Symphony stuck on PHONE

[Penryn]

Hello, I just acquired a 2001 S8(266,000 miles and running great!). The previous owner put a new battery in before turning over the keys to me. Thankfully I had the code and was able to get the SAFE mode unlocked. Issue now, I turn on the system, BOSE comes on, then a few seconds later PHONE. I can’t get anything else to happen.

For reference, the car has the phone cradle but never had a cellular phone( at least not in the last 20 years).

I have scoured the internet and read about the telephone mute wire on the back of the deck. I ordered the removal keys, took the deck unit out and disconnected the wire. No change, still PHONE on the screen. My next question is where do I go next?

*Do I need to use the VCDS to change a setting? ( I haven’t purchased the VCDS yet but I will).

*Can/should I locate and remove or disconnect the telephone module? If so, where is this located?

Thank you in advance!

Cole