I just bought a "Like New Mint" condition atrix off ebay. The seller is a power seller with a 99.6% rating.
I opened the box and had it unlocked and aura 1.1.3 installed before it even finished its first boot.
After fooling with it for a bit, I came to realize there is a dead row of pixels on the screen a half inch thick spanning across the top of the screen....
I already sent an email to the seller and awaiting a reply...
Justvwanted to know if anyone knows another way I can fix this. Could I copy the pds from my other atrix?
Man this blows, since I just ordered an unlock code for that imei as well.
I'm too on the ball and gotta slow down I think lol
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
No way to fix my atrix had the same issue and I sent it to Motorola and still no fix so I sold it was my fav phone but a lot of early models had that is about a half inch from notification and it sucks
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
Well that sucks.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
konflikt1911 said:
No way to fix my atrix had the same issue and I sent it to Motorola and still no fix so I sold it was my fav phone but a lot of early models had that is about a half inch from notification and it sucks
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't just sell it on ebay did you?
Solid...Does the touchscreen work in that area or were you unable to boot. If you can't get your cash back, my guess is it took a fall or it passed through an xray machine maybe. New digitizer wouldbe my first thought. Is it there when you fast boot?
Just had the same problem with mine; looks like it's the digitizer.
I flashed back to Bell 2.2.2 (bl and all), restored PDS backup, factory reset, etc and no fix. Sent it back to moto for repair and they told me it was due to water damage (which I think is BS; as I've never had it any where near water.. even made sure to take it out of my pockets before taking a shower to avoid steam).
Got my Atrix around March 20th, so it would have been one of the first run and my buddy who works at a Bell store said he'd seen a couple come back already.
Luckily I had the insurance, so I gave it some real water damage and had it replaced...
Phoneguy589 said:
You didn't just sell it on ebay did you?
Solid...Does the touchscreen work in that area or were you unable to boot. If you can't get your cash back, my guess is it took a fall or it passed through an xray machine maybe. New digitizer wouldbe my first thought. Is it there when you fast boot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would the xray machine do that?
They are willing to refund me. I'm problem gonna try that
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Update:
They offered to refund the price of a new digitizer or shipping to ship it back. I took the price of a digitizer, and now have a $27 digitizer ordered from ebay. Please tell me im not crazy... I kinda have a bad feeling about this.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
SolidHelix said:
Update:
They offered to refund the price of a new digitizer or shipping to ship it back. I took the price of a digitizer, and now have a $27 digitizer ordered from ebay. Please tell me im not crazy... I kinda have a bad feeling about this.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have gotten the original phone at a good price, because I would have taken the refund.
Hopefully everything works out for you!...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
SolidHelix said:
Would the xray machine do that?
They are willing to refund me. I'm problem gonna try that
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
X-ray machines can screw up some digital cameras, but I'm not sure about cell phones...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
ccrows said:
You must have gotten the original phone at a good price, because I would have taken the refund.
Hopefully everything works out for you!...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$325 shipped
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
SolidHelix said:
$325 shipped
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woah......
Related
Alright so my volume rocker is not working when I try to lower the volume.. it will push in but not register.. volume up does work though..., how much is Assurion charging for replacements..i know they have expensive fees for top end devices.. is it 90$ or more?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
$99 with free overnight shipping
Okayi just noticed this was under development...i swear I was in the general forum for the thunderbolt.. sorry for posting here
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Thanks
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
if it's a defect that isn't a direct result of damage or negligence, try getting a warranty replacement before you shell out the cash.
thejosher said:
if it's a defect that isn't a direct result of damage or negligence, try getting a warranty replacement before you shell out the cash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think I should unroot it and see if they will replace it ?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Verizon gave me a new one for the same reason
MattCropley said:
You think I should unroot it and see if they will replace it ?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Verizon is pretty good about replacing devices that fail in any way as long as it isn't physically/neglectfully damaged.
MattCropley said:
You think I should unroot it and see if they will replace it ?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely try it, worst comes to worst they tell you to go through asurion, but if it is a defect im sure they'll replace it...
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA Premium App
I had the same issue with both the power button and the volume with my TB and I called 611 and told them.
I have TEC and they over night a replacement. I unrooted when I got the replacement and sent my broken one back. Just call them. They will replace it.
if that is your issue, call Verizon... I work for Asurion and they will charge you $89! If you call Verizon Tech Support they should be able to overnight you a replacement free of cost!
Yeah I called 611 and told them. The guy said he would send a replacement, except when I return mine there can't be any damage or I will have to pay 100..I told him I had a little chip on the bottom lip of the phone and he said i would most likely be charged.... that is ridiculous. Because I dropped this phone when I first got it I have to pay 100 because of a hardware malfunction...smh
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
I've never been charged and I've had find and scratches when getting a warranty replacement.
MattCropley said:
Yeah I called 611 and told them. The guy said he would send a replacement, except when I return mine there can't be any damage or I will have to pay 100..I told him I had a little chip on the bottom lip of the phone and he said i would most likely be charged.... that is ridiculous. Because I dropped this phone when I first got it I have to pay 100 because of a hardware malfunction...smh
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a humongous scratch across my screen, but it was still replaced by VZW for free.
This phone is awesome until i make or receive calls. I've tried numerous roms and modems that all result in the same result which is muffled voices that i often can't even understand. Seems that its when im talking to iphone users more than anything but its always there. My inspire was great with phone calls and really never had an issue understanding with any phone I've ever owned. Very frustrating and even happens on headset and Bluetooth devices. Any advice, anyone else experience this?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Are you using a case?
If so, try it with and without it.
Sent from my páhhōniē
It very well may be a hardware issue. It happened to me on my last SGH. When I got a new phone, I haven't experienced the issue.
Try getting a replacement with whoever you bought the phone from. I had my phone replaced via hardware warranty and not insurance, so I got it for free.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
autonomous-inc said:
It very well may be a hardware issue. It happened to me on my last SGH. When I got a new phone, I haven't experienced the issue.
Try getting a replacement with whoever you bought the phone from. I had my phone replaced via hardware warranty and not insurance, so I got it for free.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's probably what I'll try. I bought it over the phone with at&t so I'm sure they will want me to send it in since they aren't selling the sgsII over the counter here in austin (they are pushing the skyrocket). Sucks to be without a phone for a week or so!
mj0528 said:
That's probably what I'll try. I bought it over the phone with at&t so I'm sure they will want me to send it in since they aren't selling the sgsII over the counter here in austin (they are pushing the skyrocket). Sucks to be without a phone for a week or so!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll keep your current phone until they mail you the replacement. Then you'll pack your old phone into the box and ship it off. Make sure you've flashed back to stock and removed any trace of root because if you don't you'll lose warranty.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
autonomous-inc said:
I had my phone replaced via hardware warranty and not insurance, so I got it for free.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be pretty easy to make a claim on faulty hardware when you do it online and send it in, I haven't had any issues with call quality or anything so I'd guess it's a hardware issue
also I've done this before, except I did it with insurance claim, and I'm pretty sure they sent it with like FedEx overnight shipping too so you wouldn't really be waiting either
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
Replacement on the way. Refurbished though which I guess should be fine if it works properly!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
mj0528 said:
Replacement on the way. Refurbished though which I guess should be fine if it works properly!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Between my wife and I we got 3 refurbished captivates. They all looked brand new. I think att has them do a really good job of refurbing them.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Had to get my original Captivate replaced. Wife still uses it, going strong with no problems.
I was told that a refurb may have new or refurbished internal parts, but an all new exterior case, screen, etc.
Right on!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
creepyncrawly said:
Had to get my original Captivate replaced. Wife still uses it, going strong with no problems.
I was told that a refurb may have new or refurbished internal parts, but an all new exterior case, screen, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your guide back to factory was easy! Thanks for making it that way!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Please post on this thread how the new phone works. I'm kind of having the same exact problem and considering trading it in.
Have you tried hellraiser yet?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
buzzbox said:
Have you tried hellraiser yet?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does a hellraised rom help this sort of thing?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I would rather have a refund than a phone someone already used and broke. I buy new, I expect new.
refurbs are often times just a new phone that they cannot sell as new because it was opened. No scratches or damages but its still new.
Refurbished phones right now are basically still new phones. Most of the refurbished phones were phones bought brand new and returned within the 30 day free-exchange period. Some people didnt like it and a lot of people returned it for the Skyrocket... so AT&T has to resell the phones as refurbished even though there was nothing wrong with it at all. So now is the time to buy a refurbished phone.
I got my Dad one last week and he got it on Thursday. Its completely brand new. Not a scratch or anything on it. He got it for $9.99 and its perfect.
of all the refurbs I ever received from AT&T, all of them looked new.
I was up to 4 Captivate refurbs last year and they all looked brand new.
Interesting, not having any call issues with my phone.
Last night a buddy knocked my phone out of my hand and cracked the digitizer just wondering if anybody knows any good deals on where to get it fixed? Ccalled sammy and they said i have to send the phone in just to get a estimate on the fix which im guessing is around 200 bucks if anybody has any ideas or any good places to get it fixed please let md know
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Anywhere you go it's going to be about 200 afaik. You might as well send it to Samsung if you have a backup phone to use in the meantime, because then you know the repair will be top quality.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Yeah thanks man just needed a second opinion on the matter thanks Much appreciated
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
You can use zaggs insurance plan thats what i am going to use I am in the same boat as you i shattered my screen again (i have super hard titles lol) I think its 99 for a 2 year plan plus 55 to fix
Really? And what is this called again seems like a awesome deal
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
http://cellphone-repair-shop.com/samsung-sgh-i717-galaxy-note-parts/
I used this site. It only took 4 days for them to ship to me. I didnt have any insurance because I actually found the smashed phone on the ground. The screen and digizter on their site actually comes with a bezel too, so you dont have to peel the AMLOED off your current bezel. Everything else I have seen online sells with no bezel
otherwise stolen jk but seriously .....but jk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Yeah i think im gonna go the Samsung route to scared to do it myself just my luck il make the situation worse opening this beast up and no my.phones not stolen lol i worked hard for this bad boy actually i traded my s2 and 220 from a guy on craigslist
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
TheMrRoxtar said:
otherwise stolen jk but seriously .....but jk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heheh, true story. I actually witnessed an irrate customer storm out of the telus store and smash the phone on the ground, to my disbelief it was a galaxy note. Samsung wouldn't fix it for me when I sent it in because i had actually opened it to see if there was any other damage.
Im pretty sure samsung charges 200 to replace it but it takes a few weeks
mikedarula said:
Yeah i think im gonna go the Samsung route to scared to do it myself just my luck il make the situation worse opening this beast up and no my.phones not stolen lol i worked hard for this bad boy actually i traded my s2 and 220 from a guy on craigslist
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Traded my LG G2x + 200 for my unlocked Note and still got to keep my S2 as backup
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Very nice
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Just thought i would share my experience.
My charging port has been acting funny for a week or so. Last night it wasn't working at all. I called customer care to find out about a repair as I didn't want to exchange it. They told me about a warranty center not to far from me.
I took it in this morning, they looked it over and decided they couldn't repair it. So they gave me a brand new one. The lady saw cm10 and allowed me to put it back to stock so i wouldn't get charged.
AT&T customer service has come a long way in the years since I first had the service.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I had a very pleasant experience earlier today too. My situation is different cause I've only had my phone for a few days, but I had some stuck pixels & they exchanged it for a flawless one cheerfully & with no questions asked. Very impressed with AT&T so far, especially after all the bad things I've heard about them
21productionz said:
Just thought i would share my experience.
My charging port has been acting funny for a week or so. Last night it wasn't working at all. I called customer care to find out about a repair as I didn't want to exchange it. They told me about a warranty center not to far from me.
I took it in this morning, they looked it over and decided they couldn't repair it. So they gave me a brand new one. The lady saw cm10 and allowed me to put it back to stock so i wouldn't get charged.
AT&T customer service has come a long way in the years since I first had the service.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your USB port doesn't work, how did you put it back to stock?
Good to hear about your experience though!
Sent from my Galaxy Note.
My note was bought off eBay. It came with the receipt from best buy, but the local warranty center wouldn't deal with me. I'm probably going to call cs. What do y'all think?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Pretty sure it's non transferable. Good luck.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
btswein said:
If your USB port doesn't work, how did you put it back to stock?
Good to hear about your experience though!
Sent from my Galaxy Note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded a stock rooted rom, flashed it, and viola. The lady knew it was still rooted, and said she would take care of the rest.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I am lucky to have a service center close to my house. I've been there a dozen times over the last few years. They are top notch when it comes to customer service. I've never been disappointed. Always be sure to complete the customer service survey if asked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I've been with AT&T since before they were Cingular, lol. Always had great experience with their customer service!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
shaokang said:
My note was bought off eBay. It came with the receipt from best buy, but the local warranty center wouldn't deal with me. I'm probably going to call cs. What do y'all think?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Warranty isn't transferable
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
kiltedthrower said:
Warranty isn't transferable
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most the time they don't ask if u purchased the phone. Atleadt haven't with me. Just call and tell them u need an exchange and 9/10 times they will as long as there is no water damage.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
They just denied Me service cause I'm not with att any more gotta call Samsung
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Does that surprise you? Makes sense to me that you don't have service with them!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Hey I had hope lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Never hurts to ask right? =D
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Asked them to swap out my i717 because the GPS was not functioning correctly.
They sent a what looks like a new phone. Had all the clear plastic on the camera and sides.
Very happy with them.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I had a USB port problem on my wife's phone and I called the Att warranty and a replacement arrived the next day. Along with that I noticed the black clipping issue is substantial. As her new screen is more vivid compared to mine....Thinking about replacing mine now.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA Premium HD app
Heres my issue. I've already exchanged my phone at work. Its never been dropped always lived in a case similar to an otter box and I still have theses hair line cracks two, circled in the picture below. I called CS yesterday about the charging issue and they are sending a replacement I'm just not sure I'd they will say these cracks are physical damage and charge me 549
the second star to the right
ladyhaylin said:
Heres my issue. I've already exchanged my phone at work. Its never been dropped always lived in a case similar to an otter box and I still have theses hair line cracks two, circled in the picture below. I called CS yesterday about the charging issue and they are sending a replacement I'm just not sure I'd they will say these cracks are physical damage and charge me 549
the second star to the right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They replaced mine for the cracks, then the next two for screen blobs. I handled everything over the phone. When asked if it was dropped I let them know it was a documented issue. They contacted Samsungwhile I waited on hold, Samsung confirme and att came back on the line and processed the exchange.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
00mred00 said:
They replaced mine for the cracks, then the next teo for screen blobs. I handled everything over the phone. When asked if it was dropped I let them know it was a documented issue. They contacted Samsungwhile I waited on hold, Samsung confirme and att came back on the line and processed the exchange.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much you just made my day
the second star to the right
Dropped it from like 3 feet straight down on the screen.....
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Ouch.
Sent from my Nexus 10
Damn that sucks! I have the otterbox on my phone now since my shatter the screen on this phone breaks easily. Now my question for you is were you rooted and all that good stuff? And are you getting a replacement from Verizon ? If so welcome to ota stock Rom you'll be stuck if you weren't already.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
He wasn't rooted or unlocked he was stuck locked up from the ota update.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Damn... that's more busted than Christina Aguilera!
Same thing happened to me but I'll be swapping the motherboard when the replacement comes so I can maintain root
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
jonesin said:
Same thing happened to me but I'll be swapping the motherboard when the replacement comes so I can maintain root
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isnt that illegal? And wont they find out anyhow?
That is surprising to me. Mine has flown off my lap on onto the street when getting out of the car, fell out of my coat pocket onto the ground, dropped it from a ladder while painting, and dropped it numerous times at home on the floor. Never broke or cracked or nothing. I have a case but never use it. This phone is nice and slim, the case made it too damn bulky.
If you're going to toss it I'll take it. It would be a good experiment phone.
Orrrr if you want to fix it
http://compare.ebay.com/like/170983563786?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
SHANENATAS said:
That is surprising to me. Mine has flown off my lap on onto the street when getting out of the car, fell out of my coat pocket onto the ground, dropped it from a ladder while painting, and dropped it numerous times at home on the floor. Never broke or cracked or nothing. I have a case but never use it. This phone is nice and slim, the case made it too damn bulky.
If you're going to toss it I'll take it. It would be a good experiment phone.
Orrrr if you want to fix it
http://compare.ebay.com/like/170983563786?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe your phone is magical. All it took my first phone was about a 3 feet drop on tile. With the way the glass is raised on the phone it should easily break anyhow lucky you.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
Naw I'm gonna go through insurance. I'm so bummed. I think my heart skipped a beat when it happened. At least I can still use it
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Say you lost it not broke it. Keep it or sell it on eBay
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
Keep your fingers crossed, you might just luck out and not have the OTA. Mine didn't but it was a refurb. I'm sure you'll let us know, lol
---------- Post added at 01:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:24 AM ----------
ickedmel said:
Maybe your phone is magical. All it took my first phone was about a 3 feet drop on tile. With the way the glass is raised on the phone it should easily break anyhow lucky you.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just really surprised to see so many DNA breaks from dropping it. In fact I have never cracked a screen, knock on wood. My old Droid Razr was pretty durable too. Now my daughters ipod touch broke if you looked at too hard, haha JUNK
The DNA is supposed to have triple gorilla glass too. I wonder if some of these are refurbished with fake junk digitizers? The screens should not be shattering that easily.
I'm hoping like crazy. And you can bet I'll let everyone know lol
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
rogerwalker22 said:
I'm hoping like crazy. And you can bet I'll let everyone know lol
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to get a replacement for my DNA, which came with the OTA, due to battery issues. I was looking forward to getting a phone with the old software and when the replacement came it had the old OS; but that had to go back due to the power button being concaved, so it was flush with the top, blown speaker and a dead pixel; and this was how it came out of the box! (100+ point inspection my a$$). The next replacement came and it too had the old software but wouldn't connect to WiFi. I received the third replacement yesterday and it was perfect, but the OTA was pre-installed. Hope you get not only the old software version but also a workable phone.
fury15 said:
Say you lost it not broke it. Keep it or sell it on eBay
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can keep it, but don't sell it. When you report your phone lost, the carrier gives it a bad ESN.
123421342 said:
Isnt that illegal? And wont they find out anyhow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i suppose so yes it could be outside of the boundaries of the insurance agreement but i pay a subsidy and an insurance fee for a reason. I could claim the phone was stolen swap the motherboards and sell the broken unit to cover the insurance premium but i wont be doing that. I see no harm no foul. They will be recieving a perfectly functional peice of hardware in the exact condition I reported during the claim... to each his own though
If you swap the motherboard you will be converting the new Dna to the old esn that you just reported lost... So you are just giving yourself a bad esn. Lol
Also its fraud but whatever you want to do
-- Sent from my Palm Pre using Forums
What type case was your DNA in when this happened?
sent from my DNA running sense 5
So I have insurance through a 3rd party. Not Verizon or Asurion. They give me and address of somewhere in MI and want me to send it there to be fixed.
rogerwalker22 said:
So I have insurance through a 3rd party. Not Verizon or Asurion. They give me and address of somewhere in MI and want me to send it there to be fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't I post a link with a video? It seems really easy to fix, that's why I wanted it. I even put an ad on craigslist. If you report it lost or stolen you could always "find it again" and they can reverse the bad ESN. My cousin bought a bad ESN phone from ebay. Verizon ended up calling the original owner and he went ahead and released it, they made the ESN good again. I don't know all the details but that's what he told me, sometime last year.
Hmm options, how much will it cost? Since the phone has to be sent away and cracked open anyway, buy the digitizer and send it to be jtagged, 2 birds with one stone. It might cost you a little more but you will be golden in the end. Fixed phone and S-off.