Related
This is my first time with Android operating system and i'm totally clueless from where to start.
I searched desire forums already but information is too much and i end creating up this thread.
Before root/flash and other things i need to clear up few things before i run into trouble. so please be easy.
1. I want to install Apps on micro-sd but can't find the way to do it.
2. How to find out My HTC desire is Branded or Unbranded. On a side note, When i turn on my Mobile I see Virgin Media Logo.
3. What are the benefits to root my phone.
4. If i root my phone will i lose the HTC sense UI? or i need to flash my phone to a custom based ROM?
5. What is Froyo? is it a new version of Android 2.2?
Last but not the least, can i root my device using Windows 7 64bit?
Thanks in advance.
wahur1 said:
This is my first time with Android operating system and i'm totally clueless from where to start.
I searched desire forums already but information is too much and i end creating up this thread.
Before root/flash and other things i need to clear up few things before i run into trouble. so please be easy.
1. I want to install Apps on micro-sd but can't find the way to do it.
2. How to find out My HTC desire is Branded or Unbranded. On a side note, When i turn on my Mobile I see Virgin Media Logo.
3. What are the benefits to root my phone.
4. If i root my phone will i lose the HTC sense UI? or i need to flash my phone to a custom based ROM?
5. What is Froyo? is it a new version of Android 2.2?
Last but not the least, can i root my device using Windows 7 64bit?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You need A2SD (apps to sd). Only available if you root.
2. Your phone is branded so you need a gold card.
3. You get a choice of custom roms, you get A2SD, and you can use apps that require root access.
4. Nope you can use a rooted stock rom, or better still, a custom rom with sense in it.
5. Froyo is the name for the new Android OS. It's 2.2
And last but not least, yes you can! I used win7 64bit. Use the riskfree root guide on modaco. It's painless and very easy.
socktug said:
1. You need A2SD (apps to sd). Only available if you root.
2. Your phone is branded so you need a gold card.
3. You get a choice of custom roms, you get A2SD, and you can use apps that require root access.
4. Nope you can use a rooted stock rom, or better still, a custom rom with sense in it.
5. Froyo is the name for the new Android OS. It's 2.2
And last but not least, yes you can! I used win7 64bit. Use the riskfree root guide on modaco. It's painless and very easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.
Are you sure my Phone is branded? because the box i have is white HTC one? and i don't see any virgin logo on it.
Plus i googled it and it came up with this information.
Go to Settings>About Phone>Software version and see what the FW version is - branded is x.xx.161.x, unbranded is x.xx.405.x
i checked mine and it says 405..so is it still branded?
If you have the virgin logo then I'm 99% sure you are branded and will need a goldcard.
socktug said:
If you have the virgin logo then I'm 99% sure you are branded and will need a goldcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is getting quite confusing..
i just found this thread on XDA :/..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6227438&postcount=11
I haven't mentioned yet, that i'm in Pakistan and using other Network other than Virgin Media as we don't have that carrier. So basically its a sim free Phone. I mailed HTC regarding this.
any other way out to find about the branded and unbranded phone? other than just the logo ?
If you are going to root it, then try without the goldcard, if you get errors then you will know you need it.
Or simply play safe and make a gold card then root anyway. Being network sim unlocked has nothing to do with the phone being branded. I read that post you linked, and that said it was sim free but the sim caused the branding. if you are not using a virgin sim and have the virgin logo etc, I'd say you may well be branded.
It won't hurt to try either way!
socktug said:
If you are going to root it, then try without the goldcard, if you get errors then you will know you need it.
Or simply play safe and make a gold card then root anyway. Being network sim unlocked has nothing to do with the phone being branded. I read that post you linked, and that said it was sim free but the sim caused the branding. if you are not using a virgin sim and have the virgin logo etc, I'd say you may well be branded.
It won't hurt to try either way!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, really appreciate your help.
I'd like to know one thing, as i read on few other sites that android 2.2 is due on Monday officially by HTC, so will i be able to flash my rom without any problem or i have to go through the goldcard and root option?
Its delayed for a few months sadly! Hey i just wanted to ask that are you having the time zone prob here in Pak..the phone showing GMT +6 instead of 5? and messing up all the threaded messages?
Im on Ufone btw!
I was wondering, you mentioned its ur first time with Android..why do you want to root it so soon?
Deceptivechaos said:
Its delayed for a few months sadly! Hey i just wanted to ask that are you having the time zone prob here in Pak..the phone showing GMT +6 instead of 5? and messing up all the threaded messages?
Im on Ufone btw!
I was wondering, you mentioned its ur first time with Android..why do you want to root it so soon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup getting the same +6gmt time..but messages are just fine. btw im using handcent sms/mms client.
i want to root it soon because i'm running out of memory and want to install apps on sd card.
Suppose if i don't root my device and leave it as it is running right now? is it possible to flash my device with the latest HTC froyo? ..
No sadly you cannot flash another rom to the phone without rooting it
Will have to wait for September for the OTA update.
Ive got a branded orange one but still not debranded or rooted it because initially there were problems with wifi not working and stuff like that..But the thing is once the OTA is here and you want to have that, you wont be able to the custom rom...you would have to revert to your original rom and then get it..
Here is the method for rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=696189
But I'd say otherwise. Maybe you should delve a bit deeper into the OS before rooting it because there is a chance to brick your phone if you make a mistake.
The solution that I am using for the low storage is that removing unnecessary app from the phone. For example you have installed google earth on the phone, The apk file would be 5.9mb but once installed it will expand to 13mb and eat up a large chunk of that space.
To check the memory consumed by each app go to:
Settings>Applications>Manage Applications
So this will enable you to have a rough idea of whats draining your memory.
Hope this helps!
wahur1 said:
Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.
Are you sure my Phone is branded? because the box i have is white HTC one? and i don't see any virgin logo on it.
Plus i googled it and it came up with this information.
Go to Settings>About Phone>Software version and see what the FW version is - branded is x.xx.161.x, unbranded is x.xx.405.x
i checked mine and it says 405..so is it still branded?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That last bit was specific to Vodafone UK, the x.xx.161.x refers to their product code. the x.xx.405.x is the product code of SIM-free devices. If you phone is x.xx.405.x then you have an unbranded phone (for reference, Virgin's product code is x.xx.351.x)
EddyOS said:
That last bit was specific to Vodafone UK, the x.xx.161.x refers to their product code. the x.xx.405.x is the product code of SIM-free devices. If you phone is x.xx.405.x then you have an unbranded phone (for reference, Virgin's product code is x.xx.351.x)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thanks. ..such a relief.
than why i have virgin Media logo on it? its a bug? as mentioned by other XDA user.
Guys finally updated the firmware to the latest Generic one without unbranding and creating the Goldcard. everything went smoothly.
But still after update i see the virgin media logo and still im clueless from where does this come after updating to the latest firmware.
so this all clears up that i have the unbranded phone ? right?
In android Market i can't see the Paid apps. Even the Featured Apps page isn't showing. I'm getting No Matching Content in Android Market.
Other than this i can install the free apps without any problem. Anyone facing similar issue?
My desire was purchased on T-Mobile (has T-Mobile startup screen), I also bought an unlock code from them. I'm now using my o2 contract sim in the phone. I'm interested in updating the software to FROYO but have no idea how to go about it.
I don't want to do anything complicated and am happy to wait for an official release. I've read the network sends an update direct to your phone. In my case would this come from T-Mobile or o2?
When I check for system updates it says none are available. My software number is 1.15.110.11
I've looked around the forum for ages but I still can't get a definite answer to my question.
You can be waiting for a very long time for froyo from a network provider.
It's easy to debrand and upgrade your phone. Create a goldcard & download an official ROM. Then you can simply upgrade OTA. There's loads of guides on this forum.
Hi there!
Understand your situation, since I had almost exactly the same circumstances (mine is running on orange)! I couldnt get a definite answer either, so bit the bullet anyway and did it, here is how:
1-rooted the phone by UnrEVOked method (really couldnt be bothered by the goldcard etc method; this method was easy, just had some driver install problems since the guide isnt too good on this point, but its easy to figure it out)
2-Installed the new radio
3-installed the generic rooted 2.2 ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=741775, just by doing an easy straighforward update from the sdcard by going to the bootloader.
Phone was still UNLOCKED,and all running ok. Just had an issue where the phone would say "sim card changed, do you want ot load settings etc". Say NO, otherwise you lose your wallpapers, scenes, etc settings, and you have to redo the whole shebang.
Hope your experience is same as mine, im a noob too, so dont take anything for granted (your phone may have different firmware from mine etc), and make doubly sure before you go ahead!
Good luck.
k.aalai said:
Hi there!
Understand your situation, since I had almost exactly the same circumstances (mine is running on orange)! I couldnt get a definite answer either, so bit the bullet anyway and did it, here is how:
1-rooted the phone by UnrEVOked method (really couldnt be bothered by the goldcard etc method; this method was easy, just had some driver install problems since the guide isnt too good on this point, but its easy to figure it out)
2-Installed the new radio
3-installed the generic rooted 2.2 ROM ... just by doing an easy straighforward update from the sdcard by going to the bootloader.
Phone was still UNLOCKED,and all running ok. Just had an issue where the phone would say "sim card changed, do you want ot load settings etc". Say NO, otherwise you lose your wallpapers, scenes, etc settings, and you have to redo the whole shebang.
Hope your experience is same as mine, im a noob too, so dont take anything for granted (your phone may have different firmware from mine etc), and make doubly sure before you go ahead!
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate.
I'm in exact the same situation (German T-mobile 2.1 Softnumber: 1.15.110.11). Your guide looks awesome!!! Can you please please please write it in a bit detail?? from a factory branded 2.1 to root, then to froyo?? please??
I read the UnrEVOked guide from rootmydroid.co.uk
but looks like I only need to the first half for your step 1?
does it root the phone ? does it wipe all my settings and apps???
I also don't know what to do with the radio in your step 2??
can you please help??!! THX soooooooooo much !!!!
Hi thanks for the replies, very useful info.
Does rooting the phone invalidate the warranty?? That's what's putting me off doing it and why I'm happy to wait for an official update.
Hey forgot10!
The step 2 of unrevoked guide is installing the ROM of your choice. Just pick the new ROM you want (from many here and other forums, I just picked a rooted generic 2.2), and install as per part 2 of the unrevoked guide.
2.2 requires a new radio, which is linked and shown in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=741775. Installing the radio doesnt wipe the data, but you seem to need to WIPE (from the recovery image) before putting the new ROM. So use TItanium Backup, or MYbackup, to save your apps, and user data on the SD card, then when the new ROM is installed, you reinstall one of those apps (from market) then rewrtie your apps/data!
As per warranty, check the other threads to be sure, but i think, yes it does invalidate your warranty, but im not 100% certain!
Regards
k.aalai said:
Hey forgot10!
The step 2 of unrevoked guide is installing the ROM of your choice. Just pick the new ROM you want (from many here and other forums, I just picked a rooted generic 2.2), and install as per part 2 of the unrevoked guide.
2.2 requires a new radio, which is linked and shown in {newbie cannot posted link }. Installing the radio doesnt wipe the data, but you seem to need to WIPE (from the recovery image) before putting the new ROM. So use TItanium Backup, or MYbackup, to save your apps, and user data on the SD card, then when the new ROM is installed, you reinstall one of those apps (from market) then rewrtie your apps/data!
As per warranty, check the other threads to be sure, but i think, yes it does invalidate your warranty, but im not 100% certain!
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate! it make much better sense for me now!! Im gonna try it next weekend!!
Hi. I recently rooted and installed a WWE "sensefroyo" rom off the internet.
And I just figured out (since a couple of hours) that my speaker isn't working AT ALL.
Before, it worked when you left the battery out for a minute and put it back in. it worked flawlessly. But after a while it'd go back to being messed up.
Now its screwed. and wont work at all.
I didnt realise I needed to get it replaced till now.
I really need the Telus Desire rom asap. As I just emailed them about it, and most likely need to get it replaced/fixed. And I dont know much about Telus, if you lose warranty privileges if you root/custom ROM it.
Unless I can tell them that I installed the official 2.2 ROM (dont know if it needs root) off those .exe files (the RUU_Signed) kind. (They didn't work for me. So i rooted using recovery)
Or if you can link me to one where I can find a rom that does not require rooting, and has an .exe file and a copy of a .zip kind.
I wrote a lot here, and its all over the place.
Right now. Either link me to the Telus Desire rom. or one where I can flash without rooting.
I am going to unroot as soon as I get one of those two things^
Thanks. I just hope you guys know what kind of freaky situation I am in.
Where did you buy it, and how long has it been since you bought it?
Depending on those factors, you may not need to worry too much.
I had it activated on a 3 year contract almost a week ago(Not even a week)
What do you mean by I will not have to worry about these things?
Is Telus a carrier that is more on the 'chill' side of things?
EDIT - So I just got off the phone with Telus.
The representative told me if I installed something that Telus did not release. That basically voids my warranty. So now I really need to get back exactly as it was before.
Can someone please help me out here?
I need to go to a dealer soon to get it replaced.
I am pretty sure I can unroot it myself with no issues I guess.
I really need something that matches with the same stats as a Telus Desire.
You should probably try starting over.
If your rom is still rooted, get ROM Manager and install clockworkmod.
You can install something stable like opendesire and wipe data/cache.
You should be fine, unless you really have some unusual desire to be on Telus' rom.
I was wondering if someone can post what their 'software version' looked like on a Telus Desire
Maybe then I can try to get the same radio and 'stats' as a factory device.
I got on a rep and they also said that the worst thing that can happen is your device will be sent back.
They even said that some people wont even notice the software change and stuff.
If at the end I cant get a Telus rom. I would LOVE a link to an Eclair build rom. Possibly one that is an official.
Didn't you nandroid backup prior to moving to froyo?
From what I understand you can restore from that.
mfpreach said:
Didn't you nandroid backup prior to moving to froyo?
From what I understand you can restore from that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have NO idea what nandroid was.
I just followed instructions off a tut on xda.
So I cant seem to find factory eclair roms.
Now I read around a little bit more.
And just feel completely stupid.
Please. Someone. A factory Eclair build.
start by getting clockworkmod installed.
Without knowing what state your device is in, it's tough to help you.
but with clockworkmod recovery going, you will easily be able to switch between roms.
Honestly you couldn't have bought it that long ago, just return it to the store, the guys don't even know how to check.
routehero said:
start by getting clockworkmod installed.
Without knowing what state your device is in, it's tough to help you.
but with clockworkmod recovery going, you will easily be able to switch between roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already do have it. Thats how i installed all the different roms (Leedroid, Nightly Cyanogen, and then eventually the official one)
Hold on for a couple of minutes as I can provide you with some of my hboot and so recovery options. (Using the WiFi hot spot at the moment)
Other then that. Here is my 'software version'
android 2.2 with the latest 32.43.00.32U_5.09.00.20 radio
Kernel is
2.6.32.15-g1fc4045
[email protected]#1
Build #
2.06.832.1 CL207528 test-keys
Software Number
2.06.832.1
with the obvious webkit 3.1
hboot info?
BRAVO PVT3 SHIP S-ON
HBOOT-0.83.0001
MICROP-051d
TOUCH PANEL-SYNT0101
RADIO-5.09.00.20
Jun 10 2010, 12:12:05
Used ClockworkMod Recovery v2.5.0.1
Yes it is an SLCD display?
you needs more? - tell me what exactly you need and how I can get it
download opendesire 3.5.0, wipe data/cache, flash that.
after you set it up, let us know what's not working.
If I were you, I would go back to the store you got it from, with your recipt and contract. You have 14 days to return any phone. That's how I got my desire, I returned a Hero. Make sure you take everythign back you got, charger, phones, etc. Tell them waiting to get a band new phone fixed is a waste of your time, and you want to exchange the phone right away.
So long as you have a sense UI ROM running, I doubt they will know you have rooted the phone. The guys where I bought the phone didn't know too much about it.
If you managed to get a tech support guy to tell you they might not notice, you clearly have the power to get what you need from people. Be forceful if you have to, within 2 weeks they should just give you a brand new phone. After 14days though, your gonna have to live with no speaker, hope it's actually a software issue(doesn't sould like it if even stock it was failing), or send it back and hope they don't miss it. To the best of my knowledge there are no Telus official roms to be found, but there are many official roms from other places. As long as your background doesn't say VodaPhone or something, how will they know?
ajanu said:
If I were you, I would go back to the store you got it from, with your recipt and contract. You have 14 days to return any phone. That's how I got my desire, I returned a Hero. Make sure you take everythign back you got, charger, phones, etc. Tell them waiting to get a band new phone fixed is a waste of your time, and you want to exchange the phone right away.
So long as you have a sense UI ROM running, I doubt they will know you have rooted the phone. The guys where I bought the phone didn't know too much about it.
If you managed to get a tech support guy to tell you they might not notice, you clearly have the power to get what you need from people. Be forceful if you have to, within 2 weeks they should just give you a brand new phone. After 14days though, your gonna have to live with no speaker, hope it's actually a software issue(doesn't sould like it if even stock it was failing), or send it back and hope they don't miss it. To the best of my knowledge there are no Telus official roms to be found, but there are many official roms from other places. As long as your background doesn't say VodaPhone or something, how will they know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Telus has 30 day DOA over the counter exchange.
YAh but he made the mistake of telling them e rooted and flashed it (why on earth would any one do that i dont know)
So they have flagged that IMEI in the system as void.
Your best bet is to try doing a wipe and flashing back to the telus 2.1 rom and radio, you will, the recovery is gone though as we dont hava ruu.
Actually. I didnt. I went straight for asking the question off a residential phone that uses Rogers. So they don't know who I was or any account related things.
The first time I called though, I told them that the speaker wasnt working and I wanted it replaced.
So no my IMEI is not flagged, guarantee you that part.
I will try using the OpenDesire 3.5.0 with "clear/wire cache"
This might work for you and i think its your best bet.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6710085&postcount=3
Go to the above thread, follow the instructions and make a gold card.
then go to the following thread, download official froyo rom and flash it. It looks almost the same as the original rom.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=753672
I cant seem to do the goldcard thing.
I am using the official 2.2 at the moment.
It does look the same as 2.1 Telus itself.
What does it mean over here?
# Ensure you have unzipped the SDK, then open a command prompt to the extract location. Change to the 'tools directory.
# Type
Code:
adb shell cat /sys/class/mmc_host/mmc1/mmc1:*/cid
and press enter. You should get a very long number which looks like this: 532600bd227d9c0347329407514d5402.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant seem to do the "command prompt" location thing.
Someone wanna help me? maybe with some screenshots?
I am done making the GoldCard. What does it even do though?
It has something to do with switching to the factory rom..
Now. I have issues with the RUU. It does not wait long enough for the phone to be in bootloader.
EDIT - Is there any way I can "remove" or uninstall the Superuser Permissions app and the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" app? To make it appear even more legitimate.
da pavinator said:
I am done making the GoldCard. What does it even do though?
It has something to do with switching to the factory rom..
Now. I have issues with the RUU. It does not wait long enough for the phone to be in bootloader.
EDIT - Is there any way I can "remove" or uninstall the Superuser Permissions app and the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" app? To make it appear even more legitimate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I packed up the telus stock rom from a nandroid dump you can try it.
http://www.mightyrom.com/mrx/MRX/Bravo/Stock/Telus_HTC_Desire_Stock_2.1_NoRADIO.zip
Hey I needed to unroot my phone too and I tried a bunch of things then I was following procedures to root my phone again because I tried installing the Rom that was posted by the person that posted before me and I messed up and got lots of errors when I got the phone started and had to force close a bunch of things constantly. Anyways I followed step 3 of the tut for rooting TELUS desires on this forum site and when it restarted I got my stock TELUS Rom back unrooted. This is the step I followed
3. Go to HBOOT, this is done by shutting down your phone and powering on the device while holding the Power button down and pushing Volume down at the same time, once HBOOT is loaded do a wipe (Clear Storage). You can navigate the menus by using the volume rocker and the Power button to select your option.
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7818278 is the link to the tut I was following.
I dunno how it worked but it did, I got my stock TELUS Rom by doing this. Maybe I got lucky and maybe you might too. Oh and just for your info, the tut I used to root my desire initially was this one forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=750888. Good luck
I have a T-mobile uk branded desire (firmware version 2.1 -update 1 )
(software number 1.15.110.11), I dont want to root as i want to keep the warranty, but the low volume problem is really pissing me off, I tried to watch a film while stuck on the underground today, I could not hear a word of it, even with hi end sennheisers, its really pissing me off!!!
I have been told that switching to the stock HTC rom will solve the issue.
If possible pls explain how? I am an android newb and will need help.
Many thanks in advance.
sadly, no.
But if you have a problem, you can keep a backup of the stock HTC sense rom, and restore it. Additionally, you can restore the recovery to stock (I think i saw it somewhere).
After all that, you are good to go. Warranty still valid, and you can RMA it
Thanks for the reply, pls remember I am a newb, how do I do this???
Root your phone, do what you want with it, just keep this handy...
http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Bra...00.28U_4.06.00.02_2_release_127570_signed.exe
It's the current T-Mobile UK stock ROM and can be reflashed at any point to return to stock for warranty purposes (link may go down occationally so keep trying until you have it)...to reflash the stock ROM just make sure you have your Desire connected to your PC with HTC Sync and run the file - simple as that!!
I really dont want to root it to be honest, the phone is perfect except for the media volume! Do you think if I contacted htc they would be able to tell me how to change the rom without rooting it?
You CANNOT change the ROM without rooting, and HTC wouldn't tell you as it's breech of their warranty...just root it, you can always go back to stock if need be using the file I posted
Rooting isn't for everyone. If you have doubts about it, you should not do it. It's better to read some more about it than to hastely brick your phone. Most bricks are solvable these days, but it is no fun to do. If you want root just for the volume, it's not worth it if you don't know what you're doing, imho.
Sent from my Evil Lair using Doomsday Device
I have a T-Mo branded Desire that I have de-branded to a stock ROM, it's been OTA updated to 2.2 and just this morning it OTA updated to the new release all without rooting.
You just need to create a goldcard (very easy using the helper program) which will allow you to install any stock RUU. I have left the goldcard in my phone as it works as a standard microSD anyway to avoid any problems that occur when updating with out a gold card in.
I can't post links as I'm too much of a newb around here but search and the links are there.
Hi everyone,
I have an unbranded DHD in the UK, and I'm running 2.2. Just did a check for updates and nothing. Any idea when gingerbread will be arriving? And will I lose root and/or radio s-off? I love my root apps a lot Also not really a fan of custom roms atm as I don't have enough time to play with it if it doesn't work as expected straight away.
Also, what will I lose and keep in the update? Contacts? accounts? apps? App data?
Thanks
Tamen said:
Hi everyone,
I have an unbranded DHD in the UK, and I'm running 2.2. Just did a check for updates and nothing. Any idea when gingerbread will be arriving?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already have 3 too many threads about that and don't wish to start another.
Tamen said:
And will I lose root and/or radio s-off? I love my root apps a lot Also not really a fan of custom roms atm as I don't have enough time to play with it if it doesn't work as expected straight away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll lose root. If you phone is still in a state that it can receive updates.
if you've rooted why not just flash a GB ROM? There are customised ones and even one that is just rooted.
Tamen said:
Also, what will I lose and keep in the update? Contacts? accounts? apps? App data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems people are saying that nothing was lost but back it all up anyway (yes, lots of apps to back up info, all already mentioned).
Thanks for the swift reply - how do I know if my phone can receive updates? I've rooted with visionary and put radio s-off if that helps
The main reason I don't want to flash custom roms is that it starts become a lot more risky - things do go wrong and you see people bricking their phones. If I bricked my phone I wouldn't have a clue how to fix it and I can't afford the £75 excess on insurance to replace it if it couldn't be fixed, as HTC wouldn't replace it if I broke it trying to do root things to it. I've also read that the latest CWM is having problems?
Tamen said:
Thanks for the swift reply - how do I know if my phone can receive updates? I've rooted with visionary and put radio s-off if that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be ok. The actual state you can put a phone to and still receive the update is something I haven't been able to pinpoint yet. Certainly need a stock ROM.
Previous phones needed the stock recovery but I don't think that's the case here.
Tamen said:
The main reason I don't want to flash custom roms is that it starts become a lot more risky - things do go wrong and you see people bricking their phones. If I bricked my phone I wouldn't have a clue how to fix it and I can't afford the £75 excess on insurance to replace it if it couldn't be fixed, as HTC wouldn't replace it if I broke it trying to do root things to it. I've also read that the latest CWM is having problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The time when you are most at risk of bricking your phone is rooting and flashing a radio.
Flashing a ROM is 99% risk free. You've done the risky bit.
Cheers - though I haven't flashed a radio I don't think (unless radio s-off is flashing a radio). It says in the how to install a rom guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=964996)
- Select "Install Zip from sdcard"
- Select "Choose zip from sdcard"
- Select full-wipe-1-3.zip (It's right under those folders)
- Confirm by selecting the Yes option in between those "NO"s
- Wait for it to finish
- DO NOT REBOOT!!! In case you were not aware, you now have no rom installed
If I somehow messed up or knocked the power button and rebooted, what happens? How do I then fix it? Is that a permanent brick?
Not a fan of that wipe.zip. You could do the less risky method first and use wipe from the recovery menu.
If you rebooted you MAY (unlikely) have a brick but more likely you'll just end up back at bootloader.
If something happens while the phone is installing the ROM then you might have a problem.
If the phone is bricked assume you will have to send it to HTC for repair (along with your best innocent "it was like that in the morning, honest" look.
You'll be fine. I'm sure. But know the risks.
Bottom line, don't knock it. It's quite hard to accidentally press the power button.
Haha claim innocence If they do look and say it's your fault, out of warrenty, how much do they charge? They don't have to replace anything, just presumably connect it to a htc computer and run some resets.
Does the phone stay connected throughout this process? What happens if it's not connected when run or becomes disconnected?
Sorry for all the questions, but I just really want to understand everything that happens. If able I'd much rather update to gingerbread then root with an updated visionary or equivalent, though how long that'll take to happen is anyone's guess :/
Unless the instructions say not to I'd leave it connected.
If the instructions say to remove something that means disconnecting the phone (such as swapping SD cards for example) and doesn't say re-insert the phone then don't (this is why you should always be 100% charged before you try these things).
If it is bricked, they will use there tool to get into the eMMC partition and re-install everything. It's unliekly (not happened yet) they will magically restore the phone and go "hold on, you did this".
Don't worry. Ask away (feel free to hit the thanks button IF I say anything useful).
Just to back track, it looks like your wanting to flash a ROM now. Is this a stock ROm or one of the beautiful customised ROM's like LeeDroid?
In a sec I'll thank every post on this thread, you've been really helpful (and patient!)
I heard about gingerbread updating and wondered if root would be lost with the update or if the update would even work at all. You suggested I get a gingerbread rom already rooted, and I said "aarrgh, I'm scared" The rest of the posts are you explaining things to me, though if possible I'd like to stick with official roms for the moment and then root it - will visionary work on 2.3?
No. You will need to use Gingerbreak which will involve downgrading the ROM first.
But to answer the question between the lines, if you update and lose root, all is not lost, it can be reclaimed.
[noob]But the Rom comes from OTA, so how can it be downgraded?[/noob]
But thanks, if root can be re-attained after the update, I'll wait till after the update before doing anything too fast
What you will have to do is take an old RUU, say version 1.32 and install that.
That then allows you to gain access to the required areas of the phone to give you root and anything else you wish (Engineering HBOOT (ENG S-OFF), Radio S-OFF etc.).
When you get to that stage and decide to root etc. you will kick yourself so hard for not doing it earlier
Oh so gingerbread will remove root but not Eng or radio s-off? I'm at 1.32 at the moment so I should get engineering s off while I still can cause getting root in the future will be easier?
Tamen said:
Oh so gingerbread will remove root but not Eng or radio s-off? I'm at 1.32 at the moment so I should get engineering s off while I still can cause getting root in the future will be easier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It (The OTA GB ROM) will remove root if you already have it yes. I believe Radio S-OFF is safe. AS for ENG S-OFF (HBOOT) I'm afraid my memory is failing me but with root and Radio S-OFF it would be easy enough to redo ENG S-OFF.
Rooting etc. will only get harder with each update. Version 1.32 is the easiest of all to root and in fact most root / Radio S-OFF etc. threads start by saying "downgrade to 1.32"
[EDIT] Just re-read your post...
Yes, if you make plans now before the OTA update (still not convinced you will get it though) it will be easier in the future but the main one to worry about is Radio S-OFF. This is the easier of the two and IIRC the only one required should you get the OTA update and gain root (via GingerBreak) without having to downgrade first.
I had root + radio s-off, just got ENG s-off too in-case it can't be done after the update. Hopefully this means after gingerbread re-rooting will be easy-ish
Tamen said:
I had root + radio s-off, just got ENG s-off too in-case it can't be done after the update. Hopefully this means after gingerbread re-rooting will be easy-ish
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Puts a huge grin on my face when someone just goes and does this....
But I really really really feel you can't stop now.
Ignoring that I don't think you will get the OTA update you have to now install a GB ROM. After what you have done, flashing a ROM is (relatively speaking) as safe as houses.
Go on!! Android Revolution HD (ARHD) is basically pure stock GB visually with a few goodies thrown in.
Top the day off and flash that ROM.
Do it!!!
Getting ENG s-off was just as simple as getting radio s-off (which I did about a week ago) - I've just heard it's less 'reversable' for if ever you need to go back to stock so had avoided it
The thing with me is that I my brain doesn't really consider things risky or safe based on other people being safe or risky, it's how many places there are to go wrong. One click apps like visionary are relatively safe I just feel a bit daunted by all the steps to flashing a rom. I'll give OTA a chance, but if everyone else on UK unbranded goes "woohoo" and I just sit there like a lemon, I'll maybe start thinking about it
I've got exams coming up (I'm only 15) but if after this week there's no update I'll dedicate a couple of hours to putting a gingersense rom on my phone
What's your preference? And why are there so many no-sense roms? Sense is amazing and is what in my opinion really sets HTC apart - lovely phones with a boosted UI. Why would you ever want to get rid of it?!
EDIT: When flashing a ROM, do you need to factory wipe? Does mybackup root work across roms? I'd like some way of restoring all my contacts, accounts and apps
EDIT2: Something I forgot about earlier; I can't open the compartment to take out my battery, so when there's a solution that says "take out battery, try again", it wouldn't work as I physically cannot take the compartment off to get to the battery. When my phone arrived and I needed to take it off to remove the wrapper on the battery, but I couldn't do it and neither could anyone in my family. So feeling stupid I took it to the orange shop but no luck, so t-mobile, phones4u, O2, carphonewarehouse... loads, none could do it.
One guy told me to take it to a different orange shop and "ask for dean" - so I took it to him and he took it out the back of the shop and somehow did it. He said it just needed force (but clearly an amount nobody before or after him has been able to replicate), and that it was nothing like any other DHD he'd seen as they are usually stiff but do open, this was basically glued. So I better not get into a boot loop that holding down the power button won't fix, as if it's hard to play innocent when it's visibly stuck in a boot loop from custom roms
Tamen said:
Getting ENG s-off was just as simple as getting radio s-off (which I did about a week ago) - I've just heard it's less 'reversable' for if ever you need to go back to stock so had avoided it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, just as reversible.
Tamen said:
The thing with me is that I my brain doesn't really consider things risky or safe based on other people being safe or risky, it's how many places there are to go wrong. One click apps like visionary are relatively safe I just feel a bit daunted by all the steps to flashing a rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put ROM on sdcard.
Boot to recovery.
wipe data and cache
install ROM
reboot
Get a brew and marvel and the wonderfulness of it all.
With ROM Manager it can be simpler still.
Tamen said:
I'll give OTA a chance, but if everyone else on UK unbranded goes "woohoo" and I just sit there like a lemon, I'll maybe start thinking about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you start thinking about it install ROM Manager just to get ready.
Tamen said:
I've got exams coming up (I'm only 15) but if after this week there's no update I'll dedicate a couple of hours to putting a gingersense rom on my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Schedule those hours in now. You WILL be flashing ROMs
Tamen said:
What's your preference? And why are there so many no-sense roms? Sense is amazing and is what in my opinion really sets HTC apart - lovely phones with a boosted UI. Why would you ever want to get rid of it?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hee hee. I like Cyanogen (a non-sense ROM) - Will come back to that.
My favourite sense ROMs are LeeDroid by a long way, the guy is a star and the ROM is perfection; after that, Android Revolution HD which will probably be your choice as it's closer to stock than Lee's. Based on what you've said I go with ARHD but if you really want to play, have fun (overclocking etc.) and want your phone to make R2D2 noises when it boots then LeeDroid every time.
And you're right, the Sense UI (which only gets better) does set HTC apart but even without it, I'd only buy a HTC phone now (when I'm buying an Android phone).
Why not [email protected]
Two part answer. The first part is I'm a huge open source and Linux fan. Use Ubuntu on PC and Kubuntu on laptop and my first Android phone was THE first Android phone, the Google (T-Mobile) G1. As such I love Android so I want my phone to be just about Android with a few little extras and NO ONE does that better than Cyanogen. NO ONE.
I still have my G1 and I still love it. That's a vanilla Android phone.
Second part is about bloat. Yes, I do really really like Sense UI. As far as manufacturers bloat-ware goes NOTHING beats Sense UI. It's visually stunning and things like htcsense.com, the clock / weather widget that actually shows weather and that cool windscreen wiper thing and the whole seamless integration twix phone and social is beyond words.
But at the end of the day what is it? It's pretty. I don't use facebook. For twitter I prefer Twidroyd and Tweetdeck. I don't need a massive clock on my screen. I don't want apps and widget I'm not going to use. Before I could root my Hero and DHD I installed ADW.Launcher.
I'll tell you what it's about: Choice. I don't want three buttons along the bottom I want five. And because I have a Google Apps account, HTC Picasa add-on doesn't work (they looking into it) and that pisses me off.
I'm prattling on now.
I have LeeDroid and ARHD on my sdcard as NAND backups and every now and then I restore one (I think of it as almost "dual boot") and for the next 24 hours I'm back coo-ing over it all but then 24 hours later it just doesn't feel right so back to CM I go.
It's personal choice but I will say one thing (more), try CM7. If you don't like it fine but just try it. You'll miss the widgets at first but see how you feel about it.
I'll shut up now.
That's great info, cheers I understand why now, but I do like my massive flip-over clock, regardless of how much battery it eats Also, htcsense.com has been a life saver once or twice when I've put it at home under a pile of papers or something and can't find it
ARHD said there were problems with Rom Manager and wiping within it - is that still a problem? Why do some roms need a different radio flashed? What actually is a different radio and why do you get problems with different roms and radios?
How long does it take between putting the rom on the sd card and actually having the rom installed with ROM Manager?
Also, I edited the above post but was doing so after you'd posted this, so I'll put it here too:
EDIT2: Something I forgot about earlier; I can't open the compartment to take out my battery, so when there's a solution that says "take out battery, try again", it wouldn't work as I physically cannot take the compartment off to get to the battery. When my phone arrived and I needed to take it off to remove the wrapper on the battery, but I couldn't do it and neither could anyone in my family. So feeling stupid I took it to the orange shop but no luck, so t-mobile, phones4u, O2, carphonewarehouse... loads, none could do it.
One guy told me to take it to a different orange shop and "ask for dean" - so I took it to him and he took it out the back of the shop and somehow did it. He said it just needed force (but clearly an amount nobody before or after him has been able to replicate), and that it was nothing like any other DHD he'd seen as they are usually stiff but do open, this was basically glued. So I better not get into a boot loop that holding down the power button won't fix, as if it's hard to play innocent when it's visibly stuck in a boot loop from custom roms
Tamen said:
That's great info, cheers I understand why now, but I do like my massive flip-over clock, regardless of how much battery it eats Also, htcsense.com has been a life saver once or twice when I've put it at home under a pile of papers or something and can't find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made great use of that too, so simple, plress a button on the website and instant ring. An app called Where's my droid can do that but you need another phone to be able to send it a text.
Tamen said:
ARHD said there were problems with Rom Manager and wiping within it - is that still a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There used to be but I've never had a problem. But I like doing everything from recovery and that's works fine (from 3.0.2.6).
Tamen said:
Why do some roms need a different radio flashed? What actually is a different radio and why do you get problems with different roms and radios?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's that some ROM's have been tested using certain Radios and some devs are only willing to recommend Radios that have been tested.
A radio is the software that is responsible for wifi, network signal including data, bluetooth and GPS. It's just another something that is constantly being improved. Most radios will work with most roms but one radio might work great for person a and be rubbish for person b. This is because some networks and phone hardware (they do differ) don't respond as well as others to a certain radio. The radio is something you will will push (via fastboot commands) a lot (which is why you have Radio S-OFF) as you need to experiment.
Tamen said:
How long does it take between putting the rom on the sd card and actually having the rom installed with ROM Manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on ROM but on average about 5 minutes. It's not really any quicker than using recovery directly (ROM Manager is just a GUI for recovery) once you have done it a few times, it's just simpler.
Tamen said:
EDIT: When flashing a ROM, do you need to factory wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALWAYS. And every time.
The only exception is if you're upgrading the same ROM but even then, depending on the upgrade you may still have to wipe. Most issues after flashing a ROM are due to not wiping at least the cache.
Tamen said:
Does mybackup root work across roms? I'd like some way of restoring all my contacts, accounts and apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Contacts are sync'd to Gmail so no worries there. Mybackup will backup SMS and MMS too.
Apps are a different matter. There is an option to Backup apps and app data to google servers which works 95% of the time. Titanium can do this too but in my experience is even more flakey. I still keep a list of all my apps just in case.
Tamen said:
EDIT2: Something I forgot about earlier; I can't open the compartment to take out my battery, so when there's a solution that says "take out battery, try again", it wouldn't work as I physically cannot take the compartment off to get to the battery. When my phone arrived and I needed to take it off to remove the wrapper on the battery, but I couldn't do it and neither could anyone in my family [snip]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That battry door is ****, no two ways about it. It does require a lot of force and you have to be brave with it. But as you say, hopefully you won't need to worry about it.