[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] t4ure4n:
Hello All, I have a few questions which I hope to get answered here in this great forum.

I have T-Mobile UK loacked and branded SGS2. The Firmware info which is get by pressing *#1234# is

PDA : I9100BOKE3
PHONE : I9100BOKD1
CSC : I9100TMUKE3

I have tried to update the software from Settings > About phone > Software update but it never connects to the server hence I stopped trying. Now I have following questions:

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Question 1. Rooting.

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I have read the thread --[17.08.2011][CF-Root v4.1] KE2/7/8, KF1/2/3/4, KG1/2/3/5/6/7, KH1/3 - su+bb+CWM4-- None of the rooted kernals (zip file) match my kernal which in my case is KE3.

Do I have to flash a different version of fimware/kernel before rebooting?

If yes,

Can I use latest generic UK firmware

XWKF3
PDA:XWKF3
PHONE: XXKE7
Build date: 09/06/2011

provided in thread --[ROM + Guide]Official i9100 Firmwares KF1/2/3/4/, KG1/2/3/5/6/7, KH1/3 Download--

There are two files under this firmware which relate to my phone

XEU (Generic UK+Europe) and XWKF3 Stock Kernel

Which one of these files do I need to flash.​

If No,

Then what else do I have to do​

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Question 2. Unlocking.

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After I have rooted the device I intend to unlock it. Odia has mentioned in his thread --[HOWTO] GT-I9100 Free SIM Unlock via nv_data.bin by Odia-- that the unlock method only works for

HW Version MP 1.200 and further in post 284 He says

Will I be able to unlock if I have the latest UK firmware XWKF3 mentioned in question 1?

How do I check Hadware version of my SGS2

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Question 3. Debranding.

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As my phone T-Mobile branded, I want to de-brand it.

jutley has provided a method to de-brand O2 branded SGS2 in his thread -[GUIDE] Debrand & Rebrand back to O2 for Samsung Galaxy S2-.

So if I use XWKF3 UK generic firmware during rooting and change CSC will it de-brand my phone too or I have to use the earlist UK firmware for de-branding.

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Question 4. Future Updates.

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Do I have to keep using flash method to update the firmware or I can use KIES.

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Question 5. Resetting Flash counter.

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I have heard that there is some counter in SGS2 to track how many times the phone has been flashed.

I have read about USB jig on internet that automatically resets the flash count.

Is there any mod I can do to accomplish this without usinf USB jig.

I hope I have explained all my questions properly and await positive reply.