aardvark.dj: I've just updated my UK Orange N95 to Firmware V21.0.016

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Monday 19 May 2008

I've just updated my UK Orange N95 to Firmware V21.0.016

Wow. For a moment there I thought I'd turned my N95 into an expensive paperweight. But luckily enough, after turning it off and on again, it re-awoke with the latest firmware version on it.

So why is this so note worthy when Nokia provides a software updater free of charge? Well, it would appear that Orange in the UK prevents you upgrading your Nokia N95 to anything above V13.0.003.

So how is it done? Well, simply follow the instructions given on Bittube.com. To be precise (because the site misses a few steps or assumes you know a few things) you do this:

Warning: as with any hacking of mobile phones, you run the risk of turning the thing into an N95 shaped brick. You do this at your own risk. Just because it worked for me, doesn't mean it will for you.

Back up your phone to your memory card. You will need this to recover your settings, messages, pictures and data afterwards. On an Orange phone this is done by going to Tools > Memory and then from Options choosing Back up phone memory.
Download Nemesis Service Suite and install it. Select Virtual USB device when requested.
Connect your phone then run the NSS. As per TheNokiaBlog, select "Scan for new device", click on icon "phone info", click on "Scan". In the box on the right hand side put the code "0536062" into the Product code. Select the box "Enable" and the press the button "Write". In a couple of seconds it will be done.
Download and run the Nokia Software Updater for the N95. It will instruct you through the process of updating your phone.
The phone should update to V21.0.016. (Instead of the V13.0.003 you would otherwise have got.
From the "Memory" tool restore your settings and data.

On restarting my phone it did lock up at one point with a black screen. After quietly panicking for a moment, I removed the battery and on restarting everything was fine.

May 19, 2008 11:47 PM | Gadgets