De-branding the Legend

[Dog_chops]

Just for sh1ts and giggles, I fancy de-branding my phone. Stuck on Vodafone apparently is not cool and software version 1.23xxx is way out of date.

Anyone got a decent method of doing it and a list of benefits?? Thx.

 

[Ferox]

I removed mine by using the rooting guide over a Modaco though its not for the faint hearted! Removes all branding and gives you latest software thus allowing access to hidden apps! As for performance I ain't noticed much of a change to be honest!

 

[Dog_chops]

I done it! Used a couple of different guides "back and forth" between the two of them, made the "Goldcard" etc. Guides could have been clearer but got there in the end. It gave me the chance to replace my 2GB card to a larger one. So my goldcard now has all my music etc on it too.

So far, good for missing apps (barcode reader etc) but as you say, no difference on speed. No Vodafone splash screen which is good, and of course, OTA updates which Vodafone still don't provide.

 

[Ferox]

I done it! Used a couple of different guides "back and forth" between the two of them, made the "Goldcard" etc. Guides could have been clearer but got there in the end. It gave me the chance to replace my 2GB card to a larger one. So my goldcard now has all my music etc on it too.

So far, good for missing apps (barcode reader etc) but as you say, no difference on speed. No Vodafone splash screen which is good, and of course, OTA updates which Vodafone still don't provide.

Not sure if we'll get future ota updates seems to conflicting information on this! Do you now have a superuser icon? Also do u need to keep the goldcard afterward? I couldn't get my 8gb to work so used a spare 2gb then switched em after rooted.

 

[Dog_chops]

Super User icon? Where do I find this?

I'm keeping my goldcard in the phone - Its a 4GB card with all my songs and photos on too.

 

[Ferox]

The super user icon is in the All Programs drop down next to all the shortcuts! It don't do anything until you install and use program that uses root access then it basically flashes warning asking permission to allow program!

 

[Dog_chops]

I see. That must be on a fully rooted phone. I haven't done that yet, just debranded it.

 

[ferry99]

Can anybody help? I have a vodafone Legend and I need to debrand it because i live in the US and want to use it on T-Mo USA. I followed all the instructions on unlockr and made a goldcard. I plugged it in and ran step1-windows. But at INFOsignature checking main version, i got a message: FAILED Remote 43 main version check fail. I got that message twice. It then said Rebooting into bootloader...okay. And said Step1 was complete and said i should go into recovery mode and run step2. I tried to do that. But in recovery mode the phone did not connect with the computer. A red exclamation point came up on the phone and the computer asked for drivers to recognize the phone. I did not know where to find the drivers.

Can you help? Do you know what is the problem? Is it in the goldcard? Or do i have the wrong drivers on the computer? I can't find any advice on the web anywhere. All suggestions gratefully appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Martin L]

Are you running xp?
Mine did that too even though I installed the drivers. Just let it fail installing a driver and it should work. Mine did thankfully.
It did make me panic though!

 

[Dog_chops]

What type of SD card are you using. Try a Kingston one.

 

[Mr.Derringer]

@Dog_Chops.

Im on vodafone too. just a quick question...do you think its worth me doing that to my phone?

have you noticed some benefits to debranding your legend?

any risk of Bricking the phone too?

cheers mate

 

[erk]

@Dog_Chops.

Im on vodafone too. just a quick question...do you think its worth me doing that to my phone?

have you noticed some benefits to debranding your legend?

any risk of Bricking the phone too?

cheers mate

Me too, does it mean we get updates quicker? I'm desperate for a wifi fix.

 

[Dog_chops]

My reason to de-brand the phone was purely due to Vodafone not releasing the update. I read someone waited 9 months for a Nokia 95 update, and I didn't want to be frustrated and stuck without a fully featured phone. Since I successfully de-branded it, Vodafone have released the update. So, camera issues have been rectified (Barcode scanner etc work). Perhaps someone still Vodafone branded could verify all of this. I found with being stuck to Vodafone many of the app searches simply seemed not to exist. Since de-branding it I don't think I have ever come across this again.

I don't find any difference in speed. Start up of the phone is better. It seemed to take an age for the vodafone splash screen to appear, but perhaps this is just me wanting to see extra benefits.

I am happy that I have done it. As soon as HTC release new version of OTA updates I will get them first instead of months waiting for Vodafone to verify and approve the updates.

Personally I think it would be difficult to brick the phone, but maybe a computer novice taking short cuts could brick it. As the update is now released I WOULDN'T de-brand it any more, but I am pleased I have done for future releases. So its a personal choice!!!

 

[Dog_chops]

Just a quick update on de-branding : ............

Get it done.

Looks like Froyo (Android 2.2) is going to be released for the Legend in a few months time.

You will probably be out of contract and on to a new phone by the time Vodafone get their fingers out. HTC de-branded phones will get the release as soon as it officially released.

 

[adi19956]

how do I de-brand it?
(noob at work...)

 

[Martin L]

how do I de-brand it?
(noob at work...)

Once you've got your goldcard sorted, it's a piece of cake.

http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-legend/79734-clean-rom-please.html