SX66 Standardization Extended ROMS

What is the Extended ROM??

The extended ROM is a collection of files typically provided by the cellular provider to customize the SX66 with applications and settings that allow the phone to work properly on the provides network.  These files get installed into a hidden and locked folder called \Extended_ROM. During a hard reset, the SX66 executes the files this folder. Using the Extended ROM Tools, available below, you can unhide, and unlock this folder, to allow you to modify the files.

Why would I want to change these files??

There are three main reasons to update the Extended ROM.

1. The Extended ROM is a good place to include patches to the SX66 OS.  Microsoft continues to release updates to the OS beyond the System version build.  These are released as patches, and become available from different sources world wide.
2. HTC continues to update the applications that come with the Blue Angel.  Again, these updates are available from different world wide sources.
3. The customization work that was done by Cingular is just plain ugly.  Multiple files, massive overlap, inconsistencies...  What did you guys do? Outsource this??

 

How do I know what to put in there??

This is where the standardization project really kicks in.  With the realization that not everyone has a degree in computer science, the idea was to come up with a standard set of files, and instructions that allow anyone to update their phone to a tested, stable level.  Myself and many volunteers put together sets of files that can be downloaded for free and installed on to your phone to give you the most up to date experience on the SX66 possible.

Which Version do I want??

The version numbers of the Extended ROM for this project can be broken into two sets, the Major and Minor sets.  The Major set consists of the first 3 digits, i.e. 1.40 is the Major set in 1.40.125.  The Major set must match the Major set for the system ROM you are running.  For example, if you are running System 1.40.00, you want to use an Extended ROM that has a Major set of 1.40.  The Minor set consists of the last 3 digits, i.e. 125 is the minor set in 1.40.125.  The Minor set is a version I set to help delineate one release from another.  The larger the number, the more recent the release.

The most current release of the Extended ROM is 1.40.125.  It is available in two versions, Cingular, and T-mobile, depending on which network you use your SX66 on.  The release includes the following:

• The latest Blue Tooth patches to the 3900 build in System 1.40.00, including the latest patch for the Jaber BT800
• GSM Band Selection capability
• The latest WiFi Driver, and WiFi manager
• HTC Album v2.51 Build 18454 with the picture editor enabled
• ClearVue PDF/PPT Viewer v2.41.386
• Java MIDlet Manager 2.0 v10.1.2.57 Build 20040705 (For playing Java based games)
• HTC Caller ID v1.20 Build 17957 (The version that fixes the GPRS not reconnecting issue)
• SX66 Standardization Project Splash Screens, and default Blue Angel Today screen.
• Magic Button v1.8 Build 50213 (Task Manager)
• Total Commander v2.0 (File Manager)
• Battery Watch v1.02 (Battery Monitor)

If you'd like to read the build notes for the beta testing process, they are available here.

Where do I start??

First thing to do is to download the Extended ROM Cooking Instructions below.  It is in PDF form, and provides a step by step set of instructions on how to upgrade the Extended ROM.

Extended ROM Cooking Instructions

Extended ROM Tools

Pre-Cooked Extended ROMs

Other "Nifty" Tools