Nokia N73 runs on the S60 3rd edition Symbian Operating System. Makes it easy to install numerous available Java and Symbian (S60 release 3) applications. With plenty of available applications and the popularity of Symbian based phones, malwares are somewhat very common. When landed with a few, your device hangs, run slow or face issues multitasking or switching between applications. All of these are very annoying issues and not tolerated. Square it with a good anti-virus program. There are plenty of its kind available for your device. Reformatting is another option you have, it can be useful for few other purposes as well.
Symbian based Operating Systems provides convenient reformat options that can be easy done from the user end. Need to point this because the trouble I have always had reformatting Java based phones. Its pretty difficult. Don’t even try it. Now for your Nokia N73 or most Symbian phones, two reformat options are available- Hard format and Soft format. Both very simple to perform. Coming up next are a few ‘scratch head’ troubles pulling you to a reformat. Other than trouble fix, you may need to perform a reformat to ensure privacy. Malware infections and associated issues like memory leak, slow running device, multi tasking issues, frequent error messages, reboots or false battery indications. A reformat can perfectly fix all the above and get your device back in the best factory out condition. If you are planing to sell off your device, you may want to delete your contacts, music, videos, photos, whatever info stored from each application separately. Think about a reformat. You can do them all in just a single task, and sure that you never missed anything. Everything is cleaned up and your phone is reset to the factory values. Maybe you need to consider reformatting your memory card separately.
Things to Keep in Mind
Data stored in your phone would be destroyed. So first thing you need to address is data backup. Start backing up every data that are important. At least the ones you think are. Copy contacts to your SIM or sync them with your PC Suite or copy to your memory card. Hard format/ soft format just takes care of your phone memory. Your Memory card is left alone in the process.
When you have malware issues, it is advised that you reformat your memory card in your phone or use a card reader to format it. To initiate the reformat, you will need to have the security code a.k.a. lock code. Factory set code is 12345 and if you have changed it anyway, you will need it at the time of reformat. At least 30% of battery required to complete the process successfully. This will help fix any possible data corruption.
Hard Format
Hard format makes use of key presses to initiate reformatting. To start with, switch off your Nokia N73 and then press hold the Green dial/call key, Star(*) key and the Three(3) key. Now turn on your device without leaving the key press. I think you need a helping hand, your hands are all over the phone. Don’t leave the key press, you may need to start over again. Now the phone will reformat, wait till it completes. You can see your phone start ‘brand-new’ just the way it started the very first time. Select the timezone and set the date and time.
Soft Format
Soft format makes use of a code to initiate the reformat. Most phones running on Symbian OS uses of the same code. To soft format your device, close all open applications, come to the main screen and type in *#7370#. You get a message like Restore all original phone settings? Phone will restart. Click Yes and provide the lock code to start the reformat. Just as the hard format, your phone will take time to reformat. Wait patiently, when its done select the timezone and set the date and time.
Common Issues while Reformatting
By any chance there occurs a data corruption, you may have issues in reformatting or even boot your device normally. Any attempt to turn on the device will be provided an error message “Phone memory corrupted. Contact manufacturer“. Removal of battery in the middle of the operation or low battery can lead to such trouble. So better to perform reformat with at least 30% battery and don’t risk the operation removing the battery in the middle.
Tips to Fix Possible Issues
In case you have any data corruption trouble, first thing you can try reformatting again. When you still have a problem, wait 8 to 24 hours after removing the battery, SIM and memory card from your device and try reformatting again. From my experience, you should be through. If you still have trouble, you will need to seek assistance of a professional.