[adamlau]

So that 8900 users don't feel left out, full .545 over .509 works flawlessly and feels very responsive (browsing, menus, general navigation). Issues likely mirror the complaints echoed in the 9700 .545 threads, but outside of that, 8900 on 5.0.0.545 appears on all accounts to be fast and stable.

How To:

1. Install 5.0.0.509 (obtained from various sources).
2. Backup the current Java folder and/or BlackBerry.alx file by appending the existing file/folder names with .old.
3. Download and decompress the package below and copy its contents over to the 5.0.0.509 OS folder (typically C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Shared\Loader Files\8900M_v5.0.0.509_P5.2.0.47).
4. Choose to overwrite the contents of the existing Java folder and BlackBerry.alx file.
5. Choose to shrink the operating system, or not.
6. Run the Application Loader Wizard.

Limited MU Account Download:
8900 Full 5.0.0.545 (509 Based)

BBHybrids.net Non-VIP Download:
8900 Full 5.0.0.545 (509 Based)

Notes:

1. Java folder includes the full contents of the Java folder as extracted from 9700jAllLang_PBr5.0.0_rel922_PL5.1.0.140_A5.0.0.54 5.
2. BlackBerry.alx modifications limited to theme file naming convention updates and b.cod to 03_b.cod corrections (except ringtones).
3. As a point of reference, the total shrunken size of my current installation sits at just under 36MB on disk.

[datvn2cb]

ooh, how's sweet!! Where i can get this hybrid??

[mrhunter]

can you upload and write a walkthrough please as ive never used hybrid thanks

[adamlau]

It's not a hybrid in the traditional sense of a custom blend of OS files, but rather full .545 for the 9700 modified by way of the BlackBerry.alx file to work on the 8900. I'll try to provide a more robust download link when I get back to a workstation.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[IrocD]

It's not a hybrid in the traditional sense of a custom blend of OS files, but rather full .545 for the 9700 modified by way of the BlackBerry.alx file to work on the 8900. I'll try to provide a more robust download link when I get back to a workstation.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

Thanks, please do!

[IrocD]

2 questions:

Will I be able to upgrade to this from .509 using apploader? Or will I have to wipe?

Also, if this is based on a 9700 build, will I have the 3G icon instead of the EDGE letters? I know thats kinda pointless, but just curious nonetheless. Thanks!

[shabbs]

This has my interest... hmmm...

[adamlau]

Upgrading without a wipe will work. EDGE and not 3G.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[datvn2cb]

Thank you.. I will wait for your detail of ALX files and i love trying some hot and fun in the weekends with my 8900.

[adamlau]

The modified BlackBerry.alx file is included in the download package. Simply run a diff against the original .509 BlackBerry.alx file to examine the changes.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[shabbs]

I wonder if a .545 8900 leak is on the way soon anyways...

[berryite]

I wonder if a .545 8900 leak is on the way soon anyways...

I was under the impression that OS codes are unique to devices. In other words, .545 would always only be a 9700 release. Is that not true?

[shabbs]

I was under the impression that OS codes are unique to devices. In other words, .545 would always only be a 9700 release. Is that not true?

Nope. The same OS level can be found for multiple devices. Take 5.0.0.509 for example. There were leaks for both the 9000 and 8900. Same for 5.0.0.411 - there were versions for both the 9000 and 8900. The actual OS installer (ie: the .exe file) is specific to devices but the OS level can be shared among devices.

[berryite]

Nope. The same OS level can be found for multiple devices. Take 5.0.0.509 for example. There were leaks for both the 9000 and 8900. Same for 5.0.0.411 - there were versions for both the 9000 and 8900. The actual OS installer (ie: the .exe file) is specific to devices but the OS level can be shared among devices.

Interesting. But for the sake of others reading this, it is not recommended that you download any RIM OS to any device without insuring that it is approved for the device you might be looking at changing right?

[shabbs]

Interesting. But for the sake of others reading this, it is not recommended that you download any RIM OS to any device without insuring that it is approved for the device you might be looking at changing right?

Absolutely. It's best to only load the OS files that are intended for your device.

However, adamlau (the OP) has outlined a way to take files extracted from a 9700 OS v5.0.0.545 install and load it on to an 8900 with success. As always, there are risks involved in doing this and it should only be attempted by folks who are not afraid to brick their BB and know how to recover from a bricked BB.

The same goes for loading any "unofficial" OS that has not been officially released by your own carrier.

Cheers.

[bztouring]

So with that said. Might I be able to use these steps and apply them to the Bold 9000?

[adamlau]

Words of wisdom, shabbs . Though I have noticed by way of the past few leaks that RIM appears to be homogenizing OS 5 files, most likely in an attempt to aggregate and curtail dev resources/costs. Aside from full .545, the 8900 runs well on full .483. Less so with .497 from 95xx, however. But that is to be expected when blending non-touchscreen with touchscreen-specific modules. 9000 devices may run into issues with regards to 480x360 theme and media files. Resolution? Modify your original BlackBery.alx file to reference the appropriate 480x320 modules.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[shabbs]

Words of wisdom, shabbs . Though I have noticed by way of the past few leaks that RIM appears to be homogenizing OS 5 files, most likely in an attempt to aggregate and curtail dev resources/costs. Aside from full .545, the 8900 runs well on full .483. Less so with .497 from 95xx, however. But that is to be expected when blending non-touchscreen with touchscreen-specific modules. 9000 devices may run into issues with regards to 480x360 theme and media files. Resolution? Modify your original BlackBery.alx file to reference the appropriate 480x320 modules.

HA HA! Brings back memories of Sun's Java slogan... write once, run everywhere. Ahhh... good times.

[datvn2cb]

Trying.. Hope this will work like a horse!!

[datvn2cb]

**** me!! The true lock won't show up in this OS version also. Just password locks as the 8900 .509.. i've just wasted some time for upgrading.

[adamlau]

Anything past at least .483 has featured the combined lock/standby button. I don't expect that to change with near future 8900 leaks/releases.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[shabbs]

Anything past at least .483 has featured the combined lock/standby button. I don't expect that to change with near future 8900 leaks/releases.

Indeed. People should read through the findings thread for this .545 build to get an idea of what was changed/improved/not fixed etc...

http://forums.crackberry.com/f95/lea...-545-a-432617/

[porando]

Was a bit apprehensive but decided to do it last Friday.
Used loader.exe no wiping.
Very straight forward with no problems upgrading and/or after.
OS shows up as .545
Things look solid - I don't see as much memory leaks and overall it "feels" better - for sure not worse than .509. Definitely move in the right direction.

[stoni2]

Installed, and so far looks and runs great ! Thank you

[doxa sub750T]

I can not CJK.alx after I have done installation and overwriting the files. My guess is that I can't install East Asian Language input method with this modified OS!

I really want to check this out, but the lack of East Asian language inputs is a deal breaker for me.