Complete guide for ROM Update

Here's a tutorial for the new users facing unanswered (at a first glance) questions while browsing through the tremendous amount of info...

Here's a tutorial for the new users facing unanswered (at a first glance) questions while browsing through the tremendous amount of information that can be found on the Diamond Forum.
Prerequisites:
1. make sure you backup all data on your device (that is contacts, sms, mms, settings, owner info, personalization, etc.) as the upgrade process will wipe out all the information found on the device.
2. make sure you have a working ActiveSync (Windows™ XP) or Windows Mobile Device Center (Windows Vista™) connection established, ready to sync.
3. make sure you have all power management options on your PC turned OFF (like Sleep, Standby or Hibernation).
A. Upgrading to HardSPL
To flash any of these, first establish an activesync connection via usb. Then run diamond-sspl.bat and confirm execution on touchscreen. The screen will turn black. Now run DiamondCustomRUU from either the HardSPL-1.23, HardSPL-1.24 or HardSPL-1.34 folder.

I have tested these versions on my diamond and did not have any issues with them. I prefer 1.24 because it is a mfg spl. A mfg spl includes additional commands for the manufacturer (htc) to test a device as opposed to the shipped spl which is installed on stock devices.
1. Download Hard-SPL here;
2. Unzip the files from the archive to any new folder;
3. Run the executable (in most cases it is ROMUpdateUtility.exe, but it also can be ROM.exe or any other name, recognize it by the icon);
4. If you understand the caution and risks, check the box and click Next;
5. Read carefully and follow all directions;
6. If you completed all steps indicated, check the box and click Next;
7. Next screen will show current version on device and by clicking Update you will see the version to be flashed;
8. Click Next when ready;
9. Your device might ask you for confirmation on launching a program. Just tap Yes! Your device will display a completely black screen. A Progress bar will appear on your computer screen. Be patient while your device is being updated. Do not interact with device in any way, do not unplug cable, do not turn off device or computer!
10. When upgrading is finished, your device will automatically soft reset. Click the ‘Finish’ button to exit the RUU.

B. Flashing a ROM (applies to both Official and Cooked ROMs)
IMPORTANT!!!
Make sure that before this step, your device has already been upgraded to HardSPL.

IMPORTANT!!!
Remember: there is no better ROM!
We all judge ROMs by our own subjective perception: some look for speed, others for balance, others for stability, others for applications, others for the looks! Do not ask which ROM to use, just flash it! If you don’t like it, SWITCH!
1. Download the ROM of your choice;
2. Unzip the contents to a new folder;
3. Run the RUU;
4. If you understand the caution and risks, check the box and click Next;
5. Read carefully and follow all directions;
6. If you completed all steps indicated, check the box and click Next;
7. Next screen will show current version on device and by clicking Update you will see the version to be flashed;
8. Click Next when ready;
9. Your device might ask you for confirmation on launching a program. Just tap Yes! Your device will display a completely black screen. A Progress bar will appear on your computer screen. Be patient while your device is being updated. Do not interact with device in any way, do not unplug cable, do not turn off device or computer!
10. When upgrading is finished, your device will automatically soft reset. Click the ‘Finish’ button to exit the RUU.

I have upgraded my 1.93 ROM with Duttys 5.2.20764.1.4.3_V4_Full_CVSD [2.03]
Password for Zip file is
V4 3.02 Produced by Dutty
my htc touch diamond is more than 30% faster