Sunday, 11 March 2012

How to flash (updated)

This is a tutorial to flash your phone via Phoenix, a full guide to install my CFW.

The following "how to" will explain the way to flash I recommend.
If you know what you are doing, you can use different settings and flash the way you prefer.

Phoenix installation

You can download Pheonix from the download section on my blog.
The latest version is not always the best choice. Depending on your mobile phone and PC configuration, you are probably better of using an older variant.

In my experience v2011.38.x works best for 1st gen S^3 devices (like N8, E7 and X7).
For the Nokia 808 you need at least version v2012.24.x.
(You may have to deactivate your Anti-Virus on your PC during the installation of Phoenix)

Basics you need to know

There are many files in the main package, four of them are important for modding:
CORE/ROFS2/ROFS3/UDA

Successful flashing only needs CORE & ROFS2.
The files in there define your ROM (Z:\).

UDA is highly recommended, because its the content of your C:\ drive.

ROFS3 in original firmwares, contains all kind of data. Usually customisations by Operators or applications depending on your region.
In my CFW, the ROFS3 is not important, unless you need additional languages.

Choose your Version

You have to copy the files you need to the correct folder, so Phoenix can recognise them.
As an example I will use "The One Reloaded v4.2.0".

"RM-807 The One Reloaded v4.2.0.rar"
-the package contains all files you need for English only!
  -other versions may also contain additional languages (see changelog)

If you need additional languages for menu or keyboard, check the download section for translations by freaxs_r_us.
Replace the files from my original "RM-807 The One Reloaded v4.2.0.rar" with the files from his additional package (usually ROFS2 and/or ROFS3).

Copy all files from the packages you choose to
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Nokia\Phoenix\Products\RM-xxx"
or
"C:\Program Files\Nokia\Phoenix\Products\RM-xxx"
(path depends on your Windows version; replace "RM-xxx" with the RM number of your phone)

Make sure only my files are stored in that folder!

To increase the free space on C:\ take a look at this tutorial here:
Partition Manager: C Drive Extension 

Prepare your Phone

Backup
If possible, use the built-in file browser for backups (you need a microSDHC).
I can not recommend Nokia Suite, many people (including myself) have  bad experiences with that method.

For best results, do NOT backup "Apps", "Settings" & "Files".
Especially when you flash a different base version, restoring the settings mentioned above can cause bugs.

Clean up E:\ and F:\
This step is optional, but recommended.
E:\ and F:\ will not be formatted/deleted by flashing... that's why I recommend to clean up the system files, to prevent conflicts with the new firmware.

The easiest way is, to turn off the phone and connect it via USB to your computer.
It will connect in "USB Mass Memory Mode" and you have full access to all files and folders.

You can now clean up your drives.
I usually delete all files and folders, except for the ones that only contain my personal data.
(folders I keep are:"\DCIM; \Images; \Music; \Videos; \Backup; and some personal folders)

As an alternative, you could also format both drives to start with a clean system.

Disconnect your device now.
To prevent the phone from recreating the deleted system files, do not turn on you phone again, until you are done with the flashing process.

Flash via Phoenix

I am going to tell you, how to flash via "Dead phone USB flashing", its easy and safe to use!
This how to is for Phoenix v2012.24.000.48366, but works similar on all Phoenix versions.

1. start Phoenix
2. go to "File" -> "Open Product" -> choose "RM-XXX" (number depends on your phone)
3. go to "Flashing" -> "Firmware Update"
4. hit the 3 dots button next to product code and choose the firmware
5. check "Dead phone USB flashing"
6. hit "Options" and the file list will open
     -"RM-XXX_*.emmc.fpsx" is marked in red, remove it from the list and close the list
7. hit "Refurbish", IGNORE the instructions about how to connect the phone... just click "OK"
8. connect the (turned off) phone via USB, without pressing any button!
9. wait until the flashing process is done!


After flashing

Your phone will start up automatically and you have to complete the basic setup.
After that, you can change the settings to your preferences, reinstall your applications and restore your backup.

I removed a lot of built-in applications, if you are missing something check the "Tools" section in my Blogs "Download" tab. Installers for everything that was removed are in there and can easily be reinstalled!