noobie here...been trying to figure this all out for hours

[sigepfarva]

ok i hate asking questions like this but ive been trying to read the sticky's and other various sites and i really can't figure this all out. Im not sure really where to even begin...basically I have a verizon xv-6700 and i want to change it around so it basically doesn't suck anymore (run slow and not really offer a whole lot) Ive been reading about Kitchen's and custom rom's and i was wondering if i need to install a kitchen to load a custom rom? such as BigJ's custom rom? Also there's so many different AKU's and different custom rom version's that im not sure what i need to do.

I also tried finding the tool that allows me to unlock my extended rom but really haven't found that yet either.

Also ive noticed that for BigJ's theres like a version 9.3 and a 1.2.

Ive made changes to regular phones and stuff before but ive never done any of this with a pocket pc.

If someone can point me to a link or something that tells me how all this works it would be very appreciated.

[Shaska]

Ok, first off, No you do not need the kitchen to use a pre-built rom like BigJ's 1.2

The current AKU that all the roms are being based on is AKU 3.5, Anything other then that is a custom identifier by the rom maker ( for example, for my custom rom I used 3.5.0.102.X : "3.5.0" for AKU 3.5, "102" for Kitchen 1.0.2, and "X" for which revision of the rom Im using, Currently at rev.8 )

The Ext Rom Tools are on the PPCGeeks FTP, Actually, there also right Here: http://files.filefront.com/extromtoo.../fileinfo.html (NOTE: I uploaded it to my Free Filefront account because I suck with FTP's and this way we know exactly where it is regardless of changes to the FTP.)

If I remember correctly the 9.3 version is an old version, The 1.2 is going to be the new one.

Don't worry, We are all a lil confused at first, But it will become real clear in time, Just read up on the forums and try out things keeping that Sprint Default AKU 2.2 rom handy should you make a mistake. ( http://www.utstar.com/pcd/uts_downloads.aspx You can find that ROM from that page if needed)

Hope this helps!

[weedahoe]

Agreed, everything is hazy and blurred in the beginning. It takes time to read and re-read before any of it starts to make sense. I personally am with Verizon and I flashed my 6700 and went to the Clean and simple AKU 3.5 for any Apache which is located here

http://www.ppcgeeks.com/clean-and-si...che-t3254.html

It is fast and stable and stripped of most of the junk you are NOT going to use. This allows for my space for you to add you own apps. There is a huge list of mods and reg edits for 'optimizing' you PPC. The link to it is http://ppcgeeks.com/wm5-registry-hac...tion-t113.html. You will surely find some interesting things in there. But like Shaska said, keep you OEM ROM close by and be sure to back up your phone frequently. I use Sprite Backup so you may want to look for it. PM me for more info on it. You say you have a "verizon xv-6700" and Shaska talks about a "Sprint Default AKU 2.2" so be careful and make sure you get what you need and not something for the wrong carrier.

If you have Qs, try to search around a bit first but feel free to ask for guidance and/or clarification.