[JASJAR, XDA Exec, MDA Pro ROM Development] TehPenguin:
Now that you have opened the links in the above post you will have the 3 most important pages\tools in the Xda Dev Forums..

In case you don't know what they are, the links go to:

Midget_1990's announcement (on the top of this section of the forum) <<< Read the announcement carefully

The Wiki (Click on the picture of the Universal to go to the Universal section)

Searching Xda Dev via Google (a bit better than the forum's search tool)

(and if you didn't click on the links - do so!)

How to's

Installing a ROM

Grab the ROM. Usual places are:

Xda Dev FTP's Uploads (Username:xda Password:xda)

TehPenguin's Mirror

RapidShare

WM-Gurus (You need to be a member - DO NOT sign up unless you ARE a guru...)

Read the ROM's ReadMe file (if it has one)

Install the latest version of ActiveSync on your computer

Disconnect your Universal

Get your Universal into Bootloader mode (I'll let you search the wiki for that...)

Connect your Universal (and allow new drivers to install (XP will complain, but just hit 'Continue'))

Follow the instructions that came with the ROM (you don't need to Soft Reset or get into bootloader - we've already done that)

Submitting a Bug Report

Ensure that you have tested every possible fix

(Remember: This is a DEVELOPMENT community...)

Search for other fixes or tweaks that you could try (on the wiki, in other sections of the forum)

Find the correct thread (for the ROM version you are using, or the type of bug)

Give as much details as possible. Such as:

Type of Universal (JasJar, Exec, Dopod, etc)

The nature of the bug -

being descriptive

(ask yourself: "Will people understand what I am saying?")

Any software on your Universal that may be cause the error (or you believe is involved)

If the bug involves your PC

(eg syncing issues) - The OS (XP, Vista, Linux(??)) that the PC is running and any software that may be involved (eg ActiveSync Version xx, Office 2003, etc)

Exceptions: If it is a common bug, over different ROMs, then you are permitted to create a new thread (eg for the Bluetooth headsets malfunctioning...)

Dealing with n00bs

BE POLITE (they may, one day, grow into contributing members... or even developers!)

Find the correct answer to their question (keep reading... it gets better)

DO NOT GIVE THEM DIRECT LINKS

Give them the link to the search page with the results. Why?

They will learn how to spot a relevant result

They will learn correct search terms

It prevents them from becoming lazy

If the result is hard to spot, give them a clue (eg it contains the words "Attachements: bubblefixV2.cab")

Encourage them to learn and share their knowledge (such that they will learn the pain of n00b questions)

Insert a link to this thread, shouting the praises of the "Ultimate, Bug Free" Rom you found...

Extra information / FAQ

Will this ROM work on my iPaq x2932/Asus 454323/Nokia 5110/etc...

NO! This is the forum for the

HTC

Universal - rebranded as the O2 Xda Exec, I-Mate JasJar, Dopod 900, QTek 9000, etc - The ROMs are specific for these devices and will not work (without serious hacking) on any other device!

I tried flashing - now my Universal doesn't work!!

Reset it in bootloader (hold power + backlight button, now press the reset button), try to resinstall the ROM with my instructions above. If this fails, try a different ROM, if that fails - search the forums

I are tri instl bt hedset 4 mms... no work... fail!... plz help? not work? k thnx

WHAT???? Firstly, SPEAK ENGLISH! Exceptions are made for those who don't speak english as a first language - but this is a forum, not MSN or IRC, so t-a-k-e y-o-u-r t-i-m-e and construct logical sentences. This gives a good impression on those who may help you and makes it easier for non-english speakers (and sometimes those that do speak english) to understand what is going on

My installation of Obscure-Pocket-App-Noone-Has-Heard-Of-Before(TM) doesn't work!

Welcome to the world of upgrading. Try to see if the company has produced a new version, or if there is an alternative. Otherwise downgrade back to WM5...

Finally - if you read nothing else,

at least read this:

This a forum of Developers - all things on here are Betas and are (no offence to the find people that make them) full of bugs

If you require a stable device stick to the latest WM5 official release from your provider

Also, upgrading the firmware to a non-official version voids the warranty - SO BEWARE THE RISKS AND USE ROMS CAREFULLY

- And one last thing: Welcome to the Xda-Developers forum!!

(ps. I make no apologise - those that are experienced enough not to need to read this should be happy to see it exists, those that are inexperienced need to read this anyhow)

(pps. Just some stats: at the time of posting Midget's announcement had just over 800 views, whereas the ROM threads had (much) more than 20 000 each - this is just one justification for this post)