**** Debranding explained.****

[Micky]

Following many pm's, debranding still seems to baffle many members, so I have adapted this quick guide using bits, and pieces from elsewhere on the net to try and break it down what exactly is debranding.

What Is Debranding ? (Debranding & Unlocking are completely different procedures)

De-branding basically means removing the firmware set by the operator, and replacing it with the manufacturers original firmware. Hence converting your phone to the full spec as it was intended by the manufacturer. (the way it should be)

Why Debrand Your N95?

Once your mobile has been de-branded, you will notice all the menu systems are clearer, un-restricted, and often faster too. The process will also install the latest firmware to date, which will hold improvements on your old firmware. This often removes any software faults & bugs that your phone previously had. Also some network firmware's prevent you uploading ringtones & pictures via cable, or manually setting your internet homepage, debranding enables you to do this. For example the Orange and other networks prevent voip calls on the N95, installing the generic firmware activates this facility.

How Does It Work ?

The product code is used by Nokia when you use their Nokia Firmware update service to determine which firmware and language packs should be loaded into your phone. By changing the product code of your N95 via NSS (Nemesis Service Suite) to that of the same model, but to one belonging to a non network branded version, NSU (Nokia Software Updater) will load the firmware for that phone instead, when you update your N95handset.

You may also change the languages in your phone in the same way, by changing the product code of your N95 to that of one supplied in a different country or region, NSU will then load the firmware and languages from that region onto your phone. Re-installing your current firmware also completes the same, for example, your running V30, and you want to change the language on your N95, all you do, is change the product code via NSS, then reinstall your current firmware using NSU.

Useful links.

Can I update? (Online product code check to see if new firmware is available).


Downloading Nokia Software Updater (NSU)


Nemesis Service Suite (NSS)

N95-1 & N95-2 Product codes, and NSS Guide

N95 TIPS

http://www.n95users.com/forum/genera...new-users.html

Updating your firmware made easier

Unlocking an handset is a completely different process to debranding, and is often confused with debranding, with many people thinking that, because they have debranded, thus removing all operator branding, the phone becomes unlocked, this is not the case..

A SIM lock, simlock, network lock or subsidy lock — not to be confused with PIN or PUK code — is a capability built-in to GSM phones by mobile phone manufacturers. Network providers use this capability to restrict the use of these phones to specific countries and network providers. Currently, phones can be locked to accept only SIM cards from one or more of the following:

* Countries (the phone will work in one country, but not another)
* Network/Service providers (e.g. AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile, Vodafone, etc.)
* SIM types (i.e. only specific SIM cards can be used with the phone).

In most countries, most mobile phones are shipped with country and/or network provider locks. In addition, these locked phones tend to have firmware installed on them which is specific to the network provider. For example, if you have a Vodafone or Telstra branded phone in Australia, it displays the relevant logo and may only support features provided by that network (e.g. Vodafone Live!). This firmware is installed by the service provider and is separate from the locking mechanism.

You can unlock most mobile phones to work with any GSM, such as O2 or Orange (in the UK) but the phone may still display the original branding and may not support features of your new carrier. Most phones can be unbranded as mentioned above by uploading a different firmware version, a procedure recommended for advanced users only, so please do your homework before carrying out this following the guides within these forums.

[jkoppee]

can I add a suggestion to put in the last link in my sig since doing this means updating your FW and there are some useful tips in there?

[Micky]

Done matey.!

[jkoppee]

thanks Micky, a little self promotion never hurt especially in the name of helping others...

[Moz]

Nice guide Micky. That'll be a great help to the n00bs.

Maybe also a small paragraph on how it's different to unlocking, as I got confused a while back with the difference when I first got me N95.

[Micky]

Good call Ian, added a bit of additional info from Wikipedia regarding sim locks.

[swilt]

Hello

Ive just read tips and tricks on debranding my N95 on Orange and still puzzled (yes im not a great tecchy!)

Could some one post me very simple guide to debranding my phone and what i need to do it, or point me in direction of simple to follow link that is all ready out here, ive done some searches but am really stuggling and getting angry with myself.
Thank you in advance of any help

[david c]

Originally Posted by swilt

Hello

Ive just read tips and tricks on debranding my N95 on Orange and still puzzled (yes im not a great tecchy!)

Could some one post me very simple guide to debranding my phone and what i need to do it, or point me in direction of simple to follow link that is all ready out here, ive done some searches but am really stuggling and getting angry with myself.
Thank you in advance of any help

Hi.Go into N95 Tips page 2 of Spooks instructions and you will be fine.I have followed these instructions three times now and have succeeded each time.Don't get angry because sometimes it is the process that is not working correctly.

[dumwaldo]

could this be stickied somewhere like the general forum or the software hacks forum?

It is very useful information and should not be getting buried in the lounge.

[Micky]

Consider it stuck