[Detective_Khalifah]

I need to unlock the security code of my Nokia 5310 XpressMusic; I haven't used it for 2 years or so, and can't remember what I set.
Type: RM-303
__(Scratched): 661U-RM303
Model: 5310 XpressMusic

I give higher priority to unlocking because of apps I've collected over time. Should there be no option but firmware flash, provide me with tools - if such exist - to backup the firmware, so I could restore it, should I remember the password. And finally, the tools to flash it so I could make it usable.

Thanks, Hovatek fam.

[X3non]

I need to unlock the security code of my Nokia 5310 XpressMusic; I haven't used it for 2 years or so, and can't remember what I set.
Type: RM-303
__(Scratched): 661U-RM303
Model: 5310 XpressMusic

I give higher priority to unlocking because of apps I've collected over time. Should there be no option but firmware flash, provide me with tools - if such exist - to backup the firmware, so I could restore it, should I remember the password. And finally, the tools to flash it so I could make it usable.

Thanks, Hovatek fam.

is the phone unlocked but you are trying to figure out the lock code you set?
OR it's locked and you're trying to unlock?
if it's the latter, i.e locked phone then you can try the method @ https://www.hovatek.com/forum/thread-9016.html ; you need the exact firmware that's currently running on the device (see the important notice section if you wish to flash the device instead)

[Detective_Khalifah]

is the phone unlocked but you are trying to figure out the lock code you set?
OR it's locked and you're trying to unlock?...

I'm trying to unlock (figure out code of) a locked phone

...if it's the latter, i.e locked phone then you can try the method @ https://www.hovatek.com/forum/thread-9016.html ;...

What's a BB5 device?

you need the exact firmware that's currently running on the device (see the important notice section if you wish to flash the device instead)

I got these firmware:
1. Nokia 5310 (RM-303) Latest Flash File/Firmware V10.10 Free Download (I actually see 9.42)
2. Nokia 5310 RM-303 Flash File v10.10 100% Tested (MCU-PPM-CNT)

[Detective_Khalifah]

Guess there's no firmware backup as with Android devices, since you didn't mention it. Goodbye themes and apps
The referenced guide shows how to flash a phone. I followed two more - How to Flash/Upgrade a Nokia BB5 Phone using Phoenix & How to Flash/Upgrade Nokia BB5 Phones Using Infinity Best - but none shows how to update; I'm also curious about the option "Dead Phone USB Flashing", sir. What is it?

[X3non]

What's a BB5 device?

baseband 5, you can run a google search for bb5 nokia for more info

I got these firmware:
...

if you intend to make a SW reset then you need the exact firmware version running on the device
if you intend to flash the device then you need either the exact firmware version OR higher

Guess there's no firmware backup as with Android devices, since you didn't mention it. Goodbye themes and apps

None that i'm aware off, maybe cm2 best dongle (nokia module can backup) but ofc you will have to verify from their support team

The referenced guide shows how to flash a phone.

that guide shows how to reset a phone not how to flash. the firmware requirement for both cases is different

... - but none shows how to update;

download latest firmware version and flash (i can only guess thats what the "Update software" button in phoenix is meant for)

I'm also curious about the option "Dead Phone USB Flashing", sir. What is it?

the phone is connected to the PC while powered off, this is referred to as dead phone flashing (even if the device is fully functional)