SE V800 debranding

[adsl3g]

Can I remove the vodaphone debranding from my 1 yr old Sony Ericsson V800. Anyone know if MTN handsets can upgrade the firmware to non vLive firmware - I am using an MTN contract sim in the phone now. I tried doing it via the SE website but it just loaded the vLive firmware again - probably checks the id of the phone or something before doing the upgrade.
I see a lot of software on the web for this but am too scared to try it.

[Gambit]

I debranded mine using totalmultiserver software. It all worked fine. The only crap thing is you cannot use the data cable that came with the phone, you must buy a service cable.

[CodeMaster]

I also did it through TMS (TotalMultiServer), and cost approx. R90 for a credit. I have a T28 service cable that I would be prepared to LEND you if you are in the JHB area.

[adsl3g]

I also did it through TMS (TotalMultiServer), and cost approx. R90 for a credit. I have a T28 service cable that I would be prepared to LEND you if you are in the JHB area.


Thanks CM , I will phone MTN Handsets first and hear what they say. MTN do not have the vLive software.

@Gambit, I have the v800 cradle which is used for the SE update service - I will check up if that will work via MultiServer's site.

[S1ght]

Similar question, my bro has a w810i off a mtn contract but has a vodacom sim in,do you do the same thing to put it on the vlive settings then?

[adsl3g]

I also did it through TMS (TotalMultiServer), and cost approx. R90 for a credit. I have a T28 service cable that I would be prepared to LEND you if you are in the JHB area.


Thanks for the offer - I see the DSS-25 cradle is supported and am busy d/loading the non vodafone f/w now... wish me good luck!!!

[adsl3g]

Similar question, my bro has a w810i off a mtn contract but has a vodacom sim in,do you do the same thing to put it on the vlive settings then?

There is no vodafone f/w listed on the site for the w810i - latest f/w listed is 01.05.2006 R4CK003.
visit the site www.totalmultiserver.com

[adsl3g]

Thanks for the offer - I see the DSS-25 cradle is supported and am busy d/loading the non vodafone f/w now... wish me good luck!!!


Bwahahah... so now the v800 is dead!!! :o (thats what I was afraid of :( )

The upgrade ran fine with no problems but when the file system was restarted, an error was reported. Have e-mailed it to them. Hope it can be recovered.
Else will have to take it to Vodacare.

[JTech]

Will start a section on phone de-branding here on the weekend with tips and tricks. Before I do post though, I disclaim all responsibility if you brick your phone.

[adsl3g]

Will start a section on phone de-branding here on the weekend with tips and tricks. Before I do post though, I disclaim all responsibility if you brick your phone.


Looking forward to it - I have always found it fascinating and YUP, I u/stand if it's bricked, ITS MY FAULT. :(

[adsl3g]

Bwahahah... so now the v800 is dead!!! :o (thats what I was afraid of :( )

The upgrade ran fine with no problems but when the file system was restarted, an error was reported. Have e-mailed it to them. Hope it can be recovered.
Else will have to take it to Vodacare.

OK, they have re-instated my used credit for the firmware. Problem now is the battery on the phone is discharged and I need a fully charged battery to try the process again but I cannot charge the battery in a 'dead' phone (the software is still communicating with the 'dead' phone but is reporting the battery is discharged). If there is someone on the Wonderboom South area in Pretoria with a SE that uses a BST-33 battery that can charge my battery in their phone, pse PM me else I will have to have the Vodaphone software reloaded at Vodacare.

[Slip]

Sorry man, but it says very clearly that you should make sure your battery is fully charged before you do the flash. It does take some time. I flashed my V600i with no problems..

[adsl3g]

Closing this saga -

Just got my V800 back from Vodacare - all working again with the Vodafone firmware - will definately not try that debranding again. MTN shop have offered to debrand the phone for me at cost of R150 but will stick with what I have for now.