What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

My PPC6800 is not in download mode and I'd like to keep it that way. But there appear to be more and more posts from folks here and on xda-developers that have 'bricked' phones due to a possibly incorrect flashing procedure. As best as I can tell from reading many of the posts it occurs when attempting to revert back to an older rom but thats where the confusion for me begins. I'm not sure whats safe and whats not. ImCokeMan has been very informative and speaks from experience with two 'bricked' devices but his posts have been individual replies and are scattered among many posts with different titles. I am hoping some of the more tech savvy folks here can explain what is known so far and what can be done reasonably safely and what to absolutely avoid. There are bits of information here and there but perhaps a 'how to' compilation (maybe even stickied) would prevent further 'bricked' phones and give some warning guidelines to everyone flashing their devices. I try to read and search everything before doing anything with my phone but I am no 'tech' guy so I'm hoping those here can lay down some guidelines. Thanks

Mods: Hope the title isn't misleading...if you feel it is please retitle appropriately.

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

If you want to be absolutely on the safe side just stay with the official roms from sprint.
What rom are you currently running? The official 3.35 rom from sprint would be a great place to start.
http://www.htc.com/us/FAQ_Detail.aspx?p_id=75&act=sd

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

I have a DCD 3.0 rom on my phone with the 3.35 radio. I'm fine with it and not really interested in changing right now but I know some folks want to flash back to older roms/radios etc, and it appears the steps for reverting may be problematic in certain cases. Thats why I thought it might be helpful to have some guidelines. At some point I may wish to flash back to the stock Alltel rom (or the updated one rumored to be coming without GPS) but I'm a little apprehensive about going backwards after reading about some of the 'brick' experiences others have had.

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

I really don't mean to come down on you, so don't take it that way.

This site is for geeks. Thus the name.

I've seen many posts on here from people who want a perfect safe method for everything they try, but the bottom line is.... WE ARE HACKING THIS PHONE. Say it over and over again. Hacking.
There are no guarantees and human error cannot be 100% avoided. If you are no tech guy, then why are you in the upgrade forum, you know? If you are not sure (or don't have the hardware insurance plan, lol) then don't do ANYTHING. No one's putting a gun to your head saying you must.
I mean, with the exception of enabling GPS or utilizing the kitchen rom-building program, there is no real MAJOR UPGRADE you can do that will turn your phone into an entirely different piece of equipment from what you've had before. I play with new ROMs every week and guess what... it's still a phone... with a camera.... and touch screen.
Just stick with installing programs if there is something you'd like to try. Most programs are easy to uninstall. :D

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

No offense taken and your point is well taken. You're right this is a hacking forum and most of the time if you screw something up its recoverable. The 'download mode' currently experienced by some is not fixable and the only recourse is replacement if one has insurance. Some of the folks 'bricking' their phones I'm sure are not noobs (ImCokeMan comes to mind). I just thought it might be helpful to post some warning guidelines based on what is currently known about possible bad rom/radio combos etc. If no one thinks its necessary then this thread will die the death of all other useless posts! Either way I'm good with it...my phone works and I'll keep tinkering with it perhaps more cautiously tho!!

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

If this problem is so pervasive, why hasn't anyone come up with a 6800 for madman34 (at xda) to try his magic on?

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

because everyone wants to hold on to their hardware, in hopes someone else will post a fix

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

Or has returned it for replacement either under warranty or insurance coverage.

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

From ImCokeMan Sig

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

N00B- you also forgot this ->
:evil4: :evil4: :evil4:

errrr, nice cat..........

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

PPC_NOOB and Nickels - Are you two having a cat fight? - haha </jack>

I would think it would make sence that if some people have figured out what they did that causes bricking a thread with a DON'T DO THIS would make sence....

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

:mrgreen:

here's a few more:

Download Mode suspected cause:

and lets not forget this one:

-> http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=23102

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

hey - who let the cat out of the bag :evil4:

someone else had that very idea, hence this thread was made :mrgreen:

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

Me i figure it like this, Its man made so it can be fix (un-bricked) in some way.. But to avoid that, search search and search some more.. cause ive tested every rom in these forums, with the apache amd the titan.. And i flash back n fourth numerous times "everyday" on both... Havent touched " pun intended my touch yet (vouge)... I guess maybe im lucky..lol or the research before flashing pays off.. Either way.. Search is your friend, Or just stay stock and add what you wanna add...

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

I don't think bricking is as widespread as everyone is making it sound, either.

I've been stuck on a few occasions when I made really stupid mistakes while rushing. Once the phone wouldn't turn on or even charge (just a red light) but I searched and found out how to get it into serial link mode and recovered it with a stock rom (the only one that would take).

"True" bricking, where the phone doesn't respond to ANYTHING like it's just a fake display model. Now THAT is where you are screwed.

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

Thanks PPC NOOB your posts were helpful. I wasn't suspicious either about the roms themselves. I t seemed the problems were arising from incorrect bootloader and/or radio flashes, flashing back and forth.....ImCokeMan's post explains some of that. Simple, cautionary warnings to users about being careful (and whats compatible) when flashing their radio roms for example was what this thread was about. I also agree with Kraygh that 'bricking' may not be as widespread as thought but if a few simple 'don't do' rules keeps someone from ruining their device then thats helpful. Thanks again...I hadn't seen that one post you quoted from ImCokeMan.

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

Well, I thought i'd have a lot to say in this thread, but it looks like i already said most of it via quotes. Basically, once you go GPS don't go back and you'll be fine.

Re: What NOT to do - Avoiding 'download mode'??
 

just be thankful that i didn't quote ALL of your posts :mrgreen:

really though, in regards to the subject @ hand.

and good ole' shadowmite...