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How to update your N900's Firmware

Nokia releases updates to Maemo devices OTA (over the air), using SSU (Seamless Software Update). This will show as a small orange box blinking in your tray, and will update different parts of your device, without the need for a computer and without erasing any of your data.

However, if you find the need to "re-flash" the device there are options available.

First you need the latest soft/firmware image that can be found here >> http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/nokia_N900.php

In order to download the software, you will need to provide your device's 15-digit IMEI number and accept the end-user software agreement. If you agree, you have 1 hours of time to download the software after which the acceptance must be renewed.

Next you will need software to "flash" this image to your device.

The Nokia Software Updater can be used for this however, the NSU will update only if there is a version newer than the one installed on the device. Instead you are going to have to go commando and use the appropriate flasher utility found here >>The proper steps to complete the procedure can be found in maemo.org's WiKi >> http://wiki.maemo.org/Updating_the_firmware and the Flasher documentation found here >> http://wiki.maemo.org/Flasher

Disclaimer

This software is work-in-progress and use of this software requires special skills and knowledge. The software and the instructions provided herein or with the software may not be complete. Improper use or installation of this software may harm the device you are installing it into, or the device you are using it with. By accepting the License Agreement delivered together with this software you also agree to use this software at your own risk and accept that Nokia assumes no liability and does not provide any warranties, support or services related to the software.Disclaimer This software is work-in-progress and use of this software requires special skills and knowledge. The software and the instructions provided herein or with the software may not be complete. Improper use or installation of this software may harm the device you are installing it into, or the device you are using it with. By accepting the License Agreement delivered together with this software you also agree to use this software at your own risk and accept that Nokia assumes no liability and does not provide any warranties, support or services related to the software.
-maemo.org

As you can see, the current tools were meant for developers and are not for the faint at heart. The best advice is to head the warnings and DO NOT INSTALL programs from the developer repositories in the first place.

Also, flashing a new image on your device will reset the device back to factory defaults and remove all data not on the memory card: preferences, bookmarks, installed applications, with a single exception that any previously-set lock code will be kept and not reset to the factory-default of "12345".

And finally:

Nokia N900 with Fremantle image, flashing mode can be enabled by following these steps:

1. Turn off Maemo device
2. Press and hold down key 'u'
3. Connect USB cable between Maemo device and host PC while holding down key 'u'
4. When USB cable gets connected it powers Maemo device and set's it to flashing mode
5. When USB icon appears on right upper corner Maemo device is in flashing mode
6. You can release key 'u'

***

This post is not meant to encourage new users to FUBAR their expensive N900. Rather, it is here to be used as a reference and to show that it is possible to do a recovery. However, If you are new user with a sales unit and feel you have the need to reflash your device, you should contact Nokia Care.