Windows Mobile 6.1 Upgrade Troubleshooting Tips
Over the past week or so I’ve been seeing some comments come in from people that are having problems upgrading their Blackjack II smartphones to Windows Mobile 6.1 (WM 6.1 for short). This post is going to try to describe potential problems in the upgrade process and provide possible solutions.
If anyone has better solutions or any other troubleshooting tips, please leave them in the comments and i’ll try to add them to the post.
Thanks to everyone that posted in the Forums and commented on this post (there’s a ton of great troubleshooting info the forums and comments, its just a lot of info to wade through).
In order to run the Windows Mobile 6.1 Upgrade Software you should be running Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista. If you try upgrading using Windows XP SP3 or you MAY run into the “Evil Beep” problem described below! Samsung claims the upgrade will not work if you are running Windows XP SP3, however we do have numerous reports of it working (although we have several reports of the Evil Beep problem as well). Click here for instructions on how to find out what Service Pack you are using.
Disable all Anti-virus/Firewall software before performing the update
- There are numerous reports that Anti-virus software/Firewall software you may have running on your computer may cause the WM6.1 update process to fail. Try turning all anti-virus and firewall software off before performing the update. After the update is complete, feel free to turn the anti-virus and firewall software back on.
I forgot to remove my SIM card before performing the upgrade
- You will probably be OK (I forgot to do this when I upgraded my Blackjack II) – But I highly recommend that you remove your SIM card as instructed before performing the upgrade.
The upgrader won’t detect my Blackjack II after installing the modem drivers
- Backup the contents of your SIM Card (Contacts, etc.) – Nothing should happen to this data, but there is no guarantee.
Keep your SIM Card in so ActiveSync can recognize device.
Change Settings > Connection > USB back to ActiveSync right after modem drivers have been installed so you can establish an activesync connection when the uploader program asks you to establish an activesync connection in Step 4, Number 8 of Samsung’s instructions.
My upgrade process is taking a long time and seems to be hanging
- After you’ve connected your Blackjack II to your computer and have begun the upgrade process, the “upgrade” should take around 10 – 15 mins to complete. If the upgrade’s progress bar seems to stop and and the elapsed time is at least 30 mins your installation has hung and you will need to start the upgrade process over. This usually occurs because you running Windows Mobile XP SP3. If you can uninstall SP3 and go back to SP2, do that, reinstall the Modem drivers and run the installer again. Note: If this happens you will probably not be able to boot into your phone, and will have to follow the next troubleshooting tip to continue with the upgrade. You may have to send your Blackjack II to Samsung (under their warranty service) and have your phone reset.
WM 6.1 upgrade software asks me to put phone into “Downloader Mode”
- To put your Blackjack II into “Downloader Mode” he phone powered off hold down Volume Up + Back Key while powering on the Blackjack II. After you’ve put your phone into Downloader Mode, connect it to your computer via USB and run the WM 6.1 upgrade software again.If your upgrade fails again (hangs/freezes) try going throught he upgrade process several more time. Users have reported they’ve had to go through the upgrade process 4-5 times before a complete and successful upgrade occurs.
The “Evil Beep” after I boot my Blackjack II into Windows Mobile 6.1
- Several users have reported that the upgrade process froze near the end, but they disconnected their phones and were able to boot into Windows Mobile 6.1 — HOWEVER, every 20-30 seconds their Blackjack II would make the beeping noise that we normally associate with unplugging the power adapter from the Blackjack II.This usually occurs because you running Windows Mobile XP SP3. If you can uninstall SP3 and go back to SP2, do that, reinstall the Modem drivers and run the installer again. Users that have fixed this have kept re-running the WM 6.1 update software until they get a complete upgrade without any freezes. Users have reported this may take 4-5 tries. If you run into the upgrade software asking you to put the Blackjack II into “Downloader Mode”, see the above trouble shooting tip.
Nothing works! I tried to upgrade my phone and I can’t get it to start anymore. It just displays a Samsung Logo.
- If your upgrade process failed and you’ve been unable to boot into your phone using the troubleshooting tips outline in this post, you will have to contact Samsung Support, mail them your Blackjack II, have them re-flash it to Windows Mobilr 6.0 and have them send the phone back to you.Samsung Mobile Phone Support
1-888-987-HELP (4357)
Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm (CST)
Sat: 9am-6pm (CST)
Mac and OS X users
- The WM 6.1 upgrade software is a Windows application and must be run on a Windows computer. If you are a Mac user I suggest: 1) finding a friend that has a Windows machine and borrow it for 30 mins (the upgrader will in no way hard the computer) or 2) Bootcamp/VM Fusion/Parrallel into a Win XP/Vista install and perform the upgrade from there.
Canadian users
- If you are a Canadian user, make sure to check out the Blackjack 2 Forums’ Windows Mobile 6.1 Upgrade for Canadian users thread.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Ye its a shame that the i616 from the looks of it cant get this update…Im still in the works of unlocking my phone( I won 10$ in lottery so ill purchase an unlock code soon(fido refused to give me it)) and then after the phones unlocked ill try my best to get this update working
September 14th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Won’t upgrading the i616 to WM6.1 lock it to AT&T. You’ll need to unlock it again I suppose for it to work on FIDO/Rogers.
September 15th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I spoke to someone at SAMSUNG MOBILE PHONE SUPPORT and she told me that the current update is NOT COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS XP, SERVICE PACK 3. The update will go through PHASE 1 & 2 smoothly, but will freeze when launching PHASE 3. Even if you pull the cord and restart the device, WM6.1 will work, but you’ll have to deal with the “EVIL BEEPING” every 20-30 seconds.
If you have WINDOWS XP, SERVICE PACK 2, it should run smoothly.
I uninstalled SERVICE PACK 3 on my computer, re-downloaded all the necessary files (Modem drivers & WM6.1 update), and I didn’t have anymore problems.
WINDOWS MOBILE 6.1 is freakin AWESOME!!!!!
September 15th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
If you have your BJ2 on AT&T’s network, they will redirect you to call SAMSUNG MOBILE SUPPORT. So, don’t waste your hold time calling AT&T.
September 15th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
i need some help mest up on modifying my xml file “ATnT_Default.home.xml” if u guys can please send me this file anyone? i forgot to back it up its in application data/home email it to me plz
upaaron@aol.com
September 16th, 2008 at 8:38 am
I have SP3 and my update when just fine. Guess I’m lucky
September 16th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I also updated using Windows XP SP3 and had no problems whatsoever.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I’m having trouble installing the Samsung Modem Drivers onto my computer
September 18th, 2008 at 9:10 am
i have xp sp3 and the upgrade went perfectly smooth for me, however I did it a few weeks ago, before reading this post, but I would error on the side of caution now.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Is anyone having service issues? I normally have really good coverage at home but a few days after the 6.1 update I can’t hold a signal and I’m dropping calls…
September 18th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Does anyone know where the band select file went?
i cant find it
September 25th, 2008 at 4:35 am
I upgraded using Windows XP SP3 without a glitch.
Do not trust all that the Samsung tech support personnel says.
If they only allow you to upgrade with SP2 or say that the upgrade is SP2 compatible, then, they are way behind time. XP SP3 has been out in the market for a good two months & they did not bother to ensure that the upgrade works well with SP3? If this is correct, I might as well forget about getting a Samsung laptop preloaded with XP SP3 if one was available since it would not allow me to upgrade my Samsung Blackjack II to WM6.1.
The issue is with the Firewall & AV program installed in the host computer used to upgrade the BJII.
At last count, I’m the 4th user who upgraded with XP SP3 without a problem.
BTW, to the moderator, it’s Windows XP SP3 & not Windows Mobile XP SP3.
September 27th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I also have upgraded using SP3. It wasn’t without a glitch or two. In the middle of my first attempt, the download hung up, and I had to remove the phones battery to get it to respond to me. After a scary 45 min I figured out how to use the forced download mode, and completed the upgrade. No “evil beep”.
September 27th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I’m up to Step 4 on the Samsung directions. I’ve unzipped the Vista upgrade and clicked on Run. I’ve entered the proper ID and Key and confirmed. When the “Welcome to the ROM Update Utility” screen appears, I am unable to click the box allowing me to go to the next step. I’ve tried tabbing, combination of keys, etc., but I can never get the checkmark to appear. I found a similar problem raised on Modaco, but no answer or suggestion as a follow-up. I’m running Vista 32 and have downloaded the correct Vista update. I’ve tried re-downloading the package two additional times just to be sure. Firewalls and AV programs are turned off.
Any ideas?
September 28th, 2008 at 1:25 am
solojack, are you able to browse to your Blackjack II before performing the update? In order words, is your phone successfully connecting to your computer using WMDC? Also – are you sure you installed the Modem Drivers correctly? Also – what is your Blackjack II’s Connections > USB setting set to?
September 29th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
i also have have Windows Xp Sp 3 and it went like clock work for me.
September 29th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
I upgraded using Windows XP 64 with out any issues…every think works good.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I need help installing the modem drivers. When I go to add/remove program it’s not in the list and when I try to install them it says they weren’t installed successfully because they’re already installed and it says to uninstall them. Does anyone know how to fix this?
October 13th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Which would be the best:
1) return phone to Samsung for re-flash
2) Get a refurb from ATT.
I have both in the works. I am sure I can cancel either one.
October 15th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Hey guys. When upgrading my BlackJack II to WM 6.1, will I have to reinstall all of my programs such as Garmin GPS and other programs that are all on my memory card? What will I have to reinstall? Any other installation procedures I should follow not already outline here? Thanks!
October 16th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Is there anyway to undo the Windows Mobile 6.1 update?
October 17th, 2008 at 5:14 am
sooooooooo no more tricks for my phone :[
October 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
chbritton – The only way to revert back to WM 6.0 is to mail your phone into Samsung and have them reflash your phone with the Windows Mobile 6.0 OS.
October 18th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I think I am on my fifteenth attempt to get phase three downloaded using the latest update to Vista. At most, it succeeded to get 11% downloaded before the usual Samsunging. [aka, FAILing] Downloading should not be this much of a challenge, especially on a machine running nothing else . I like the BJ2. But, if upgrades are this difficult for Samsung to manage, I will need to distance myself from them fast.
October 19th, 2008 at 11:05 am
I just got my Blackjack 2 yesterday so of course I had to make it better. I tried the WM6.1 upgrade from my Vista computer and couldn’t even get it to put the phone in download mode to try the update. I just tried it on my XP SP3 computer and it works flawlessly! I read that I might have to uninstall SP3, but I tried it without it and no issues. Hopefully everyone else gets it working because just playing with it these few minutes 6.1 is a huge upgrade from 6.0!
October 19th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
emsmx5, Do you have any anti-virus/firewall software running? If so try disabling it and try to re-run the updater.
October 21st, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I got the WM6.1, a little bit slower than 6.0 but still great, i was wonderin’ is anyone knows about the noise that the TCPMP does when trying to make the equalization??? When i’m trying to equalize it makes just a noise and the music/video has problem with the playing…HeLp!!!
October 21st, 2008 at 4:57 pm
jackrules, not sure about the noise – you are using the WM6.1 version of TCPMP though, right? I believe its linked to from the TCPMP page on this site.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Hi, I just want to ask if I have a unlocked blackjack II, is it safe to upgrade to WM 6.1? I have tried searching but can’t find any thing useful. I really don’t want to get it locked up cause i just got it yesterday.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
jan, im not positive, but i think upgrading to WM6.1 would re-lock the phone. The upgrade re-flashes these phone’s ROM, which about is as low-level of a wipe as you can get on these phones. Call Samsung Support (their number is listed in this post) and ask them to be sure.
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
hey, i have already email samsung and they say i would not affect the phone, I am gonna try it and see how it goes.
October 26th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
tried a different machine, my XPSP3 machine at work. the upgrade worked flawlessly the first time, despite being hooked to a USB port that seem to go flaky midweek. Communicated its intentions throughout the upgrade. It is now upgraded. end of story.
Also, if you think of upgrading using a Mac and Parallels, DO NOT. Just saying.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I’m new to this site, been lurking for a week or so since I got my BJII, and I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experiences with updating the phone to WM6.1. I took the plunge and updated the phone earlier today with only one minor hiccup and that was that it didn’t want to sync with the vista laptop I used to install the update. A quick reboot of the laptop took care of the problem, and the phone has been working great since.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:17 am
my fren told me that there should be getting started menu in sliding pannel of bj2 wm 6.1,but i dint have that.is there anyway i can get that getting started sliding pannel or is there any wm6.1 update for bj2 that have getting started sliding pannel?plz help me
November 5th, 2008 at 11:21 am
how can i unlock my bj2 to use another company’s sim?
November 5th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
sweekar,
You will have to contact your carrier and ask them to SIM unlock your phone. I suggest telling them you will be going out of country for several months and need to use your phone on an overseas carrier, thus you need your phone unlocked. They should be able to help you unlock your phone.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
can i upgrade my phone without a CD?
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:15 am
I’m having the same problem as Kriztinaaa. I can’t seem to install the drivers for the modem software… it says that i already have them installed but the update doesn’t let me progress because of it. Any suggestions???
January 3rd, 2009 at 6:11 pm
when i open the upgrade it asks me for an id and a key please help me i dont know how to get this on my phone i put it onto my memory card and it wont show up on my phone i figured out how to connect it to my computer but i dont know how to get it onto my phone
January 4th, 2009 at 11:53 am
plays2, the ID and KEY are in Samsung’s instructions. Please read through and follow Samsung’s instructions step-by-step and you shouldnt have any questions.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I don’t have a data package. If I’m using modem drivers will I get charged for data?
Is there are way for me to do this other wise?
January 11th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
tobichan,
No worries – You do not need a data package for, and will not be charged for data usage during, this upgrade. The “modem drivers” are used so your computer can communicate with your phone on a very basic level — it has nothing to do with getting on the internet or using your phone’s data capabilities.
January 30th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Alright people stop posting comments about how you got lucky and it worked on your SP3 because I decided to try it with mine and well it did NOT work, got stuck on 3rd phase. So uninstalled SP3 and trying to re-doit in SP2 after the 5 recommended tries it still gets stuck after phase 2. I going to keep trying and im also going to try to update it on another computer. My question is what modem drivers are you talking about? The activesync???? I never had to install any modem drivers to begin with only activesync. I would not recommend this update to anyone until they come out with a version 6.11 or 6.2 or something. The phone still works after the fact and I get the “evil beep” but the 6.1ver is much slower that 6.0 there is a half second delay when switching between menus and it now takes like 30 secs to skip to the next mp3 in the media player. Plus it deleted all my contacts that were not saved on the SIM card and delete all the other programs I installed on it previously. This upgrade is a fucking disaster.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Upgrade disaster continued.
After trying to reinstall with sp3 and sp2 several times and not having any success I decided to look into the Modem Drivers. I found the latest version of the drivers for XP here http://www.samsung.com/us/support/download/supportDownDetail.do?group=&type=&subtype=&model_nm=SGH-I617&language=&cate_type=all&mType=SW&dType=D&vType=&cttID=1860146&prd_ia_cd=01010100&disp_nm=BlackJack%20II%20(SGH-i617)&model_cd=&menu=download&menu2=detail installed them, tried the install, and it WORKED on the first trying in sp2. Not even sure that it is an SP3 problem anymore it might be a driver issue. Another thing I should mention is that when the install got stuck on waiting for Phase 3 my computer detected new hardware at this point and asked me for drivers for(or drivers named) SAMSUNG CDM Technologies…(something like that) after installing this Modem Driver (not the CDM) the installed went to Phase 3 and never prompted me for driver or hardware install.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Playing with 6.1.
Although 6.1 does look more polished and shiny and comes with lots more useless programs I would still not recommend this upgrade. This only good thing I noticed is with the upgrade you can now play your mp3s in media player and do other things at the same time like txting people. As I have mentioned before there is still a noticeable performance decrease from 6.0. Even with a successful update it still takes sometimes upto 30 seconds to skip to the next mp3 (this might be because I have an 8gig SD card with 6gigs of mp3s on it). Scrolling threw menus is also lagged. When I play mp3s the lag increases even more (im sure its because of system resources) the lag times of switching menus increase even more. Also while playing mp3 and using other programs like txting or looking at pictures or surfing the web, the mp3s start to skip and stutter.
I would not recommend anyone to download the update until a better version 6.11 or 6.2 comes along. Unless you don’t care about any of the stuff I mentioned and just want the GUI to look better then go for it.
P.S. i suppose the internet sharing feature is cool too.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Guys, I’ve installed WM 6.1 with Vista 64 bit with no problem. It was worth to take the risk and I just proceeded with installation despite “only 32 bit” warning. I was lucky this time!
1 first off, your BJ has to be connected to your pc with mobile sync center. start updater.
2. follow the instructions – the updater will go through part 2 and disconnect after it. Part 3 – the phone functions part – will not be installed. As was warned, there would be no driver for the phone part of the BJ for Vista 64.
3. Now disconnect the phone by pulling out the battery.
4. Turn it on. BJ will boot and WM 6.1 will be installed on it, however phone functions would be still missing.
5. Connect BJ with USB again. Mobile Sync Center will be able to determine it automatically and establish partnership. As soon as partnership is established, run the WM 6.1 updater again. This time, installation will amazingly go through all three parts!
6. reset the phone after installation.
7. Enjoy your new WM 6.1 interface!
February 23rd, 2009 at 7:16 am
I’m trying to install this. It went through part 1 and 2 great, but now it’s on part 3 and all I see are little running numbers when it says “Time” and the download doesn’t seem to progress. What do I do? Is that part of the installation?
March 10th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Kayla2790 you need to install the modem driver! then reconnect!
ughh!! i have sp2 so the update process worked fine! but now the mic on my blackjack2 does not work!!! its brand new! it was working on wm6 but now nothing! calls.voice record. video record! nothing!!! =(
help!
April 9th, 2009 at 4:36 am
I updated my blackjackII with windows 6.1 but now I have run into a HUGE problem, I AM NOT a AT&T customer…I’m with T-Mobile. So heres my problem, I CANT get internet because the AT&T profiles are locked in and I can activate my T-Mobile profile because the AT&T profiles can not be deleted! HELP!!!!!!
April 9th, 2009 at 4:37 am
*can’t activate
April 15th, 2009 at 5:49 am
hey, ive been sooooo scared to do the 6.1 update, i only want the update for the thread feature of texting. Looking around i found a program called Extreme Text http://www.birdsoft.biz/extremetext.htm. i liked it so much i purchased it. it was only 15 bucks, check it out let me know what you think. it works great on my BJ2
daniel
atlanta ga,
any questions email me @ daniel.miranda@live.com
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I picked up a $20 BlkJk2 last week (ty C-List). Been wanting to ty a WinMo Phone for awhile. 6.1 is so much nicer than 6.0. Jog wheel is actually usable now (not great, but much better). I did have these issues.
I couldn’t make the update happen on Windows 7 beta. I did the Vista install. The modem driver stated success. Mobile Device Center connected. The device never would start the installation. Perfecto on XP SP3.
BTW: Glad I found this site! WEWT!
June 4th, 2009 at 12:12 am
When I bought my blackjack 2, it already had 6.1. Is there anyway to make it 6.0?
June 16th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
i did the update!!! on Vista, took about 30 mins, i was scared ( like i said in my previous posts) but i read all the post first before i did the update, it was easy: just follow the steps- step by step. You shouldn’t have any problems. and yes it is soooooo much better then 6.0- i started a thread on the other side to talk about the good and the bads of 6.1: just do it!!!! there are alot of people here ready to help you!!! makes ur bj2 fast and the thread text is awesome!!! gps is fast and the internet is fast also!!!
dm
atlanta ga 6-16-2009 @ 809pm
July 27th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I need sum update help… it is installing an is stuck at the part right after “[Good] _ DPRAM _ 0×45D44E”, it says Time : after that and the time number keeps roling very fast and wont stop, the pc program just says waiting for next image
August 13th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Toboe- I had the same thing happen to me.
I just unplugged it from the USB and did the reset as said in the directions and I had 6.1 ready to go. It was odd- didn’t think I’d get it after that. Good luck!
August 13th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Ahh just kidding. it’s doing the evil beep of death DDD: and my computer won’t recognize my phone when i plug it in to do the upgrade again but it recognizes it all other times. wtf.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:08 am
I have just tried to update my BJ2. I am running on SP2 and the downloader will get through phases 1 & 2 and then at the bottom of the screen on my phone is this thng that says Time: and it just keeps changing numbers rapidly. I don’t know what to do to fix it. I have been excited to update all day and when I finally get the chance I can’t please help ASAP!!
April 3rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I know this post is old, but i’m still running 6.0 and would like to update to something better.
I can’t find a link to download anywhere (that isn’t broken). please! help?!
April 23rd, 2010 at 4:13 pm
dude you need to continue updating the site. there’s a WM 6.5 out for bj2. It’s really cool cuz the new OS has GPS settings allowing u to configure aGPS settings as well giving users much faster GPS fix if they have data plan
May 1st, 2010 at 3:04 pm
i followed the steps but when my phone goes black to the BADA screen it begins a countdown then says my PC connection: fail. it says check my board msm_res. HELP
June 7th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
I had to get my wife a new BJII. Found a good deal and got a 2nd hand one that still had 6.0 on it.
Ran the update under XP SP3 (Win7 64bit would not work, I could not even connect the device)
It froze at the end, and I got the ‘evil beep’. I will try reinstalling later, but for now what I found is that once you complete the sync, you need to power off and power back on the phone. Then the beep goes away. Seems that when you charge it, and disconnect the phone from the charger you get the beep back, so you need to reboot it each time you finish charging it.
June 8th, 2010 at 7:36 am
I just re-read my post and it makes little sense, even to me. So let me try again.
Using XPSP3 I ran Active-sync and connected the phone. Then I ran the .exe for XP and it started the upgrade.
At the end of step 3, it stopped. I got the message on my desktop that it was ‘waiting for the next image’ and on the phone, the Time just kept circling, as described by others.
I let it sit for about 10 minutes then disconnected it. I shut down the phone (which still had the text up) and pulled the battery out, then reset it and rebooted the phone. It stayed a few moments with just SAMSUNG on the screen, but then it booted up and ran fine.
The only issue was the ‘Evil Beep’. I found comments on another site that if you restart the phone, the beep would go away, and sure enough that worked. Apparently, every time you sync or charge the phone, the beep comes back, so you need to reboot the phone when you disconnect the sync or the charger.
Tonight I will try to run the update again and see if I can get rid of the beep.
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:18 am
I cannot get the phone into modem mode when installing the modem drivers. This phone will not successfully boot, it gives me a SIM failure message everytime it boots up. There is nothing wrong with the sim (brand new)! Is there a way to force the phone into modem mode. My computer does not show the device as a modem or as a com port so i cannot complete step 2 or the installation instructions!!! WHAT CAN I DO TO FIX THIS!!!
November 16th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
The 6.1 update is no longer on the Samsung website. Can anyone tell me where I can find the .cab file for the update? email: bert@kinyons.com
Thanks!!
September 10th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
i want BlackJack WM6 1MR Upgrade Key and Id…..
February 21st, 2012 at 7:39 am
My windows mobile 6.1 version is failing to boot or load?