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P990i Advice Please

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DaisyDumpling_3
DaisyDumpling_3 Posts: 2 Newbie
in Mobiles
Hi

I've just purchased a refurbished P990i from Ebay Orange Outlet. Paid on 25 November but still waiting for sim card!!! It is locked and branded Orange.

Whilst waiting I've been reading here about issues with branded P990i's and am now wondering if I should have this unlocked and debranded to get over these issues? From what I gather here, also, it is not straightforward to unlock these phones and that I would need to send it to away to have this done.

I am fed up with Orange Outlet - they don't answer emails and all you can do is wait!

I see on here, also, that Orange can do the debranding and unlocking - do you think I should try asking them rather than another independent outlet who does this work?
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Comments

  • philnicandamy
    philnicandamy Posts: 15,685 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    well...I did the same a while ago, had a few slow issues but nothing major

    used these guys to unlock & debrand my p990i & had no problems (£30 all in postage service etc), made a few enquirys in local shop but everyone seemed to scared to attempt an unlock (its more difficult on these handsets than a standard unlock)...in fact the p990i is now on virgin & working a whole lot faster than it did!, I did try to email orange but didnt get a response...although knowing orange the prices they would probably charge would be way more than what I paid!

    http://www.kingmobilephone.com/pages/sony-ericsson/p990-debrand.php
    We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will
  • gaming_guy
    gaming_guy Posts: 6,128 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    you can debrand SE smartphones via XS++ and the sony ericsson update service for free, but you need to find a decent shop to unlock this
  • philnicandamy
    philnicandamy Posts: 15,685 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    gaming_guy wrote: »
    you can debrand SE smartphones via XS++ and the sony ericsson update service for free, but you need to find a decent shop to unlock this


    trick is finding a shop though.....I struggled in liverpool

    brother has just bought the same phone unlocked but still branded...i'd be interested in what you mentioned gaming guy if i can sort myself instead of him relying on sending away (post being what it is at this time of year)
    We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will
  • gaming_guy
    gaming_guy Posts: 6,128 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    philnicandamy wrote: »
    trick is finding a shop though.....I struggled in liverpool

    brother has just bought the same phone unlocked but still branded...i'd be interested in what you mentioned gaming guy if i can sort myself instead of him relying on sending away (post being what it is at this time of year)
    grab xs++ from here

    then follow this

    WHATEVER YOU DO, MAKE SURE YOU BACK UP THE GDFS
  • philnicandamy
    philnicandamy Posts: 15,685 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    gaming_guy wrote: »
    grab xs++ from here

    then follow this

    WHATEVER YOU DO, MAKE SURE YOU BACK UP THE GDFS


    Tried what you suggested...having problems with phone connection, using vista home prem installed suggested software & keep getting an error "windows usb device malfunction" then before I can do anything goes off.....got all the latest usb drivers etc so stuck!
    We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will
  • DaisyDumpling_3
    DaisyDumpling_3 Posts: 2 Newbie
    Thanks for your suggestions. I'm going to send it off and have it done.

    Unfortunately, I've left it too late to do this before we leave for Prague on 24 Dec, which is the reason I bought the phone in the first place - we're two OAP's and could have done with being able to contact family with email while we're away but Orange have messed up that idea! Wish I'd realised how inefficient they are instead of expecting it to be sent any day soon.

    Thanks for your help - I'll get this done in January.
  • gaming_guy
    gaming_guy Posts: 6,128 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    you need to find a computer with XP on it, as i think there are issues with the USB flash driver on vista.

    (you should only need to change the CDA string region on an xp computer, as SE have the update service for vista here)
  • philnicandamy
    philnicandamy Posts: 15,685 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks GG what I thought....bloomin vista!

    i'll get my hands on an xp machine & have a play after christmas

    Thanks Again

    Phil
    We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will
  • seth
    seth Posts: 1,291 Forumite
    Is there another source of XS++ as the forums linked above seem to have closed
    Seth.
  • gaming_guy
    gaming_guy Posts: 6,128 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    seth wrote: »
    Is there another source of XS++ as the forums linked above seem to have closed

    i have posted a link to xs++ in the other thread you have started.

    by the looks of things, se-nse is under another DDOS attack so here is the link for the debranding guide
This discussion has been closed.
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