N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

I think the N900 is a truly great device. However, using it to its full potential feels like a battle half the time. I am a believer in FOSS, but unfortunately this has led to a world-beating device that is ham-strung as far as an average smartphone buyer/user is concerned.

I'll concede that this is a temporary situation, but currently getting this device to run at its full potential requires knowledge of linux, use of the terminal, configuring repositories, and much searching for help and information on maemo.org (which itself has its own problems...).

Particularly disappointing is the inability to automatically upgrade to the PR1.1.1 firmware in the UK - pretty disgraceful in my opinion.
[UPDATE: The firmware is now available OTA (as of 19/3/2010). For those that are being told to update via PC (which doesn't work), consult this thread for a resolution - http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=47752.]

In the spirit of this forum I'm therefore posting a simple, step-by-step guide to upgrading to PR1.1.1 in the UK. I'm assuming you're not an IT expert, you have a 32-bit Windows 7/Vista/XP PC, the N900 connected to your PC via the USB cable that came with the device, and simply can't be bothered with all the technical details surrounding the process.

1. Make sure your N900 is fully charged.

2. Use the N900's backup utility, and make a complete, full backup.

3. Download and install this on your PC - http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/maemo-d....5_2.5.2.2.exe

4. Goto this site on your PC - http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php

5. You will be asked for your IMEI number; you can find this by going to the 'Settings' application on your N900 and choosing 'About product'.

6. Enter your IMEI number and download this file to your PC - 'RX-51_2009SE_3.2010.02-8_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin'. Move this file to the root of your hard disk, i.e. C:\.

7. Switch off your N900; unplug the USB cable if it is connected.

8. Use the slide-out keyboard on your N900; press and hold the 'U' key, keep this pressed as you plug in the USB cable, and watch the N900's screen carefully - the Nokia logo should appear in the centre of the screen, with the USB symbol to the top-right. It may be difficult to see because the back-light will not be on. Release the 'U' key.

9. Run 'Maemo Flasher 3.5' on your PC (you installed this in step 3).

10. Run this command at the prompt that appears on your PC in step 9 - 'flasher-3.5 -F c:\RX-51_2009SE_3.2010.02-8_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R'. The flashing process will start. Do nothing and wait for it to finish.

11. When flashing is complete, your N900 will re-boot. It will ask you to confirm the regional settings & time. When it has finished booting, use the N900 backup utility and restore the backup you made in step 2.

Welcome to what the rest of the world has had for the past few weeks...

This should also work as a general guide for when you need to re-flash too.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

I've not read through the big PR1.1 thread, but can this only be done on Windows? I use a Mac, though I do have a Windows XP disc from when I had my PC, which I'd be able to run in a VM.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Yes, can only be done on windows. So if you want to play safe, go to your friend's place who have XP and do it from there :).

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

You should be able to follow a similar process with a Mac. For step 3, use this link for 32-bit x86 Mac OS X Leopard and Snow Leopard - http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/maemo-d...5.2.2_i386.dmg, or this link for 32-bit PPC Mac OS X Leopard - http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/maemo-d....5.2.2_ppc.dmg.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

So, is this confirmation that it's safe to flash the "global" firmware on a UK device? I don't care about missing some UK-specific "content", just not bricking the device.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

For some reason, that image is unable to mount. Is there any other links to it?

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

It's perfectly safe as far as I can tell - I've done it myself, I would consider myself a 'power' user, and I've found no problems at all.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

If you go here - http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/maemo-d...-downloads.php, all the download links are available; try direct from there. The Flasher documentation is here - http://wiki.maemo.org/Flasher.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

don't UK have OTA update?

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

they do and pr1.1 is on OTA, i did it, i cant understand why its worth flashing when you can OTA the update unless u are having issues

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

The UK has OTA update - but this particular firmware release has not been enabled for the UK.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Is it worth goin through the effort to update? I heard somewhere that pr 1.1 will be included within the next major update for uk users. There doesn't seem to be any major changes within the pr 1.1 that i can't live without :)
I would rather wait for the next firware update before flashin my device.

Good thread though :)
Still can't believe Nokia bypassed us brits!!!

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

There is no UK-specific PR1.1.1 released by Nokia. I certainly never got it OTA, despite getting all other updates. Perhaps it's to do with operator? I'm using Vodafone.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

I agree with you. However the update does give some advantages:-

Improved battery life under WiFi
Browser improvements
Upgraded OpenGL ES support - more working games!

I personally needed it for games development on the device.

The full change log is here - http://wiki.maemo.org/Maemo_5/PR1.1.1

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Ah the irony of this... just as the OP spends a considerable amount of time providing those excellent instructions, Nokia finally decides to release PR1.1.1 for the UK.

Still, I guess the instructions can be kept around, should this situation repeat itself... I certainly hope not!

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

I've followed the directions exactly, only I'm using Win7 64bit, when I enter the command through the maemo flasher I get "suitable USB device not found, waiting."
I've waited and nothing happens. Windows recognises when I connect the n900 (switched off, with the U key held down), but it seems that the flasher doesn't.
Is this an issue anyone else is having or am I doing something wrong?

Can I get this sorted before the rugby?

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Out of luck, I'm afraid - it won't work with 64-bit Windows. See http://wiki.maemo.org/Flasher#Tips_.26_troubleshooting.

Hopefully England will have more luck tonight ...

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

I got PR 1.1.1 OTA at 6am today. Updated from under the duvet.

It's called patience.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Yeah, ironic isn't it. I post this and then 12 hours later they release the update anyway.

Next time I'll wait under the duvet too.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

*Sits on fingers not to post anything improper*

I'm glad it finally arrived. I feel a bit less of a second-class citizen now. Until the next one is delayed.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Plenty of patience, I've had the update sitting in my app manager update for a couple of days, only the phone asks me to update via the PC, but the PC won't acknowledge an available update!
Hence the brute force approach.

And thanks Uber, I'll try with 32bit.

Then I'll resort to the duvet!

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Ready the duvet!

Your update-via-PC issue is most likely caused by insufficient free space to install the update; it is discussed and resolved in this thread - http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=47752.

Bon Chance!

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Perhaps my duvet is more maemo-friendly than yours?

No, don't go there. :p

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Thanks RevdKathy,
I was successful in following Uber's instructions and am now happily updated.

However should I come across any further unsolvable issues,I will be sure to enquire about your duvet. It sounds quite marvellous!

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

after this upate my phone battery goes up to 97%, before it only went up to 94!! :)

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

I didn't have any issues dong the OTA upgrade for this, even though I had a lot of extra and dev apps loaded.

Strangely, the kernel patch for sixadd didn't hinder the upgrade either.

Basically, I clicked update and it did it, end of story, things are improving at nokia software regarding deployment I'd say.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

And my volume goes up to eleven now, this is great!

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Deployment wasn't a problem - it was the timing. Making the UK wait for 1 month over everyone else - with no explanation - just isn't on.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Yeah, it's really handy for when you need that little extra push... over the cliff... you know?

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Evening people,
just registered so here is my 1st post, i have done a lot of looking around & it seem that a lot of people in the UK now have the update yet i do not.
I have the Voda 205 version & am constantly checking for the update on the app manager but no joy.
I'm on the verge of flashing (the phone) but thought i would check here first if anyone knows anything that may help meas to why i have no update.

Many thanks

version 2.2009.51-1.205.1

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

I noticed a couple of improvements on this update...
Internet radio via my wifi, seems much more stable.
and navigating via the hilden interface with just the finger seems much better now... it seems to detect the control under the finger much better, for example if you open the google web page and touch the small(no zoom) edit field or small(no zoom) button area actually works(before it seemed to have needed to zoom in or place the nail right on the control to activate it).

On a down side I think battery life is not lasting as long now... but maybe has something to do with some rogue process running in the background.


FYI, the battery drains for me since the symbian days have always have been gps/assisted network position/bluetooth and for some wifi or 3G.

For me, I use both 3g and wifi so I keep these 2 turned on always.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

You have no update because Nokia hasn't released the update for Vodafone (205) users yet, just the generic UK (203) version.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Decided to go Global
Had enough of waiting for Voda to pull their fingers out of their rear

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

I went global last night and only change I noticed was the new firmware number :)

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Thanks, any idea why as i thought this was now for the UK as a whole?
If i do decide to flash it will that definately mean that i will get updates along with the rest of the world?

As a side note i do wish they would hurry up & sort out the OVI store as i need to get the full angry birds version.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

No idea - don't know why they've taken this long to release the UK update either.

Yes, if you flash with the global firmware then you'll get the updates alongside everyone else, or you can flash with the generic UK firmware. Nobody seems to know of any differences between the firmware variants anyway.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

As far as Vodafone is concerned - who knows?

After flashing, my understanding is that you will get Nokia updates through SSU just as you would have before, except you'll get the ones the lucky people everywhere else get, rather than being limited to UK-specific ones.

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Just flashed my Voda to the Generic Global 3.2010....works great

Thanks

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Dumb n00b question time -

If I use:

1. Use the backup utility to back everything up
2. Flash my UK Vodafone model with global firmware

Then am I able to restore the backup and get my settings, installed apps and contacts back?

I haven't played with backup and restore so I don't yet jknow what exactly it backs up or restores.

Oh and also, is it going to work from win 7 64 bit? I have ultimate so it's supposed to emulate XP pretty well...

Re: N900 PR1.1.1 Firmware Update - UK Instructions
 

Yes, everything will be restored. Your apps will be automatically re-installed if necessary.

No, this does not work with 64-bit windows 7. See previous entries in this thread.