Nokia N96 Explored

The N96 can connect to a PC using Nokia's connectivity software supplied on CD, or for download from www.nokia.com. Here is a summary of how to connect your N96 to your PC.

• USB cable. The N96 is supplied with a USB cable that connects from the PC to the handset. When connected, you have to option to use the Nokia PC Suite to interact with the phone, or make a direct connection and access the filing system using Windows 'My Computer'.
  
  
• Bluetooth connection. From the N96, go to Tools > Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth 'On', then move to the second tab by moving the joystick to the right. This should show you all Bluetooth devices in range. If your PC isn't shown, select 'Options > New paired device' and let the N96 search for the PC connection. When the phone and PC are paired, use the Nokia Connectivity package to select the file you want to send to the N96.
  If your PC doesn't support Bluetooth, then you can add it cheaply and easily using a USB Bluetooth adapter. We recommend the Belkin USB Bluetooth adapter available for around £15 from amazon.co.uk.
  For details of Bluetooth, see our Bluetooth page, and for help connecting, see our PC connectivity page
• Memory card reader. Another option is to make use of the microSD card slot in the N96. Get hold of a Memory card reader for around £20 and copy files onto a microSD card plugged into your PC. Find out more on our Memory card page.

Files beamed to the N96 can be found in the Messaging application, in the Inbox folder

There's a wide range of accessories, including spare batteries, cases, chargers, in-car kits, hands-free units, data cables and fascias, available at Carphone Warehouse and MobileShop.

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Software for Symbian OS phones is normally supplied using a Symbian installation file (with a .sis extension). This is a single file that contains the components needed to get a piece of software installed and ready to run. A SIS file can be run on a Symbian phone (e.g. from the Inbox or via the File Manager. It can also be run via the PC connectivity solution that was supplied on the CD with the Nokia N96. Assuming you have a SIS file on your PC/Mac (either downloaded from the Internet or on a CD), the ways to install a SIS file onto your handset are as follows:

• Beaming - Beam the file to your handset from your PC using Bluetooth. See our Series 60 PC connectivity page for more.
• Install via PC - Assuming you've installed the PC connectivity suite that was supplied with your phone, look for the "Install software" option. You'll need to have the handset connected to the PC via USB or Bluetooth for this to work. - See our Series 60 PC connectivity page for more.
• By email - The alternative, is to email the file that you're trying to install, typically a SIS (Symbian installation file) to your own email account, and then use your phone to logon to your email (details) and download the SIS file as an attachment into your phone's Messaging Inbox.
• Via memory card - The N96 has a microSD memory card slot, so you can transfer a SIS file to the handset via this card slot if you have access to a PC microSD memory card writer. To do this, copy the SIS file onto a microSD card via the writer connected to your PC, and then insert the microSD card into your handset. Then, use the N96 File Manager (Tools > File mgr.) to browse to the location of the SIS file you've copied. Highlight and run the SIS file, and the installation process should start. Once installed, you can delete the SIS file from the microSD card if required.

If you've downloaded an application and find you can't install it - make sure the file you're trying to install is a SIS (Symbian Installation) file. Many files are distributed in a compressed form (using the ZIP file format). If the file has a .ZIP extension, you'll need to unzip it first. You can do this with a PC application such as WinZip, or on the phone itself using the ZIP application in the Office folder.

For help with installing Java applications and games, see our Java on Series 60 FAQ.

If you've taken some pictures of your chums with your phone's camera - here's a good way to share - Get the Polaroid PoGo - No messy ink cartridges, use your phone's Bluetooth to get instant prints with this portable, rechargeable Bluetooth printer.

See our Polaroid PoGo Review for more.

The Nokia N96 supports microSD cards for memory expansion. Nokia can sell you their own microSD cards, but their prices for Nokia-branded cards are higher than for standard cards. We've not heard of any incompatibility with non-Nokia cards, so it's worth shopping around to get a third-party card. Here are a few online options:

• Amazon - Always a good choice for reliable delivery at good prices
• eBay.co.uk- bid for new cards at low prices!

For more details, see our Memory Card page

If you've got an old mobile phone handset that you're no longer using... do your bit for the environment, and recycle it safely. You'll also make some money when you send your old handset back.

Don't leave it in the back of a drawer - see if it can find a new lease of life, and pocket you some cash.

For a summary of the best deals on making cash from your old handset, try the comparison search tool at www.sellyouroldmobile.co.uk

We accept no responsibility for use of this code. It is undocumented, not supported by Nokia and should be used at your own risk.

The soft-format code for Series 60 phones is *#7370# . You enter this code as you would enter a phone number in the Phone application. It performs a format of the Internal drive - All data will be lost if you use this feature.

The method of performing a hard-format, i.e resetting it completely to factory defaults and removing all data, is as follows:

1. Switch off the phone.
2. Hold down the following three buttons: Green (call answer) button, * button, and '3' button
3. While holding these buttons, press the power button and switch on the phone
4. When the message 'Formatting' appears on the screen, release all of the buttons

Note that you shouldn't switch the phone off or remove the battery when performing either of these operations, and it's advised that the handset has a reasonable amount of battery charge before performing a format/reset.

• Length: 5 digits
• Detail: Prevents access to certain functions on the phone
• Set from: Tools > Settings > Security > Phone & SIM
• Default: The default lock code for Nokia Series 60 devices is 12345.
• Lost? - If you've changed this code and forgotten it - you will need to visit a Nokia authorised service centre, who will be able to reset the lock code for you.

• Length: 4 digits
• Detail: This is an optional 4 digit code to protect your SIM
• Set from: Tools > Settings > Security > Phone & SIM
• Lost? - If you keep trying, you'll eventually get locked out and need to contact your network operator for a PUK code (see below)

• Length: 8 digits
• Detail: You'll be asked for this 8 digit code if you've entered the wrong SIM code more than the allowed number of times. You'll need to contact your network operator to get this lock lifted. PUK code help.

• If your phone was fixed to work on a specific network (for example, Orange), this lock may prevent you from using another SIM in the handset. You may see "SIM card rejected" or "SIM card unaccepted". This lock can be lifted for you by contacting the network operator in question (there may be a fee for this).

Memory Card lock code

• Our forum often gets messages from people that are seeing "Memory card locked". This means that your microSD card has had a password set on it. If you know the password, and want to remove it, go to Tools > Memory.
• Lost? - Sorry, but we don't know of a way to remove this code. The advice we've seen via our forum suggests that you may want to format your memory card either from the Tools > Memory > Options > Format mem. card, or using a PC Memory Card Reader. If you know of a better solution, please pass this on via our forum to help others that have managed to lock themselves out of their cards!