Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

If this doesent work then ill return it and do the carphone thing. Although my phone was a upgrade direct from vodaphone.
ive got flasher, but how do i know im downloading the right firmware here ?
Because it asks for the imei number and wouldent that just give it the same as the firmware i have right now ?

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

So this means guys no void of waranty as you can flash back to voda firmware if it ever has yo be sent for repair ;)

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Vodaphone might not be happy, but in kingston upon thames in the u.k the nokia care point is right there next to the vodaphone store :P. And nokias i found out have 3 year warranty.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

but wait i need to download the right firmware first !
as it asks for the imei number wouldent that just flash me back to the branded firmware ?
If this is the case is it possible for someone to give me a 203 imei number, as a pm because i just want to get image and im NOT changing the product code :)
If possible :)

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

or a direct download link :P

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

I'm pretty sure it offers you all the firmware images after you put in the IMEI number. Have you tried it?

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

It does, yes.

For what it's worth, the version number of the firmware that came on my phone (from the Nokia Flagship Store in early December) was 1.2009.42-1 (now upgraded to 1.2009.44-1.) It doesn't seem to be the UK-specific firmware.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

I'm on Vodafone from MDP, contract 18mnths, I updated fine and there are no vodafone related apps or widgets or anything installed now.. :)

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Sucess !
I LIKE !
Anyone else with vodaphone branded 205 im going to be helpful and i suggest doing this (Just so theres a tutorial in this thread/ dont have to go searching and stuff):

First off download flasher from here: http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/maemo-d...-downloads.php

And then from here download the 203 lib file, you have to enter your imei number but it still shows up with the 203 image http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php

Then install flasher and put the lib file into the flasher dictionary:
C:\Program Files\maemo\flasher-3.5
Note: This doesent work on 64 bit editions so i would find a friends laptop or use a live cd for windows 32 bit, or if your fimilar with VMware just use that to set up a virtual version of windows.

Then in the start menu, type cmd in the search bar at the bottom for windows vista/windows 7 users But right click it and open file location.

Should take you to system32 where the cmd program is located.
Then highlight it and press copy, and then paste it into C:\Program Files\maemo\flasher-3.5
dictionary and then start it.
This saves you having to retype it incase you mistype it or your currently in holiday in amsterdam and you cant be botherd to type it because of some substances :P.



and then switch off your mobile, take out the charger but make sure that there is charge on the battery !

then hold down U and connect the usb cable from your computer into the n900 and there will be a nokia logo with NO BACKLIGHT but there will be a usb icon in the corner.
Once you have that set up, as the n900 is in flashing mode.
Start the CMD inside of the flasher dictionary.

and for me just copy and paste this in there

"flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11.203.2_PR_COMBINED_203_ARM.bin -f -R"

Without quotes and hit enter and it should work !
Note between the -F and the -f is the lib file that you downloaded for me it was this one but if you are looking at this and you have a different image then just go into the flasher dictionary and copy and paste the exact name of the lib file with the extension and take out the version that i have put here.

flasher-3.5.exe -F (Put your lib filename here DO NOT INCLUDE THESE BRACKETS) -f -R

And hit enter and watch the magic happen.

Then the n900 will restart and your firmware shall be unbranded !

Note: if the cmd prompt says that the device has not been found, you will have to either use another persons pc and make sure its 32 bit or a image or VMware as flasher doesent support 64 bit, as i found out :).

Hope this is been usefull

AND SCREW VODAPHONE BRANDED PRODUCTS TODD FIVE !! *waves hand in the air for a vitrual 5*

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

then go to app man and download the update for maemo 5 and ovi and all of the apps is there :).
Long live openess !
Long live freedom !
Long live (LOADS OF APPS ON A LINUX PHONE)

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Glad you got it resolvd.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Has anyone worked out what the differences between the Nokia and Vodafone firmware loads actually are?

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Well it appears that it prohibits VOIP and loading of any apps from extra dev or extra testing.

Having been through the sham of VF firmware on the N95 I would have rather bought my N900 than have VF shamware installed. Luckily Nokia Retail and MFD were doing VF upgrades on UK Vanilla (203) N900s :D

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

also if its like every nokia phone branded on vodaphone before it, you will be last to get bug fixes and updates ! And new features + testing and not limited list of programs !
I think it may get rid of skype and anything of that nature.
Because vodaphone wants you to pay !

And thanks, hope that anyone with a vodaphone branded firmware ! with 205 switches to 203 after seeing this thread.

205 shouldent even exist.
Its pointless
Time and and effort ! and money, when people are just going to start thinking hmm, yano wat !
ill just debrand it !
Plus for nokia it makes updates a nightmare !
they should stop doing this !
Do voda do it with other phones as well ?
like iphone for example ?
or a Hd2 / any of the htc android phones ?
do they limit because skype is avaible and im guessing they dont want it.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Yeh congrats, the first case of debranding a n900.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

I feel a rant coming on about this. I may put finger to keyboard later. Right now, I don't know whether I'm angrier at Vodaphone for doin it or Nokia for allowing it. :mad:

(You wouldn't like me when I'm angry)

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Don't be too sure-- it happened before with internet tablets.

http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...mware+branding

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

OK guys, going in, wish me luck.

PS will this mean I wont get charged for wifi abroad and get rid of all VF branding, still be able to get future updates etc?

Cheers

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Hi

I'm at the part where you plug in the phone to the PC. You say hold down the U button - which one is this? It goes into the Nokia screen without backlight but then the USB icon disappears and the flasher cant see the phone?

Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

OK got it working now (still not sure what the U button was??!!)

It seemed only 1 of my USB ports could successfully connect while the device was powered off. Think it might be because of the power supplied to this netbook I'm using.

Also, the actual flashing seemed to take about 10 seconds, it restarted and then was done?? Thought nothing had happened at first as it was so quick!

Have now also update to the lates via the firmware - thanks kwljunky for the instructions! Bye Bye VF shite!

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

hi ive had my n900 4 a week on vodafone contract from e2save online shop IM IN UK its the 203 version but when i try 2 get this latest update it says 2 go on my pc and connect it via usb and use the nsu so i tryed that and it just says ive got the latest version but my phone is telling me i havent?any help would be grand thx?:)

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

No problem, glad you got rid of the VP crap !
Now you can get to all the apps and the ovi store= not that theres anything amazing on it yet !

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Connect to a wi fi/ if you have a internet plan with vodaphone its recommended that you use that as some of the earlier updates were having problems connecting with wi fi.

Im guessing your phones telling you as a "!" from the top where the clock is that there is a maemo 5 update ?
If this is the case, then dont use the computer !
In using the computer to update may delete all of the data on the n900, wat that means is putting your contacts details hand by hand one at a time again and again and again...ok you get the idea :eek: !

So basicly go to the app manager and click update from there and then just click the maemo 5 update and download and install it !

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Has anyone confirmed there is a difference in the VF roms? VF keep insisting on their forum that although it does have a different product code, it has not been branded...
Mine isn't arriving till next week so I can't check yet.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Hi guys I have a data plan on my SIM (TMN Portugal) and i had a Internet connection using my N70 (big jump to the N900 i know). I can use my wifi connection with no problems but i can't use the GPRS connection with the SIM card on my N900 and could use it on the N70 (subscribed to TMN)

Sorry if this is the wrong post

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

I've spoken to different people at both Nokia and at Vodafone about this. The VF N900 is definitely *not* branded firmware in any way, shape or form.

Confirmed.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

I had been waiting ages for my N900 directly from VF as I was due an upgrade. They said early Feb for stock/delivery over the phone but a few stores had 1 in stock. For some amazing reason, my local store had 2 and I was promised the same upgrade deal so I got it Tuesday. Once the first update was available, I noticed the 205 / 203 issue.... Anyway, there seems to be no VF branding at all.
What makes me laugh more now, in thinking about it, I was given 1 month free VF music store access, VF TV package and a couple of other VF things that I used a lot on my N95 8gb. However, on my N900, there is no direct way, or icon or anything to get to the TV. Not even a web bookmark!
However, that being said, it woould not update and I was starting to get a lot of reboots! I flashed the version to 203 and updated easily. The following day, I got the large update and everthing seems to be running ok so far!
But overall, there seems to be no difference at all in VF's 205 other than no updates!!

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

been on voda for about a month, with n900.. no repositorys are locked or anything, updated over wifi no problem, everything works dandy =)

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

I've flashed ok but unable to connect to vodafone now, wifi and everything else is ok but unable to make calls etc, anyone else experienced this?

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

It seems its just a day or two longer that updates are taking to get on to vodafone devices. It maybe just the order the product codes version of firmware is released. But even if it is Vodafone holding back for a day or two to test and approve. I cant say thats to big an issue as like many phone op co's they seem to have had there fair share of nightmare product issues. Like the N97 issues and 5800 speaker problem etc.

I work for a large IT company in Tech Support supporting both customers (ie general public) and trained technicans.
There is a great difference in supporting both. I would dread having Customers with no IT skills trying firmware updates:eek:

The majority of the users of this website of course understand no device is perfect and will understand the concept of firmware updating and all the do's and dont's.
Having any major flaws in a update would be a massive customer relations issue and of course possible hit them in the pocket.

Just hoping Vodafone keep supporting the N900 and make mucho money of it so other Phone operators see that if they just provide call/data plans and still achieve what they are there to do make profit:) Rather than worrying about adding extras to the phones.

I can remeber in the 90's with mobiles they were unlocked (at least on vodafone UK) and had no special software that I was aware of just the network settings which were from the sim i understand.
Vodafone and I think 02 now provide their phones unlocked again in the Uk not sure about the others. Hopefully Branding will disappear or at least be not so ott for most phones soon..

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

The people who said i have it on voda and you can update and stuff, is it from vodaphone directly or phones 4 u or carphone warehouse ?

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Plenty of people on Vodafone eforum who seem to indicate they bought direct have been able to update they just had to wait a little longer than some with N900's bought else where..

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

I got mine direct from Voda so it has their product code. It does not appear to be branded or changed in anyway that I can tell. Both updates were released just a bit after than the rest of the world.

There is a bug report about it which is also worth following as it has comments from both Nokia and Maemo on it
https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=7896

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

am on voda and got my device via carphone warehouse (onestop) so no branding at all. firmware 203 version.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

there we go then, it has been branded but its not clear on wat exactly has been branded.

When i was on the .205 i could not use skype.
couldent get to the other repos
and updates were not working.

Although people are saying they just come a little later....i want them earlier and there shouldent have to wait for some branded firmware.

now if you lot are saying that there are no differences.
Then may i ask the question.
Wat the heck is the point in that ?

And make sure if you have a 205 branded because nokia did confirm that it IS BRANDED <<
After several site reports that said it was not.
Its just a question of, did you get it from vodaphone directly ?

If yes = Read on

If No = Dont worry about it then, your normal and will not get charged stupid amounts for wi fi abroad.

P.S If people with no have this problem when using wi fi abroad this includes in vodaphones data roaming charges, i no first fricken hand it does.
So if you want to use your INTERNET TABLET abroad the main internet connection is going to be WI FI and since you will get charged for WI FI for no reason what so ever in a FOREIGN country.


I hope that makes the difference between the two firmwares pretty clear, the main difference to me is the bill i get from going on the internet reaching 400 pounds.

:eek: Now if i only debranded it and put in my own sim i wouldent be in this mess.
If only if only.

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

AFAIK the only branding VF do is add the VF360 bit

I have been using wifi all over the country and my data usage is still 0 bytes :D

as I make sure I only connect to internet reliant apps when on wi-fi

I currently have 2 N900's as VF are pretty useless and supposedly a 3rd one on its way LOL

one of them was from CPW though and is completly unlocked and unbranded

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Mine didnt come with it installed, it just came with the s60 sis files...which makes vodafone look ******ed.
And kinda made me laugh.

I didnt mean in the country, its out of the country.

They charge, for roaming data charges including wi fi outside the country.
if your in the country that you have the contract in its fine.
But thats just a point silly rule right there for using the wi fi in the another country that you have paid for in your hotel bill and then vodafone charge you for using it !!!

This is why you unbrand it, they cant track it, then get a local sim card and smack it and you will get no charges and get eratic !
:D

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Mine was from CPW so unbranded and unlocked :)

I did have one on order from VF but they took too long to get me a phone, and when they did it turned up damaged and im still waiting for a response back to have it returned, if they dont I will have a brand new N900 sealed in the box for sale LOL (or to keep in case anything happens to mine as I didnt take out the insurance with CPW as they wanted 13.99 per month !!

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

How do vodafone charge you for wifi when abroad:confused: Used wifi in several countries on a number of vodafone bought mobiles and never been charged.

If they did im sure people would go loopy at vodafone for charging them for something which Vodafone were not entitiled to charge you for.


Plus you can unlock any vodafone just ring/email them up and most i understand are already unlocked now..

Re: N900 on vodaphone issues*
 

Yes they do, ill try and find and scan the bill.
But its a data charge they explained.
Since using wi fi is means data.
They will charge me the same it is to use 3g in a foreign country...
Dont say they dont do that either, cos i know they fricken do.
You can call them up and ask them as well.
I tried to explain that wi fi shouldent be chargeable but they were having none of it.