[Defy General] labsin:
First have a look at the [GUIDE] All-in-One Defy Beginner's guide before you do anything.

Also a lot of link and info on the Motorola Defy Wiki.

I know some of these things are already explained a lot, but they can't be said enough.

If you wan't to add things, PM me or comment.

Notes:

Be sure to have sufficient juice when flashing an sbf or when in the recovery.

Don't panic and wait long enough for every action to complete.

Don't stay in recovery when you don't have to (battery slinks fast in recovery and you don't know if you have enough just left to flash)

--Guides--

Links

Softunlock to all networks

Softunlock ro all networks - stock GB

Easy recovery-To go from stock(or stuck on boot) to custom rom without 2nt-init and root.

[Guide] Install double boot CM7 + CM9

[HOW TO] Open CGs

[Guide]Ubuntu 10.04

Check CG version

Get the sbf you need to find the version of, if you don't have it already. (Droid-Developers: Motorola Defy Plus (MB526), Motorola Defy (MB525)

Download MotoAndroidDepacker found in the SBF threat.

Unzip the package and run the .exe (needs wine with .net2 => 'winetricks dotnet20' when using Linux distro's)

Unpack the sbf using the GUI. The procedure is self explaining.

This will create a new map with CG##.smg files. Download the attatchment from here and unzip it in the same folder as the smg files. Rename the folder to a more simple name 'unpacked sbf' f.e. because you will need to enter this later.

Open a command prompt (or type cmd in a terminal with linux distro's)

Navigate to the folder were you placed all the filed. (You need to use 'cd folder' to navigate to folder. Use 'dir' to see al files and filders in the folder you're in.)

Execute 'ver.bat' (or ';/ver.bat')

You will get an output with the versions

Downgrade

Have you flashed a full Defy+ sbf or have a Defy+ and want to run Defy rom (and then of course a Froyo kernel), then you need to downgrade. After this downgrade you can flash the any Defy(+) kernel again from CWM. There is no need to flash a full defy+ rom (again). Flashing Froyo/Eclaire sbf would still not be possible. You can go to stock froyo by restoring a CWM backup and flashing a fixed sbf.

There are different ways depending on your BL/CG version.

To find out witch BL version the rom you have flashed has, you can look in the threads about the sbf found in the SBF threat.

If you can't find it you will have to see yourself. See 'Check CG version'

Downgrade BL5

**NOTE**: If you are using a non-Chinese defy, DO NOT USE THE CAMERA FLASH while on the Chinese rom, it WILL kill your LED.

Source: ((Original post here))

Download this SBF. This is a Chinese Eclair rom witch is also BL5.

Flash it (See [GUIDE] All-in-One Defy Beginner's guide for how)

Root your Phone (search in google for how to root most Eclair rom's)

Download 2nd Init 1.4.2 and Install it. Open and install the recovery. Reboot 2 times.

Download and install this Nandroid Backup from the custom recovery.

Wipe Data/Cache from the stock recovery

After wiping, turn off your phone (remove battery)

Turn it on and get immediately into Bootloader mode (check beginners guide)

Flash this Fixed SBF

Delete Data/Cache again and reboot.

You can now install any custom rom for Defy following the normal guides.

It might also be possible to install your custom rom after .4 if you don't want to go to stock froyo. Just make sure tjo flash the kernel from the custom recovery together with the ROM. (Some Kernels, kernel-froyo-222-179-4-signed.zip is adviced for Froyo based/Defy Rom's). (Not tested! If it doesn't work, start again from .1)

Downgrade BL6

**NOTE**: If you are using a non-Chinese defy, DO NOT USE THE CAMERA FLASH while on the Chinese rom, it WILL kill your LED.

Download this SBF and Flash it.

Root your phone. (Super one Click)

Download 2nd Init 1.4.2, install, run and install the bootmenu/recovery. Reboot 2x.

Reboot to Custom recovery, and wipe Data/Cache.

Install your desired custom ROM (don't forget Gapps for CM) and flash the needed Kernel (Some Kernels, kernel-froyo-222-179-4-signed.zip is adviced for Froyo based/Defy Rom's).

Instead of the latest point you can also restore an CWM backup of a froyo rom and flash a fixed sbf to get to stock Froyo. Check BL5 unlock for the links. (Not tested! If it doesn't work, start again from .1)

Downgrade BL7

As of today, there is no given way to downgrade from a BL7 rom.

--Bricks--

Stuck on boot logo (M)

Stock rom

Wipe data from stock recovery (check All-in-Beginners guide for how)

Custom rom

Wipe data from custom recovery (check All-in-Beginners guide for how)

Try to install the right kernel for your rom as this could be the result of installing a Defy+ rom with a Defy kernel or the opposite. (Some Kernels, kernel-froyo-222-179-4-signed.zip is adviced for Froyo based/Defy Rom's)

Above failed

You will have to flash an sbf and start from there.

Newer option is to use the easy recovery.

This skips root and 2nt-init installation after you went to stock.

Stuck on boot animation

The boot animation comes after the boot logo (M).

This is most likely solved by wiping in stock or custom recovery (on stock or custom rom) and/or by reinstalling the rom from CWM.

Remember to have a full battery before flashing.

Unable to use camera

This is probably do to using a Defy+ kernel/rom on a green lens Defy. (Red or Green lens)

Custom rom

If you didn't flash a full Defy+ sbf and are using a custom rom (CM, MIUI, ..), then look for a regular Defy version of that rom, wipe data and flash a Defy kernel.

Full Defy+ SBF

If you flashed a full Defy+ sbf you need to downgrade to get a froyo kernel working. There are different ways depending on your BL version. Check 'Downgrade'.

Troubles after flashing an sbf

If you know someone else with a defy or you have an external charger, make sure to use a full battery when trying these solutions.

Bootloader Err when starting

Like: Bootloader Err:A5,69,35.

You probably flashed a lower CG version ROM than that was on your rom.

Try to recall what sbf was the last that you flashed successfully.

Start in bootloader and flash that rom.

If you don't know the rom, start with a ROM one version higher than the one that didn't work.

If you get the M logo, then boot into stock recovery and wipe.

Probably you're now on a Defy+ rom. If you want to use Defy rom's, then check 'Downgrade'.

Only white LED

Start RDS Lite. If it recognizes your Defy, then try the solution above.

If RDS Lite doesn't recognizes your Defy, try to charge your phone.

Still not recognized, try the below.

Battery Low - Cannot program

If you get this message in bootloader and you can't boot, make sure you don't know anyone with a defy or and external charger to fill your battery. Then try to go in stock recovery and wipe data/factory reset.

If that didn't help and you still can't boot, consider Warranty. When Warranty is out of the question, you can try and go McGyver.

Defy hit water (the internals)

If you dropped/dipped your phone in water and there was water inside it (the plugs came loose or ...)

Check Adams video

If you have an other problem, post it in the Q&A section and post a link here. If you find a answered problem not found in here or the All-in-one Defy Beginners guide PM me or comment here.