Complex (IMO) Flashing/Carrier Issue

[Dryft]

Hello,

I'd just like to say from the start that this is my first experience of any kind with a BlackBerry, and I've read through the various guides and watched all the videos I could find, but Im having trouble wrapping my head around it all.

I've done some Motorola / Palm / Android modding, but I believe this is several issues compounded and I need some help getting it sorted.

I currently have a Palm Pre Plus on Verizon that's got me at wits end, but I cant upgrade for several more months. I have a Verizon branded 9530 that was found in an impounded vehicle which was abandoned and sold off as salvage (the vehicle). This 9530 was flashed to Cricket and has a phone number assigned to it, but I'm fairly certain there's no service. Trying to dial 611 from the phone gave me a roaming/forwarding message asking me to input my 10 digit mobile number to be forwarded to my providers customer service. Trying to dial the phone number assigned to the 9530 leads to a voicemail message asking callers to call a different phone number.

I first tried simply adding the MEID to my VZW account, hoping that since it was a VZW issued phone, it would "just work". This was not the case, as I received an error telling me the MEID was not in their system.

I installed the current version of the BlackBerry Desktop Software and when I connected the 9530 it installed the drivers, and then updated the OS to 4.7.0.148 (BB Desktop is still showing the old phone number). My PC is running Windows 7 Pro x64.

I found the "reflashing Cricket back to Verizon" thread here on CB and after reading through it several times, decided to try the instructions in post #35. (Had to remove links because of my inadequate post count)

I used the same PRL in the post, and it seemed to complete successfully although giving me the NV_LOCK error. When the 9530 comes up now however, it is stuck on Roam.

I can dial 611 and it gives me the same "To route your call to your home service provider, enter your 10 digit phone number" recording.

So my question is this: What exactly have I done, and how can I begin to undo it? I know this is asking a lot, and I know the answers are already spread throughout this forum, but my real problem is I don't know what questions I should be asking and therefore which answers are applicable to me.

[DJM1947]

I really don't know the answer to your questions, but the fact you found the phone in a salvaged vehicle may lead to the answer. It is possible that the previous owner, reported the phone as stolen and that the MEID has been blacklisted. If you want to use it on Verizon, then you can try bringing it to a Verizon store and have them check it out. There is a possbility that if it has been reported stolen, they may not return it to you.

[Dryft]

While definitely possible, Im not sure how likely as I believe the individual is still in jail for the offense leading to the original impounding of the car. The nearest Verizon Corporate store is about an hours drive for me, but if there's not other answers Ill see if theres anything they can do for it.

I won't be upset either way, I was just hoping to use this to tide me over until my upgrade date.

[DJM1947]

Try calling Verizon customer service and see if they can help. If you intend to activate the phone on Verizon and it is a Verizon branded phone, maybe they can get it reinstated in the system.

[Dryft]

Wow. This is what I get for trying to do things myself. I called VZW and was able to activate it manually with the Reps assistance.

The only issue now is that it still shows roaming (though the Rep said the test calls were not showing up as Extended coverage), and when I try the *228 to do the activation for my data services, etc. it gives me a US Cellular recording saying the number is no longer in service.

One problem resolved, and Ill go back to looking for solutions. I know the Roaming part is from when I used QPST to write that PRL to the phone, so I guess I'll start there.

EDIT: Updated to the 52105 PRL and seems to be back to normal. Says Cricket Wireless for the Mobile Network, but functions properly as far as I can tell.

EDIT2: So the only thing that doesnt appear to work is data. I contacted Verizon and talked to what I assume was a Tier 2 tech since the original rep transferred me. They said that the phone hadn't been activated on Verizon for many months, but that there was still a Blackberry account associated with the phone, and until that link was broken nothing else could be done. Only problem is they can't do that without the original owners consent. So Im going to use the phone for a few days (which I already like way more than my Pre Plus, even without the data) and see just how much impact not having email/IM/web has and then decide if I need to go back to the Pre Plus and chuck this one in the bin.