New Build of Seven-Eighter with support for Easy Future Updates

Update(3-21-2013 11:04 EDT): If you messed up and didn't choose the right language packs, I have a program out that can help you recover.   http://bit.ly/16Lv2iq

Update(3-19-2013 22:49 EDT): I have released a new version which fixed the problem in the last release which caused the update to fail (it was a logic error on my end). As of now, you should not have that problem. I also added some more user-friendly features designed to provide more useful information to you, the user. The link to download the new version is below.

Update(3-17-2013  11:16 EDT): I finally fixed the link that was giving the WebException and preventing the program from downloading the update list. There is no new download needed (just run the program again).

Update(3-17-2013  14:50 EDT): I have an updated build of my version of Seven-Eighter that fixes some bugs.

If you have a windows Phone 7.x device, you have most likely heard of the Windows Phone 7.8 update that Microsoft released. Unfortunately for all of us, the rollout of this update has not been pretty for the customers. Microsoft released the update on January 31, 2013. The intent was that the update would be available for all existing Windows Phone 7.x devices. However, there has been some disconnect in getting this update. T-Mobile has said that none of the devices running Windows Phone 7.x on its network will get the update. Sprint has given no official word on updates for devices running Windows Phone 7.x on its network (if this is incorrect, please tell me so I can correct this). Verizon has seen some of the devices running Windows Phone 7.x on its network get the upgrade (again, if this is incorrect, please tell me so I can correct this). AT&T has said that all devices stated in this support document are getting the update, but so far, only Nokia Lumina 900 devices on its network have gotten the update notification. Word has it that AT&T will be sending out the update notification for all other mentioned devices near the end of this month (March).

For those who would rather not wait for the notification or whose device is confirmed to not get the update notification, there are unofficial methods that exist which will allow you to still get the update. The first one is changing the value of the MobileOperator string in the registry.

If that doesn't allow you to get the update, you should try my special modified version of Seven-Eigher. Thanks to Jaxbot providing the source code, I changed some things around so that you don't have to download a new version of Seven-Eighter if Microsoft ever puts out (yet) another update for Windows Phone 7.x (it downloads the list of updates from the internet, so all I need to do is to change the update configuration list if a new update comes out) and its a little more descriptive so you have less of a chance of messing up the update process. You need .NET Framework version 4.0 or greater to run it. As far as downgrades go, (for now) you can only use Zune to downgrade 1 os update, meaning if you had 2 os updates installed in the process, you can only go back 1 level. And yes, it does support the latest update (8862).

To download my modified version of Seven-Eighter, here's the link: http://bit.ly/13a6aBW

If you have any problems and/or comments, just use the comment box below and I take care of it as soon as I can. If you have any input on how I can improve it as well, I am willing to take any (and all) suggestions. I am also curious as to how my version is compared to the original. The program is free for your use, but if you want to throw something my way to support me, my paypal e-mail is "toa649@myway.com".

While you're waiting for the new phone updates to come your way, why not drink some delicious Mystic Monk Coffee? Mystic Monk Coffee (use this link or click on the picture below to access the store and purchase) is what you really need when it comes to coffee. Trust me, it's good coffee (in most instances, much better than Starbucks coffee) and you won't regret buying some (just keep it away from your computer keyboard or laptop/tablet). If you like tea more than coffee, they also offer tea. Using the link (or picture below) to buy the coffee (or tea) helps the monks out and helps me with college expenses as well. The coffee (or tea) also makes for great gifts for friends and family as well.

For my existing Windows Phone apps, I am working on updates to both the free and paid versions of Mobile Media Manager. The update for BSA Eagle Tracker is also in the works. I admit that school is sucking much of my free time out of me, but I will continue to work on the updates in my spare time. If you want to get my apps now (while waiting), please use the following links:

BSA Eagle Tracker download: http://bit.ly/Mm1Upo
Mobile Media Manager (paid version) download: http://bit.ly/y3rf6V
Mobile Media Manager (free version) download: http://bit.ly/xGCsWE