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Do I need the ROM version 2.73.405.5 update for my new phone?

HanH

Lurker
Nov 23, 2009
2
0
Hi
I bought a new HTC hero last week, but I'm not sure if I need the "ROM version 2.73.405.5 update" available of the HTC website?? My build number is 1.76.405.6 , is that the old one?

If so, how do I back all my data? Do I need to take out the memory card before updating? And I also have a contract i.e. pay monthly, so do I need to take out the sim card because on the website it says: "This is a generic software update. Any additional software or settings provided by your mobile operator or company will be lost. If you require this customization, please contact your supplier first before upgrading."



Please help!
 
Welcome aboard!

My build number is 1.76.405.6 , is that the old one?

Yes.

If so, how do I back all my data?
Firstly, anything on your memory card is safe; the update won't affect it at all.

Next, an update will reset your handset to the factory defaults and wipe the internal memory, so you'll need to backup your contacts by sync'ing to Google, Outlook etc beforehand. Any purchases via the Market are associated with your Google account, so once you've re-entered that again during set-up you can easily reinstall them. Free apps however aren't remembered, so if you have a lot you may want to use something like App Manager to back them up to the memory card. I don't advise restoring any old SMS messages as the database format changed between versions and the updated Messages app will have major problems reading a 1.76.405.x database.

do I need to take out the sim card
No, all you'd lose is a few bookmarks and the operator splashscreen during boot. However, as a x.xx.405.x ROM is a generic unbranded one anyway that won't apply. However it might be a good idea to make a note of the Access Point Names in Mobile network settings in case these aren't automatically picked up by the handset after the update. Unlikely but it can happen.

Any further questions, ask away. Many of us have been through the update process painlessly and can advise you.
 
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Thank you so much for replying!

Tbh, I'm really upset because I waited so long to buy the hero hoping the updates will come with it. But I bought it last week, and knowing I haven't got the latest version is a major disappointment. I don't understand why the shop sold me the old one ...

So anyway, just to double check I understand: I don't need to take the memory card or sim card out while upgrading, is that right?
Sorry, it's just that I was reading how to upgrade on the HTC website but I didn't understand it too well - I'm really a newbie to these kind of stuff...

And the upgrade will not affect my SIM card or contract in any way??? (probably a stupid question to ask)

You mentioned "you may want to use something like App Manager to back them up to the memory card". What is App Manager :eek: and how do I back them up? :eek: (You could obviously tell I'm a new born in this area!)

When I first switched on the phone, it allowed me to set up a google account, register my facebook and flickr and gave me a customised home screen with widgets, such as the twitter and weather one, already available. Will those be deleted as well?? Or once I upgrade my version, will it be just like it was when I first switched on my new hero?

One last question (sorry this is getting too long for you): battery life- I was advised to charge it for 12 hours and discharge it, and repeat the process. Do I keep on doing that ? What is the best way to actually charge the battery so that in the long run it doesn't drain out so quickly?

I really hope I haven't tired you out.
Please reply!

Thank you again
 
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HanH, The upgrade will not affect your SIM card or your contract in any way.

The 2.73 update will erase everything on the device, making it as if it had just come out of the box. It will only affect information stored in the device's internal memory. Your SIM card and SD card are fine left in the phone; they wont be touched by the update. An App manager will let you backup things like the apps you've installed and phone/text logs. An example of an app like this would be something like MyBackup Pro.

Those setting you setup the first time you turned on the phone will be gone, though I'm not sure if MyBackup Pro saves those settings or not. Like I said, the update makes the phone act as if you had just taken it out of the box.

As for charging you phone, it uses a Li-ion battery, so it only has a limited charge memory. Supposedly with Li-ion's you can recharge them however you want; however, it is best to fully deplete the batter before charging it again, and charging it fully before unplugging it. In the real world, doing this is difficult. The best thing to do is to charge the battery fully the first time you use it, and then let it deplete completely before charging it fully again. It's thought that doing it like this for the first cycle will train the battery into knowing it's capacities.
 
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As for charging you phone, it uses a Li-ion battery, so it only has a limited charge memory. Supposedly with Li-ion's you can recharge them however you want; however, it is best to fully deplete the batter before charging it again, and charging it fully before unplugging it. In the real world, doing this is difficult. The best thing to do is to charge the battery fully the first time you use it, and then let it deplete completely before charging it fully again. It's thought that doing it like this for the first cycle will train the battery into knowing it's capacities.

The Battery University website appears to give authoritative advice on this subject. It says: "The battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge. Frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible." However, "a deliberate full discharge and recharge every 30 charges" can help "provide the periodic calibration needed to synchronize the fuel gauge with the battery's state-of-charge."

So, yes, do run the battery right down the first time you use it (maybe the first couple of times), but after that avoid running it right down if you can unless the "fuel gauge" loses track of the charge state, in which case an occasional deliberate full discharge may help.
 
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