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Help CSC numbers/versions and Choosing Firmwares

Hello,

I got my Ace in the UK and it says it doesn't support Arabic. I looked for Arabization methods, and I found one that says it supports all Froyo 2.2.1 EXCEPT Galaxy Ace.

Therefore, a possible option is to flash to one of the Arabic Firmware ROMS found on samfirmware.com, but each ROM has a CSC number next to it, and that should match the CSC number for the phone, which, to my understaing are baseband markers. So if the phone is locked to a network, I could get trouble?

The question is, do we just ignore those? Or do they mean there is some kind of a signature in the phone that does not allow the phone to accept particular firmwares or encodings, etc.

Because, honestly, I do not get how something like text encoding and libs has anything to do with hardware issues: (e.g. works on all Froyo except Samsung Galaxy Ace)



What are the caveats of choosing the wrong rom?

Can I backup my entire ROM from my phone, because it's an 02 phone and I don't know which is the default ROM I need to install in case of emergency.


My phone is:
Baseband version: S5830XXKA6
Build number: FROYO.XWKAA
Kernel version 2.6.32.9-perf
root@DELL91 #1
 
Hi, I flashed the Gingerbread 2.3.3 to my phone using Odin. That was a multi-file archive.

Now I'm trying to revert back to Froyo 2.2.1, so I tried to flash the Arabic firmware found on samfirmware.com using Odin too. This is a one-package file.

I flashed it with Odin, and the phone was a real brick this time. Won't even boot or light up or show any signs of life.

Fortunately, I could start it up in download mode again (after removing and replacing the battery), so I flashed the 2.3.3 back into it and it's working.





The question is, why did it not even boot? Do CSC's and region numbers and stuff like that have anything to do with it?

Also, are there any caveats for reverting back to 2.2.1? (I don't know what the update does inside the phone).
How do I revert (safely) back to 2.2.1 (Arabic if possible). What do I have to be wary of?

Thanks.
 
Hi, I flashed the Gingerbread 2.3.3 to my phone using Odin. That was a multi-file archive.

Now I'm trying to revert back to Froyo 2.2.1, so I tried to flash the Arabic firmware found on samfirmware.com using Odin too. This is a one-package file.

I flashed it with Odin, and the phone was a real brick this time. Won't even boot or light up or show any signs of life.

Fortunately, I could start it up in download mode again (after removing and replacing the battery), so I flashed the 2.3.3 back into it and it's working.

The question is, why did it not even boot? Do CSC's and region numbers and stuff like that have anything to do with it?

Also, are there any caveats for reverting back to 2.2.1? (I don't know what the update does inside the phone).
How do I revert (safely) back to 2.2.1 (Arabic if possible). What do I have to be wary of?

Thanks.
from ryan
you have to take out your sim card and sd cards before you flash with new firmware. remember to off your computer firewall and antivirus during the update firmware. i have that problem too. after i off both firewall and antivirus the firmware was updated. hope this will help you.
 
I have no problem with the flashing process itself. No firewalls or connection interruptions. The SDCARD and SIM are obviously out.

I understand the problem I am currently having (not being able to boot the older version) has to do with the bootloader.

It seems like the bootloader is updated with 2.3.3, and doesn't revert back to 2.2.1's bootloader with a new flashing process, and it seems that the 2.3.3's bootloader does not boot.. well, anything else.

I believe my current solution is to revert the bootloader somehow back to the older version.

How do I do that?
(just re-partition in Odin, or update a particular .PIT, ????)

And after I do that, I still have the same question in the main thread unanswered:

What bearing does the CSC number or anything else relating to the region where I bought my phone from have on the firmware version that I can install?
 
I have no problem with the flashing process itself. No firewalls or connection interruptions. The SDCARD and SIM are obviously out.

I understand the problem I am currently having (not being able to boot the older version) has to do with the bootloader.

It seems like the bootloader is updated with 2.3.3, and doesn't revert back to 2.2.1's bootloader with a new flashing process, and it seems that the 2.3.3's bootloader does not boot.. well, anything else.

I believe my current solution is to revert the bootloader somehow back to the older version.

How do I do that?
(just re-partition in Odin, or update a particular .PIT, ????)

And after I do that, I still have the same question in the main thread unanswered:

What bearing does the CSC number or anything else relating to the region where I bought my phone from have on the firmware version that I can install?

hi there
from what i see from your feedback. re partition in odin mean you are using the old odin loader. need to download the new odin loader. another problem it must be causes by the one package file you download. I only manage to find S5830JPKA7 from the net for arabic firmware that don't come in one package file that have 2.2.1 bootloader.i need to down the all the file bottom.
Cooper file MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service
Odin multi loader 4.38 MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service
S5830JPKA7 http://www.filesonic.com/file/688148671/S5830JPKA7.rar
After you install the new odin multi loader
start the new odin multi loader
add those files into the programme.
OPS
 
hi there
from what i see from your feedback. re partition in odin mean you are using the old odin loader. need to download the new odin loader. another problem it must be causes by the one package file you download. I only manage to find S5830JPKA7 from the net for arabic firmware that don't come in one package file that have 2.2.1 bootloader.i need to down the all the file bottom.
Cooper file MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service
Odin multi loader 4.38 MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service
S5830JPKA7 http://www.filesonic.com/file/688148671/S5830JPKA7.rar
After you install the new odin multi loader
start the new odin multi loader
add those files into the programme.
OPS
 
Hi. I am using Odin 4.38 which does not have re-partition option.

I was asking whether I should have re-partition because I did not know what this option does, and I thought if it's required to remove the old bootloader I can get Odin 3 or EZodin which do support it. Basically, I'm trying to figure out how to reset my bootloader as I suspect it to be the problem. (I will elaborate a little bit on my case below).

If it's a problem with the one-package file, then I will try the multiple file FW. I appreciate your efforts for providing links and uploading to Mediafire, however, this University network I'm on blocks every file-hosting website (for traffic and copywrite issues), and it also blocks torrent. I have two ways of downloading this:

Either suffer myself to find a home-network (yes, you guessed it right. I do not currently have internet at home for myself) to use, or if anyone is willing to direct-transfer this for me (either a personal-website hosting, or file-transfer on messenger) then I will truly appreciate it.

Otherwise, you'll just have to wait for a while before I update on how it went.



In the meantime, I will elaborate on what's going on:
Of course, Flashing 2.3.3 works perfectly, but when flashing 2.2.1 (S5830JPKC2_OJPKC1_JXKC1) the process on Odin goes until it reaches "closing COM and waiting for reboot".

The phone turns off and never turns on again. When the green bar with the timer reaches the end, Odin gives PASS, but the phone hasn't even booted or lighted up, or showed any light anyway!!!

As for the phone: dead. Nothing. No signs of anything. Even if I remove the battery and try to turn it on again, not even the two touch buttons will have their LED lights on. Nothing.

The only thing it will do is get into Download mode, or RAMDMP - ARM9 mode (which I don't know what's it's for).

This is where I am. Right now I'm on rootless 2.3.3 with no internet access (thanks to University proxy settings) and all I can use this for is make calls and make notes (Thank God, at least something!)


I do understand from your replies that CSC numbers and region-specific phones are things I do not have to worry about.

I'll update when I can put my hands on the other file.
 
Okay! I had my friend download it for me, and the file worked. Flashed well and booted and everything was normal, and I have just been through the experience of going backwards.

In order not to make this thread all about me and to share useful experience with people, I'll write my notes and observations.

Pay attention that this is for Samsung Galaxy Ace (GT-S5830):

====

First of all. Concerning the title of the topic of the thread:
If you were, like me, worried about CSC numbers and region-compatilibility, FORGET IT. It's a children's boogybear that does not exist. Just choose a firmware you want and install it. (Even though I'd still be wary of having what I heard people call a hardware-locked bootloader. In this case, be careful.)

=====

Second, about the ARABIC firmware itself:

It has a partially Arabized menus. (which i don't care about anyway, I use my phone in English), and it has full support of Arabic script in CONNECTED letters, which is what's missing in every other firmware.
SMS read and send in Arabic.
File names are recognized.
Contacts. Check.
Notes. Check.
Browsing and gmail. Check.

I didn't check the right-to-left alignment problem that every Arabic user complains about. I'm still busy frolicking about having script working.

MP3 tags were recognized in Music player, but NOT ALL OF THEM.
This might have something to do with what software I used to write the tags in, as different software use different encoding. (iTunes vs Windows' file property window)


========

APPLICATIONS

The Arabic version is designed specifically for the United Arab Emirates. This is what it says in langauge choice.
The software comes with some Islamic software: a Quran reader, an Athan timer, and a Qibla direction applications... While I think this is cool, being a Muslim myself, I think this is a little inconsiderate for non-Muslim Arabs who prefer to have a choice. And I would install 3rd-party applications anyway because they are much better. The country/city settings for these 3 applications only list a small number of countries which Samsung must have considered "Islamic", which I think is racist, and does damange to the diversity of most countries, and to the global spread of Islam. So I'm a Muslim and I'm in the UK. I don't get my settings? etc.

I would certainly want to remove those applications and install my own. They're just not good



Most importantly, the firmware loses the ANDROID MARKET application! It has a "S-Android" (Samsung-Android) market application, and a "Slide ME / SAM 4.0" application which is another market/repository thing. I want the android market app which was on the European version of FroYo.

The "Samsung Apps" is also there, so notice that these 3 are not the same.

I want the Android Market back. :(
========

FIRMWARE EXPERIENCE

You must know by now that the one-file package S5830JPKC2 did not boot at all.
The multiple file packageS5830JPKA7, however, was a great faultless success.

I did not notice anything better when I updated from European 2.2.1 to the leaked 2.3.3. But as I have just downgraded to the Arabic 2.2.1, I notice there's a general slowness in responsivity which is not very pleasing. I cannot be sure it's a Version Build problem (all 2.2.1's are like that) or just the particular one that I have (only Arabic 2.2.1 is like that). It shouldn't be that big of a deal anyway.

As I rooted with SuperOneClick 1.9.1. The root worked, but it seems like I could not install many packages. Titanium Backup (installed from .APK file) worked, but upon restoration attempt gave me the message "Could not parse package". Same message came from S-ANDROID app upon trying to install Angry Birds.

I updated BusyBox from within Titanium Backup, and the restoration of Apps worked.
HOWEVER, not all my personal data was back. No Contacts. No SMS. No Notes. No Logs. Only Calendar was restored as far as I could tell.

========

UI DIFFERENCES are scarce.

2.3.3 shows you the battery charge % on Lockscreen when charging.
2.3.3 LAGS when locking or unlcoking your phone, for about a second:

This is what happens:
When waking up, the pixels of the screen will wake up but the LED backlighting will lag for a second. The result is that you'll have to wait for that second.
When going to standby (push power button once) the LED will turn off immediate but the pixels will stay on for another second. Practically doesn't bother, but noteworthy as this is supposed to be an "update".

2.2.1 (I'm talking about the Arabic version now, as I did not pay any attention to this while I was on European 2.2.1) LAGS LIKE A SORRY B*ATCH while scanning Media is in progress. Makes me wonder what effect that has on multitasking, or tasking while having to read something from the phone's different memories.



Significantly, while users around the world complain about androids lack of support for different proxy settings, an ordeal that forces many people to root and install 3rd party applications, the update actually REMOVES any trace of proxy support the older version has.

2.2.1 has proxy host and port fields in the WIFI's Advanced Settings, which only affects the browser and not any other applications anyway.
2.3.3 has NOTHING of the like. They decided, in the update, that people's complaints are not worthy and that we'll do things our way no matter where people are using their phones.

For those who don't know what this is about: if you're in a corporate network (company, University, etc.) you'll have to enter their own proxy settings to use the net. %99.98 of corporates around the world proxify their networks. That means you can't use your phone in any of these. I for example, could not use it in university. What good is it without internet? The only solution is 3rd party applications. 3rd party applications will only do this with ROOT access. If you have no internet anyway, how the hell are you going to get root anyway? Ordeal!

=======

Conclusions:

Referring to the date of this post

1. If you're thinking whether you want to try the new 2.3.3 on your Samsugn Galaxy Ace, it's not worth it. Wait until there is a working root that is guaranteed and then update.

2. If you need Arabic on your phone, flash S5830JPKA7 NOT S5830JPKC2.That is the easiest method.

Using Arabization methods on my European 2.2.1 killed boot.


3. Do not worry about CSC and region compatibility. Firmwares install and flash regardless of where your phone has been designed for.

=======

That is now too much, I'll just shut up and post.
Thanks a lot wchryan for your help and support. You're the man.
 
Hey guys,

This thread seems to have the elaborate discussion on 2.3.3 and 2.2.1 version of Android. I got my Galaxy Ace a week back. First thing that i have done is that i bought a new 8 GB SD Card, in that started downloading the apps and games from Android market and uploaded some music files and pictures.. My phone came with 2.2.1 version (I bought it in Hyderabad, India). Things went smooth so far so good till my phone battery is dead.. I Charged the phone and was :eek: to see that all my apps were disappeared.. All the disappeared apps were seeming greyed out in the application manager tool..

I figured that the apps are getting stored in the memory card by default and once mobile switched off/on or unmount/mount memory card all apps were getting disappeared..

To my surprise photos that i took on the mobile were also not viewable and when i transfer them to my laptop even there they were not getting opened.. Same is the case with music file.. :(.. thought upgrading to 2.3.3 will solve my problem and done that.. but still that is also of no use.. I feel there has to be partition problem with the SD card.. Can any one help me on this.. I am really :mad:.. Its not even a month since i got the mobile and facing problem..
 
Hey guys,

This thread seems to have the elaborate discussion on 2.3.3 and 2.2.1 version of Android. I got my Galaxy Ace a week back. First thing that i have done is that i bought a new 8 GB SD Card, in that started downloading the apps and games from Android market and uploaded some music files and pictures.. My phone came with 2.2.1 version (I bought it in Hyderabad, India). Things went smooth so far so good till my phone battery is dead.. I Charged the phone and was :eek: to see that all my apps were disappeared.. All the disappeared apps were seeming greyed out in the application manager tool..

I figured that the apps are getting stored in the memory card by default and once mobile switched off/on or unmount/mount memory card all apps were getting disappeared..

To my surprise photos that i took on the mobile were also not viewable and when i transfer them to my laptop even there they were not getting opened.. Same is the case with music file.. :(.. thought upgrading to 2.3.3 will solve my problem and done that.. but still that is also of no use.. I feel there has to be partition problem with the SD card.. Can any one help me on this.. I am really :mad:.. Its not even a month since i got the mobile and facing problem..

try reformat your sd card. another problem it must be your sd card have spoilt.
 
I have formatted SD many times.. through my laptop and through my mobile as well... But it is of no use.. Is there is any way that we can find out the condition of the SD Card.. I am using Kingston 8GB Class 4 SD Card (if it is of any use..)
 
Have you tried a different SD card? From your description, it could pretty much be the card.

The update itself has no bearing on this issue. If 2.2.1 is doing that, it's not an OS problem.

Try a different card, borrow from a friend if you must. If that solves the problem, you have a card problem. If it's the same, try your card on somebody else's phone. If it works there, you have a phone problem, return it.

Good luck.
 
hi king_roach, sorry to ask this, have you manage to flash from your S5830JPKA7 (after downgrade from GB to FROYO) to other FROYO FW which has one package file?
 
Hi abgtotti, sorry for the late reply but I'm busy writing essays for school.


The one-file package which I first tried didn't boot.
The one which worked was a multi-file one.

After that, I never flashed anything into my phone. Like I said, busy writing essays.

Sorry. Hope that helps.
 
Been trying to find any topic regarding downgrading from 2.3 gingerbread to 2.2 Froyo

Hope that works will try it and get back and advice

Thanks anyway :)
 
Been trying to find any topic regarding downgrading from 2.3 gingerbread to 2.2 Froyo

Hope that works will try it and get back and advice

Thanks anyway :)

I have tried it.. I flashed back to a european multifile version of the firmaware and then flashed my phone with the one package firmware.. So far i've had no problems..
 
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