Develop Bugs

[REQUEST] Idiot's Guide

In the N1 General forum there was a great post done - 100% Fool Proof Guide to rooting & ROMs, and I was hoping that we could start a similar thread here.
Please feel free to comment on this post - it is my hope that we can put together a great document for newbs like me in the future. THIS thread is for suggestions on what should be in the guide, not the guide itself. I will reserve the second post for compiling suggestions over the next couple of days.
I just ordered my Desire, and it should be with me in a week or two. I am disturbed by the USB/A2SD issues being encountered by some, and so when I root I want to get it right
imHo, the guide should include:
1) Definitions of Rooting, unlocking, goldcards, generic, kernel, radio and how these relate to future OTA updates. These are concepts which I am familiar with, but feel I know just enough to be dangerous to myself/my device
2) A ballpark comparison of the unique characteristics of ROMs available today (stock-like, minimalist, sense-free, tethering, etc)
3) A step-by-step guide to the most recommended flashing updates people are using today
4) Things to bear in mind if you are a win-x64 user (I understand this is a tripping point for some)

[Reserved for collating ideas]
1) Terminology:
Rooting
Unlocking
Goldcards
Generic
Kernel
Radio
OTA updates, and how they may be affected by flashing your Desire
2) Current ROMs available and their unique characteristics
3) Guide to flashing your desire
4) Win64 users - what to bear in mind

And a big warning that this rooting process can cause unexpected pain on your bank balance if you are unlucky at the minute

I'd say to use the TinyCore method as I had nothing but issues doing it using W7 x64 - there's a guide on MoDaCo that's simple as anything - only a fool would get it wrong!!!
Find it here:
http://android.modaco.com/content/h...inux-download-and-guide-easiest-and-best-way/
And my USB still works fine, not had any issues since rooting and am now happily using an MCRr2 ROM cooked to my liking

I'd have to agree. Tiny Core Linux was so simple to use. I'd never used Linux before and even I could do it!
I did see paul's tweet saying a new safer more reliable method was coming this week hopefully. If that's the case I'll be rooting like mad again!
New, safer, more reliable root method for Legend and Desire coming up next week (all being well). #mcr 7:28 PM May 14th via Tweetie http://twitter.com/PaulOBrien

Only issues I've had was flashing the radio as part of a ROM - wouldn't have it so gonna try it on its own later this evening. Would be nice to get it all in one ROM but meh

EddyOS said:
I'd say to use the TinyCore method as I had nothing but issues doing it using W7 x64 - there's a guide on MoDaCo that's simple as anything - only a fool would get it wrong!!!
Find it here:
http://android.modaco.com/content/h...inux-download-and-guide-easiest-and-best-way/
And my USB still works fine, not had any issues since rooting and am now happily using an MCRr2 ROM cooked to my liking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u guys are getting it wrong!!!!!!
me too i was saying the same thing last week when i was reading about the bricks and stuff. i didnt have any problems till 2 days ago. well let me tell you that the unrooting process went out wonderful... nothing wrong. i even flashed all the roms possible and even started cooking and porting some roms for my own use too.
the problem is not whether the method is complex or not. the ''brick'' does not happen while you are rooting the phone. nobody actually knows what triggers the damage. some get it on 1st attempt, some after 5-6 flashes, and some like me after numerous ones.
so in my opinion, i dont think you can say this is a safe method bla bla bla and i try to discourage ppl wanting to root ''for the moment''.

deeren said:
u guys are getting it wrong!!!!!!
me too i was saying the same thing last week when i was reading about the bricks and stuff. i didnt have any problems till 2 days ago. well let me tell you that the unrooting process went out wonderful... nothing wrong. i even flashed all the roms possible and even started cooking and porting some roms for my own use too.
the problem is not whether the method is complex or not. the ''brick'' does not happen while you are rooting the phone. nobody actually knows what triggers the damage. some get it on 1st attempt, some after 5-6 flashes, and some like me after numerous ones.
so in my opinion, i dont think you can say this is a safe method bla bla bla and i try to discourage ppl wanting to root ''for the moment''.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree, I try to at least warn people that there is a fair chance they will brick their device but this thread is about the best and easiest way to root.
At the end of the day if people know the risks and still want to go for it, then they may as well come here for the easiest method

just a quick question guys as im a total noob in android and rooting, does this method also works with the desire and does not require a goldcard?

cez10 said:
just a quick question guys as im a total noob in android and rooting, does this method also works with the desire and does not require a goldcard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method is for the desire!
If you choose to root, then you will only need a goldcard if your handset was network supplied and branded. If for example you bought it and it came in a plain box, and had no network branding on the software then you can do it without the gold card. I got mine from the Carphone Warehouse so it was unlocked and unbranded. I just rooted with the standard SD card.
The software number on my unbranded device is 1.15.405.4. Hope this helps.

Refer to this

1) Nothing is foolproof. If you're a fool, don't root.
2) Foolproof implies pragmatic. The N1 is designed (basically) to be rooted so there's a universal method for all. The Desire wasn't, so things liks different bootloaders, branded phones and goldcards makes everyone just that little bit different. I mean, the HTC memory protection mean things like Adfree don't work out of the box (causes phone to reboot) - if you create a foolproof method we're just going to get threads about "zomg why wont dis app wrk on my fone" because they expect to be spoonfed everything.

need a new update file for my samsung

Unfortunately I am having some serious problems with my samsung SPH-D710
Can anyone please give me a link to a good update file that I can instal from my SD card. I have no other option here. Please help
desmin

Hi there, FYI you're on a developer forum, so you're gonna have to give us more info on what exactly is going on so we can give you the best answers/help.
Is your phone rooted?
Are you running any custom ROM's, Kernels, etc?
Describe the problem your having completely please. The reason being is there is so many different possibilities that we can't possible just throw you some generic link and expect a fix.
If your phone is completely stock, then I'd recommend going back to the place you bought the phone from and explain the problems you're having. They can do one of 2 things, fix your phone for you, or replace it with a working phone (deductible may apply).

How to actually update DesireHD to 4.0

Sorry Folks, I'm new to this site/forum, I would like to upgrade my HTC Desire HD to the 4.0 update, which I read/watched is working well. My problem is I'm fairly handy with my phone and somewhat with computers. But I don't see/understand how to actually go about that. I thought I saw somewhere, that I am to factory reset my phone, I can handle that, but I guess what I don't understand, is how I actually get the update ONTO the phone. Do I just go this website and clink on a link from my phone and it will take over? If so, which one, I see links all over the place. Should I remove my memory card? I'm assuming this site is for really phone, computer savy people. I just want to try the update. Would be happy to donate to the site, once I get it going. Can someone please help me. Thanks for everyone's time of reading this. Sorry for my ignorance.
Cheers.

fyker29 said:
Sorry Folks, I'm new to this site/forum, I would like to upgrade my HTC Desire HD to the 4.0 update, which I read/watched is working well. My problem is I'm fairly handy with my phone and somewhat with computers. But I don't see/understand how to actually go about that. I thought I saw somewhere, that I am to factory reset my phone, I can handle that, but I guess what I don't understand, is how I actually get the update ONTO the phone. Do I just go this website and clink on a link from my phone and it will take over? If so, which one, I see links all over the place. Should I remove my memory card? I'm assuming this site is for really phone, computer savy people. I just want to try the update. Would be happy to donate to the site, once I get it going. Can someone please help me. Thanks for everyone's time of reading this. Sorry for my ignorance.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before screwing your phone read this guide carefully Post #7 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1824379)
There are also lots of interesting stuff in there so read, read and read.

Hi, its a little more complicated than you suggest in your post.
First you will need to disable the security on your device (known as s-off) and flash a custom recovery.
You need to download the rom you wish to install and save it to your sd card. See here for a list of custom roms, there is a section for Android 4.0:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1610483
Boot the phone into recovery, wipe you phone data and factory reset then install the rom.
You can use this to unlock the phone and flash clockworkmod recovery:
http://tau.shadowchild.nl/attn1/?p=74
Do loads of searching this forum and googling so you fully understand the process as there is a chance of bricking your phone if it goes wrong. If you do your homework, are methodical and computer savy as you mentioned you should be fine.
Good luck!

Thanks, But...think I'm screwed.
Thanks Guys for your help, but I think this is way beyond me. Its not that I'm lazy, but I can't see myself reading tons of posts and researching for days to do this. I'm having a hard time even finding relevant info that pertains to what I'm trying to do, links and stuff everywhere. Doesn't seem like a lot to ask for to have a step by step guide. You know what I mean ie: Step 1, Factory Reset, Step 2, download this file Step 3. Run it etc... Oh well, I will just suffer with this phone, and probably get stung getting out of my contract early and get a Samsung G3 or something. I had thought this was as easy as factory resetting my phone, downloading a thing or two and then just running it. Too bad there wasn't a store or place I could take this to, to get it done properly by people in the know. Would gladly pay to have this done.
Thanks.

Everything you need is in the link and guide glevitan gave you. But you do need to read. If you don't want to, the rooting and flashing isn't for you.
Sent from a dream.

[Q] Preparing to root

Hello everyone, I am very new to all of this so please have patience with my noobness. I have heard of people rooting their devices, and flashing custom ROMs and what not. I really like the look of cyanogenmod, and the functionality it would bring to my locked up AT&T HTC One M8. I found this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708628 thread that seems like a pretty promising and easy method to achieve root, S-off, and an unlocked boot loader. I almost went through with it today, but I really wanted to be more prepared. I am most scared about bricking my phone while it is still on contract and being stuck without a phone until march when my contract expires.
Basically what I want to know is is it possible to brick your device just by chance? Say I followed a trusted guide, did everything down to the dot, is there still a chance that my device could get bricked just by chance?
Also what are things that I should avoid to prevent getting bricked? Any veteran tips for a newbie? Anyway, thank you for your patience and help!

Hackentosher said:
Hello everyone, I am very new to all of this so please have patience with my noobness. I have heard of people rooting their devices, and flashing custom ROMs and what not. I really like the look of cyanogenmod, and the functionality it would bring to my locked up AT&T HTC One M8. I found this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708628 thread that seems like a pretty promising and easy method to achieve root, S-off, and an unlocked boot loader. I almost went through with it today, but I really wanted to be more prepared. I am most scared about bricking my phone while it is still on contract and being stuck without a phone until march when my contract expires.
Basically what I want to know is is it possible to brick your device just by chance? Say I followed a trusted guide, did everything down to the dot, is there still a chance that my device could get bricked just by chance?
Also what are things that I should avoid to prevent getting bricked? Any veteran tips for a newbie? Anyway, thank you for your patience and help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would spend more time searching and understanding the phone first...Yes you can have a $600 bricked phone. Rooting is not hard, but there are always risks. Educate yourself thoroughly first, then make a decision.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Premium HD app

I agree with GalaxyNotes, though it is rare to brick your phone just from rooting, its possible. You are more likely to brick it trying to flash an incompatible rom or kernal. Also there is ALMOST always a way to repair your phone should you hard/soft brick it. Spend a little more time researching and if you have questions a long the way there are people here who will help you out.

That first root/unlock/flash is always to most agonizing. Like everyone said take your time. If you don't understand something just a little bit, ask. Also the best thing to do is get your system unlocked and custom recovery installed so you can get your current image backed up. That way you have a known good working copy of your current system and pretty much makes you brick-proof. I've downloaded and have all necessary files etc. to root my device but I'm waiting on my warranty period to end. I just don't want to deal with customer service if something happens to my phone and I'm unlocked. I've seen people have no problems and others all kinds of problems trying to get service after unlocking.
Good luck.

I would recommend not going to CM. Not that CM isn't great, it's just not that great on our phones. The general concensus is Sense > GPE > CM/AOSP. Of course it's not like this for all devices... It's just that HTC does a VERY good job with Sense. You just can't beat it's features and stability. I've gone the route of switching to AOSP and GPE, but always ended up going back because it just felt like it was lacking something. To each their own of course, but I just wanted to share my 2¢.

Suspicious activity

After resisting the temptation of having custom ROM on my Xperia SS c1904 since couple of years. I couldn't anymore and tried to flash cm13 yesterday.
The device was stuck in bootloop and after nearly 20 hours of continuous effort to recover the device, I was able to get it back working. FREE ADVICE : Don't play with roms on your main device.
Thanks for all the persons for sharing the ideas content. Just a small advice : please use standard websites for uploading the files. Many of the files are broken links.
Finally, I had my bootloader unlocked (shame on Sony for their worst instructions which caused nightmare). I've trying cm13, I realised that it was really not for me.
Now after flashing latest stock firmware, I was confused to root as I didn't find any threads which was for rooting an unlocked Bootloader device. I've used towel root before but I was afraid to install cwm recovery and other stuff which might brick my phone.
So, I had no choice but kingroot.. it went smoothly without any reboot and viola.. I was happy.
Then I've continued to restore all the backups I've made using titanium one by one. BUT ALL OF SUDDEN, ALL MY DATA ON SD CARD WAS LOST.
I SUSPECT KINGROOT for the issue. can anyone confirm if I'm I just worried or my data has indeed stolen? Is there any way I can check what caused the data lost? The SD card is working fine. I'm glad I've all the backups on PC. But I'm just worried that all my data is in hands of ....... U know.
Let me know your valuable feedback please. Thanks in advance.
EDIT : I have found the lost data in "lost.dir" today. so, little relief from kingroot

nite_eagle said:
After resisting the temptation of having custom ROM on my Xperia SS c1904 since couple of years. I couldn't anymore and tried to flash cm13 yesterday.
The device was stuck in bootloop and after nearly 20 hours of continuous effort to recover the device, I was able to get it back working. FREE ADVICE : Don't play with roms on your main device.
Thanks for all the persons for sharing the ideas content. Just a small advice : please use standard websites for uploading the files. Many of the files are broken links.
Finally, I had my bootloader unlocked (shame on Sony for their worst instructions which caused nightmare). I've trying cm13, I realised that it was really not for me.
Now after flashing latest stock firmware, I was confused to root as I didn't find any threads which was for rooting an unlocked Bootloader device. I've used towel root before but I was afraid to install cwm recovery and other stuff which might brick my phone.
So, I had no choice but kingroot.. it went smoothly without any reboot and viola.. I was happy.
Then I've continued to restore all the backups I've made using titanium one by one. BUT ALL OF SUDDEN, ALL MY DATA ON SD CARD WAS LOST.
I SUSPECT KINGROOT for the issue. can anyone confirm if I'm I just worried or my data has indeed stolen? Is there any way I can check what caused the data lost? The SD card is working fine. I'm glad I've all the backups on PC. But I'm just worried that all my data is in hands of ....... U know.
Let me know your valuable feedback please. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not the KingRoot's fault. I've been rooting my C1905 using KingRoot for years now and saw no problems at all.

extremetek said:
Probably not the KingRoot's fault. I've been rooting my C1905 using KingRoot for years now and saw no problems at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your views.. I just found too much of bad opinions on king root as spyware.. hence worried.

nite_eagle said:
Thanks for your views.. I just found too much of bad opinions on king root as spyware.. hence worried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KingRoot is actually half-adware, since it comes with Purify and if you uninstall it, it will come back. That's why I never use KingRoot after unlocking the bootloader and try out the SuperSU way.

extremetek said:
KingRoot is actually half-adware, since it comes with Purify and if you uninstall it, it will come back. That's why I never use KingRoot after unlocking the bootloader and try out the SuperSU way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I have seen purify, I have disabled it
2. I have also disabled few access rights which were enabled for kinguser app.
3. Also, found lost files in lost.dir today..
so., I'm little relieved now as the issue could be due to some other android setting.

nite_eagle said:
1. I have seen purify, I have disabled it
2. I have also disabled few access rights which were enabled for kinguser app.
3. Also, found lost files in lost.dir today..
so., I'm little relieved now as the issue could be due to some other android setting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, god bless you