Develop Bugs

To root or not to root, that is the question

Please feel free to move this in another section if a mod feels like it's out of place.
I'm new to Android, but not new to HTC devices. I used to have a WM6.1 (later 6.5) HTC Fuze/Touch Pro. Part of the reason I preferred an HTC phone over a Samsung or other manufacturer is the XDA community.
That being said, I understand that rooting seems to be the equivalent of doing the hard SPL on WM which enables you to flash a custom ROM.
I also understand there was an OTA patch on the launch day that addressed the microSD card issue and the root vulnerability.
So I guess this is really a two part question - the only thing I'm interested in rooting for is free tethering (I don't really care if it's over wi-fi or USB cable, either is fine but I suppose I'd prefer wi-fi). As far as programs and all that, I'm happy with everything that is already on the phone.
I've also read that cooked ROMs "degrade" over time - is this true? And is it true for stock ROMs as well?
1. Is there a root that gets by the latest OTA update?
2. Other than wi-fi tethering and some other apps, what advantages does rooting have? I'd rather not totally **** my phone up... but if it's just as easy if not easier to root than it is to do a hard SPL, then PLEASE let me know. I feel dumb reading some of these "easy guides" for rooting and they don't answer all of my questions. For example, if any of the root methods bypasses the most recent OTA.
Perhaps there are more answers in the comments, but I don't want read that much while I'm at work. Yes, call me lazy if you want.
Many, many thanks in advance, and if someone wanted to write a pre-school level rooting guide with pics, that would be AWESOME and I'd be eternally indebted to you... that is if rooting gives me more hookups then just wi-fi tethering.

pekosROB said:
I've also read that cooked ROMs "degrade" over time - is this true? And is it true for stock ROMs as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what you mean by the "degrade"... but if you're talking about ROM's not being maintained for their entire life cycle, that happens rarely here. Alll the Dev's here seem to maintain there ROM's very well, users send feedback in a variety of ways so that the ROM's are always up to date and customized with each new version. Stock ROM's are just that, stock. They don't usually get much customization and aren't maintained, because of the newer more customized ROM's that are put out by the Dev's.
pekosROB said:
1. Is there a root that gets by the latest OTA update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
pekosROB said:
2. Other than wi-fi tethering and some other apps, what advantages does rooting have? I'd rather not totally **** my phone up... but if it's just as easy if not easier to root than it is to do a hard SPL, then PLEASE let me know. I feel dumb reading some of these "easy guides" for rooting and they don't answer all of my questions. For example, if any of the root methods bypasses the most recent OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're someone that likes to overclock your phone, you now have that ability; on top of the other things you mentioned (tethering, customizable ROM's, etc). Also, rooting isn't very hard at all, just follow the directions as stated and you'll be good to go. If you really want a seamlessly (but limited) root hack -- you can use the UnRevoked method, which is a simple application that basically toggles root access for you on your phone. Toast's method is a bit more in depth, but if you have experience with hacking your phone, you'll be fine.
And yes, these root methods BYPASS! the most recent OTA.
pekosROB said:
Perhaps there are more answers in the comments, but I don't want read that much while I'm at work. Yes, call me lazy if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed you are.
pekosROB said:
Many, many thanks in advance, and if someone wanted to write a pre-school level rooting guide with pics, that would be AWESOME and I'd be eternally indebted to you... that is if rooting gives me more hookups then just wi-fi tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a couple of threads already featuring "How-To" root with pictures. Please look in the Android Development thread.

I did a root. The only real positive thing is the free wifi tethering. But you can do that w/ the unrevoked root which is mind numbingly easy.
The different ROMs aren't dramatically shocking exactly. When 2.2 is final and error free I will flash to that. Otherwise my phone works just fine.

pseudoremora said:
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
rutter9 said:
I did a root. The only real positive thing is the free wifi tethering. But you can do that w/ the unrevoked root which is mind numbingly easy.
The different ROMs aren't dramatically shocking exactly. When 2.2 is final and error free I will flash to that. Otherwise my phone works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it sounds like I just need to look for the UnRevoked method since all I really care about is wifi tethering.
Has this been working with full 4G access as well? Not that it matters right now since I'm not in a 4G market, but soon hope to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

pseudoremora said:
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
Oh yeah, and anything that backs up all the apps and settings and **** on my phone? Otherwise I'd have to write it all down the old fashion way... that's the main reason I don't wanna fully root, because I'm lazy and I doubt I'll use all the benefits... but then again... if i Could find something that backed everything up and my info, I'd be in heaven.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

pekosROB said:
Oh yeah, and anything that backs up all the apps and settings and **** on my phone? Otherwise I'd have to write it all down the old fashion way... that's the main reason I don't wanna fully root, because I'm lazy and I doubt I'll use all the benefits... but then again... if i Could find something that backed everything up and my info, I'd be in heaven.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to have the ability to backup everything on your phone, you can use Titanium Backup (it's in the Market; and you mighr need root -- use UnRevoked) or use Toast's method and be able to do Nandroid back ups, which would image your phone and save it, so you can restore it at a later date.

pseudoremora said:
In order to have the ability to backup everything on your phone, you can use Titanium Backup (it's in the Market; and you mighr need root -- use UnRevoked) or use Toast's method and be able to do Nandroid back ups, which would image your phone and save it, so you can restore it at a later date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.

pekosROB said:
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skip this ^ part, it's redundant with the next part.
use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: nevermind, forgot you wanted to back it all up prior to full root.

pekosROB said:
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No No No.
You don't even have to worry about backing up your phone before rooting; there is a stock RUU image that will allow you to bring your phone back to factory default settings if you happen to screw up anything during rooting your phone or if you just want to go back to Stock period.
I would just root your phone using Toast's method, its really not that hard. If you want to tether and be able to backup your phone; having a full root access hack is preferred, plus then you have the ability to customize your phone with new themes, kernels, etc... and you may say you don't want to do that; but believe me you will.
Also, in regards to "recalling info" -- what do you mean? Since you're new to Android, i'll tell you that Google manages all your information for you. Your contacts, you Email, your apps, etc. If you move to another phone, your contacts and your Email will come with you. When you first get your phone, you have to sign in with a Gmail account, that account houses all your information for the phone and as such also keeps tracks of all your contacts and what not. Titanium Backup isn't really needed, if you're worried about losing information or whatever initially before rooting, then sure -- use it. Otherwise, if you already have all your information associated with your Gmail account that's being used by the phone, then I'd just root and after you've rooted, then do a Nandroid backup.

Jye75 said:
Skip this ^ part, it's redundant with the next part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I thought doing a full root wipes your device clean? I'm trying to back it up before doing Toast's root in order to not have to configure everything again (Besides phone settings).

pekosROB said:
But I thought doing a full root wipes your device clean? I'm trying to back it up before doing Toast's root in order to not have to configure everything again (Besides phone settings).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited my post... forgot about that.

pseudoremora said:
Also, in regards to "recalling info" -- what do you mean? Since you're new to Android, i'll tell you that Google manages all your information for you. Your contacts, you Email, your apps, etc. If you move to another phone, your contacts and your Email will come with you. When you first get your phone, you have to sign in with a Gmail account, that account houses all your information for the phone and as such also keeps tracks of all your contacts and what not. Titanium Backup isn't really needed, if you're worried about losing information or whatever initially before rooting, then sure -- use it. Otherwise, if you already have all your information associated with your Gmail account that's being used by the phone, then I'd just root and after you've rooted, then do a Nandroid backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Recalling info" means website logins, eBuddy accounts, settings for particular programs, my checkbook program with all the info in it.
I understand a lot of programs put **** on the SDcard, but will the actual programs that I've downloaded to the phone still be there? Rooting doesn't require a hard reset unless you mess up the process?
I understand the contacts and email - I'm not worried about that. Since I'm such a dedicated Gmail user I wanted to get into Android.

pekosROB said:
"Recalling info" means website logins, eBuddy accounts, settings for particular programs, my checkbook program with all the info in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't do any of that, I wipe my cache and history, just because. But I would presume Titanium backup would take care of this, I've never needed to use Titanium, so I don't know.
pekosROB said:
I understand a lot of programs put **** on the SDcard, but will the actual programs that I've downloaded to the phone still be there? Rooting doesn't require a hard reset unless you mess up the process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently the programs will not be there. Froyo 2.2 should allow for this to happen though. Our phones are currently running Android 2.1 and Toast's method will wipe everything on the phone when you begin the rooting process (so yes, its a "hard reset").

Here is an awesome question and answer blog to root or not to root. Good read for the noobs!
http://www.androidcentral.com/rooting-it-me-some-qa

I come from a similar background as you, WinMo to Android. I will say the current options after rooting are limited. I went ahead and did it, and honestly the only thing I feel happened was I spent hours reconfiguring my home screens and settings/apps. The phone doesn't feel any faster and it doesn't have any new capabilities.
I appreciate the time the people put into ROMs and rooting and I know its hard work, its just too early to get a lot of tangible benefits.
If I could I would go back, I would just use UnrEVOked (I did for a few days). It's your stock ROM with the ability to tether. That's all most people would really want right now anyways.

Breakthecycle2 said:
Here is an awesome question and answer blog to root or not to root. Good read for the noobs!
http://www.androidcentral.com/rooting-it-me-some-qa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks!
Pops_G said:
I come from a similar background as you, WinMo to Android. I will say the current options after rooting are limited. I went ahead and did it, and honestly the only thing I feel happened was I spent hours reconfiguring my home screens and settings/apps. The phone doesn't feel any faster and it doesn't have any new capabilities.
I appreciate the time the people put into ROMs and rooting and I know its hard work, its just too early to get a lot of tangible benefits.
If I could I would go back, I would just use UnrEVOked (I did for a few days). It's your stock ROM with the ability to tether. That's all most people would really want right now anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I might just stick with UnrEVOked then. Do I just search for a tether app on the marketplace that says "root required"?
pseudoremora said:
I don't do any of that, I wipe my cache and history, just because. But I would presume Titanium backup would take care of this, I've never needed to use Titanium, so I don't know.
Currently the programs will not be there. Froyo 2.2 should allow for this to happen though. Our phones are currently running Android 2.1 and Toast's method will wipe everything on the phone when you begin the rooting process (so yes, its a "hard reset").
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so will the Sprint TV program and that kinda stuff be back? Because it sounds like it'll wipe it back to factory settings, allow for root access, but it'll still have the default programs when I'm done rooting that came with the phone out of the box?
Sorry, I am a total noob at Android Rooting. But I can hard SPL and flash cooked ROMs on WM all day long... haha pathetic.
XDA members ARE THE ****! :-D

pekosROB said:
OK, so will the Sprint TV program and that kinda stuff be back? Because it sounds like it'll wipe it back to factory settings, allow for root access, but it'll still have the default programs when I'm done rooting that came with the phone out of the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That's exactly what will happen. You'll have a stock, rooted phone, which you can now install a custom recovery image onto (The recovery image is how you would make backups of your phone, install custom themes, ROM's, wipe your phone, etc).
pekosROB said:
Sorry, I am a total noob at Android Rooting. But I can hard SPL and flash cooked ROMs on WM all day long... haha pathetic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's understandable, everyone here at some point or another was a "noob", but that changes quickly!

pseudoremora said:
Yes. That's exactly what will happen. You'll have a stock, rooted phone, which you can now install a custom recovery image onto (The recovery image is how you would make backups of your phone, install custom themes, ROM's, wipe your phone, etc).
It's understandable, everyone here at some point or another was a "noob", but that changes quickly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doing this at work and want to make it as stress free as possible...
I'm looking at the Rooting instructions by Toast, and I've noticed it says to not accept any OTAs once you root. So is there a chance my microSD card will not work? Or has this issue been resolved/updated?
Here is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690762
or this one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=685835
Once I root with the PC36IMG, do I then immediately have to install a ROM like this to get it back to stock?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=693980
But only after doing the Recovery? I think I got this figured out about 75%... heh

pekosROB said:
I'm doing this at work and want to make it as stress free as possible...
I'm looking at the Rooting instructions by Toast, and I've noticed it says to not accept any OTAs once you root. So is there a chance my microSD card will not work? Or has this issue been resolved/updated?
Here is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690762
or this one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=685835
Once I root with the PC36IMG, do I then immediately have to install a ROM like this to get it back to stock?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=693980
But only after doing the Recovery? I think I got this figured out about 75%... heh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright,
You need to follow the steps in THIS thread first. This is the first part of rooting your Evo using Toast's method. The first part will allow you to gain only about 50% root access and you'll also be able to use Amon_RA's recovery to make a Nandroid backup and flash a custom ROM; but hold off on that until you've completed the next step, continue reading...
Then you need to follow Toast's SECOND part of the rooting process, this process will complete the root hack altogether. This second part will give you full root access on every partition on the phone (which was missing in part 1). After you complete this second part, you can NOW install a custom ROM, recovery, etc.
So, basically, do the first part -- after you've completed it, do the second part... the second part will look similar to the first, but download all the new files and follow the directions as written! You'll see that the last step in the second part will instruct you to install Amon_RA's recovery image, do that. After that's done, you now have:
1. Full root access
2. A Custom recovery image (Amon_RA's)
3. You can make a Nandroid back up
4. Can install/flash custom ROM's
5. Tether
6. Etc.
To boot into recovery mode, do as follows:
1. Turn of your phone -- hold the power button, choose power off.
2. Press Volume Down + Power, until you see a white bootloading screen, using your Volume rocker keys (up and down), choose recovery.. then to select "recovery", click the Power button. Your phone will reboot, and go into recovery. This is where you can make a Nandroid backup and flash custom ROM's. Follow the instructions in recovery to navigate around it.
Also, as far as flashing custom ROM's goes, please look at this link
This is the Wiki page for all the current ROM's that have been made for the Evo.
If you get stuck or need anymore help -- continue asking questions; but please also look at this before doing so.

pseudoremora said:
Alright,
You need to follow the steps in THIS thread first. This is the first part of rooting your Evo using Toast's method. The first part will allow you to gain only about 50% root access and you'll also be able to use Amon_RA's recovery to make a Nandroid backup and flash a custom ROM; but hold off on that until you've completed the next step, continue reading...
Then you need to follow Toast's SECOND part of the rooting process, this process will complete the root hack altogether. This second part will give you full root access on every partition on the phone (which was missing in part 1). After you complete this second part, you can NOW install a custom ROM, recovery, etc.
So, basically, do the first part -- after you've completed it, do the second part... the second part will look similar to the first, but download all the new files and follow the directions as written! You'll see that the last step in the second part will instruct you to install Amon_RA's recovery image, do that. After that's done, you now have:
1. Full root access
2. A Custom recovery image (Amon_RA's)
3. You can make a Nandroid back up
4. Can install/flash custom ROM's
5. Tether
6. Etc.
To boot into recovery mode, do as follows:
1. Turn of your phone -- hold the power button, choose power off.
2. Press Volume Down + Power, until you see a white bootloading screen, using your Volume rocker keys (up and down), choose recovery.. then to select "recovery", click the Power button. Your phone will reboot, and go into recovery. This is where you can make a Nandroid backup and flash custom ROM's. Follow the instructions in recovery to navigate around it.
Also, as far as flashing custom ROM's goes, please look at this link
This is the Wiki page for all the current ROM's that have been made for the Evo.
If you get stuck or need anymore help -- continue asking questions; but please also look at this before doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweet, thanks. I've already gotten the first part of the root access done, I'm just on that part where I have rename the file on the card.

[Q] Help an idiot? Please

Guys, I'm lost. I search. I read (my eyes are bleeding), but unfortunatley I don't understand the terms, so it's all greek to me.
I have a stock EVO with 2.1 The only thing I have done is added Unrevoked3 to bring back my ability to use wifi tethering.
I would now like to get to 2.2. I've been saying "NO" to the OTA update because I know nobody has rooted 2.2 yet.
That said, it seems that because I haven't upgraded I can pull root, apply 2.2, keep root and keep wifi tethering.
I'm wondering if someone can provide step by step instructions on how to do this given a stock phone with only unrevoked3 on it so far.
I know - search... I'm so lost though. I want to be as close to stock as possible when I'm finished, and ideally I'd like to be able to go back and apply the stock OTA or HTC update if I want to, even if I lose root.
Can anyone help? Step by step?
Thank you!

If you rooted 2.1, then you can upgrade to 2.2.
There are probably 10 rooted ROMs in this forum now. Pick the one you like and flash it. Just be sure it says it is rooted.

You must be FULLY ROOTED for most roms on here. Unrevoked3 is not a full root.
Look into Simpleroot to get a full NAND unlock and root and then you can boot into the custom recovery and flash as you please.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=706411

Try using this method and flashing a custom rom should give you root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=745420

Sounds like I'm hearing 2 things. Do I need to do a full root (BTW, I'm on an old mac, so I can't use simpleroot), or can I do as xHausx says and just install over the unrevoked3 "root"?
Recommendations on the ROM's closest to stock Froyo?
Will I be updating the radio at the same time?
Sorry - newbie

Go with xHausx's method then.
I'm running Baked Snack 1.3, it's a solid ROM. You'll be playing with many roms over the next couple weeks.

Here's a stock rooted 2.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=743352

Liamfm said:
Recommendations on the ROM's closest to stock Froyo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Closest to stock would be the UPDATED 8/7 HTC Froyo 2.2, *FINAL*, v3.26.651.6 (Rooted) DeOdexed RevE.1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=743781

Okay, so I am downloading the one Grouse recommended. At the same time I'm doing a backup via rom manager and have done a titanium backup already.
From here is it as easy as transferring the .zip file to my Sd card and then loading it via rom manager???
Again, remember I'm on unrevoked3 and everything else is stock.
Will I have to update any radios, etc?
Thanks so much - what a wonderful resource this site is.

Liamfm said:
Okay, so I am downloading the one Grouse recommended. At the same time I'm doing a backup via rom manager and have done a titanium backup already.
From here is it as easy as transferring the .zip file to my Sd card and then loading it via rom manager???
Again, remember I'm on unrevoked3 and everything else is stock.
Will I have to update any radios, etc?
Thanks so much - what a wonderful resource this site is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this will not work. you need to have "full" root and be NAND unlocked to flash roms. Unrevoked3 is not full root as stated above. you may however try UnrevokedForever. just find the appropriate thread and follow the instructions if it is compatible with a mac, dont remember right off the top of my head.

Okay, t3project... explain the thread in post #4 here.
I'm learning here - not trying to be a smartass. It just looks like it WILL work... is this not the case?

Okay, so I've updated with no problems. I'm on Froyo now, I retained wifi tether. All is good with the world.
Except Pandora. I get the poor quality and the closing when nav or phone call.
Is there a fix for this yet? Also, now that I'm running a custom ROM I would assume I can't take any updates that google would push out. I can still update apps, but if this problem with Pandora is with the OS am I screwed?
Thanks,

Liamfm said:
Can someone point me in the direction of the radio and wimax radio I need as well? I'm downloading wimax26023 right now, is that right? What's the latest and greatest radio I should use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715485
I didn't use unrevoked so I am not really sure if the method I linked to earlier works or not, but it definitely wouldn't hurt to use one of the other methods just to make sure you have full root and the NAND unlocked.

Okay, so I've updated with no problems. I'm on Froyo now, I retained wifi tether. All is good with the world.
Except Pandora. I get the poor quality and the closing when nav or phone call.
Is there a fix for this yet? Also, now that I'm running a custom ROM I would assume I can't take any updates that google would push out. I can still update apps, but if this problem with Pandora is with the OS am I screwed?
Thanks,

Liamfm said:
Okay, so I've updated with no problems. I'm on Froyo now, I retained wifi tether. All is good with the world.
Except Pandora. I get the poor quality and the closing when nav or phone call.
Is there a fix for this yet? Also, now that I'm running a custom ROM I would assume I can't take any updates that google would push out. I can still update apps, but if this problem with Pandora is with the OS am I screwed?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got to use the search button man... Theres a fix for it out there somewhere

I've found the "fix" even before I tried to install 2.2. The problem is that I don't have a PC to work off of.
Can this editing of the file be done by transferring the file via BT to my mac, editing in text editor, and sending back via BT???
Thanks

Liamfm said:
Okay, t3project... explain the thread in post #4 here.
I'm learning here - not trying to be a smartass. It just looks like it WILL work... is this not the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably with a stock rooted rom but if you want to do other things such as overclock, uncap the fps, custom kernels and whatnot you'll need to be full nand unlocked.

[Q] Just ordered my phone, want some input before i start messing with it.

Hello there,
I have been lurking these forums for a while now, I originally planned on getting an Evo around july but stuff happened and so ive been putting it off till now. I just ordered it off SERO so yay, super excited…but to the point. I read these forums everyday when the evo came out up until mid july when I knew I wasn’t getting one so I knew about that cdma trick to improve battery life and rooting via toast etc etc. However, skimming through the threads I see Froyo is officially out now and there are many types of ways to root out there. Also , there are tons of roms compared to a few months ago.
I understand there are many threads out there (ive read a lot + all the stickied threads) but I just want to get some outside input before I go to town on my phone when it arrives. I know these questions have probably been answered in some form or another on this forum and XDA but honestly, there is an overwhelmingly large amount of information and I just need answers to a few simple questions and I hope people understand that.
1. The first thing I want to do is root the phone and flash a custom rom before downloading apps and entering phone numbers and the such. Is this a good idea? Or should I enter my stuff and download my apps and use Titanium Backup (do people still even use that?) to save my crap before I root and flash?
2. The order of flashing a custom rom would be …root (unrevoked 3.2.1) > nandroid backup > flash custom rom. Is this Correct?
3. I also noticed that some of the custom roms require different versions of hboot (whatever that is) and older versions of software. I don’t want to deal with the downgrading stuff if possible, so my question is which rom can be flashed on the most up-to-date version of froyo? Any suggestions? (i notice a lot of people use Fresh)
4. Ive also noticed that some roms require you to update the radio/PRI or whatever. What exactly is the radio? I googled it and it has to deal with signals and stuff…does that mean the custom roms break the radio and I have to update to a custom radio for me to get reception/data?
Thanks for your time.

i got the Evo when it came out, when i got the evo in the mail i went to the sprint both on base and transfer my numbers from my tp2 to the evo..... then i rooted it " the old fasion" way.. i cant speak for unrevoke but i guess you can do that... and yes, you want to do a nandroid back up before you flash your 1st rom.. if things dont work you can use that to restore your phone... once you have at least one nandroid you dont have to do one every time you flash a custom rom... it doesnt hurt to have more than one back up tho.. keep some in your pc incase your sdcard get damaged or lost.
as far as apps and setting the phone... i dont think it matters.... the contacts get backed by gmail ( if you set that up, you should)... the apps you can use tittanium ( what i use, paid) but the onces you buy will be in your download section from the market place. havent lost one app yet but you have to allow goggle to sync with your phone... you can also use dropbox and other places.. a lot of options.
as far as radio goes.... you can upgrade everything one time.. some roms may include it but most wont... if its a stock rooted rom then it may include the radio since its something new. but you can find everything seperate..
flashing a rom wont change the radio endless it says it will.
anyways, hopes this helps and didnt comfuse you more lol

As soon as you get it charged up and activated .... root it. Don't do any updates, downloads, etc....
You are on the right track. You have done the smart thing, doing all of your homework.
As far as I am concerned Fresh is the only way to go on the rom
The radio and pri need to be updated for 2 main reasons 1. The fresh rom that you use whether it is the latest and greatest or an older version will be tweaked for a certain radio and pri version. You will find that on the site instructions. And 2. Updating the radio and pri will increase battery life and signal.
Ofcourse this is just my opinion and you will get many more I am sure........ get the latest/greatest FRESH you will love it
Sent from my custom EVO PC36100 Using XDA app

hello,
thanks for the quick replies.
regarding the radio issue, after reading the stickied thread in this forum "Common misconceptions and other useful information" im a little scared to mess with the radio. I notice that Fresh has a radio update posted so my question is this...Are all radio updates the same? like the one posted on fresh's website will work with most roms or just his particular rom? I also live in an area with 4g coverage and i plan to use it! so i definately dont want to lose that (its why im not considering using CM6)
sorry, im trying hard to understand how this works...this will be my first smartphone ive ever had so there is a learning curve for me. thanks again for your time.

The radio thing has me worried too, I don't want to lose 4G. I rooted mostly to get the bloat out and to gain 5 point multitouch. I'm still not positive what to do to NOT break my 4g and lose my radio ID.
I did the unrevoked root a little while ago, quick an easy. OP should do it right away.

I'm on current Fresh 3.3.0.1 with KingKlick CFS #10 custom kernel and all the updated radios. Everything working great for me. Definitely nandroid first before you flash any custom rom. And if you have apps + data that you want to save, use either Ti or MyBackup Pro to restore them. After you do a full data/factory + cache + dalvik cache wipe, flash the new rom then boot into it to make sure everything is running. Reboot back into recovery and flash the current radio update. By the way, I recommend Amon Ra recovery for all your flashing needs because it just works better than ClockworkMod imho.
Shameless plug: Check out Jabbawalkee's MattedBlues theme because it's just sexy like that but there are definitely other theme options out there besides the stock Sense look.

No not all radios are created equal. Usually the rom that you will be flashing will tell you what radio to use. The Fresh rom has always made strides to be efficient and up to date. I have yet to have any problems with any of the versions he has put out. Don't let the words radio, baseband, services, etc... worry you. flashing them are simple and and painless. No worries!
Sent from my custom EVO PC36100 Using XDA app

Unrevoked + forever is the hands down easiest and best way to root your phone except it leaves you with clockwork recovery which isn't as good as ra recovery but that is a very simple switch. Pretty dman simple on a pc just install drivers and click on root. Then copy forever to you SD card and flash it. Even easier on MAC no drivers required.

ok great thanks for all the input guys i really appreciate it!

Didn't see anyone answer your hboot question yet. Here's how that works. Hboot is the screen that let's you actually run recovery (either amon ra or clockwork), and the only Rom that requires a certain version of it (as far as I know) is cyanogen. This is important, because you can't restore a nand backup that you made on version 0.93 (which I think is the current one) when you're running version 0.76 (which is what you would have to change to in order to flash CM). So if you backup on 0.93, then change to 0.76 to load cm, you'll have to reinstall 0.93 in order to restore that backup. This is apparently pretty tough to do correctly, although I think its been simplified over the last few days. Note that once you go to 0.76 there isn't really any reason to change back to 0.93 unless there's a specific nand backup that you want to restore.
Sent from my blah blah blah blah

[Q] Newb questions about rooting/roms

So i have an HTC Evo with the latest OTA update 3.70.651.1. Completely stock, non rooted. I know very little about both rooting and roms other then what i quickly went over in a few Q&A's here.
Im not sure what to do, if anything, so i thought id ask here. Primarily id like to be able to delete unwanted stock apps/bloatware and backup the entire phone (like making a recovery image). Itd be nice to be able to wirelessly tether but this isnt necessary. Other then that id like to keep it the same.
Is it possible to root but use the stock rom? if so what does this accomplish?
Is there a risk free way to accomplish my goals?
Thanks

Im not sure what to do, if anything, so i thought id ask here. Primarily id like to be able to delete unwanted stock apps/bloatware and backup the entire phone (like making a recovery image). Itd be nice to be able to wirelessly tether but this isnt necessary. Other then that id like to keep it the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need to root to do this.
Is it possible to root but use the stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. Thats what I do. The only reason I rooted was for wireless tether, and titanium backup. Other than that, I didnt want another rom, I love the stock one.
if so what does this accomplish?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what you just asked for in the previous paragraph.
Is there a risk free way to accomplish my goals?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. There is ALWAYS a risk when doing anything in life, and rooting your phone in no different. However, it is actually quite difficult to completely brick your phone. Most of the time, if you follow the directions, you will be fine. But if you do screw up, you can usually just flash a stock ruu and redo it.

Thanks for the information. Is there anything the free version of titanium backup doesnt backup? What does a nandroid backup save?
Also will rooting alone allow me to delete any app on the phone?
Lastly what would be the recommended way for someone new like me to root my phone (or resources i can use to pick a method)? Is there a way to restore my phone back to stock if i need to?
Thanks again. As i ask these questions im also digging into the forums looking for specific answers

Hey welcome to XDA.
I don't know when you received your phone, but it seems very brand new to me, I would say your best luck is to try to look for the details of your main specs in your phone, when you start to root your phone, you look for instructions here to setup properly on How to do the root process with the same exact phone detail specs of it.
I was rooted with an older OTA at first, but I see these new OTAs are up on new EVOs but It's kinda fishy to think of how to root it with the latest OTA on the old leet legit methods that toastcfh had...you know...The Manual Professional way, without the risk of bricking your phone completely, if you had the chance to root successfully with idiot proof instructions, I say that was quite a day for me then.

Actually ive had my Evo since release, ive just been too scared to risk bricking it til now lol.
i currently have:
hboot 2.10
software 3.70.651.1
hardware 0002
i took down some other info but idk if it matters for rooting directions.
So far from my searches it appears the only option for hboot 2.10 + 3.70.651.1 is a pretty lengthy/difficult for beginners method. Is that accurate?
Also my primary concern is deleting bloatware/included apps, does rooting alone allow me to delete these?
Also none of the guides ive seen detail how to backup your phone before the root, is there an easy way to make like a backup image of the stock stuff + data,sms,phone log, etc?
Thanks again everyone, still digging but your help will make it go much more smoothly

So ive pretty much discovered that my 2 options are do it the "hard" way or wait for unrevoked to update their stuff for the newest evo software/hboot. Im probably going to wait.
In the meantime i want to make sure of a few things, deleteing apps, backup, wireless tether. How would i approach each of these; can i use the built in app manager to delete apps? the built in wireless tether to tether? what exactly does nandroid backup compared to titanium backup?
Does the stock rom support netfilter?
Is there any scenario in which ota updates wont break root?
Thanks again

ctbenk said:
In the meantime i want to make sure of a few things, deleteing apps, backup, wireless tether. How would i approach each of these; can i use the built in app manager to delete apps? the built in wireless tether to tether? what exactly does nandroid backup compared to titanium backup?
Is there any scenario in which ota updates wont break root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To delete apps, you will want to use Titanium Backup. After removing stock apps, some of them still stay indexed, so you will need to boot to recovery and wipe your cache and dalvik to clear them from the apps list.
You won't be able to use the built-in wireless tether to tether unless you flash a new rom that unlocked that feature. Once rooted, there is a an app on the market called Wireless Tether for Root Users that will accomplish what you are looking for.
Titanium Backup will also allow you to backup your apps and data so that in the event you do flash a new rom, you can restore them without losing anything.
Titanium Backup is designed to backup your apps and data, Nandroid(recovery) will backup your entire ROM, so if you do flash a new rom, you can always revert back to your stock setup exactly how you left it.
OTA updates will always break your root, but at the same time don't offer much in the terms of upgrading. Plus 90% of the time the dev's here release a rooted version of the OTA update very shortly after it goes live.

[Q] Need help rooting!

Hey xda community,
my friend recently got an evo and he asked me if i can root it for him.
I have a rooted evo too but i have a different version. he got the new 0004 version of the evo while mines is the 0003. i rooted mine using that whole rageagasintthecage method, and idk if i can root his like that.
my question is what is the best way to achieve full root on the new 0004 versions.
I know google could probably answer this but i rather have someone from the community help me out.

The most popular way is via unrevoked. Unless something has changed, it should root all versions.

plainjane said:
The most popular way is via unrevoked. Unless something has changed, it should root all versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea pretty sure UNrevoked will do the job.
Sent from my Incredible with the XDA Premium App.

thanks for the replies peeps, you think this guide is good?
http://htcevorooting.x10.mx/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_root_your_current_EVO_4G_with_Unrevoked3

anyone? is it a good guide?

http://unrevoked.com/#evo
Go there, download the install
http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/windows_hboot_driver_install
Go there and install the hboot drivers
Lastly, install htc sync, then uninstall the program. On your phone go into settings > applications > development > check usb debugging.
After you've done that, connect your phone to your pc in charge only, then run the unrevoked reflash package. It'll take about 5 minutes and reboot about 2 times, let it run the full course.

I plan on removing unrevoked so that I can receive the latest update and then re-root. I only use wireless tethering and trying to get OpenVPN. Other than that, I don't use other root capabilities. Is this a bad idea (updating OTA)?

You can just update your rom, flash to a sense rom, update your prl and flash back. I don't recommend accepting the official OTA can you can lose your root.

I have just successfully rooted my evo4g just now. Before I can flash a rom, what are the other things I must do? (nand unlock/radio/pri/prl/etc)??
Thanks,
Hplaya

himalayasplaya said:
I have just successfully rooted my evo4g just now. Before I can flash a rom, what are the other things I must do? (nand unlock/radio/pri/prl/etc)??
Thanks,
Hplaya
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you should be nand unlocked if you used unrevoked. Go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715485 to get the radio, ect, you can use the combo flash if you like. Just make sure to backup your current rom, then flash,

himalayasplaya said:
I have just successfully rooted my evo4g just now. Before I can flash a rom, what are the other things I must do? (nand unlock/radio/pri/prl/etc)??
Thanks,
Hplaya
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely do a backup, and then move the backup to your computer for safekeeping. The person before me provided the correct link for the radio upgrades.
After that, you should be set to flash. (Assuming you've picked out a ROM that suites your wants and needs.)

xtshadowxt said:
thanks for the replies peeps, you think this guide is good?
http://htcevorooting.x10.mx/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_root_your_current_EVO_4G_with_Unrevoked3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main page of that website lists more options regarding rooting, backing up, flashing, etc. and I found it to be very helpful when I went through all the steps.

Just use this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=838448
works like a champ for all hardware versions & you'll be rooted in 30 minutes.

totalanonymity said:
Definitely do a backup, and then move the backup to your computer for safekeeping. The person before me provided the correct link for the radio upgrades.
After that, you should be set to flash. (Assuming you've picked out a ROM that suites your wants and needs.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told that unrevoked 3 doesnt nand unlock phones?? are you sure I can jump right into flashing?
Also how do I perform a back up for my phone??
Thanks for helping out this n00b
Hplaya

himalayasplaya said:
I was told that unrevoked 3 doesnt nand unlock phones?? are you sure I can jump right into flashing?
Also how do I perform a back up for my phone??
Thanks for helping out this n00b
Hplaya
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my post on the front page. but unrevoked does give you nand unlock. The earlier versions didn't, which you had to flash the unforever zip to get the nand unlock, but its been merged into the flash.
And after you root, you hold vol+down while turning the phone on, and you go to the bootloader, select recovery. You'll be on clockworkmod recovery, then you just select backup from backup/restore menu.

himalayasplaya said:
I was told that unrevoked 3 doesnt nand unlock phones?? are you sure I can jump right into flashing?
Also how do I perform a back up for my phone??
Thanks for helping out this n00b
Hplaya
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how I rooted!

Thanks TR. I'll try that and see how it goes. I'm ultimately trying to get OpenVPN running and having problems getting the tun.ko file for my build. I don't have linux to compile my own for 2.6.32.15-ge2fb08e, so I thought I'd try to update in the interim.‎

since im rooted and my phone has been backed up now...
is there a way to remove sprints bloatware? or would that only be through flashing?
I'm still a n00b to android flashing so i will be reading your guides...what other advantages can I expect from flashing to a new rom? (speed, battery life,etc)

himalayasplaya said:
since im rooted and my phone has been backed up now...
is there a way to remove sprints bloatware? or would that only be through flashing?
I'm still a n00b to android flashing so i will be reading your guides...what other advantages can I expect from flashing to a new rom? (speed, battery life,etc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can remove the sprint apps by going into titanium backup, And depending on the rom, you will get speed, and kernels help with battery life. Generally, AOSP is faster cuz it doesn't have all the sprint crap in it.

any links to the next process after rooting/nand unlocked is done? I've read about people losing their 4g keys? how do i ensure this wont happen?
kernel/radio/rom flashing? anyone got rom recommendations?