[Hero CDMA Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] inkblots:
Hi guys... I have a few questions for you about my Hero. Forgive me for not yet having the same level of knowledge that many of you guys have. I am certain that I can contribute in some way, as well. My phone details:

Firmware version: 1.5

Baseband version: 1.04.01.09.21

Kernel version: 2.6.27-533ce29d

Build number: 1.56.651.2 CL5027

Software version: 1.56.651.2

Hardware version: 0002

1. I've read several stories where a number of phones were returned because they couldn't be updated when the new update was released. Is this an absolute fact, that it can't be updated, or is there an error in code somewhere that made it reject the update and there is a known workaround? The answer to this question obviously dictates my forward motion.

I have the typical problem apps, and am getting no joy from youtube. Presently, I'm surfing with good speeds, but market is non-existent.

I like having Sprint tv, when I'm having to sit and wait somewhere.

I have time today and tomorrow to get things ironed out, but will be extrmemly busy after that, like 20 hours a day studying. I'm hoping to get some direction that will give me complete functionality, but will require the least setup. I am quite computer savy, and repaired this phone, to this point, in a day or 2, without asking a single question of anyone. I traced down problems, and solved issues. Seen APN, and TCP errors (don't believe it completely, since I can authenticate on the web). Know that some issues are url problems, etc.

The following questions are based upon the answer to question number 1.

2. Can this phone be updated?

2a. If yes, What do you recommend... 2.1? What rom do you suggest, for full stock-like functionality? Will I lose Sprint tv? Pointers/direction? (pancake??, superhero??)

2b. If no, What rom do you suggest, for full stock-like functionality? Will I lose Sprint tv? Pointers/direction?

Before repairing the phone, I actually tried to update it from my computer, but it was rejected. I turned off my security software and tried again. I noticed that while using XP sp2, a windows program that was incorporated starting with sp2, DEP (data execution prevention) didn't like the actions that the update was taking, and arrested it very shortly after starting (yet the window cycled forever). I assume that many people wouldn't be this observative, and recognize that this was happening. It was halting an HTC file that utilized storage memory (similar to buffer overrun exploits - the reason DEP halted it), for temporary storage of the files to be used for the update. That file was as follows:

C:\Program Files\HTC\HTC Sync\Mobile Phone Monitor\FsyncServer.exe

And the way to prevent it from continuing to do so is:

1. Click Start

2. Select Control Panel

3. Select System

4. Click the Advanced tab

5. In the Performance region select Settings

6. Click the Data Execute tab in the dialog box that opens

7. Select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except for those I select

8. Click Add.

9. The open dialog box will open. Browse and select your application.

10. Click Open

11. Click Apply

12. Click Ok

I guess what I'm sort of suggesting, is that this might be why anyone ever had problems updating, with the exception that OTA also said there wasn't an update.

So, back to the original question. Is it true that some Heros can't be updated? I don't want to force something, and brick, if you know what I mean. I completed the setting that will allow it to go forward (listed above), but haven't tried to update since. I felt that I really needed to ask you guys first, before I made a mistake that I'd regret. Should I try again? Before I started working on the phone I did try OTA and it said there wasn't an update. Now I don't have that option anymore. After repairing the phone, I've lost updates. Am I stuck with 1.5? With my run of the mill phone desires (except that it be fully functional), should I keep 1.5?

I did see gmail 2.3 apk, but is that compatible with 1.5? This looks like is would solve the market issue, if I could use it.

I did read about gscript and addressing mms (although I'm sure that's very old news to you guys), but if in fact I can't update this phone, it might be one of my only alternatives. If that is my only choice, are their also additional scripts to address everything I need to fix (all the normal issues)?

Additionally, it seems that many apps register with the phone/user. So, when you are using a used phone, many apps are still registered as functional. Does flashing a new rom affect the OS and apps? Will I loose the already registered/functioning apps? With a complete upgrade, will I gain functionality of some key features, but lose all other previously enabled apps? In other words, will I gain update, and market, and lose sprint tv?

I have read a lot. With things the way they should be, I've not been able to quite determine what I need to do. With all this being said, How do I go forward and achieve a fully functioning phone? What is the best choice of path's to take for me?

Rooting? I have seen the one-click, and think I'd be correct in that I need something containing Sense UI. Forgive me for asking a stupid question... but the rom is only the menu accessibility, correct? Is there something straight out of the box setup, or do all roms contain configuration notes?

I'm satisfied with stock features, if they work, and adding other useful things like tethering. Since I'll be so busy, I'll have little time to do much else. But don't get me wrong. I have 10 PC's in my house, with only 2 people living here. I'd love to customize the crap out of it. It's just not going to happen any time soon, due to my brutal study schedule. So for now, I just want it to work like it should, on a B mvno.

Do I go north, south, east, or west???? :-)

Could someone chime in that can give me direction, based on everything I've stated. Your response is so graciously appreciated.

Cheers!