[mayafab]

Hi, bot my Cyan Lumia 800 from "3G UK" operator on "Pay-as-you-go" so that I can later unlock it to use with Vodafone.  The unlocking was OK, but I still get the "3" screen upon start, and under "Settings"->"About" on "Carrier" I get "H3G UK SW Variant ID370 v01".

This wud not have been a big problem, but I suspect that I miss some menu options that are not available on "3" (and who knows what else, see here), so the question is whether it is possible to "unrand" the device, ie to get it to a "generic" state without a "provider"?

[metalfan]

You can take it to a Nokia Care Centre, along with a letter from 3 stating that you have unlocked the device and they authorise generic software for the handset

[mustapharh]

You mentioned that the unlocking was ok. How was the phone unlocked ?

[mayafab]

mustapharh,

"3" said that I can unlock the phone by paying additional £15 (over the £399 that I originally paid for the locked handset) and receiving some code.  Actually, the process was not so easy, "3" did not have the codes (explained that the model is new and Nokia did not send them the codes), when I did it, I actually think that it wud have been unlocked anyway, so before you pay them for the unlock code, check with you own SIM card, maybe it works and save the £15

[mayafab]

Metalfan thanks, but putting a "generic" software on the phone by Nokia means losing all info and customisation on my device?

[metalfan]

Yes it does mean you'll lose all info, but it can be backed up before hand with PC suite or whatever.
You might have to set up MMS/internet etc though, just google "WAP setup Lumia 800 vodafone" or whatever carrier you are using.