I finally had some time to sit down and update my Shadow. I documented the process so if you haven’t already done it, here is a handy little guide to help walk you through it. Read the entire article before beginning.
First things first, you need to have a computer to do this, and on that computer you need either Activesync or Windows Mobile Device Center. If you are running Windows XP then get Activesync, if you are running Windows Vista with all its pretty colors then get Windows Mobile Device Center.
Once you have that installed, connect your Shadow with the USB sync cable that came in the box. If this is the first time you have done this follow the onscreen instructions and wait until the sync is completed. You want to do this because it creates a folder on your desktop of the files on your device.
If you use a storage card and encryption make sure you copy all your files OFF your storage card before performing this update. You will more than likely not be able to access those encrypted files after the update.
Now that you have performed a full sync and taken care of your files, remove the storage card from the phone so there aren’t any problems. Before beginning ensure there is at least 50% charge on the phone.
Go to the T-Mobile Shadow website and download the file you need to your desktop. NOTE: They will ask for your 15 digit IMEI number as well as provide you instructions on how to do find it. If your IMEI is longer than 15 digits just enter the first 15.
Okay let’s get started.
1. The Shadow has been synced, the files taken care of, the storage card removed, and a 50% charge on the battery.
2. Run the file you downloaded.
3. Click Next and the updater will begin doing its thing.
4. When that is done it will show this screen which basically warns you again that you are about to lost everything that was on the phone. Click on the little white box and then next.
5. This next screen will tell you again everything that we wrote earlier. It’s good to be redundant when accomplishing these types of tasks.
6. It will then verify the information on your Shadow.
7. The current software version will be shown. If it says you don’t need this update then hit cancel, otherwise click on the ‘Update’ button like 99% of every other Shadow owner.
8. At risk of being repetitive the Updater will again tell you what software version you have and which you are updating to. Click Next.
9. Just because they can, they will ask you to click Next again. Heed their warnings on this screen and try not to mess with your computer during this process. Also be sure to NOT disconnect the Shadow while this is happening. Your screen will change colors, show a rainbow, the phone will make a noise or two and it will sound like it is no longer connected to your computer.
If during this install you get a message saying it failed. Simply remove the battery from your Shadow for about 30 seconds, replace it, connect to your PC and try again. These things happen sometimes, it’s not the end of the world. 
When you are ready to make the big jump click Next.
10. Once it begins you will see these images on your PC. It shows the progress. Once it reaches 100% DO NOT disconnect your Shadow. The Updater will tell you when it’s finished. If you have a slower computer or a faster computer, just wait. If an hour goes by then maybe you can start worrying. If that happens you can always run the updater again or hard reset the Shadow. But if less than 20 minutes have passed, be patient. 
EDIT NOTE: At this point your Shadow will begin doing it’s own thing. Just for this update the load up time will be anywhere from 2 minutes to ten minutes while it reinstalls software and new software. Don’t mess with it during this time. It will restart itself at least once during this process.
11. Now you can break out the celebratory beverages and start setting your newly flashed Shadow back up again. Some settings have been changed so you’ll need to go back through them. One setting that completely messed me up several times is the Slide setting. You might want to change this first thing. Go to Start > Settings > Slide and Key Lock > and change the ‘Hang up Mode’ back to ‘End Key Only’ otherwise you will unwittingly hang up on your friends, family, coworkers and IRS agents (unless of course you like to do this sort of thing, then by all means leave it be).
Congratulations! You have now updated your Shadow’s Software with the new ROM. Now you can take some time and visit our forums, make some changes, add some software from our store and enjoy your Shadow.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:14 am
THIS is great. It is exactly what I needed to return my call screen back to normal. Thanks for your help and for once, thank you Tmobile. This site is by the most extensive phone site for any phone. Keep up the GREAT WORK!!
February 15th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
The T-mobile web site asks for my 15 digit IMEI number, my IMEI number is 17 digits, they only allow 15 digits in the space provided……what should I do about this?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Just type the 1st 15 digits, you should be good to go.
February 16th, 2008 at 12:01 am
Thank you Aaron!
Pravin, thank you for remind me, I added that bit about the 15 digits to the post.
February 16th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Awesome writing the directions are clear and very helpful.
February 17th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I don’t know about your SHADOW, but once I was done with the update, my phone sat on a Windows Mobile screen for about 2 minutes, then when to the T-Mobile Shadow screen for another 3 minutes, downloaded some files for about 1 minute, then configured the device for another minute, went back to the T-Mobile Shadow screen and restarted itself (which took another minute). After all that, I lost all my e-mail and wi-fi settings to boot which took “forever” to set back up. Overall, I think this process is crap and hope T-Mobile gets this figured out.
February 17th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Jared, thank you for reminding me about those extra restarts it does on its own. I added that to the guide.
About losing your settings, it’s all in the process of flashing a new ROM. Yes there are other way an OEM can provide updates, but if there are significant changes to the underlying structure of the OS then a new ROM is the only way to go.
February 18th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
If you don’t have Flash installed on your computer, you can use this link http://www.t-mobile.com/wmupgrade/DashPopup.aspx?PAsset=Dev_Pop_ShadowUpgrade&Device=939ad8e2-fca1-4167-83f8-49cd2dad0d39
February 20th, 2008 at 9:32 am
How Can I Get Google Maps On My Shadow do i have to downloaded form the computer or str8 from the phone. please help i travel a lott and am lost now google mapps will help me a lot with the roads
thanks guys
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I’m trying to download the update and i click on the link and nothing pops up. i don’t have pop up blocker on and i have a flash player. i don’t know what the problem is.
May 10th, 2008 at 12:48 am
I followed the instructions and installed the ROM update, but I suddenly no longer have data access, i can’t load any webpages and i can’t connect to AIM… any ideas?
May 29th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
[...] Awhile ago we posted about updating the Shadow to the newer software version released from T-Mobile. Apparently there are a lot of Shadow’s still being sold with the older software. The new software fixes a lot of problems and it is actually in everyone’s best interests to update before you get your phone too personalized. If you haven’t yet then you need to read Taking the Plunge: How To Update Your Shadow. [...]
May 29th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Ok, i have passed on this upgrade since day1 because i seems that it was all fluff. I want to know what “REAL” upgrades and fixes this gives you. I even skipped it a week ago when i redid my phone. no where did it state that there were critial upgrades in this release and i have not had an “issues” that needed fixing. I can make due without the extra wallpapers and sound files, so someone cut to the chase and explain what this upgrade really upgrades…
May 29th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Ha I tried to download the update but was told my phone number was not valid. Emailed support - no time to call at work- but we will see
May 30th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Wow that was fast! They got me abel to download in about 20 min
Thx for the Forum, Great Resource
May 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am
What about those of us with Macs? I can’t even get my computer to recognize my shadow over the USB connection.
May 30th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Worst phone ever. http://www.windowsmobilesucks.com
June 1st, 2008 at 11:03 pm
mac users get to spend 600$ for an IPhone, thats what you get!
June 2nd, 2008 at 8:19 am
i installed update and have noticed a few changes…
first when taking pictures the viewer is no longer landscape. after taking a picture there are words below the same four symbols.
when typing a symbol from the symbol grid there are now tiny numbers which allow one to use their keypad for symbols.
on my phone I no longer have the E symbol for the network dunno why.
June 2nd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I recently updated my phone and am satisfied with the new features… however i did not know that all my contacts on my sim card would be erasd if anyone knows how to retrieve them please help…. also i like the camera better in the landscape format if you know how to change that back please inform me as well
June 6th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
for Mac users you can use bootcamp or i was told that Missing sync would perhaps work. I have successfully synced all from Itunes, images, contacts with missing sync.. make sure not to buy the upgrade though…i had to downgrade today after loosing sync capability. Missing Sync 4.0.2, great software.
June 7th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Missing Sync will not allow for a ROM update. The update program only works on Windows. It’s not a sync, it’s an update. So, you need to either have a Windows PC or a nice friend who will let you borrow her PC for an hour.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
i just did the update not realizing i lost the sample music “martini” and “carpe nocturne”. does anyone know how to get this back or have the old ROM version to send to my phone somehow? I really liked those but was so anxious to see what the update was about that i completely forgot to save these files to my PC. Please help!
June 14th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
@ Sheree
I also tried to backup the sample music file but I couldn’t. I check and the music was read-only.
Has anyone had any trouble with my Faves? I can’t seem to minimized it by pressing the end key like before. That option is grayed out.
BTW, thanks Mike for the step by step instructions. It was easy to follow. I’ve been putting off updating because I didn’t want to reinstall my apps but I’m happy I did.