[N900 FIX] Nokia N900 Complete Wiki for HARDWARE/SOFTWARE problems [IN PROGRESS...]
 

1. Introduction

What to check before buying a new Nokia N900 handheld device:

• Major scratches on the screen
• If the slider is okay (not too lose)
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability
• IR Port capability
• Accelerometer functioning properly
• Camera flash
• Light sensor and proximity sensor
• Open terminal and type "cat /proc/cpuinfo" and check revision ( since 2101 and 2104 are factory faulty - not all of them so you need to check the following 2 steps if the revision version is 2101 and 2104)
  
• MicroUSB port (check for it not to be loose and work properly)
• GSM Driver (by applying pressure in corners or keyboard and see if the GSM signals fail - the "E" key is close to the chip, check that zone first)

KNOWN BUGS/WARANTY PROBLEMS RELATED TO N900 DEVICES:

Nokia often offers new N8 or E7 devices as warranty replacements for N900s. Although warranty terms and consumer rights legislation differ across jurisdictions, users have reported success in refusing those and pressing for an N900 in at least the EU and India as recently as August 2011. Owners who are not confident of getting an N900 as a warranty replacement often attempt to repair their own devices, or sell the Nokia-provided replacement to buy an N900 instead.

The N900's proximity sensor, which is designed to lock the touch screen when the phone is against the user's ear to prevent accidental operation, locks the screen unintentionally in bright light (usually outdoors) when a call is placed or received. Nokia has acknowledged that it is a "hardware issue" and cannot be addressed. To unlock the screen in a phone call, a tactile unlock switch in the right side of the device can be used. This however will keep the touch screen active and accidental operation of the phone keys in a call may occur when device is used as a handset. This issue has been blamed on the application of screen protectors, however N900 users without screen protectors are also experiencing the problem.

Also the N900's MicroUSB (charger) port is very fragile. Some people have successfully fixed this problem with either epoxy glue or soldering the USB port down on the motherboard.

Also the SIM-card reader might be badly soldered to the board. Multiple N900 devices are troubled by the problem that the SIM-card cannot be detected anymore. Users may be able to fix this by putting something between the GSM related chips and their cover.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_N900

Enjoy your new N900 DEVICE! If any more problems appear, you should read the lists below.

2. Software problems (Flashing/Applications related)

2.1 Common problems

2.1.1 Micro USB port problems:
Fix before is too late: #LINK1, #LINK2
Possible fix after it's broken or damaged: #LINK1, #LINK2

2.1.2 GSM Driver (All telephony functions disabled due to a communication error)
Temporary fix: #LINK1, #LINK2
Permanent fix: The permanent fix solution is going to cost you. You should take the phone to a local computer service for a REFLOW process for the GSM Chips. The best method is to do a REBALL for the GSM driver. The REFLOW might cost about ~25 EUR, and the REBALL about ~50 EUR.

2.1.3 Phone got wet, how to dry it to avoid any damage!
Solutions: #LINK1, #LINK2, #LINK3, #LINK4

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

2.2 Unique problems
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

3. Hardware problems (Diagnostics/Possible Fix related)

3.2 Common problems
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

3.2 Unique problems
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

Uh, why not make this thread a "link hub" with all the links for problems that have been solved and include detailed information on how it was fixed - and maybe some WIKI links for the most common stuff (flashing, etc).

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

Or this... But the links we provide must be a REAL, TESTED solution that worked for at least 1-2 users. Where should we begin and how?

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

I think you can begin with linking/explaining how to solve the broken usb port problem (soldering, glue)... It's a common problem with the n900 and many users have tried it. Another could be how to get devoce working when you get it wet (sorry for bad english)

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

Broken USB port: just link to Fixing USB port, before and after it is to late. (All info in one Thread) (See POST #1) .
Water damage: collect information from slider damaged, rebooting Nokia screen, stuck on Fn keys, swimming now dead, Spilt Coke, Beer, sink, screen not coming on, solution.
Best wishes.

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

That is allready a sticky. I can just try to post methods to prevent. (but not now, for now I am just waiting problems, so I can search for solutions and post them here)

Make a list and in 2 weeks (when I'm done with my exams) I'm going to resolve this thread, and make it a complete "service wiki".

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

IMO this would be the best place to put that information.

http://wiki.maemo.org/N900_Hardware_Issues

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

good, let's talk solutions for problems here and the best solution we're going to add to that page :)

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

Good idea. I will add this thread here. usefull when buying a used N900. What to check when buying a used N900. Useful to those who are new to N900 and don't know what to check.

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

Updated! :) Please check it out. This is the final form of the thread as I see it!

I hope it will be helpful!

Re: [N900 FIX] Nokia N900 Complete Wiki for HARDWARE/SOFTWARE problems [IN PROGRESS...]
 

Not to be sceptic or complain, but ... are You for real will mantain this thread about hardware (...) problems, with that achievement on Your account:

http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...10&postcount=4

?

In first post You add info about factory faulty devices with revision 2101, where I'm currently running on N900 rev. 2101 (charged once a day, connected to PC at least 5 times a week) and not even sign of any mUSB problems (---). See this post for example:

http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...8&postcount=10

You have to invite more then one "security officers" with huge reputation on TMO to make this thread worth reading. And there's even more to this, please know that it might acctually breake device or two if You will continue.
Saying once more, I don't want to complain or disturb in (I think great thread and wiki page idea) - but it should be done by right people - with all respect to You of course.

So maybe add some info to first post, that You have been writing funny and unreal stories on TMO asking for help when You didn't actually need any, and that all info here should be double checked, consulted with (here You can copy/paste reputable members nicks). Don't get angry, just think about it man.

Re: [N900 FIX] Nokia N900 Complete Wiki for HARDWARE/SOFTWARE problems [IN PROGRESS...]
 

Hey, chill out man, stop being so nice. I know so well my rep here, and I know it's not too good. I want to know how can I add people to write to that 1st post. And yes, you can all double check that info and reply of what you think is wrong. The things with the REV number I remember I also saw it on a wiki page, so if you are lucky enough that your device is still alive, it's your luck. My 2101 broke the usb... so for me it was a confirmation. Better to be caution then to regret.

P.S. I found a solution about how to fix the broken GSM motherboard. I am just waiting for some extra info, and in ~1, 2 months it will be sent to a professional service for replacing and maintaining the drivers.

As for my rep, people make mistakes, people change (okay not all of them, but I think I'm in the other half) and that's why I try to recover my rep. And I try doing that by making reasearch and learn more and more about this wonderful device.

Re: [N900 FIX] Nokia N900 Complete Wiki for HARDWARE/SOFTWARE problems [IN PROGRESS...]
 

Not all N900's with hardware revision 2101 and 2104 are faulty. My N900's hardware revision is also 2101 and i'm using it for more than 2 years now and haven't encountered any USB port problems yet.

edit. why not just post thread link and write a small description that what information is available in the given thread ? i think its better than copy pasting.

Re: [N900 FIX] Nokia N900 Complete Wiki for HARDWARE/SOFTWARE problems [IN PROGRESS...]
 

Copy/Paste is a space killer. So yes, this will be only a link wiki, not a text wiki.

That was the next step I was willing to do in this thread, except that introduction. State the problem, add a link to the post/thread with the solution. I won't post solutions and claim that it's mine.

I will update the 1st post. The 2101 and 2104 claim to have most of the problems, so as I stated before, some of you are lucky some of you are not with these specific models. I think that is just bad luck (2101 - broken USB, 2104 - faulty GSM chip, and I owned both).

Also you can help me with links to problems :).

Re: [N900 FIX] Problems with N900. THREAD WITH SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY PROBBLEM!
 

Post updated, I will find some good links about the wet device and how to let it dry safe.

Re: [N900 FIX] Nokia N900 Complete Wiki for HARDWARE/SOFTWARE problems [IN PROGRESS...]
 

Bumping, what would you like to see here? Help me out!

Re: [N900 FIX] Nokia N900 Complete Wiki for HARDWARE/SOFTWARE problems [IN PROGRESS...]
 

My nokia N900 fell on the floor ns it's nt being restarted nw...Can u please help me vid dis issue???