I'm happy with the stock ROM that my unbranded Desire came with, but I'm thinking about rooting it to add some extra functionality - specifically two-way call recording and Titanium Backup right now.
Is it possible to root the phone without changing ROMs and/or losing all of my currently installed apps, settings etc etc?
If it is, what happens when ROM updates appear? Can I install the OTA updates or would I need to wait for someone to mod it to keep root enabled?
Finally, the same question but regarding 2.2. What happens when the official 2.2 update comes out? I'm guessing nobody knows for certain, but are we likely to be waiting a while before we can update if our phones are rooted?
I'd have thought this sort of thing would be covered in a rooting FAQ but I can't seem to find anything about it!
Much thanks for any advice.
I'm also very interested in the response to this, as a new Desire user I don't think that the rooting/rom upgrade guide is particularly helpful, it dives far too deeply into the topic before actually talking about the process, what it involves from a complete Desire newbie perspective.
In a word - no.
In a few more words, part of the rooting process has to replace your existing ROM.
Regards,
Dave
Related
I'm pretty new to this Android stuff so I will apologize upfront if this question is beyond lame. I have read several posts and forums and still seem to be a bit confused so here goes.
I have a Telstra branded Desire and I want to flash it with the Generic Euro ROM without necessarily rooting the device. I will create a Gold Card and was wondering if I could just execute the Generic ROM from the PC through HTC Sync like it was an update being applied or is there a different way that is better.
Can someone let me know if that will work or it it is necessary to use Paul's (Madaco's ROM that roots and provides superuser access).
Also, can I then just due the same process and flash back the Telstra ROM if I need to?
Finally, if I root and put Paul's ROM on there, what is the best process if I wanted to change and use PAY's ROM.
Again, I apologize if this is redundant, but I just can't seem to figure it out. If some could reply with some responses or a link or two, I would appreciate it.
Thanks so much in advance for any help.
Edit/Delete Message
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.
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.
Hello to all.
I have had my G2 for a month now.
This is my first android.
I was wondering if maybe someone could please clarify some questions I have about Rooting?
I apologize in advance for any questions I may ask that makes you say"Are you effing kidding me?!?!"
1. Is rooting pretty much clearing off your phone and installing a whole new software??
2. If i ever want to come back to stock tmobile...am I able to? (will I even want to??) lol
3. I know gingerbread is coming...how do those updates work on a rooted phone?
4. What precautions should I take when rooting my g2?
5. What is cyanogenmod?...
Sorry for asking these "obvious" questions, but I am trying to understand everything before I try to root my device.
Thank you to all!
MrTeddyChills said:
Hello to all.
I have had my G2 for a month now.
This is my first android.
I was wondering if maybe someone could please clarify some questions I have about Rooting?
I apologize in advance for any questions I may ask that makes you say"Are you effing kidding me?!?!"
1. Is rooting pretty much clearing off your phone and installing a whole new software??
2. If i ever want to come back to stock tmobile...am I able to? (will I even want to??) lol
3. I know gingerbread is coming...how do those updates work on a rooted phone?
4. What precautions should I take when rooting my g2?
5. What is cyanogenmod?...
Sorry for asking these "obvious" questions, but I am trying to understand everything before I try to root my device.
Thank you to all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. rooting makes it possible to flash new roms (which do require you to wipe your system, but once rooted use titanium backup, free app, to back up ur apps on the sdcard)
2. yes there are a few threads on here that walk you through on how to turn security on and install a stock rom
3.as far as i can tell you still get the t-mobile updates sent, and developers here take the new software and make it available to run on our devices.
4. Make sure your device is charged and follow EACH STEP in ORDER and copy the commands CORRECTLY.
5. "CyanogenMod is a free, community built distribution of Android 2.2 (Froyo) which greatly extends the capabilities of your phone." so in short they develop software.
I'd like to add that you will get updates a LOT faster with a rooted phone vs stock OTAs
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
shadyx513 said:
1. rooting makes it possible to flash new roms (which do require you to wipe your system, but once rooted use titanium backup, free app, to back up ur apps on the sdcard)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, that's not right. To the OP - Rooting gives you access to the "root" user on the phone, which allows more powerful customisations and allows certain apps to run (those which require root).
S-OFF (security off) is the thing that allows you to flash custom ROMs. You could root and not touch S-OFF, or you could both root and S-OFF.
Neither of these require you to wipe the phone. But you need to be very careful in understanding what you're doing when you do either of these steps.
HellotThere!
Up until now I just read your forums and followed the xda news.
I got myself a fine Desire HD.
Now I'm interested in rooting and flashing alternatives. But prior to that, I'd want to back up my stock t-mobile ROM, as far as it is possible, to restore it, if I want to use my warranty.
I read, that it's delivered with the 1.72 update. Anyway, my dumb self used the OTA Update.
As far, as I've read threads and other info sources, it is not possible to backup the original t-mobile germany DHD Rom, without downgrading. In all the downgrade tutorials i encountered, they used a stock HTC rom. Which my carrier would not accept in case of warranty.
Now, what I would ask:
Did i miss something? Is there a way to back it up without downgrading?
Or is there some kind of stock ROM, i could download? I didn't find it, despite my searching.
As i've said, i searched for some time. I hope, you can help me, should I've missed something.
I sincerely thank everyone, who invests some time helping me.
Otherwise I hope my english is somewhat acceptable.