Develop Bugs

[Q] root or not root... I can't choose, help :P

Oke, quick question guys.
I have an unbranded HTC Desire UNROOTED, haven't rooted it yet...
It came with 2.2 and fully working etc..
My following question, is it worth it to root my phone and get a ROM?
What are the benefits of using a ROM on HTC Desire...
Because I've been reading comments on different ROMs for ages now and I just can't figure out which is best and has everything working.
I want a clean ROM which I then can flash a theme on, so it probably should not be odexed. Sorry for so many questions I just want to be sure.
So basically my question is root or not root, and if root, which ROM.
Share your experiences please, thanks !

Same here, what are the disadvantages to ROMs and rooting over a stock ROM??? Just problems with changing SD cards? Stability? Bugs??

a2sd+ and ****load of space for apps is no. 1 for me.

Every rom is stable enough for heavy everyday usage, unless they are marked as experimental, beta or something along those lines.
Youll be able to install as many apps you want with a2sd+ which is better than stock FroYo a2sd as all of the apps actually go onto the sd card.
Speed is massively improved on vanilla and sense roms, which is always lovely.
Endless mods too. Youll be able to pick themes for your roms, and even make your own if youre up to it.
Hopefully that will convert you
Sent from my HTC Desire

GANJDROID said:
Every rom is stable enough for heavy everyday usage, unless they are marked as experimental, beta or something along those lines.
Youll be able to install as many apps you want with a2sd+ which is better than stock FroYo a2sd as all of the apps actually go onto the sd card.
Speed is massively improved on vanilla and sense roms, which is always lovely.
Endless mods too. Youll be able to pick themes for your roms, and even make your own if youre up to it.
Hopefully that will convert you
Sent from my HTC Desire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...but, if you're happy with the performance and features of the stock ROM then there's probably no need. Most of us here do it just cos we can....
Oh, and just a warning, if you do root your device and start flashing different ROMS you may not be able to stop. Has been known to cause many problems, typically with wives and girlfriends.

I have hboot version greater than 0.75 (0.93 I think) and stock UK 2.2 ROM with latest update, can I still root and flash?

i also want to root, but im waiting for unrevoked v3.2.1, however im not sure if it works with hboot 0.93 (which im also on) can someone clarify that it works or doesn't??
Thanks

cr1960 said:
...but, if you're happy with the performance and features of the stock ROM then there's probably no need. Most of us here do it just cos we can....
Oh, and just a warning, if you do root your device and start flashing different ROMS you may not be able to stop. Has been known to cause many problems, typically with wives and girlfriends.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats very true, but rooting basically unlocks everything, except system access, but thats nearly done
Haha, yeah, they do get quite peeved when you pay more attention on your phone than them
As for the hboot people, I think all hboots have been rooted, you just need to search the development forum.
Sent from my HTC Desire

I have rooted my phone and I'm happy I did it.
Just like the feeling of it that it can do more now and not be limited.

the new unrEVOked can root HBOOT 0.93 as I did it before going back to stock

I downgraded first, shouldn't make a different on how the ROM runs.

So downgrade hboot and then root and flash.

Right, but rooting messes up the OTA updates...

Rooting only affects otas if your not on an official rom.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

cr1960 said:
...but, if you're happy with the performance and features of the stock ROM then there's probably no need. Most of us here do it just cos we can....
Oh, and just a warning, if you do root your device and start flashing different ROMS you may not be able to stop. Has been known to cause many problems, typically with wives and girlfriends.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So true.. thats why I havent rooted.... yet...

chichoko said:
So true.. thats why I havent rooted.... yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOLOL...
That´s so true, my girlfriend hates my phone...
Had it rooted for a few weeks installed 2 or 3 rom´s, a few theme mod´s....
get it back to unroot status, why?
first of all the new radio gives u less battery drains, u still have froyo with stock rom, fast and stable and most important issue of all, WARRANTY...
i already bricked on Magic 32A

MrUsta said:
Right, but rooting messes up the OTA updates...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can use OTA updates with root, but you need to use fake flash to enter custom recovery, if u flash the custom recovery, removing the original one, u get an error when trying to update via OTA

And why finally decided to root my phone?
1. Because I love modifying gadgets.
2. More options, more space by extension.
3. You can always go back to unroot.
4. Theme Sense or Non-Sense.
5. Backup whole ROM.
Etc..
Those are the advantages I was looking for.
And I'm happy with it and had no trouble!
The updates will be on a ROM too anyways.

Don't ROOT
If i knew it was so hard to UNROOT i wouldn't have ROOTED in the first place...!

Why do you need to unroot so badly and what is preventing you?
So any other advantages of rooting apart from increasing internal memory? For stability and productivity, what ROMs are recommend? Is class two Sandisk ok for app2sd+? Can the ext3 partition be backed up or copied to another card?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

[Q] Getting started - lots of questions

Hi All,
Before I start, I want to apologize for the lengthy post.
I just got an EVO 5 days ago and am ready to root it. I’ve been reading these boards for a few weeks and I gotta say I’m overwhelmed. I’m coming from a Palm Pre, which I hacked the **** out of, but it was more simple on the Pre. There was one method for hacking it and one source (Preware) for getting everything from homebrew apps to themes. Trying to keep up with all the different posts about kernels, themes, roms, rooting methods, etc. makes me feel like I’m in over my head.
Here’s my Evo:
Android Version: 2.2
Baseband Version: 2.15.00.09.01
Kernel Version: [email protected] #17
Build number: 3.30.651.3 CL272076 release-keys
Software number: 3.30.651.3
Hardware Version: 003
I don’t what my hboot is or where to find it, so I’m leery about using unrevoked.
So, I guess I’m asking for the best way to get started hacking my phone. I have a few other questions to fill in my background knowledge of this too.
What is the best way to root my phone?
Can I root and keep the stock rom?
If so, can I delete the bloatware that comes with the phone?
If so, can I still receive OTA updates?
What other roms are available that preserve full phone functionality (ie: 4g and full camera use, I know cyanogen-mod has issues with that)
What does nandroid do?
What does odexed/deodexed mean? (I think it has something to do with theming)
What do you guys do with all those Kernels I’ve been seeing posted?
I’ve already looked here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=841330
And that help with some of the questions I have, but again, I’m completely overwhelmed.
Sorry for the epic post, I hope to get off on the right foot and become an active member of the community here.
Thanks for your help and patience,
Grey

Bump for noobness?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

You've got the wrong software number for easy rooting dude. (some people have camera freakouts when doing the hard root for your software number as well) Instructions for your sotware number are somewhere on this site. (sorry, don't know where)
You can root and keep stock
You can delete bloatware from kept stock
I believe you can still receive OTA updates, but you won't want to as they could break root. Wait for people here to release a rooted version of the OTAs
I think most Sense-based ROMS preserve all functionality. I'm a fan of Myn's Warm which does.
nandroid performs a backup of your system image essentially
odexed/deodexed has to do with something or other that I forgot, but the differences are explained elsewhere on the site
Kernels ar eused for performance, overclocking and underclocking CPU

First, I'm not familiar with the new rooting methods (I got my Evo on launch day) so I can't be of much help there.
greymalken said:
I don’t what my hboot is or where to find it, so I’m leery about using unrevoked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure you'll need to know what hboot you have in order to root. To find out: Turn off your evo. Hold down the volume down key, and simultaneously hit the power button to turn the phone back on. You'll be presented with a white screen (you can release the volume key now) with various information, including your hboot version. When you're finished, pull your battery, put it back in, and power on your evo as normal.
greymalken said:
Can I root and keep the stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but what's the fun in that? Custom roms provide additional functionality, performance, and themes that you can't get with the stock rom.
greymalken said:
If so, can I delete the bloatware that comes with the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You can delete literally anything, no guarantee your phone will still work afterwards though.
greymalken said:
If so, can I still receive OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. OTA updates are disabled in custom roms. There's no need to, however. Updating would cause you to lose root. Instead, you can/will flash the updates (whether it be updates to the rom, kernel, radio, etc).
greymalken said:
What other roms are available that preserve full phone functionality (ie: 4g and full camera use, I know cyanogen-mod has issues with that)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically there are two kinds of roms. The majority of them are based off of the stock HTC rom and include HTC Sense, and full functionality (since no underlying components are being altered). The other type is AOSP (Android Open Source Project) which are roms that are compiled directly from the source code of Android. It's much harder to develop an AOSP rom, but these roms can include many features unavailable to htc-based roms. Unfortunately, AOSP roms do not yet have support for 4G or HDMI, as these elements are closed-source and therefore can't just be copied over from an htc rom. The two main AOSP roms are CyanogenMod and MIUI.
greymalken said:
What does nandroid do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically, think of a nandroid backup as a copy and paste of your phones internal memory. The rom, kernel, user data, etc are stored in nandroid backups. Generally you create these whenever you are going to do anything that may cause your phone not to boot properly. In such a case, you can restore your phone from a nandroid and it will work exactly the way it did when you made the backup.
greymalken said:
What does odexed/deodexed mean? (I think it has something to do with theming)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you really need to know is that a rom must be deodexed in order to be theme-able. In contrast, odexed roms perform somewhat better. I doubt you'll find an odexed rom, other than stock, as the small performance hit is worth the ability to customize it.
greymalken said:
What do you guys do with all those Kernels I’ve been seeing posted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A kernel is essentially the underlying framework that connects the rom (operating system) to the phone's hardware. Various kernels and have different features, such as over/underclocking, over/undervolting, I/O scheduler's, cpu governers, etc. Flashing different kernels will change your phones performance, battery life, and stability.
greymalken said:
Sorry for the epic post, I hope to get off on the right foot and become an active member of the community here.
Thanks for your help and patience,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help that's what we're here for.

Hey guys thanks for the replies. I'm probably going to try to root tonight after work (and after backing everything up).
Any leads on what to use to root my version number? (I'll try searching later, I can't whilst I'm at work)
I found my HBOOT, it's 2.02.0000.
Can I use that for anything?
Thanks again,
-- Grey

[Q] rooting, I really...

Hi, I have the desire, and well I'm board with it, I want to mess around with different roms like miui, gingerbread extra. But I don't understand, please could someone help me with some of my questions? Thank :
1) What are the chances of breaking it through rooting, and what could happen, and would should you do it it does happen?
2) what does bricked mean, and is there away of unbricking?
1) what do you do if a bad rom breaks?
1.5) what are the chances of things going wrong?
2) Can you have more than one rom installed at a time, and switch between them, a bit like you can with launchers, and uses the same apps and data on those roms?
2.5) Is unrevoked the best way to root?
3) I you can have more than one rom, can you have a gingerbread rom, side loaded with a froyo from?
4) How do you switch between the roms?
5)Does rooting affect battery life?
6) Using unrevoked, is there anyway to unroot?
7) where do you find roms, and does the rom manager in the market allow you to install them without flashing?
8)Is there a good htc sense hd or gingerbread rom that works well?
9) With different roms increase the speed of the device, like the n1 is faster than the desire, yet they have the same hardware?
I know that a lot of questions but i am really nervousness about this and I can't seem to find todate answerers to these questions. If someone could help me with these questions I would be very great full, as I want to get more our of my device. Thanks ( I know there are a lot of rooting threads, but I really need to find out as much as i can before I undergo this, I love my desire too much to allow it to break when there was something that i could have done)

There is a remote chance (0.00000001%) of anything going wrong as long as you follow the steps to the rooting process and S-Off. If you become bricked then there is a topic on how to unbrick.
Easiest and best way to root is to using unrevoked 3.32. Make sure you download the HBoot drivers from their website. After rooting, it is also good to make your device S-Off'd. Your able to flash HBoot templates to change partition sizes and also change the splash and remove system apps and so on.
You can only have 1 rom installed at a time. You have to flash roms as well, that's how you install them and other zip files through the recovery. If a rom breaks, you can just flash it again. Installing a rom takes 5 mins, if that really.
You find roms in the Android Dev section. You can use Rom Manager but you have to pay or something.
You can have a fast rom or a "slower" rom. It depends on how it's been built and stuff but also the kernel can help to speed things up. (Speed isn't always the answer). There is no best or crappiest rom either. It's best to test many out for yourself.
Battery life again depends on the rom and the kernel.
Things To Download
To root a device
To S-Off your device
Roms and alsort of other nice things
Hope this helps you out.

Thanks very much , but do you need to install "S-Off" as I don't quite understand what it does, and which one to download and how to install it. Thanks

You don't need to install S-Off after a root. S-Off just allows you to do more things like uninstall system apps, change the splash screen, change the HBoot (not quite sure what else). If your not going to be doing them sort of things then stay away from it.
When you root, the unrevoked utility roots it and changes the recovery to ClockworkMod 2.5.1.8. That recovery allows you to boot into it and install roms through it. It has a menu and you use your optical tracker to navigate through them. That is how you install different roms.
With the roms, you need to see which one you like. I've been through almost all of them and I have one I stick to now. I can't say which is the best, that's for you to decide. The Gingerbread roms are Android 2.3 and I THINK, emphasis on the THINK, that the rest of the roms are Android 2.2.
I think at first your like, oh what if I mess things up and stuff but you won't if you follow instructions. When I first did it, I completely messed up and couldn't even boot into a rom at all and was wondering how to sort it out. I got there in the end but still. I also forgot to mention, if you want the stock rom back, you can install one of the RUU's. It will wipe everything and you will have to root again, but you will have stock.

Thanks very much , when change roms will you lose all of your apps, and data?

Yes. When your changing roms, you have to erase all data. It is a must and everything will go, apps, user data including texts and contacts, EVERYTHING!!!.

Thanks so much for all your help, i'm going to do it now, and use cyanogen mod 7 or 6.x. Thanks again

No worries. If you get stuck, just message me or something.

Completely IGNORE S-OFF if you're a n00b, it shouldn't be recommended to anyone who:
1. Doesn't know what it is
2. Doesn't actually need it
Concentrate on rooting and running a custom ROM first

Not actually true. When I S-Off'd my Desire, I didn't have a bloody clue, other than it disables all security, what it was. You eventually learn things like I did and read a little more. S-Off is a great tool to have on your phone because it gives you all the more freedom to do what ever you want with your device. I will say for all the "n00bs" out there that if you are S-Off'ing then please read it all carefully, unlike me because I could have messed it all up.

You were lucky - better to learn first, do second

I saw recently a wiped imei which made me cautious
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Thanks for all you help, I have rooted and now have a custom rom (cm 6.1). Thanks

EddyOS said:
Completely IGNORE S-OFF if you're a n00b
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would add that if you're a n00b, don't even try to get your device rooted!

Lothaen said:
I saw recently a wiped imei which made me cautious
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would ask if that's even possbile. Apparently it is.

Delete the efs storage without a backup... doh
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

I had a stock Desire and wouldn't move from it. Then the niggles in the current build just annoyed me enough to actually go down the root route (see what I did there? )
So I rooted and after a few mishaps along the way (make backups of everything, phone and SD card, especially if you partition it!) I am very happy with my Ginger Villain ROM. A few things still niggle (Me avatar in texts blank, phone reboots randomly to name a few), but its not as bad as it used to be. I can live without Sense as well surprisingly enough.
I also did the same for a friend, and stuck them on LeeDroid 2.3d and as they are technically challenged, it works for them sweet as.

stringent said:
I had a stock Desire and wouldn't move from it. Then the niggles in the current build just annoyed me enough to actually go down the root route (see what I did there? )
So I rooted and after a few mishaps along the way (make backups of everything, phone and SD card, especially if you partition it!) I am very happy with my Ginger Villain ROM. A few things still niggle (Me avatar in texts blank, phone reboots randomly to name a few), but its not as bad as it used to be. I can live without Sense as well surprisingly enough.
I also did the same for a friend, and stuck them on LeeDroid 2.3d and as they are technically challenged, it works for them sweet as.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha that made me laugh. As for your contact icon of yourself, you need to add yourself. Your own number and name and then you can add a picture. Yes it is annoying a little because Android natively doesn't have like a "contact card" for yourself.
Rooting and S-Off is the best thing I did by far

GoogleJelly said:
Haha that made me laugh. As for your contact icon of yourself, you need to add yourself. Your own number and name and then you can add a picture. Yes it is annoying a little because Android natively doesn't have like a "contact card" for yourself.
Rooting and S-Off is the best thing I did by far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bump creates a contact card for yourself...
right at the top of the phonebook called 'My Contact Card'

Lothaen said:
bump creates a contact card for yourself...
right at the top of the phonebook called 'My Contact Card'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, I don't have that, I had it in the Sense UI, not on the stock Ginger Villain ROM, unless I am missing something ...

[Q] Possible to upgrade only the OS (and NOT the ROM)?

Okay, silly question here:
(First of all, YES, I did a brief search through the forums for this exact question. Couldn't find an answer.)
Background: I am a ROM junkie (but a newbie, I admit). I have flashed and re-flashed EVERY ROM on this site (and others) on to my HTC Wildfire S (rooted, but S-ON). Soon, I will release a "report" with all of my findings, comparing each ROM against each other, etc.
With that, I am *quite comfortable* flashing ROMs and tweaking them afterwards. What I do not know is whether it's possible (after flashing a ROM) to subsequently go back an upgrade ONLY the Android version (from 2.3.3 to 2.3.5, for example).
I'm aware of the OTA updates that a "normal" user would be entitled to. But, with a customized ROM, it seems like I am exempt from those upgrades.
N.B.
If anyone replies: "Just find a modified ROM that runs the version of OS you need, and then flash that onto your phone!"... that is not an option (...unless it's the ONLY option!)
If you don't know, don't guess. (Sorry, but I've seen some of the "quality" answers that come back from certain users who are just trying to up their post count, I assume.)
Thanks in advance, to all those who answer.
- Anthony

It is not possible, because the system image (the OS) IS the rom. In fact, if you change anything in your system partition, you change the ROM.
there are no different memory locations for ROM and OS.

You could download an official rom that contains 2.3.5 here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1074445
The rom is the os mate.

Thanks theq86,
So, to be clear, if I am running a custom ROM that happens to be GB 2.3.3, there is no way for me to apply a GB 2.3.5 "upgrade" (if such an animal exists)? The goal here is to leave the rest of the ROM (apk's, settings, internal data, etc.) intact.
Well... that's a tad disappointing, but thanks so much for your answer.
- Anthony

intel007 said:
You could download an official rom that contains 2.3.5 here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1074445
The rom is the os mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah? And do what with it?
(Go back and read my "N.B." from my original post.)
p.s. The ROM is not the OS. You're not the first person who's said this, though.
- Anthony

Tigger31337 said:
Thanks theq86,
So, to be clear, if I am running a custom ROM that happens to be GB 2.3.3, there is no way for me to apply a GB 2.3.5 "upgrade" (if such an animal exists)? The goal here is to leave the rest of the ROM (apk's, settings, internal data, etc.) intact.
Well... that's a tad disappointing, but thanks so much for your answer.
- Anthony
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can keep the apks and data(but not settings) if you don't wipe.But that can cause ptoblems on some roms.
Sent from my LG-P350 using XDA premium

Thanks nerot, that's kinda the path I was heading down myself (install, without wipe).
The only thing is that I don't wish to install a ROM over another ROM. I was hoping to somehow sneak just a GB upgrade (into an update.zip, let's say) and then flash that through the recovery menu. That way (in theory) the only thing that gets refreshed in my current ROM are the actual Android OS files.
[Hint: Think of the way you would perform an OS upgrade in the Windows world... one does not have to flash an entire Windows image over the existing one. One could simply upgrade the OS, while keeping applications and settings intact. ]
I see no reason, in principal, why this isn't possible with Android and, quite frankly, I'm surprised some clever XDA hacker hasn't done it already.
- Anthony

Tigger31337 said:
Thanks nerot, that's kinda the path I was heading down myself (install, without wipe).
The only thing is that I don't wish to install a ROM over another ROM. I was hoping to somehow sneak just a GB upgrade (into an update.zip, let's say) and then flash that through the recovery menu. That way (in theory) the only thing that gets refreshed in my current ROM are the actual Android OS files.
[Hint: Think of the way you would perform an OS upgrade in the Windows world... one does not have to flash an entire Windows image over the existing one. One could simply upgrade the OS, while keeping applications and settings intact. ]
I see no reason, in principal, why this isn't possible with Android and, quite frankly, I'm surprised some clever XDA hacker hasn't done it already. An one more thing if ypu don't wipe its like you flashed an upsate.zip but as i sai not wiping when switching between roms can cause problems.
- Anthony
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think it is possible to use a update.zip on custom roms because they are modified and even if it was possible i think it would be easier for the developer to just compile the whole rom again.
Sent from my LG-P350 using XDA premium

Tigger31337 said:
Thanks nerot, that's kinda the path I was heading down myself (install, without wipe).
The only thing is that I don't wish to install a ROM over another ROM. I was hoping to somehow sneak just a GB upgrade (into an update.zip, let's say) and then flash that through the recovery menu. That way (in theory) the only thing that gets refreshed in my current ROM are the actual Android OS files.
[Hint: Think of the way you would perform an OS upgrade in the Windows world... one does not have to flash an entire Windows image over the existing one. One could simply upgrade the OS, while keeping applications and settings intact. ]
I see no reason, in principal, why this isn't possible with Android and, quite frankly, I'm surprised some clever XDA hacker hasn't done it already.
- Anthony
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nobody wants to bother, so find the updated version of the rom you wish to install, make titanium backup of your apps, and move on ..

b02 said:
nobody wants to bother, so find the updated version of the rom you wish to install, make titanium backup of your apps, and move on ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, what a very clever answer.
Keep in mind I'm not asking what YOU would do; I'm merely asking if something is technically possible.
While it would be nice to find "the updated version of my ROM", it does not exist (because it's a heavily customized version of an already heavily customized version.)
It's perfectly tweaked the way I like it (and yes, I've been backing up the ROM along the way)... so now, my question is (as before): is it POSSIBLE to overwrite ONLY the Android files, thus giving me a newer version of the OS?
Don't worry about whether or not it's something YOU would do... that's missing the point. And don't worry about whether or not certain apps would break after I perform the upgrade... that's my problem. (I suspect that going from 2.3.3 --> 2.3.5, or 2.3.5 --> 2.3.7 would not cause my phone to explode.)
Simply: is it POSSIBLE to perform an OS upgrade on an EXISTING ROM?!
I've heard one answer so far (of "No") but it seems like that was a "most people don't do this" or "it's not practical"-type of answer.
I'm looking for someone knowledgeable enough (because I'm not) to say whether or not it's technically possible. For me, I don't see why it wouldn't be. If someone can confirm it, then I'll get to work and try creating a flash package to get the job done.
Danke,
- Anthony

Tigger31337 said:
Simply: is it POSSIBLE to perform an OS upgrade on an EXISTING ROM?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom ROM (Read Only Memory) as it is so often referred to, is the OS (Operating System) packaged to be flashed into the ROM, which can include the kernel, system, boot image and or other file like data, radio etc.. This is why it is loosely called a custom built ROM.
Yes, it is possible to JUST flash the upgraded files into the OS in the ROM.
The issues most have is when updating some main system files like the systemiu.apk or framework.jar is the /data/data setting files. If those file are not compatible with the newer files you flashed you will get a boot loop issue. I know this since I am modifying my own OS this way from time to time.
Now I am not a expert or a have advance knowledge but I know I what I have done, and the manufactures also do the same with their OTA(Over The Air) updates.
-Mark

The answer IS no.
The files of the rom are the same files of the os.
you can upgade the only the os, but ...
you will not able to start the upgraded os unless you wipe caches and data partition
So you need to:
- backup your apps
- backup your pim data
- upgrade the os (or ROM, whatever term you like more)
- recover pim data
- recover apps
- do the phone settings
having os upgraded and data not wiped is an inconsistent system state.
the only way to upgrade as you like is done by a FOTA update. From 2.33 to 2.35 all the settings and data were kept.

...and so we have a DIRECT contradiction:
One user says it CAN be done; one says it CAN'T.
theq86, although your answer is detailed, here is why I'm having a problem accepting it:
- First, you keep equating OS to ROM. A customized flashable ROM is more than the OS. For example, a ROM can be deodexed, overclocked, embedded with system apps, themed, tweaked, yadda yadda yadda. The OS is merely one component of a ROM package. Please stop equating the two.
- Second (as you already identified) it actually IS possible to do an OS-only upgrade because we are able to receive those types of upgrades today (in the form of OTA updates).
That's my difficulty. Surely, if my phone can handle a package that's designed to upgrade ONLY the OS (say, from 2.3.3 to 2.3.5) then it's just a matter of finding out how that upgrade is packaged and delivered (zip flash, update.zip, whatever) and then re-creating that process offline so that I can apply the upgrade manually.
Here's another description, so you get the picture: Imagine you absolutely LOVE a custom ROM called TiggerROM. It's the best thing you've ever seen in your entire life (you don't get out much) and it happens to be based on GB 2.3.3. Now imagine the author of your custom ROM gets hit by a bus and dies a horrible, twitching death. (There will be no more updates to TiggerROM, sadly). A week after his funeral service, GB 2.3.5 has been released. Your other friends (who have NOT modded their phone) are freely getting the 2.3.5 upgrade OTA, and it does not affect the rest of their phone (i.e. they do not have to re-install all their apps, they did not lose their wallpaper of their pet dog, they did not have to reconfigure their WiFi and Google accounts, etc.) Now, you are saying to yourself, "I want that too! I want to keep my current ROM+settings+tweaks and all I wish to do is upgrade Android from 2.3.3 to 2.3.5" (because you're just the kind of guy who likes to have the latest OS).
...so, what would YOU do?
- Anthony

Tigger31337 said:
...and so we have a DIRECT contradiction:
One user says it CAN be done; one says it CAN'T.
theq86, although your answer is detailed, here is why I'm having a problem accepting it:
- First, you keep equating OS to ROM. A customized flashable ROM is more than the OS. For example, a ROM can be deodexed, overclocked, embedded with system apps, themed, tweaked, yadda yadda yadda. The OS is merely one component of a ROM package. Please stop equating the two.
- Second (as you already identified) it actually IS possible to do an OS-only upgrade because we are able to receive those types of upgrades today (in the form of OTA updates).
That's my difficulty. Surely, if my phone can handle a package that's designed to upgrade ONLY the OS (say, from 2.3.3 to 2.3.5) then it's just a matter of finding out how that upgrade is packaged and delivered (zip flash, update.zip, whatever) and then re-creating that process offline so that I can apply the upgrade manually.
Here's another description, so you get the picture: Imagine you absolutely LOVE a custom ROM called TiggerROM. It's the best thing you've ever seen in your entire life (you don't get out much) and it happens to be based on GB 2.3.3. Now imagine the author of your custom ROM gets hit by a bus and dies a horrible, twitching death. (There will be no more updates to TiggerROM, sadly). A week after his funeral service, GB 2.3.5 has been released. Your other friends (who have NOT modded their phone) are freely getting the 2.3.5 upgrade OTA, and it does not affect the rest of their phone (i.e. they do not have to re-install all their apps, they did not lose their wallpaper of their pet dog, they did not have to reconfigure their WiFi and Google accounts, etc.) Now, you are saying to yourself, "I want that too! I want to keep my current ROM+settings+tweaks and all I wish to do is upgrade Android from 2.3.3 to 2.3.5" (because you're just the kind of guy who likes to have the latest OS).
...so, what would YOU do?
- Anthony
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you put it that way it is impossible to do that because you don't know what was edited in the custom rom and os compared to the stock ones it would cause instability an probably boot loop or the system not starting at all.Its almost like you want to upgrade from custom froyo to stock gingerbread using a ota.So the finnal answer is no.
Sent from my LG-P350 using XDA premium

And as for keeping all the other stuff i think that during the update it's all temporarily backuped somewhere(probably the sd card) and then restored.But i think it depends on the update itself for example there is no need to delete apps and google accounts for a Wi-Fi fix but it is necessary to do that when upgrading from froyo to gingerbread(unless my backup theory is correct)
Sent from my LG-P350 using XDA premium

you can not separate os and rom the way you do.
see, android is an OS that has a lot of dependencies. among these dependencies there are apks, themes and all the other stuff of the ROM.
it is sure possible to only upgrade the minimal dependencies that allow you to update your os and keep the rest (possible like: it's possible to fly)
the problem is: everything providers release are ROMs and no OS diffs. So what you want to do is very impractible.
no one does and want to struggle with those OS diffs. If you want to do, feel free. But you are the 1st one here.
so, yes it is possible, as it is possible to catch a fish with your hands. but the amount of work is much more than it it practicable.
Anyway, I got what you want. And the best thing you can do now:
- take a stock rom
- import it into a rom kitchen
- add your holy stuff
- cook your new rom and be careful not to be caught by a bus, because then the next one will arrive here crying that is favourite rom developer has died.
Try to only update the needed files would take you months of work just to find out what you can update.

nerot said:
If you put it that way it is impossible to do that because you don't know what was edited in the custom rom and os compared to the stock ones it would cause instability an probably boot loop or the system not starting at all.Its almost like you want to upgrade from custom froyo to stock gingerbread using a ota.So the finnal answer is no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no, no.
In the examples I've been giving, I've always said that the change is minimally incremental (going from 2.3.3 --> 2.3.5, or 2.3.5 --> 2.3.7, for example). In theory, I'm sure you could go from Froyo to GB, but that's never an example I gave (nor something I'd want to do in real life). The bigger the version jump == the bigger the risk!
I am saying, (to repeat, yet again) that I would be working off a ROM that was GB 2.3.3 and then (somehow) apply a patch that would upgrade the bare minimum to get that Android up to 2.3.5. No other parts of the ROM would be touched. Whether or not **** breaks after the OS upgrade - well, that would have to be dealt with after the fact. I suspect not much would break, but that's not my question/concern right now. I'm saying can it be done TECHNICALLY. Is there a delivery method to apply an OS upgrade patch to a ROM. Don't worry about boot loops or broken apps... that's my problem, not yours.
And, if such an OS upgrade zip doesn't exist, then why not? Are they hard to make? Has anyone tried? Wouldn't such an update be HUGELY beneficial to the custom ROM community?
- Anthony

theq86 said:
you can not separate os and rom the way you do.
so, yes it is possible, as it is possible to catch a fish with your hands. but the amount of work is much more than it it practicable.
.
.
.
Try to only update the needed files would take you months of work just to find out what you can update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks. I think I'm getting the sense that it's just too much trouble than it's worth.
Thanks so much, everyone who replied.
I guess we are stuck in the hands of the ROM chefs (unless we take the time to learn to cook ROMs ourselves
Thanks again, take care!
- Anthony

Yes, it's technically possible. BUT you'll need to get whoever made the ROM you like to provide another ROM with the Android upgrade already in it. This may not be an insignificant task.

Nicknoxx said:
Yes, it's technically possible. BUT you'll need to get whoever made the ROM you like to provide another ROM with the Android upgrade already in it. This may not be an insignificant task.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but that's just another way of saying "you'll need to flash a new ROM" which is what we're trying to avoid here (because, by flashing new ROM, you'll lose everything - embedded apps, tweaks, themes, Link2SD data, etc.)
We're trying to keep our existing ROM and just change ONLY the Android version (from 2.3.3 to 2.3.5 for example, not a major version change).

[FAQ][HELP THREAD][GUIDES LIST] Ask Any Question

Hello Everyone.
Good News for everyone. I have decided to maintain a help thread at HTC ONE M9 community in order to keep the threads for development/general section more clean and better organised. I have been noticing for a long time that whenever new users join, they still are not sure about the rules and thus mistakenly post in the wrong sections too often. If any senior member points it out to them, mostly it is either ignored or taken personally. Thus I have decided a combined help section would be very helpful to the community and the questions which are sometimes left unanswered and lost in question answer forums, that would not happen again for all of you.
I would be trying my best to personally answer all your questions and shall refer you to someone in case I feel someone else would be able to answer the same question in a more detailed way. Other users can feel free to answer as well if you think you can tackle the situation well and make sure while answering any question, you provide enough information to the users as well. You can easily link the users to posts if you think a question has been already answered.
REASONS I AM MAKING THIS
Lots of repetitive questions.
Same things told again and again
Threads remain clean
A simple reference to every important thread that you should visit in case you have a problem
WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO
Read the rules here XDA RULES BEFORE YOU POST
Idea of this thread is to help and to be helped. So ask any question you have in mind related to S6, Android, or anything at all as long as it is related to your device directly or indirectly.
Make sure you are precise with your information
Be Detailed
Do not repeat the same thing again and again
Use search button to find if your question has been asked before. Do not repeat your question if it is answered before.
WHAT INFORMATION YOU MUST PROVIDE
1.Your bootloader status if applicable
2. Rom name with complete baseband/date/version
3. Kernel name
4. Any Mods you are using
5.If you are using Custom Rom, your flashing style i.e dirty/clean or you wiped anything else in specific
6. If you used any guide, link to the guide
7. Root status
8. Your exact problem
9. Any method you tried that failed
10.Any other detail you think would be necessary
Make sure you provide as much details as possible. Things like my phone won't turn on please help would not be of any help to you or to the person answering. So please make sure you provide as much detail so we know exactly what is your problem and thus guide you in the right direction.
A sample would be something like this
Device: HTC ONE M9
ROM name: CM 12 dated 10th May
ROM version and base: 3.99-RC2
Build number: CM_M9-userdebug 4.3 JLS36G
kernel version and its settings: 3.4.0-myspecial.kernel.plus [email protected] #193
Rooted
Sabertooth Mod
I can not use my WIFI. Although i tried flashing Wifi modules but it does not work.
I flashed CM over Stock firmware version X.X.X.X.Y.Z
ETC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please remember "Give respect to others, others will respect you back!" in simple words, No abuse towards newbies/noobs will be tolerated here! So anyone found doing that would be reported.
Another important thing is MAKE SURE YOU THANK THE PERSON who helps you. This is to show your appreciation to someone who personally took his time to answer your question. He had been nice enough to do it for FREE and nothing else. A simple thank you to his post will go a long way. The questions would be answered more and the one who is answering would be happy to answer more questions. So it is a gain gain situation for all of you. Read my signature because most people take help for granted here. So be kind to others and HIT THANKS BUTTON A LOT.

HTC ONE M9 Guides
HTC One M9 - Snapdragon 810 - Information Collective Thread
ROOTING
[GUIDE] [NOOB Friendly] Root and Install TWRP on HTC One M9
[how to] lock/unlock your bootloader without htcdev(s-off required)
REPAIR /BRICKED/RETURN TO STOCK[/SIZE]
HTC ONE (M9) RUUs, OTAs, Stock TWRP Backups, Firmware & More Collection
[VIDEOS] ULTIMATE Guides S-Off, Root, Recovery, Roms
[GUIDE] Return to Stock for Canadian HTC One M9 (2015)
[how to] restore software status: original
[INTERNATIONAL]Unlock Your Bootloader!
[GUIDE] Return your M9 (WWE) to 100% Stock - S-OFF REQUIRED
How To Go Back To Stock with S On
GUIDES
HTC M9 Disassembly\Teadown- Easier than M7\M8!!!
[USER GUIDE] HTC One M9 User Guide
DRIVER GUIDES
OTHERS
MODS
[MOD] [HOW-TO] Create Your Own Splash Screens [S-OFF]
Colour Screen Settings
*** Make sure you download the correct STOCK ROM for your device. This guide can be used for S6 but is made for S3. Be wary
Please quote me if I have missed any important guide and you think it deserves to be here.

Some Requests to Users
Although every effort would be made to answer all your questions
but if you think your question has not been answered for more than 24 hours.
Please mention anyone from our team (when we have it) in your post by editing it.
Do NOT ask again. We will make sure that we personally answer your question.
Do NOT mention all of us, but if someone of us is busy, you can mention another user in next 24 hours. Please do not spam the threads or complain
if your question is not answered. Try to keep this thread as clean as possible because the more clean it is , it be more easier for you to find your answers by using the search button
Please use the search button often.

FAQ
Under Revision and Working on them
CONTRIBUTIONS
Do you want to help others ?
Help and get your name on this post

Hey all, I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but here goes. I'm running the HTC M9 with VZW. This is my first Android, so I haven't rooted/unlocked/anything yet. I'm not even sure if I want to for the time being, since I don't currently have the time to troubleshoot any problems that might arise. Anyway, on to my question:
From what I have read, it seems VZW made HTC disable the FM radio, or at least didn't ship with the FM radio app. 3rd party apps like NextRadio don't work. I went and found an .apk for what I thought was the current version, but it doesn't work (as soon as I open it it crashes).
Is there either a stock APK, or a 3rd party app that will allow me to use the FM radio tuner, without rooting it? If not, what steps would I need to take to be able to use said app?
Again, my apologies for my ignorance in such matters. I'm fairly good with computers and even have some knowledge of troubleshooting Android devices, but I know absolutely zero about rooting/flashing/etc.
Many thanks all!

rafaelloaa said:
Hey all, I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but here goes. I'm running the HTC M9 with VZW. This is my first Android, so I haven't rooted/unlocked/anything yet. I'm not even sure if I want to for the time being, since I don't currently have the time to troubleshoot any problems that might arise. Anyway, on to my question:
From what I have read, it seems VZW made HTC disable the FM radio, or at least didn't ship with the FM radio app. 3rd party apps like NextRadio don't work. I went and found an .apk for what I thought was the current version, but it doesn't work (as soon as I open it it crashes).
Is there either a stock APK, or a 3rd party app that will allow me to use the FM radio tuner, without rooting it? If not, what steps would I need to take to be able to use said app?
Again, my apologies for my ignorance in such matters. I'm fairly good with computers and even have some knowledge of troubleshooting Android devices, but I know absolutely zero about rooting/flashing/etc.
Many thanks all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello mate. You have chosen the correct forum.
I was comparing verizon HTC One M9 with International M9.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/vzw/...iceProdId=dev4120028&priceToggle=24#techspecs
http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_m9-6891.php.
If you see the specs, you'd find that Verizon has not listed radio at all. If it is verizon that is blocking the radio, it can be used through a mod/ root or using another app However, if it has not got a radio antenna inside, I'm afraid no amount of apps or mods would work.
Try this app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mikersmicros.fm_unlock
I hope this is enough. If you still got question, quote me and I'd be happy to help you out.

Mariborcan said:
Hello everyone!
I have a situation here ... I have quite massive battery drain from Google Play Services on my HTC One M9. I check with my gf Samsung Galaxy S6 and her G play services were about 1%. My were almost 50%... The only difference is I use LG G Watch R paired to my phone but I tried disconnecting it and still same... I use Google Fit and also tried disabling it but not much of a difference. There was about 10% less of drain when I put my location on battery save. But it is still over the ruff with that drain. My device is not rooted so I can't check battery wakes ... I kinda don't know what to do any more. Has any one had problem like this and how did you solve it?
I am thankful for any responses or ideas. (Sorry for bad English)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into Google play and uninstall updates. Do the same for google play services. Turn off google location services and keep location on low battery use (GPS only)
Read this guide as you'd be updating your apps manually. Make sure you note down version of google play services /google play. In case a new update comes, you can try and see if battery drain is fixed.
Quote me back with your results.
Guide
http://www.androidpit.com/how-to-disable-auto-intall-of-google-play-apps

parky169 said:
hi can anyone help me find a stock back up of three network rom or any back up that i can revert back to stock and enable ota as i want to sell my m9.i had a back up of my original image stored on my pc but due to hdd failure i can not access it.
any help is greatfully recieved.
i am s off with super cid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jamieunit said:
You can try a ruu, http://androidruu.com/?developer=M9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have made a giant thread for all information regarding STOCK backup/ reverting and more. Why don't you check the first three posts ?

xda23 said:
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it depends what you like to do with your phone. Do you root it as well or not.
I always like to root all my devices. Therefore, Titanium Backup is an app I can not live without.
SuperSu pro paid version is worth it for I like to support the developer who puts so much effort.
Mx Player Pro is also great for movies. BS Player is something I would recommend as well. I use both of them for videos
Next is Moon+Reader which is also great for reading books (PDF, EPUB, MOBI and lots of other files supported)
It is also wise to invest in OfficeSuite. It is also worth it.
CamScanner Pro is also worth it as you can scan documents from your phone!
I also like SD Maid Pro (root) to clear up cache / unused files.
Then , there are lots of games to play.
If you can tell me what kind of apps you are interested in, maybe I can shed some more light

onemanshow85 said:
Hey all, I got a few questions regarding installing a custom ROM
I just unlocked, flashed a custom recovery (TWRMP) and flash superuser.
1. Can't make a nandroid backup of the stock ROM, sais the backup size is 0 bytes, is this normal?
2. can't get into recovery the old fashion way (power + volume down), instead I use ADB. I fear when I try to flash and I get into bootloop for w/e reason, I can't get into recovery at all. How can I solve this?
3. is there a no sense ROM somewhere out there?
4. What is AROMA? is it a custom recovery?
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the forum. Find all the guides in this forum in second post and I suggest you look at the first few posts as well.
1. No, 0 bytes is not normal at all
2. Sometimes, the normal keys do not work because a proper exploit has not been found till date and thus, they are using a work around for that. Give it time, a developer will soon come up with a proper fix.
3. yes, all roms based on AOSP and CM would be without HTC sense. Check in the development section of this device to see if there has been development. As for now, there have not been any but I am sure many would come up pretty soon. As a general rule, all roms based on stock usually come with Sense, while all custom roms based on CM/AOSP or themselves are Sense Free.
4. AROMA is basically a smart way to flash any recovery/kernel/ rom. Usually in Aroma, small details can be chosen to your likings (In case of kernel, you can select, its governors, mods, processor and GPU clockspeed, etc). So Aroma gives more choice over normal flash.
QUOTE ME BACK IN CASE YOU EXPECT A REPLY

Quadrider10 said:
I'm having this issue rite now, and reinstalling rom has not helped at all. What else can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a guide for all errors regarding Playstore. See if any of these help.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2733038
Are you using some kind of add blocker or apps which hack playstore ?
Have you tried downloading via data /another wifi.
I also suggest if you are rooted, go to device/etc and delete "hosts file" if clearing cache and data is not helping.
Sometimes removing your account and clearing data/cache and relogging in helps.
Quote me back if you still have a question

Hi!
I searched well but didn't found any information about this.
I want to unlock bootloader and S-OFF, but WITHOUT using HTCDev at all. I don't want that any info goes to them. Is there a method to do it at home without searching for people with "programmators" or "javacards"?

Do you know where the location of the screen off animation is please?
I don't mean the boot / shut down animation, i mean the animation which occurs when we lock the device, it used to be the CRT animation but it's been removed, what we have now is a fade animation, on the S6 this has been modified, i'd like to do the same with our M9's but i'm not sure of the location.
Cheers,

Evengard said:
Hi!
I searched well but didn't found any information about this.
I want to unlock bootloader and S-OFF, but WITHOUT using HTCDev at all. I don't want that any info goes to them. Is there a method to do it at home without searching for people with "programmators" or "javacards"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, actually unless a developer finds an exploit to S-OFF a device/ unlock bootloader without HTCDev, I do not think there is a way to do that. Currently I am not sure of any developer working on it and I am not much hopeful that someone would when it is already available officially.
In my experience, I have been using android for a long time now from 2009, unlocking a device does not make any difference . Every device I bought, I unlocked it using official tools provided by manufacturer and never regretted it.
Also, usually it is in terms that your warranty could be voided, however, usually first time you mess up your phone and take it for support, they warn you and reinstall the software for you. And mostly they do not give much damn about it. (That's how it happens in the UK)

dladz said:
Do you know where the location of the screen off animation is please?
I don't mean the boot / shut down animation, i mean the animation which occurs when we lock the device, it used to be the CRT animation but it's been removed, what we have now is a fade animation, on the S6 this has been modified, i'd like to do the same with our M9's but i'm not sure of the location.
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I am not sure where it is exactly either. However, it could be that they have integrated in SystemUI or made an apk for individual effect.
If you are rooted, install any app by which you can see system apps, and look for any app that shows animation/effect/fade etc.
See if that helps, however , if it does not, I will research for you and get back but make sure you quote me ! Or you can use xposed to manually find/change the effect.
http://www.xda-developers.com/enable-custom-screen-on-and-off-animations-on-all-roms-with-xposed/
Good luck

Hnk1 said:
Actually I am not sure where it is exactly either. However, it could be that they have integrated in SystemUI or made an apk for individual effect.
If you are rooted, install any app by which you can see system apps, and look for any app that shows animation/effect/fade etc.
See if that helps, however , if it does not, I will research for you and get back but make sure you quote me ! Or you can use xposed to manually find/change the effect.
http://www.xda-developers.com/enable-custom-screen-on-and-off-animations-on-all-roms-with-xposed/
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers mate, i've actually went and installed an xposed module which enables this, i was trying to avoid that as I think xposed is a little heavy and is still an alpha build.
Will keep looking as i'd like to mod this myself without xposed.
PS: Haven't got any thanks left but will get you tomorrow cheers.

dladz said:
Cheers mate, i've actually went and installed an xposed module which enables this, i was trying to avoid that as I think xposed is a little heavy and is still an alpha build.
Will keep looking as i'd like to mod this myself without xposed.
PS: Haven't got any thanks left but will get you tomorrow cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mention it mate. No trouble.
Glad I could be of help.

Ive see ROMs showing they need or require me to be on a certain firmware before using that ROM. How do I update the firmware? I thought that came with the ROM, as part of it. Some are requiring firmware I don't even see posted yet. If i were to install a firmware, will that change or wipe the current ROM? Also some require me to be s-off. I think, if read right, I need the $25 app to s-off? Correct? What is the reason to s-off? I've been running ROMs that don't require it, seem to work fine.

klloyd said:
Ive see ROMs showing they need or require me to be on a certain firmware before using that ROM. How do I update the firmware? I thought that came with the ROM, as part of it. Some are requiring firmware I don't even see posted yet. If i were to install a firmware, will that change or wipe the current ROM? Also some require me to be s-off. I think, if read right, I need the $25 app to s-off? Correct? What is the reason to s-off? I've been running ROMs that don't require it, seem to work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
honestly I am not sure of the $25 price for an app which is claiming to S off device.
If it is sunshine S off, I approve, else it could be a scam or the real thing.
I succesffully download the sunshine app for free but i didnot run it on my android so I am not sure!
There are few links you must see, how to unlock S for your device.
http://venomroms.com/sunshine-s-off-for-the-htc-one-m9-released/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKoWtOo5y8w
http://www.droidviews.com/s-off-htc-one-m9-using-sunshine-app/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59838418&
As far as upgrading your STOCK ROM is concerned, Look at this guide. There are also some unofficial ways
http://www.htc.com/uk/support/htc-one-m9/howto/602178.html
S off is basically a lock on your device which prevents flashing custom Roms and modification to your device via scripts.
Quote me back if you still have a question

Hnk1 said:
honestly I am not sure of the $25 price for an app which is claiming to S off device. it could be a scam or could work, so I would be very careful about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sunshine app is developed by a several XDA recognized developers. Read about it in the official thread. At the website they set up, they offer some information about themselves as well as some answers to frequently asked questions.
I haven't been around this device to speak knowledgeably about it's related hacks, but this seems legitimate.