UPDATED for 2.3 ~ K2 Font Hack Instructions As Easy As I can Get Them.....

[jsamuelson]

Here's the reply via the font hack page from the original author of the hack:

"It looks like Amazon changed some code related to update installation so at the moment no hack can be installed (including screensaver, savory, etc). I'm working on figuring this problem out as with international release of Kindle the need for unicode fonts is stronger than ever. I believe some other people are trying to figure it out as well."

I'm sure a successful font hack will be well reported!

[collier1120]

Hi,
    I am new to the board and kindle.  It's taken me a little time to get up the courage to try improving the font.  I followed your instructions, but when I get to the final step my kindle doesn't allow me to update it.  That is the only choice that I can't select.  I'm using an HP with Vista.  Any suggestions really appreciated

[911jason]

I'm not sure they've figured out how to apply the hack to the newer models. Which model do you have? Original Kindle, Kindle US, Kindle International & US, or Kindle DX?

[collier1120]

I have the 2.2.  That's the problem then.  Hope a new font comes soon.  This doesn't have enough contrast for my old eyes.  Thanks

[911jason]

There have already been successful hacks performed on the K2i, but unless you're somewhat daring, I wouldn't recommend them yet. I'll keep my eyes peeled though, and post here if I find one.

[BlueEyedMum]

Figures, I figured it out and then it wouldn't update because my battery is too low..LOL I guess I'll try again tomorrow:-)

[911jason]

Have you tried updating while it's plugged in? I wouldn't do it with a computer's usb port just to be safe, but it might work plugged in to the wall...

[Pushka]

Well that was a scary couple of hours.  I had to uninstall both font and screensaver hacks - the font was ok but do you think I could find the right uninstall for the screensaver (K2I).  Eventually, success. After 60 minutes though.  So I downloaded the upgrade - that bit was easy.  Then I re hacked the font - again, easy.  Then I tried to unzip the screensaver and went round and round in circles with winzip because their terminoligy is a bit unsual.  Finally got what I thought was the right bin file, updated the software and when clicking the sleep slider - got - NOTHING!  I couldnt put it to sleep!  So, I had a battle with winzip again and uninstalled the screensaver.  Still nothing so I restarted it - and I was even glad to see those dead people again!  So I tried again AND I DID IT!  Phew.  

I must say the PDF viewer really wasn't worth the pain though.  My calibre converted PDF file is way better.  Oh well, at least it is up to date now.

Jason, I just used the K2 International hack.  They already required the additional break even before the update so the hack was done quickly this time.

[BlueEyedMum]

Have you tried updating while it's plugged in? I wouldn't do it with a computer's usb port just to be safe, but it might work plugged in to the wall...

Ya, I tried it while it was plugged in but a no go....

[BlueEyedMum]

Ya, I tried it while it was plugged in but a no go....

It worked, it worked and it was soooo easy!!! I just turned it on to see if it had enough battery life to Update and it was done already. I love it, it's so much darker. Now I'm off to bed (it's 2:30 AM) and tomorrow I'll do the screensavers.

[Ann in Arlington]

LESSON TO BE LEARNED ALL YOU WHO ARE DOING THE HACKS:

Be sure to save the proper 'uninstall' file and remember where you put it!  'Cause you'll want to do this all over again next spring when the promised "organization" update comes out! 

[BlueEyedMum]

LESSON TO BE LEARNED ALL YOU WHO ARE DOING THE HACKS:

Be sure to save the proper 'uninstall' file and remember where you put it!  'Cause you'll want to do this all over again next spring when the promised "organization" update comes out! 

Thanks Ann...just saved it now.

[Pushka]

LESSON TO BE LEARNED ALL YOU WHO ARE DOING THE HACKS:

Be sure to save the proper 'uninstall' file and remember where you put it!  'Cause you'll want to do this all over again next spring when the promised "organization" update comes out! 

The best advice I have read so far. 
And I learnt that last night.  I think because I was one of the first with the International kindle that came with the extra protection that now all upgraded K2's have (thanks to this latest upgrade) the install .bin came out before the uninstall.bin   I thought I would never uninstall it so never chased it up.  All of three weeks later that decision came back to haunt me!

[BlueEyedMum]

If you uninstall and do the upgrade, are you able to reload the Font Hack?

[Pushka]

yes, but you need to use a different .bin because the recent upgrade increased the security on the USA Kindle.  The Kindle International already had this security.  So the previous hacks are now useless with an upgraded kindle.

[911jason]

Edge777 over on Mobileread posted the Georgia 2 font hack for 2.3 firmware, it's identical to the original Georgia 2 hack I had on my Kindle before the firmware upgrade as far as I can tell... Here's the file which includes the install file for K2/K2i/KDX.

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40109&d=1259217600

[jimndeb]

When changing from one font to another (for example I installed Georgia but want to change to Helvetica), do I need to uninstall Georgia first? or can I just install Helvetica over it?

thanks.

[sebat]

When changing from one font to another (for example I installed Georgia but want to change to Helvetica), do I need to uninstall Georgia first? or can I just install Helvetica over it?

thanks.

Uninstall first.

[Ann in Arlington]

See, and I would say that I don't think you need to. . .  . . when I tried some of the fonts I don't think I did the uninstall in between, but I ultimately decided the default font was fine and did uninstall after I'd tried several.

[sebat]

See, and I would say that I don't think you need to. . .  . . when I tried some of the fonts I don't think I did the uninstall in between, but I ultimately decided the default font was fine and did uninstall after I'd tried several.

I guess to each his own 

The file may work fine installing one over the other, I'm not sure.  I believe the original instructions said to uninstall.  If you uninstall it will remove the extra trash off of the Kindle.  I just prefer not to have those extra files on there taking up space.

[Pushka]

I dont uninstall either, and they work fine, but I do get what you mean about the extra trash.

[mlewis78]

I didn't uninstall the Droid font when I changed over to the new Helvetica 2.

[Luvmy4brats]

I tried installing a new font without uninstalling the first font and it didn't work. It surprised me because I was used to not needing to uninstall first.

[amacd]

Be very careful using this hack I think I just bricked my new Kindle 2! Installed ComicSans font as per instructions. Didn't like so tried ArialRndNrw. Didn't like. Used update_uninstall.bin to revert back to Default font and FAIL! Screen hung at Software Update Screen, went to Kindle Restart Screen goes back to Software Update, flash black screen 3 times then goes back to Software Update. It seems to be caught in a loop. I guess I'll wait for the battery to die, recharge, and see what happens. Unless someone got a better solution? Oh yeah tried to hard reset, no help. Thanks.

  This happened to me and I let the battery run down, which didn't take long with all that screen flashing going on, several hours.  When it stopped with the low power screen, I plugged in power and reset it, which now worked.  All was well except for the state of my excitement.

[911jason]

From Ted's original font hack page:

Individual font files are installed by placing a single of the the update_xxx.bin file into the top level directory of the Kindle 2 through a USB connection. The Kindle 2 is then to be updated to install the new fonts. This is done as follows:

   1. From the "home" screen, press "menu"
   2. Select "settings"
   3. Press "menu"
   4. Select "Update Your Kindle"

The Kindle will go through the installation procedure and restart itself. Don't use the slider or the menu 'restart option' to do this. This causes an infinite reboot cycle. Just let the Kindle do its thing when you go through the update process. I've done this hundreds of times now without a single glitch.

If you get stuck in this cycle, don't panic (I did when it happened to me!) It's reversible.

    Read this discussion on KindleBoards.

    Then, read this discussion of "recovery mode" on Blog Kindle.

When it's all done, the new font will supersede the originally installed reading  font.
I have only modified the default serif fonts. The other fonts should remain the standard Kindle 2 fonts.

After uninstalling: you may delete the extra files that were installed in the top level directory.