Howdy-
Just discovered the coolness that is flashing, etc. I was successful in connecting my phone via XS, and I also successfully made a backup. I have tried to upload a number of different files, mostly Walkman skins. I've tried various different methods, and from what I can tell, I have been successful, as when I start XS, it "builds a list of directories", and I can see the files I uploaded in the left pane of XS. It "activates file system" and maps "device FS". But when I disconnect my phone, and start it up, I can't find the files anywhere. If I again connect to XS, and go through the whole FSX start, I can't find them listed anywhere in the right pane.

Again, each time I start FSX (XS), it runs through everything I uploaded. I've tried:
copy and pasting many files;
copy and paste 2 files (.thm and corresponding .swf);
"replacing" one of the "default" skins;
creating new directory, and uploading .swf to that

I'm stumped, stumped I tells ya!

The phone is a w580i. Any help would be spectacular. I realize the chances that this has been asked already is pretty high, but I searched a boat load of times, and couldn't find anything.

Thanks again.

Is it branded? It could be your operator is blocking stuff.

Am I right in assuming by branded you carrier? That would be AT&T.

Again, I was able to use XS to upload with (I think) no problems, the phone just isn't showing anything.

I don't know if AT&T brands or not, but on my W810, flash themes were disabled by my carrier. I had to debrand my phone in order to use them. Could you post an XS log?

Surely:

19:31:35| XS++ v3.1 (Darwin) Ready !
19:31:35| Executed on Microsoft Windows Vista
19:31:51|
19:31:51| Attempting to open the interface...
19:31:51|
19:31:51| TURN OFF PHONE!
19:31:51| Hold 'C' button on phone and connect phone NOW.
19:31:51| You have 30 seconds...
19:31:51|
19:32:03| Baseband ID: 9900
19:32:03| Protocol Version: 3.1
19:32:03| Warning: IMEI name does not match GDFS name (IMEI:NULL GDFS:W580)
19:32:03| ...using GDFS name
19:32:03|
19:32:03| Profiling SEMC phone...
19:32:03| Platform: DB2020
19:32:03| OTP CID: 51
19:32:03| EROM CID: 52
19:32:03| EROM Color: Red
19:32:03| IMEI: 01157200xxxxxx
19:32:03| Phone ID: W580
19:32:03| Region: CINGULAR
19:32:03| CDA: CDA102774/102 R25A
19:32:03| Firmware Version: R8BE001
19:32:03| EROM: R3A022
19:32:03| Ready for operation!

And let me also just add that several animated themes that I had no longer animate. Not all the animated ones, just a few.

If it will help, I can post the complete XS log, going back all the way to the first time I hooked up. That log, of course, contains the inofs on all the files I have uploaded, but still can't find.

Register on Iprotebe to download these files: Main - FS ( for FS, select according your region, as language depends on this file. Note that if English is good, any FS will do ).

In order to get these files working, I think you must debrand your phone. Note that this will erase everything on your phone. Make sure you have a back-up .
In XS++, tick 'Flash main firmware', and select the .mbn you just downloaded. Also tick 'flash filesystem' (=FS) and select here your .fbn. Now comes the tricky part: customizing the phone. If it's not done correctly, your phone will start-up but give you a 'configuration error'. The custpack must match the FS you decided to use, e.g. if you use an America_2 FS, use an America_2 custpack. Normally, XS++ has some built-in custpacks - if the custpack you want is not there, you can find more here: custpack list

Happy flashing

Yikes. I realize(d) that flashing/debranding may lead to bad things, but the last thing I need is for my phone to take a dump on me. I assume by "backup" you're referring to the GDFS backup ("GDFS_backup.bin)? And if I should go further, it is wise to remove the sim and memory card?

Just weighing options here. Is the coolness of flash, etc. worth the risk of killing my phone...

Thanks for the response and help. Most appreciated.

Back-up your GDFS, then if anything goes wrong (which won't happen ), you will be able to restore it. By back-up, I also mean phonebook, SMS, images, music... But if all these are on your memory card and you take it out when you flash, it shouldn't be a problem .

You don't need to remove your SIM or memory card, but if you want to be absolutely safe, take them out .

I myself would go for the überness of flashthemes and Walkman skins, no wait, I already did !