Need help themeing a new v3re

[Cornflake]

Hi everyone,

My mom just got a new replacement v3re phone (the last one she had was a v3r) and I have some questions for you guys. Using P2K Commander and M-Explorer 0.9.6m, I was able to copy all of the old files / pictures from the old phone onto the new one. But I have a couple problems:

First of all, of course AT&T tookover Cingular and replaced all of the skins on the phone. All of them absolutely suck IMO (The black 'vista-ish' one sucks a little less, but still sucks), and I was hoping to put the original blue theme "Called 'Moto'" back on the phone as she liked it much better. The only files I found related to the skins where a bunch of .dat files and a .ski file. I copied them over to the correct directory and I can choose them on the skins menu. However, when it changes to that skin nothing happens. It;s the same with the other two skins I copied over from the original v3r.

My question is, how can I get them working? Do I need to use a program like Theme Manager v0.0.7 (http://www.modmymoto.com/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=15221) to do this, so it can "activate" the skins? Thanks for your help.

One more question: I copied over some images (like emotes and what not) from the v3r to v3re and they show up as being "corrupted" (which I'm almost certain they're not)... did AT&T add some kind of security feature so even if I manually copy the files from the old phone I can't use them?

- Thanks! :thumbsup:

[modnmotos]

Not exactly sure what your looking for, but I use MotoSkin_v0.1.7 to alter skins. Drag dat and ski files to temp folder on desktop using mexplorer, then use motoskin to alter.

If you wanting to use skin from v3r try this:
Use mexplorer to drag all skin files from v3r into folder on desktop, then rename each one.
Example:
(v3r)-"Black1.dat" rename to "Glow1.dat"
(v3r)-"Black.ski" rename to "Glow.ski".....
Then when all are renamed drag all the renamed Glow files from folder on computer to Glow folder in the skin folder on the v3re.

Also there are LOTS of cool skins that are way better than the stock ones try some of them. Atleast download them and open to see what wallpapers look like, something she likes then install the skin.

Hope this helps. Disclaimer-I have not worked with v3r so not sure this will work, however from what Ive seen the v3r and v3re are not all that much different, this is just something to try. And always with any mods make sure you backup phone before you alter it so you can it back to the way you had it, should your mod not work.

Not sure about the emots are they the same size and format of the ones on the v3re? Are they named in the same manner as the ones on the v3re? Maybe the v3re will only store so many. Are they in the correct folder on the v3re? Sounds like a size or format issue though. I dont like emots and deleted all for more room on phone so have not worked with emots.
Sorry, but hope rest of this helps.

[Cornflake]

Ok, thanks. So you're saying rename the old v3r skins to the theme name of the v3re and copy them over?

And the emots are probably not the same name / size / format that must be why they are not showing up.

[modnmotos]

Let me know if you need more help. I also used this method with the skins in the download section of mmm. And instead of typing thanks you can always hit the thanks button.

[Cornflake]

Arg, Okay I renamed the Moto files to Alkali as you suggested, and replaced them (backing them up before, of course). However, upon restarting the phone it's simply flashing white and then black after the AT&T startup sign. It's like it's trying to turn on but can't.

Can I 'Hard' reset the phone to factory defaults? Because my mom uses her phone every day and will KILL me if I can't get it working. I'll look in the instruction manual and see.

P.S. I'm shocked this could happen when trying to use a theme from a previous sub-version of a phone!
P.P.S. I couldn't seem to find MotoSkin in the download section...

[Danation]

First order of business is to unbrick the phone. Skins don't matter much when you can't start the thing.

If you backed up the phone beforehand, you should try flashing that backup back onto the phone.

If you didn't back up... have you taken a look at the unbricking guide (it's a sticky)? I recommend looking through the whole thread since it has a lot of useful additions throughout.

Whatever you do, post what the result is.

[Cornflake]

No, I didn't backup the whole phone (Just the skin I tried to replace; what's the worst that could happen, right? Lol). I looked at the guide and I'm a bit confused. Do I try each step if the previous one doesn't work... or must I do all four?

It said "force bootloader mode by pressing * + # then put battery in", well what good is pressing buttons if the phone has no battery? I tried and nothing happened. I guess now the next step is spending the rest of tonight figuring out how to flash the phone...

P.S. I'm having trouble finding 'RSD Lite'

Ok, update:

I successfully un-bricked my phone using the guide. However, it now has the default Moto firmware + Tmobile stuff (ie the browser, icons, and the default ringtone are Tmobile themed).

Do you guys know where I can download the stock AT&T v3re firmware? Also, why did I need to flash three files and use two different programs?
- Thanks

[Danation]

Last thing's first. To find RSD Lite, you'll have to google it. Nobody here can post a link to it or even tell you exactly where to find it (because it's warez), but it's not very hard to find, trust me.

Ok, the guide is telling you to flash several files in that order. Be careful, though, and find out what the specific files are. For example, one I believe is a locked T-mobile MP, but you should use an AT&T or at least an unlocked MP to avoid locking the phone to T-mobile. That's why I was suggesting you read all of the posts.

As for the next question, press and hold the * and # keys WHILE putting the battery in. That will force bootloader mode (I haven't had to try it, but that's what he's saying.)

I'm not extremely experienced, but here's what my understanding of flashing is. Definition: Replacing a file with a modified file that is not related to the phone's main firmware (or something like that.) Practice: Use F&B3 or RSD Lite to put stuff on your phone. There are a multitude of guides about flashing and connecting, etc.

Well, I hope that helps a little, at least. Read some more, try some more stuff, and post any results or questions you have.

Update: Shoot, I didn't post soon enough. You may now be locked to T-mobile. Can you call and/or text? If not, that's bad news. If so, you'll need to call up AT&T and get the code to unlock the phone. In the mean time, check the downloads section for stock AT&T MPs.

[Cornflake]

Well, I think I found the stock AT&T firmware here (http://www.modmymoto.com/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=7439) (unlocked apparently). Trying... YES! It works, stock AT&T firmware! Thanks for all of your help and suggestions on the topic. I would have read the whole thread had I known you could lock your phone to the wrong network if you're not careful. I thought that I'd try it out and read the thread *if* I had problems (No thanks to the OP not mentioning anything about which brand the firmware was). But luckily everything is back to normal now.

*EDIT* Okay, I figured out why the Moto skin would not work. It was corrupted! I tried to open the Moto skin with MotoSkin v0.1.8 and discovered the Ski file was corrupted. I stumbled upon a thread on these forums (I will post link when I find it again) and someone attached their Moto skin from a v3m. I copied it over, and it works great! I guess that teaches me a lesson about using the (rather crappy) P2K Commander. The skins works well except the menu icon in the center is a bit glitchy.

If anyone here has their v3r skins (Moto, Scarlet, and Silver) I'd be extremely greatful if you could upload them to me.

[Danation]

Hey, I'm glad it's working again (so not locked to T-Mobile or anything, right?)

I don't know much about skins yet, though, sorry. Learning about skinning is on my to do list, lol.

[Cornflake]

Nope, everything is fine. I just edited my post above to include some more details, right at the same time you posted :P

[modnmotos]

Sorry Cornflake for any heart attacts or murmurs that you might have had. Thankyou Danation for helping him you walked him through it quite nicely. Yes that happened to me in the begining as well, but as you did, I did the same restore with no ill effects.(other than that sick feeling in your stomach untill you realize your phone is back to normal). Glad to see you found everything ok if not I couldve got a stock at&t shx to ya. That only happened one time and Ive used that method lots and lots of times to try diff skins. When deleting skins you always have to keep that alkili skin, phone needs it to startup, maybe leave that one alone in the future and use the disco or glow names instead. I cant believe I did it again, left out the most important advice of all. Maybe that will be my part of the new sigy "Remember always backup entire phone with fb3 before modding...." or something like that. I believe I downloaded motoskin from the dl section, Its only 500 or so kb, pm me with email Ill send it to ya. Dont know why moto skin didnt work send it to me when we exchange emails Ill see if I can get it to work for ya.

[Danation]

Oh, good. I was worried about that. Glad you're all fixed up. Hope you can find the skins. As I said, I haven't worked with skinning yet.

[modnmotos]

Cool and I didnt know that either that you could lock your phone to the wrong network, so r u saying that you could nt flash again with diff back to your network?

[Danation]

Well, that was my understanding, but it looks like I was wrong.

So far, I haven't bricked my phone yet, so I only know from others' experience.

However, I am positive that an unlocked phone will become locked again if you flash a locked MP. And flashing an unlocked MP won't unlock it again.

Looks like I was just off on the details. But I'm happy to be wrong :) or else Cornflake and many others would be in trouble.

[modnmotos]

Plus now that Im thinkn bout it I thought the only way to unlock phone was to get the code 'phone specific' from your provider? I konw these mps were saying unlocked but I thought they ment diff.

[Danation]

Well, I'm positive flashing a locked MP (the third link on the unbricking guide is a locked T-mobile MP) will lock your phone if it's unlocked.

The lock code is definitely phone specific, but I'm pretty sure who it's locked to isn't specific.

Maybe if your phone is already locked, it won't change who it's locked to. Maybe that's why the locked MP works fine in the unlocking guide.

[modnmotos]

Help me understand please or correct me if Im wrong.

1st "Well, I'm positive flashing a locked MP (the third link on the unbricking guide is a locked T-mobile MP) will lock your phone if it's unlocked."
I Agree with first part of statement, but will it lock to T-mob or who your provider is?


2nd "The lock code is definitely phone specific, but I'm pretty sure who it's locked to isn't specific."
If this is true then out of the box from at&t I can use with T-mob? Then why need to unlock to use with other carriers? Like when going to diff country.


3rd "Maybe if your phone is already locked, it won't change who it's locked to. Maybe that's why the locked MP works fine in the unlocking guide.
Then why advertise mp's as (at&t) or (t-mob)?

Disclaimer: Im no expert just trying to understand. Oh ya make sure you alwas backup entire phone with fb3.


(lol)

[Danation]

I'm also no expert, but I'll give this my best shot.

1st. Well, before I thought it would lock it to a specific provider.

But cornflake was with AT&T, flashed a locked T-Mobile MP onto it (which I thought was certain doom), and then flashed an unlocked AT&T MP back onto the phone and apparently it worked.

2nd. Good point, lol.

3rd. Also good point. I think I may have the answer to that below.

Ok......... here's my new thinking. Maybe it's like this:

If you have an AT&T locked phone and then you flash a locked T-Mobile MP, maybe it's still locked to AT&T, because you never unlocked it. So flashing it back to stock AT&T would work. Maybe that's why cornflake's worked.

But if you had an unlocked phone and you were with AT&T and flashed a locked T-Mobile MP, then you'd be locked to T-Mobile.

And even if an MP is unlocked, people use provider specific features on their phone (such as My Faves,) so that's one reason why the original provider is stated in MP descriptions.

I think that's right.... what do you think?

[modnmotos]

Uh oh is this issue going to bring our glorious partnership/ our brotherhood in modding to an end? (lol) na, but...

What Im kinda hinting at (from what Ive seen including post from dumba) is a phone can only be unlocked with the providers code, 'phone spec (ime)'
or
Select few pay sites which are costly and not reliable.
or
thought I saw a post of how to do it if you make a hole in your phone, then scratch a deep grove into main board inside phone, then use a soildering iron to melt some leads. Which is the dumbest thing Ive ever heard and LMAO when reading it. You dont know what else your melting and now you have an ugly hole in your phone!

""But cornflake was with AT&T, flashed a locked T-Mobile MP onto it (which I thought was certain doom), and then flashed an unlocked AT&T MP back onto the phone and apparently it worked."" If it worked then it worked so once its locked its locked.
So if your wanting to unlock your phone it will never be able to be done through Software uploads/or flashing(mp's) Also if phone is LOCKED then who cares if mp's are locked or unlocked its not going to make any difference right. And if my phone is unlocked why mess around with mp's and taking a chance of accidently locking it to a diff provider. Make your own modds or install the specific skin you see in the mp that you like. Catch my drift?

Also Im not exactly sure everyones on the same page as far as what unlocking really is.

[Dumba]

Its nice to be quoted, lol. Guys, you two are the far most experienced modders for the v3re here at the moment. Whatever I say, counts for all sorts of other Motrola phones, I don't have a v3re. So whatever you two find out, is gospel for me. Not the other way round, don't believe what I say, believe what you find out. I am the quoter of your posts, and not the quoted, hahaha.
Keep it going, its very good stuff, :thumbsup:

[Danation]

Peace, not war :) lol

Modnmotos, I think we're actually on the same page, but misunderstanding each other's posts.

You bring up a good point. What exactly is locking and unlocking? It seems to me that unlocking a phone will allow you to use another provider's network and/or SIM card. Locking will only allow you to use a certain network. Am I incorrect on this?

Yes, I agree: A phone can only be unlocked with the code or some pay sites or the TP method (but I've never actually heard of that working on a v3re.) I know that other phone models have been unlocked with software, but so far there's nothing that will work with the v3re. I also agree that flashing an unlocked MP won't unlock your phone.

Actually, everything on your post I agree with, except a minor detail which I'll get to in a sec. So.... I'm not sure what we're disagreeing about. I think we're on the same page.

My only (minor) disagreement with your post is about using other people's MPs. If you've paid to get the code for your phone, it doesn't matter if somebody else's MP locked your phone. You can just unlock it again with the code.

But yeah, honestly, I think we're agreeing about almost everything, lol.

Dumba: Thanks for the compliment. I'm loving learning all of this modding :) I confess, though, that I'm not fully up on the locking/unlocking issue, so if you've got any more info that Modnmotos and I don't know, straighten us out, lol.

[modnmotos]

No no we are not disagreeing Just chat between friends, and I didnt mean us Im talking about people in these post talking about my mp is locked or I have an unlocked mp. It just causes confusion with all these people trying to mod their phones. Trying to shed light on the issue! It just doesnt matter cause like I said if its locked its locked and your point is perfect:
If you've paid to get the code for your phone, it doesn't matter if somebody else's MP locked your phone. You can just unlock it again with the code.
Hopefully this post will enlighten people as to what 'locked' is. And the same here:

Dumba: Thanks for the compliment. I'm loving learning all of this modding I confess, though, that I'm not fully up on the locking/unlocking issue, but starting to get a handle on it. So if you've got any more info straighten us out, lol.

[Danation]

Oh ok. Glad we're in agreement. :)

No kidding about confusion. When I started modding a couple of months ago, it took me forever to understand what the heck people were talking about some of the time. I think in the guides section we need a "basics for the noob" guide posted right at the top. And then each phone should have a "for noobs" guide.

And now that I think about it, I think there should be a v3re section in the Guides. Know what I mean?

[modnmotos]

I AGREE
I know its close to v3r, but it is a V3re and they have various V3 phones listed why not have a V3re section!
:D

[Danation]

Yeah, there are enough differences to make a new section, I'm thinking. I think I'll post in the guides section. I'm hoping that I'll be able to convince someone to make it. Any suggestions for convincing arguments?

[modnmotos]

Yes how about:

ITS A V3RE!

NOT A V3, V3R, V3X, V3XXX, V3I........

lol

[Dumba]

I can't add sections to our wiki, but the Admins can. So if we would have a collection of guides, I am sure I can get a v3re section in the guides. Just I can't write the guides, lol, that is what you would have to do.

[Danation]

How many guides would we need to start a section? We could write some of the ones we already know but aren't written in the form of a guide yet.

The get connected and seem editing guides should be pretty standard (though I may want to rewrite the seem editing guide for the updated P2kTools.)

The back up guide doesn't need much changing, just a little tweaking.

There's showing the hidding files in the /a/ directory with the filecache patch.

We've got jklong3's guide for switching out the hellomoto screen.

We've got my guide on remapping keys.

Modnmotos is always willing to simplify guides that are stretched through a multitude of posts. I liked his guide on changing the provider text.

The cl.gif on the go guide is the same for the v3re.

Lol, it wouldn't be hard to write an unlocking guide, seeing as there's only a couple of real ways to make it work.

Honestly, between modnmotos and me, we could write up a lot of good guides. Maybe one of us could write it and have the other add in some relevant details.

So back the the main question. How many more should we put together before the admins will give us a section? Need anything specific? I'd REALLY like to see a v3re section.

[Dumba]

I don't know if there is a certain number of guides we need. I'll just ask them, lol.

[Danation]

Sweet, thanks! I'm excited about this.

[modnmotos]

Email me with what you think we need Ill compile what i have and send it to you. Then what ever needs to be wrote you can write and Ill simplify, or give me a general outline I whip a quick guide, or you can run with it, Ill sugest tweeks. What ever is needed you know Im there!

[Danation]

Absolutely. I'll do some research and compile a list of things we have and things we need and I'll get back to you.

[modnmotos]

My ISP gives free webpage and setup with my service, so Im going to leave and try getting that working. Maybe we can use that for compiling what we need also.

[Danation]

Sounds good.