[jonkeys]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to fill you all in, Nokia especially, on another instance of my N97 bricking.

A couple of weeks back, after trying to update my brand new N97 to V11 firmware through NSU, my phone bricked e.g. white screen flashing up every few seconds. I got an instant replacement handset through my network, just for the same thing to happen again when trying again to upgrade to the latest firmware.

This time though, I decided to fix them problem myself, obviously I won't mention how here, but sufficed to say I managed to get V11 firmware properly onto my phone, where NSU had failed, and also to get my phone working again.

Now everything has been all well and good the last few weeks, but yesterday (as outlined in this thread: /discussions/board/message?board.id=smartphones&message.id=151817#M151817 an update for Maps became available (3.1), but it wouldn't successfully update.

I formatted the mass memory (as outlined in the above thread) not before backing up my messages, bookmarks and settings, and then performed a factory reset of the device. This worked really well and I was then able to update to Maps 3.1 via SW Update.

But here's where the problem came, I simply went to restore (using PC Suite) my backed up messages, bookmarks and settings, which seemed to go fine. I was prompted by my phone to restart, I let it... but instead of coming back to life, it bricked itself. i.e.. it just kept flashing up a white screen every few seconds. I tried everything to get it working again, taking out the battery etc, but nothing would get the phone working again, just like after the bad firmware updates.

So for the third time, this time as a result of a completely different scenario, I had to use "alternative" methods to bring my N97 back to life. All because in the first two instances I tried to update my firmware using NSU, and then the third time simple because I restored a backup using Nokia PC Suite.

So my question is, what is going on Nokia?

[radical24]

take out the batt and remove sim card boot up in offline mode turn offphone put the sim back in and switch from offline to network mode that might do it give it a try

Message Edited by radical24 on 26-Jul-2009 08:42 AM

[jonkeys]

Hi bud, thanks for the response, but I don't need a solution to fix it, I've done that through methods I presume I can't discuss in this forum.

I'm simply sharing what has happened to me, so Nokia can stop it from happening to other people.

With the deepest respect to Nokia, your supporting software for the N97 doesn't work properly. It is not acceptable that a customer, whilst using the official software for their device, has to suffer essentially what would has been 3 dead products. Not all your customers will have the technical ability to research and implement a repair for a bricked phone.

The N97 has the potential to be really great, but right now it is being failed by the software that powers it, and the software that supports it. Big fail Nokia. I would have rather waited for a reliable product than put myself through this constant headache. If I wanted to be a beta tester, I would have asked.

Message Edited by jonkeys on 26-Jul-2009 03:14 PM

[ravemonkey78]

If you use an "ahem" alternative method to unbrick your phone, then surely you risk the chance of software conflicts further on down the line as well as possibly voiding your warranty. The NSU is not perfect but they're so many factors which could've contributed to your N97 being bricked.

[jonkeys]

Hi bud. Well that's true. But if NSU fails, all I'm left with are alternative methods.

And your last sentence sums up the root of the all these problems.

1) NSU should be perfect, as it is an essential part of owning a Nokia phone. Because every time Nokia releases a new product, it is riddled with bugs and issues that need fixing to allow the product to work as advertised.

2) The fact that there are so many things (factors) that can contribute to my N97 being bricked is exactly the problem. There are way too many things to go wrong. Way too many problems and bugs with Nokia's software.

You wouldn't tolerate all these problems if it were a new car, so why should Nokia be any different. You design a product, you make it work, you release it. You don't design a product, release it, and then make it work.

[radical24]

i gave you and other users another way to try to rectify this issue without having to go through methods that one does not talk about on these boards as they do indeed invalidate the warranty. if you think that nokia care specialits don't know what you have done with your phone you are WRONG. they know. if they discover that you tinkered with your phone your warranty is VOID and you are on your own for the remainder of the term with your phone. it is NOT advisable to suggest such methods as consequences for some users maybe very unpleasant. that said every user has a choice of what they want to do with their product, i for one would NOT play around with even a possiblity of voiding my warranty on a 700$ phone. so for others that read this PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND!!!!

[jonkeys]

Hi mate. Thanks for the reply.

I wasn't able to test out the method you suggested unfortunatey as I had already fixed the problem, so I can't comment on whether it would have actually worked in my situation. But I know it didn't do anything after the two failed firmware updates I experienced. But I do appreciate the suggestion, and of course I join you in recommending trying your method first before even considering any more drastic alternatives.

But yes, I am aware of the specifics of the warranty agreement and I am fully aware of what nokia care specialists can monitor. I don't recall ever suggesting a thought otherwise.

As for alternative methods, I don't believe I have suggested any, let alone mentioned anything specific.

But like you said, it is the users choice what they do with their phone, but for me, playing by the rules leaves me worse off in the long run. For example, if I had played by the rules with my N95, I'd still only be on V20 of the firmware, as opposed to V31.

I'd rather have a phone that worked than a warranty that limited my phone's potential.

[ravemonkey78]

No updating software can ever be perfect. It needs to take into account the users PC, internet connection, firewall settings, as well as any apps on either PC or Nokia that can cause a conflict on the device. This problem is not just relegated Nokia software either, it's across the board for all mobile companies. Admittingly some are better than others but at least Nokia has high street service centres where you can have your phone updated by a qualified Nokia approved technician.

I can understand your frustration and personally think you've just been unlucky in your updates. I've been updating since the N80 and only had to have one bricked phone replaced. A few close calls to say the least but I know it comes with the territory of owning a brand spanking new smart phone unfortunately. You've also got to take into account the fact that the networks tinker with Nokia's software to brand the phones too.

Message Edited by ravemonkey78 on 26-Jul-2009 11:49 PM