N96 issues upgrading to v30.033

Question

Hi there,
I have just tried to upgrade the firmware in my Nokia N96-1 (RM-247) from 12.x to 30.033 using NSU on the latest version of PC Suite on a Vista SP2 machine. After NSU completed - apparently successfully - the phone started up and asked for my PIN as per usual, however it continued to load active standby visibly in the background of the PIN entry prompt. I entered it, at which point the phone just started going berserk. There are a couple of applications I have set to load on startup (about three), but as these tried to load, active standby would take over and redisplay. Then the application would try to take back the screen focus, then active standby (rinse and repeat). This happened slowly at first, but eventually it was almost constantly flickering active standby on and off without any button being pressed or stuck down. The phone has become completely unusable - I can't load the menu, make phone calls, or anything. I tried to force exit all applications, but this has made no difference. I tried power cycling the phone (power off only the first time, then I tried removing the battery and SIM card for about 10 seconds), reinstalling the firmware.. all to no avail.
I am now trying to reload my last backup, in the hope it restores version 12.x.
Update: that didn't work either, and I am still having the same problem.
I tried formatting it by TRYING to press call, *, and 3 all at once, then pressing the power button on the phone for one second - but that kind of key combination is almost impossible with this handset design without having a third hand.
This is not the first time this phone has done this sort of thing on a firmware upgrade, and I am dreading taking it back to get it serviced - which will be for the FOURTH TIME in 8 months. This handset has been nothing but trouble from day one, and I am extremely disappointed and frustrated at Nokia's woeful and apparent lack of product testing, firmware testing, and user focus group testing on this product - all of which must have been forgone at Nokia HQ for drinking coffee and playing Wii.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Answer 1

Hi,
I might have the solution regarding the issues shehaal facing. In fact,  my n96 was having the same flickering trouble. O.K stright to the point, you got to key in *#7370# (reset) even though it is difficult to key in keep pressing the number(*#7370#) until the the phone switch to password protected section. Key in 12345 the phone will reset (important: you got to key in as fast as possible before the screen starts to flicker). For my case i required to reset twice, the first time nothing happened except  the phone has deleted most of the content in the memory. Nevertheless it is recommended to save all important information before you reset. If you've not done that just do it (don't worry even the phone is flickering you can still save your important information).
The second attempt managed to restore the phone (remember the moment the screen shows "select the country you in" it means your phone are now o.k . The best part is your phone has been upgraded to v30.033 enjoy !!!!