marc-knuckle wrote:
thanks mate but the only option was VOD (??)
Then I don't think you have flashed KE7, as that is a European Multi - CSC and VOD should not be an option.
You also mention Vodafone Apps being on there? KE7 is Unbranded firmware!
Can you type into Dialler *#1234#
This will give the firmware info.
Cheers
TSD
Hi TSD. I read your post with interest. I know nothing about rooting, but have updated the firmware via Kies for my Vodafone branded SGS2 a couple of times now. Does the *#272*imei# input in the dialler work for branded phones like mine? Would this allow me to turn it into an unbranded phone after installing the unbranded firmware, and effectively remove all the apps Vodafone puts on it like the 360?Is unbranded firmware already available for the SGS2 at 2.3.4 using the XEU sales code?
What are the risks in doing this, other than losing data on the phone (I use an exchange account to sync email, and all my media is on a MicroSD card), and can it be reversed?
Thanks
Mike
The Vodafone firmware only has one CSC (sales code) so the code will not change from VOD.
If you flash an unbranded firmware they are usually Multi-CSC. This gives you the option to change from one European code to another, i.e. KOR to XEU.
Flashing firmware wil void your Vodafone Warranty but not the Samsung Warranty.
Have a look at www.samfirmware.com firmware section. You need to register.
Also have a look at www.xda-developers.com in the I-9100 section.
It's really important to research as much as possible. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like.
marc-knuckle wrote:
thx tsd.
PDA : I9100XWKE7
PHONE : I9100XXKE4
CSC : I9100XEUKD1
this comes up when i do *#1234#
thx, marc
Hi marc
I have to admit to being a bit bemused by the contradiction of CSC.
Quite clearly you have an XEU, CSC. So you should not have the option of VOD when doing *#272 code.
The only thing I can suggest is to flash the firmware again.
Factory Reset
Flash
*#272*imei# (change to XEU)
@Northern-dj,
Hi,
Rumour has it that you have friends in high places, so perhaps you could find some more info for us, and preferably a download link for the latest KH5 XEU firmware which is now around for the Galaxy S2... well at least one of Darky's crew has already got their hands on it!
You can always send me a reply as a Private Message if you like! 
Hi,
I can see that you still have some concerns, despite the comments already made by myself and other forum members but, as always the final decision is of course yours.
Mobile phone technology has improved a lot in recent years, and although we all like to have the latest firmware release on our phones, the changes in subsequent releases of these are not perhaps quite so 'dramatic' (if that's not too strong a word to use), as they were when you had your Nokia.
Whoever you get your phone from, you will still be connecting it to your computer and using Samsung Kies to update your firmware, and this software program will recognise all officially released versions of the firmware whether they come directly from Samsung, or from an operator such as Vodafone.
As has already been said you will probably get these a few weeks earlier if you phone is unbranded (although you may not actually notice any real difference in its performance) but it is literally only a few minutes work to install a small program, and to copy over two or three files to 'unbrand' your Galaxy (or indeed any Android phone) and we can to point you to many guides which outline this process on a step by step basis, and it will then be the same if if you had purchased it from a third party supplier. A lot of us tend to 'jump the gun' a bit and to install 'leaked' versions of the firmware before they are officially released, but no one if forcing us to do this, and it is down to individual preference and choice. It really is a very easy process though!
Personally I would stick with Vodafone (as indeed I have done twice already) and as you have now agreed a deal with then... hopefully via one of the web relations team on here, you should be receiving you phone tomorrow. Mine came in an original black Samsung box, rather than a red Vodafone one, and was certainly a brand new model, having only been manufactured a few weeks earlier.
My advice is to not worry so much about it, and just enjoy using your new phone. There are plenty of experts on here to give you help and advice, if and when you need it. Just don't be afraid to ask.! 
One final word of advice though, most of us follow all the threads on here, and it is probably easier for us to help, and to keep a track on who is saying what, if we keep similar enquiries in one place.
Enjoy!
