How-To: Pair your EV-DO ready Samsung A920 with Windows 2000 / XP
This post was published 3 years 9 months 1 day ago and its content may not be valid anymore.UPDATE 4/18: I’ve posted up an OSX / Bluetooth pairing tutorial here.
After suffering a recent power outage, I’ve found a new motivation to pair the Sprint Samsung A920 with Windows XP in order to access the high speed EV-DO network. Due to the fact that I have yet to find a decent write-up to explain the steps to pair the two, I felt a contribution was in order. I appologize ahead of time, the post may does cater specifically towards Sprint A920 users. Before attempting, please make sure to keep a fresh backup or enable Windows System Restore in the event of a hosed installation.
- Point your browser to the Sprint Software Downloads page select the appropriate operating system from the drop down menu [Windows XP].
- Click Sprint PCS Connection Manager for Phone as Modem/USB Cables and download the Install_MSI_Sprint.exe. Run the installer from the desktop. I unchecked the ‘Bytemobile Optimization’ software* option. I tried the installation with and my Wireless Zero configuration turned into crud. You’ll find yourself staring at a few “The software you are installing has not passed Windows logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP. Go ahead and click ‘Continue Anyway’.
- Before starting the connection manager, make sure that your data profile is configured on your handset. Go to ‘Settings > Power Vision > Update Profile’.
- Start the Sprint PCS Connection Manager and wait for the program to initialize. The window will prompt you to connect your handset via USB. Doing so will prompt Windows to install the necessary drivers for the handset.
- Once your handset is recognized and connected, click ‘Go’ and you will be logged on to the EV-Do network. Your Sprint PCS Vision username and password must be set from within your handset. If you have not created the necessary PCS Vision settings, you will be disconnected. New subscribers are automatically assigned a username@sprintpcs.com. Unfortunately, not all users have their PCS Vision password. You must log into your account settings at Sprint.com and navigate to ‘My Personal Information > Power Vision Password’. Once you’ve created your password, allow some time for your handset to receive the update and try connecting again.
That’s all there is to it. You will now have an alternative option for accessing the net in times of crisis. Now if I could only figure out how to uncripple the bluetooth software included with the A920 to pair a wireless Bluetooth connection between handset and computer. Check your EV-DO coverage.
*From what I’ve gathered Bytemobile is an optimization utility for dial-up mobile phone users. The software may be included to optimize net connections but any attempt to install the software destroyed my defualt Wi-Fi connections.
I just downloaded the sprint pcs manager…if i connect my phone to the comp and go online….is there a charge?
i forgot to add that i use bell for my phone and my plan includes free internet connection on my phone
Im with Aliant (Bell?) in Canada and they charge $5/mth for unlimited web use on the cellphone, but if you want to use the phone as a modem for your laptop, its $15/megabyte. Thats pretty insane when you think about it. Apparently there is a way to make it so they think you are using the cellphone internet while actually using it for laptop access. I’ll have to see how that goes… One thing that is really frustrating me though is the crippled BT file transfer since the only way to get media onto the phone is through the flash card. Even if I could use the USB cable I’d be a littler happier, but there’s nothing. If anyone has any idea how to fix these problems, post the solutions here.
Thanks
Hey you guys just wanted to THANK YOU for posting this I just got the A920 for sprint on eBay and having fun with it The phone as a modem is A ok I don’t think you should have to pay extra when you already have internets on your phone (yes I called it internets I have my reason) you are A god send my friends the phone up loader too. THANK YOU ALL…
HOW DO YOU TRANSFER PICTURES FROM YOUR PHONE TO YOUR COMPUTER?
1) many mentioned above about a flash/reader card. Do I use that memory card that came with the phone and then transfer everything from that memory card to my pc? How do I do that? By purchasing a reader card? Does this reader card attach itself to a USB adapter and then attach it to the USB Port?
2) what other gadgets do I need to purchase in order for this to work? If so, the cost involved?
Thanks
well… what I use is indeed a card reader… I believe I paied like $30 or so (CAD)… if you have that, that should be all you need… a normal size SD card (I dunno what else to call it) should come with it that you can slip your micro into, then into the reader. It’s simple from there… or you can read the above posts for other information.
Oh, the reader is indeed USB… err… I don’t know if that makes sense… but hopefully you get it… if you have xP (which you should have at this time… or atleast 2000), then the drivers should install themself… simple as that…
If you want an alternative…
well, there’s always friends (you do have friends, right?)…
or even if you have a camera that supports micro SD… plug your card into that, and plug that into your comp.
umm, there’s prob. other alternatives… I can’t think of any at the moment…
hope I helped
Ok, scratch my previous post abit back… I did actually get the access code screen thing. Weird enough, when I followed DMingo’s instruction the first time, I was lost… but I decided to try it again recently, and I got in.
Now, just like Allan said, mine was off to begin with too.
When I tried using the EV-DO access on my laptop, it worked fine, and I’m using online billing. I don’t even see it on the list, unless I have to wait abit… I’ll post in if anything changes.
Thanks DMingo, Allan, and Phantom
let me know if it shows up. i may try again, because i sure do miss the wireless access…but i ain’t about to get hit again by another huge bill, lol
Does anyone know if there is a way for me to play my mp3’s on the a920 without having to connect to the music store online? I want to get rid of the internet function on my a920 but I noticed that to play the mp3’s on my microSD i still have to connect to the music store online. please help if anyone has any ideas thanks
Anton
please disregard my previous question I figured it out thanks a bunch to Nathanael’s post :
2) TO PUT MUSIC ON YOUR SAMSUNG A920 MP3 PHONE: don’t download mp3s for $2.50 each! somehow (ebay, computer store, walmart, etc) buy a 512mb or 1gb Transflash (micro sd) card (i use 1gb i got on ebay for $45), and a cheap Card Reader for $10-$20 if you don’t already have one. Put the card in the little black adapter you got with the phone, and plug the adapter and card into the card reader in the SD slot, which is already in your comp. your computer should automatically recognize it as a new drive (if not, you might need drivers for the card reader). create a folder on the card called Media. put your mp3s in there. stick it back in your phone and run media player, and you’re good to go. note: files can’t be protected wma files. To play videos: i’ve never done it, so i’m just guessing – convert videos you have to 3gp files. recommended software i see is ImToo.com, and stick them in your Media folder most likely. I’m gunna get Crank on my phone in a few hours.
Thanks,
Anton
Glad someone finally noticed i wrote that!
kishman, any details on how your billing went? really curious to see, lol, i just got the remainder of my bill…my mistake has officially cost me about 2Gs :D
2G’S?!?!??!?!
holy crap man… somthing aint right…
Well, still nothin on the online account so far… but I haven’t recieved my bill through mail yet
wow… thats crazy… I’ll be sure to post as soon as I know man…
I used to use a similar method on my old VZW phone but I’ve never tried anything on any of my sprint phones. Do I even need a Vision plan (not the phone as modem but a basic plan)?
Hey does anyone know if its possible to play games from the trans flash card? Also i put a .jpg on the card and the phone recognizes that there is something there but when i go to the picture it just shows a red “X” through it, so i guess it knows there is a .jp there but cant read it. Any ideas? Also is it safe to say that if you are with Bell there is no way that you can use your phone as a moded without paying more than the 5$ unlimited data for browsing on the phone?
Thanx so much any answers will be appreciated
-Greg
I found on another site how to get ur phone to work as a moded free if u have unlimited data on ur phone
“All you have to do is setup a dialup connection on your pc no username no pass and dial the number #777 including the #. Phone will logon and bam your surfing the net no extra plan no 40$ a month data plan etc” and to get the fastest service “about using evdo on your phone while using it as a modem… The settings for this are located in a hidden menu… Hit menu then click settings click display then hit zero (hidden menu) it’ll say “field serv” with a lock. Enter 040793 and go to hdr/1x selection and change it to evdo only. Your phone will now function only in evdo mode. To change it back go through the same process then change the setting to hybrid mode. ”
Hope this works havent tried it yet
Greg I was having the same problem. I came up with a solution finally, (albeit not the best and I hope someone has a better one) I had to use my computer and an Imaging Application (Adobe Photoshop) to convert the pictures. Unfortunately, I ended making the pictures almost 10x their original size. I had to make a pic that was 29K into a pic 290K, but when finished the pic worked perfectly on my phone. Greg, not sure how your problem came about but mine came from trying to use pictures from a Samsung T609 on the Samsung A920.
My problem arose when i just tried to put pictures from my regular camera onto my phone using the memory card.
DMingo and others -
i also have a samsung a920, which i purchased when told by the sales person in the store, confirmed by the sprint sales rep, that the powervision pack together with the included usb data cable would be enough to use the phone as modem. no mention of the phone-as-modem data pack for extra money until i called tech support because i could not get the modem recognized by my pc.
i’m willing to try the #777 option, but how do i get the computer to recognize the phone if i’m not using the sprint pcs connection manager? i have not been able to locate a driver, and windows xp requires one to set up the hardware.
any help would be appreciated.
I have the 1 gig memory card in my phone and when I play my mp3s on my phone they often will pause for a few seconds while playing
I just got an A920 and am learning to use it.
Does anyone know if there is some software management tools that allow you to access the photos, MP3s,calendar, contacts, and other things though a USB cable to PC?
I purchased a Mobile Phone Managemnt tool that includes a USB cable made by http://www.mobileaction.com. This software only allows access to contacts and sychronization of contacts only. It doesn’t seem to work perfectly, it often puts peoples home numbers from outlook in the phone as cell numbers. On some of the other phones like A900 and A940 it does more like picture and music. It does have the capability of charging throught the USB cable that comes with the software. I purchased it online throught http://www.cellphoneshop.net. They have other reasonably priced accessories.
I haven’t tried it as a modem yet.
I found transflash fairly reasonably priced through http://www.geeks.com.
If anyone knows some better file management software for the A920 please post.
Allan…
Umm… yeah, I dunno… I guess Canadians are screwed for this plan…
my bill is up to $700…
if anyone finds a way (and you’re will Bell Canada), do tell please…
ouch kishman…i feel your pain…only a bit more, lol
i’ve got half of mine paid off now. pay the remain thousand this month (nov)…
it sure is a big hit…hopefully someone can figure it out.
kk so i got this phone today.. and i was messing around.. nd from what I’ve read,
1) bell screwed me over because that USB cable is pretty much worthless since I need an SD reader or whatever that will cost me about 20$, ok, that’s fine.
2) i realised like 90% of my actions on that phone lead me to connecting to the browser.. and I accessed the music store to see I get 1 free song, alright, no problem there either.. I download a song, and I’ve listened to it maybe 2-3 times already.. then I read on the site that it’s 0.05$ per KB, meaning an average song is like 1000kb meaning already I’m up to 50$? plus the 3times I listened to the song, plus the screwing around I did with listening to song previews.. damm.. I’m looking at about how much here? :S
and have I got this all right?
pretty much. the USB cable is mainly for using the phone as a modem, not as a method of data transfer (music/vids/pics)
as for the internet usage…if you plan to use the phone to its capability (TV/music) you might want to invest in the $5 / month for unlimited internet ON your phone. and its pretty useful, i get to catch my news, highlights, etc on the phone, as well as checking email and stuff. but i wouldn’t dare use it without the unlimited internet. this unlimited usuage does not pertain to using your phone as a modem (connecting it to your pc). heh heh, as kishman and I found out the hard way.
Hi, I have downloaded a lot of songs from ITunes and most have turned out to be AAC format… I got them downloaded onto my card but some of them I found out were protected and I can’t play them. They cannot be converted to mp3. Does anyone know how I can play them on my phone. Or is there a way to make my phone itunes enabled. I have the A920…
Thanks
Guys there is a way to use cable for transfer of files using qpst
What is qpst?
Its a software for browsig your phone’s OS and file infrastructure. Just search it in google use the EFS explorer component of it. If you want tutorials of exactly how and where to get it and how to use it go to http://www.3ginferno.com thats how i figured it out, the mod there is extremely nice and helpful
At the Samsung site you can download software that will back up your contacts via the usb cable to your computer. I am wondering if anybody knows of a way to make custom ringtones that i can put on my flash card via my Windows Xp machine insead of having then sent to my phone via the internet. I do not have internet access on my phone because i already pay for internet access for my windows machine.
hey, im gotten music and made my own ringtones for my phone which is sweet so thanks for the tips but im just wondering if anybody has found a site or a way to get games downloaded that you can then send to your phone? if anybody has figured this out just post greatly appreciated
I am using the data cable as a modem but its not charging while its pluged in the USB i have the cable Samsung USB Data Cable (charging) – PCB113UBEB/STD but it dosn’t charge anyone knows what might be the problem
the cable is only used for transfer, in order to charge and use it as a modem, you will have to buy another cable designed for both charge and transfer.
Kurtis…
I belive useing the same method with the ringtones at that rumkin site, will work….
I haven’t tried it, so don’t take my word, I’m just shootin out ideas…
I’m guessin… if you can get a game that this phone supports, you can upload it to that site, an d/l through your cell… once again, I don’t know if it’ll work… but in my head, it makes sense… (but it’s all messed up in my head)
As for Allan… Bell threatened me that they’ll ’suspend’ my phone if I don’t pay the MINUMUM $632 by friday (which was the 1st)… lucky for me… my brother sorta bailed me out… however, he says that my bill is still higher than his… I should actually look at my bill…
I hope these bastards aren’t screwin me over on this…
kishman, email me ballangray@hotmail.com
i might be able to help you out
Hi,
I just bought the Samsung a920 & I am with Bell. Now when playing music do you get charged for playin’ it through the media player ? ’cause since the Music Store is considered online.. Is the media player as well.. & will I get charged for Browsing Charges ?
That’s all =]
hi kori,
unless you plan to buy the 5$ / month unlimited ‘phone’ internet (not MODEM, lol) option, i wouldn’t use it. you’ll get more out of your phone if you do have the unlimited internet. lets you check your email, watch TV,etc. but if you don’t plan on using the phones services, in specific, the music downloading, you’re better off just transferring files, (avi, mp3, etc) to your flash card and using the media player to play your files. The online music player can get pricey if you don’t have unlimited internet. example: 1 song download from bonfire is about 1 mb. bell charges (in canada) 15.00 per mb. Plus the cost of the song. hope this helps.
Has anyone in the US tried Dmingos tecnique? I plan to try it for a brief test on ym laptop, then check my online bill to see how it is affected (or not) before using it more.
BTW, I have the Sprint unimited power vision, use Rumkin to d/l things to my phone (images/apps/games) and the SD card to play mp3s – never an additional charge.
BTW, highly recommend mini opera for this phone, as you then get full internet (on the phone, at least).
hi guys, i just bought the samsung a920 (limited edition) yesterday… and i want to start transfering my mp3 files from my computer to my phone.. but i dont have the SD slot on my computer.. so i was wondering if i could just use a digital camera to run the files through??
HOLLY
No you’ll need an SD card adapter of some type. From what I know, it is not possible to use your camera to get files on to the SD card for use.
Anybody have any luck in the U.S. with Dmingo’s tecnique. We don’t use Bell here in the U.S. What code would we use in Dmingo’s instructions?
Thanks y’all
Neil
Hey everybody,
I just bought a new hp laptop with Windows XP Media Center. I have the samsung A920 also. I first tryed the sprint connection manager thing as per instructions and it advised me that I had to connect my phone. In other words it wasn’t recognizing it. This I found was a good thing because I later found that you will be charged. I then tryed it the way DMINGO explained and VOILA! Internet connected at 230k! I still don’t know if I’ll get charged for it so I’m crossing my fingers. My NA1 is toggled off, I dial up #777, I leave the username and password fields empty. I still don’t know though if they can get my phone’s IP address while using it as a modem. I do have an unlimited internet plan(don’t think this really matters) and I am on Sprint in Ohio, U.S. The unlock code DMINGO gave me worked so I’m imagining that it woldn’t have worked if it was wrong. The point of this exercise is to get onto the net using the back door method without getting charged but it still has to read some sort of IP address when it accesses the gateway server…. I’ll keep you posted when I get my bill.
Holly, actually… yeah, you could be able to use your digi cam.
As long as it has an SD slot in it, and you can connect it to your comp, and access the contents in the SD slot… then you can easily transfer your music and what not into it. Just make sure it’s in the right folder. I think the phone automatically creates the appropriate folder when you first access the media player.
Hope that helps.
Kish
Have a quick question…. tryin to transfer mp3z to my A920 phone… getting error of card being Write Protected and i made sure that the lock on the card was off….. my question is, If the only card reader i have is one that was built into my Canon Pixma Printer… should that work or do i need to go and buy just an external USB card reader?