A few Noob questions

well yesterday my erom got messed up on my w580 so i did i search to fix it and i discovered the world of flashing your phone. i flash psp's all the time so i am not a noob with that and i have learned all about how to use XS++.

first question is what is the difference between unlocking. i'm pretty sure i know unlocking is just making it take all sim cards but what is debranding then? and are there any features i will lose from my att w580 besides just some of the att apps?
second question. how do i get flash menus working?
thanks

some phones come with telco branding or shortcuts/menu options so debranding just removes this from the phone. I guess you would lose these functions if you debranded your phone

i think i saw somewhere that it will disable the side volume buttons from working.

Hi

When a phone is manufactured the network it is being made for can stipulate what software they want on, what the buttons do etc etc. This is BRANDED firmware, they will also lock the phone on to their network.

If the manufacturer is just making a "Phone" Then it will put generic firmware on. This is not locked onto any network. However dependant on what sim you install and what network it is will determine if the buttons on your phone will do the job they where designed for.

For instance I have an unlocked K610i the home page button is located on the front fascia and the phone has a "3" sim card in. Because it has generic firmware installed and not "3" firmware installed this button is now defunked, wont work, nil, nada, stuffed!! Which is a good thing as when you pressed it by accident it used to hook up to the 3 internet and charge you for it!!

So you can install generic firmware and unlock but dont expect EVERY button to work.

With regards to flash files


Thanks to mfawal

To Upload files to your w580i

Download XS++ 1.68
Place all the flash files (.swf) in the following path (Where your XS++ executable is located):
files_to_upload\tpa\preset\system\desktop\flash
Start XS++
Click on connect and connect your phone
Click on Customize
Go to Settings and click on BreakXS
Go to FSX and click on Start FSX.
Wait a couple of minutes and you're done.

Now you will need themes to use the flash files you've just uploaded.

Download and install TUG ZIP TUGZip - The Free Archiving Utility
Find a theme that you want to modify to use a flash menu on.
rename the file from XXXX.THM to XXXX.tar
Extract the files into a subfolder
Locate the .xml file
edit the file in notepad.
Locate the line: Sony_Ericsson_theme version="4.1"
Enter this after the line:
<Desktop_style Type="File" Source="XXXX.swf"/> where XXXX.swf is the name of the flash theme you wish to use.
Save and exit from notepad.
Highlight all the files you've extracted and right click on a file and click on add to archive.
Select the TAR format and zip the files.
Rename the zipped file from XXXX.TAR to XXXX.THM
Upload the THM to your phone.

Enjoy your new flash theme.

And Here:

LINK

Regards

Lavondys

Top Sony Team

Citybeat Blue Flash menu with theme and walkman skin - Top Sony Forums

i just flashed that swf into the correct folder and i put the theme on my memory stick. when i set the the theme i still have the regular menu icons? what am i doing wrong.

also the walkmen theme doesnt work it shows up as orange. like all the others ive tried.

ahh i see, this is all new to me as well

Check again if you really putted the .swf in the right folder.

Customize Your Sony Ericsson Phone | Sony Ericsson Flashing