Newbie with decert and bootloader queries

[Guest quembre]

Hi guys, first post so be please be gentle :wink:

Just got my SPV a week or so ago largely encouraged to do so by watching this site. Thanks to you guys I've managed to successfully SIM unlock my SPV. I also decertified it using the official Orange method.

All went smoothly and I got the decert message on screen. At least thats what I thought till I tried installing an uncertified file explorer app (can't remember name) last nite. I got it onto my SPV but when I tried to run it I got a message saying something about not having permission. (I can't remember exactly as it was quite late.) The file then appeared to delete itself. At least I can't find it!

Question 1. Is there any way to confirm that your SPV is decertified? I mean other than trying to install an uncertified app.

Question 2. I haven't done a hard reset yet but does doing so recertify a decertified phone? (Or re SIM lock a SIM unlocked phone for that matter?)

Question 3. I haven't upgraded the firmware yet as I've been put off by some of the posts saying that the updated bootloader is not as good as the .93 one. I want to upgrade though as the phone is a little slow when entering text and changing between menus and I reckon an upgrade should sort it. The more I read about upgrading software and downgrading bootloaders however, the more confused I get. Is there a complete idiots guide that I've missed or could someone create one please? I'm a little confused about the backups required. What backups do I need and how best should I do them. I have an extra 32mb card and a card reader. Will these be needed?

Hope I haven't covered too much that's been covered elsewhere. I have read the posts and done my best to manage without posting but you seem such a helpful bunch I thought I'd just ask ;)

Anyway, great site befitting a great phone. I think maybe, just maybe, I've found my ideal mobile gadget.

Sorry if i rambled :oops:

[Guest awarner [MVP]]

1/ no

2/ If you do a hard reset you will need to decertify again try Will's decert app next time (found in articles)

3/ I have not done an upgrade since the DK1 update so I'm not the best person to give you a walk through as I'm a bit rusty :oops: