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IMPORTANT NOTICE: It seems that a few users have managed to completely ‘brick’ their i600’s by putting i607 software on them (or visa-versa) – The two flash files are not interchangeable – if you use the wrong flash file on your phone, you may well permanantly ‘brick’ it. Please also note: The information provided here is based on my own experience of upgrading my i600, and any Firmware files I link to are for the i600 European version only. You use this information at your own risk.
Again: The instructions here are for a European i600 **NOT** a USA i607. If you try this on an AT&T i607, you *will* brick your phone.
Dearest Fanboys (and girls),
As you know; I am a great fan of my Samsung SGH-i600, but I have a little bad news for you… The *Free* WM6 Upgrade that is supplied on the Samsung Website [link] will not work on the ‘Orange’ branded units, or even those that have been ‘debranded’ :o( – I have tested this using the various methods (and wiping my phone on each occasion!) in order to prove that it can’t be done.
Curse you Orange, and curse your nasty branded interfaces….
However…. A look at the MoDaCo Wiki [Link] shows a WM6 Flash (not official) !!! – So… I downloaded the 60Mb File, and lo and behold, WM6 on my Samsung – Wooo Hoooooo.
Here are the instructions in Full:-
Please Note: This is entirely at your own risk, and any damage caused directly or indirectly by this information is entirely your responsibility. If you brick your phone, don’t come crying to me – you have been warned!
- Make sure you have ActiveSync 4.5 or higher installed.
- BACKUP YOUR PHONE -Use ActiveSync to backup the contacts, and browse to the phone for images / mp3’s etc.
- Download the Modem Driver (required for ‘Flashing’) [ZIP] and install it.
- Download the i600UXXGG2 WM6 RAR file and unpack [Link to MoDoCo page] [Alternative Link to RapidShare Download of the same file]
- Ensure that you ‘disable‘ the USB Connection in the ActiveSync Connection Settings whilst you attempt this.
- Place phone into ‘Flasher Mode’ (click on image for larger view)
- Run the WM6 upgrader – Ensure that you have a fully charged battery, and that you don’t interrupt the (rather long) upgrade process – it will say complete several times… wait until the ‘Flasher’ screen disappears off the phone. (NOTE: Can take up to 5 mins)
- Wait for phone to reboot – it takes about 5 mins to complete the process – be patient whilst its on the Windows Mobile Screen!!!
- Wait for the phone to reboot again… (normal startup speed this time!)
- Restore the USB connection in ActiveSync
- Restore all your images / mp3s and re-sync your contacts.
Once completed, if you should see version CE OS 5.2.1437 – i600UXXGG2
You’ll notice it says 5.2 – well that is the official internal version number for WM6!
Impressions;
Well… you’ll notice that some of the icons have been improved. There is a new ‘Windows Live’ screen (Search and Live login), a Live Messenger icon and it seems a bit faster. I’ll update this as I use it over the next few days….
Some more Blackjack / SGH-i600 goodies for you;
119 Responses
mate,
thanks for the post!!!
can you please tell me which of the firmware updates from the site i must get?
also does the orange phone have to be a certain version or something?
cheers
tio
Hi there,
Use the 2nd link, the WM6_XXGG2 version.
My phone was originally Orange WM5 Branded – I then went to WM5 Debranded and today done the WM6 Debranded version XXGG2 – All working fine so far. :o)
Regards,
Paul
so, do i need to debrand to wm5 first and then upgrade to wm6?
does the phone have to be a certain version?
mine says
Windows Mobile 5 version i600BVGD2
08 5.1.525 (build 15364.3.4.4)
I would have thought you could go straight to WM6 – the ‘Flasher’ overwrites whatever is on there, regardless of the current version.
Regards,
Paul
HELP!! Tried downloading the ‘official’ update from Samsung and my phone is now completely locked. I cannot reenter the flasher mode and when I switch on WM& loads, I get an AT&T (!) loading page and then the AT&T goodbye page straight away….. Any suggestions?
@diggers:
I assume your phone is an i600 (European version of the Blackjack)? If not, thats why its now bricked.
In any case – the bootloader will work, regardless of how ‘dead’ it it. Take the battery out, put it back, press Power Right Softkey (“…”) and the key under the navi-wheel at the SAME time.
Regards,
Paul
Paul….
How I wish it was that easy!? Yes, my phone is the European version (i600).
When I do power, right soft key, and the one under the wheel I get ‘*USB Downloader – at&t’ and then….. nothing….
Yes – that’s right! thats the Bootloader screen.
Now, once you are at that point do this:-
1. Disable ActiveSync’s USB connection
2. Run the BJ3_open_Xbow_Rev15_UXXGG2_4.exe that is linked to on the MoDaCo page
3. Be *very* patient – it takes about 20 mins
That’s it..
Regards,
Paul
The first time I did it that screen had a lot more information on it than just that one line… and rerunning the installer file I used the first time doesn’t work any more. Am trying with the 90MB file from MoDaCo but can’t find the one you refer to.
Oh I am so stuffed…. Computer no longer recognises the USB connection saying my phone has ‘malfunctioned’…
Ok, on the MoDaCo page – http://wiki.modaco.com/index.php/Samsung_i600, under “OS”, use the link next to [European WM6-Firmware i600UXXGG2 “No-Brand”]
Download this (takes a while) and unRar it (use 7zip or UnRAR)
1. Disable USB in ActiveSync
2. Install BlackJack Modem Driver
3. Put it in Flasher Mode (as described before)
4. Run installer
Regards,
Paul
Thanks for your help but I think I’m looking for a new phone. I can’t even get a working ActiveSync connection as Windows no longer recognises the phone. Am sure I did something wrong so I hope this doesn’t put others off….
You need to re-enable the USB connection in ActiveSync after doing the update of course…
Yes, figured that, however I can’t even start the process because when I plug the phone in to the computer and it recognises there is a USB attachment it cannot recognise the phone and says the hardware has ‘malfunctioned’.
i’ve mistakenly installed i607 WM6 update on my i600, now it only shows at&t logo and then turns off. setting the phone to flasher mode only shows “*USB downloader – at&t” and nothing happens. please help.
Hi there,
Based on other comments I’ve received, I don’t think you can do anything to undo this. Try putting into USB Downloader mode again, and then use the correct flash file. Thats all I can suggest.
Regards,
Paul
i tried setting it to USB downloader mode but it seems that the flash application could not detect the device. Do you have any idea on how to make it detectable by the application?
Cassini….. yes, you have got exactly the same as me….
I currently have a communication with Samsung going on.
Where did you buy your phone? Was it locked etc?
Well…. loads of customer service points to Samsung! After having an e-mail exchange with them via their website was given a direct dial number to their Windows Upgrade team who recognise the issue and are working out ways to fix it.
The issue is that with this modern age of internet etc the phones may not all come from where you think they do. Despite me getting mine as a direct purchase from an internet shop believing it to be UK sourced, the AT&T formatting suggests it was originally American despite looking like a i600 rather than i607…
My suggestion, talk to the nice people at Samsung!
@diggers & cassini;
Hope you guys get those phones sorted out. I’ve been chatting with a guy called oratiosh who has been following this conversation. He took the plunge last night, and now has a nice shiny WM6 i600.
I think the thing to be careful of, is ensuring that you are actually running an i600 in the first place.
If you go into the WM5 menus, and select “Settings”, “More”, “More”, “About” – it will show what phone version you currently have. If it doesn’t start with i600, then don’t attempt to use the flash files I have described here.
Good luck people – and remember… This information is used entirely at your own risk!
Regards,
Paul
diggers,
My phone is from UK and its not locked. If you find a solution to our problem, please post it here. I really felt bad after bricking my i600. I hope Samsung will help us.
regards,
cassini
Paul, don’t worry, not about to blame you for this – your warnings were clear and taken note of. Samsung’s response suggests that this is not an unknown issue. Also, the official Samsung version of this file has been taken off the English web site now so I think they know there is an issue.
Not sure what my software said originally but my phone is clearly labelled as SGH-i600 on the IMEI label under the battery.
Will let you know how I get on with Samsung.
Hi folks, Ive tried to debrand my i600 with no luck (and plenty of hair pulling and shouting) I cant get hold of the Firmware_i600_XXGD1.rar flash file anywhere. Im a humble fella and Im not after the wm6 upgrade, all I want is to remove the orange branding! please help a chap out. Thanks
I’ve just done mine (with a little help from paul) and its well kinky. Thanks fella!
@Mo13:
Well done! Glad it worked out. The key thing when running this upgrade is patience (as Mo discovered) – you have to let the phone reboot itself and resist the temptation to pull the battery (as both Mo and I did on the first attempts)
Regards all,
Paul
Got my phone back from Samsung service center and its now working. They replaced the board and installed WM6 for FREE. I just love Samsung!!!
I’m getting in the flash mode
USB Initial:OK
PC Connection :FAIL
[PDA] USB Cable Power OFF
why is that, I disabled the usb in the activesync
and ran the upgrade
You are probably plugging it into a non-powered hub. Plug it direct into the PC.
Also make sure that it is 75% charged before you start.
Do I disable the activesync usb connection in the PC?
No! Just disable the USB connection within the ActiveSync Software…. like this:-
Right click on ActiveSync (note: You need ActiveSynce 4.5 or higher to do this) tasktray icon and select “Connection Settings”. Untick “Allow USB Connections”
thats what I did and stiil I’m getting the same error when I start the phone in flash mode, I’m connecting it straight to the pc.
Sorry – I can’t help any more, that’s all the ideas I have… :o(
Hi,
I have some problem with shlomi_g. Executing all instruction i receive message DeviceNotFound http://avsainsus.blogspot.com/2008/02/samsung-i600-wm5-wm6.html
any suggestions?
@avsainsus: Your site is in Russian (I think!), so I can’t see what you are doing… I assume you disabled the USB connection in ActiveSync? If you don’t then the flasher will not work.
Thank you for posting these instructions.
I have just completed the process, and the upgrade took place without a hitch.
There is one big problem however: it seems like I have lost all phone functionality. Wireless and Bluetooth work, but not the phone. Looking at version, I have a PDA and an EBoot versions, but not phone.
How do I get the phone working? (I can’t make calls!!!)
thanks in advance
now sorted – I just used the official Samsung updating tool (which this time worked), and that sorted the phone problem.
Cheers guys.
Hi, can I upgrade directly from Orange WM5 to the Samsung WM6? Thanks.
I believe so – but I did it to unbranded WM5 first, so I can’t confirm. Regards, Paul
Hey Paul, thanks soo much for trying to help out. I think i might do what cassini did and take it back to Samsung, seems there is no other way. Cassini, are you in the UK? as im in australia, and i think im going to have an uphill battle with them. I have 2 blackjacks, one from vodafone (bricked one) and another one from Telstra (i601). The i601 doesnt have wi-fi however is this only because it has been disabled, or because there is actually no physical wifi software? Anyones thoughts would be great π
has anybody tried upgrading directly from Orange wm5 to unbranded wm6? if yes tell us all how!!! PS my phone is branded and most likely locked. appreciate any help! G
This guide is so cool!!! Thanks so much, Paul.
@wmfreak, I just upgraded directly from Orange WM5 to unbranded WM6. However, can’t guarantee about the simlock bit. Mine was already simlock before the upgrade.
Hi Paul!
I own an i600 from France (Orange version), and I bought it unlocked, and now I use it in my country (Republic of Moldova) and it work`s very well.
Version of my i600 is: “i600BVGD2”, and I would know if I can use this tutorial to upgrade my i600 to WM6 ?
I`m very afraid to not lock my phone to other operators…
Hi there,
Should be just fine. Remember that “Locks” and “Firmware” are completely separate. If your phone is unlocked already, changing the firmware will not change the lock status.
Obviously though, this is all at your own risk!
Regards,
Paul
For all those that have successfully upgraded from an Orange branded WM5 i600 to an unbranded WM6 version, did both WiFi and Office Mobile continue to work?
Please let me know.
My WiFi works just fine (more realiable in fact), and MS Office works as well
Regards,
Paul
Thanks, Paul.
Before I go ahead with the upgrade, I wanted to clarify some points.
On my previous WM6 phone, I was able to do a restore to factory reset the software if something went wrong. Once i600UXXGG2 is installed, if I do a factory reset on the i600, will it reinstall WM6 or go back to WM5? Or possibly, even corrupt it?
I want my phone to act like WM5 was never on it.
My second question is, will my Orange phone still be identifiable as an Orange i600 after the upgrade? I believe the firmware now gets the unbranded version number after the upgrade?
Finally, how would I revert back to the original orange software if I wanted to?
Thanks.
@nLinked:
The WM6 will remove all traces of WM5 – you can’t revert back to an ‘Orange’ branded phone afterwards. However… I wouldn’t worry – I’ve sent back / upgraded several ‘Orange’ phones that I have debranded over the years! Remember that Car Phone Warehouse sells unbranded phones on Orange contracts, so they are used to seeing unbranded phones all the time.
Regards,
Paul
Paul
This worked a treat – WM5 always ran like a one legged dog on the i600 – IMO anyway – it runs a lot quicker now its WM6 – I like the new flipcard style interface and the increased security options are great. Is there any way to alter the startup animations and the animation when making a call?
Much appreciated
Sro
If anyone is still following this post….Expansys are selling unlocked, Orange branded i600’s for Β£99.95
http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=167081
I just purchased one and did the WM6 upgrade – works perfectly.
Has anyone tried this flash upgrade with Vodafone version of i600? I have OS 5.1.525, Radio version i600BUGC3.
Thanks so much for all the advice on here.
I can confirm that I purchased an unlocked Orange branded i600 phone from Expansys. Followed the instructions on here and now running the WM6. So much better. The Orange version of the software was terrible, to say the least. I now have my Windows Live account sync’d on there and I’m very impressed!
Now if only I could get rid of that Orange logo on the top left of the phone, any ideas other than scratching it off the phone, LOL. π
Cheers Paul,
Iβve got a UK Orange branded i600 and I flashed it straight to WM6 (unbranded) using the unofficial source. I was a bit nervous of bricking/ downloading but it works a dream.
One question: I was going to download the official MS Office Mobile from Handango and it says it is incompatible with the i600. Iβm guessing this is based on it having WM5 installed as standard. However some of the WM6 devices are shown as incompatible with MS office mobile. Can anyone tell me if it works with WM6 debranded software on an i600? Can anyone advise if it will work? I notice some people saying it works fine but I didnβt know if that was an βunofficialβ version.
Thanks,
Sherm
Hi Sherm,
I can’t confirm the ‘official’ version works, but if you search for a torrent called; Office.WM6.WCE which was designed to crowbar MS Office Mobile onto WM5, works just fine and dandy.
Simply copy the .cab onto your device and then execute it on your phone.
Regards,
Paul
Hi
Guys how do i debrand my i600
Erm… read this post! It tells you how to upgrade and debrand (upgrading it also debrands it!)
Regards,
Paul
I have a question, I like this phone but i do not know if ths device works fine in my country venezuela, Paul i see that you are expert about this, Do you know if this phone works in my country Venezuela, South America, or is only to European countries?
Thanks,
Rafael
Hi Rafeal,
So long as your phone system in Venezuela is GSM, then you can use a Euro Samsung Blackjack/i600 without any problems (providing it’s an unlocked one of course!)
Regards,
Paul
Thanks Paul,
I think buy this phone to expansys in amazon.com, and this phone comes unlocked, Can I debrand this phone without problem?
I think buy in this link http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0017SF0BS/ref=dp_olp_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1212351927&sr=8-1
The seller says that this phone is unlocked but it comes with Orange Branding network, Can I debrand this phone without problem, following the instructions above?, and the procedure above is all for debrand and can use with any mobile carrier services?
Thanks for yout attention,
Rafael.
Hi Raphael,
As you can see from AndrewJScott’s comments above; he did exactly that! He bought a phone from Expansys and then debranded it using my instructions.
Kindest regards,
Paul
Thanks very much for you attention Paul.
i tried installing wm6 using the method above, and now the phone doesnt work. when i turn it on, the green windows screen comes on, and then the at&t logo shows up for a minute, and then turns off right after. ive tried debranding it by pushing the rsk power and side button again, but the screen shows “usb downloader – at &t”
any idea how to fix this?
thanks in advance
Hi boow_03,
Sorry to say, but you have killed your phone. It does say (highlighted in red in the 1st paragraph) NOT to use an i600 firmware file on an i607, which is what you have done.
The only solution is to go back to AT&T and get them to fix it I am afraid.
Regards,
Paul
hi Paul,
its actually the other way around, my handset is actually the i600 by orange…i installed the firmware files from the i607…so do my options change at all?
Thanks
Ah… Same difference I’m afraid. Although the phones look the same, the internals are completely different (i600 has 3G and WiFi)
As it is Orange, I’d do the old “My phone won’t switch on” call to them, they will then arrange a ‘swap’ – they never check the phone when they get it back (they all go to a service centre somewhere and get wiped)
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul!
Great advice here btw! Followed all the instructions right up to running the WM6 upgrader, but as soon as i put the phone into flasher mode, the upgrader grinds to a halt after a few processes, ending with: [PDA]Wrong Response From Device. DEV=[0].
The phone soon terminates its USB connection and then can’t do anything (have to take the battery out and restart the process).
Incidentally, when I enter the phone into flasher mode, everytime my pc seems to need to install new device drivers. Would this have anything to do with the probs I’m experiencing?
Thanks in advance!
Paul H
Hi Paul H,
Yes… the driver is the issue!
Look at step 3 above, and you’ll find the drivers required to install the WM6 upgrade :o)
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul!
Thanks for the info, I did install the driver originally, but tried it again nonetheless. Same thing is happening;
[StartDownload => 0] StartDownload !!
[PDA] Connect and Power-on the Device.
[PDA-0]Driver Opened.
[PDA]Read Wait. = [0]
[PDA]Read Done. = [0]
[PDA]Wrong Response From Device. DEV=[0]
Does this everytime. Also when the USB disconnects, ‘PC Connection : FAIL’ appears on the phone.
My fiddling about has stopped the pc installing a new device driver every time now thankfully, but the above problem still prevails!
I seem to be the only one having this prob! π
Cheers Paul,
Paul H
Oh btw.
on the phone screen at the bottom it says:
[Phone] Active OFF
Then after the USB disconnects itself, underneath that it then says:
[PDA] USB Cable Power OFF
Dunno if that means anything?
Sorry Paul, I feel like I’m being a pain now! π
Paul H
Paul,
Ok – sounds like you haven’t installed the drivers correctly. Once you have the phone plugged in, check ‘Device Manager’ – you will probably find some disabled or flagged devices in there. Delete them all and then right-click and select “scan for new hardware”, it should then install the correct drivers for that mode.
Note: When installing drivers for the Samsung, it uses two different sets, one for normal usage (PIM / SD Access etc), and another for ‘Flashing’
Regards,
Paul
Thanks again Paul,
I’ve tried all the options you gave me, but to no avail I’m afraid! However, it appears that my issue may have something to do with Vista (not sure what though).
I have just started the process again on an old Win 2000 pc i have hooked up to my tv (just used for 4oD and BBC iPlayer), and hey presto! Currently seems to be downloading a treat!
I’m half expecting something to go wrong as I’m a little uncomfortable about using such a crabby old unmaintained pc to do something so delicate and fraught with ‘phone fatality’ danger!
Anyway, Thank you so much for your help Paul, you’re a star!
Kind regards,
Paul H
WORKED PERFECTLY!
So much better than the crummy Orange FW as well!
Thanks Paul!
Aha!
If you had told me you were using Vista, I would have realised straight away! LOL :o)
Glad it all worked out for you.
Next thing to search the torrents for is a file called Office.WM6.WCE – it’s the WM6 version of Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Works like a treat on the i600 :o)
Regards,
Paul
Hello Paul
I have an orange unlocked i600 from expansys UK . When I follow the link European WM6-Firmware i600UXXGG2 “No-Brand”[2], it takes me to rapidshare but there is no file to download there. It says the file has now been removed due to violation of terms. Can you please suggest any alternative sources for this file. I am desperate to upgrade it to wm6 as i would like to use skype on it.
Cheers
Hi Smaggy,
Sorry mate – obviously I can’t place the file on my own site (for obvious reasons), I’m afraid you’ll have to look on Google or a torrent site.
Try the MoDaCo.com (good resource for phone hacking)
Regards,
Paul
[…] Yes, if you bought your phone a while ago, then you definately need Windows Mobile 6. It’s faster, more stable, and has a few new features. You can upgrade this yourself on the Samsung website, or (if like me) if you have Orange UK, follow my guide [here] […]
Hi Paul:
Iβm wondering if you or one of the other contributors can help. I have an i601 from Telstra in Australia and wanted to unbrand it then upgrade to WM6. Here are my notes, hopefully itβs not too much information!
1) Baseline:
I started with the following:
-PDA version & phone version & eboot version & radio version-i601DVGC2
-HW version MP0.100
-Os Windows mobile 5 with messaging and security pack
-OS 5.1.525 build 153623.4.2
-RIL version 2.002
Putting the phone into flash mode, I received this message:
*USB Downloader – Telstra v1.3
2) Unbranding:
I flashed to Firmware i600XXGD1_REV15 with the BlackJack Modem Driver- Active Synch disallowed for USB connections. I couldnβt get the start radio button to work in the application upgrader 1.1 , but persevered.
I wound up with:
-PDA version i600XXGD1
-phone version i601DVGC2
-eboot version i600XXGD1
-radio version 0 (yes, this is correct)
-i601DVGC2
HW version
Os Windows mobile 5 with messaging and security pack
OS 5.1.525 build 15363.4.3
RIL version 2.002
3) upgrade to WM6:
I flashed using i600UXXupdater. I noticed only in the middle of the process that the dialog box title said SGH-i600 OS updater, not Crossbow update ( I hope I donβt have the i607 version!).
I wound up with:
-PDA version i600XXGD1
-phone version i601DVGC2
-eboot version i600XXGD1
-radio version 0 (yes this is correct)
-i601DVGC2
The USB loader now says Open 1.1.
4) The problem- lost midway in the upgrade process:
I now cannot synch with A/S 4.50. I cannot go back to the old ROM, i600XXGD1_REV15. (The start button in the application cannot be checked anymore). I have installed and reinstalled three sets of modem drivers, the Samsung official driver, version (MCCI v 4.24), and version (MCCI v 4.34).
Can anyone help? Iβm going crazy reading the Modaco forum and the this forumβ¦.
Hi:
One more item, now that I have double checked the long post. I have re-enabled the USB connection in Active Synch, in case anyone asks- cannot connect to the phone.
Hi,
After looking online, I can’t find any mirror for the file, nor any torrents!
If you still have the file, could you possibly upload it to rapidshare/megaupload/etc. or even e-mail it to me?
Thanks.
Hi All,
Ok… it seems that some of you are having trouble finding the “BJ3_open_Xbow_Rev15_UXXGG2_4.exe”
I *found* a rapidshare link….
http://rapidshare.com/files/171795432/i600UXXGG2.zip.html
Please propagate this around the net as it’s bound to be removed soon…. :o)
http://rapidshare.com/files/171795432/i600UXXGG2.zip.html
Regards,
Paul
Hi Rob,
Sorry mate, I’ve only ever done this on a i600 (Euro version), so can’t comment or help on an Oz version :o(
I suspect you may have bricked your phone :~(
One thing to try;
1. Make sure that USB is disabled with ActiveSync (if it is enabled, the flasher won’t work at all)
2. Reflash with the RapidShare file linked above.
If still no joy, then perhaps ‘phone insurance’ would be a good move?
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul:
Thanks for the rapdishare link; I’ve downloaded the file. I ready hope I haven’t bricked the phone.
I will persevere and try again, although I thought the crossbow updater for WM6 required A/Synch to be running, but the USB option disabled.
Have you ever used this application (I600_WCEDownloader)? I spotted it in the thread to update to WM6 XXG6. I seems to have a facility to reset your phone….
Hi Rob,
I’ve only ever used the file that is in the RapidShare link.
Yes – ActiveSync must be running, but with USB disabled.
One key thing is to be patient… the process takes up to 15 mins to complete.
Regards,
Paul
Hi there
I wonder if you can help me with a question related to the i600 please.. is there a way to prioritise WIFI over WAP or GPRS? I mean, whenever im in range of my wifi i want all my internet type traffic to go through that, not through orange..? if that makes sense. Thanks
Hi there,
As long as your WiFi is switched on (Settings, other, connections and then make sure WiFi is on and connected), it automatically tries the WiFi first anyway.
Regards,
Paul
I just bought an i600 from ebay. Its new, and came with WM5. Its unbranded and unlocked. My question is how different is this procedure from the one i would have had to do with the free upgrade that was available from the SamsungElectronics.com site? I only ask because this is a BRAND NEW phone, and my wife will kick my ass if I manage to brick it trying to upgrade it right off the bat. Ive already tried contacting samsungeurope, to find out if there is an official release for the phone for purchase, but their response was there is no way to upgrade it now that its expired…. Give me some words of confidence so i can go home and tackle this upgrade..
Hi redls1bird,
What can I say… it worked for me (twice in fact as my first i600 died of natural causes, and was replaced by Orange)
As stated above – providing the i600 is a Euro version (and not an i607 USA version), then it *should* work fine…. but I can’t offer any guarantee.
I suggest you look back through all the other comments and make a considered choice.
Kindest regards,
Paul
I managed to get it downloaded the other day. Its not nearly as complicated as i had though it would be
My advice to anyone who is thinking about doing this? Follow the process and once its starts loading, (my screen went black, and colored words started coming up) and teh progress bar starts moving, go do something for about 20-30 minutes so your not tempted to fiddle while its loading. Its that simple.
Thanks Paul!
Glad it all worked out for you.
Yes, the watchword is definitely “patience”, as long as you leave the phone to do what it wants to do (and it is a bit painfully slow in doing it!), then there should be no problem at all.
:o)
Hello Paul and others!
I know this phone and blog is a bit older but hopefully someone can help (i have also emailed you Paul incase you dont check this page now.)
I have purchased a brand new Vodafone (Australia) branded phone from ebay and the seller has told me it already has WM6 installed however it is branded by Vodafone.
Now this procedure is for Branded phones with WM5, I’m wondering how I could debrand this Vodafone i600 and have vanilla WM6, would I use the same method?
Has anyone done this? Any advice appreciated π
Thank you,
Yapa
@Yapa
Also forgot to add that the phone is an i600 as it has the front Video Camera and WiFi π
I’ve been reading for hours on the i600 and havent come across one with WM6 installed when purchased, so it could be that the seller is wrong…
Hi there,
The instructions work just fine for a WM6 Samsung as well, but make sure that it is exactly the same handset as the European ones, or your going to end up with a ‘brick’
However… If it is different, all you need to do is use the appropriate firmware file for your model – the instructions still apply in exactly the same way.
Regards,
Paul
Hello again,
Erm…
1. Make sure it say’s i600 inside the battery case. (i607 = USA version), has front and rear camera’s and WiFi (as you already stated) – Also, you can go into the setting menu and select ‘About’ (I can’t remember which sub-menu it is, and I don’t have the phone anymore)
2. Yes, there are only 3 firmware types, but it is available in a multitude of languages – Google is your friend :o)
3. Looks right to me – if you look down my blog entry in the comments section, I think I link to it somewhere as well ;o)
Regards,
Paul
2009/6/25 Wojtek B
Hello Paul,
Firstly, thank you very much for the FAST reply!!!
Can I ask just three more question? π
1) How can I make sure its the European version? It has the camera on the front and the WiFi on the side, should i also check that it says i600 on the firmware?
2) If its not the European model, where can I find other model firmwares? Is there only 3 models, the i600, i601 and i607?
3) I have managed to find the file you mention (BJ3_open_Xbow_Rev15_UXXGG2_4.exe) which was rared into two parts, is this the correct file?
Thank you again, I also posted on the blog and will update it once I try this.
Wojtek
Hi
I know this is question has been asked before, but i am stuck and my phone is basically a glorified calculator. The “phone” status is showing off. I can enable it. I have used different roms to flash. It completes the OS image part and Boot, but when it comes to the phone part it just says “Phone Download failed”. The Radio version is blank and there is no phone version. I have installed the Samsung modem drivers. When it tries to install the Phone rom XP just pops up with unknown device. I have removed this unknown device. Is it time to give up and throw it away?
Hi bojangels,
If you have used the wrong firmware (e.g. i607 on an i600 or visa-versa), your phone needs to be sent back to the carrier/Samsung to be fixed.
If you are sure that you have the right firmware, then try plugging into a different PC and re-installing the Samsung modem drivers. Remember that the PC will install an additional set of drivers when it goes into ‘Download’ mode, so keep those files to hand in case!
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul
I have download the firmware from Samsung site a while ago so i am pretty sure its not the wrong one’s..Well so I hope. I have tried 3 different pc’s even a windows 2000 one as one of the guys stated that he got it to work on Windows 2000. How can I force it to use the Samsung drivers in download mode..Just another question when it is doing the OS part and Boot does it use the SAMSUNG driver’s?
When you power it up, it *must* be in ‘Flasher mode’ – check the image here:-
http://www.internet-tools.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/resetda2.jpg
It always uses the Samsung drivers, just different elements of them when it is in different boot modes.
Also… be patient. When the coloured words come up, walk away, have a cup of tea and come back in 20 mins or so!
Doesn’t seem to be working for me. Let me explain what I am doing, and someone can correct me if I am going wrong.
I’ll go from half way through the process, as the first bit is self explanatory.
.I’ve downloaded everything, and have put the phone into Flasher mode (no connection through ActiveSync)
. I open up WCE Downloader and click ‘PDA’
. I click the big ‘PDA’ button and select the file ‘xxgg2_pda’ which was part of the set of files I unpacked.
.The phone then does a few things, but the WCEDownloader then shows ‘device not found’.
Where am I going wrong? I’ll need very specific instructions, step by step as I am a bit of a newbie to this!
Thanks.
Hi JamesWales,
I would try plugging into a different USB port, and make sure you use the Samsung drivers listed on this page when prompted.
If that still doesn’t work – go into device manager (whilst in Flasher mode) and see if there are any ‘broken’ devices, delete them and right-click ‘search for new hardware’.
Regards,
Paul
This is still throwing me, and getting frustrating!
Is anyone available to have an IM chat with me on Skype and talk me through it as we go? I can then type through any troubles I am having.
If so, and I would be so so grateful, my username is ‘speakoutmedia’ and I will be on all day!
π
Exactly what drivers do I need?
I have installed the modem driver, that’s all I have done though. Do I just leave it once it is installed?
Next I have opened the WCEDownloader and clicked ‘PDA’ and selected the ‘xxgg2_pda’ file.
Have I got the wrong files? If so I’ll need some specfic direction!
Please, is anyone available to have an IM with me on Skype? I’m pulling my hair out.
I’ll be on between 10pm-12 Midnight UK time, tonight (Wednesday 15th July).
username: speakoutmedia
I can’t lunch the process ! What should i put in *.img file (step 2) ?
Thanks.
Img file? The RAR file I had simply had an installer – no IMG file… can you post a screen shot somewhere?
I can get the 1st two steps done.
EBOOT and PDA, but the PHONE step seems wrong.
I have the coloured text display on the phone, with “Time: {changing randomely}” on the bottom line for ages (>20min), and a reboot to ‘Ultra Messaging’ that stays like that.
What should happen?
tnx
hi kevin, what does the firmware loader on the PC say at this point?
@Paul McGuinness
Hi Paul
The PC tool is idle. There’s no progress on the % bar.
I’m recharging the i600’s batteries, and downloading the MoDaCo package again.
The phone may not be completely bricked – yet – as I get the opportunity to start again!
@kevenh
In that case, you probably haven’t installed the 2nd set of modem drivers properly. When it is in ‘recovery mode’, go into device manager and see if any devices have a exclamation flag against them – if so, delete them, and when prompted to install drivers, manually select the folder into which you’ve unzipped the drivers linked off this page.
When it is in the correct mode, and the correct drivers are installed, you get a progress bar (after pressing the ‘start’ button of course), finished with the screen I’ve shown in the post.
Regards,
Paul
@Paul McGuinness
Yep, that was it. Thanks for the great assist.
@kevenh
Glad it all worked for you – Another successful Samsung hack π
hai paul i really need your help i got i600 samsung and iam following your tut but every time i press start at the upgrader it tell me please slect an image to download i dont understand what to do and there is no option to select from?????
and here is the pic
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5296/errormob.gif
You need to unzip the WM6-Firmware i600UXXGG2 into a folder on your desktop, THEN run the installer. I suspect you are double-clicking on the Zip file, then then installer and it doesn’t like that. Regards, Paul
thank you paul i discovered that i downloaded the wrong firmware lol i will try to test it now and let you know the outcome
Thank Youh paul it worked also i had the problem kevenah and i resetuped it again i got windows 6 now xD i just have a small problem =) iam from egypt so my main language is arabic and wm6 dosent support this langauge so i have mystrious messsages lol i was thinking if u could help me in that and thank you very much xD
Erm… Well my Arabic stretches to ‘Thank you’ and that’s about it! So I’m not sure how much help I could be. But feel free to post the messages here and I’ll try to explain them in clearer English :o)
thatsnotthe problem its the marks i getlooks like an empty squre when messamge come in arabic cypher lol
sorry about the perviouse message i get codes when the message comes in arabic will it help if i put arabic fots on my phone ??
Hello again. There is some useful information about adding Arabic support (fonts + keyboard) to WM6 on this site:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=358452
Regards,
Paul
@Paul McGuinness
thank you very much paul iam trying to figure it out with the softwares and the link you gave me also ty so much
B e s t R e g a r d s
mohamed salah
Hello anyone can help me?? i have this device on orange as well and downloaded the “non official” firmware as the author of this post did, but it’s completely different from the original updater it asks for “EBOOT” file PDA file & Phone, what’s that?? Could anyone guide me?I couldnt find the tutorial for this one. Email me or msg me please, Thanks Thanks