Virgin Mobile Broadband cancelled - what to do with dongle?

inabigcountry

I have had this mobile BB for over a year, but don't need it now as I've just got an iPhone. I have spoken to Virgin to cancel, which they have done. I was on a pay monthly contract.

What is the best thing to do with the USB dongle now?
It is a Huawei E160.
Do I need to ask Virgin for an unlock code?? (To make it worth more if I sell it)

TIA

Donnie

You can unlock it yourself if Virgin intend to charge you for the code.

You need a SIM other than 'Virgin' and you need this calculator.

1. Type your IMEI number into the calculator.
2. Generate a NCK unlock code.
3. Insert a "foreign" SIM into your locked USB stick. ("Foreign" means from any carrier other than the one to which the stick is locked.)
4. Start Huawei's generic Mobile Partner software* or you can run this utility and use it to detect and unlock the modem with the help of the calculator code(You'll need to make sure the other connection manager is not running at the same time).
5. At the prompt type in the unlock code.



*The generic connection software if you don't get the option of inputting the Unlocking code whilst using the 'Virgin' connection manager

To install the new connection software:
extract the downloaded ZIP
make sure the drivers for your modem have been installed, as the update will require those. Drivers will be installed with Mobile Partner or Vodafone's dashboard (VMC)
plug in your modem
run the update
follow the instructions on the screen
after 2-3 minutes the update should be finished
unplug and replug your USB modem and install the new version of Mobile Partner.
Ready


Wait. What I would recommend initially is rather than installing the new Generic Mobile Partner to the USB modem at this stage, that you only install it to your computer, at least until you have completed the unlocking process.

So instead you can install this connection software to your computer, but in this case without the USB modem needing to being plugged in.

So to reiterate, try entering the incompatible SIM first using the 'Virgin' software to see if you get the 'pop up box' in which you can enter the unlock code.
If you don't, you can run this utility and use it to detect and unlock the modem.

If you fail in this, you can try with one of the Connection Managers/Dashboards for which I have created links.

Once unlocked, you can customise your 'new' modem by updating the dashboard if you wish, by installing the new dashboard with the USB modem connected.

inabigcountry

B****y H*ll :shocked:

That was one hell of an answer, thanks!!

Not quite sure I've got the necessary know how to do that though, sounds a bit confusing for someone who ain't too great with computers.

Is it really going to be worth my while doing this, or could I just sell it "locked"? Or maybe Virgin will just give me an unlock code if I ask?

Thanks for the information anyway, if I don't try it, I'm sure someone else will benefit from your excellent knowledge.