I have just installed Android 2.3 on my Orange San Francisco, it runs like a dream and was very easy to do. It took a little trial and error so I wanted to put this guide together as much for my own memory as to assist others.
Firstly, all thanks and credit to curl66, wbaw and all the other fantastic tallent at modaco. This post is heavily based on the following post where you will find more detailed information and Q&A:
http://android.modaco.com/content/zte-blade-roms-rom-customisation/338058/gen1-gen2-rom-cm-7-0-2stable-n57-tpt-image-for-easy-install/This guide is specifically for Orange San Francisco / ZTE Blade's that originally had Android 2.1 on them (also known as Gen1 devices).
You can check if you have a Gen1 device by downloading the free app called 'Ask Mr Pigfish' from the market.
If required backup everything on your phone with MyBackup (free on android market).
No other preparation is required for this, this will work with a rooted or unrooted phone.
1 - Download the latest TPT Android rom from:
http://android.modaco.com/content/zte-blade-roms-rom-customisation/338058/gen1-gen2-rom-cm-7-0-2stable-n57-tpt-image-for-easy-install/I had trouble with the download link there so alternatively download the version I used from this dropbox location (
CM-7.0.3-Blade-TPT.zip ) This is Cyanogenmod 7.0.3 or Android 2.3.3 (released 07/05/2011)
2 - Download MD5 Checker to verify the above download is perfect:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/File-Management/MD5-Checker.shtmlThe MD5 key of the CM-7.0.3-Blade-TPT image should match ce0780ab4104903edc957688b65d598b
3 - Extract the rom to the root folder of your SD card so you have an image/ folder in the root
4 - Turn off your phone. Hold down the volume up, the menu key and the power key.
The phone will turn on and show some green text. Allow this to continue, the phone will restart itself.
Once the phone boots you will have Android 2.3.3 with Cyanogenmod. Go through all the setup steps as normal.
Download MyBackup from the market to restore all of your apps and data (if required).
Now rename or delete the image/ folder form your SD Card. This is important because of how easy it is to accidentally reflash your phone.
Lastly I advise you install the app 'Launcher Pro' free from the android market. This makes the phone so much faster and smoother.