yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] asysoft:
I had the same issue. With a slightly modified .img ("replace:0xC 09 04 => 36 D6" by _barmaley; because I'm a new user I couldn't link the original post...) the update completed successfully.

PS: Steven thank you for the ROM!
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
I am using Pocket Outlook, the new 2010 beta. But it doesn't seem to be related to that, if I make a Notification Dialog popup from something like turning off the A626 it gives me a blank white box. Now I've soft reset the device and it seems to have gone away. I'll keep trying to figure out how to recreate it.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] _barmaley:
First of all, thank you Steven855 for your job ;)

i have no problems with a bluetooth (i can send and get files from my nokia e60)

Try to change values in System Registry:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\TODAY\ITEMS\Windows Live\Enabled (from 1 to 0)

HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\TODAY\ITEMS\Windows Live Search\Enabled (from 1 to 0)

make a soft reset, check(ON) your plugin in today's settings, make a soft reset

now i have a problem with a today's size (you can see a scrollbar at the right side of the today's area) but its a better as nothing
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Are you telling me this is how to fix the today screen issue? If it is (I still have to test it), I commend you for finding a fix that actually works.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] _barmaley:
yes, this is a tricks to fix the today screen... ;)

i've tested it on my ASUS mypal a696 (but due to the fact that wm6.5 is not stable, I was forced to return to the WM6)
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Is this all? Is there a step you're not telling me (I can't seem to replicate it)? What registry editor did you use? Did you use the (soft) reset button or did you use a program to soft reset the device?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] _barmaley:
I edited the registry, because I was not able to check (ON/OFF) plugins in today's settings

i use resco explorer & reset button.

!!!!!!!!!Try to set ENABLE to 1 for your Plugin (HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\TODAY\ITEMS\"YOUR TODAY'S PLUGIN"\Enabled (from 0 to 1)!!!!!!!!!!!

what program can record video from screen PDA, I could write all steps

ASUS 696 owners please check and confirm the efficiency of the method.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] protomanez:
what's the soft reset button on the asus a626? Not quite sure, the device reboots into OS D:

EDIT:NVM I got it, for ASUS A626 DEVICES, POWER OFF YOUR PHONE BUT DO NOT PRESS THE REBOOT KEYS. ONLY PRESS THE MIDDLE D-PAD BUTTON AND YOUR POWER BUTTON
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] larikar:
Hi all. I am testing WM 6.5 on my A696. First of all, bugreports for previously posted bugs:

1) Bluetoooth. Works fine, I test it with bluetooth-GPRS and send file services. Bluetooth icon in Start -> Setting menu was missed (black square), but today it appeared, possibly after soft reset.

2) Task Manager problem, its known bug, as I see.

3) When I tap on screen, only ever second tap works. But sound of tap work in every tap.

I'm trying to fix today's screen with barmaley's advices, but still no success.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Update: finally found a fix for the today screen problem that ACTUALLY WORKS (details are soon to follow)

Update2: I found out that the today screen and the sound and notifications control panel applet (whose problems have plagued a couple of roms now) are tied to phone functionality. In order to really fix these problems, I would have to make a new rom (I have such a test rom sitting in my archives that's just the 1st WM6.5 rom with the fixes for phone, nothing else; phone doesn't work for voip yet). Unfortunately, I can't churn out a new rom until Easter because I am sending my A626 back to Asus to fix a few things they missed when I sent it in for an RMA before and I won't be home until Easter (going to a Catholic college, I get a spring break and an Easter break).
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
Good to hear you have a few fixes lined up in the near future. As always looking forward to the next release.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] cold-zero:
First of all i want to say that you are doing a great job with this.

Second, i tested WM6.5 on my Asus MyPal A696 and I encountered the same bugs mentioned before.

The Today Screen it's not showing the icons

Bluetooth not sending/receiving files

Task Manager that doesn't start(it only flashes a few times and then disapears).

I want to mention that when i instaled the firmware at the first run i could see the time and date shown on the Today Screen and i could start the Task Manager from the Start Menu and it worked.

I'll post updates if i encounter any other bugs.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] fireant:
Great stuff!!!! Thanks so much for this!

Will report bugs
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] life-saver:
I am truely impressed with the 6.5 build for my asus 626.

the task manager works fine,

I did not try bluetooth.

i will try the registry fix for today,

all my apps are installing fine with the eexception of Opera10 who seems to have insufficient free memory to run. any one knows a good browser beside opera and explorer?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] life-saver:
ok now this is odd, and may help debugging.

After first boot (after install)

everything looked fine the task manager was working perfectly without any problems at all.

I did the registery change for today(manually enabled and disabled some features), and soft rebooted.

Now the Taskmanager is behaving like described by others (closing imediately)

Nothing changed with the today screen (didn't work?)
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] life-saver:
tried the task manager 2-3 times, and was closing on start. after 2 days, without soft-rebooting, i tried again , and it started... and working fine... mysterious mystery...
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Just to let everyone know my anticipated release schedule:

WM6.1 classic: I plan to release a "Final Mix" classic rom to close my rom updates for the WM6.1 series (I might release a bug fix rom in case something goes heywire in the final mix rom)

WM6.1 VOIP: Following my Final Mix classic rom, I will try to work on this more (I had a VOIP rom in my archives, but it was a test rom). Once I find a program that can configure operator settings easily, I will add it and try to get a rom out.

WM6.5 classic: I found a fix for the today screen, but I still have to find some way to make that into a classic rom.

WM6.5 VOIP: to be announced
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] jhonnyD2:
is not the wm6.5 get completed and free of bugs till now? i though it is now... but great job to make it.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] larikar:
I am sorry for little offtopic, but I think it will be interesting for all A6X6 owners, who are waiting for WM 6.5 on their devices. I found working WM6.5 image for our PPC, on this russian forum: 4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=45010&hl=A696%20wm6&st=760

Look to the post on last page, with screenshots. Now I get it on my A696, preparing to test.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
This is not off topic at all. Thanks for showing this to me. I did say that I have a working image, but I have it stored at home. Thankfully, I am going home on Wednesday evening for Easter, so I will be working on this during the day on Maundy Thursday.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
I think I have found a possible fix for the today screen problem that I have already put out. Using a registry editor, go in to "[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\CHome]" and look for the value of "ExtensibilityXML". Delete all references to "CPhone", "CVoicemail", and "CText" (I will have these changes already included in my next rom). Please tell me if that gets the today screen working again. If not, I have some additional areas to delete the above strings from.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
Steven - I delete those values and soft reset. I still don't get the today screen to come up... we are talking about getting the Titanium home screen correct?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Yes, I am talking about getting the titanium home screen working. Another thing I want to know, is anyone having trouble soft resetting via a program or os function in this rom? I was having trouble with soft reseting before I sent my A626 off for Asus repairs (I do however have it back from Asus and will have it in my possession again on Wednesday night).
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
I use the included program, don't have the name on me right now, but it give the option to soft reboot and that always has worked for me.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Ok, I just wanted to check if it was just my device or if it was widespread. I have read things saying that some power control panel applets are not compatible with WM6.5 (now I know that it was just my messed-up device).
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] fireant:
bug report

Had some time to test the firmware on an a696 and encountered some of the listed bugs:

Non working bluetooth

No icons on Today screen

Other than that, this is great work! I will continue to look for bugs, and thanks again!
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Update: finally fixed the today screen issue (turns out I was missing a few important dlls); I will probably have a rom out tomorrow (I would do it tonight, but I have Holy Thursday mass to go to)
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] darky_mtp:
Thanks for your work.

I had to hex-edit the rom to be able to use it (replace:0xC 09 04 => 36 D6).
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
I uploaded a temporary zip file with the fix for the today screen (look on the 1st page for the download link). Once I get the bugfix rom, I will replace the zip file with the new rom.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
The bug fix rom is online and ready for download. Check the 1st page for more information.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
I've flashed the new ROM version 6.5 1a to my A626. Seems to be working just fine, I'm still setting up my software again but I've encountered no errors so far. Thanks for the update.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] darky_mtp:
The fix works great on my A696.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] fireant:
Just wondering, do I use this same flash process if I want to revert back to 6.1? Not that I want to but just in case I do want to go back.:p

Anyway Steven, this is great work. Thank you for your dedication and for making this possible!:)
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
Yes you should be able to revert back to 6.1 by downloading the 6.1 rom and flashing it the same way.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Yes, he's right about the flashing. This is actually true for all of my roms and the stock rom too, so if you're having problems with my latest roms, you can revert back to an earlier rom.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] darky_mtp:
Office Mobile beta has expired :(
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] life-saver:
any idea yet on why the Task manager is sometimes working and sometimes not?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] [nemielas]:
on A696 soft reset via program works fine - didn't notice any glitches.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] [nemielas]:
Task manager is somehow dependant on WiFi being shown in Today screen - disabling WiFi makes Task manager not to launch. re-enabling WiFi in Today screen reverts Task manager functionality.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
Steven, if and when you release a kitchen for the 6.5 ROM, does that give me the ability to upgrade to a newer windows mobile version. Say I wanted to get on the 6.5.5 branch with the more finger friendly buttons and menus more easily that what you are going through trying to get a stable working ROM on this device?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Funny thing is, I was going to release a rom based on the 23xxxx series next (I already have the source files downloaded, now to tweak). I once built a half-working WM6.5.3 rom once, and if you have older programs, there is a chance that the buttons will overlap with the program. The only thing is that I'm trying to work out all the bugs so that those like you who want to make their own rom can actually do that with solutions to any problems readily available. I will say that the tools used to make WM6.5 work are different from what I'm using for the WM6.1 roms. There is more than one program out there for relocating modules for a different device, and not every program that does this works for the A6x6. Not to mention that there's also packages you have to recmod first in order for WM6.5 to even build, much less run.

I would like to also add that with each new release, the size of the os increases, so the amount of programs you can stuff in there gets smaller each time.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Can everyone tell me what programs they want in my next rom (and they have to be free)?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] fireant:
Hmmm can't really think of one. Maybe this task manager? :p

http://sites.google.com/site/maximusmobileproject/Current-Apps/mmtaskma
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
The only thing with this one is that you can't really update because it says on the website that you have to uninstall before updating, and you can't because it's permanently in rom.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] fireant:
Ah I see, not a good idea to add it then.:o

Is it possible to brick the device by repeatedly downgrading and upgrading? Say if you miss being on 6.0 and you go back. Then you go back to 6.1 or 6.5 again. I don't think I'm going back to an earlier rom version but would like to know if the bricking issue was true.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Not sure on this one. I mean, I bricked my A626 trying to flash the stock rom formatted with a different compression method (I was trying out some new rom building tools, and it failed miserably), but I haven't had any problems going back to a previous rom (yet). The trick (I think) is that even though I may change the os version, I never change the rom (firmware) version (number) (and I don't want to change it and find that it could permanently brick my A626 beyond repair). It's ok to reflash roms of the same (firmware) version.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] rathor:
Mirroring...

Hi Steven,

Can you give me permission to mirror your latest ROM build ? Thank you.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] fireant:
How did you go about unbricking your a626?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] locozozi:
Steven,

First please allow me to thank you and congratulate you on the amazingly marvellous work your doing.

I've just recently got tired (again) from my stock WM6@A696, and after digging around managed to find your good work on XDA, then I figured that I just might skip WM6.1 all together & wait for a stable WM6.5.

My one problem with it (and I understand the size limitations issue), and the thing that also relates to your above request, I DO need my Office Mobile in there...

If we drop (just off the top of my head) Windows Live, Windows Messenger, Built in Games, and assorted other stuff that can be later freely reinstalled, or better alternatives of them, won't we have the space needed for Office Mobile?

Again, Thank YOU for all of your magnificent work!

LZ
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
I will work on fitting Office Mobile in there, although it will have to be a mini version. Next rom will be coming soon. If any users out there like linux, I am also going to start working on an Asus 6x6 version after I put out the WM6.1 final mix rom and the next WM6.5 rom.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] protomanez:
Is the Today fixed in the settings?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
yes, it is fixed
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Before I go testing my next rom on my A626 (I got it back from repairs from Asus), for those of you with an A6x6 that has 256mb of flash rom, has ANYONE noticed a BIG change in the total rom available since flashing to WM6.5? The reason is that as I was testing my first WM6.5 roms, I only had 128mb of flash rom total for use on my A626 when I originally got the device with 256mb of flash rom, and I'm not sure if it's from my total bricking (once) of the device once or not.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] imre00:
Bugs

Thanks for your great works. Before you release the next 6.5 rom, the bugs what I observed:

1. task manager works only when wireless tab is enabled in the today

2. The bluetooth icon in the settings screen is a black square (after x resets is normal icon)

3. In the sound & notifications settings the notifications tab has graphical errors and drop-down lists with empty values.

Thanks again.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
Are you saying that you sent in your A626 for repairs and got one back that has a 256mb ROM? I thought only the A696 came with the 256mb ROM. Unless they made a second version of the A626... is there any version info under the battery?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
No, apparently Asus made a version of the A626 (the same as the 1st version except) with 256mb of flash rom which I bought. After I got it back from repairs the 1st time, I saw that it had 128mb (total) of flash rom. Now that this whole fiasco is over, my device has the same amount of flash rom that I bought it and sent it in for repairs with (256mb of flash rom). I really want to know if there's a change in (total) rom size because I don't know if it was from the WM6.5 rom or when I permanently bricked it one time. I don't want to repeat this process, so I want to be safe rather than sorry.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] fireant:
With the 6.5 rom upgrade, my a626 recognizes the ROM size to be 256mb. With nothing else installed, there are 176.85 MB of available storage space. The storage space looks to be just about right :p

edit - I just tried going back to the official 6.0 rom from the asus website but I can't figure out how to get it to flash. I put the .img file into the card and went into the SD loader but it says:

FAT Type: FAT16

Probing USB interface >>>

USB Cable connected.

Waiting for download !

Could you tell me what I might be doing wrong?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
I would say to try reformatting the card and try again. I am also assuming you are using the standard power cable that came with your device.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Ok, after these responses to my query about storage size, I will go ahead with testing the next rom. Does anyone know how to make themes for either WM6.1 or WM6.5?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
So if my A626 has 176.85 MB of available storage space does that mean I have a 256mb flash rom?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Yes, you do have the 256mb of flash rom (if you only had 128mb of flash rom, you would have around 58mb available for use).
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
There is one more thing that I would like to check on. Is everyone able to soft reset via os or software function alright in WM6.5 (this can include the psshutxp program bundled with the rom or others such as spb backup)?? That was one of the problems I was having before the whole repair fiasco was finished, and I want to know if it was just me having problems or if others are getting what seems like (using psshutxp as example) you soft reset , unit turns off, but unit doesn't turn on (at all) unless you tap the combination for flashing (but don't hold anything). I really want to make sure that I get this one right the whole way through (and this includes sound and notifications).
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
I can soft reset just fine using the psshutxp program, although when I choose the Shut Down option it just turns off the screen. If I push the power button on top the screen reappears where I would have expected to see the Asus "blue" screen while it booted back up... unless that is the intended function of the Shut Down option in psshutxp.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] fireant:
Yes, when I shutdown using psshutxp it is the same as pressing the top power button to shut down the device. I also did not find any problems resetting on psshutxp.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
I was mainly interested in soft reset via psshutxp. The shudown function works normally.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] locozozi:
Hi Steven,

Thanks for your reply.

Could you please explain/clarify what does it mean "mini version"?

Thanks, and waiting for the WM6.5+Office ROM. ;)

Cheers

LZ
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Mummi:
Asus A696

Hi,

I hava an Asus A696. Seems to not work anymore because of windows. After I see the screen with windows mobile, the screen shut off and I see only a blue light on the buttons when I touch them. I want to flash this rom. Do you think that will solve my problem?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Sven-GTC:
Hello Steven855,

i have a asus 696 and i want to update to WM 6.5

I do all steps but wenn the USB Loader runs i see him only for few seconds and then ists black and it starts again with the usb loader...i can read something like "flashing Tool" and Fat16 but nothing more...what ist wrong?

I use a SD Card format with FAT.

P.S. Sorry for the bad english!
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] bmasephol:
You could try doing it with the external power disconnected... this should cause the flash screen to pause and prompt you to connect the external power. Once you plug in the AC adapter this should start the flashing process. If you still have trouble it may be because your SD card just isn't setup correctly. I would reformat and readd the ROM img to it.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
hmmm...I might try that myself; I've been having problems with reading the SD card despite numerous reformat attempts (it could also be that I'm using a SD card that I have been using since 2005)
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Soupe:
My A696 started intermittently reading cards, at first I thought it was firmware related.

Decided to "service" my daily used A696

Opened unit up, cleaned contacts on lock & battery door switches, carefully

tightened SD card reader contacts (small pick used to gently bend contacts)

thorough internal clean.

Rebuild & test...........Success, so far 2 months no card errors & so good not to have that dodgy lock switch problem.

Just 1 tip- remove stylus before removing screw or the casing will break!
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
I am going to have to try that. The only thing is that college finals are coming up next week, and I need my A626 for them. Anyway, as far as behavior of intermittently reading cards, my A626 just says "reading file" when flashing, and then quickly resets without flashing. Is this what you are experiencing?
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Soupe:
I had not noticed that problem but did have to keep reinserting card as it kept disapearing.

Try playing an MP3 from the card then touch/wiggle card, mine would either crash or stop playback.

A good clean with a pencil eraser on the card contacts also helps.
[Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking] Steven855:
Ok, my (5 year old) SD card works okay in the OS, but not (in a while) for flashing, I think. I don't realy know. I've been using a SD card that was in main use for a while until my axim died. After that, I just used that card for flashing roms. Does anyone really know what the average expected life for a SD card is? The one I've been using is a 512mb Sandisk (normal) SD card.

Edit: Can someone confirm that the max read/write cycles is around 10,000? I'm not sure, but the SD card I've been using might have reached its limit.