The Nokia N75 is a new-ish Symbian OS phone released through an initially-exclusive deal with AT&T in the States. A flip-phone, which is rather unusual for Nokia, the N75 shares much in common with the N76, which is also a clamshell but a more obvious direct RAZR competitor (if not a RAZR knock-off.)
The N75 has the advantage of being a Quad-Band GSM phone, which means it'll work in all overseas GSM markets, plus having the UMTS 2100 band for North American 3G support. (It lacks some of the competing phones' higher-speed HSPDA support, but for most uses UMTS should be just fine.)
Since I first started using Nokia Symbians, the Finnish company has split their line of smartphones between Enterprise E-Series and Consumer N-Series. The former is where you'll find Blackberry-style form factors, whereas the latter is where you'll find music-focused phones -- as well as high-end gadgets like the N93.
As mentioned, the N75 was initially a Cingular (later AT&T) exclusive. Though Nokia is now selling the North American N75 directly to consumers as an unlocked phone, that option comes with a $400 price tag. A cheaper route is to get the N75 through AT&T, either as a new customer or as an existing subscriber near the end of your contract. This method gives you deals between $179 and completely free, depending on which matrix of rebates and service agreements and middlemen you choose to go through.
There're two downsides to the contract approach, hardware and firmware. The hardware is easiest to see: AT&T's N75s are branded "Cingular" on the outside. Usually some form of either official factory case replacement spare parts are available to fix this, or a knockoff grey-market case appears a few months after the phone becomes popular (these are either reverse-engineered by taking molds of official service parts, or in some cases run on the same factory lines during the night by unscrupulous contractors.)
So much for outward appearances. I haven't actually changed my case yet, but what I have spent some time on is fixing arguably the bigger problem: carrier lock and AT&T-specific firmware. The first of these is a restriction in the phone's firmware that allows only AT&T (and Cingular Orange) SIM cards to function. This restriction is understandable, given the fact that AT&T is 'subsidizing' the price of the phone anywhere from $200-$400 off retail price, in return for grabbing you as a subscriber for one or two years. (Of course, AT&T pays nowhere near full MSRP for the N75, especially since these phones have AT&T-specific firmware, but to the consumer the net effect is a discount off retail price.)
The good news here is twofold: 1) There are several legitimate reasons why you might need to unlock this 'subsidy' restriction, and 2) AT&T is actually pretty responsive about giving you the unlock code, especially for long-time customers (since 2002 in my case.) The main reason people want to unlock the phone is to use local SIM cards, often pre-paid, in countries where they're traveling for long enough periods of time that international roaming becomes cost-prohibitive. So for example if I'm in Helsinki for a week for a conference, I might want to spend $20 on a Finnish SIM card that gives me a phone number in Finland (so Finns can call me without dialing internationally) and great calling rates to Finnish phone numbers. Since phonebooks became richer than SIM cards could handle, most devices store their address books on local memory and so all your contacts are accessible despite the SIM swap. In addition, as people start having more and more agenda and calendar data on their smartphones, keeping all that information around while using a different SIM card is more important than ever.
There are differing reports on how easy it is to get a Subsidy Unlock Code from AT&T, but this may be due to the fact that not very many people travel overseas extensively in proportion to AT&T's large customer base: some Customer Service Representatives may just be unfamiliar with the unlock procedures. I was able to get an unlock code for my N75 very quickly, about 2 days after making the request. Once you type the magic unlock string of digits into the phone, you'll see a message saying the phone is no longer carrier-locked. (At this point, you could technically sell the phone on eBay for slightly less than $400, but I can't really imagine anybody doing this unless you had another phone you wanted to use instead and didn't mind getting locked into a 2-year, $1,500 contract for the sake of a $400 profit.)
This brings us to the second half of the firmware issue, which is replacing the customized "Cingular" software that's installed by default on all AT&T-subsidized N75s. There are a few different schools of thought on what's added by the carrier versus the original phone manufacturer, but the issue basically parallels the issue of "crapware" or "trialware" that tends to load down new PC's purchased from consumer-focused vendors such as HP and Sony. In the case of the N75, AT&T has added a bunch of demo programs that expire after 30 days of use or have similar restrictions. Inexplicably, they've added in a redundant email program, in addition to the excellent IMAP4/POP/APOP client that Nokia ships on Symbian, which comes configured for Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL and Bellsouth. They've also commandeered the "Music" function on the phone, including the three buttons on the front faceplate, to apply only to their Cingular-branded music player and online store. On the plus side, they do ship a nice Symbian-native IM client which works with MSN, AIM and Yahoo. However the phone's "theme", or visual identity, has also been modified to a rather retina-scarring Cingular Orange:
The phone starts up and shuts down with a long, loud trailer movie of "Cingular 3G" signal strength bars flying around like Superman. And finally, the Cingular firmware doesn't support A2DP, the protocol for stereo audio over Bluetooth. This is strange omission for a music-centric phone, but it may just be that this feature made it into a later version of the phone's firmware than Cingular chose to customize.
Luckily, there's a way to get rid of all this Cingular-added stuff and restore the phone back to the way the Finns intended. It does required getting the Subsidy Unlock Code, as I mentioned above -- for some reason this controls some variables which we need to have complete access to. Once you have an unlocked Nokia N75 ready, however, the actual process is not that difficult. First, we're going to need a program called Nemesis Service Suite, which allows you to change some low-level attributes of the phone. In particular, we need to change the Product Code from 0527376 (the subsidized Cingular model) to 0541358 (the Unbranded model.)
To do this, start the software and hit "Scan" if your phone doesn't show up at first. Then press "Read" to get the current values from your phone. Then check the "Enable" box next to "Product Code," which tells the software that it's only that field you want to modify. Type the new code 0541358 into the box, and hit "Write."
Now we have a phone which is electronically indistinguishable from the $400 unlocked model that Nokia will sell you -- and thus we can use all of Nokia's software update tools to bring it up to the most recent firmware version.
Although the phone itself has a Update Firmware Over-the-Air function, this struck me as a potentially bad idea given the 70mb firmware size. Instead, I chose to run Nokia Software Updater, a PC application. (You can choose a similar phone such as the N76 -- all that matters is that you get the program downloaded and installed.) Connect up the Pop-port to USB cable that shipped with the phone:
Sure enough, the program recognized my phone as having firmware 10.1.273 and offered to upgrade it to 10.2.055. The actual download of the 70mb firmware took quite a while (perhaps because the app is set to look for a European server?) but with a full battery charge and a solid data cable connection the result was a clear success:
With the N75 reset to its original identity and functionality, it's all set to accompany me to Uppsala where it will receive a Swedish SIM and thus a local phone number.
ADDENDUM 8/28/2007:
I happened to have two different N75's paired to my MacBook, with different firmware versions (Nokia and AT&T.) Mac OS X 10.4.10 lists the following differences between which Bluetooth profiles are exposed:
| 10.1.273 (Cingular) | 10.2.055 (Nokia) |
| SDP Server | SDP Server |
| AVRCP Target | |
| Hands-Free Audio Gateway | Hands-Free Audio Gateway |
| Headset Audio Gateway | Headset Audio Gateway |
| Audio Source | |
| SyncMLClient | SyncMLClient |
| OBEX File Transfer | OBEX File Transfer |
| Nokia OBEX PC Suite Services | Nokia OBEX PC Suite Services |
| Nokia SyncML Server | Nokia SyncML Server |
| OBEX Object Push | OBEX Object Push |
| Dial-Up Networking | Dial-Up Networking |
| Imaging | Imaging |
The obvious differences are the AVRCP Target and the mysterious "Audio Source" profile. The former lays the groundwork for home audio integration, as well as possibly allowing sophisticated interaction between a phone and a A2DP headset. As for what the "Audio Source" profile is, I have no idea -- OS X Tiger doesn't really support A2DP, so it's unlikely that Apple is just calling it that by another name. If I still had my Leopard install running I could see what that returned... or, perhaps I'll see what a more sophisticated 3rd-party service sniffer can discover about the N75.
One thing to note -- though I'm not a huge fan of carriers doing their own firmware, neither is it the case the Cingular/AT&T necessarily "crippled" the N75 from having A2DP. (I'm sure AT&T stores would love to sell marked-up A2DP headphones with as many phones as possible.) What's more likely is that A2DP was either not ready or too buggy in the firmware that AT&T began work on, and after it was they had the problem of how communicate to customers about esoteric technical things like firmware flashing. In any case, I see A2DP as a 'no-fault' exclusion from the subsidized N75, which nevertheless justifies flashing the phone to the latest and greatest from Finland.
ADDENDUM 1/19/2008:
Just updated my MacBook to Leopard (10.5), which exposes one additional service: SIM Access. This is mainly used for automobiles with Bluetooth integration, to allow you to access your phonebook from the in-dash radio/entertainment system. I don't know if this feature was in the Cingular firmware, but I don't remember seeing the menu to enable it.
Most of the technical information about debranding this phone was discovered and publicized in this thread at HowardForums.
Peter Leonard
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Республика Карелия
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van Coevorden
Hey thanks for such a clear exposition of this process. I had read about it on Howard Forums, but this is the clearest description I have come across. I just received my Subsidy Unlock Code today and the firmware is updating as we speak. I hate crapware, bloatware, and misguided attempts to force consumers to buy only AT&T/Cingular's apps, music, whatever.
I was wondering if once a Cingular branded N75 was converted to the stock Nokia firmware, could it be reversed back to the Cingular firmware, in case there was a problem?
can You please tell me if my jabra bt250v bluetooth will work on my unbranded nokia n75? I unbranded my first one and it did not work. Please let me know about this. Thank you.
Nemesis Service Suite, this suite....i have to have someting to go with it..i take it....i dont under stand..i downloaded it..but its just not a suite..drivers help....me....
On re-branding back to Cingular: I think that theoretically, if Cingular were ever to 'rev' the version of the firmware they supply, you could change the product number back to the original and have it updated. However, I doubt whether Cingular has access to Nokia's firmware update servers -- if there ever were an update, it would probably be a 'stealth' upgrade that wasn't well-known. Sending your phone into a Nokia Service Center, or perhaps an AT&T store, might get you a service technician who could flash it.
On the Jabra: I have a friend with that headset, but I didn't get a chance to test it out before I left for Europe. See my addendum to the post, above, for which new Bluetooth profiles are enabled by the most recent Nokia firmware...
i find your post very informative and i want to do it on my cingular phone. i've downloaded and installed Nemesis service suite v1.0.38.12 problem is every time i try scanning it just give me an error message. i tried re-downloading and reinstalling it but still wont work right. what am i doing wrong? i need your advise.
How did you find the unbranded product code for the N75?
I'm still trying to figure out how to do this.
first of all the nemesis is giving me and error massage. next is, the nokia software update link you posted has no n75 model support. like its not in the nokia update list.
please help.
The unbranded product code was posted in this thread at Howard Forums:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1159044
I believe somebody ran the NSS software in read-only mode on their unbranded N75.
As far as those people having problems with the Nemesis software -- I assume you have the Nokia data cable hooked up to your phone and connected to the USB port? (This cable comes with the phone and plugs into the "pop port.") Before you start up NSS, does the computer recognize the phone? Try installing the PC Suite software from Nokia if you're having driver problems.
Kenneth -- the Software Update application is pretty much the same for all recent Symbian phones, perhaps except for something exotic like the 9x00 series. Just select "N76," which is a very similar phone, from the menu when it asks you.
I looked on nokia's website and it states that the n75 has A2DP (stereo bluetooth) but the cingular version doesn't support this profile according to the user manual. If I update to the nokia firmware will this fix my headset woes?
michael, yes it will.
"They’ve also commandeered the “Music” function on the phone, including the three buttons on the front faceplate, to apply only to their Cingular-branded music player and online store."
I have updated my firmware and now there is a radio icon on my external display. I don't use the radio. Are there ways to change the functionality of the external buttons?
Did you do a reset before doing this, using the reset code mentioned in the forums? I have the phone unlocked, the product code changed, and PC cuite installed, but every time I open Nokia Software Update with my phone plugged in via USB, my phone suddenly disconnects and won't reconnect. I get the USB error sound when plugging in, instead of the normal sound it makes when you plug in a new device, and I got some notice that the N75 service had an error and would be stopped. This has happened on two computers now.
This is a very informative and well organized post about a popular subject. It's amazing how much better my N75 seems since updating. Thank you very much for take the time to convey your experience and research. I have a much better device now.
Everything worked perfect just as its written. AT&T got me the unlock code in less than 24 hrs.
///
Your wonderful explanation of the solution is tempting me try it on my N75. If only I knew how to ask AT&T for unlock code.
Hey I have a question i got my code but i don`t know how to use it can somebody help me with this
I'm hoping you can help me. I followed your instructions and successfully unlocked/unbranded my N75. I did this b/c I was missing a lot of calls due to the 3G/GSM handoff and wanted to turn off the 3G mode altogether. Well, in doing so, my call quality disintigrated dramatically. I've since changed the mode back to dual 3G/GSM and call quality seems to be great in areas where there is strong 3G signal. I'm concerned about how the phone will perform in areas of poor 3G reception.
Have you noticed that the call quality/reception is dramatically worse when turning it to the GSM-only mode?
Hello Peter, I really really appreciate this post. I'm just about to purchase the N75 to serve as a phone/music player and started getting worried when I read all the limitations AT&T has placed on the phone(damn corporate america!!) When installing NSS and it asks you what Service device you will be using after installation, which one do I choose: Virtual USB Device, F1 USB Device, Nemesis USB Multi-Flashing Device, Diamond Protection Device or Prodigy LPT Device. Thanks in advance to your response.
To fkazakov, follow the following instructions to use the unlock code.
This procedure can be done with or without the Att SIM inserted into the
handset
1. # (press the # key, 1 time)
2. P (pause, press the * key 3 times)
3. W (wait, press the * key 4 times)
4. + (press the * key 2 times)
5. Code (enter the code-10digits Older phones or 15digits Newer Phones)
6. + (press the * key 2 times and it should convert to a + sign)
7. 1 (press the 1 key 1 time for phones)
8. # (press the # key 1 time)
Hope this works for you. Haven't personally tried it yet. I'm still waiting to get my N75.
Is it true that AT&T will not give the unlock code unless you are a long time customer, I am planing to buy N75 and unlock it as I keep traveling to Europe. If any one had any simmilar experience please share
Hello Peter! Thanks a lot for information about firmware, but i need more :)) . I cant find NSU v1.3.85, because v1.1.40, what i downloaded from nokia.com cant detect my phone. this is my problem((
I think the directions were excellent. I had been reading post about unlocking and debranding my N75 but was afraid I would mess it up. After reading these instructions and unlocking my phone I was able to debrand it on the first try.
So thank you for the great instructions.
I do have a question also. Now that I have debranded the phone what are some advantages I can use. What applications and tones can I download and where. I started this whole process just to unlock my phone and the more I read I was intrigued to debrand it as well because of freeing up memory. Is there any place I can go that will direct me of what I can do now thats it debranded?
Many Thanks
Wes
Hey i was wondering is N75 a BB5? Can i use a program that unlocks BB5 phones on my Nokia N75? I don't want to call ATT since i've notices that they are not very nice to their customers... (from friends and personal experience)
Hi Peter, fantastic article. Unlocking the N75 works perfectly just as you said. An excellent, well-written tutorial.
hey how 2 get an unlock code 2 unbrand da fne da cingular is nt gvin can ne1 give da unlock code...???
THNQ
Thanks for the tutorial. I love the N75 except for the battery life issue. Unlocking, and re-flashing allowed me to disable the phone from using the 3G network. I don't know why the ATT version disables that option... seems like it would be useful.
I'm thinking about getting an N75, because it appears to be easily 'de-brandable'. My main interest is in getting rid of the irritating AT&T startup screen and rubbish items.
But - to the comment above, can I used 1.1.40 from the Nokia website? If this newer version won't detect the N75, then forget it.
I find the whole cell phone market highly artificial and irritating. Imagine if Dell wouldn't let me remove their 'crapware' from my laptop.
Carriers subsidizing their phones is not a good argument for heavy branding and crippling of phones. That is, unless someone can show me what the subsidy actually is.
The cell phone market is highly artificial. Looking at an AT&T ad and saying, "wow, they discount it by $300 if I sign a 2 year contract" is absurd.
I can't wait to do this procedure. I'm just waiting for my warranty period to expire. Question: will I lose my phone memory doing this procedure? And if so, can I just restore the phone memory from my micro-sd card? Or will that not work? Thanks for the great page.
Hello everyone,
Lots of great information on the N75, good job. I am about to get a N75 next week. Since I have never used ATT in my life will I have to wait a long time to unbrand it? I do not really understand if I need to get an unlock code from them before I try to unbrand. Is it possible to use someone else's unlock code from ATT? Or are they phone specific? Thank you very much in advance for answering my questions!
I just followed the procedures above and I now have an N75 like the one I tried out at the Nokia store. Great instructions. One thing to note: if you have an AT&T branded phone, the product number listed in the Nemesis application will be different than the one listed above for a Cingular phone, but it won't make a difference as long as you enter the correct unbranded model number provided above. The whole process, from unlocking to completion, including all the software downloads, took about 45 minutes.
The AT&T rep on the phone said that the unlock code is typically given as long as you have had the account for longer than 90 days, but she still needed to document what my reason for the request was (to travel, duh).
Just debranded my phone and don't regret it one bit! Its actually alot better and there are more options available in the menus. I was wondering if anyone here has ever had a problem with their phone's battery getting hot. My phone still works fine but i just take out the battery to let it cool down to be on the safe side. This is the second time it happened to me and it was not charging. If it has please let me know if you know what causes it.
well i did same thing.but one problem, it looks like nokia has update its software updater, so when (after making it unbranded with nemesis successfully)when i try to run update it says phone is not recognized, its just a guess that i am running v1.4.0en of nokia software updater, by any chance do you have your v1.3.85en installation files? i would greatly appreciate if you have one and you can share it withme, also if you dont mind, and you have another pc to try would u please try to see if the latest version of nokia software updater recognizes your phone successfully?
i find your post very informative and i want to do it on my cingular phone. i've downloaded and installed Nemesis service suite v1.0.38.12 problem is every time i try scanning it just give me an error message. i tried re-downloading and reinstalling it but still wont work right. what am i doing wrong? i need your advise.
My main problem with the ATT firmware is the slowness of menus. I click a button and it takes forever to resond. Does the Nokia firmware fix this?
well i did same thing.but one problem, it looks like nokia has update its software updater, so when (after making it unbranded with nemesis successfully)when i try to run update it says software cannot be updated and phone shows smart chip registration failed.i am in Pakistan, its just a guess that i am running v1.4.0en of nokia software updater, by any chance do you have your v1.3.85en installation files? i would greatly appreciate if you have one and you can share it withme, also if you dont mind, and you have another pc to try would u please try to see if the latest version of nokia software updater recognizes your phone successfully?
Fantastic guide. thanks a lot for making it. Worked 1st time, exactly as you said to do it.
Again, Thanks
okay if you're familawith toents, you can download an older versionof the updating software at http://www.demonoid.com/files/details/1271904/?show_files=1&page=1&ref=1192895554
I usually do not try these kinds of things, but this time, I was forced to do this as I bought a bluetooth stereo headset and I was not able to return it. This is amazing, as this process improved my phone's performance in all aspects (except battery life). One thing I would like to let you all know is that, while taking a back up of existing cingular software, take a backup of only contacts and calendar and not the settings. If you restore the settings to the newly upgraded software, you will start seeing some special characters for some of the menu and you will need to reinstall the software again.
i can't find the nsu 1.3.85en. any link will help. thanks
Brilliant !!!
Worked first time.
Lost access to AOL mail client though.
Thanks for the step by step instructions.. they worked like a charm. I have an unbranded N75 now and i love it.
Interestingly, you can change the product code on the N75 without unlocking it. NSS wrote the code just fine.
NSU (1.4.14en) still won't recognize the device. I'm guessing this is the part where having the N75 unlocked is required?
Thanks for the walkthrough. I just got my unlock code today, VERY quick from ATT and debranded this afternoon. I simply love this phone unbranded, it's excellent. Wonderful! Thanks
Okay people,
To all those having issues with NSS, make sure the N75 is in "PC Suite" mode.
Your post very informative and i am considering debranding my AT&T phone. i've downloaded and installed Nemesis service suite v1.0.38.12 problem is after reading other posts with where the NSU updater will not recognize the phone has stopped me. Unless someone has the 1.3.85en version
in order for you to do the whole process do you need to do the Subsidy Unlock Code first??
Righteous! Instructions worked like a charm. I got the SUC from ATT within 2 days, as someone else said. All the other stuff was cake thanks to this tutorial. Simply selected all the defaults when installing NSS, and the link to the Nokia Updater got me software that recognized the N75 even though it wasn't in the big list. I'm pretty dang stoked now that my phone doesn't scare the bejeezus out of me with the swoopy loudness. Thanks so much for this info!!!
I got susidy unlock code same day as requested. Unfortunately I am not having any luck unbranding my phone, any help would be appreciated.
I forgot to mention phone is month old and that it is branded AT&T, product code in NSS was 0545060
I just purchased a N95 8gb here in Kuwait. There are several of the trial programs on it also. Is there a way I can get rid of those unwanted programs?
in order for you to do the whole process do you need to do the Subsidy Unlock Code first? i pasted the comment before but i didn't get reply. do you need the SUC code in order for this to work?
I was successful in changing the product code to 0541358, but when I try updating is where it gets odd. I open Nokia software and click on update and Nokia's website comes up so I click on can I update and on this page is a box to put the product code in, so I enter the product code and the update 10.2.055 link appears so I click on get it and it kicks me back to the previous web page. Anyone else have this issue?
ANSWERS!! yes I finally rebranded my N75, The problem was the software. I came across a page on Nokia's website to download N-Series software so I did, and following the instructions on this page and new N-Series software update took 20 minutes. The software supplied with the AT&T N75 phones was not allowing the update. Thank you all again.
Thanks for the great post !
I called AT&T yesterday, the csr politely told me that they dont have unlock codes for N75. I think this was probably because I had the connection for just over 2 months.
But I find that they sent me the code anyway !
And your technique works perfectly, just a reminder to everyone - backup ALL your data before updating the firmware, it WILL be erased
I have followed all of the instuctions and was able to update the firmware. My phone turned on but blocked me from using it. Message came on "contact the retailer". If this happens to you turn it off and then on without the simcard and set your location and date in the offline mode. Then turn it off and insert the sim again. Now you can power back on and the phone should work just fine.
Awesome post... it first din work when i tried it... nokia updater did not detect my phone... but i restarted after changing the code and then tried to run the updater again and it worked on mine... and i did it on vista... it worked grt for me... but for some reason i find the audio quality dipped a bit.. not sure though...Thanks for the clear explanation...
My N75 has A2DP and AVRCP. I dont understand people keep saying it doesnt. Every Nokia phone I have owned that has bluetooth has had bluetooth stereo capability. It even has stereo using single ear headsets.
Great job! thanks so much. AT&T was very forthcoming on giving the unlock code and I got it in 24 hrs. Just one thing for those have problems on the NSS software. When installing, just choose the first USB device when prompted. After installing and starting, click the magnifier button on the upper right to detect new device and then click the "phone info" button (the second on the tool bar), you will be in the screen with the "read" button as described by the author. For me, everything went smoothly. A big thank you since I do a lot of travel too.
Has anyone attempted to install the N76 firmware in the N75? Is it possible it would work?
Can someone please provide the Product and HW code for an English language N76. I'm so sick of the N75's shortcomings that I'm willing to risk bricking it to see if the N76 firmware will work.
Thanks for this informative post. I followed your instructions and was done in less than a half hour!
1. Got the unlock code from ATT (just told them I was going to be travelling abroad and needed to use a local sim).
2. Unlocked SIM
3. Used Nemisis to change product code.
4. Downloaded & installed the Nokia Software Updater.
5. Connected my phone via data cable to PC and software offered to update me to 10.2.055. Download of 70MB update only took 4 minutes for me (Connecticut, USA) and the update took another 4 minutes.
I had no problems whatsoever. I just made sure everything I entered or clicked was correct before I did it and it all worked like a charm.
Thanks!
Hi,
I have an internet package (Media Max 200) with cingular for my N75. If I debrand it, can I still use the internet. (for example the Media Net accesspoint etc) ?
Thanks in advance
I just debranded my n75? Anyone know a way of getting rid of those annoying music icons on the outer screen? Also has anyone successfully installed the n76 firmware?
hey Peter, just wanted to say thanks for providing this information. I was able to get the unlock code from AT&T without any issues, they emailed it to me about a week after I requested it. I had a problem with the Nokia software updater but it was because I needed to update to the latest version of PC Suite. After that it was smooth sailing. Alright, just wanted to say thanks from one Husky Alum to another!
Why does it say the lastest firmware is only 10.1.282
I'm having problems with the Nemesis suite. When I launch the program it gives me an error of "Access violation at address 00404803 in module 'nss.exe'. Read of address 00000000"
Also it says I have to install the USB driver again? I get no "New hardware found" pop up at all. When the program does load up I click the find button and nothing happens. This is proving to be quite the usleless program. Is there any other prog. out there to unbrand? I already have it unlocked. Thanks
Update to last post...
I used NSS on a different computer and worked fine! Everything is upgraded to the newest firmware and running great. Advice to those of you having problems with your phone becomeing disconnected during update. Delete all traces of the ATT PC Suite that came with your phone and just downloed the newest from the website (Nokia) N75 wont be there but just get it anyone. Get that installed and have it install your phone again, then run the updater and it will work. I think that step was left out of the "how to". All in all this site helped me alot.
Thanks Paul
I was wondering if anyone has had the same problem as me. I unlocked (thanks to code from ATT) and debranded my cingular N75 phone (using nemesis) as everyone else has. However, when I try to use nokia updater, it states that it is "unable to find phone" even though nokia PC suite is connected to the phone on my PC. I have tried multiple versions of PC suite and both 1.4 and 1.4.23 of the updater with no success. How can this be fixed?
Thanks and thanks again!
THANKS! Followed the instructions, worked out great. Cingular is now AT&T in CA, I told them I was going to Holland and they gave me the unlock code.
Anybody know where I coudl get a outer casing for the N75?? No luck yet, just tryin to pimp it out.
THANKS AGAIN!
this is a fantasticly complete and simple write-up on a very useful process. These processes are usually conviluted and risky. so, thanks!
to answer the 2nd post, no I wasn't able to apply the old cingular/att software. the update software would have to effectively 'downdate' the phone, which i don't believe it is capable of doing. this is even after changing the product code back to the old att number. don't know yet if this is a problem in the case of a warranty/insurance claim. i have made an insurance claim and am sending the phone back with the nokia software on it and the att product code. see what happens. if its bad i'll repost, otherwise no problems.
///jacob
Nokia software update is can't find my phone. I've choose pc suite mode on my nokia, updated change the att code to regular nokia code..
anything else that i might be forgetting?
Worked perfect.
Thanks
Hope this helps, I didn't download or install Nokia PC Suite. I just downloaded Nokia Software Updater. It found the phone no problem.
My phone is the AT&T branded phone purchased in January 2008.
thank for this awesome tutorial.. it worked perfectly for me.. at&t gave me the unlock code then i just followed these easy steps.. i have the at&t version of the n75 and it works great now.. being able to choose between gsm and 3G has improved my battery life dramatically..
thanks again
just plugged into the Nokia Software Updater on my N75 and says my current firmware is 10.2.055 (which it is, unbranded) and there is a new firmware using Product Code 0545060 (branded). Using unbranded PCode 0541358 gives current firmware. Does anyone know anything about this? Would it be branded?
I successfully changed the code, but i still can't update for some reason! It just tells me "Connected phone was not recognized."
What do i do!?
Don't worry about the "long time customer" clause. I am a new AT&T customer, never had them before. With them less than a week. Requested the unlock code to travel overseas, and use a prepaid sim, was what I said. Two days later, a working unlock code in my inbox.
Unbraded as instructed here, and howardforums.
Thanks!
Great Post but I screwed up
I have done everything and it worked great BUT when i used NSS the first time, i forgot to click the Enable button. so, when i did the Nokia update, it updated my N75 to the ATT BRANDED version F/W 20.1.172. i went back to NSS and corrected the product code to UnBRANDED and tried to update F/W again. this time Nokia update says "your phone already has the latest supported s/w, No update needed" i'm stuck with the ATT branded update eventhough my product code is unbranded. is there anyway to get me N75 to re-update with Unbranded current F/W? Help?
Yes, the new firmware from AT&T is branded. Don't install it, or you will no longer be able to unbrand your phone (since they were very sneaky and bumped the version number up to 20.something). I learned this the hard way :(
This new firmware has a lot of cruft and seems to have ruined my battery life. I'm hoping that the AT&T store will sympathize and put me back to the old Cingular firmware (so that I can unbrand it...)
Ok I just recieved a replacement n75 from at&t and it has this new firmware. Is there any way to unbrand it with this firmware? or am I doomed from the start? Thanks
Is it needed to install a drivers before unlocking?
Doomed from the start. I returned the phone and got the tilt.
hi! thanks for the great info. i was able to debrand my n75 just like described above. now i bought another n75 refurbished and when tried to do the same the program nemesis will say "error" when i click read. i tried uninstalling and reinstalling the program but still the same error. also tried it with another n75 from a friend and does the same. i even tried to read the original phone that actually was able to debrand and error again.
any suggestions would be appreciated!
I WAS ABLE TO WRITE THE NEW PRODUCT CODE IN MY PHONE, BUT THE AT&T GARBAGE IS STILL THERE.
I RE-CHECKED THAT THE CODE WAS THE ONE I INPUTED AND IT IS THERE WHEN I CLICK READ. I HAD THE LAST SOFWARE DOWNLOAD FROM NOKIA SOFTWARE UPDATER BEFORE DOING THE CODE CHANGE. COUOLD THAT BE THE PROBLEM? ANY IDEAS?
THANK YOU!
Thanks for the great write up. I unbranded my refurbished Cingular N75 and flashed it tonight. Feels great to get that ATT crap off my phone.
ATT was very forthcoming with the code. I gave them the "traveling" story. They needed to check "eligibility" then sent me the unlock code within 24 hours.
Had some difficulty with the Nemesis software giving errors when asked to read my phone, as some have also reported, but switched computers and it worked fine. Might have been a bad install of PC Suite on my other laptop. BTW: I'm using the NSeries PC Suite v1.6.80.0 and not the generic Nokia PC Suite.
http://www.nseries.com/index.html#l=support,downloads,nseriespcsuite,download
As someone mentioned only back up your contacts and calendar data as if you restore the full contents of your phone you'll put that ATT crap right back on your new unbranded phone. Then you'll have to re-flash it again.
Again, thank you, thank you!
Hello my name is Kenny and I am visually impaired, Is it really difficult to UN brand my N 75 phone? I have asked for the unlock code for the phone and I am weighting for the code. I want to use the nokia firm wear because of the limitation on the size of the files used to be ring tones. If any one is able to help I live in the good u s of a and would really appreciate help with this preseger . Thanks for your help. My email is coolnews1@hotmail.com
Hi all, I got the subsidy unlock key from att without a problem. Procedure is quit simple as described above by user folarin.
This procedure can be done with or without the Att SIM inserted into the
handset
1. # (press the # key, 1 time)
2. P (pause, press the * key 3 times)
3. W (wait, press the * key 4 times)
4. + (press the * key 2 times)
5. Code (enter the code- 15digits as provided by ATT)
6. + (press the * key 2 times and it should convert to a + sign)
7. 1 (press the 1 key 1 time for phones)
8. # (press the # key 1 time)
This worked really well for me and I was finally able to DL nokia firmware. I think this is the only way to do it. NSS did not work for me since I previously got an ATT update
forgot to mention that the phone is dramatically better with the original Nokia firmware(stereo works and much more) Absolutely recommended.
Hello Oli,
Could you tell me how exactly you got rid of the AT&T firmware? I got an unlock code from AT&T and it appears to have worked. I changed the product code to the unbranded code using NSS. However, when I go to Nokia Software Updater, it says my software is up-to-date. I am stuck with this crappy AT&T firmware that I really want to get rid of. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I'll add my thanks to this as well.
It took me a couple of weeks, but I finally got my unlock code from AT&T today. Once I got that, the rest went smoothly.
One other tip I should add is that a new version of NSS came out a couple of days ago. Make sure you have the latest version if you're having issues with NSS.
And yes, the phone works a lot better now. Hopefully battery life will be better too.
These instructions were great for a while, and I used them once to de-brand my wife's Nokia N75. Shortly, since I liked my wife's de-branded N75,I ordered one for myself from ATT with intention to de-debrand that one too. Unfortunately Nokia PC suite does not allow debranding, but automatically offers you the latest ATT (CRAP)version of the software even though the product code had been successfuly changed previously usig NEMESIS.
This is a big betry by NOKIA. The N75 model battery is too weak to support 3G connection and ATT has disabled the menu feature that lets you use network of your choice. I can talk no longer than a half an hour with one charge, while my wife can talk good 3 hours using GSM network (same phone, same settings, same battery, just diferent network - GSM instead of 3G).
Does anybody know how to overcome this obstacle? If I can't de-brand my NOKIA N75, I will through it right in the garbage and never buy another NOKIA again nor will I use ATT service any longer. Nokia PC suite obviously uses other criteria besides product code number to restrict debranding.
I did all the steps as mentioned above. I have the new product code, but still AT&T junk is appearing. Would someone please help me getting rid of AT&T.
Thanks much.
Hi,
I have unbranded the N75 with said procedure. Still I can see AT&T junk in it. How can I remove that.
Please help or guide me to link/url where I can find information.
Many Thanks.
I am afraid those who recently get this phone from AT&T have 20.1.172 (AT&T version) loaded already. I doubt whether it can still be replaced with a Nokia version, since it is supposed to be the latest one. Does any one have made it successsfully?
Okey, No doubt being the execllent Article.. But I need something off topic. i.e. Can I put the ATT firmware back on the phone. No No I am not crazy, its just that it has recently been acting wierd, like shutting down by itself, and I was wondering that if using NSS voids my warranty in any case. So I want to play safe and send it with in the way I got it. Is there a way to put that firmware back on.
Any help would be helpful. :)
thanks,
Bob
the link for the nokia software update did not work. can someone help.
I am still unable to update my phone. I was able to change the product code using Nemesis Service Suite. I am using Updater 1.4.49 and am still not being able to update my firmware...
Please help.
please email me @ furrelkt@cfl.rr.com to help resolve this.
Please help, this did not work. I managed to change the product code, but the updater still didn't allow an update.
I have followed all the instructions. I changed the product code in NSS to 0541358. Mine was originally 0545060 not the one listed here. Maybe mine is a newer version, not sure. I closed NSS, restarted the computer and the phone, opened NSS to check and the product code was still 0541358. Yet, when I run the Nokia Software Updater it recognizes my phone just like the in the screenshot above but it shows my firmware version as being 20.1.172!!! Did I miss something? All you have to do is change the product code, right? PLEASE HELP!
Here is some additional info on my phone:
Product Code: 0545060
HW Version: 4202
Manufacture Month: 53.12342
Phone Version V 06wk15v45.0 17-10-07 RM-128 (c) Nokia
SYS_ASIC_ID_IND5 0F000110
SYS_ASIC_ID_IND6 6EF80154
SYS_ASIC_ID_HASH 8179527E2647FBFD99B37696
I Tried and it says "CODE ERROR"..
what should i do ??