To recover your Symbian phone, you need err.... 'Lumia' Software Recovery Tool(!)

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Thanks to reader Kurt Kaufman for noticing that Microsoft's official mobile FAQ and recovery tool (that runs under Windows) now includes support for Symbian devices. Kurt managed to recover a Nokia E6 that had previously been unusable using the tool, so this is well worth bookmarking.

There have always been official Nokia solutions for reflashing smartphones with their official firmware, of course, but it's great to see that Microsoft has taken on this function within its own utility portfolio, inherited from Nokia.

Worth a download if you have a PC, at least - there's no Mac version, unless a reader knows different? (I haven't tried an old build of the Mac NSU, but I suspect that the servers used would have been switched off by now?)

Don't be put off by the 'Lumia' part of the name, it's just a corporate rebranding thing - see the quoted text below:

From the Microsoft page:

Lumia Software Recovery Tool can help you to reset and recover your phone software at home, if your phone is experiencing software related or software update problems. With Windows Phone 8  models, you can also use Lumia Software Recovery Tool  to recover your phone in case your phone is not responding, it appears to be stuck, or it is not starting.

Prerequisites for your computer (PC):

  • Microsoft Windows 7 or newer.
  • USB cable to connect your phone to the computer.
  • Minimum 4 GB free storage space.

Supported phones:

  • Lumia phones 
  • Asha and Series 40 phones that have USB interface
  • Series 30+ phones that have USB interface
  • Nokia X2 platform phones
  • Symbian phones

Step 1. Download and install Lumia Software Recovery Tool to your computer. If possible, make sure that your phone is fully charged.

Step 2. Start Lumia Software Recovery Tool, and connect your phone to your computer with a compatible USB cable. If prompted, select the correct USB mode on your phone:Nokia Suite or Modem.

  • Note! Using Lumia Software Recovery Tool erases all personal content on your phone. If possible, create a backup of your phone’s content before starting the installation. You will find the instructions on how to backup and restore your data in your phone's user guide.

Step 3. Follow the instructions shown on the tool. The latest version of your phone software will be installed, and your phone will restored back to the factory settings. This process may take some time depending on your internet connection, and you cannot use your phone during the installation.

Anyone tried this yet? 

Just as long as the new official firmware doesn't boot our Symbian phones up with a Microsoft logo or Lumia branding....(!)