SE V800 debranding

adsl3g

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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
CodeMaster said:
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.
 
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?
 
CodeMaster said:
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!!!
 
S1ght said:
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
 
Last edited:
adsl3g said:
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.
 
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.
 
JTech said:
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 said:
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.
 
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..
 
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.
 
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