After reading through this I was wondering if by leaving a sim card out during the OTA froyo process, does this allow your phone to be unlocked to any network or will it be locked to the same carrier but won't need activation when you reinsert your sim card?
How to debrand an HTC Desire and update to Froyo
Vodafone caught some flak recently when HTC Desire owners expecting an update to Android 2.2 (aka Froyo) found that they had instead downloaded a collection of Vodafone branded software and browser shortcuts. This is something that affects lots of phones on all networks but as Android handsets are so open to hacking and tweaking it can be remedied fairly easily. Not only is it possible to debrand - removing network-installed graphics and apps - but in the process you can also upgrade to Froyo without waiting around for the network sanctioned version containing all the branded junk.
This guide will show you how to perform the process on a HTC Desire, because it's a popular phone and I've done the same thing to my own handset so I know it works. If you have a different model scroll down to the bottom of the page for links showing to debrand other Android phones.
[UPDATE 23/09/10: The guide has been updated - scroll down to "newer and simpler method". Having problems? Read through all the comments, your question may have been answered.]
Some warnings before you begin...
This process will invalidate the warranty, causing problems if you have to return the phone for repair or replacement. If possible you should restore the original branded firmware so your network doesn't know you've been messing about, which is potentially complicated (maybe impossible) depending on whether you only debrand or upgrade to Froyo as well. Check the links at the bottom of the page for more information.
It will also completely wipe the phone, deleting messages, contacts, apps and anything else stored on the phone, so backup before going any further. MyBackup is an excellent backup tool available on the Android market, it's also possible to synchronise contacts with a Google account.
Please also note that there is currently no way to root Froyo, so if you're interested in rooting stick with 2.1 and install one of the many custom Froyo ROMs instead. If you've already installed Froyo you can downgrade back to 2.1 to get root. Again, check the links at the bottom to find out more.
Read through this whole article first. As with anything that affects the firmware of a device there is always the risk of 'bricking', rendering it completely useless. Follow this guide at your own risk, Broadband Genie can't be held responsible for any problems which may occur as a result.
What you need
- HTC Desire
This guide assumes you have a European HTC Desire handset with AMOLED display and HBOOT 0.75 or 0.80. To check this, power down the phone and start it up again with the back button held down, it should show HBOOT 0.75 or 0.80. Do not continue if it does not show either of these version numbers and/or your Desire has an SLCD screen. See the further reading links at the bottom of the page for more information.
- Blank microSD card
You'll need either a separate SD card to the one in your phone, or otherwise backup the contents of your current SD card to your computer.
- USB cable
Required to connect the phone to your PC.
- Windows with .NET Framework 2.0
I used Windows 7 64bit, anything from XP SP3 up should be fine. Just make sure you have at least .NET 2.0 installed (use Windows Update or read more here).
What can go wrong?
You could brick your phone
Bricking is the term for a device that's left useless after a modification goes wrong. This is always a risk when messing with the firmware of any hardware. If you're at all concerned then don't do it.
You might lose Wi-Fi connectivity
This is a common error. Many Desire owners have reported that Wi-Fi doesn't work after or during the update process. It seems to be avoided if you leave the GoldCard in your phone while updating, but just be aware that it could happen and you may have to reverse or repeat the updates.
Your phone could be network SIM locked
Many people have found that after performing an update their handset comes up with a message asking for a network unlock code. This is because they're locked to a network and this process does not remove that restriction. You can purchase an unlock code from many places online, but there is an easy and free alternative detailed in the troubleshooting section below.
Part 1: creating a GoldCard
The GoldCard is a standard microSD card with modifications which allows you to write new firmware to your HTC Desire. Important: keep hold of the GoldCard because you will need it for all updates in the future.
1) Download and install HTC Sync from the HTC site.
2) Download the GoldCard tool from this link and extract the contents to a folder on your PC.
3) Insert the SD and power up the phone.
4) Enable USB debugging on your phone by navigating to Settings > Applications > Development.
5) Connect your Desire via USB and make sure it is set to 'Disk Drive' mode (drag down the notification bar to change this). The SD card will show up as a drive in Windows.
6) You will now need to format your SD card by right-clicking on the drive icon for the card and choosing 'Format', using FAT32 as the file system. This will wipe everything off the card. To save hassle in the future it can be helpful to use the same card for both storage and the GoldCard. Just copy everything you want to save onto your PC, then format. You can copy it all back later.
7) On the phone change the connection to 'HTC Sync'.
8) Run the GoldCard tool you downloaded in step 2. Click 'Get CID'. If it doesn't work with MMC1 selected then try MMC0.
9) Visit http://psas.revskills.de/?q=goldcard and enter the long number starting with 00 provided by the GoldCard tool. You will need to use a valid email address.
10) Go your email inbox and download the goldcard.img that was sent to you.
11) Swap the connection type on your phone from HTC Sync back to Disk Drive mode.
12) Back in the GoldCard tool make sure your SD card is selected in the HTC MMC drop-down box, click Load GoldCard.img and select the file you just downloaded.
13) Click Patch MMC and the GoldCard will be created. If you get any errors at this stage, format the card start from the beginning. You can also try it again with a different card.
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Part 2: Debranding your phone
Generic HTC software overwrites the current system, removing all network branding. This is the point of no return, the following steps will completely erase and reset your handset. There is an (untested) alternative to this stage which involves jumping straight to Froyo, you can read about it below in the 'Manually installing Froyo' section.
1) Download a stock ROM to replace your current system. If you have HBOOT 0.75 use this download, if it's HBOOT 0.80 your download is here.
2) With the phone connected and GoldCard inserted, run the ROM download. Your phone will go into bootloader mode and the installation procedure should continue, replacing the branded software with the plain HTC version. Just leave the phone to run through the steps. If Windows prompts you to reboot during this stage, don't panic, restart your PC and run the ROM software again.
3) That's it. Once the installation has completed your phone should restart. All your apps, messages and contacts will be gone, but so will any trace of network branding. When I did this I had a Virgin browser icon for some reason but this was immediately deleted and none of the T-mobile branding remained..
Upgrading the HTC Desire to Froyo
Once you've installed a generic ROM, you should find that over the air (OTA) updates become available. Usually these are pushed out by the network once they've added their branding, but with an unbranded phone you can get them as soon as HTC makes them available.
Go to Settings > About Phone > System Software Updates to manually check for an update. If you have installed the 1.15 ROM you'll be prompted to download 1.21. Once 1.21 is installed you can download the new Froyo system software. This process should be relatively simple, just follow the on-screen prompts and if anything goes wrong reboot the phone and try again.
The main problem encountered during this stage is that Wi-Fi can stop working. The solution is to leave your GoldCard inserted while performing all updates. This is why it's handy to have your main SD card as the GoldCard so you don't need to swap over.
If you don't want to update just refuse the download, you can also go to the System Software Update section and disable the auto-check so it won't ask you in the future.
Please note that this may be the last chance to easily revert your phone back to its default state. Rolling back the updates is more complex than installing them. Restoring your phone to its original branded condition is simply a case of downloading the appropriate branded ROM, but you can only do this if the ROM you install is numbered the same as or higher than your current system. Branded 1.15 will go over unbranded 1.15, but not over 1.21.
Manually installing Froyo
Updating to 1.21 I lost Wi-Fi connectivity so it was going to take a while to download the 90Mb Froyo OTA update. Here's what I did instead.
1) Download Froyo here.
2) Rename the downloaded file to update.zip and copy it to your SD card. To do this correctly you must make sure you are able to see file extensions in Windows, otherwise you'll rename it update.zip.zip. In Windows go to Folder Options > View and disable 'Hide extensions for known file types'.
3) Switch off the phone and power it back up while holding the volume down button. Wait, and choose 'recovery' from the menu that appears (you have to navigate using the volume buttons and power to select).
4) Wait for the triangle symbol with exclamation mark to show on the screen and when it does press power up and volume at the same time.
5) A menu should load. Choose 'Apply sdcard:update.zip'.
6) Wait for the update to complete. When it finishes you should get an 'install from sdcard complete' message and another menu. Select reboot system to finish the process.
This method worked for me manually upgrading from the 1.21 (HBOOT 0.80) to Froyo. However, Vodafone users who installed that controversial 'update' may not be able to follow any of our debranding or update steps as they have a different software version. Instead, you can try jumping straight to Froyo.
Go back to part 2 but download and use this file instead of the 1.15 and 1.21 downloads. I haven't tested it myself but it should update any current Desire handset to Android 2.2 regardless of version, branded or unbranded (with the possible exception of SLCD models). You won't need to do any OTA updates either as you'll be up to date.
Update! The newer and simpler debrand method
This should take you straight to Froyo without having to worry about updates, and should work on all phones including SLCD models. Please note I haven't been able to test this so can't guarantee a trouble-free debrand experience, but if you run into problems shout in the comments below and I'll do my best to help. The other guide still works so if you're not sure about following this method or for some reason don't want Froyo you can use it, but otherwise it should be much quicker and easier.
1) Follow part 1 above to create a GoldCard
2) Install HTC Sync for the drivers
3) Download the appropriate RUU from here. The newest Froyo ROM is 2.10.405.2. You most likely want the file called "RUU Bravo Froyo HTC WWE 2.10.405.2". The other versions you'll see listed on that site are branded (H3G for Orange, TMO for T-Mobile etc) and some Asian versions. May not be able to help much if you want to install anything other than the standard WWE version.
4) Enable USB debugging on your phone
5) Connect it via USB to the PC (use charge only mode)
6) Double-click the RUU file you downloaded. Vista and Win 7 users may need to click through any UAC alerts which pop up. Also make sure you're running with admin permissions
7) Click through the windows that appear on the update application in order to get the update started (but make sure you read them as well!)
8) After clicking next a few thousand times it should finally start updating your handset. Do not do anything to your phone while it's doing this, messing about with it before it's finished can brick it. Be patient, it could take 10 minutes.
9) And you're (hopefully) done! Froyo should now be installed.
170 USB errors can be caused by problematic drivers, try reinstalling HTC Sync, and also installing it and then removing HTC Sync (but not the drivers) before running the update. If it fails at any point pull out the battery and reboot the phone before you panic - chances are it'll just boot as normal. CID errors are caused by the GoldCard - make it again. Also important to repeat that you must keep hold of your GoldCard as it will be required for future updates.
Troubleshooting
SIM card is network locked
If your handset is locked to a network the debranding process will prevent you from using it until an unlock code is entered. While codes can be purchased from various web sites for about £10-20 you may be able to avoid paying anything – according to reports from users with locked phones the trick is to update without a SIM card inserted. With version 1.21 installed power up the phone minus SIM card and initiate the Froyo OTA update. When complete you should find that your phone is fully working without the need to enter a code.
Update fails
Sometimes the updates can fail to take. Some people have found that after upgrading to Froyo or 1.21 their phone doesn't respond, reports the wrong version number or is unable to perform OTA updates. If this occurs reinstall the update manually, and if that doesn't work then try installing the previous version.
Errors during updates
Various error messages might pop up, particularly when you try the debranding steps. If it is a 'Customer ID' error this is due to the GoldCard not working correctly. Format the card and start from the beginning. It has been reported that different SD cards work better than others, so try another one if you have a spare (I used a SanDisk model). No data is stored so it doesn't need to be a high capacity card.
Further reading
For info on debranding other phones and more information on rolling back the updates, try these links. Worth spending some time on the Modaco and Xda Developers forums, they're full of clever programmers and you'll find loads of useful downloads and guides.
Debranding the Samsung Galaxy S
Debranding the Sony Xperia X10
If you have HBOOT 0.83 and/or an SLCD screen, see here and here
Reverting back to a branded ROM
Downgrading HBOOT 0.92 (2.2 Froyo) to 0.80 (2.1 Éclair)
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Comments
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Editor - MattHi Peter. It's a good question. I think it's the latter - the phone won't be unlocked it just doesn't ask for a code. However, as my handset was already unlocked I was unable to check this myself.
Worth keeping in mind before you do this that you may have to pay for an unlock code if removing the SIM doesn't work. No need to go to shop though, there are web sites that'll email a code for around a tenner. -
Thanks a lot Matt! Just debranded my desire. The method works brilliantly! :)
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Hi,
If someone could help me, that would be really great!
Im having an issue, the error:
"ERROR [170]: USB CONNECTION ERROR
This error message will appear when the Android phone is not correctly connected to the host PC. It might be a USB connection problem or a PC USB driver problem. Make sure the Android phone is connected to the host PC correctly and/or check if the PC driver matches the Android phone."
Keeps appearing even though my USB is connected and after loading the application on my PC I can see the phone entering the bootloader...
Ive tried changing USB mode between HTC Sync and Mount Storage but with no luck.
Please advise. Thank you!
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HTC dont lock there phones to a network
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Editor - Matt
George, have you installed the latest version of HTC Sync?
Jules: networks lock the phones, not HTC. -
Hi Mat,
Installed latest version of htc sync, YES.
So what could be the problem? -
Hi Matt,
It all worked!, Great!...BUT...
My phone after updating it several times until the update check said no more updates available, it looks like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfmIlaKZxqo
I was expecting froyo to look more like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9XrNiC5LbI
PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS -
Editor - Matt
Hi George,
The second video shows the Nexus One (Google phone) interface. HTC Android phones all use the HTC Sense interface, as in the first video. This hasn't changed with Froyo, it still uses Sense. If you want a different interface you can find various launchers to download in the Market, I believe some may even offer a similar look to the Nexus One.
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Hi Matt,
Your article seems very informative. My HTC Desire is locked to T-Mobile UK and I want to upgrade to Froyo. However before I do that, I would like to know how I can backup a snapshot of my phone, including OS, so that, if something horribly goes wrong, I can revert to original state. Many thanks in advance for any suggestions. -
Great instructions!! The debranding of my Orange branded Desire worked like a charm!! Many thanks to Matt!!
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Hi Matt,
I attempted to follow the procedure and after running the updater (RUU_Bravo_HTC_WWE_1.21.405.2_Radio_32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed.exe) the device went off and will not startup.
- All I get is a operating beep, black screen and illuminated buttons and upper led.
I started out with a brand new O2 branded phone.
If I try to turn it on and plug in to PC, device makes a bird tweet sound and PC identifies it a an empty removable disk drive (with no inserted disc).
If I try to turn it on while pressing the volume down button, PC
My PC identifies the phone as an "Andriod 1.0" and no drive is added, device does not make any sound this way and nothing lights up.
Anything I can do to restore my phone?
Thanks,
Danny. -
Editor - Matt
Hi Danny,
On the back of the box your Desire came in, under 'Display' does it say AMOLED touch sensitive or just touch sensitive?
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hi i use this to debrand my orange desire , it work for week than i could not get any internet at all and lost network a LOT ,
any help as i have a new phone form orange but i wont to deband this one but i dont wont it to f**k up too -
Worked perfectly for me. Unbranded my three phone and am now enjoying the Froyo extras without having to wait for the carrier update. Very happy. :-)
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Editor - Matt
Pete, I haven't heard of anything like that happening in relation to the debranding process. Your phone probably developed a fault that was unrelated to the software. You should be fine to debrand using the above process, but if the handset you have now is new you must only do it if it's an AMOLED screen, not the SLCD found on the newer Desire.
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how do i find out if it a slcd or amoled
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Editor - Matt
Look on the back of the box, under the display specs it will say AMOLED touch sensitive or touch sensitive. You should also check the HBOOT version - switch off the phone then switch it on and hold the back button. SLCD versions will be HBOOT 0.83, if you do not have HBOOT 0.75 or HBOOT 0.80 then don't use the procedure above.
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Matt: 3.7-inch touch sensitive screen
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Found a post regarding the HBOOT 0.83:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=749551
Hope it works.
Any tips? -
Just wanted to say thanks for the advice above. My phone was previously locked to Orange and I managed to follow the above steps (never debranded a phone before) and updated my Desire to Froyo! I did have the issue with Network Locked but removed the sim card and updated the OS using wifi and now the sim works in the phone.
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Brilliant - just debranded a T-Mobile Desire and upgraded to Froyo 2.2! Followed the instructions and it all went like clockwork - quick and easy. Thanks very much.
(Didn't manage to get the sim lock off, though - I'll have to pay for that, I guess.) -
I followed the instuctions here
http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Other-Off-Topic/Debranding-Unlocking-an-HTC-Desire/td-p/23317
Flashed my t-Mobile phone on reboot I was left with a none booting phone it just made the boot sound and the buttons light up, after trying a few RUU files it refused to load any others. As a last resort I flashed it direct to froyo with the 2.2 rom RUU_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.09.405.8_Radio_32.43.00.32U_5.09.00.20_release_140022_signed and this seems to have done the trick, everything is working. I did the flash without a sim card in and when I rebooted it with the sim it asked me which of the t-mobile networks I use, does this mean its unlocked? -
Great great great, thank you!
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i tried your steps again but still objects no reference, please could you tell me the cause of this error message. Curiously, when i used the device manager checking drivers on my HTC desire, it says drivers installed by HTC and the version number of it. The question i want to ask also is if the HTC drivers and adb drivers are the same or not.
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Matt, everything you said worked perfectly well.
Thank you very much for this very straight forward step by step debranding process.
Bye Bye O2 branding. -
Thanks for all the information here!
I am unable to download the ROMs. Its shows a login page once I click on the link -
The HTC Desire update to 2.10.405.2 caused wifi to display "error" and the only way to get rid of was using the "RUU..." method to flash the 2.09.405.8 back and after that the start working again. Funny things was that I downloaded the 2.10.405.2 update using wifi and after reboot - no wifi :-) so definately a software bug at latest HTC version.
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Editor - Matt
Thanks AJ. The site looks to be down for now. I've added a warning at the top of the page, will try to find a new link.
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Hiski - I had exactly the same problem, and it may have been because I didn't have the goldcard in when I updated. To solve it, I flashed the phone back to 2.1, then did the over-air update again with the goldcard in place. No further problems.
Can I ask how I would go about making a duplicate goldcard, say if the original one was lost in broken? Could I just use the goldcard.img file that was emailed to me the first time? Or would I need to get another one? -
I've loaded the rom referenced above for HBOOT 0.75 and now seem to have a Virgin Media branded phone instead of the Tmobile one I started out with.
It's not downloading any newer version OTA. I'm wondering if I have to wait for Vigin Media's 2.2 update. -
Matt the HBOOT 0.80 link is not working as it require a password is that normal ??
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Editor - Matt
@Martyn
Do you have a Virgin boot logo? When I flashed mine with the boot image above it had a Virgin internet logo on the home screen, but there was no other sign of Virgin branding. And have you tried manually searching for an update?
@Sami
The link is down at the moment, I'll update the page today with a new download location. -
Hi,
Not sure if this comment when in earlier.
Whilst during ROM update stage, it reboots to the bootloader, the USB automatically disconnects therefore stopping the RUU from recognising the phone.
Is there a way of disabling the USB auto connect/disconnect 'feature'?
I'm running on Windows 7 (32-bit). (Would XP work better).
(Phone: Unlocked Desire, branded to Orange, T-Mobile sim)
Thanks
Jon -
Hello,
I have a solution how to upgrade without any problem of connection
1-When you are in a Part 2 after downloding the rom make sure your phone is in HTC sync
2-Make a rigth clic in HTC sync "on a rigth down side" and disables in your computer
3- Run the rom "RUU_Bravo_HTC_WWE_1.21.405.2_Radio_32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed.exe"
download in Part 2 step 1
4- After Go to Settings > About Phone > System Software Updates to manually check for an update and update to 1.15 your phone restart and go again to "System Software Updates to manually check for an update" and update to 1.21
5- Now your lose Wi-Fi connectivity like Matt said
6- Upgrade your phone manually like Matt said again in a part 2 "Manually installing Froyo"
7- Enjoy it Thank u Matt -
Sorted, but your link to the .net framework took me to the latest version 4.0 which wouldn't allow the GoldCard tool to run on my XP so I had to download and install 2.0.
Anyway, besides that small mishap it works and I am now happy in the knowledge that i won't have to wait in future for t-mobile to get it's arse into gear. Nearly 2 months ago Froyo for Desire was released -
How do i get lastest htc sync? M currently in pakistan, I have branded virgin htc desire, now the question is if i'm using local SIM does that mean it's unlocked?
And also
Whenever i got to htc support site for htc sync tool it asks for s/n number, but whenever i submit it , it says invalid number?? -
problem of HTC sync in my previous post has been solved. I simple tried o to 0s and it accepted. my bad.
I have one more question what country should i selected at the top since i live in Pkaistan and the closest would be i guess Asia Pacfic and does it matter if i select the country or should i let it remain the default i-e europe?? -
Made it all the way through to the ROM update, which seemed to go fine. Now sat at the "Rebooting Android Phone" stage where nothing has happened for about 20 minutes. Phone screen shows green bar and HTC, but nothing happening. Help.
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Update on the above post - took a risk disconnecting the phone after it hung in the reboot phase. Removed battery and re-inserted it. All went fine, debranded Desire up and running. Now on the third OTA update, no issues apart from the 'network locked' message as described above. Used an unlock key - NOTE - after entering the code and unlocking it I got the prompt 'Sim service provider unlock pin required' (or similar). Had to enter the same code again (after a frantic internet search...) but worked fine.
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Editor - Matt
@Danish
I would have though, given your location, that you'd select Asia, but as stated above this guide is for European handsets only. I can't give any advice when it comes to phones from other parts of the world as the slightly differing software could cause all sorts of problems. I would recommend some Google searches to find out more about your phone.
@ Ian
Glad to hear it. Very often just resetting the phone fixes any problems. I think it's pretty hard to completely kill these handsets unless you're very unlucky or you do something silly like pull the battery while it's updating. The Desire seems capable of restoring itself when things go wrong, I've had a few hairy moments playing about with debranding and rooting and the few times it's not worked I've had no issues getting the phone back to a working state. -
Matt,
Thanks for the reponse. But one thing i wana confirm you that my phone is still branded on virgin mobile network i-e from Europe.
So, it is an European handset, 2.1 eclair, h boot0.80 and unlocked.
I duno for sure if i should try this; but i guess i would be the first one from here. -
Editor - Matt
If you have a European handset I would recommend you stick to the European software as I have heard of issues with Asian ROMs on EU models. However, do some reading on this as the situation may well have changed.
What you may want to consider is rooting your phone which will allow you to install one of the many custom ROMs. -
I tried debranding my phone and received an error 171 - the USB connection was lost. The phone is now stuck with an HTC logo on the screen but I don't want take the risk of taking the battery out...
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Editor - Matt
How long has it been hanging? If it's been more than about 10 minutes or so just pull the battery and try again.
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Thanks for the reassurance. I yanked the battery and turned the phone on again and everything was fine. I'm going to try a different computer in case the error I'm getting is a driver problem.
Just to clarify: Should I place my phone under "charge only", "USB drive", or "HTC sync" status before I apply the ROM update? -
Matt,
One confusion- My htc is branded to virgin mobile, if i'm using local SIM in Pakistan, Does that mean that its SIM unlocked.. I dun wana get in a hassle of unlocking it after debranding my desirus. -
noob question :-)
What is the difference between rooting and debranding? -
For information only, I spoke with someone at o2 and demanded that they unleash my Desire because they wouldn't provide updates (I was quite polite) they sent me an unlock code within 24hours. No need to pay.
-
Matt,
I keep on getting error 140-Bootloader version Error
The rom update utility cannot update your android phone.
Please get the correct rom update utility and try again.
i have 1.23.351.1 softwaer number and it is amoled screen.. please help
My softwar number :1.23.351.1 on virgin
hboot:0.80
what is wrong? -
Editor - Matt
@Danish
Yes it must be unlocked if another SIM works.
Debranding is removing network logos and applications, rooting gives you more access to the phone's software and hardware, so for example you can have more extensive customisation (change fonts and system logos etc) and install applications which otherwise wouldn't work, like programs for wireless tethering.
@adil
Which ROM are you trying to install? -
Matt,
where does your links takes me where you asked in case of hoot 0.80 download this, I think its 1.21.. from reading other posts I figured a bit that you need to flash either same or higher ruin.. I guess in my case its not possible yet.. since nobody has come up with the solution in case of 1.23.
please let me know if you have any solution.. -
Hey, Sorry for noob question. I bought HTC Desire from e-bay which has been unlocked from T-mobile (No logos on the phone but the sign does come up when you turn on and off the phone). It works fine with my local SIM card (Malta) but I cannot get certain applications like gmail or weather apps to point to Malta and seem to be "locked" to the previous user... Was wondering if I restore factory settings will the mobile become locked once again? (I shouldn't think so) Are there any risks doing so? I would also then like to update to the latest Froyo version and this article has been the most informative so far. If you have any suggestions I would be glad to read them. Thanks for your time!
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Which Rom I should try? M trying 1.21..
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Finally managed to debrand my desire. Everything went smoothly after I received that initial error 171. After receiving it, I exited the program and restarted HTC sync. With my phone just showing the HTC logo still, I started the rom back up and it worked! Thanks for the help.
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Followed your guide to the absolute letter, and kept my sim card out of the phone throughout to avoid the lock issue. I also kept the gold card in throughout.
However, despite updating neatly to froyo, my phone doesnt recognise that the sim is in it! It keeps telling me to put it in when its already there.
How do I solve this? All i have done is update to the htc froyo. -
Editor - Matt
@ Dan
Try reapplying the Froyo update manually.
@ Adil
The problem is that you're trying to install an update that's older than the version on your phone. Apply the Froyo ROM manually - click the stock and branded ROM downloads link and use the newest Bravo WWE update (currently 2.10).
@ Fab
I shouldn't think restoring factory settings will remove the SIM unlock. Sounds like you're going to have to do that anyway. If you want to debrand then it will wipe the phone regardless. Note that some countries are blocked from accessing certain applications on the market - in order to get these you have to root the phone.
Everyone should note that this guide is now slightly out of date - I will update it once I've checked a couple of things, but I think that all you need now is a GoldCard and the newest Froyo ROM and it should debrand and upgrade any Desire. -
@Matt
Problem solved, after reinsterting the card several times and wiping the surface of the sim a couple times, hey presto, recognised.
Thanks for this clear and in depth guide :) -
Mr. Matt,
Thanks a lot for this TUT, it works on my orange HTC desire well i was so desperate for several weeks until i found your site. Salamat po.
For those people most especially here in KSA if you have same problem (orange htc desire that lost wifi after updating then this is the real solution guys. Go for it just follows the steps and take it slowly and you'll end up smilling.
Thanks Mr. Matt -
driving me crazy keep getting this :
"ERROR [170]: USB CONNECTION ERROR
This error message will appear when the Android phone is not correctly connected to the host PC. It might be a USB connection problem or a PC USB driver problem. Make sure the Android phone is connected to the host PC correctly and/or check if the PC driver matches the Android phone."
got the latest version of HTC sync everything is connect properly, tried it with the phone in disk drive mode and htc sync mode.
please help! -
never mind i listen to kikumob comment to ' After receiving it (the error), I exited the program and restarted HTC sync. With my phone just showing the HTC logo still, I started the rom back up and it worked! "
and it work perfectly.
i do have a question tho. can i put m normal sd card in now and still recieve OTA updates? or does the gold card need to always b in ?
-
@Matt Great post thank you! Would be really interested to know more about the update to your post regarding Froyo ROM.
I've been toying with the idea of debranding (got the gold card ready etc) but have got HBOOT 0.83 and not sure if my screen is AMOLED or SLCD (Orange branded and can't locate spec on box. The website does say AMOLED but not convinced). Would the 'new' method cover SLCD?
Also if I do it and get the black screen is my only recovery option to root the phone? -
Editor - Matt
@ Daniel
I think the GoldCard will be needed whenever you apply an update now, it's not having that in there which causes the phone to lose Wi-Fi during an upgrade. I will try to confirm this for you though.
@ Rich
Will update soon, but it seems as though you can just go straight to Froyo now without worrying about whether or not it is an SLCD or AMOLED screen.
Read here for info on fixing the blank screen: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=748498
This should no longer be a problem however, this issue before was people with SLCD phones flashing older software which did not support their displays, hence the black screen. -
Editor - Matt
The guide has been updated, new technique is much simpler and should work for all models.
-
Hi Matt, just wanted to let you know I took the plundge! Downloaded RUU from shipped roms and flashed it to the phone. took about 10-15 mins. Sim card out, Apps/Data backed up.
Everything went without a hitch, just restoring all of my apps etc before bed. Thank you for the great tutorial. -
Heres an odd one for you. Whenever my phone powers on after being off for a while (say no batt left for eg), I keep getting a msg saying I've changed my sim card, and did I want to update settings.
Nothing happens if I ignore this or cancel it, so its not a big worry, I jut thought it was an odd msg to keep getting. -
On the new method, you've said to
"Download the appropriate RUU from this site."
... but I can't see a link to the site... Which site is it?
Thanks
-
Editor - Matt
@ Dan
I've rooted my phone and am using a custom ROM, and I get that message too. Not sure what causes it.
@ Hugh
Sorry! Try again, I've added the link. -
After a few snags with the USB dropping off to give Error 170 & 171, I managed to get the 1.15 ROM bootloader working. However, it's been sending an hour now, not the "about 10 mins" published! Is this normal?
-
Nearlt 2 hours now! Getting a bit nervous; should I pull the battery and see if it reboots? HELP!!!
-
If this helps anyone:
I just (Today) got the HTC Desire Black (On Orange [locked to]) from Phones4u
I believe it has the SLCD screen, and it had H0.83 loader.
I followed the shorter, newer tutorial, without my SIM card inserted.
So far, my phone works perfectly, WiFi and A-GPS.
When I inserted my SIM card after debranding, it had a triangle with an exclamation mark on it in the top left corner.
I dragged down the status bar an it said "SIM Card changed, tap to update details" I tapped, it gave me only one network choice (Orange) I tapped it and now it works fine. -
Editor - Matt
If anyone else gets the SIM card changed message, you can just pull down the notification bar and click 'Clear'. No need to view the message itself.
@Steve
Probably a bit late now, but yes, just pull out the battery and restart the phone. It should just boot up as normal. -
@Matt,
Thanks mate. Got the guts to pull it at midnight and it rebooted fine. Are these things indestructable?!?! Managed eventually to get it flashed using 1.15 usin\g the original method then upgrading; might be as I had 0.75 HBOOT that the new revised method just wouldn't play. Anyways, I am now free of the Orange poo that used to clutter may device. Big BZ mate. TY -
Just did this today on 2 sim locked 3 handsets using the 2nd method and it worked a charm! :-)
However was not able to unlock the handsets, even with no sim in place.
These were 0.83 HBOOT with SLCD.
Still happy chappy!
Cheers! -
Great site, helpful info - but is there a typo in the updated info for froyo?
"5) Connect it via USB to the PC (use charge only mode)"
Should this not be is sync mode before you run the RUU?
Thanks! -
I cannot seem to download the RUU from shipped roms web site?
I always seem to get a message about a response from the server has timed out?
Any advice please? -
all done, after installing OTA the 2.2 the desire isnt recognizing the simcard and neither the WIFI, please some one help?
-
Hi,
I desperatly need someones help!
I downoaded this file -
RUU_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.10.405.2_R_Radio_32.44.0 0.32U
_5.09.05.30_2_release_142828_signed.exe
I have created the Goldcard, but when i download the RUU rom and try to open it, it has said it is invalid!
THEN i downloaded it again and when i tried to install it, it then said - This file is not a valid WIN32 file...
I AM A NOOB! I seriously have no idea what to do from here, i already have the goldcard.
I am running an Orange branded htc desire, on software 1.15 and 2.1 update 1.
Also i am on windows vista Home premium with service pack 2
Can someone please help
Thank you -
Huge thanks for this guide. As I'm a footie I didn't read the article to the end so followed the longer instructions. But it all worked perfectly and i'm typing this on my debranded desire.
Thanks again.
-
Hi Kal, I had problems downloading the Froyo update you mentioned, it took several attempts , just make sure that it does actually complete successfully, as if it does not download fully then if you try and open the update file it will give you the messages you mentioned.
Hope this helps. -
Hi, the newer & simpler debrand method worked perfectly for my Orange HTC Desire Firmware 2.1-update 1, build number 1.15.61.10. Also, by leaving the SIM out once I'd created the Gold card I haven't needed to unlock the phone.
Now running 2.2 without all the Orange rubbish or any more waiting around for Orange to get the update to my phone. Thank you.
The only question I have is do I need to keep the Gold card for updates in the future or will my phone now just download updates over the air and install with no problem? -
I'm having several problems trying the new method. Firstly when I start the RUU install I get a Windows message saying that HTC Bootloader has been installed and I need to reboot my PC. I don;t do this at this point obviously as it's in the middle of the update. After another minute or two I get the 171 USB failure.If I then reboot the PC I just get the 170 error continually.
-
if anyone could reupload the "manually install FroYo" file anywhere else I'd appreciate it a lot, the one from hotfiles doesn't work for me!
-
Hi Matt,
thanks for the guide. A couple of questions though. You mention that it is possible to make the goldcard and use it as the storage card as well - so if i have understood correctly:
1.backup contents off sd card to computer
2.follow goldcard method
3.copy all data back to new goldcard.
have i got that right?
also, if i debrand and do not update to 2.2 can I then root the phone? you mention 2.2 cant be rooted so i would need to not update the phone. -
I tried this update last night and it is working fine - many thanks for this! Yay!
I had a few problems with the USB connection though and it took me a while to figure out. I couldn't find a "guaranteed" way of making it work, but when it reboots into bootloader it looks like it drops the USB connection and then complains it cannot it. If you just restart the application again it will eventually find and it and carry on to install it. -
hi, thanks for thr guide, really detailed, still not got my orange branded desire sorted though and starting to lose rather annoyed with it all.....
spare card purchased and turned into gold card, check
HTC sync downloaded and paied up, check.
Hboot checked and RUU_Bravo_HTC_RUU_Bravo_HTC_Europe_1.15.405.3 downloaded and ready to rock, check.
Once I go through the the RUU, i always seem to lose htc sync connection, the RUU goes into contacting bootloader................and then eventually I get a ERROR [170]: USB CONNECTION ERROR, I have read the previous comments about this and hav erestarted htc sync while still having the grey htc sreen on the phone to the same process follows, have now even started downloading other RUU's to no avail. please help.
-
Matt, all I can say is Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for the brilliant instructions. Was fed up of the Orange crap and the delay to Froyo. Followed the instructions as given, prepared Gold Card & flashed to 1.15 (done in 15 mins flat), updated to an intermediary 1.15, then 1.21 and finally Froyo. Left my SIM and Gold Card in all the time. No loss of WiFi. And a completely debranded Desire to boot. You the man!!
-
Hi there.
Got my Desire updated, let it do the OTA update and now it goes to the white screen with HTC logo and vibrates 7 times and stays there.
Any ideas? -
Hi Mat,
I had the same exact problem as Adil. I have my desire on Virgin with 1.23 and neither of the above seems to work. I have even tried to update manually but it simply aborts with error 7.
Do you think there is any hope please?
Thanks -
Hi Mat thank you for you explanation!! really is great.
I am extremely frustrated with three network. still no android 2.2.
I just need help. I am trying to install through the easy way but I cannot understand how do I boot the froyo ROM. its in a zip file but how do i make it run?
Sorry for the silly question. -
hey matt,
tried it there and got error 170 first...so installed HTC sync, so the RUU went past that stage the next time, and went to waiting for bootloader...waited for 100 secs or so then said error 171, is the phone connected to the PC etc????
thought i had got it this time, nooooooo
is this a problem with the goldcard then?
any ideas, thanks -
@ Tim
did you ever get yours going?? i had the exact same problem,might try original method tomorrow? -
Hey just to let anyone know, I recieved my phone a few days ago and I'm with Orange, so I needed to debrand it, and fast.
I tried the new "simpler" method but no dice, this may be due to already upgrading to the orange version of froyo .
After trying many different Ruu files, I finally found one that worked for me, I needed to downgrade the phone to a stock version ( Can't remember the website, but the file came with a PB99IMG and it was all done automatically by a batch called downgrade.bat), I had my gold card out, and my sim card out.
However when I inserted the sim card back in, it said I was network locked, the solution to this was to upgrade OTA with the simcard out and its working fine, Orange debranded phone running the latest update.
Hope this helps anyone!
P.S
Ran on windows XP, tried two different vista systems with htc sync and the usb drivers are just buggy as sin, also if anyone else needs the file that I talked about, I can try to locate it on my laptop and upload/find original source for you.
-
There seems to be a conflict in these instructions:-
Under the heading "What You Need" - it should show HBOOT 0.75 or 0.80. Do not continue if it does not show either of these version numbers
and, under "Update! The newer and simpler debrand method" - should work on all phones
I have a Desire with HBOOT 0.93. Can I use the newer method, or should I forget it? -
Hi everyone, I have tried both methods and I can't get past the 170/171 errors, also got 140 with 1.21 updater (my phone has 2.2 T-mobile), tried on two different laptops, nothing. I tried the method in the comments where you restart HTC Sync and run the updater again but no luck... Please help!
-
Hi great guide but i seem to have a problem with my Virgin HTC desire. The process goes through fine but when its applying the rom i get a message similar to INVALID ROM please download the correct one. Ive followed your guide to the letter. Any ideas? Im running 0.80
-
Thanks a lot, great tutorial. I have installed like you said and it was not problem! Tnx once again! :)
-
I also have HBOOT 0.93 please help!
-
For people with HBOOT 0.93 - I have this too and the standard and modified methods haven't worked for me either.
I already have Orange Froyo, which is a higher version than the RUU file.
I think the problem is the RUU files are UPGRADE files, so you first need to downgrade the phone. I haven't done it yet, but tonight I'm going to follow Matthew B. 's method and see how I get on pls post if anyone else has found that it works, thanks! -
I have just had my Orange HTC Desire replaced with a brand new one by Orange as following update to 2.2 the Phonebook only transferred about 6 of 100+ contacts from the phone to the car via Bluetooth. The new phone has exactly the same problem despite deleting the car from the phone and the phone from the car and doing a completely new pairing a number of times. Orange and HTC both claim they are aware of this and whilst HTC said a patch was 'months' away Orange said it was 2nd week of November. Has anyone else seen this problem and if so did you solve it?
Also I would like to debrand, can this be done with 2,2 (Froyo) loaded? and is it yet safe to do it with Hboot 9.'something' (can't remember what the 'something' was)?
Any help would be much appreciated -
Thanks for the guide. I'm starting an Android app and getting 2.2 on HTC Desire is just what I needed.
If you get: waiting for bootloader and eventually get:
ERROR [170]: USB CONNECTION ERROR
exit the program and disconnect and reconnect the phone. Run the program again and it should work the second time, worked for me with 1.21 and 2.09 ROMs.
I found it wasn't downloading the ROMs completely so got errors when I tried to run them, they should be between 145-166MB - try downloading them again until they download fully.
I was able to install 1.21 to get Android 2.1 but OTA update to Android 2.2 wouldn't work. Tried 2.10 for Android 2.2 but kept getting the USB connection error even before it attempted to get into bootloader mode but 2.09 installed ok. -
hi could somebody tell me if i will get the 2.2 android update im on a HTC DESIRE 3 branded and unlocked but not on 3 network cheers
-
Hey, Its magnificient information. Keep it up.....
-
i have a virgin branded desire and the my software version 1.23
so can i still use this procedure or do i need to find an appropriate RUU because the RUU in this article is 1.21 and i don't think i can replace my 1.23 version with a 1.21 version.
really need some help -
I need to do this process for a HTC Wildfire, do you have a link to the process I need to undertake or is it exactly the same. Will the Sim Lock be removed in the same way it seems to be if I do the update without the sim inserted on a wildfire also?
-
I've successfully debranded my Desire, but does this method also work with the Desire HD which I need to de-Vodafone for someone...
-
Hi... i ve tried these steps with two different cards but i am getting Error 131 Wrong Customer Id. Mine is an O2 Desire with HBoot 0.93. I am currently using LeeDroid 2.3d ROM. Do i need to flash the custom O2 ROM first and then apply the above mentioned steps..please help i m going nuts.. thanx
-
Many thanks for this, walk through worked like a charm - but used a new RRU build RUU_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.29.405.5_Radio_32.49.00.32U_5.11.05.27_release_159811_signed.exe
Installed over a shipped Orange UK build with Boot 0.93 straight over the top!
Many thanks - all the Orange crud....Gone !! -
hi
after successfully debranding i'm stuck with "no sim card in phone" message .
i've try it with different sim's but still same message ?
RUU_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.29.405.5_Radio_32.49.00.32U_5.11.05.27_release_159811_signed.exe , this is the RUU i've used to do it.
the phone was Orange Fr branded -
Thanks,,,i was desperate to remove that orange crap from my phone,,,NOw have HTC wwe generic rom running froyo,,,
Thanks again,,
Just have to root using unrevoked :) -
Hi, I'm trying to debrand my HTC Desire, bought on ebay. Welcome screen is O2. I use it on Vodafone, so it's unlocked. It has Android 2.2, Amoled screen, Hboot 0.80. I've tried your method above and get an error:- "get correct ROM update utility". (it's trying to update from 2.10.405.2 to 1.21.405.2) Help!
-
An update:- I've tried with both "RUU_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.10.405.2" & "RUU_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.29.405.5". both give the same error:- Error (131):Customer ID error, cannot update, get correct update utility. What am I doing wrong?
-
It has been an amazinf abd useful article on Android no doubt very well described as well.
-
Hi Matt,
I bought a second hand desire locked to T-mobile. after having it unlocked I noticed I couldn't get mobile internet or mms and the O2 setting I had input did not work. O2 said this was because the unlocking process had not been carried out correctly. This brought me to this page as I thought de branding my phone might sort this out but I have a funny feeling it maybe the newer model as I'm on h-boot 0.93.0001. can I find out if I have the AMOLED screen?
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