[Guide] How to flash a dead Nokia device using Phoenix and Navifirm

The following guide will show you how to flash your Nokia mobile device using Phoenix and Navifirm using the Nokia N8 as an example. Flashing refers to reinstalling your device firmware (operating system) files. Flashing can be used to fix a corrupt or deleted file system, a dead or bricked phone or other software related issue which has caused your phone to stop working. Flashing can also be used to install the latest (or any available) firmware or to flash a custom (cooked) firmware on your device.

In our previous post we showed users how to flash your Nokia device using Phoenix. However the guide only works for devices which are in working condition and is being flashed with original firmware files.

The guide will show you how to flash your device (working and dead) with a hacked (custom) (or original) firmware. The flashing will be done in ‘Dead Phone USB’ mode which means the phone will be switched off and less likely to run into any errors

[NOTE] Please do not proceed with this guide unless you have advanced knowledge of Navifirm and have had previous experience with updating your device using unofficial methods.

[NOTE] Issues that can occur on your from following this guide will not be covered by your Nokia Warranty. Please know that you may void your device warranty if you proceed.

[NOTE] Make sure you have backed up your data using the Nokia Suite / PC Suite before you proceed.

[DISCLAIMER] DJ’s Mobiles will not be responsible for any loss of data or device malfunction which can occur from following this guide. Please proceed at your own risk.
Find and note down your following

• Code – This can be found on the sticker under the battery (eg: 0XXXXXX)
• Type – This can also be found on the sticker under the battery (eg: RM-XXX)
• current software/firmware version by pressing *#0000# (not applicable if phone is dead)
  [NOTE] on devices with sealed batteries like the Nokia N8, you can find these codes on the product box or SIM card tray

1. Download and install the latest version of Phoenix Service Software. (We cannot share links to Phoenix for legal reasons, you will have to use Google to download the latest version)
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2. Download the latest version of Navifirm and extract its contents to a directory of your choice (no installation needed here)
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3. Open Navifirm and find and select your device from the Products pane (eg: Nokia N8 – RM-596)
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4. The corresponding software releases for the selected devices will appear in the adjoining  ‘Releases’ pane. Select either the latest release or the version you want to download.
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5. The third pane will load various device Variants. You can Identify your variant by comparing it with the Code you previously checked. Once you have identified your variant, select it, make sure that all the checkboxes are selected in the upper fourth column and click Download.
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6. Make sure your device is disconnected from your computer before you proceed
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7. Launch Phoenix and go to Tools > Data Package Download
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8. Open the location which is shown under Download path and create a folder named RM-XXX (eg: Nokia N8 will be RM-596
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9. Also create a folder named RM-XXX (eg: Nokia N8 will be RM-596) in C:/Program Files/Nokia/Phoenix/Products
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10. Open the Navifirm folder ..\ NaviFirm + 1.7 \ Fw \RM-596 and copy the files inside C:/Program Files/Nokia/Phoenix/Products/RM-596(replacing 596 with your device type)
    [NOTE] Only copy original firmware files and not hacked or custom files.
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11. In Phoenix click File > Open Product
    • In the window that appears type your product code (eg:RM-596)
    • Select your product from the list which appears and click OK
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12. Click Flashing > Firmware Updates
    • In the first window that opens press the ‘…’ button which will open another windows
    • In the new window select the Product Code which corresponds with your device and click ‘OK’
    • The product information of your device will be loaded to the first window.
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13. To install original firmware files on your device
    • Check the Dead Phone USB flashing option
    • Click Refurbish which will become clickable
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14. To install custom (hacked) firmware files to your device
    • Click Options on the first window
    • All the firmware files including the ‘memory card content’ will appear in a new window.
      [NOTE] You can choose to delete preloaded memory card content which comes bundled with your device by selecting ‘Mem. Card Content’ from the list and clicking the Delete button below it.
    • Double click on the .core.fpsx file and click on the ‘…’ option to browse and select the custom core file. Once selected click OK, and the newly selected file which turn bold.
    • Repeat the above step with the other fpsx files and replace them with their corresponding custom ones.
      [NOTE] If you are flashing the phone with only the hacked .uda.fpsx file, you don’t have to replace the rofs and other files. Only the udafile will turn bold in this instance.
    • Once the required files have been replaced and turned bold Click on the OK button at the bottom of the window.
    • Check the Dead Phone USB flashing option
    • Click Refurbish which will become clickable
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15. At this point a prompt will appear, just click the OK button and connect the device to the computer
    [NOTE] Do not press any buttons on your device. Flashing should start automatically.
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16. If you have a working device switch it off and wait for Phoenix to ask you to connect your device
    • Connect your switched off device to your PC using the data cable
    • Press the device’s Power ON/OFF button for a few seconds until flashing starts on Phoenix.
      [NOTE] Do not press any buttons on your device. Flashing should start automatically.
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17. If you are flashing a dead device
    • Press the device’s Power ON/OFF button until you hear a sound. Don’t release the button until you see a Flashing message appear on the Phoenix UI.
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18. After the flashing process is complete the device should reboot itself. Once your device has booted up you can disconnect the USB cable

F.A.Q

1. How do I avoid ‘Nokia Dongle’ Error?
   • Make sure you have disabled your Antivirus software on your computer before installing and running Phoenix
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2. I cannot find a Nokia folder under program files?
   • For 64-bit computers go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Nokia\Phoenix\Products
   • For 32-bit computers go to C:\Program Files\Nokia\Phoenix\Products
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3. What is something goes wrong with the device after I complete the process
   • Try formatting your phone with the *#7370# code and see if this solves the issue.
   • Hard reset your device using the key combination and see if it solves the issue.
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4. What do I do if I receive a “Contact Service” message?
   • This is likely a hardware related issue and will require you to hand your device over to Nokia Care.
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5. What do I do if I get an error of files in multiple locations
   • Certain versions of Phoenix wont require you to copy the files to both the ‘ProgramData’ and ‘Program Files’ if you are getting an error in this regard, place it only in one of the two locations