Limited Service on New Samsung E250

charmed-imsure

Hi,
I've just bought a brand new Samsung E250 from my Studio catalogue, it never said anywhere it was locked onto Vodafone but I'm happy with my o2 so I've unlocked the phone. I've checked the lock status & all locks are inactive but my o2 SIM just comes up Limited Service now. The Vodafone SIM works. My o2 SIM works in my other phone. Is there something I'm missing here? Really annoyed that they sell the phone without saying it's already on a network, all their other phones advertised state what network they're on.

Can anyone help me cure this Limited Service problem I'm now stuck with?

I've checked all over the internet so far all I can see is people being advised that the phone was previously stolen & barred, this is not possible as it's brand new from a reputable catalogue & arrived in a sealed Vodafone box with all original packing in tact.

Grateful for any help!

espresso

See here...........

charmed-imsure

Thanks, I did see that one this morning but just assumed that because the phone is brand new it shouldn't need an upgrade of software. I've got version LE250v.09

espresso

charmed-imsure wrote: »

Thanks, I did see that one this morning but just assumed that because the phone is brand new it shouldn't need an upgrade of software. I've got version LE250v.09

Yes but you say that "I've unlocked the phone" so depending how this was done, it may need re-flashing again now.

charmed-imsure

I think you may be right. I entered the unlock codes & network password. Still works fine on Vodafone but won't let me access o2 despite all locks now being disabled. I wouldn't mind using Vodafone or even changing my number if only they did a deal as good as o2.

charmed-imsure

Just spotted, IMEI number has been set now to all zeros, need to do something with that I guess!

philnicandamy

sounds like you've done something to the EPROM depending how you "unlocked" the handest & it may need reflashing with latest software as espresso has suggested
for the IMEI problem Have a read here

http://www.wirelessforums.org/uk-telecom-mobile/unlocking-samsung-e250-19806.html

charmed-imsure

I did an EEprom reset without being fully knowledgable so I've gone & set the IMEI to zeros. D'oh!!! I wasn't completely aware that it'd reset IMEI. I read somewhere that even if you have the original box, receipt, everything intact, no-one would try to resolve it because it's illegal. Don't see how as nothing is being changed, it's just being reset to how it should be. Minefield of good & bad info out there, at least MSE is a trusted info site!

(the bit that you linked here is the site that argues legality!)

philnicandamy

It is illegal for an IMEI to be changed...i'm not sure how the law would look at a "reset" as your handset is.. the law is a little vague thats why so many people are conflicting & the fact I doubt a dealer would want to be a first person to try & be a test case for something like a reset at the end of the day it's still a change..for them an unlimited fine & a jail term isnt worth it ....your last port of call try a samsung service centre might be a slim chance they can suggest something....

charmed-imsure

I've just popped down to my local esso garage, they do unlocking, I explained the situation in that it was my stupid fault the phone's like it is now, explained I have all the docs in my name etc & he asked me to go back in tomorrow as the person that does the unlocking doesn't work on Mondays. So it looks like they'll have a bash at it. I'm not a stranger to them so I guess because of that they won't mind. Shame because I'm very impatient & I sooooooo want to use this phone... NOW!!! lol I've been waiting over a week to use it because I've been on hols & it was delivered the day I went away.

gaming_guy

afaik its ok to RESTORE an imei as you are putting the original imei back in, but for CHANGING the number to something different its illegal.

i would get this thread moved to the mobiles board then you should have more chance of getting a better answer