I also run into problems.

When connecting the usb cable while holding down the key 'u', the N900 vibrated and an USB icon showed up at the right upper conner with the NOKIA logo, but the N900 back lit is NOT on, everything is pitch dark. I dont think it is right, but I also think the N900 is now in the flashing mode. So anyhow I proceeded.

After typing the command, flasher_3.5.exe..... with the global image, ...COMBINED_002_..., it returned an error message "%m" and program exited. Where do one look up this error message? I did check the file size, which is 187721717 in DOS and matched the size listed from Nokia.

From looking at previous posting, instead of using the global image ...COMBINED_MR0_..., switched to USA variant, COMBINED_002_...may work, but running the risk of, down grading and sim card not reading???

Any suggestion? or better quit now before this turned into a fiesta disaster?

bun