Google Nexus One - Change firmware from Build number : 2.16.405.1 CL223106 release-keys

Details : I recently purchased a Google Nexus One. The phone is a year and  half past it's release date. I  got a completely new phone from ebay.in and it's a charm to use. I was pretty much excited about Nexus One because being Google Phone it has advantage of latest OS releases available to it. The phone I received was on Android 2.2. Firmware details mentioned below


Android version : 2.2
Core version : 2.6.32.9-27227-g3c9b0d haley@m4-dev #1
Build number : 2.16.405.1 CL223106 release-keys

The issue was with phone not getting the latest Android 2.3.4 update after several tries and forcing an OS check using *#*#CHECKIN#*#*.

Solution : While searching on web for possible solutions, I noticed that the firmware in question is customized by Videotron, a carrier in Quebec region. Since, I am not in there network there were no chances of me getting an carrier based OS update. 

I decided to reset my phone to stock Google provided 2.2 and started searching for possible ways. Thanks to Google search I stumbled across a step-by-step guide which helped me in this process. The link to page on UnityAnswers is here. I did not follow steps 5 and 6 in guide but Step 7 I did.

Nexus One once reset to stock 2.2 was quickly able to get OS 2.3.4 update immediately. If the phone does not update automatically, use *#*#CHECKIN#*#*.

I hope this guide helps some Android newbie like myself.