14 DAY TRIAL // It's a known fact that Windows Phone 7 does not feature USB tethering out of the box, which means that owners of WM7 smartphone won't be able to use their devices as Internet gateways or access points for other devices.
Fortunately, a few tech-savvy users managed to tackle the issue and offered a solution for people that need the USB tethering feature.
However, the solution provided is only available for the Samsung Focus, it is risky and it breaks AT&T's terms of service.
Users will be able to 'unlock' the USB tethering feature for Samsung Focus following the 8-steps guide detailed below:
1. The first thing you need to do is to install the Zune software on your computer.
2. Without connecting your Focus smartphone dial ##634#.
3. You will notice that a diagnostics mode will be displayed on the screen. Ignore it and dial *#7284#.
4. Then switch to where it indicates “Modem, Tethered Call” and wait for the phone to restart.
5. Connect the Samsung Focus to the computer via the USB cable and install the necessary drivers.
6. After everything is correctly installed check the Samsung modem settings by going to Control Panel / Network and Sharing Centre.
7. You will need to make some adjustments here, as follows: Set the number to *9***1# ; Set the username to [email protected] ; Set the password to CINGULAR1.
8. After all the settings are made, simply hit 'Connect'.
Note that if you want to sync with Zune over USB, you'll have to return to diagnostics mode and switch back to “Zune Sync.”
It is possible that Microsoft will introduce the USB tethering feature in its next major software update scheduled for Q1 2010, but that will probably come at a price.
Feel free to suggest your own Windows Phone 7 tips and tricks, especially if you're an advanced user.