How to Flash a .nbh File on a T-Mobile Dash

Introduction

Flashing a .nbh file to your T-Mobile Dash can be a crucial step when updating or restoring the device’s firmware. This guide will walk you through the steps of correctly flashing a .nbh file to your T-Mobile Dash, specifically for devices running versions like 1.22.531.6. Although the process can seem daunting, it is quite simple when broken down into clear steps.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

T-Mobile Dash device with a working SD card slot.
RUU_Excalibur.exe file (the firmware updater for your device).
.nbh file (typically EXCAIMG.nbh), which is the firmware update file.
USB cable to connect the device to your computer.
ActiveSync installed on your computer to communicate with the device.
FAT32-formatted SD card (minimum size of 128 MB recommended).

Steps to Flash the .nbh File

Step 1: Extract the Firmware File from RUU_Excalibur.exe

The RUU_Excalibur.exe file contains the firmware you will need to flash. Here’s how to extract the necessary file:

Download the RUU_Excalibur.exe file and save it to a folder on your computer.
Open the RUU_Excalibur.exe file using an archive program (such as WinRAR or 7-Zip).
Extract all the files from the archive to a temporary directory on your computer.
Look for the file named EXCAIMG*.nbh (the exact name might have a version number or other differentiators).
Copy this .nbh file to your clipboard for the next step.

Step 2: Format the SD Card

To ensure the SD card is ready for flashing, you need to format it:

Insert your SD card into your computer using an SD card reader.
Open your file explorer, right-click on the SD card, and select “Format”.
Choose “FAT32” as the file system and click “Start” to format the card. Make sure the card is empty before proceeding.

Step 3: Copy the .nbh File to the SD Card

Now that the SD card is formatted, you need to transfer the firmware file:

Rename the .nbh file you extracted in Step 1 to “EXCAIMG.nbh” (it’s important that the filename is exactly as shown).
Copy the renamed EXCAIMG.nbh file to the root directory of your SD card. Do not place it inside any folders on the SD card.
Safely eject the SD card from your computer and insert it back into your T-Mobile Dash.

Step 4: Connect the Device Using ActiveSync

In order to flash the firmware, you need to establish a connection between your device and your computer:

Connect the T-Mobile Dash to your computer using the USB cable.
Ensure that ActiveSync (or Windows Mobile Device Center) is properly installed on your computer.
Once the device is detected, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Start the Manual Bootloader

To enter the bootloader and begin the flashing process, you will need to manually start the bootloader:

Turn off your T-Mobile Dash.
Hold down the camera button on the device.
While holding the camera button, press and hold the power button to start the bootloader.
Keep holding the camera button until you see the bootloader screen.

Step 6: Confirm the Update

Once the bootloader has initialized, you’ll see a message asking if you want to update the SD image:

The device will check the SD card and look for the EXCAIMG.nbh file.
You will be prompted with a message saying “Update SD image? Press the power button to download”.
Press the power button to start the flashing process.

Step 7: Wait for the Update Process to Complete

The flashing process will take some time, and the device will show a countdown:

Once the process starts, you’ll see a countdown appear in the bottom corner of the screen.
Do not interrupt the process. Wait for the countdown to finish and the device to automatically reboot.
After the flashing process is complete, your device will reboot, and you should see the color bars UI as the device initializes the new firmware.

Important Notes

Backup Your Data: Flashing firmware can erase data on your device. Make sure you back up important information before proceeding with the update.
Battery Charge: Ensure your T-Mobile Dash has sufficient battery life (ideally above 50%) to avoid power loss during the update.
Compatibility: Make sure the .nbh file you are flashing is the correct version for your device. Flashing the wrong firmware can cause issues like boot loops or bricking the device.

Conclusion

Flashing a .nbh file to your T-Mobile Dash is a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully. By extracting the firmware from the RUU_Excalibur.exe file, formatting the SD card, and using the bootloader to apply the update, you can successfully update your device’s firmware. Remember to back up your data and ensure that you have the correct firmware for your model to avoid complications during the flashing process.