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[HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
MOD EDIT: Flasher tools site is currently down; official mirror is located here
Navifirm has restricted access so get images from here Mirror for PR1.3 images if above is not working COMPREHENSIVE FIRMWARE FLASHING GUIDE for the NOKIA N9 "Reflashing" your phone with the original Nokia firmware can solve many problems and is necessary in a number of circumstances, but a lack of documentation has resulted in a lot of misinformation and confusion. Hopefully, this guide will demystify the process and help bring ailing N9s back to life. :) Warning: Improperly using flasher could damage your phone and void your warranty. However, following these directions precisely to use flasher to install "stock" Nokia firmware images is quite safe, and can fix problems that would otherwise require warranty service. In any case, flashing your phone is at your own risk. Do not use this guide if you aren't somewhat familiar with the command prompt/terminal on your operating system. While many users have experienced success with this process, it is not officially recommended by Nokia in any way. Read the entire guide before you start. Warning: Installation of generic firmware images on certain carrier-branded phones seems to be blocked - if you're currently running a carrier-branded firmware image, it's recommended to wait for more details. Warning: Do not modify the product code of your N9. Doing so is not necessary to replace your phone's firmware, and some programs for changing the code could cause problems (namely NSS Pro). SELECTING A FIRMWARE IMAGE (N9 SPECIFIC) Main firmware images for the Nokia N9 are divided up into "variants" by regions of the world. Except for carrier-branded variants and the 003 (China) firmware, these images are more or less the same.
Downgrades of firmware are normally blocked by the phone. Whether something is a "downgrade" is determined by comparing the entire version strings of the old and new firmware versions, which include the variant code, from left to right. As a result, the variant code must be the same or higher unless you also upgrade the firmware version at the same time. For example:
Additionally, there is a content image ("eMMC image") for most countries/regions that can be used to reset the user data on the phone and restore the wallpaper/music/map files that originally shipped with it. It is possible to "mix and match" any content image with any main firmware image, which is useful for installing your home country's maps on an imported N9. If you don't require preinstalled maps, or if Nokia doesn't produce a content image for your country (e.g. US and Canada), you can save time by using the content image for product code 059J1Z5 ("rest of world"), which doesn't include map files. When downloading firmware images, it doesn't matter which color or capacity (16/64 GB) you select - the files are the same for all models. Nokia recommends always using the latest firmware image for your phone's product code (printed on the SIM card tray). This is the safest option. However, you may wish to change to a different variant than what shipped with the phone for the following reasons:
DOWNLOAD FIRMWARE (N9 SPECIFIC) Use the following steps to retrieve the appropriate firmware files for your phone: On Windows:
On Linux:
Any OS:
BACK UP YOUR DATA All of the procedures described below will destroy some or all of the data on your phone, so you should be sure to back up anything you care about first. This includes contacts, messages, game saves, music, .deb packages, etc. You can do this either through the built-in backup feature or manually using developer mode. PREPARE TO FLASH If your phone has a low battery charge (less than 50%), plug it in and let it charge for a while. Then, make sure your phone is disconnected from any USB cables (including USB chargers). Power off the phone. Go to the Flasher download site and download/install the version for your operating system (WinFlasher_3.12.1.exe, MacFlasher_3.12.1.dmg, flasher_3.12.1_i386.deb, or flasher_3.12.1_amd64.deb). Do not use Flasher 3.5 - it isn't compatible with the N9/N950. You can skip this step if you've already installed Flasher. On Windows, open a Command Prompt with Administrator permissions (with UAC, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator). On Linux, open a root shell (sudo -i/su). Change to the directory containing the firmware images you downloaded. On Windows, run set PATH="C:\Program Files\Nokia\Flasher;%PATH%" in order to add Flasher to the system path. FLASH THE PHONE Run the following command, then connect the phone to your PC. Code:
flasher -i Use the following list to determine which of the steps below you need to use to accomplish a particular task:
Note that you should replace main.bin and emmc.bin in the commands with the actual names of the image files you are flashing. Replace operating system (preserves user data) The following command will replace your phone's operating system with the supplied firmware image. All applications will be removed, but music/documents/maps/etc. will be kept. This is equivalent to updating/restoring your phone using the Nokia Software Updater (NSU) utility. Code:
flasher -f -F main.bin The following commands will remove all data from your phone and restore it to factory state. The provided content files (sample music, wallpaper, etc.) will be restored. Code:
flasher -f -F main.bin The following commands will securely erase your phone such that no data can be recovered later, then restore the operating system and provided content. Warning: The secure erase feature has not been audited by a 3rd party. Do not rely on it to protect all traces of highly sensitive information from a well-funded attacker. The first part will take a very long time - let it run overnight. Code:
flasher -f -F main.bin --erase-user-data=secure Note: If you did not receive any errors, you can skip this section. In some cases, the new firmware image includes cellular modem (CMT) firmware that is older than what is already installed. This has typically happened when flashing N9s running 003 (China) firmware with other firmware variants. If you received an error about flashing the CMT, obtain the image for the firmware that was previously installed, then run: Code:
flasher -f -F old_main.bin --flash-only=cmt REBOOT INTO THE NEW OPERATING SYSTEM The phone is now ready to leave flashing mode: Code:
flasher -R |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
You can combine clearing the device, flashing the main and emmc in one go:
Code:
flasher -f -F main.bin -F emmc.bin --erase-user-data |
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Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
there is a complete guide to flash n9 on windows7 in youtube( it is in spanish).
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Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
Well done, itsnotabigtruck. Many people will surely find this guide useful if not life saving!
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Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
Very helpfull!
Thanks itsnotabigtruck ;) When you say: Quote:
My N9 is branded (Nokia N9 of Argentina, "Personal" brand). One of my goals is to get "Vanillla" Meego Experience. My branded N9 can not use WiFi-spot, has a horrible startup animation, and has some other limitations. I'm planning to flash LTA firmware on it. Are you aware of any trouble? Anyone has any experience on something similar? Thanks in advance. |
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Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
@gpollano I saw a post somewhere here from someone having trouble debranding an Australian N9, but can't seem to find it now. I added that warning to be cautious - I know a number of people have successfully debranded their phones going to PR1.1 at least.
Try doing the comprehensive reset and see if it works. If it doesn't, I expect it to simply refuse to install the image. |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
@itsnotabigtruck thankyou for taking the time to write this up
In your opinion is this safer than using some other application based flashing utility? Do you know if NSU will allow me to use pre-downloaded files? Whats the difference between nokia care and prod external in navifirm? (do you use + or regular navifirm?) The reason i ask - i miyself have a N8-00 and my wife has the better phone - N9-00:) She's currently where the internet is painfully slow - or non-existent. I had thought of pre-downloading the firmware files and then flashing at my leisure (yea right) :) So - right now - she is at PR1.0 - and now that 1.2 has come out - i need to update her twice - which means i need to risk the flashing twice... Also - where do the files to be flashed need to be located? same folder as flasher? And since i have your attention - if for some reason the internet is working well when i start an OTA instead- and the internet disappears mid download - will it hurt the phone or will i just need to start again when the internet returns? Thanks in advance! |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
Bravo! Update to 1.2 from NSU went fine.
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Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
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You can indeed use NAVIFIRM to pre-download the firmware images - that's how I originally upgraded to PR1.1. Note that you need to download all the files listed under Production External for your phone's exact product code, then copy them into the right place. I don't remember off-hand exactly where the "right place" is, but it's some hidden directory somewhere. The updater on the phone downloads everything before beginning the OS upgrade, so you don't need to worry about connection dropouts. However, it's a little buggy, and I had to reboot the phone in order to begin the download again after getting stuck. Edit: Drop the files in C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Nokia\NSU3\NOSSU 2\variants\Products\rm-696 |
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that is the location for Winflasher, correct? |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
Downloading the 1.2 firmware now, thanks for the guide!
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i changed my product code to get update 1.2 with nsu. At the end of installation it gave error about usb connection and nsu couldnt recover the phone as well. So i flashed same files with flasher with any probs. But it gave warning at start of phone about warranty.
i can go back my original 1.1 with error at the end of installation about bb5 rdc cert read failed mtc nos ready not received and phone starts but it gives a simcard problem and never recognizes it after some trying time. Im at 1.2 again with warning at the start. What can i do? P.s : i cant change my product code after first flash. How can i go local mode in this situation to change product code back or sth else. if i go back 1.1 and connects it in suite mode. nss sees the product code but, because of cant get to local mode, it cant be changed. waiting for help... |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
Which variant are you trying to upgrade from, and which are you trying to flash?
Try downloading the firmware image that was on your phone before, then doing: Code:
flasher -f -F pr12-main.bin --flash-only=nolo,kernel,rootfs |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
what is the purpose of changing n9 product code? especially when we can flash our n9 with other country variant firmware with the same or higher legacy number(number after PR)
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Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
original variant is 059M4z8. i changed it to 059J214 (both are turkey code)
And flashed it to 059J214 1.2 image. flasher -i command says its still 1.1 The flasher codes that you've given me, i will try them now. |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
-first with success.
-second failed with these; bb5 rdc cert read failed (11 times) mtc nos ready not received (3 times) cmt rfs failed pipe 2 finishing in error state with status 1 do i need to do third one? |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
from your codes. i understand that the only problem was cmt. So i flashed back to 1.1 and got cmt from 1.2 . so it did the trick.
thanks for all your help |
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However, I agree that it is far easier to use Navifirm, download the firmware and use Flasher - no stuffing around with changing product codes. |
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That means there's no reason to change the product code unless you really want to use Nokia Software Updater, and that seems to cause problems on its own. :/ |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
im trying to flash my n9 but when i write flasher -i an error message appears telling me the following:
ERROR: ReadFile(65540) GetOverlappedResult() error 1167 timeout 4975ms Unable to detect flashing interface: standing by for device reboot. Suitable USB interface (bootloader) not found, waiting... Found device RM-696, hardware revision 1603 NOLO-version 2.3.6 and then it tells me what my firmware version is, shall i then just go on or do i have to worry about anything?? thx for your help :) |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
I think this should be a sticky.
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I've also added this guide to the universal guide (The more up-to-date Google Docs version) This is probably the best flashing/updating guide I've seen yet. Thank-you! |
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No problem to flash with a Claro branded N9 from Argentina, no blocked at all, firmware update without any problem. |
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i seriously cannot make it work.
i have the .bin file... but cannot get the flasher to flash. i says in "not found waiting" tried on windows with no luck, and mac... dunno what im doing wrong... in mac im missing the SUDO command, don't know how to put it in... plz, help? i tried everything..... 1) phone off, disconnected 2) phone on, disconnected 3) phone off, connected 4) phone on, connected |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
Thank you for great instructions itsnotabigtruck. I have successfully updated my Singapore N9 to N.European Generic PR1.2.
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Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
My N9 has PR 1.1.1 (22.2011.44-2.335.4_PR_335)
can i flash with any verson of PR 1.2 ? if yes, which one is the best choice? |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
@itsnotabigtruck
Thanks so much for the guide. Worked well. Was able to flash and then do the OTA to 1.2. |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
GRRRRRR
can't flash it!!!! how do i make any os to recognize the device on flasher? im tired of trying, of turning on, and off, and on, and off... it won't get it. |
Re: [HOWTO] Comprehensive Firmware Flashing Guide for N9
If you are using Linux you don't need to use NaviFirmEx in wine to download the Firmware, you can use this Perl Firmware downloader script in the following thread.
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=81697 |
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Also, @mods: Thanks for stickying this! |
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i did..... sudo -i, then pass...... then flasher -f -F image.bin -R
connect phone being OFF, nothing power on while connected. i hear a "TICK" and a menu shows up saying "not enough power in usb to charge"... then... "enter usb charge mode"........ i really, really, really, really, dont get it. i used to flash my 5230 several times, i cannot make this to read up my device, neither i use win or mac. i am frustrated as ive been 4 hours trying. im done. |
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Once it's charged past 50% or so, power it back off and get ready to flash. Quote:
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the same happens....... GKFNR"!?$I!=RKOPFAOPFAO;FPSAKFOPA#######!!!!!!!!!! !! |
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