[LordSnooty]

Just a simple query really; my handset (Nokia 5800 XM bought through Orange UK in July and currently on firmware release 21.0.025 released in 02-04-09) is at least a couple of release cycles behind the current firmware release and I'd like to bring it up to the latest level.

Sadly, Orange are unlikely to make available the latest firmware for this handset anytime soon, and, even if they did decide to make firmware releases available, I very much doubt if they will make available the most current version.

So; in order to update my handset's firmware I'm considering de-branding the handset.

Is this a good idea? What, generally speaking, is the risk of damaging the handset if I 'de-brand' it? If I do decide to de-brand the device, any ideas on the easiest / most reliable method / software?

Finally, are there any alternatives to de-branding?

Any thoughts gratefully accepted.

Cheers

Snooty

[B9099]

Pros: Many... Latest firmware when it's released, less network **bleep** on the phone, operator branded phones usually tend to be crippled in some ways.

Cons: Not many, Invalidate warranty.

I won't tell you how to debrand as that may trigger forum over-moderation... I recommend that you look at the cons seriously... It is easy to find out if your phone has been tampered with should it all go horribly wrong. Debranding is not invisible. But if you decide that it is what you want to do then look elsewhere... The official Nokia forum is not the place to ask for information that is considered against your Terms of Service (Orange).

[LordSnooty]

Many thanks for that B9099

I have to be honest and say I'm not too keen on de-branding as it seems to introduce unnecessary complications, both in terms of the warranty issues and potential future use of some of the Orange features (I'm guessing I'd have to reset things like the APN's for accessing the web etc etc which would be a pest).

So I guess I'm sort of stuck with Orange's policy of not releasing Nokia firmware in anything like reasonable time frames.

Anyway, cheers for your input

Snooty

[cjlim]

Get on the case and give Orange plenty of grief. It has worked for me in the past when I rang Vodafone every other day until I was finally put through to the correct person who promised me he would look into it and he did. My only regret is not writing down his name.

[B9099]

Not a problem mate. Glad I could be of help.

With regards to APNs,settings, ect... You can get those again if you debranded, but why should you invalidate your warranty just because Orange are useless?

If the problems you are experiencing are not that major then I would recommend patience.

Message Edited by B9099 on 24-Oct-2009 03:58 PM

[grschinon]

APN settings are usually on the SIM anyway. My SIM-free 5800XM picked O2's settings up as soon as the SIM was in place. It's a lot less troublesome than it used to be.