Samsung SGH-i600 WM6 Upgrade (Yes… even if you are on Orange!)
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: It seems that a few users have managed to completely ‘brick’ their i600’s by putting i607 software on them (or visa-versa) – The two flash files are not interchangeable – if you use the wrong flash file on your phone, you may well permanantly ‘brick’ it. Please also note: The information provided here is based on my own experience of upgrading my i600, and any Firmware files I link to are for the i600 European version only. You use this information at your own risk.
Again: The instructions here are for a European i600 **NOT** a USA i607. If you try this on an AT&T i607, you *will* brick your phone.
Dearest Fanboys (and girls),
As you know; I am a great fan of my Samsung SGH-i600, but I have a little bad news for you… The *Free* WM6 Upgrade that is supplied on the Samsung Website [link] will not work on the ‘Orange’ branded units, or even those that have been ‘debranded’ 
( – I have tested this using the various methods (and wiping my phone on each occasion!) in order to prove that it can’t be done.
Curse you Orange, and curse your nasty branded interfaces….
However…. A look at the MoDaCo Wiki [Link] shows a WM6 Flash (not official) !!! – So… I downloaded the 60Mb File, and lo and behold, WM6 on my Samsung – Wooo Hoooooo.
Here are the instructions in Full:-
Please Note: This is entirely at your own risk, and any damage caused directly or indirectly by this information is entirely your responsibility. If you brick your phone, don’t come crying to me – you have been warned!
- Make sure you have ActiveSync 4.5 or higher installed.
- BACKUP YOUR PHONE -Use ActiveSync to backup the contacts, and browse to the phone for images / mp3’s etc.
- Download the Modem Driver (required for ‘Flashing’) [ZIP] and install it.
- Download the i600UXXGG2 WM6 RAR file and unpack [Link to MoDoCo page] [Alternative Link to RapidShare Download of the same file]
- Ensure that you ‘disable‘ the USB Connection in the ActiveSync Connection Settings whilst you attempt this.
- Place phone into ‘Flasher Mode’ (click on image for larger view)
- Run the WM6 upgrader – Ensure that you have a fully charged battery, and that you don’t interrupt the (rather long) upgrade process – it will say complete several times… wait until the ‘Flasher’ screen disappears off the phone. (NOTE: Can take up to 5 mins)
- Wait for phone to reboot – it takes about 5 mins to complete the process - be patient whilst its on the Windows Mobile Screen!!!
- Wait for the phone to reboot again… (normal startup speed this time!)
- Restore the USB connection in ActiveSync
- Restore all your images / mp3s and re-sync your contacts.
Once completed, if you should see version CE OS 5.2.1437 – i600UXXGG2
You’ll notice it says 5.2 – well that is the official internal version number for WM6!
Impressions;
Well… you’ll notice that some of the icons have been improved. There is a new ‘Windows Live’ screen (Search and Live login), a Live Messenger icon and it seems a bit faster. I’ll update this as I use it over the next few days….
Some more Blackjack / SGH-i600 goodies for you;
Thanks so much for all the advice on here.
I can confirm that I purchased an unlocked Orange branded i600 phone from Expansys. Followed the instructions on here and now running the WM6. So much better. The Orange version of the software was terrible, to say the least. I now have my Windows Live account sync’d on there and I’m very impressed!
Now if only I could get rid of that Orange logo on the top left of the phone, any ideas other than scratching it off the phone, LOL.
Cheers Paul,
I’ve got a UK Orange branded i600 and I flashed it straight to WM6 (unbranded) using the unofficial source. I was a bit nervous of bricking/ downloading but it works a dream.
One question: I was going to download the official MS Office Mobile from Handango and it says it is incompatible with the i600. I’m guessing this is based on it having WM5 installed as standard. However some of the WM6 devices are shown as incompatible with MS office mobile. Can anyone tell me if it works with WM6 debranded software on an i600? Can anyone advise if it will work? I notice some people saying it works fine but I didn’t know if that was an ‘unofficial’ version.
Thanks,
Sherm
Hi Sherm,
I can’t confirm the ‘official’ version works, but if you search for a torrent called; Office.WM6.WCE which was designed to crowbar MS Office Mobile onto WM5, works just fine and dandy.
Simply copy the .cab onto your device and then execute it on your phone.
Regards,
Paul
Hi
Guys how do i debrand my i600
Erm… read this post! It tells you how to upgrade and debrand (upgrading it also debrands it!)
Regards,
Paul
I have a question, I like this phone but i do not know if ths device works fine in my country venezuela, Paul i see that you are expert about this, Do you know if this phone works in my country Venezuela, South America, or is only to European countries?
Thanks,
Rafael
Hi Rafeal,
So long as your phone system in Venezuela is GSM, then you can use a Euro Samsung Blackjack/i600 without any problems (providing it’s an unlocked one of course!)
Regards,
Paul
Thanks Paul,
I think buy this phone to expansys in amazon.com, and this phone comes unlocked, Can I debrand this phone without problem?
I think buy in this link http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0017SF0BS/ref=dp_olp_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1212351927&sr=8-1
The seller says that this phone is unlocked but it comes with Orange Branding network, Can I debrand this phone without problem, following the instructions above?, and the procedure above is all for debrand and can use with any mobile carrier services?
Thanks for yout attention,
Rafael.
Hi Raphael,
As you can see from AndrewJScott’s comments above; he did exactly that! He bought a phone from Expansys and then debranded it using my instructions.
Kindest regards,
Paul
Thanks very much for you attention Paul.
i tried installing wm6 using the method above, and now the phone doesnt work. when i turn it on, the green windows screen comes on, and then the at&t logo shows up for a minute, and then turns off right after. ive tried debranding it by pushing the rsk power and side button again, but the screen shows “usb downloader – at &t”
any idea how to fix this?
thanks in advance
Hi boow_03,
Sorry to say, but you have killed your phone. It does say (highlighted in red in the 1st paragraph) NOT to use an i600 firmware file on an i607, which is what you have done.
The only solution is to go back to AT&T and get them to fix it I am afraid.
Regards,
Paul
hi Paul,
its actually the other way around, my handset is actually the i600 by orange…i installed the firmware files from the i607…so do my options change at all?
Thanks
Ah… Same difference I’m afraid. Although the phones look the same, the internals are completely different (i600 has 3G and WiFi)
As it is Orange, I’d do the old “My phone won’t switch on” call to them, they will then arrange a ’swap’ – they never check the phone when they get it back (they all go to a service centre somewhere and get wiped)
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul!
Great advice here btw! Followed all the instructions right up to running the WM6 upgrader, but as soon as i put the phone into flasher mode, the upgrader grinds to a halt after a few processes, ending with: [PDA]Wrong Response From Device. DEV=[0].
The phone soon terminates its USB connection and then can’t do anything (have to take the battery out and restart the process).
Incidentally, when I enter the phone into flasher mode, everytime my pc seems to need to install new device drivers. Would this have anything to do with the probs I’m experiencing?
Thanks in advance!
Paul H
Hi Paul H,
Yes… the driver is the issue!
Look at step 3 above, and you’ll find the drivers required to install the WM6 upgrade
)
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul!
Thanks for the info, I did install the driver originally, but tried it again nonetheless. Same thing is happening;
[StartDownload => 0] StartDownload !!
[PDA] Connect and Power-on the Device.
[PDA-0]Driver Opened.
[PDA]Read Wait. = [0]
[PDA]Read Done. = [0]
[PDA]Wrong Response From Device. DEV=[0]
Does this everytime. Also when the USB disconnects, ‘PC Connection : FAIL’ appears on the phone.
My fiddling about has stopped the pc installing a new device driver every time now thankfully, but the above problem still prevails!
I seem to be the only one having this prob!
Cheers Paul,
Paul H
Oh btw.
on the phone screen at the bottom it says:
[Phone] Active OFF
Then after the USB disconnects itself, underneath that it then says:
[PDA] USB Cable Power OFF
Dunno if that means anything?
Sorry Paul, I feel like I’m being a pain now!
Paul H
Paul,
Ok – sounds like you haven’t installed the drivers correctly. Once you have the phone plugged in, check ‘Device Manager’ – you will probably find some disabled or flagged devices in there. Delete them all and then right-click and select “scan for new hardware”, it should then install the correct drivers for that mode.
Note: When installing drivers for the Samsung, it uses two different sets, one for normal usage (PIM / SD Access etc), and another for ‘Flashing’
Regards,
Paul
Thanks again Paul,
I’ve tried all the options you gave me, but to no avail I’m afraid! However, it appears that my issue may have something to do with Vista (not sure what though).
I have just started the process again on an old Win 2000 pc i have hooked up to my tv (just used for 4oD and BBC iPlayer), and hey presto! Currently seems to be downloading a treat!
I’m half expecting something to go wrong as I’m a little uncomfortable about using such a crabby old unmaintained pc to do something so delicate and fraught with ‘phone fatality’ danger!
Anyway, Thank you so much for your help Paul, you’re a star!
Kind regards,
Paul H
WORKED PERFECTLY!
So much better than the crummy Orange FW as well!
Thanks Paul!
Aha!
If you had told me you were using Vista, I would have realised straight away! LOL
)
Glad it all worked out for you.
Next thing to search the torrents for is a file called Office.WM6.WCE – it’s the WM6 version of Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Works like a treat on the i600
)
Regards,
Paul
Hello Paul
I have an orange unlocked i600 from expansys UK . When I follow the link European WM6-Firmware i600UXXGG2 “No-Brand”[2], it takes me to rapidshare but there is no file to download there. It says the file has now been removed due to violation of terms. Can you please suggest any alternative sources for this file. I am desperate to upgrade it to wm6 as i would like to use skype on it.
Cheers
Hi Smaggy,
Sorry mate – obviously I can’t place the file on my own site (for obvious reasons), I’m afraid you’ll have to look on Google or a torrent site.
Try the MoDaCo.com (good resource for phone hacking)
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul:
I’m wondering if you or one of the other contributors can help. I have an i601 from Telstra in Australia and wanted to unbrand it then upgrade to WM6. Here are my notes, hopefully it’s not too much information!
1) Baseline:
I started with the following:
-PDA version & phone version & eboot version & radio version-i601DVGC2
-HW version MP0.100
-Os Windows mobile 5 with messaging and security pack
-OS 5.1.525 build 153623.4.2
-RIL version 2.002
Putting the phone into flash mode, I received this message:
*USB Downloader – Telstra v1.3
2) Unbranding:
I flashed to Firmware i600XXGD1_REV15 with the BlackJack Modem Driver- Active Synch disallowed for USB connections. I couldn’t get the start radio button to work in the application upgrader 1.1 , but persevered.
I wound up with:
-PDA version i600XXGD1
-phone version i601DVGC2
-eboot version i600XXGD1
-radio version 0 (yes, this is correct)
-i601DVGC2
HW version
Os Windows mobile 5 with messaging and security pack
OS 5.1.525 build 15363.4.3
RIL version 2.002
3) upgrade to WM6:
I flashed using i600UXXupdater. I noticed only in the middle of the process that the dialog box title said SGH-i600 OS updater, not Crossbow update ( I hope I don’t have the i607 version!).
I wound up with:
-PDA version i600XXGD1
-phone version i601DVGC2
-eboot version i600XXGD1
-radio version 0 (yes this is correct)
-i601DVGC2
The USB loader now says Open 1.1.
4) The problem- lost midway in the upgrade process:
I now cannot synch with A/S 4.50. I cannot go back to the old ROM, i600XXGD1_REV15. (The start button in the application cannot be checked anymore). I have installed and reinstalled three sets of modem drivers, the Samsung official driver, version (MCCI v 4.24), and version (MCCI v 4.34).
Can anyone help? I’m going crazy reading the Modaco forum and the this forum….
Hi:
One more item, now that I have double checked the long post. I have re-enabled the USB connection in Active Synch, in case anyone asks- cannot connect to the phone.
Hi,
After looking online, I can’t find any mirror for the file, nor any torrents!
If you still have the file, could you possibly upload it to rapidshare/megaupload/etc. or even e-mail it to me?
Thanks.
Hi All,
Ok… it seems that some of you are having trouble finding the “BJ3_open_Xbow_Rev15_UXXGG2_4.exe”
I *found* a rapidshare link….
http://rapidshare.com/files/171795432/i600UXXGG2.zip.html
Please propagate this around the net as it’s bound to be removed soon….
)
http://rapidshare.com/files/171795432/i600UXXGG2.zip.html
Regards,
Paul
Hi Rob,
Sorry mate, I’ve only ever done this on a i600 (Euro version), so can’t comment or help on an Oz version
(
I suspect you may have bricked your phone :~(
One thing to try;
1. Make sure that USB is disabled with ActiveSync (if it is enabled, the flasher won’t work at all)
2. Reflash with the RapidShare file linked above.
If still no joy, then perhaps ‘phone insurance’ would be a good move?
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul:
Thanks for the rapdishare link; I’ve downloaded the file. I ready hope I haven’t bricked the phone.
I will persevere and try again, although I thought the crossbow updater for WM6 required A/Synch to be running, but the USB option disabled.
Have you ever used this application (I600_WCEDownloader)? I spotted it in the thread to update to WM6 XXG6. I seems to have a facility to reset your phone….
Hi Rob,
I’ve only ever used the file that is in the RapidShare link.
Yes – ActiveSync must be running, but with USB disabled.
One key thing is to be patient… the process takes up to 15 mins to complete.
Regards,
Paul
Hi there
I wonder if you can help me with a question related to the i600 please.. is there a way to prioritise WIFI over WAP or GPRS? I mean, whenever im in range of my wifi i want all my internet type traffic to go through that, not through orange..? if that makes sense. Thanks
Hi there,
As long as your WiFi is switched on (Settings, other, connections and then make sure WiFi is on and connected), it automatically tries the WiFi first anyway.
Regards,
Paul
I just bought an i600 from ebay. Its new, and came with WM5. Its unbranded and unlocked. My question is how different is this procedure from the one i would have had to do with the free upgrade that was available from the SamsungElectronics.com site? I only ask because this is a BRAND NEW phone, and my wife will kick my ass if I manage to brick it trying to upgrade it right off the bat. Ive already tried contacting samsungeurope, to find out if there is an official release for the phone for purchase, but their response was there is no way to upgrade it now that its expired…. Give me some words of confidence so i can go home and tackle this upgrade..
Hi redls1bird,
What can I say… it worked for me (twice in fact as my first i600 died of natural causes, and was replaced by Orange)
As stated above – providing the i600 is a Euro version (and not an i607 USA version), then it *should* work fine…. but I can’t offer any guarantee.
I suggest you look back through all the other comments and make a considered choice.
Kindest regards,
Paul
I managed to get it downloaded the other day. Its not nearly as complicated as i had though it would be
My advice to anyone who is thinking about doing this? Follow the process and once its starts loading, (my screen went black, and colored words started coming up) and teh progress bar starts moving, go do something for about 20-30 minutes so your not tempted to fiddle while its loading. Its that simple.
Thanks Paul!
Glad it all worked out for you.
Yes, the watchword is definitely “patience”, as long as you leave the phone to do what it wants to do (and it is a bit painfully slow in doing it!), then there should be no problem at all.
Hello Paul and others!
I know this phone and blog is a bit older but hopefully someone can help (i have also emailed you Paul incase you dont check this page now.)
I have purchased a brand new Vodafone (Australia) branded phone from ebay and the seller has told me it already has WM6 installed however it is branded by Vodafone.
Now this procedure is for Branded phones with WM5, I’m wondering how I could debrand this Vodafone i600 and have vanilla WM6, would I use the same method?
Has anyone done this? Any advice appreciated
Thank you,
Yapa
@Yapa
Also forgot to add that the phone is an i600 as it has the front Video Camera and WiFi
I’ve been reading for hours on the i600 and havent come across one with WM6 installed when purchased, so it could be that the seller is wrong…
Hi there,
The instructions work just fine for a WM6 Samsung as well, but make sure that it is exactly the same handset as the European ones, or your going to end up with a ‘brick’
However… If it is different, all you need to do is use the appropriate firmware file for your model – the instructions still apply in exactly the same way.
Regards,
Paul
Hello again,
Erm…
1. Make sure it say’s i600 inside the battery case. (i607 = USA version), has front and rear camera’s and WiFi (as you already stated) – Also, you can go into the setting menu and select ‘About’ (I can’t remember which sub-menu it is, and I don’t have the phone anymore)
2. Yes, there are only 3 firmware types, but it is available in a multitude of languages – Google is your friend
)
3. Looks right to me – if you look down my blog entry in the comments section, I think I link to it somewhere as well ;o)
Regards,
Paul
2009/6/25 Wojtek B
Hello Paul,
Firstly, thank you very much for the FAST reply!!!
Can I ask just three more question?
1) How can I make sure its the European version? It has the camera on the front and the WiFi on the side, should i also check that it says i600 on the firmware?
2) If its not the European model, where can I find other model firmwares? Is there only 3 models, the i600, i601 and i607?
3) I have managed to find the file you mention (BJ3_open_Xbow_Rev15_UXXGG2_4.exe) which was rared into two parts, is this the correct file?
Thank you again, I also posted on the blog and will update it once I try this.
Wojtek
Hi
I know this is question has been asked before, but i am stuck and my phone is basically a glorified calculator. The “phone” status is showing off. I can enable it. I have used different roms to flash. It completes the OS image part and Boot, but when it comes to the phone part it just says “Phone Download failed”. The Radio version is blank and there is no phone version. I have installed the Samsung modem drivers. When it tries to install the Phone rom XP just pops up with unknown device. I have removed this unknown device. Is it time to give up and throw it away?
Hi bojangels,
If you have used the wrong firmware (e.g. i607 on an i600 or visa-versa), your phone needs to be sent back to the carrier/Samsung to be fixed.
If you are sure that you have the right firmware, then try plugging into a different PC and re-installing the Samsung modem drivers. Remember that the PC will install an additional set of drivers when it goes into ‘Download’ mode, so keep those files to hand in case!
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul
I have download the firmware from Samsung site a while ago so i am pretty sure its not the wrong one’s..Well so I hope. I have tried 3 different pc’s even a windows 2000 one as one of the guys stated that he got it to work on Windows 2000. How can I force it to use the Samsung drivers in download mode..Just another question when it is doing the OS part and Boot does it use the SAMSUNG driver’s?
When you power it up, it *must* be in ‘Flasher mode’ – check the image here:-
http://www.internet-tools.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/resetda2.jpg
It always uses the Samsung drivers, just different elements of them when it is in different boot modes.
Also… be patient. When the coloured words come up, walk away, have a cup of tea and come back in 20 mins or so!
Doesn’t seem to be working for me. Let me explain what I am doing, and someone can correct me if I am going wrong.
I’ll go from half way through the process, as the first bit is self explanatory.
.I’ve downloaded everything, and have put the phone into Flasher mode (no connection through ActiveSync)
. I open up WCE Downloader and click ‘PDA’
. I click the big ‘PDA’ button and select the file ‘xxgg2_pda’ which was part of the set of files I unpacked.
.The phone then does a few things, but the WCEDownloader then shows ‘device not found’.
Where am I going wrong? I’ll need very specific instructions, step by step as I am a bit of a newbie to this!
Thanks.
Hi JamesWales,
I would try plugging into a different USB port, and make sure you use the Samsung drivers listed on this page when prompted.
If that still doesn’t work – go into device manager (whilst in Flasher mode) and see if there are any ‘broken’ devices, delete them and right-click ’search for new hardware’.
Regards,
Paul
This is still throwing me, and getting frustrating!
Is anyone available to have an IM chat with me on Skype and talk me through it as we go? I can then type through any troubles I am having.
If so, and I would be so so grateful, my username is ’speakoutmedia’ and I will be on all day!
Exactly what drivers do I need?
I have installed the modem driver, that’s all I have done though. Do I just leave it once it is installed?
Next I have opened the WCEDownloader and clicked ‘PDA’ and selected the ‘xxgg2_pda’ file.
Have I got the wrong files? If so I’ll need some specfic direction!
Please, is anyone available to have an IM with me on Skype? I’m pulling my hair out.
I’ll be on between 10pm-12 Midnight UK time, tonight (Wednesday 15th July).
username: speakoutmedia