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Root HOW TO: Unlock your HTC Hero on Orange UK

I did everything from scratch and it now appears to be working. Its going through the update process now.

Once i've done this and I need an unlock code what do I say about the phone to get the correct code? As I imagine if I say its a UK Orange device they wont be able to supply me with a valid code?

Thanks for your help by the way.
 
No problem. The independent providers don't care that the phone is an Orange variant, although you'll need to tell them that when you order an unlock code from them. You'll also need to give them the IMEI number for your phone. That's a long number which can be found on the label underneath the battery.

Just so you're aware, it took 2 days for my unlock code to be sent to me, which felt like a very long wait...

Little tip: Don't remove the battery while the firmware is flashing :)
 
Hmmmm, think I spoke too soon. Its not just looping through the "Hero" and "HTC" logos over and over and not starting the phone at all. Is this normal or has it not installed properly?
 
It does take a long time to start the first time around (a few minutes), though it shouldn't be looping. Keep trying, but try flashing a different file if that doesn't work out. I think the latest stable release of MoDaCo is 3.1?

I've found it's also a good idea to use the recovery utility's wipe function before flashing the firmware. Don't worry, you won't lose any data on the SD card doing that.
 
Hi Scy,

Got stuck on the loop for about 10 minutes so just restored the original from backup. Should I just start the process again or try something different? I'm using the 3.1 update I downloaded from the modaca forums.
 
MoDaCo 3.1 should work. Try wiping it then flashing it again? Failing that, I'd try the HTC Generic ROM from the MoDaCo forums.
 
I did it the 2nd time and it worked.

Sorry to repeat myself, but when the unlocker company ask for the service provider etc what do I do? Because they said they couldnt help me when I said I was on orange and just refunded the money?
 
They refunded you because the Orange firmware has a bug in it that prevents the unlock code from working, hence this infernal exercise. If you tell them you've replaced the Orange firmware with MoDaCo, they should give you a code that works.
 
The website im using is automated and is asking me for info on the service provider and i cant get through to their customer service team. Shall I just select a service provider in the UK thats easy enough to unlock or will that effect the code?

Mayve vodafone, 02 or something?
 
Unfortunately it's possible for the codes to differ for each network, but it depends on how Orange have configured it. I'd keep trying their customer services for now, or try a different supplier.
 
Ok seems I'm sorted now. The issue was with the latest version of flashrec so I used the 1.1.2 version and used the recovery image from here rather than letting the proggy download it from zenthought.org.

W00t, thanks to all who helped me take my first steps.
 
iggy82, thanks alot for the help, i did manage to unlock mine, although i dont seem to be able to access my wifi, everytime i try to connect it comes up unsuccessful, i have checked out all my setting on the phone and on my router and still nothing, does anyone have any answers please
 
I'm told that the latest version of the Orange firmware, released recently, fixes the bug that prevents unlock codes from being accepted. I can't guarantee it as I haven't tried it myself, but it's worth trying before attempting the above procedure as it would be a lot simpler.

- Download update from HTC website
- Install to phone
- Purchase unlock code from any of the myriad code providers
- Insert new SIM card, switch on your phone and enter code when prompted
 
Unlocking code works fine on the .66 rom. The new htc hero phones from orange already come with .66 rom. I got the code from htccode.com at 13.38
 
So to confirm, I do not need to install the modaco rom to unlock my Orange HTC hero, i just need to download the official update, and buy the code?
 
Hi
Thx for great explain, however i don't have any accsess to the phone due to Oarnge UK lock - and i have no Orange UK sim
Is there any option to flash the rom with no phone access

Thx a lot
 
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