Brian Veteran Posted June 25, 2011 Veteran Share Posted June 25, 2011 Oh hai! You might remember me from such articles as... Never mind, probably not. So you got a WP7 phone and want to unlock it? Sweet. As Neowin has many students in her membership, AND many WP7 phone users AND high technical aptitude, I figured I'd share with you the process to Unlocking your WP7 device and getting a free developer account. Yes, this is public information, yes it's not anything you couldn't figure out yourself, but I wanted to raise a bit of awareness in the community because it seems like people aren't doing it, and if you want a dev unlocked device, I want to help. This guide really only applies to students. It turns out that if you are a student you have the privilege of a free App Hub developer account. Here's how to do it! 1)Sign up for Dreamspark! If you haven't done this yet, you probably should. Dreamspark is Microsoft's program for students and offers free software and development tools. If you need a copy of Windows Server, or Robotics or programming tools (VStudio, Expression Blend, Silverlight dev etc) it's yours at no cost. Visit www.dreamspark.com to sign up. You will need a student email address at a high school or post-secondary institution. This has been tested in the US/Canada and the UK. If you're elsewhere your mileage may vary. You will need to select your institution from a list, they will send your email a verification email and then you're good to go. 2)Download Windows Phone 7 tools The link is right there click it and download. 3)Sign up for App Hub Sign up for App Hub at create.msdn.com Select the student account, and link it with your Dreamspark email. Simple right? 4)Create a dummy app to verify account Before you can unlock your device or even develop apps (if that's your intent), you will need to apply for app certification. You don't have to upload a real app, just a hello world app. This is so Microsoft informs Geotrust that you need verification. After you upload a dummy app, you should receive an email from Geotrust asking for ID and signature. Print the form they send, scan or photograph your ID and signature and then email or fax it to Geotrust. One or two days later you will be verified. 5)Unlock your device Using the tools you downloaded, you can register and unlock your device once you are verified. This is the final step. After this your phone is dev unlocked. 6)??? At this point you could be done, or you could start developing for WP7 7)Profit If you choose to develop, GREAT! If not, well at least you can help test homebrew apps. If you do choose to develop, make sure to submit your tax and payment info! You get 100 free apps (aka, no sale price) and unlimited paid apps. Extras Okay, so... Your geotrust email never came after you submitted your app for certification? No problem. Just join the Live chat and ask them to send one, they'll check your account and send the email off. My total turn around was 2.5 days. Your mileage may vary. Live Chat Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1007784-guide-unlocking-your-wp7-devicefree-developer-account/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan- Posted June 25, 2011 Share Posted June 25, 2011 Exactly what I did a while back, worked and still works like a charm, especially for the homebrew apps. :D Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1007784-guide-unlocking-your-wp7-devicefree-developer-account/#findComment-594102466 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen W Veteran Posted June 26, 2011 Veteran Share Posted June 26, 2011 Awesome guide, thanks Brian <3 Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1007784-guide-unlocking-your-wp7-devicefree-developer-account/#findComment-594103492 Share on other sites More sharing options...
svnO.o Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Thanks for this. Considering getting a Windows Phone (HTC Trophy) myself and plan on doing some development on it :) Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1007784-guide-unlocking-your-wp7-devicefree-developer-account/#findComment-594104362 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Veteran Posted June 27, 2011 Author Veteran Share Posted June 27, 2011 Thanks for this. Considering getting a Windows Phone (HTC Trophy) myself and plan on doing some development on it :) No problem! Like I said, if you're a student, it's not hard, but having a full written guide rather than having to piece together instructions for when the process isn't "smooth," is handy. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1007784-guide-unlocking-your-wp7-devicefree-developer-account/#findComment-594105286 Share on other sites More sharing options...
scaramonga Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 Thank you. :) Pity I ain't a Student (too old lol) and I have a WP7, but nice guide :D Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1007784-guide-unlocking-your-wp7-devicefree-developer-account/#findComment-594105308 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xerax Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Just sent my application to GeoTrust. :D Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1007784-guide-unlocking-your-wp7-devicefree-developer-account/#findComment-594134236 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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