I am updating my Desire in order to gain Root access, and I want to document the process as completely as possible. Partially for my own benefit, and also so that others may learn from my experience and research. An awful lot of fantastic work has been done by many individuals, but as a novice, I've found some of the documentation lacking.
Also, I would really like help in double-checking my work.
I intend to update this post, to improve the details, but only for this specific process. Hopefully, quite soon I will shed my n00b restrictions and be able to add the links I describe. I won't be adding other Rooting methods here.
First, details about my phone. I bought a SIM-free, unbranded Desire at MediaMarkt (Berlin, Germany) on 2010-07-30. It cost €475, and I paid €120 for two years of very comprehensive insurance.
I use a prepaid plan from Fonic, with HSDPA data and "Targesflatrate".
At the time, I recorded the following:
(from Menu>Settings>About phone>Software Information)
Firmware version: 2.1-update1
Baseband version: 32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2
Kernel version: 2.6.23-0cb9f166 htc-kernel(a)and18-2 #1
Build number: 1.21.405.2 CL174215 release-keys
Software number: 1.21.405.2
Browser version: Webkit 3.1
(As a new user, I am apparently not allowed to use the "at symbol" in any way, so above in the Kernel version, I have shown (a) where it should be.)
Lucky me, that very weekend HTC pushed the OTA Froyo 2.2 update. Joy! HD video and WiFi tethering!
And last week, I applied an additional OTA update of some nondescript improvements. Now, my phone reflects the following:
Android version: 2.2
Baseband version: 32.44.00.32U_5.09.05.30_2
Kernel version: 2.6.32.15-g6a358a9 htc-kernel(a)and18-2 #1
Build number: 2.10.405.2 CL226611 release-keys
Software number: 2.10.405.2
Browser version: Webkit 3.1
Thru my reading, I've found that some bootloader specs might also be pertinent. I was unaware before, and so did not record this information for my phone Out Of The Box:
(Power the phone off, then load HBOOT by pressing and holding the Volume Down key + the Power key)
BRAVO PVT1 SHIP S-ON
HBOOT-0.93.00001
MICROP-031d
TOUCH PANEL-SYNT0101
RADIO-5.09.05.30_2
Aug 10, 2010, 17:52:18
The rooting process in general, I see as
Backing up data
Unlocking the bootloader (S-OFF)
Flashing a custom Recovery image (ClockworkMod)
Gaining su ROOT privileges
Backing up system (Nandroid)
Update Radio
Flashing a Custom ROM (w- GApps)
Using ROOT privileges to run previously unavailable Apps, etc.
Tools are readily available to do this in mere minutes, as well as explanations and videos showing the process. I am moving slowly because I am meticulous about hopefully being able to UNDO any and all steps I take.
1) Backing up data
Without Root, this is a combination of manually copying of files...
Photos, voice recordings, GPS traces, Paint images
...and using Apps to help consolidate other information I would like to save in the unlikely event things don't work perfectly.
AppMonster, Call Logs Backup & Restore, SMS Backup & Restore
<links to Apps>
Unfortunately, useful apps like Titanium Backup require Root! Thus, unhelpful in backing up BEFORE rooting a phone.
Confusingly, the Cyanogen wiki actually recommends using Titanium as well as Backup For Root Users before rooting the phone.
<link to Cyanogen wiki>
2, 3, 4) Unlocking bootloader; Flashing custom recovery; Gaining su privileges
These are grouped together because I'll do them all at once using the fantastic tool put out by unrevoked, specifically, the most current v3.21.
<link to Wiki information>
TheUnLockr has some useful videos, including one showing this exact process
<link to video w- instructions>
Since I'm on a Windows machine, I need to install the HBOOT driver. Then, just run the Executable, and plug in the phone, wait, and click the FASTBOOT
I understand that this process does not inherently Wipe any data, and carries very limited risk of accidental loss.
These are the first steps I am MOST concerned about being able to Undo, should I ever choose to. At this point, I am going by what TheUnLockr has to say on the subject of UnRooting. Specifically, by using HTCSync, in combination with the appropriate RUU.
From the information above, I downloaded a copy of
RUU_Bravo_HTC_WWE_1.21.405.2_Radio_32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed.exe
<link to RUU post>
This appears to be a perfect match for the specs of my phone when it was brand new. Then, I would assuredly be able to apply the OTA updates I have already done, should the need actually arise.
??? Will flashing with RUU restore the original RECOVERY image ???
??? Will bootloader be replaced with a different version ???
??? Will bootloader security be re-instituted (S-ON) ???
??? If bootloader is NOT locked, will I be able to do OTA updates ???
??? Will data be Wiped with this process ???
5, 6, 7) Nandroid backup, Flashing the radio, Flashing custom ROM
I intend to go with the popular Cyanogen, so these steps are described in detail on their recent forum post CyanogenMod-6 for Desire
<link>
Unrevoked3 doesn't provide S-OFF on GSM Desires. It uses an exploit (publicly unknown) to flash the recovery partition, which is then re-locked.
If you have upgraded to Froyo, you cannot use an older RUU to unroot, you'd need the same Froyo version (or higher), unless you downgrade.
Doh! I'd planned to reserve the 2nd post for Updates. I got in a hurry last night. Ah well.
I have since realized that I was mistaken, that unrevoked3 does NOT do S-OFF. unrevoked forever would do this, but is currently not supported for HTC Desire.
<unrevoked forever link>
Thanks for the tip on the Froyo RUU. I will look into it further and update my findings.
I'm not entirely clear, tho... I had fully intended that the older RUU would include downgrading from Froyo. Are you saying that this wouldn't work? If I then re-applied the OTA Froyo, would I not be back to Out-of-the-box + OTA Ugrade (still not rooted)?
Related
I'm using the DHD for a couple of weeks now and I'm glad to say its a BIG difference between my almost bricked Xperia X1. But... as all of you guys out there, it is interesting to try new roms and features.
Enfortunately I think I've got a branded phone but I don't know for sure... My carrier is Vodafone, and I already tried looking for the exact smalbandversion but I can only find "RUU_Ace_HTC_WWE_1.32.405.6_Radio_12.28b.60.140e_26.03.02.26_M_release_155891_signed".
I think there is a difference between these roms because of the "12.28b.60.140eU", but I don't know for sure. Can someone clear this up for me please? Also because the release-keys don't match...
Code:
Android-versie
2.2
Smalbandversie
12.28b.60.140eU_26.03.02.26_M
Kernel-versie
2.6.32.21-gf3f553d
[email protected] #1
Thu Oct 28 13:24:11 CST 2010
Build-nummer
1.32.405.6 CL278359 release-keys
Softwarenummer
1.32.405.6
Browserversie
Webkit 3.1
Since I'm paying for ensurance of the phone, I must be able to set everything back to stock again. Is there a way to backup my stock rom before flashing a new one?
Anyone please?
Sounds like just ordinary 1.32.405.6... You can check that via terminal emulator (market), type "getprop ro.cid". If it is something like VODAPxxx, it is branded.
You can backup stock ROM in ClockworkMod before flashing, it is possible in "backup & restore" menu. Make sure that you have at least 1 gig of free space in your SD.
jkoljo, thanks a lot!
getprop ro.cid gives me -> HTC__E11, so I expect I'm good to go?
So with Clockworkmod I can generate a "stock.rom" file that I can flash when I need to send the phone to HTC/Vodafone for repair after I've worked with a couple of other roms?
HTC__E11 = Dutch offical HTC, not branded to any carrier
It "responds" to HTC WWE RUUs, congratulations. You do not even have to make a backup, WWE RUU is your stock ROM! And it is actually a lot easier to return to stock when you can use a RUU.
ClockworkMod will make kind of a stock.rom, but that image does not contain hboot, splash1 etc, which in a RUU can return ENG S-OFF, clockworkmod recovery and other stuff to stock condition. You can check out my Radio S-OFF Tool's S-ON instructions, it is very simple when you have the RUU.
Great news jkoljo, thanks a lot for your help and information!!!
I'll inform myself about how flashing/s-off etc. works, because its a bit different than with my X1, i'll definately use your s-off method, after watching your video it can't go wrong
Tnx m8
Rooting problem
I encounter a problem I want to S-OFF my device so I tried temprooting my phone by using visionary.
This results in a black screen after it says "rooting device". Rebooting/reinstalling whatsoever wont work... I tried looking for answers and found many users encountering this problem, only they use 1.72 and have android 2.2.1. I'm using 1.32 and 2.2 so I should be able to root normally right?
EDIT: I checked "Set system r/w after boot" and this seems to fix my problem. I guess rooting worked because Terminal Emulator lets me do the "su" command. (it do flashes an info box saying Terminal Emulator gained superuser permissions)
Next problem... your s-off tool says "error: connection problem". I set the connection mode to "charge only", and starting the .exe with admin rights wont fix it.
EDIT #2: I was too fast installing the HTC Sync app fixed this. Continuing...
I ran the command getprop ro.cid
And result was "HTC__038"
I would like to know, how to take a backup of my current Rom and also if possible is there a stock rom for it, in case i want to revert back after rooting.
Appreciate your help
Hey, i have a UK htc desire branded to the Orange network and i've spent all week reading and reading about how to root and unbrand it. I feel i've learnt most of the ins and outs of it and want to finally attempt it, but i was wondering if just to put my mind at rest someone could give me a thumbs up to what i think needs to be done?
First off my phone details as of now..
Bravo PVT1 SHIP S-ON
HBOOT-0.93.0001
MICROP-031d
TOUCH PANEL-SYNT0101
RADIO-5.10.05.30
Aug 10 2010, 17:52:18
Android version: 2.2
Baseband version: 32.48.00.32U_5.10.05.30
Kernel version: 2.6.32.15-g29e526b htc-kernel and18-2 #1
Biuld number: 2.17.61.3 CL274424 release-keys
Software number: 2.17.61.3
Browser version: WebKit 3.1
The UK network Orange doesn't have a provider RUU, i'm not bothered about being in warranty as i got this phone second hand but if for some reason i wanted to unroot etc can someone point me to a similar unbranded stock one that has the same versions of things as above? That seems to be the main thing worrying me at the moment.
So to check i have everything understood..
1.I've installed HTC Sync and uninstalled just the Sync part leaving the drivers, downloaded Unrevoked which i intend to run to root the phone.
2.I've made a bootable USB drive with Alpharev on ready to then sort out S-OFF
3.Will partition my sd card with Gparted, ready to then make a backup of the stock ROM on the phone right now
4.Then install my custom ROM which for my first try i've chosen LeeDroid. However, if i wanted to just put a plain unbranded stock ROM on which would i be looking for?
I'm hoping i've not taken all the information in over the week and come to the wrong conclusion, so just an 'all clear' from someone would be great, thanks
Yeo that's what I did unrevoked phone, s-off then copyed rom I like to memory card and flashed via recovery. And yes lee tom should be good they always are, not using it at mo I'm on miui
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
Being a total n00b to Android, I have been doing battle with two since Monday last week. with the HTC, I decided to go with unrevoked and to my consternation found that I couldnt get s-off, and so I was unable to debrand or uninstall the apps I had on board. I had already installed Rom Explorer (free) and wondered if I might be able to use that. I crossed my fingers, and did a backup and wipe and clean cache, along with an install of CyanogenMod 7. I must say I am very impressed with the work gone into these mods. Everything you need and nothing you don't. The install went swimmingly and my fingers are now uncrossed. No more Telstra crud.
Hello. I own a Desire HD which I've purchased from a private store in Israel. It is unbranded, and the box had stuff written in French so I suppose they import it from France.
The phone itself is in English and supports Hebrew fully, too.
The problem, however, is that I can't update to 2.3
Some details about my phone:
Android Version: 2.2
Baseband version: 12.28b.60.140eU_26.03.02.26_M
Kernel version: 2.6.32.21-g9a3942f
htc-kernel(at)and18-2 #1
Sat Oct 23 03:18:39 CST 2010
Build number: 1.32.405.6 CL278359 release-keys
Software number: 1.32.405.6
Browser version: WebKit 3.1
When I checked with Root Checker, I received this information:
Congratulations! You have root access!
I was not even aware my phone was in fact rooted when I bought it but I didn't mind.
Lately I've received the official update from HTC, it popped up on my screen. When I went ahead to download it, at the end, the next message came up:
The downloaded system software update is corrupted.
Do you want to downloaded it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the HBoot (is that what it's called?) screen I can see this information:
ACE PVT ENG S-OFF
HBOOT-0.85.2007
MICROP-0438
RADIO-2603.02.26_M
eMMC-boot
Oct 11 2010
Your system partition has been modified. All OTA updates will fail. You need to download the Gingerbread RUU and run it from your computer. You can find it HERE
Ensure you have HTC Sync installed as you will need the correct drivers.
Will I have the root settings after the update? What would I lose after the update?
Will I have proper Hebrew (Right-to-Left in keyboard) settings?
Thanks for the response!
Yes you will lose root. If you have ClockworkMod Recovery installed you can flash a rooted version of the Gingerbread update.
I'm too sure about the Hebrew settings.
So is it actually a custom rom I'm using?
Also, is this application called "Droid X Recovery Bootstrap"?
I couldn't really find the exact one like you said it. (searched for "ClockworkMod Recovery")
Basically, I'll be able to apply the official update, lose root, then do this thing with this application and get root back? Is it actually that simple?
Again, thanks for replying.
No it seems your running a rooted 1.32 build.
If you turn off your phone and hold volume down then power. You shour get to the bootloader. From there scroll down to recovery (using your volume keys) and press power to enter. Describe what you see here.
EDIT: Also head into System Info in the bootloader, and what value do you have next to CID.
ClockworkMod Recovery v3.0.2.5
- reboot system now
- apply update form scard
- wipe data/factory rest
- wipe cache partition
- install zip from sdcard
- backup and restore
- mounts and storage
- advanced
- power off
- +++++Go Back+++++
-------------
In System Info, next to CID I have HTC__203
Also, am I better off just switching to another rom so I don't lose root access? Or do I have to apply to official update first, then switch to another rom? I've never done that before.
Hey guys
I am totally new to the android phones, and now having a DHD which has the following specs:
Android Ver. 2.2
BaseBand Ver. 12.28b.60.140eU_26.03.02.26_m
Kernel Ver. 2.6.32.21-gf3f553d
Build No. 1.32.405.6
Software No. 1.32.405.6
Now i looked at this link -
and didn't understand if i have to downgrade my DHD as well or is my version old enough so i can skip right ahead to the S-Off and ROOT?
can anyone tell me from what ver., and Ver. of what, do you have to perform downgrading?
thanks.
No need to downgrade.
Use this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=857537
If u want an ENG bootloader (not needed for custom roms and root, but recommend):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=855403
You can brick your phone, be careful!
droreni said:
Hey guys
I am totally new to the android phones, and now having a DHD which has the following specs:
Android Ver. 2.2
BaseBand Ver. 12.28b.60.140eU_26.03.02.26_m
Kernel Ver. 2.6.32.21-gf3f553d
Build No. 1.32.405.6
Software No. 1.32.405.6
Now i looked at this link -
and didn't understand if i have to downgrade my DHD as well or is my version old enough so i can skip right ahead to the S-Off and ROOT?
can anyone tell me from what ver., and Ver. of what, do you have to perform downgrading?
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can skip the downgrade progress!
Perfect
thanks for the fast reply!
how to root gingerbread
hi everybody,
forgive me if I' writing in the wrong place but for me has been enough difficult to get here..
I'm a rookie android user and I've been flying over the forums for the last three days, I'm really getting crazy.
Here are the specifics of my phone (branded):
android version 2.3.3
kernel version 2.6.35.10-gd2564fb
software number 2.50.405.2
and here's the problem:
I have purchased an AR drone and I'm trying to get it connected so I visited the following link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1072281
seems that the first thing i need is a ROOTED Desire HD . I have tried every thing. Visionary (in different releases installed with ASTRO) seems not to be working. When i select Temproot now, after a while, the screen turns black. I waited for several minutes but nothing happened. So I needed to exit the program selecting "home". At that point it didn't allow me to rerun the app, I needed to reboot the phone to get it working again but no success.
So I tried GINGERBREAK 1.2 but after 25 minutes the rebooting process was still going on and I guessed that something was not working properly (as usual), so I stopped it. I think there is also a problem with Superuser (v 2.3.6.3), infact when I try to update it, it says "an error occurred and su was not updated. A zip file (su-2.3.1-bin-signed.zip) has been placed on your sdcard, please reboot into recovery mode and flash it to update your su binary" (by the way...sorry for my inexperience, but what does "flash something" mean????).Anyway, my phone doesn't reboot on clockwork recovery.
Moreover, upon opening Rom manager (v4.3.2.4) it tells me that I must root my phone to get it working (of course) and that it cannot find Superuser at "system/bin/su" or "system/xbin/su". Guess what! I don't have such files on my phone.....
At this time i don't know what else I can do, I'm relly frustrated.
Can anyone help me out? keep in mind that if you have any kind of solution, I need some very "plain" explanation like if you were talking to your 5 years old son, please
Thanks
If we update with software number 2.50.405.2 can we root?
No, firmware > 2.37 cannot be rooted.
Thanks for the info, I guess I have to get rid of my AR Drone
Hi there, I am about to root my Desire Z with one of the guides available here. However, all guides tell me to downgrade - is it necessary?
Specifically, this guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1055581
My phone specs are:
Desire Z
Android version: 2.2.1
Baseband version: 12.28e.60.140fU_26.04.02.17_M2
Kernel version:
2.6.32.21-g6e170e7
[email protected] #1
Tue Dec 28 21:41:11 CST 2010
Build number:
1.82.405.1 CL317545 release-keys
Software number:
1.82.405.1
So, can't I step immediately to step 3? Or should I really downgrade (the RUU link from that post doesn't work, hence the question - but it applies to all guides available.
you are already downgraded so yes move to the next step
And that's what I needed to know - the phone is brand new, I thought it may have been already upgraded.
Thanks, will let know if I brick my phone
Downgrade is necessary for firmware 1.84
Hello,
rooting the Desire Z only works with the 1.34 firmware!
You are on 1.84 firmware now, so I suggest to use the following guide to downgrade, even when the title says "[GUIDE] Downgrade your Desire-Z from 1.72 to 1.34 (and get root and S-OFF)".
Only perform steps 1 to 12!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905261
Then continue rooting as described under the topic "Rooting the Vision (G2/DZ) and DHD " in the wiki "HTC Vision":
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
If you have questions go to freenode IRC chat to channel #G2ROOT (just provide some user name and the channel name #G2ROOT with the hash).
When you do not know how to use adb then see the guide "ADB for Noobs - How to get adb working !" http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865685. On Windows make sure you have HTC drivers installed (HTC Sync installs them automatically).
Best regards,
Catherall
Welp, I guess I am one step from bricking my phone
I already tried rooting, without downgrading, with this guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1055581
It didn't work - no error messages, but I was unable to start Recovery Mode.
After some trials, I was able to access the recovery mode. It displayed a red exclamation mark to me, and can't open /cache/recovery/command error - and I am unable to access some of the functions mentioned in the guide. Still, the phone starts just fine, if I don't press the volume button, so I guess no brick, yet
//^disregard above, it seems everything is fine and dandy. Downgrading now.
I am downloading now PC10IMG.zip, then I will proceed with the other guide.
./gfree_verify
gfree verify_cid returned:
@CID: 11111111
OK
gfree verify_secu_flag returned:
@secu_flag: 0
OK
gfree verify_simlock returned:
@SIMLOCK= 00
OK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okaaay, it went fine. Whew, what an adrenaline. Now, off to installing custom roms!
Thansk for your assistance - I will still have some noobish questions. For starters:
Before I even started tinkering with flashing, I made a complete backup of contact list / call list (that was one app), a backup of SMS (other app), backup of important files, and a list of all necessary applications.
Is there an easy way, to just create some kind of restore point? For example, I will go with Virtuous Sense, install all necessary applications, and restore all my personal data. Then I would want to check different ICS rom. Can I make somehow a complete backup of everything on phone?
//Okay, I am off to sleep. Somehow, the update to Virtuous Sense didn't work.
What I did was:
1. Create a backup with Clockwork, and store in on my HDD
2. Wipe SD card
3. Wipe data/factory reset
4. Wipe cache partition
5. Wipe Dalvik cache
6. Install Virtuous Sense from *.zip file
Clockwork installed it properly, no errors were returned. Then, after rebooting, the phone freezes on HTC logo. No go. Any ideas as to what may be causing this? If there is no easy solution to this, I will return the backup in the morning... just to bring the phone back to life. If it works, well, then I will mess around with other custom roms
//Okay, brought back the CWM backup (which is stock 2.2, freshly after downgrading), and the phone booted back. I guess something went wrong during the flashing process.
Sorry, didn't pay attention to what 2.2 version you were on, you wouldn't have bricked your phone it just wouldn't have worked. As for a restore point nandroids will do a full backup ie curent rom and everything. If you just want to restore apps and data use titanium backup. Sms backup apps can restore call logs and messages accros roms, google sync keeps all contacts. Also various apps (color note, etc) may have backup options for those paticular apps.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Okay, everything is fine today
My Desire Z is fully rooted, with Virtuous Sense rom. All necessary apps installed, all contacts and SMS's are now properly synced, and I made a nandroid backup, just in case. That's just the start though - I am attracted to MIUI/Cyanogenmod (Sense UI is sometimes a little slowish, I want to know if the performance boost will be worth losing the nice UI), so I will be trying different roms in the following days.
One more question: What about the Radio changing? Which Radio configuration should I choose? Is it a matter of trial and errors? Or should I stay with the default one (I don't even know how to check, which one I have now)? Any good guides on messing with this?
don't mess with radio in case you have major issues.
Too change it, grab one off this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=970809 and flash it according to the instructions there.
Don't bother asking which radio is the best. It's always different for everyone.
-Nipqer