I found the cheapest Desire in the UK is at 3uk/payg - 350 Sterling
...but apparently it comes locked to the 3 network, so, before I buy I thought I'd ask:
Noob Questions:
Will rooting take care of unlocking/make it SIM Free? What about rooting AND changing the ROM? (MUST the ROM be replaced when rooting?)
Is there a way to install a stock ROM? (the new ROMs look great but are still early builds - I think the best is yet to come and would rather wait, for now)
If, as promised, the Desire gets an OTA update to support apps2SD and/or divX, etc in the future, will I have to wait for a custom ROM based on the update because I rooted the device?
(Ops, if this should be in the dev forum, feel free to move it)
Rooting should unlock it - perhaps others can step in to ensure that. The last step in the root process is installing a rooted ROM. Paul's default ROM that gets flashed in that step is nothing but the stock Desire ROM (the one from HTC direct) modded to allow root. Sounds like that's what you want.
If the Desire later gets updated and you want it, you will have to wait for HTC to come out with an official update, or (since you're rooted), you'll most likely be able to get it sooner via the rooting community. HTC has to take time and make sure everything's perfect with Sense, etc. before they release an update. The root community doesn't usually have that hold time.
If you do wait for an official ROM from HTC, there's a chance installing that after rooting will revert your root, i.e. you'll lose access to the extra fun stuff.
eesmm said:
but apparently it comes locked to the 3 network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3's Desire's are 100% unbranned and unlocked. I've got one right here and checked it just now with an o2 sim and it worked, although I do actually use my 3 sim in it! They get them stock from HTC and bundle a SIM card pack with them - According to 3 Blog. That may well change in the future, but it was the case when I picked mine up last Sunday.
The Professor said:
i.e. you'll lose access to the extra fun stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is this extra fun stuff? apps to SD? (doesn't really affect me). What else? What am I missing. No idea of the real advantages of rooting so hoping to learn about the practical applications of rooting.
It seems there is a lot of questions regarding the EVO, root and more--so in an effort to clean up redundancy, I'll make an attempt to answer many questions in this thread. I'll touch on a number of important points initially, then you can fire away with questions which I'll (do my best) to answer.
If you have a question, you should read this thread before asking, as it may very well be answered here. If you don't see it, ask away!
Is the EVO GSM-compatible? Can I use it with Verizon?
Short answer: No. The EVO is CDMA-only, and does not contain a SIM card slot. You can try to get Verizon to accept the EVO on their network, but doing so will require you to first convince a representative to do so, which has been virtually unheard of (Sprint and Verizon, despite using the same CDMA technology, maintain HEX ID white lists for phones, and if your phone doesn't match, they can't activate it in their system.)
If you're on Verizon, I'd advise you to consider the Incredible, or wait for the Shadow.
What is 'Root'?
Root access (in linux/unix terms) is the equivalent of being an Administrator in Windows. Without being 'Root', or 'Administrator', what you can and cannot do is severely hampered. You are essentially using a 'Guest' account, with 'Guest' priveledges. This means that whatever HTC/Sprint/Etc. has deemed appropriate for 'Guest' users is all you have access to.
So why do I (or we) want Root access?
Having Root access means we can do whatever we please to our phones. As I said above, this gives us Administrator rights to add, delete, or do as we please to our devices. Without Root, you are forced to do (and use) whatever software Sprint/HTC want you to use.
Can you give us some examples?
Yes. With Root, you can flash a build of Android that someone else has created and/or customized. You can update/reskin your device as you please, add or remove software at your liking, and tether free of Sprint's surcharge. Additionally, without Root, you'll have to wait for Sprint and HTC to release updates for the EVO (which could be months..) with Root, you can load a build as the developers produce it.
Froyo will most certainly arrive (in time), but what about Gingerbread (2.3)? Whatever comes after (2.4)? There is no guarantee that Sprint and HTC will support the EVO that far out. The developers who have this phone, however, most certainly will.
I'm going to have my EVO for at least two years, and I plan on migrating and updating my device to the latest version of Android regardless of what other customers/users who do not have Root access are able to do.
...But there's a risk in getting Root, right?
Yes, there's a risk of bricking your phone, and however minimal that risk is, it needs to be stated. Your best friend is knowledge, so read carefully, read again, and follow directions. You're already here on XDA, you'll be just fine.
I'm concerned that the developer's builds of Android Eclair 2.1 and/or Froyo aren't fully functional, or we won't have the same functionality after Rooting.
Patience. Functionality is dependent on having a Kernel that supports all the technology on the device; an OS to run with that Kernel that supports all of the technology on the device, and the device itself. We have the device and the Kernel, we're just waiting on an official AOSP Froyo release.
If that doesn't make sense, consider this: HTC heavily modified Eclair to support technology like tethering, 4G, front and rear cameras, HDMI, etc. They had to modify it manually because support for it wasn't available in Eclair, but it IS available in Froyo.
In time, everything on the EVO will be fully functional in Froyo.
Where's Froyo?
Google will make Froyo available on AOSP when prepared to do so. Until then, the latest release of Android is Eclair 2.1r1. Again, Eclair doesn't support everything the EVO has to offer, so until Froyo is available, some items may not come to fruition in the developer community (4G access, tethering, etc. as examples.)
Wait a minute, can't I run Froyo from an SDK build?
Yes, you can--but an SDK (Software Development Kit) build is essentially OS files torn from the emulator in the SDK. This may or may not contain all of Froyo's end-result code, and may not be completely indicative of what a final release of Froyo will be like. It IS very useful for testing and tinkering, and isn't necessarily even a bad build to use on a day-to-day basis, as long as you understand it's limitations. When you're reading threads about functionality for a Froyo SDK build for the EVO, now you'll hopefully have a better idea as to why that functionality is limited right now.
I hate Sense UI! What can I do? Can we remove it? Can we replace the modified applications?
You can disable Sense, but you can't remove it (unless you're Root and can replace the OS entirely, that is.) Sense is deeply integrated into the core of Android in the release HTC and Sprint provide, so much so that certain applications (People, Messages, Internet) cannot be "undone" short of (again) replacing the ROM. You can disable the widgets, and replace the launcher (ADW Launcher is a solid alternative), but at the end of the day, Sense is so tightly coupled with the EVO stock ROM that you can't completely remove/replace or restore the original Android system files.
This is another good argument for wanting Root access.
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Nice work.
is there a good tutorial somewhere on how to root in Ubuntu...this is my first droid phone, coming over from winMo
dahray02 said:
is there a good tutorial somewhere on how to root in Ubuntu...this is my first droid phone, coming over from winMo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do a search for adb ubuntu
the sdk for ubuntu is at google's android site.
First, thanks for taking the time to post a good compilation for some beginners like myself.
This is my first android phone, however I have been following the progression of the OS for some time.
As you stated above,
"With Root, you can flash a build of Android that someone else has created and/or customized."
I have seen on other forums, such as the hero forums, that there are several different choices for custom roms. I tried to see what the main "features" were but they seemed a little too technical for me at this point.
What are the main differences between different custom roms in terms of how they function or what they do differently, aside from OS versions?
Also, I do see that certain roms indicate they have the Sense UI turned off or tuned down. For someone who has only used stock roms which have sense already on, what does a reduced/disabled version of sense look like?
Thanks again!
I read that the Sprint OTA update that fixes the SD card issue breaks the first exploit for root, but that the Unrevoked exploit can still root even if the OTA exploit has been applied. Since I'm having SD card issues, I wanted to go ahead and accept the OTA update I initially declined. I tried the option to check for a firmware update, and it says there are none for me. I also tried the HTC software update, and it says I was already up to date. Does this mean the update got applied somehow already? Is there a way I can tell? Am I doing the wrong thing to try to force the update? My phone says "Firmware version 2.1-update1". But I'm still having SD card issues.
I'm also wondering if this thing can be unrooted, in case I need Sprint to handle it.
Thanks Shidell...much needed!!!
I am interested in a future update to froyo 2.2 w/ its new features, removing a few stock sprint apks and mainly, replacing the painful htc sense with AOSP. I much prefer the new AOSP launcher and 3d app drawer. UNTIL THEN, i would probably just like to remove some apks and add in some that may not be allowed from sprint (google nav? usb tether? etc) and maybe disable sense (like above).
What do you recommend? Toast Root, unrevoked sticky apk? Should i wait to root altogether?? Do i need to avoid future OTA's etc? or would rooting now be the way to go to protect future root options?? i just don't know what to do!
Thanks for your thread! Can't wait to utilize the evo in all its glory!! My vogue just couldn't cut it anymore.
Can we get this stickied? It's great info to refer to for all people (new or just new to android)
RN-Dude said:
I read that the Sprint OTA update that fixes the SD card issue breaks the first exploit for root, but that the Unrevoked exploit can still root even if the OTA exploit has been applied. Since I'm having SD card issues, I wanted to go ahead and accept the OTA update I initially declined. I tried the option to check for a firmware update, and it says there are none for me. I also tried the HTC software update, and it says I was already up to date. Does this mean the update got applied somehow already? Is there a way I can tell? Am I doing the wrong thing to try to force the update? My phone says "Firmware version 2.1-update1". But I'm still having SD card issues.
I'm also wondering if this thing can be unrooted, in case I need Sprint to handle it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to "unroot":
http://geekfor.me/evo/ruu/evo_ruu_1326511/
This is an exe that just flashes the phone back to the way it was when it was shipped (you'll lose all your data on the device, but your SD card should be untouched).
Also, to check for the update, you want to look under the Menu>Settings>About Phone>Software Info>Software Number
The OTA changed the last digit from a .1 to a .6.
Hope that helps!
sticky???
agreed, sticky please???? that would be great
MichaelWestin said:
First, thanks for taking the time to post a good compilation for some beginners like myself.
This is my first android phone, however I have been following the progression of the OS for some time.
As you stated above,
"With Root, you can flash a build of Android that someone else has created and/or customized."
I have seen on other forums, such as the hero forums, that there are several different choices for custom roms. I tried to see what the main "features" were but they seemed a little too technical for me at this point.
What are the main differences between different custom roms in terms of how they function or what they do differently, aside from OS versions?
Also, I do see that certain roms indicate they have the Sense UI turned off or tuned down. For someone who has only used stock roms which have sense already on, what does a reduced/disabled version of sense look like?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In regard to rooting and ROM customization, one primary difference (always) is that you have root access, so that's something to keep in mind. From there, the differences usually include what version of Android you're using (Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, etc.) and then what software packages are included.
"Sense UI", for example, is HTC's skin for the Android OS. "MotoBlur" is Motorola's skin, and Samsung has their own variant, as do others. This is a lot like customizing Windows; it'd be like changing the background, the system sounds, and the way Windows appear/look. Skinning is akin to theming. Attached is a picture example.
Note that different skins/themes sometimes include more than just visuals; Sense UI, for example, replaces the default MMS and Contacts applications with HTC's variants, as well as replacing the default system keyboard application. How much is customized is up to the manufacturer.
adeyo said:
I am interested in a future update to froyo 2.2 w/ its new features, removing a few stock sprint apks and mainly, replacing the painful htc sense with AOSP. I much prefer the new AOSP launcher and 3d app drawer. UNTIL THEN, i would probably just like to remove some apks and add in some that may not be allowed from sprint (google nav? usb tether? etc) and maybe disable sense (like above).
What do you recommend? Toast Root, unrevoked sticky apk? Should i wait to root altogether?? Do i need to avoid future OTA's etc? or would rooting now be the way to go to protect future root options?? i just don't know what to do!
Thanks for your thread! Can't wait to utilize the evo in all its glory!! My vogue just couldn't cut it anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd suggest using Toast's method. The process is straightforward, and will allow you to achieve root access. From there, you can flash the ROM of your choice--be it Toast's Fr0y0 build, or an alternative ROM from another member. Toast also links to a Stock-ROM that's been modified for root access. This will give you the same experience as your phone was default, but with root access. This also means that you can uninstall certain applications, like Sprint TV, should you desire to do so.
However, you'll still be stuck using other Sense UI applications, like contacts and MMS, which I don't really care for. It's just life right now.
Froyo should (hypothetically) be made available soon, and then everyone with any iota of knowledge is going to be working frantically to build a full, feature-complete ROM with everything working (and then some), including tethering, HDMI out, full GPS/Wifi/Bluetooth/4G support, etc.
My recommendation? Root now using Toast's method, be wary (and read about) any updates before you perform them, and experiment with a few ROMs before Froyo is made available. Prep yourself now for Froyo and it'll be smooth sailing once it's available.
Nice thread
-------------------------------------
Sent from EVO
flipzmode?
Shidell said:
Toast also links to a Stock-ROM that's been modified for root access. This will give you the same experience as your phone was default, but with root access. This also means that you can uninstall certain applications, like Sprint TV, should you desire to do so...
However, you'll still be stuck using other Sense UI applications, like contacts and MMS, which I don't really care for. It's just life right now...
My recommendation? Root now using Toast's method...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. So "toasts link stock rom", is that flipzmode's rom you are referring to? And that will give me the same exact experience as i have now, except for with root so if i want to modify SenseUI or some sprint apks i can? (i don't want anything to be removed or changed already, i just want to protect root for future when froyo comes out for our device with everything working).
2. and what does it mean when toast says: "you will need to wipe data and dalvic cache before flashing this." How do i do this?
Thanks!!
nand unlocking?
What is the significance of the nand unlocking? if we can already root, what extra does this allow us to do?
Hi,
Im totally new to phone flashing, rooting etc. Please answer few of my questions before I make something bad to my beloved Desire
I have Wavesecure installed. However it has a limitation based on Android ROM - application cannot start GPS by itself. Seems to be secure-issued thing. I do not want to discuss it - just found out that if I will root my Desire then Wavesecure is able to start GPS tracking based on my SMS.
This is very important for me as I find this feature "a must" if phone is stolen.
I do not want to change anything in my ROM, do not want to flash new roms - just need root for Wavesecure.
And here is my major question - if done with some of tutorials:
- will I be able to run smooth still my old HTC rom without any problems, data loss etc? So will it just have root feature and nothing changed?
- if HTC releases new firmware update - can I install it from HTC or I will have to skip?
- if I install HTC release - will I have to root again?
1) rooting with the Stock image is fine, and you will be able to create backups of your phone in the future (which is always helpful)
2) Yes you can install them but you loose your rootedness and as such use of wavesecure
3) as above and yes, but you dont have to stick with the HTC ROM's, the cooked ROMs on here are way more fun
Thanks!
Is there any good guide for rooting only with 0.8 bootloader? All I found is rooting+flashing and I would like to avoid flash.
Wants only to add root feature, do not change ROM and last but not least - do not loose any settings/data...
sorry but in order to root your phone you have to flash a new rom
you are currently using a htc official unrooted rom
you need to install a htc rooted rom (this is just the htc official rom (yours) with root features)
this will clear the data off your phone, however if you have enabled the default backup feature of the phone most of this will be backed up and restored, you can even download 3rd party software such as titanium backup and mybackup pro from the market
Thanks for the info.
So I think I will wait for official 2.2 ROM and then I'll flash. Should be in few days/weeks now as already got 2.1-update1 installed via HTC.
Indeed, i was running that 2 days ago and 2.2 will eventually drop, just give it a week or so after and the Cooked ROMS should be up to scratch
Hi folks,
I've decided to root my Desire running OTA 2.2, but I'm not sure which guide to follow. There seems to be many different options, and all tutorials tell different things. Which is the best/safest/easiest way? I'm sure this has been asked before, but I couldn't find any threads for it. Here are some of the guides/methods I'm considering:
Unrevoked
Complete upgrading guide
RiskFreeRoot
The "complete upgrading guide" isn't really an option, since it apparently won't work if "you have installed 2.2 OTA update from HTC". A final inquiry, once I've got root access, which are the must-have apps for rooted devices? I've stumbled across a bunch of them, but it would be nice with some pointers as well
Cheers
1. Use unrEVOked
2. There are no 'must have' apps. Ignore Task Killers as they're not needed. You're better just going for a custom ROM
Thanks! Unrevoked really seems like the best way to roll. I've never used task killers and I see no reason to start now
Well, that was quick and simple enough Kudos to unrevoked 3.
Quick off-topic question: can a device rooted with unrevoked 3 still receive official OTA firmware updates? And if so, when such an update is applied, will the device still be rooted?
You can receive the OTAs (at least if you are still on a stock ROM) but your Root will most likely be gone (as it was the case with the last OTA).
Settings > about phone>system software updates> untick automated option...
because mistakes always do happen and you don't want to in the middle of a day or a weekend..
can someone here also tel me if there is a way to backup de current rom in case somthing happens and need to go back to the vender.
Use rommanager to back up old rom, and also to flash new rom. You can download it from market.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Hi!
I'm a norwegian girl that baught my first android phone a month ago. I loooove my Desire HD, but I hate alot of the crap that came with it. Stocks, amazon mp3, peep and so on. I don't like that they keep using my phone when I have no use for them what so ever.
I'm also a "design freak" and I'm currently working on making my own icons and backgrounds etc to use with laucherpro. I like sense, but I don't like having to deal with all the bloatware that I can't hide there. I don't like -hiding- it in launcherpro either, 'cause I know they are there - lurking in the background...
I'm not completely noob with technical stuff, but I have never rooted a phone before.
I have the 1.32 version of the system-thingy on my phone, (I read somwhere that makes it easier to root?)
Is it possible to root the phone, remove all bloatware I don't use, and have sense UI and everything as normal ? And is it hard to flash custom ROM's? I'm attracted by the thought of getting to customize my phone even more. I can sit for hours and hours, lol
Also, when the 2.3 update comes from HTC, is it a pain in the ass to get it working on my phone when it's rooted?
as you are on the 1.32 platform, you can very easily root the phone and do S-OFF and all that necessary rooting business, there are many tutorials in this developer section on how to do this. After you have root access (and a custom rom if you please) you can install a program called titanium backup, and force remove it from there, a tutorial is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829662&highlight=force+remove+titanium+backup
If you have root/a custom rom then the 2.3 update should be easy to do as you can flash an official RUU, which if a 2.3 update appears there will be plenty of tutorials for.