Removing O2 software from XDA Mini S

[Uridium]

After trying various options from the O2 Extended Rom builds here's a guide for any new XDA Mini S owners trying to get the device to run the way it should!

Main thing to do when it arrives is NOT to use the appalling O2 active build it will arrive with as it cripples the OS (don't know what O2 were thinking!

When you start it up and the Extended rom install starts it will give you a chioce of Basic/Corporate or Standard installation. Choose BASIC as this will install minimal O2 stuff. If you choose corporate you will not get any GPRS settings or the MMS application.

Once the basic install has completed browse to the Windows\startup folder using the built in File explorer application and delete the 2x O2 icons, then open the remove programs application and remove any O2 programs in there as well

Now do a soft reset and you'll have a nice clean install the way the device was intended to be.

Take a look at the "Wizard" forums here for anything you'd ever need to know about this device

[newstuart]

Looks good, is there anyway to do this if i have allready used the o2 auto install feature ?

[jeff9999]

Regrettably I didn't get a choice. it locked the keyboard and did its own thing despite bashing the screen trying to change from the default.

Any suggestions as per the last entry in removing it after install because its definately crippled

[jeff9999]

Answered the question myself. My advice don't ever put a pin protection during install because it locks the screen from input!

First stop any pin numbers from being required after a given amount of time in the settings.

Do a hard reset. Ignore the book which says switch the device off first. If you do this first it won't hard rest. So hard reset from the on position.

The machine will start with a clean machine. Decline any options to install any pin number protection. this will simply stop you accessing the screen later on when it asks about which type of install.

Eventually it will offer you a basic install amongst the options. Take this option because the default makes the device unusable.

Haven't done it yet but i will next be following the initial advice given earlier.

[rayc]

thanks uridium.

my xda mini was just about to go back.
only had it for a couple of days and couldnt beleive how slow and buggy it was.
ditching the o2 stuff has made a vast improvement.

one thing you might be able to help with

when i explore my device using activesync i cant find the windows folder(want to add ringtone).yet i can find it using file explorer on the device itself.

any ideas?

thanks
ray

[Uridium]

Haven't got my Sych cable to hand but seem to recall if you click the top left folder in activesync explorer folder (could be "my device" or similar) you'll find it under there.

to add MP3/WMA/WAV's as ringtones you can always just copy the MP3 to your storage card or somewhere then in file explorer on the XDA tap and hold on the MP3 and in the menu that pops up will be an option "Set as ringtone". This will copy the file to \Windows\Rings for you automatically.

[rayc]

tks
windows folder still not there for some reason.

copied it to my docs and got the set as ringtone option.(was trying to do that in the media player).
do you know any other sites or forums for the xda mini apart from xda developers?

[meansizzler]

If you choose co-oporate mode the code is "0506" this will not install any o2 active stive, also you need to get the GRRS settings yourself...

[newstuart]

quote

"Answered the question myself. My advice don't ever put a pin protection during install because it locks the screen from input!

First stop any pin numbers from being required after a given amount of time in the settings.

Do a hard reset. Ignore the book which says switch the device off first. If you do this first it won't hard rest. So hard reset from the on position.

The machine will start with a clean machine. Decline any options to install any pin number protection. this will simply stop you accessing the screen later on when it asks about which type of install."


When you say do a hard reset could you explain how this is done ? I have just been holding down the reset button and this just seems to re-boot exactly the same as it was before

[meansizzler]

Originally Posted by newstuart

When you say do a hard reset could you explain how this is done ? I have just been holding down the reset button and this just seems to re-boot exactly the same as it was before

check on xda-developers.com

I think it is the wirleess manager key and voice command and the reset, maybe the power to...

[Uridium]

Originally Posted by meansizzler

If you choose co-oporate mode the code is "0506" this will not install any o2 active stive, also you need to get the GRRS settings yourself...

Believe the Corporate mode doesn't install the MMS app either (I maybe wrong though!)

[newstuart]

Just got a new one as the old one kept freezing - I havent turned it on yet, any other tips for speed and realibility before I do ?

[Uridium]

Once you've removed the O2 stuff, get hold of a copy of an application closing tool like "Magic Button" or "SPB Pocket Plus".

These programs will actually close applications on you XDA properly (windows mobile actually just minimizes programs when you close them).

I use SPB pocket plus and have it set to close all apps when I press the X apart from internet explorer, messaging & phone.

makes it run MUCH faster.

[meansizzler]

Jut got hold of a different ROM "OS", the Qtek version, way better than the O2 one, much faster, and no slow synching with the PC and no crashing of outlook after a sync, i'd advise you all try this rom, also supports Push Email and A2DP, instructions here..

http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=40458

Hello there, new member so please forgive any ignorance I may demonstrate. I have today taken delivery of a 02 XDA mini and having read your comments and keen to get the best out of it. Uridium suggest installing in basic mode, sounds good but not knowing anything really about the mini other than it looks great, will setting up in this mode affect my use in regards to 02 services, being that I dont really know its capabilities, as a complete novice would I be better installing 02 active, what would I lose if I choose basic over 02 in regards to 02 links.
Thanks for your help in advance.