If this doesent work then ill return it and do the carphone thing. Although my phone was a upgrade direct from vodaphone.
ive got flasher, but how do i know im downloading the right firmware here ?
Because it asks for the imei number and wouldent that just give it the same as the firmware i have right now ?

So this means guys no void of waranty as you can flash back to voda firmware if it ever has yo be sent for repair

Vodaphone might not be happy, but in kingston upon thames in the u.k the nokia care point is right there next to the vodaphone store :P. And nokias i found out have 3 year warranty.

but wait i need to download the right firmware first !
as it asks for the imei number wouldent that just flash me back to the branded firmware ?
If this is the case is it possible for someone to give me a 203 imei number, as a pm because i just want to get image and im NOT changing the product code
If possible

or a direct download link :P

I'm pretty sure it offers you all the firmware images after you put in the IMEI number. Have you tried it?

It does, yes.

For what it's worth, the version number of the firmware that came on my phone (from the Nokia Flagship Store in early December) was 1.2009.42-1 (now upgraded to 1.2009.44-1.) It doesn't seem to be the UK-specific firmware.

I'm on Vodafone from MDP, contract 18mnths, I updated fine and there are no vodafone related apps or widgets or anything installed now..

Sucess !
I LIKE !
Anyone else with vodaphone branded 205 im going to be helpful and i suggest doing this (Just so theres a tutorial in this thread/ dont have to go searching and stuff):

First off download flasher from here: http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/maemo-d...-downloads.php

And then from here download the 203 lib file, you have to enter your imei number but it still shows up with the 203 image http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php

Then install flasher and put the lib file into the flasher dictionary:
C:\Program Files\maemo\flasher-3.5
Note: This doesent work on 64 bit editions so i would find a friends laptop or use a live cd for windows 32 bit, or if your fimilar with VMware just use that to set up a virtual version of windows.

Then in the start menu, type cmd in the search bar at the bottom for windows vista/windows 7 users But right click it and open file location.

Should take you to system32 where the cmd program is located.
Then highlight it and press copy, and then paste it into C:\Program Files\maemo\flasher-3.5
dictionary and then start it.
This saves you having to retype it incase you mistype it or your currently in holiday in amsterdam and you cant be botherd to type it because of some substances :P.



and then switch off your mobile, take out the charger but make sure that there is charge on the battery !

then hold down U and connect the usb cable from your computer into the n900 and there will be a nokia logo with NO BACKLIGHT but there will be a usb icon in the corner.
Once you have that set up, as the n900 is in flashing mode.
Start the CMD inside of the flasher dictionary.

and for me just copy and paste this in there

"flasher-3.5.exe -F RX-51_2009SE_1.2009.42-11.203.2_PR_COMBINED_203_ARM.bin -f -R"

Without quotes and hit enter and it should work !
Note between the -F and the -f is the lib file that you downloaded for me it was this one but if you are looking at this and you have a different image then just go into the flasher dictionary and copy and paste the exact name of the lib file with the extension and take out the version that i have put here.

flasher-3.5.exe -F (Put your lib filename here DO NOT INCLUDE THESE BRACKETS) -f -R

And hit enter and watch the magic happen.

Then the n900 will restart and your firmware shall be unbranded !

Note: if the cmd prompt says that the device has not been found, you will have to either use another persons pc and make sure its 32 bit or a image or VMware as flasher doesent support 64 bit, as i found out .

Hope this is been usefull

AND SCREW VODAPHONE BRANDED PRODUCTS TODD FIVE !! *waves hand in the air for a vitrual 5*

then go to app man and download the update for maemo 5 and ovi and all of the apps is there .
Long live openess !
Long live freedom !
Long live (LOADS OF APPS ON A LINUX PHONE)