing a Nokia software update through my PC fix this? I uninstalled all software that I downloaded today but that hasnt helped.

[linuxkid]

Well, it is possible there's some issue going on, I do see a lot of forum postings from folks that just have weird booting issues...but there's usually a reason for it- Granted some are maybe related to issues with the device/OS load from factory, but if it's self inflicted....damn, just stay out of the console prompt and save yourself some hurt.

as a developer engineer I always tell my client that If they screw up the System that it is not their fault- as a good developer One Should not give the user the opportunity to screw- up! Cover all angles of-failure !!!

[mikhmv]

as a developer engineer I always tell my client that If they screw up the System that it is not their fault- as a good developer One Should not give the user the opportunity to screw- up! Cover all angles of-failure !!!

All system should have defense from idiot. But exist smart idiots which can break any defense.... (I guess Murfey lows....)

[ZackMorris]

All system should have defense from idiot. But exist smart idiots which can break any defense.... (I guess Murfey lows....)

umm ???

All your base are belong to us?

Wow that was some sketchy english, then again you're in Pittsburgh so could explain it ;-) I kid I kid....

[christexaport]

if you live in the US, you know quite a few people here don't speak English at all. He got his message across ok, imo.

[ZackMorris]

Yeah I was just messing with him...apologies if anyone was offended.

[arpwatch]

Will this remove the security code on the phone?

[Dave999]

anyone restored their(n900) device back to delivery mode? root passwd, program and all communication and conntacts gone?

[Chrisboff]

If you did "rm -rf /" from the terminal as root would you still be able to reflash? If yes then that would be one way of wiping your device.

WARNING for linux newbies like me: Don't use this command unless you know exactly what it does and are aware of the consequences.

[Preppy]

Ok, I will be the first to admit I'm a noob. I wish I wasn't but I am so. I need to hard reset my N900, I tried X Terminal but I'm afraid of bricking my phone so I didn't explore that option too much.

My problem, it constantly says: "Unable to receive or send text messages. Storage full. Remove...from device" or something to the effect. I have T-Mobile unlimited plan and it's paid a month early so that's not the issue. Furthermore, my catalogues aren't showing up and I've removed my battery and the sort at least a dozen times.

I have a MacBook and my audio and video files aren't showing up on my phone either. Please help.

Many thanks to those can/will.


************************************************** *********************************

I've tried: rm r /home/user/.* but no luck with it. I still can't send text messages.

[Preppy]

If you did "rm -rf /" from the terminal as root would you still be able to reflash? If yes then that would be one way of wiping your device.

WARNING for linux newbies like me: Don't use this command unless you know exactly what it does and are aware of the consequences.


Thanks for the warning...greatly appreciate the caps but what would happen after I submit that code?

[mikhmv]

"rm -rf /" it is mean remove all directories and file from "/" including subdirectories. For windows it is similar to delete all files from disk "c:". It is probably similar to "format c:"......

Preppy: look here:
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?p=439864

[Chrisboff]

I'm trying to figure out if to get to the splash screen where you connect the usb cable to reflash does the device require files in the flash area for the os or is there some rom chip that initiates the boot sequence (the equivalent of a bios). I'm worried that if you removed all files on the device then it wouldn't be able to boot.

[Naz_AK47]

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7600]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\Acer>cd "c:\Program Files\maemo\flasher-3.5"

c:\Program Files\maemo\flasher-3.5>flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11.
203.2_PR_COMBINED_203_ARM.bin -F -R
flasher v2.5.2 (Sep 24 2009)

SW version in image: RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11.203.2_PR_203
Image 'kernel', size 1700 kB
Version 2.6.28-20094102.3+0m5
Image 'rootfs', size 149248 kB
Version RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11.203.2_PR_203
Image 'cmt-2nd', size 81408 bytes
Version 8.2.2009.34.3-2+0m5
Image 'cmt-algo', size 519808 bytes
Version 8.2.2009.34.3-2+0m5
Image 'cmt-mcusw', size 5786 kB
Version 8.2.2009.34.3-2+0m5
Image '2nd', size 14720 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2217, 2218, 2219, 2220, 2120
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image 'xloader', size 14848 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2217, 2218, 2219, 2220, 2120
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image 'secondary', size 109440 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2217, 2218, 2219, 2220, 2120
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image '2nd', size 14720 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2101, 2102, 2103
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image 'xloader', size 14848 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2101, 2102, 2103
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image 'secondary', size 109440 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2101, 2102, 2103
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image '2nd', size 14720 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2
113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image 'xloader', size 14848 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2
113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image 'secondary', size 109440 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2
113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image '2nd', size 14720 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2
210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image 'xloader', size 14848 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2
210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Image 'secondary', size 109440 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2
210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216
Version 1.4.13+0m5
Specify only one FIASCO image.

c:\Program Files\maemo\flasher-3.5>



What am i doing wrong?

[aman18narang]

hi all...

i admit i am a noob..actually this is my 1st post here.. i got my n900yesterday and the first time i started it, it gave an error msg "Internal error application camera failed" and kept rebooting with the same error...that broke my heart alrite but what happened now is just wat is driving me crazy....MY PHONE DOESNT START AT ALL now...

so i am trying to re-flash my phone..but the problem is that my pc doesnt detect my phone at all for flashing. there is a permanent non blinking light as soon as i connect the usb while pressing 'u' but nothing after happens after that...and the cmd prompt showing "Suitable USB device not found, waiting" i am using WIN XP SP3

can someone please tell me what should i do??

[bgrigor]

can someone please tell me what should i do??

It's not much consolation. but have you tried calling Nokia or the seller to get an exchange. It sounds like you got a lemon. :-(

[biggzy]

hi all...

i admit i am a noob..actually this is my 1st post here.. i got my n900yesterday and the first time i started it, it gave an error msg "Internal error application camera failed" and kept rebooting with the same error...that broke my heart alrite but what happened now is just wat is driving me crazy....MY PHONE DOESNT START AT ALL now...

so i am trying to re-flash my phone..but the problem is that my pc doesnt detect my phone at all for flashing. there is a permanent non blinking light as soon as i connect the usb while pressing 'u' but nothing after happens after that...and the cmd prompt showing "Suitable USB device not found, waiting" i am using WIN XP SP3

can someone please tell me what should i do??

did you try and connecting to other usb ports also?

[aman18narang]

did you try and connecting to other usb ports also?

hi i figured out why it was not starting bcos my phone is not charging..i used a spare battery from nokia 5800 and using it the usb detected my phone..but now the other thing is that when i add the phone in flash mode, Win XP on the right bottom panel shows found new hardware, searches for some drivers and then says a problem occured during the installation of your hardware and your hardware will not work properly...which drivers to install to correct this?

[sergnnpls]

hey guys,
i'm a real noob when it comes to flashing the n900 and i really need help. i am running win7 64 bit but i also have a xp pc. is there anyway any of you pros can do a video on how to flash the n900 because i really need to do it but i dont think im doing it right. i've had this phone for 3 weeks now and now i just have a tablet. the phone will not accept my sim and i dont know what to do. also my recent update with nokias' NSU went horribly wrong and i need to re-update it. kinda like the iphones restoring. please please you guys help me...
thanks for hearing me out

[leetut]

I don't get it. How is everyone messing up Maemo so much in the first week of owning it?... to the point that they have to reflash the OS back to defaults? Might do you some good to stay out of the command line if you're messing it up that much.
if command line was that dangerous if should not be on the device, a hard rest function should be included in the os, personally i only use command line if im absolutely sure it wont brick me, but thats cos im sensible, others may not be.
and ive never had any problems,
if someone buys the device they should be allowed to use the same functions as everyone else, the os should have a hard reset function for them to use when they make a mistake, making mistakes is how people learn!

lets all hug a n00b today!:p

[n900Blazer]

I've been using the N900 for about two weeks now. Never upgraded the firmware or anything. Today I was trying to take a picture with the phone. I opened the camera cover, the cam screen showed. By mistake I pressed the power button instead of the capture button. After that the phone went off. It has not powered up again. I tried removing the battery and putting it back. Initially it seemed to be heating up like anything. I took the battery out for a while and put it back. It's not getting hot, but it won't power on.

Do I need to send this back or is there something I could try?

When I connect the charger the status LED glows green (steady).

[geneven]

First I say that there is a lot of appalling information in this thread, so take it all with skepticism.

Historically, you should be able to reflash without using the command line by using the Nokia updater. I know that one of you said it didn't get rid of your personal info, but I think that is wrong.

Most of you should be using the Nokia installer and not Linux, I think.

But you will have to run in xp compatible mode if you are running 64-bit Win 7.

One of you was talking about holding down the u when you were running Win 7. I don't think holding down the u is part of the Windows flashing procedure.

One of you was making a big deal about avoiding the command line. I don't think that is worth making a big deal over, but you should run the Nokia software and you should be able to avoid the dreaded command line.

It has been a long day and I'm not spending more time here right now. Stay calm and follow the Wiki and you should be ok. Good luck.

[maxximuscool]

I just found a way to a hard reset of the N900. And it works effectively.

Here is the step you should take to achieve this so called Hard Reset.

1.Pull out the battery from the device
2.slide the keyboard out
3.grab a cup of coffee
4.A hammer
5.Pour the coffee on the keypad and the back of the battery section
6. This step is the Hard Reset step, place the N900 on the concrete floor or Hard wooden/stone table and swing the hammer repetitively on to the N900 screen and keyboard and turn the N900 around and keep at it until the device fully re-SET itself and you will see no more Nokia Handshake video will show up ever again.

Now perform a CPR like you did on a human being and resuscitate the device.

Done..

Do it at your own risk, due to this guide required a lot of professionalism and 100% failure of resuscitation of the device, I would recommending you to have a second thought about trying to do a Hard Reset on this device.

Good luck, may god keeps your N900 safe

[aironeous]

Where the **** is the new topic button/link god damn it? How much time am I supposed to waste here?

[marioalves]

How do I format the Nokia N900, if it's always restarting itself?

[Rob1n]

How do I format the Nokia N900, if it's always restarting itself?

See http://wiki.maemo.org/Updating_the_tablet_firmware - for a full factory-reset, you'll need to flash both the eMMC and the firmware. Make sure you backup anything in MyDocs first, as the image doesn't contain all the default ringtones, map files, etc.

[crasbelize]

Ok...I finaly got my N900 reflashed....

The updater is not friendly to Win7....even if you put it in XP mode.

I had to switch to my laptop with XP on it....I download the updater from the nokia site, plug in my N900 in PC Suite Mode and started the updater.....

It WORKED ON the first try.

[gawbul]

um, no.
a hard reset is a hard reset and a reflash is a reflash. both are completely different things.
hard reset is restarting a device after disconnecting it from the power source.
reflash is reinstalling its firm/software.

if a hard-reset via holding down the power-button does not work, then taking out the battery is a hard reset for the n900.

I wanted to flame so much here, but I won't! I'll simply say...

NO... a hard reset is restoring to original firmware and wiping settings. A soft resest is just wiping settings. (re)Flashing is a method of performing a hard reset, but not necessarily to the original firmware; although on the N900 it appears as though not necessarily wiping the settings either!

Taking out the battery or disconnecting the power source as you say, is a method of turning the device off... if the reason for this was to turn it on again, then starting it up again is a restart/turn on (or first boot if its the first time you've turned it on).

[Chrisboff]

This is true for a PDA or a Smartphone. The nokia n900, as with all the nokia tablets, behaves much more like a computer. Modern computers don't usually have a 'hard reset' function built in to restore data from ROM - if there is a problem with it then the last resort is to reformat the drive and re-install the operating system partition. This is similar to reflashing on the nokia n900 it seems.

[gawbul]

Ok, I will be the first to admit I'm a noob. I wish I wasn't but I am so. I need to hard reset my N900, I tried X Terminal but I'm afraid of bricking my phone so I didn't explore that option too much.

My problem, it constantly says: "Unable to receive or send text messages. Storage full. Remove...from device" or something to the effect. I have T-Mobile unlimited plan and it's paid a month early so that's not the issue. Furthermore, my catalogues aren't showing up and I've removed my battery and the sort at least a dozen times.

I have a MacBook and my audio and video files aren't showing up on my phone either. Please help.

Many thanks to those can/will.


************************************************** *********************************

I've tried: rm r /home/user/.* but no luck with it. I still can't send text messages.

You need this post: http://wiki.maemo.org/Free_up_rootfs_space - I had same problem, after installing lots of un-optified apps ;)

Can you clarify the catalogues issue a little? Apt stores the cataloge list in the file "hildon-application-manager.list" in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/

On the eMMC audio files are in ".sounds" and video files in ".videos" (note the full stop and without speech marks. Any camera images and videos taken are in DCIM.

[gawbul]

This is true for a PDA or a Smartphone. The nokia n900, as with all the nokia tablets, behaves much more like a computer. Modern computers don't usually have a 'hard reset' function built in to restore data from ROM - if there is a problem with it then the last resort is to reformat the drive and re-install the operating system partition. This is similar to reflashing on the nokia n900 it seems.

I would say hard rest and reflash are pretty much the same thing, only hard reset is an auto-mated way of reflashing from an internal ROM. Reflashing is usually used to refer to manually doing it for either the original or a newer release firmware image.

On a lot of modern computers there is a function to fresh install, "reflash" if you will, from a hidden partition image. A way manufacturers can get away without giving you OS install CDs etc.

It's a bit of a pain, that there doesn't seem to be a hard-reset method for the N900, but reflash of the rootfs image, followed by eMMC image, without booting up in between, is an easy enough and sure fire way of creating a clean install, if you can follow instructions.

[gawbul]

Ok...I finaly got my N900 reflashed....

The updater is not friendly to Win7....even if you put it in XP mode.

I had to switch to my laptop with XP on it....I download the updater from the nokia site, plug in my N900 in PC Suite Mode and started the updater.....

It WORKED ON the first try.

The latest Nokia Software Updater is now Windows 7 compatible and works fine! Just updated to version 3.2010.02.8 firmware with no issues. Download it here: http://europe.nokia.com/support/download-software/device-software-update (just enter N900 in the box - it says latest firmware is 2.2009.51.1 on that page, but it lies, lol)

[gawbul]

Performing a full hard reset on the N900 from the command prompt using Windows and the Maemo Flasher app. is as follows (UK variant file links given):

Get the latest Maemo Flasher from here http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/maemo-dev-env-downloads.php and install it (currently http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/maemo-dev-env-downloads.php?f=maemo_flasher-3.5_2.5.2.2.exe)

Get the latest rootfs and eMMC images from here http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php (IMEI required - currently rootfs = http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php?f=RX-51_2009SE_3.2010.02-8.203.1_PR_COMBINED_203_ARM.bin and eMMC = http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php?f=RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.41-1.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin)

Find the Maemo Flasher app from the Start Menu; right click it and select Run as Administrator.

Type the command: flasher-3.5.exe -F path/to/rootfs_image -f (replace with the appropriate image e.g. the one above) - this will flash the root file system, but won't restart the device - append -R to reboot the device, if you DON'T want to flash the eMMC. It will remove many of the settings, although some settings and contacts etc will remain.

Type the command (optional): flasher-3.5.exe -F /path/to/emmc_image -f -R (replace with the appropriate image e.g. the one above) immediately following the rootfs flash, if you want to flash the eMMC to default - this will remove all additional settings, contacts, calendar, messages etc.

ALWAYS back up all the files in the MyDocs area (which is the part that is mounted when you connect via Mass Storage Mode across USB), for example by copying them to an N900 folder on your computer's desktop.

Additional files can be backed up by installing the OpenSSH server on your N900 using the application manager and then connecting to your device using FileZilla from your computer (or a similar application that supports SSH FTP (SFTP)) and copying over things like /etc/apt/source.list.d/hildon-application-manager.list to keep your catalogue entries.

NB: This also lets you Putty into your phone and play around, which is always good fun and beats hacking away in the terminal app on your phone, BUT should be done with caution if you are unfamiliar with *NIX style systems.

[Taigatrommel]

Okay, I just finished flashing my N900 successfully on Windows 7 64 bit. As recommended, I downloaded the Microsoft Virtual PC and installed the Windows XP Mode. Booted it up, installed the Maemo Flasher there, copied the files to c:\flash and started flashing the eMMC.

At first I encountered the "Waiting for USB Device" problem, although the device was connected in update mode, the software didn't recognize it. I had to click on the top "USB" menu and select the N900 from there, it installed additional drivers, had to reboot the XP mode and start again.

This time I also had to click on the top "USB" menu item, suddenly the flasher found the device and started flashing. After the eMMC was finished, I unplugged the device, entered the command for the firmware and plugged the device back in. Same procedure, had to click on the USB menu item, flasher found the device and started flashing.

Everything is completely back to factory conditions now. I just hope my random crashes will be gone now. :(


The Virtual PC might not be the best solution, but it is the easiest when you only have other 64 bit machines to choose from.

[muzzee]

i know this is alittle off topic but i want to know something. i just bought my phone 2 days ago and it was working fine until today every time i try to update download an app or install a preinstalled app. the bar at the bottom of the screen loads only to half way befor stoping making me maualy cancel it. why is this happening is it a fault in the device....? help would be greatly appreciated !

[ali.harmouch]

Sorry to disturb you again but really I need your help.
I have windows Xp system. so I entered the page of downloading flasher. and I downloaded "maemo_flasher-3.5_2.5.2.2.exe" on my laptop.
After that I entered the of downloading firmware and I don't know what I should download since there are many items.
is the downloaded "maemo_flasher-3.5_2.5.2.2.exe" is the right one? and what I should choose for the firmware?
once you will help me by these questions, i will continue and i will ask you again for any problem i face when i will make reflashing for my N900. ;-) thanks a lot for you.

[m_pahlevanzadeh]

Dear all,
I made a mistake run following commmands:
mkdir /home/user/usr/sbin
cp -rp /usr/sbin/ /home/user/
cp -rp /usr/bin/ /home/user/
rm -rf /usr/sbin/*
rm -rf /usr/bin/*

Then i was working with my phone that it is restarted!
Now it can't boot.
What do i do?

[Chrisboff]

Try reflashing your device by following the first set of steps in this article:

(you will lose your applications and settings unless you did a backup, you won't lose any files on the 32gb partition if you skip the section on "Resetting the Mass Memory")

http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/t5/Pool-of-Knowledge/N900-How-to-update-software-and-Reset-ALL-data/m-p/591877

[Mr. Incredible]

What exactly is the "Vanilla eMMC". It has 262 MB.

I just flashed RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.19-1_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin on my N900 to get to PR1.2
Do I have to flash RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin too to have more features...?
Is this a beta firmware? Do I have to install all apps again after flashing the Vanilla image?

[m_pahlevanzadeh]

Mr. Incredible wrote:
What exactly is the "Vanilla eMMC". It has 262 MB.

I just flashed RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.19-1_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin on my N900 to get to PR1.2
Do I have to flash RX-51_2009SE_10.2010.13-2.VANILLA_PR_EMMC_MR0_ARM.bin too to have more features...?
Is this a beta firmware? Do I have to install all apps again after flashing the Vanilla image?

Please careful that if you flash EMMC, you flash 32G storage .This means you remove all data : photo , sms, email , contact & etc.....

[m_pahlevanzadeh]

Dear all,
I insert my SIM & put my battery and press u and hold it.then connect usb cable.then ran following command:
flasher-3.5 -F RX-51_2009SE_3.2010.02-8.203.1_PR_COMBINED_203_ARM.bin -f -R
And i get following result:
/////////////////////////////////////
flasher v2.5.2 (Oct 21 2009)

SW version in image: RX-51_2009SE_3.2010.02-8.203.1_PR_203
Image 'kernel', size 1704 kB
Version 2.6.28-20094803.3+0m5
Image 'rootfs', size 158464 kB
Version RX-51_2009SE_3.2010.02-8.203.1_PR_203
Image 'cmt-2nd', size 81408 bytes
Version BB5_09.36
Image 'cmt-algo', size 519808 bytes
Version BB5_09.36
Image 'cmt-mcusw', size 5824 kB
Version rx51_ICPR82_09w47
Image '2nd', size 14720 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2217, 2218, 2219, 2220, 2120
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image 'xloader', size 14848 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2217, 2218, 2219, 2220, 2120
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image 'secondary', size 109440 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2217, 2218, 2219, 2220, 2120
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image '2nd', size 14720 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2101, 2102, 2103
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image 'xloader', size 14848 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2101, 2102, 2103
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image 'secondary', size 109440 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2101, 2102, 2103
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image '2nd', size 14720 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image 'xloader', size 14848 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image 'secondary', size 109440 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image '2nd', size 14720 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image 'xloader', size 14848 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Image 'secondary', size 109440 bytes
Valid for RX-51: 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216
Version 1.4.14.4.4+0m5
Suitable USB device not found, waiting.
/////////////////////////////////////
It can't find usb bus address.i passed with -U every bus addresses, but after ls /proc/bus/usb/ i found out that above directory is free.this means it didn't know my cell phone.
what do i do?

[xomm]

Suitable USB device not found, waiting.
/////////////////////////////////////
It can't find usb bus address.i passed with -U every bus addresses, but after ls /proc/bus/usb/ i found out that above directory is free.this means it didn't know my cell phone.
what do i do?

I've found that waiting for the "Suitable USB Device not found, waiting" to come up, then holding 'u' and connecting, has a higher success rate.

Maybe it's just dumb luck, but try it.

[m_pahlevanzadeh]

I prssed u & hold it. But i didn't see anything.

[m_pahlevanzadeh]

Oh i saw dark screen after 7-10 min.But i didn't see usb logo.what do i do ?

[m_pahlevanzadeh]

Problem was solved, in this case , my n900 could charge via laptop, even in 2 3 hours.i used my friend's battery.

[mouadm]

You can simply use this method Here (http://www.techenga.com/2010/06/03/how-to-hard-reset-the-n900-for-pr-1-2-resets-all-data-to-factory-default/)

[m_pahlevanzadeh]

I flashed successfully.

[bkkick]

I NEED HELP.. please help me.. :( yesterday I played with my n900 and was into the filebox app and then i happened deleted some dictionaries and today when i reboot the n900 it didnt work normal... and i tried to hard reset it which i have did it manny times.
I tried to flash firmware and it worked but when i tried to flash MMC it didnt work.. :(
I tried a lot of times to flash both firmware and MMC, but MMC doesnt reflash... i found out that when i try to flash MMC and when I press entre to start flashing, the usb logo dissappears on the n900 screen and that happens everytime i try to flash the MMC.. can you tell me what the problem could be please I need help please.. :( :(

[bkkick]

wow what a maemo community.. no1 is there to help me.. WTF!?

[bkkick]

Thanks for your help loser maemo community!! I really didnt expect you to ignore someone whos into a big problem and need your help!! again thanks losers! I managed it myself after going through the whole f@cking internet search!

[tzalizam]

I tried to flash my n900 yesterday with
flasher-3.5 -F imagename -f -R
i thought it would reset my whole devices but my contacts were still there and my messages. also my usernames + passwords for several websites were still there .

Thanks for your simple instructions.... I managed to get back my old maemo 5. Much much more faster than before, looks like fresh installation.... :)

[mrzony]

remove all seetings and personal files:
SEE EDIT
but be carefull with it. It will remove even pre-installed maps


EDIT: probably will be better:
rm -R $home/user/*
At least one person tried (rm -R $home/*) and it didn't work.....

rm -R $home/user/*

The above command has ruined my n900..completely n900 dead now...when i am opening it again it just shows Nokia starting screen and turns off.....Dont know what to do now??? flashing also is not working..showing no device found..

Help Pls.

[cct]

Well, it is possible there's some issue going on, I do see a lot of forum postings from folks that just have weird booting issues...but there's usually a reason for it (memory card inserted that it doesn't know how to read, or someone messed with an init script, or maybe someone did an "rm -rf" on the /etc directory). Granted some are maybe related to issues with the device/OS load from factory, but if it's self inflicted....damn, just stay out of the console prompt and save yourself some hurt.

In my case it was a mixed bag of Nokia OTA mess-up and a stalled try to repair the damage by using the Nokia Ovi suite out of a VM from Mac OS X.

Made me learn stuff quickly - and why save the hurting if I can learn by doing. Mind, I came from NeXT to the Apple, so I am only 89% dumb. :D

Edit: Forgot to thank this excellent community for all the help and explanations I was able to get, find, search and read.

[Chrisboff]

Everyone who has trouble reflashing their n900 in Windows:

Get a linux live CD, for example here: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

Look on the internet for tutorials if you do not know how to boot ubuntu from a live CD on your PC

Then follow this wiki for linux exactly: http://wiki.maemo.org/Updating_the_tablet_firmware#Linux

If you have messed up the 32gb flash you need to follow the steps: "flashing the emmc". You need to do this first before flashing the main firmware. WARNING: this will erase all data on the 32gb flash.

Again make sure you follow the steps carefully (I know its long and technical so how badly do you want your N900 back?) because if you don't read everything and follow it exactly then it is very likely NOT to work.

If you still can't get it to work then it is best to send your device to Nokia to get fixed.

[schubi]

Thanks for your help loser maemo community!! I really didnt expect you to ignore someone whos into a big problem and need your help!! again thanks losers! I managed it myself after going through the whole f@cking internet search!

to repeat the obvious: YOU DO NEED HELP! as you said above. I suggest you start with discussion board etiquette. The fact that you figured it out by searching the internet some more, compliments your intelligence, so I won't recommend that you buy an iPhone.

So perhaps just this as a little food for thought:
* this isn't commercial tech support, its a public discussion board
* it being a discussion board, adding to an old thread (like I do now) doesn't help with getting help
* providing vague "something happened, how do I fix it?" questions doesn't help with getting help
* using profane language doesn't help with getting help
* if in doubt about how to behave, see first bullet point