Motorola Releases the 1.43 ROM for the MPx220

[Jerry Raia]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://direct.motorola.com/ens/softwareupdate.asp#' target='_blank'>http://direct.motorola.com/ens/softwareupdate.asp#</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/MPx220.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/><br /><br />Better late than never Motorola finally officially releases the long awaited new and improved solve all the problems ROM update for the MPx220. Since I don't have one of these nifty phones anymore I can't join the party but please share with us your upgrade experiences and impressions. It looks like the upgrade also gives you the ability to backup and restore certain items during the process.

[ctitanic]

Updated without any problem. I have not noticed any difference yet but I really have not tested deeply.

[meg]

updated with no problem either. Haven't noticed too much but my phone would only get buggy after a few days of no power down so we'll see.

[stumpy]

No problems with the update but did not noticed a sound improvement.

[Jerry Raia]

Those of you who have done this does the process allow for the backup of programs or just data?

[HalM]

I did my upgrade a few weeks ago when the site was up for a day or so. In any case, it went very smooth. As best I can recall, it only backed up data. I was really glad that I had Sprite and could use that to restore everything in about 2 minutes. Of course, I am a minimalist so that probably helped too.

[ctitanic]

Those of you who have done this does the process allow for the backup of programs or just data?

just data.
even when I know that it's not recommended i restored a backup file I have created with spritebackup. So far everything works fine.

[servoisgod]

No good for me? Mine wont finish. It just sits there and errors out on the install. Here is the error:

"Warning! The time taken to apply the System Update to your MPx220 device has exceeded expected limits.

Check the information in the 'Details' box. If it appears to be updating, then it is likely that everything is OK and you can dismiss this warning message.

However, if the information remains static (typically reading 'Start flash loader downloading...'), then it is likely that the Update has failed, in which case you should dismiss this warning message and Cancel the System Update application."

I've tried the update three times and each time the same thing. I've rebooted both the phone and the computer.

Still no go.

Oh well, my phone has worked flawless since I've had it so I guess I don't really care that much.

[bleeman]

I did mine tonight and it upgraded with no problem. I can't really tell what's different about it either. I'll try to compare it with my wife's phone as I haven't upgraded hers yet. She always makes me try everything on my gadgets before she lets me touch her gadgets 8O

I guess after 29 years of being around me, she's learned it's best not to be on the bleeding edge and to let someone else work out the bugs :lol:

[John Cody]

Just some notes on the new 1.43 rom version...

- I would recommend performing a hard reset on your mpx-220 BEFORE doing the upgrade - this will increase the chances of the upgrade going smoothly.

- I did notice that the ear piece volume is louder, about 20% louder - now I don't have to pump the volume to 100% anymore - 80% is comfortable.

- The text in the external LCD will flip upside down when you flip the phone lid.

- There is now a "BT SerialPortSetup" app added to the start menu that will help with connecting your 220 to certain bluetooth devices, like GPS.

- The images of the camera are sharper, abut 20%. They may not appear that way on the phones display, but if you copy the picture to your desktop and view it there it is much better.

- My mic hasn't cut-out once since the update, it use to cut-out every 4th call or thereabouts.

- One other thing I noticed, but I don't know if the older rom had, is that if you play the media player, and crack up the volume to max (with the flip open), then close the lid, then use the external volume up/down buttons on the side of the phone, the volume can get quite LOUDER :)

[Jason Lee]

No good for me? Mine wont finish. It just sits there and errors out on the install. Here is the error:

"Warning! The time taken to apply the System Update to your MPx220 device has exceeded expected limits.

Check the information in the 'Details' box. If it appears to be updating, then it is likely that everything is OK and you can dismiss this warning message.

However, if the information remains static (typically reading 'Start flash loader downloading...'), then it is likely that the Update has failed, in which case you should dismiss this warning message and Cancel the System Update application."

I've tried the update three times and each time the same thing. I've rebooted both the phone and the computer.

Still no go.

Oh well, my phone has worked flawless since I've had it so I guess I don't really care that much.

Do you have the absolute newest version of activesync? I had similar problems with my latest sx66 update. It worked fine after downloading and installing the new activesync. The version i had wasn't that old but I guess they changed something with the latest release.
At least try to download and reinstall activesync. It might help. maybe. ;)

[servoisgod]

No good for me? Mine wont finish. It just sits there and errors out on the install. Here is the error:

"Warning! The time taken to apply the System Update to your MPx220 device has exceeded expected limits.

Check the information in the 'Details' box. If it appears to be updating, then it is likely that everything is OK and you can dismiss this warning message.

However, if the information remains static (typically reading 'Start flash loader downloading...'), then it is likely that the Update has failed, in which case you should dismiss this warning message and Cancel the System Update application."

I've tried the update three times and each time the same thing. I've rebooted both the phone and the computer.

Still no go.

Oh well, my phone has worked flawless since I've had it so I guess I don't really care that much.

Do you have the absolute newest version of activesync? I had similar problems with my latest sx66 update. It worked fine after downloading and installing the new activesync. The version i had wasn't that old but I guess they changed something with the latest release.
At least try to download and reinstall activesync. It might help. maybe. ;)

Yeah I found my issue. I run windows 2003 server on my laptop. I guess it didn't like it :)

Once I used my other laptop running XP, then all when great.

I know I know...read the requirements! :)

But just an FYI for those that are setup like me...don't use windows 2003 for your update :)

[servoisgod]

Anyone know what the list of fixes and such is for this update? There doesn't seem to be any information that I have found yet "Officially". :)

Thanks

[thefunkunfaked]

ummm...

there is no "attach image to contact" option.

what the hell is going on???

[Jerry Raia]

Was that supposed to be in this? I thought that was a WM5 feature.

[thefunkunfaked]

Was that supposed to be in this? I thought that was a WM5 feature.

i was able to do it with all previous versions of the firmware

[John Cody]

ummm...

there is no "attach image to contact" option.

what the hell is going on???

It's still there - you have to:

- Launch the camera (not video) app
- Then select "Browse Photos"
- Then select the photo you want to assign
- Then select "Attach to contact" (you have to scroll down on the long pop-up menu)
- Then select the contact to assign it to.

[Jerry Raia]

Ah... never used it or had a use for it.

[Sven Johannsen]

OK, so I just tried the update. Got the 'new' update tool. Ran it, everything works the way it seems like it should, but it tells me my phone has the latest software and no upgrade is needed at this time. It has 1.30 on it. Any ideas? This is an unbranded unlocked MPX220, but I did stick my Cingular SIM in it (from SMT5600), in case that was an issue.

I always had an issue registering this Motorola phone on Motorola's site, because they say the IMIE isn't valid. Motorola says I should contact Cingular about that, which makes no sense.

Does everyone who has made this work have an official Cingular phone? It is Motorola's site I'm going to for the upgrade after all.

[thefunkunfaked]

ummm...

there is no "attach image to contact" option.

what the hell is going on???

It's still there - you have to:

- Launch the camera (not video) app
- Then select "Browse Photos"
- Then select the photo you want to assign
- Then select "Attach to contact" (you have to scroll down on the long pop-up menu)
- Then select the contact to assign it to.

got it.. strange, the photo album used to automatically open up when viewing images.. i guess it doesn't do that on the new firmware

[thefunkunfaked]

OK, so I just tried the update. Got the 'new' update tool. Ran it, everything works the way it seems like it should, but it tells me my phone has the latest software and no upgrade is needed at this time. It has 1.30 on it. Any ideas? This is an unbranded unlocked MPX220, but I did stick my Cingular SIM in it (from SMT5600), in case that was an issue.

I always had an issue registering this Motorola phone on Motorola's site, because they say the IMIE isn't valid. Motorola says I should contact Cingular about that, which makes no sense.

Does everyone who has made this work have an official Cingular phone? It is Motorola's site I'm going to for the upgrade after all.

mine is a unbranded, unlocked black model and i got it to work. however, i have the cingular logo on the screen when i start up / shut down.

[Sven Johannsen]

mine is a unbranded, unlocked black model and i got it to work. however, i have the cingular logo on the screen when i start up / shut down.
That's not unbranded in my view. It has Cingular bits in the ROM. Mine says Mobile Operator, on the screen that branded versions would say ATT, Cingular, T-Mobile or whatever. Might be my issue though. I called Motorola and they said my ROM mighht be corrupt (yea right), and it may require sending to a service center. The wewre transferring me to a different dept to get my info and dropped me back to the initial voice menu.."Hello Moto, what kind of device are you calling about?..press 1 for...: Since I had just sent 45min getting to a tech and working through the issue, I didn't feel like going through it again.

[Mona13]

I did the update yesterday and now I have a black screen with an error "MDSXL-4-3280.XL Download incompletely".

Please help. I did the driver update first and it seemed to go fine, but when I was upgrading, the connect/disconnect tone kept coming on. Then I got a DL failed error and the update 1 of 1 had an x beside it and everything froze up.

I finally disconnected and haven't been able to do anything at all since. When I take off the battery, it won't get past that error and my computer shows malfunctioned USB hardware.

I've looked and looked for some other type of driver to load, but I haven't found anything.

Any suggestions? Motorola said I need to send it to Ft. Worth, TX for a reflash and it will take 7-10 days. My local corporate Cingular store said they don't do anything ROM/software/repairs in their stores anymore.

I would rather not send it to Ft. Worth, they said even if I drive and hand deliver that it will take 3-4 days. Anyone know of a Dallas/Plano/Richardson/Mesquite place that can do it?

I also tried surreal networks, the off-line updater, but when it goes to browse for the driver, it's not in the Motorola file with the other files, or my computer is just not recognizing that it's plugged in. Motorola said their server was up and down while I was trying to do the on-line update and that was probably what caused the problem.

I would rather not send to XBM and get the 5600 replacement because I have two "Fast Forward" devices for the Motorola.

Mona13

[Sven Johannsen]

They are suggesting you send it to Motorola for a reflash right? I can't imagine them sending you back and Audiovox device. Unfortunately I think they are probably right in that your ROM is currently hosed.

Sounds to me like your USB connection was flaky, not anything to do with Motos servers. You shouldn't have gotten connect/disconnects while the flash was going on, and typically a failed flash because of internet problems just results in you getting the old stuff back.

Hope someone here has some options for you, but if it won't connect or even see the phone, it needs to go back to Moto.

[Goattee]

The 1.43 update improved my spotty GPRS pickup problems but it started running my battery down at even more incredible rates.

I finally couldn't stand the abuse and arranged a mail exchange with Cingular. They sent me the Audiovox 5600 and I can't believe the difference!

You can initiate voice control from the BT headset. Email connects reliably and all GPRS activity is faster and smoother.

I don't understand how Cingular could have foisted the Motorola MPx220 on the public without adequately testing it! This is the second time I jumped at a crappy phone that Cingular killed within a few months.

The moral of the story: test any new phone heavily during the 15-day trial period and don't be shy about throwing it back.

[JackmanL]

At first, I could not get the 1.43 upgrade to finish installation no matter what I tried. It would always hang at 72% complete. However, when I removed Tweaks, everything installed perfectly without any difficulty and all my data automatically restored. The only thing I had to do was reset my defaults and reassign the unique ring tones I had given to various contacts. As far as the usefulness of the upgrade, it solved all of my issues. The intuitive or predictive contact lookup now works perfectly. With over 850 contacts in my phone, just a couple of keystrokes now finds who I want every time (it never worked like that before). The volume is much improved. For the first time, I was able to use my phone at a ballgame and hear what the person on the other end of the conversation was saying. Internet access also seems to be improved. Prior to the upgrade, I was occasionally having problems with my Bluetooth headset. That issue also seems to have been resolved. All in all, I was about to dump the MPx220 for a different phone but with this upgrade, I will keep it around for awhile longer. The phone is working so well now that I am apprehensive about reinstalling Tweaks. I sent a message to Tweaks support asking about its compatibility with the 1.43 upgrade but have yet to receive a reply. This upgrade is a must for anyone with an MPx220.

[tchall3]

I understand that Cingular pushed Motorola to release this upgrade to meet Cingular's performance requirements. Whatever the reason, I'm glad that I kept mine since this is the best upgrade to date.

I upgraded 6 days ago and have noticed several fixes:

- the mic hasn't cut out
- I can make GPRS connections without cycling the power each day
- the sound quality is better and the volume is louder (15-20%)
- camera image quality has improved (5-10%)

The upgrade process was flawless (just make sure you install the device driver as covered in the instructions). I used ActiveSync 3.7.1 for the upgrade process. With complete backup, it took approximately 20 minutes to complete (DSL connection).

My MPx220 was a good phone -- now it's a great phone! :D

[spaceweasel]

No complaints here. Would have liked WM10. Cingular dropped the ball on that. Phone works great. I won't be getting rid of this one soon. Always wise to stay behind the curve a little. Prices drop fast, and you can catch a good deal, after a few months.

[Ned]

Just got a new MPX220 from the exchange program. It had the new ROM already installed.

The sound is about 50% of my original phone. They're going to send me a replacement for the replacement phone on the exchange program. They tell me they are getting a few bad ones sent out. These phones are supposedly new, not reconditioned. If they are reconditioned they've done one hell of a flawless job. The case, screen and everything I can see inside without taking it apart are flawless and clearly new.

We'll see how the replacement's replacement goes.

[Jerry Raia]

Just got a new MPX220 from the exchange program. It had the new ROM already installed.

The sound is about 50% of my original phone. They're going to send me a replacement for the replacement phone on the exchange program. They tell me they are getting a few bad ones sent out. These phones are supposedly new, not reconditioned. If they are reconditioned they've done one hell of a flawless job. The case, screen and everything I can see inside without taking it apart are flawless and clearly new.

We'll see how the replacement's replacement goes.

Are you saying the "new" phone you just got with the 1.43 ROM has volume issues???

[Ned]

Yes...the new phone I just got from Cingular has volume issues, but frankly, I think it's a bad phone.

The lady at Cingular told me, and she told me she shouldn't have, that about 1% or so of the new phones they're sending out have a significant volume problem and the rest are significantly improved.

UPS dropped off a replacement for my wife's phone about 10 minutes after I made my previous post and her phone's volume is a great improvement, about 50% better.

This again make me think mine new phone is a lemon.

Ned

[Jerry Raia]

Amazing

[cortez]

Yes...the new phone I just got from Cingular has volume issues, but frankly, I think it's a bad phone.

The lady at Cingular told me, and she told me she shouldn't have, that about 1% or so of the new phones they're sending out have a significant volume problem and the rest are significantly improved.

UPS dropped off a replacement for my wife's phone about 10 minutes after I made my previous post and her phone's volume is a great improvement, about 50% better.

This again make me think mine new phone is a lemon.

Ned

in the case of the MPx220, 99% of the phones had volume issues. they were recalled twice when BestBuy first released them, and then recalled again (March/April 2005) when Cingular told Mr Moto to fix the weak a** volume. i'd be interested to know what ROM version you have on the replacement phone. (Start-->Settings-->About, then note the numbers by the Operator and Manufacturer. the latest Cingular ROM version is 1.43).

[ctitanic]

My email (tmail) is not working any more after the upgrade. I click on it and nothing opens.

any ideas?

[Mona13]

I got my replacement mpx220 today and it won't turn on without doing a hard reset. Then the screen comes up and says Master Reset, then it doesn't matter if you choose yes or no, the phone reformats and shuts off.

Any suggestions? My battery is fully charged.

Mona13

[Jerry Raia]

This is the phone that came back from Moto "fixed"?? I would be screaming insanely on the phone to them. Was it shipped with a battery installed? Maybe take the battery out for a while if so. Have you tried turning it on as if you were going to hard reset it? With the phone off hold down the blue button and at the same time power the phone on. Maybe if you initiate the hard reset it will clear up the problem.

[Mona13]

I must say I wasn't and am not very happy! To say the least... It didn't come with a back, battery, etc., so I used mine. I charged my battery overnight last night (in the bad phone), but it was charged up before then, I was just trying to top it off.

I've hard reset the replacement numerous times, just like you said. It seems to work, it says Master Reset, then gives you a Yes or No option. Pick yes, the phone says formatting and cuts off, won't do anything else. Pick no, same thing. The only way to get it to do anything at all is to hard reset it. This starts the process over and back to a dead black screen.

The phone looks great until I try to turn it on and it doesn't.

I really want to keep the MPX 220. I have two fast forward cradles, one for home and one for work and that gives me lots of extra minutes. Besides, they won't fit the Audiovox phone and I will have wasted my $.

Mona13

[John Cody]

I've hard reset the replacement numerous times, just like you said. It seems to work, it says Master Reset, then gives you a Yes or No option. Pick yes, the phone says formatting and cuts off, won't do anything else. Pick no, same thing. The only way to get it to do anything at all is to hard reset it. This starts the process over and back to a dead black screen.

Does the center blue button seem like it is stuck down? Meaning, if you press the blue action button do you feel it depressed and click?

If it's stuck down (physically or electrically) it would produce this problem.

[Jerry Raia]

Now there's a thought. I say the thing goes back anyway. If its stuck now it may get stuck again...out of warranty.

[Mona13]

Well, I kept fiddling with the blue button and it the phone finally got past the formatting phase without turning off.

But the speaker volume is worse that my old mpx220! Although when I'm on a call it seems to be better.

I checked and it does have the new software version. I'm going through XBM for a replacement, but yesterday, they said they are now out of mpx220's again.

At least now I can make calls from it now. Maybe they will put me on a list for a replacement when they come in.

Mona13