Using a N95 8GB (UK model) with Vodafone NZ (Unlocking phone / upgrading firmware)

Forums › Mobile handsets › Using a N95 8GB (UK model) with Vodafone NZ (Unlocking phone / upgrading firmware)

BlueToothKiwi

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Ultimate Geek
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Topic # 31949 6-Apr-2009 13:38

I have just got a N95 8GB from UK and I am trying to get it working in NZ with Vodafone. And these are my current issues:

(1) It wont let me connect to the Local Vodafone network with my NZ SIM card. I get a 'Invalid Sim card' message.

(2) I got the unlock code from Vodafone UK - but before I can use this, (as I understand it) I need to have a valid Vodafone UK SIM card - and I dont have one. There are no ways for me to enter the codes while a NZ SIM card is inserted.

(3) I am scared to download any dodgy unlocking software off the net - as I dont want to brick a perfectly working N95 - especially when I have the unlock code.

My question is:

(a) How do I unlock the phone so it works in NZ (without having to order a UK sim card and waste for another week or take it to one of those shops that charges you $$$)

(b) How do I put a new firmware on it? [I was going to download it from http://www.nokia.co.uk/link?cid=EDITORIAL_799358 ]

[It currently has the following version:
V20.0.016 /
28-02-08
RM-320
Nokia N95 (60.01)]

(c) How do I put the latest version of Maps on it?

Any help would be appreciated.
Tim

Tim M, Auckland
Blog: http://paddler.co.nz

kiwiboi

122 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 205544 6-Apr-2009 14:16

Hi Tim! This is based on my experience with my N95 which i sold few months ago.

a: Put a VF NZ sim and type the code given to you. Depending on the code, this is what I do with unlocking some Nokia's. Can you show me the code in private? If it's ok with you.

b: This is the current version the last time i checked.

V 31.0.015
07-11-08
RM-320

You can upgrade your phone using Nokia Updater from the link you gave.

c: You need to subscribe to Nokia Maps or other Navigation systems such as Garmin (I'm used this on my N95)

Good luck!

BlueToothKiwi

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 205547 6-Apr-2009 14:35

kiwiboi: Hi Tim! This is based on my experience with my N95 which i sold few months ago.
a: Put a VF NZ sim and type the code given to you. Depending on the code, this is what I do with unlocking some Nokia's.

Thank you Kiwiboi.

I tried that. The instructions I got from Vodafone UK was very simple:

> > NUC Procedure
> > 1. With the Vodafone [UK] sim card inside the
> > handset.
> > 2. Key pw NUC 1
> > The p w and symbols are found by keying the key
> > twice for the symbol, three times for p and four times for w .
> > 3. The handset should then display Sim restriction off

So With my Vodafone NZ card I tried the following [Where NUC = The code I got from Vodafone UK]:
pwNUC1

Nothing happened.

I also tried

#pw+NUC+1#

And it says 'Not Allowed' for a second and reverts back to 'SIM card not valid' message.

It looks like I cant enter the NUC code while a NZ Vodafone SIM card is inserted.

:(

Tim M, Auckland
Blog: http://paddler.co.nz

kiwiboi

122 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 205550 6-Apr-2009 15:01

The code they gave you can be typed even with the VFNZ sim in it, I've done this many times on Nokia phones. You just have to type it correctly. Here's a sample code

#pw+174071377400470+7#

p and w can be obtained from the * key. You only have 5 attempts for this. Every code is different for every phone so I can't use your code anywhere else, I just wanted to know the structure of the codes being given by the UK provider as I haven't tried this before. I always unlock using 3rd party tools.

Canterbury

176 posts

Master Geek
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Reply # 205554 6-Apr-2009 15:19

the latest firmware for the n95 8GB for Vodafone NZ is the versoin you have. Vodafone here seem to be very slow updating (v20 was released last year- with 2 updates since then 30 and 31)
as you have a UK phone though you should be able to upgrade to 31 thru NSU (pcsuite) without issue.
if not you can change the product code of the phone to Euro1 then run NSU again and it will work
very useful site is http://www.n95users.com/forum/general-95/8749-nokia-n95-2-8gb-firmware-upgrade-info-change-logs.html

no idea on the unlock issue sorry but searching thru the above site will help

Nokia maps can be updated thru pcsuite as well - ensure you have the latest version (7.1.18.0)
alternatively try http://betalabs.nokia.com/betas/view/nokia-maps-30-ovi-maps

BlueToothKiwi

282 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 205589 6-Apr-2009 17:04

Thanks Canterbury. Infact when I tried my Product code on the Nokia site, it told me I got the latest version - ["Latest available software for Nokia N95 8GB, product code 0557135
Version: 20.0.016"].

Thanks again kiwiboi. Please reply to my private message when you got a minute. I am still getting the same 'Not allowed' message - and I only got 2 more tries left before I brick it.

Tim

Tim M, Auckland
Blog: http://paddler.co.nz

Pradip

33 posts

Geek

Reply # 205591 6-Apr-2009 17:13

If all else fails unlocking the phone, feel free to contact us.

Regards

NZtechfreak

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Reply # 205614 6-Apr-2009 18:44

Best place you can go for help is Symbian-freak, no doubt about it. They'll sort you out...

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

BlueToothKiwi

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Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 205708 7-Apr-2009 10:27

Thanks for all the responses.

NZtechfreak: Best place you can go for help is Symbian-freak, no doubt about it. They'll sort you out...

that is an excellent site and a blog with lots of goodies - thanks for pointing it out. They have lot of info there not just on N95 - but also on other Symbian stuff.

Pradip: If all else fails unlocking the phone, feel free to contact us.

I will if all else fails, Pradip. I got a response back from Vodafone UK (see link below) - Will try to get a UK SIM and try it as per the Vodafone advise (before I try to do any brute force method.

http://forum.vodafone.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=22365&pid=150347&st=0&#entry150347

Tim

Tim M, Auckland
Blog: http://paddler.co.nz

Pradip

33 posts

Geek

Reply # 207413 16-Apr-2009 23:36

Did you get a SIM card?

My friend is coming back from the UK sometime this week, I'll try contact him and see if he was on the Vodafone network

If so, ill ask him to bring his SIM card back, he'll definitely let me borrow it and you would be welcome to try it.

BlueToothKiwi

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Reply # 207447 17-Apr-2009 06:15

Pradip, I got a Vodafone UK SIM card at last. It was free - I just had to get someone in the UK to forward it to NZ.

Unfortunatley I get the same message when I tried the NUC I got. I am totally at a loss. It still comes with the message "Not Allowed"

Tim

Tim M, Auckland
Blog: http://paddler.co.nz

Pradip

33 posts

Geek

Reply # 207473 17-Apr-2009 09:04

Typical! Thats exactly why I never use codes.

The only other cheap option I can suggest is to buy one of those universal SIM cards from TradeMe - which require you to cut your sim card (Obviously only a temp solution)

Regards