Develop Bugs

What's the easiest way to Root a Third Party, Froyo HTC Desire?

I've got an HTC Desire not bought through any mobile provider and now running Froyo (sent OTA) and am UK based, in case that makes any difference.
What's the easiest and safest method to do this? Is there something I can use which is basically a one button click? Without having to resort to partitioning SD Cards etc... I've got a recent "My Backup Pro" backup but am guessing Rooting doesn't wipe the phone or revert back to Android 2.1?
Please note I've never Rooted (or Installed a Custom ROM) on either Android (or WinMob) before. I'd like to do this, so I can install SetCPU and hopefully increase battery life. I do work in 2nd line IT Support though, so am technically minded.
Thanks.

Subscribe to this question. I am in the same situation (but not in the UK) and thinking about rooting but too scared to go through a seemingly complicated procedure. Under Android software section in this forum I found threads discussing applications that can root phones. I wonder if anyone tried them on Desire? Also, can I root but still keep with the stock ROM? I don't think I want to start experimenting and changing ROMs. Thanks for your help.

Nice and simple - use unrEVOked 3.21
***BUT***
Before you do this it's best to check what ROM you're currently running on at present. To find this go to:
Settings>About phone>Software information>Software version
Make a note of the number (e.g. 2.29.405.2) and then go here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=android&model=Bravo
If you can see a file matching your version number download it as it means should you ever need to return the handset under warranty you can reset it to factory.
If there ISN'T a file matching your serial number then you need to think hard if rooting is worth the risk as until a backup RUU file is available you'll never be able to go back to stock

EddyOS said:
Nice and simple - use unrEVOked 3.21
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've finally got around to doing this, so I can use SetCPU and Autostarts. I'll report back if battery life increases.
It couldn't simpler btw. Thanks.
p.s - My software version is 2.29.405.5, which is listed in that link. Also thanks.

Download the RUU from here, it's a better link (less prone to failing):
http://www.multiupload.com/LEJCW182AH

Now I've run unrEVOked 3.32 on my Desire will I still be notified about OTA updates?
I know I probably don't need it but it's still good to know. Thanks.

Yes you will but do NOT accept them

EddyOS said:
Yes you will but do NOT accept them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I presume because it will unroot my phone or could it now brick it?
If all it does is unroot the phone, can I not just root it again?

[WARNING] Do not flash a new official RUU/ROM/OTA if you have root and/or S-OFF

DO NOT FLASH A NEW RUU OR OFFICIAL ROM IMAGE UNLESS YOU *REALLY* KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING !
Sorry for shouting, but this is very important. Thanks to the mods for making this sticky.
The latest official RUU that has been released - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=870369 - has been found to break the existing methods of rooting and getting full S-OFF.
This shouldn't be a big suprise, because when HTC saw that the amazing devs on XDA had cracked the existing security, we should expect them to put something even tougher in later releases.
So flashing any later release, whether that's an official RUU or just the ROM image (PC10IMG.zip) is a very dangerous thing to do until it has been fully tested and "cleared" by the devs here. i.e. your previously rooted and S-OFF'd phone might lose root and go back to S-ON, and be unable to be rooted and S-OFF'd again.
It's of course fine if your phone came with a particular ROM release to flash that *exact same* release back onto the phone if you want to return to stock. What I'm referring to is flashing a brand new release that isn't the one that came with your phone.
It's fine to flash custom ROMs of course, because those have already been tested out. In general, it's probably best to steer very clear of new official releases, and wait till the devs have pulled them apart and put any cool new stuff into a custom ROM. Then you know it'll be safe to flash.
Currently I don't think it's entirely clear what just flashing a new *radio* on its own will do, as opposed to the entire ROM/RUU. That's still being worked on. But steer clear of even that if you're not sure what you're doing or dont' want to take any chances of losing root/S-OFF.
Thanks for reading

Thanks for the heads up.

I flashed the ROM you mentioned.
For those who want to try:
Just remember to get REAL S-OFF using gfree before flashing it.
This provide you a medicine for regret. You can get back to WWE ROM using WWE RUU and root/recover your old ROM.

What is RUU? What is it to do with ROMs? Did HTC provide a change log for newer Radio? Or does anyone know what changes are , in the latest Radio?
Just to be clear. Don’t flame me for this please. I’m still learning just like many others in here.

androidtoy09 said:
What is RUU? What is it to do with ROMs? Did HTC provide a change log for newer Radio? Or does anyone know what changes are , in the latest Radio?
Just to be clear. Don’t flame me for this please. I’m still learning just like many others in here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't have a changelog, no.
RUU is ROM Update Utility. It's a program to run on Windows (.exe) which flashes your new ROM for you, and holds your hand through the process. It's possible to extract just the ROM zip file from the exe so you can flash it yourself if you want.
The thing about the RUU and stock ROMs is that they will flash pretty much *everything* on your phone. So as well as a new system partition (the main stuff for Android), you'll probably get a new hboot, new radio, new recovery. Those *might* all have increased security which is a lot more difficult to crack. So generally you should not flash it until we know it's "safe" to do so, i.e. it can be re-rooted and S-OFF'd etc.

steviewevie said:
We don't have a changelog, no.
RUU is ROM Update Utility. It's a program to run on Windows (.exe) which flashes your new ROM for you, and holds your hand through the process. It's possible to extract just the ROM zip file from the exe so you can flash it yourself if you want.
The thing about the RUU and stock ROMs is that they will flash pretty much *everything* on your phone. So as well as a new system partition (the main stuff for Android), you'll probably get a new hboot, new radio, new recovery. Those *might* all have increased security which is a lot more difficult to crack. So generally you should not flash it until we know it's "safe" to do so, i.e. it can be re-rooted and S-OFF'd etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for clearing it up. So, RUU is pretty much similar to the method RIM uses to flash its OS on the Blackberries.

Im a little confused here.. So just to clear some things up i hope someone will answer these questions i have.
I have the software on my Desire Z that it came with (1.34.405.5), which i've rooted, S-off'ed and installed another kernel for OC porpuses. This is working fine, but lets say that i wanted to try another rom .. After some time i decide to go back to the stock software and then update to the newest software, would that be a problem? And has HTC released some newer software than the one iam using?

If you flashed back to stock, that would be fine. But if you flashed a new official update (e.g OTA), then you run the risk of installing something that you can't root/S-OFF.
It is best to steer clear of any official upgrades until they've been checked by the devs here and been given the all-clear.
Given that the phone came with certain areas write-protected, and the devs managed to crack that, we should be expecting HTC to release an even more secure update.
Yes, there is a new ROM out, at the moment for Egypt, that seems to have increased security. It would not be a suprise if HTC rolled out similar security as an OTA update for all existing ROMs. Right now there is something in that Egypt ROM (probably the hboot, at the minimum) which mean existing permanent root and S-OFF methods fail. It may be this is easily cracked again, or maybe it will take some time, who knows.
Bottom line - don't apply any official updates to your phone if it is rooted/S-OFF or you plan to root/S-OFF.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z

perm-rooted g2 stock tmobile rom s-off
ok, my question is....i perm-rooted my g2 and have s-off, does this mean that i cant except the new gingerbread OTA update? ive had my fill of flashing roms with my old windows phone.. att tilt, tmobile touch pro 2, and tmobile hd2. im not looking to flash my g2 with a new rom...no offense to the chefs. love there work. but i only rooted the g2 to get rid of the bs apps that tmobile and google added to the phone. and i thought i heard that wen u root the phone tmobile cant tell wen u tether, so there for no more throttle b/s but thats not true...i must have miss read. but i would like to stay w/the stock rom and still b able to install the Gingerbread OTA. please someone provide an answer for me or point me in the right direction. thank you in advance.... sorry if the answer is already provided somewhere and i over looked it, i tend to do that a lot.

blitz69 said:
ok, my question is....i perm-rooted my g2 and have s-off, does this mean that i cant except the new gingerbread OTA update? ive had my fill of flashing roms with my old windows phone.. att tilt, tmobile touch pro 2, and tmobile hd2. im not looking to flash my g2 with a new rom...no offense to the chefs. love there work. but i only rooted the g2 to get rid of the bs apps that tmobile and google added to the phone. and i thought i heard that wen u root the phone tmobile cant tell wen u tether, so there for no more throttle b/s but thats not true...i must have miss read. but i would like to stay w/the stock rom and still b able to install the Gingerbread OTA. please someone provide an answer for me or point me in the right direction. thank you in advance.... sorry if the answer is already provided somewhere and i over looked it, i tend to do that a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The trouble is, HTC/T-Mobile don't want you to root and/or S-OFF your phone, because it's a lot easier to end up bricking the phone if you don't know what you're doing. They put greatly increased security on the G2/DZ/DHD when they came out, in order to help prevent this.
Now this security has been cracked, we can expect HTC/T-Mobile to try and increase security even further (e.g. closing loopholes that let our current methods of root/S-OFF work) in future updates.
So if you accept any future OTA, you run a high risk of accepting something that will lock you out of root and S-OFF, at least temporarily, and possibly permanently (depending on how good a solution they come up with).
If you are not bothered about root/S-OFF, then that's fine of course.
This doesn't mean that you necessarily have to switch to a custom ROM to get updates though. If you stay with the stock ROM (and I'm still on a stock ROM too right now), then just do not accept the update when an OTA comes out, and keep checking these forums to see when the devs say that they can root/S-OFF with the new version. When they say it's ok then you know you can apply the update and still get root/S-OFF.
This already happened with the G2. Very soon after release, but after rooting had been achieved, there was an OTA. Most people here decided to wait until the OTA had been looked at, and sure enough there was a small adjustment needed to the rooting method. But of course this OTA was before HTC had a chance to respond to the cracking of the security, so as I said, any future updates may well require a lot more time and effort from the devs to investigate and crack again.

Ok. Thank you very much

Will this muff up my phone if I factory reset it by using the Power+Volume Down option?

Ok,there is a new gfree method to get root and S-Off.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON.
But what about the backup "part7backup-1291675121.bin"
which gfree created at my sdcard?
No longer needed?
And with the new root and S-Off method,is it now possible to
to flash stock RUU 1.34.405.5 to get all original?
Because with old UBERROOT method this doesn`t work!

Ganii said:
Ok,there is a new gfree method to get root and S-Off.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON.
But what about the backup "part7backup-1291675121.bin"
which gfree created at my sdcard?
No longer needed?
And with the new root and S-Off method,is it now possible to
to flash stock RUU 1.34.405.5 to get all original?
Because with old UBERROOT method this doesn`t work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean with gfree?
Is my waranty broken When i execute radio s-off?
Is it possible to make it radio s-on?

Yes,warranty is broken,but with the new gfree method
you can go back to S-ON:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2

ericjosepi said:
Will this muff up my phone if I factory reset it by using the Power+Volume Down option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do a factory reset then I think you'll lose root, but you can get it back again easily enough. The issue for this thread is flashing new updated stuff from HTC etc.

Ganii said:
Ok,there is a new gfree method to get root and S-Off.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON.
But what about the backup "part7backup-1291675121.bin"
which gfree created at my sdcard?
No longer needed?
And with the new root and S-Off method,is it now possible to
to flash stock RUU 1.34.405.5 to get all original?
Because with old UBERROOT method this doesn`t work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might still need that backup, e.g. if you don't know what your old CID was and you want to un-do that bit too. I would keep it.
Sorry I don't think I understand your last question though, or why you say the uberroot method (I'm personally not keen on that name, it's just the usual method using Visionary/rage with gfree, not a new method) doesn't work.

Ok,so I can go back to S-ON with gfree commands from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
If you are only interested in permanent root you only need radio S-OFF and then it is sufficient to use
# ./gfree -s off
instead of
# ./gfree -f
in the following commands.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON by using the "-s on" option and to change the CID back to the original value be using i.e. "-c T-MOB010" if you want or have to go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But for CID (you mean SuperCid right?) I need the backup?
And with the last question which you don`t understand,I mean
with flashing the HTC RUU 1.34.405.5 I don`t go back to S-ON
and original CID whether I use UBERROT method or this from here:
(Rooting the Vision (G2/DZ) and DHD)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2

Thanks for the advice, I will stick myself with the current rom for a while

Ganii said:
Ok,so I can go back to S-ON with gfree commands from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
But for CID (you mean SuperCid right?) I need the backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I mean to go from your SuperCID back to your regular CID. You might not know what your original CID was.
And with the last question which you don`t understand,I mean
with flashing the HTC RUU 1.34.405.5 I don`t go back to S-ON
and original CID whether I use UBERROT method or this from here:
(Rooting the Vision (G2/DZ) and DHD)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you flash a stock ROM then it won't affect your S-OFF and CID status (or SIM unlock). These are stored in your radio configuration partition, and not in any of the partitions which are overwritten by the ROM flash.

[Q] ROM identification

hello,
i bought HTC Desire A8181 (from carphonewarehouse, UK), it came with 2.1-update 1, now it is 2.2 (2.29.405.5). i want to play with custom ROM. the following questions came to my mind. if I want to go back to untouched ROM? [i have not flashed my fone with custom ROM yet, but I want to. I want to understand the options. its a precautionary step I am taking]
1. how do I identify the RUU number for HTC A8181?
2. what is signed RUU?
3. if rooted with unrevoked3 but not flashed custom ROM can i receive HTC OTA updates?
5. what really changes when i root with unrevoked3?
sorry if my quarries sounds stupid, i am new to android, and learning the way of android.
tanx a lot

RUU = ROM Upgrade Utility
You match it to the version on your phone (2.29.405.5) - simple!!
Here it is:
http://www.mediafire.com/?bbb7m2b4t5jejhm
Or here:
http://www.multiupload.com/LEJCW182AH
Keep it safe
Once rooted you CAN'T get OTA updates as it'll screw things up

mir.nazu said:
hello,
i bought HTC Desire A8181 (from carphonewarehouse, UK), it came with 2.1-update 1, now it is 2.2 (2.29.405.5). i want to play with custom ROM. the following questions came to my mind. if I want to go back to untouched ROM? [i have not flashed my fone with custom ROM yet, but I want to. I want to understand the options. its a precautionary step I am taking]
1. how do I identify the RUU number for HTC A8181?
2. what is signed RUU?
3. if rooted with unrevoked3 but not flashed custom ROM can i receive HTC OTA updates?
5. what really changes when i root with unrevoked3?
sorry if my quarries sounds stupid, i am new to android, and learning the way of android.
tanx a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) An RUU doesn't have a 'number' I am aware of, generally they are region or network provider specific. So being in England I would use the stock O2, Vodafone, Orange etc, RUU, or use any non-specific WWE (World Wide English) RUU.
2) A signed RUU is one that hasn't been modified and will run on any stock phone, the phone will only let you install a non modified RUU by default, I believe. (My definition maybe a little off here)
3) If you have changed nothing on the phone from stock, you can still recieve OTA updates, yes. Installing a custom ROM will stop you being able to use the OTA update feature.
5, lol) And to quote binary visions from AndroidForums
Rooting it doesn't fundamentally change the phone (it only provides the ability to fundamentally change the phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Essentially it's just an app in the app drawer than enables you to have administrative control over your phone. If you never use a program that requires 'root' access as it's known, It'll do nothing. If a program requires 'root' access, it'll just give you the ability to run it. Kinda like a school that locks the Control Panel on Windows from the school kids, stopping them from changing screen resolution and messing about with the PC.

EddyOS said:
RUU = ROM Upgrade Utility
You match it to the version on your phone (2.29.405.5) - simple!!
Here it is:
http://www.mediafire.com/?bbb7m2b4t5jejhm
Or here:
http://www.multiupload.com/LEJCW182AH
Keep it safe
Once rooted you CAN'T get OTA updates as it'll screw things up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eddy, is this ruu rootable ? what hboot does it give you, please ? can it be s-offed with alpharev 1.8 ?

1. Yes
2. HBOOT 0.93
3. Yes

re
thanks EddyOS and Kalavere.
I m feeling a bit confidant now.
but......................................
what is the meaning
[Kalavere] "If you have changed nothing on the phone from stock, you can still recieve OTA updates" (no custom rom)
and
[EddyOS] "Once rooted you CAN'T get OTA updates as it'll screw things up"
another stupid question - if i install any custom rom will it change IMEI no?
if i install RUU after, will it change IMEI no. (will any device specific number change)?
tanxa lot

IMEI can't be changed as it's hardcoded onto the phone
Once rooted it's not recommended to accept an OTA update, it'll remove root but not be 100% unrooted and cause more issues than it's worth so don't do it

[Q] A few questions before rooting

Hey guys, first time poster here and a bit of a newb to rooting, Android and smart-phones in general.
I've been hanging on these forums the past 3 months researching the rooting process for a Desire and all the relevant stuff that goes along with it. So please go easy on me. I've also read all the 'similar threads' suggested to me at post-time.
I'm almost ready to begin the process but there's a few bits of information that's got me pretty scared before I go ahead. I wasn't able to find much of a concrete answer/s to these questions, from Googling around.
Well without further ado.
What is the difference between GSM & CDMA and do I need to know which my phone is before proceeding?
If I DO need to know, how do I find this out?
My phone is branded (Orange splash-screen at boot) and locked to Orange network (Newly recieved contract phone).
I've heard that I may need a goldcard to proceed with the Unrevoked process due to the branding. Is this correct?
Another guide on the net (can provide link if necessary), mentions upgrading the radio on Orange phones can permanently break the wifi OR permanently simlock your phone.
Will I need to worry about this during the Unrevoked rooting process? And will this be avoidable after installing a custom rom. (If I get that far )
I read somewhere on these forums (I forgot where exactly), something about the newest Orange OTA update causing problems with the rooting process. Is this still the case or has Unrevoked been updated to avoid that now? Also, how can I check if I have that update?
I can provide all the information about my Hboot, radio and kernel versions etc, if you need it (I guess you will), but for some reason, I keep getting a spam warning as this is my first post. I can only assume the version numbers are being interpreted as IPs...
Well sorry for the wall of text, but I greatly appreciate any help I can get regarding these issues. I'm so scared of bricking my Desire and not being able to return it, if bricking does occur.
Yours a worried root newb!

1. We use GSM phones in the UK as we use SIM cards. CDMA phones don't use SIM cards and are locked/released to one network
2. You don't need a gold card to root, no. As there isn't an Orange RUU available to go back to stock for warranty you will need one to flash a non-Orange RUU. Best to make one before starting
3. This was the case a while back but I'd wait for confirmation before changing it
4. No as the radio isn't flashed during a ROM (unless stated in the ROM thread that it does)
5. Shouldn't be an issue, just get the latest version of unrEVOked from their website before starting

Great, that's most of my questions/concerns answered. Although the below answer has brought a new question to the front
EddyOS said:
2. You don't need a gold card to root, no. As there isn't an Orange RUU available to go back to stock for warranty you will need one to flash a non-Orange RUU. Best to make one before starting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately my knowledge of RUU is almost non-existant, other than that it stands for Rom Upgrade Utility and is used to upgrade the software on my phone? Right?
And forgive me if I'm being dumb here but, if
EddyOS said:
there isn't an Orange RUU available to go back to stock for warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and yet I
EddyOS said:
will need one to flash a non-Orange RUU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then how can I do this? Or am I totally misunderstanding you?
Do I somehow use an application without root permission to perform a procedure similar to hdd ghosting?

Basically, if you wanted to return to stock for any reason you wouldn't be able to go back to the Orange ROM as the RUU doesn't exist so you'd have to go to a generic ROM. To flash any ROM other than the originally on the phone you need a gold card
It's the same for me, if (for some strange reason) I'd want to flash a branded ROM on my Desire I'd need a gold card. Thankfully, I have an unbranded handset so I can get the stock RUU and use it without a gold card

EddyOS said:
Basically, if you wanted to return to stock for any reason you wouldn't be able to go back to the Orange ROM as the RUU doesn't exist so you'd have to go to a generic ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically if I were to screw it up, which I hopefully won't, I'm buggered as far as getting my phone fixed cos they'll see the Orange rom is no longer installed? Not too fussed about that, as I'm super-careful with my phone.
I guess my next issue would be, after rooting using Unrevoked, I'd need to gain S-OFF right? Which I understand is done via AlphaRev. Only issue there would be related to this
"Please revert to a rooted stock ROM if possible. Your /data partition is used for temporary storage of important files." If I'm reverting to a stock rom, while gaining S-OFF presumably there's a high chance that'd upgrade my radio - a potentially very bad thing.
THEN I go about choosing a rom to flash. Then Nandroid backup. Then flash the rom, hopefully love it and voila?
Also, what would you suggest as a good rom for someone like me just starting out with a fully rooted phone? I was thinking one of the official builds to lose all the crap, but then the above issue of the radio creeps up again...

I have been flashing ROM's since I got my phone rooted last year and I have never bothered to S-OFF. It's not a requirement.
I have tried a number of ROM's (it becomes a bit addictive!) there is not normally a need to flash a new radio, just leave it be. If you are worried about it and the ROM requires a new radio don't flash it. There are plenty to choose from.
As for recommendations, everyone has their own tastes and likes. That's the beauty of modding. Just flash a few ROM's and see which you like. I have tried most of them, stuck with MIUI for ages, but am now on Cyanogenmod 7 Nightly's.

There is nothing to really worry about. There is a remote chance of bricking your phone for a start, like 0.0000000001% chance. Only way of doing it is disconnecting during say an S-Off.
As for the Orange issue. I had a locked, Orange Desire with 2.2 on it (the first update) and when I rooted and S-Off'd I had no problems. I also have updated my radio to 5.14.05.17 and have no issues at all. To be honest, I found issues to do with signals and Wi-Fi are to do with the ROM you install and the kernel as well which can be frustrating but fun as well.
As for choosing a ROM, choose one, flash it then see what it's like. It's purely down to what you like most about each ROM. I've been through so many ROMs in the past few months but now I am sort of staying with 1 ROM. I will say that when I installed a custom ROM, I had to pay to unlock my sim because it was being gay and Orange wanted £20 of my hard earned cash to unlock it and send it off. So be prepared.

thetasigma3 said:
So basically if I were to screw it up, which I hopefully won't, I'm buggered as far as getting my phone fixed cos they'll see the Orange rom is no longer installed? Not too fussed about that, as I'm super-careful with my phone.
I guess my next issue would be, after rooting using Unrevoked, I'd need to gain S-OFF right? Which I understand is done via AlphaRev. Only issue there would be related to this
"Please revert to a rooted stock ROM if possible. Your /data partition is used for temporary storage of important files." If I'm reverting to a stock rom, while gaining S-OFF presumably there's a high chance that'd upgrade my radio - a potentially very bad thing.
THEN I go about choosing a rom to flash. Then Nandroid backup. Then flash the rom, hopefully love it and voila?
Also, what would you suggest as a good rom for someone like me just starting out with a fully rooted phone? I was thinking one of the official builds to lose all the crap, but then the above issue of the radio creeps up again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother about S-OFF at the moment, you don't need it. Just get rooted and then look into custom ROMs for now

Ok I've taken a tiny step further forward. I'm at the point of making a goldcard but one thing concerns me... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6710085&postcount=3 According to that it won't work with the 2.2 OTA update from HTC.
I know, I have 2.2 installed but this was already on the phone when I received it, so I've no idea if this was an OTA or not... So I guess I need a different method to make a goldcard now?

Use this:
http://android.modaco.com/content/software/308798/pc-application-goldcardtool/
Probably need to register to get the file, though

Hmmm tried using that tool and no joy... Get my img file downloaded, but then the tool refuses to recognise my phone, despite doing the appropriate change over to 'disk drive'. I tried re-plugging the un-mounting and re-plugging the usb cable. Still no joy.
I'm beginning to lose hope here... That tool won't work and the tutorial here says it's incompatible with 2.2...
**edit**
Been Googling around a fair bit and I can't find any information at all on downgrading a branded 2.2. Only information on people with branded handsets wanting to update to 2.2.
After a bit more searching, I found someone else with the exact same issue as me. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10370443&postcount=977
Only one difference though. He doesn't mention if he managed to flash a custom rom after his root. I'm guessing he probably wouldn't have been able to going by your post:
EddyOS said:
To flash any ROM other than the originally on the phone you need a gold card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

A gold card is only needed to flash a STOCK ROM different from your original - it's not needed to flash a custom ROM. The gold card isn't even needed to root. It's just handy to have in your case as you'd need it to go back to stock due to the lack of an Orange RUU
I'm out of ideas I'm afraid, never had to deal with a gold card as I'm unbranded

Use this:
http://android.modaco.com/content/so...-goldcardtool/
Probably need to register to get the file, though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that work a lot better then?
I used the method posted by thetasigma3 and I can't get OTA 2.29.405.5 but I can get 2.29.405.2. To get round the problem I installed the 2.29.405.5 RUU and rooted

Anyone who's debranded will need to use the RUU as the OTA won't go through

GoogleJelly said:
I will say that when I installed a custom ROM, I had to pay to unlock my sim because it was being gay and Orange wanted £20 of my hard earned cash to unlock it and send it off. So be prepared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call me crazy, but why the heck would flashing a custom rom require you to unlock and send off? Presumably the sending off thing would've been for Orange to perform the unlock procedure?
Anyway, back to my main issue, I know I've probably tread the same ground a few times now, but I really don't wanna end up bricking, cos I overlooked a tiny element, or something.
Could someone confirm I have these points all correct please?
Goldcard NOT needed for rooting.
Goldcard NOT needed if/when I flash a custom rom.
Goldcard needed if I wanted to go back to a STOCK rom.
Only reason to flash a STOCK rom is if I need to send back to Orange for repairs etc.
Oh and thanks for the clarification on your earlier post EddyOS. About goldcards not being needed for custom roms as opposed to stock etc.
Think I'm ready to go ahead with the process now, but if I go ahead and something goes wrong, what's my safety net, so to speak? Presumably my battery would die on me long before I get a response here

What you have there is correct (point 2-5)
The unlocking issue was down to some radios causing Orange handsets to become SIM locked. If you're using an Orange SIM this isn't an issue but others who got an Orange handset but use a different SIM card found they wouldn't work.
This was earlier in the Desire's life and I don't think it's applicable now

Try using "GoldCard Helper" app from Android Market, in case you want to try and make a goldcard (as the other methods did not work for you).
As mentioned as EddyOS, all your points from 2 - 5 are correct.

Ok finally got the guts together to go ahead and run unRevoked. (Already had done the driver steps etc).
I've checked with an app from the Android Market, called 'Root Check' to verify root access. That's saying I do have it and it also asked for Root permissions on start-up, which it never did before root. So I assume that's a good sign. I also checked for the 'Superuser Permissions' app in my apps menu. Found it was present and clicked it. Started without any problems. So I guess that's another good sign.
So I guess my next set of questions are reasonable simple.
Does this seem like my phone is now 100% rooted? I think it is, but I could be wrong.
Do I need to install Busybox? Root Checker seems to like seeing it there.
Does it matter if I use Titanium Backup Pro or free? I'm guessing it won't but I'd like to be certain.
If I backup my current Orange rom with Titanium Backup will I be able to go back to that without a goldcard? My guess is no. I didn't make or use one for the root process.

1. Yes
2. For Titanium Backup, yes
3. No
4. You don't backup the ROM with TB, you boot into Recovery and do it there

kvphani said:
Try using "GoldCard Helper" app from Android Market, in case you want to try and make a goldcard (as the other methods did not work for you).
As mentioned as EddyOS, all your points from 2 - 5 are correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, I downloaded that app and found a fairly easy looking guide on the Unlockr http://theunlockr.com/2010/03/10/how-to-create-a-goldcard/ . Just wanted to check, if I use that app plus this guide. I skip steps 1-6 right?
Ok gone ahead and done that now. Just having some trouble finding instructions on backing up my Orange rom.
Oh and now that the forum won't grumble at my phone info, here it is. Hopefully that'll shed some more light on my situation, if I need further help.
BRAVO PVT4 SHIP S-ON
HBOOT-0.93.0001
MICROP-051d
TOUCH PANEL-SYNW0101
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
[email protected] #1
Build Number
2.17.61.3 CL274424 release-keys
Softare Number
2.17.61.3
Browser Version
WebKit 3.1
Model Number
A8181

[Q] Desire Z first time root questions, please help

Hi, I am have just got my HTC Desire Z/Vision and I am very new to rooting.
I checked on a lot of thread on how to root, s-off the phone before I can install custom ROM.
Some of the tread mention that I need to do firmware downgrade if my device has firmware version higher than 1.34, but I am not sure on my version and therefore I include my information below.
What is the easier way to root my phone?
If I use gfree, do I need to downgrade my firmware? Is there any side effect when I downgrade my firmware?
If I use VISIONary, do I need to downgrade my firmware?
Do I need to do S-Off in order to install custom ROM? or is rooting enough?
Hell a lot of question but I hope you guys can help me out with it.
Android version: 2.2.1
Baseband version: 12.28e.60.140fU_26.04.02.17_M2
Kernel version: 2.6.32.21-g6e170e7
Build number: 1.82.707.1 CL317545
Software number: 1.82.707.1

cruxiality said:
Hi, I am have just got my HTC Desire Z/Vision and I am very new to rooting.
I checked on a lot of thread on how to root, s-off the phone before I can install custom ROM.
Some of the tread mention that I need to do firmware downgrade if my device has firmware version higher than 1.34, but I am not sure on my version and therefore I include my information below.
What is the easier way to root my phone?
If I use gfree, do I need to downgrade my firmware? Is there any side effect when I downgrade my firmware?
If I use VISIONary, do I need to downgrade my firmware?
Do I need to do S-Off in order to install custom ROM? or is rooting enough?
Hell a lot of question but I hope you guys can help me out with it.
Android version: 2.2.1
Baseband version: 12.28e.60.140fU_26.04.02.17_M2
Kernel version: 2.6.32.21-g6e170e7
Build number: 1.82.707.1 CL317545
Software number: 1.82.707.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, welcome to the boards, it's always nice to welcome people into the world of rooting and flashing (the android kind!).
To start, you will have to get ADB installed and working. To do this, download the Android SDK from here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html . make sure you have the Java SDK and JDK installed as well as the Android SDK requires that as a requirement.
Based on your information, you have the 1.82 system software and will need to downgrade. I am not 100% sure if this guide will be applicable to you since it was written for the 1.72, but look at this guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905261
The above guide will help you in downgrading to 1.34, gaining root with gfree/rage, SIM-Unlock and S-OFF, installing ClockWordMod (a.k.a CWM) and flashing a new and shiny ROM for you.
I can completely understand how confusing alot of these guides can be, I spent about 3 hours trying to do the same thing as you a month ago. A year ago, I did the same thing with my old HTC Hero! So if you have any questions, just ask away. XDA is a great community.
Have fun

Thank you for your reply. It does help me to go through the right direction.
Understood that I need to downgrade my build to 1.34, but is there any major difference between my current build and the older build?
After following the guide to downgrade and install CWM, will it also allow me to backup my current official ROM?
As I love HTC Sense too much such a pity that I need to let it go. I am thinking of flashing back to the official ROM when I have the need to.
XDA is indeed to a great community. Great helps from great people

cruxiality said:
Thank you for your reply. It does help me to go through the right direction.
Understood that I need to downgrade my build to 1.34, but is there any major difference between my current build and the older build?
After following the guide to downgrade and install CWM, will it also allow me to backup my current official ROM?
As I love HTC Sense too much such a pity that I need to let it go. I am thinking of flashing back to the official ROM when I have the need to.
XDA is indeed to a great community. Great helps from great people
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are alot of fixes and improvements that HTC made between the 1.34 version and the newest 1.84 version. Those would be found with HTC in their changelogs. Also, each of these upgrades breaks the root access that the devs have created. Similar to that of iOS breaking each jailbreak method with each new version of iOS that is released (you will understand this analogy if you have an iPod Touch or something along those lines).
After gaining root, SIM-Unlock and S-OFF, installing CWM would allow you to perform a NANDroid backup (an EXACT image of your current installed ROM) so that you can go back to it at a later time.
If you are like myself (and seems that you are) you love how HTC's Sense overlay works and it just gets you. Keeps things simple while being infinitely customizable. When you do get around to flashing, I would recommend Virtuous as your ROM of choice. It is what I am running right now with no ill effects. The link to Virtuous is in my signature below.
If this is your first time flashing a custom ROM on an Android device, I can promise you that you will NEVER have a reason to go back to the stock ROM unless your phone is damaged physically and needs warranty repair. Even then, it is sometimes cheaper and easier for you to order the parts online and DIY your repairs (did it for my brother's BB Storm when he broke the screen).
Going back to my Hero, I have the stock Android 1.5 image saved somewhere, but I have never had to go back to it. Always found another newer/better custom ROM to flash. With my current DZ, I was fortunate enough to have stumbled onto Virtuous.
Have fun!

Yes, you're right. I like HTC Sense so I don't know if I will get used to the custom ROM without it.
I have checked on the Virtuous ROM previously and I will give it a try.
Yes, I saw plenty of decent ROM, they have nice UI but as you know first time rooting does give me goosebumps.
Will try it and I hope everything goes smooth.
Thanks a lot for your kind explanation, it does save me time in putting up all the pieces together

I bumped into a problem as I try to downgrade my firmware.
I followed the guide on this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905261 and I encountered error on step 11, when the phone goes into bootloader mode and tries to scan PC10IMG.zip file that I copied into the SDCard.
It said 'CID' incorrect!, Update Fail!
Anybody knows why I might have this issue? Is this because of the firmware difference as mentioned by Athrun88?

cruxiality said:
I bumped into a problem as I try to downgrade my firmware.
I followed the guide on this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905261 and I encountered error on step 11, when the phone goes into bootloader mode and tries to scan PC10IMG.zip file that I copied into the SDCard.
It said 'CID' incorrect!, Update Fail!
Anybody knows why I might have this issue? Is this because of the firmware difference as mentioned by Athrun88?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As stated in the thread you are using to downgrade, your CID must be one of the following:
g4rb4g3 said:
If your INFOCID is NOT one of these you need to make a goldcard to downgrade!
HTC__001
HTC__032
HTC__E11
HTC__203
HTC__Y13
HTC__102
HTC__405
HTC__304
HTC__A07
HTC__N34
HTC__J15
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF its not in the above list you must make a gold card first then use the thread that you listed to downgrade. To check your CID run the following commands:
check with:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem boot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a link in the thread you listed on how to make a gold card. The method you are trying is comfirmed to also work with 1.82. So the reason you are having problems is NOT because your on 1.82 firmware, more than likely your CID is not listed above. Solution = GOLDCARD.

Thank you for the reply.
I have looked into the Goldcard method (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=832503) and actually spent my time trying to accomplish the result.
Part 1 and part 2 are pretty straightforward but now I bumped into another problem when I tried to do part 3 as it requires me to have root access to execute the command.
I have tried to get the root access by following methods from different threads such as using rage (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=834228).
For this method, I tried to do temp root and I am stucked on step 5. After launching 'Terminal Emulator' and running 'rage'. I can't seem to run the 'Terminal Emulator' again. When I launched it, it Force Closes. Tried to launch it again, my phone just displayed black screen and keys doesn't seem to be responding not till I off and on the phone (not reboot).
I also tried to use Visionary too but doesn't seem to have any luck.
Is there any other method I can try to get the root access?
Another question is after I followed Part 1 of the steps in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=832503, when I boot up my computer, I can't seem to go to Windows. I am sure I selected physical disk instead of logical disk but I don't know why this happen. Anybody encounter the same problem?

I'm currently in the situation of wanting to root and S-off my Desire Z in order to update, either to official or (more likely) Virtuous ROM.
However before I do so I have a couple of questions.
1) How do I back up everything on my phone? I know my contacts and calendar will be fine as they are from my google account, also my email will be ok as that is also my google account. Photos etc I can just copy to my PC but what about all the apps I've installed, and my progress in them, my pair bluetooth devices, my wifi access points, my mesage apn settings etc etc?
I have tried Titanium Backup but not having paid for the full version, the info it gives you is a little limited so i'm not sure what it's backed up etc?
2) I currently have root via using Visionary, do I need to unroot and then go through the process with all the adb stuff? Also, will i need to uninstall the SuperUser I have installed?
3) I think my ADB is setup as I managed to get it to boot the phone into the bootloader, but when Itried to check my INFOCID using
Code:
fastboot oem boot
I got an error message saying that fastboot was not a recognised function (or something similar to that) Is this a problem?
ANy help really really appreciated as I am a total newb with Android but would love to move to a more up-to-date software version as I am currently on 1.34.
Thanks in advance.

valve90210 said:
I'm currently in the situation of wanting to root and S-off my Desire Z in order to update, either to official or (more likely) Virtuous ROM.
However before I do so I have a couple of questions.
.......................... lots of questions...............
ANy help really really appreciated as I am a total newb with Android but would love to move to a more up-to-date software version as I am currently on 1.34.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could wait until HTC releases a OTA update for your phone. Or as a alternative and avoiding being impatient, you could do a lot of reading and learning on this site to apply a custom rom. It is not that difficult at all, but do not expect a step by step walking trough the minute you ask for something here.

HLeenders said:
You could wait until HTC releases a OTA update for your phone. Or as a alternative and avoiding being impatient, you could do a lot of reading and learning on this site to apply a custom rom. It is not that difficult at all, but do not expect a step by step walking trough the minute you ask for something here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thanks for your helpful post...
I've done loads of reading on the forum and have gone rather round in circles. I think I know what I'm doing but seeing as someone else who is new to it had posted a thread I thought I'd also ask a couple of questions that I had which were pertinent to the discussion, to firstly find out for myself and secondly to help anyone else that might be finding the thread otherwise useful.
I think I have sorted the abd problem I was having, it seems that various tools have moved to different folders in the latest version of the android sdk so when I was trying the "fastboot" line it was nt findint fastboot.exe as it was in a different folder.
Secondly I'm fairly happy to give the gfre stuff a whirl but before I do I just wanted a little confirmation about backing everything up...not a huge ask really and fairly essential I would say!

valve90210 said:
Wow, thanks for your helpful post...
I've done loads of reading on the forum and have gone rather round in circles. I think I know what I'm doing but seeing as someone else who is new to it had posted a thread I thought I'd also ask a couple of questions that I had which were pertinent to the discussion, to firstly find out for myself and secondly to help anyone else that might be finding the thread otherwise useful.
I think I have sorted the abd problem I was having, it seems that various tools have moved to different folders in the latest version of the android sdk so when I was trying the "fastboot" line it was nt findint fastboot.exe as it was in a different folder.
Secondly I'm fairly happy to give the gfre stuff a whirl but before I do I just wanted a little confirmation about backing everything up...not a huge ask really and fairly essential I would say!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Astro File Explorer to back up your apps, Call Logs Backup and SMS backup will backup the sms threads and call logs or if you want to spend a couple of bucks Root explorer works well for me also. Once you have CWM you can make a Nandroid backup and will have an exact image of you phone at that point in time that you can go back to. I am waiting for my DZ to arrive and currently using an Inspire and 2 Captivates that other than minor differences in the procedures the backup maintenance is the same. The problem is that if you downgrade to a rom that allows CWM you cant back up the existing newer one. There are copies of it out there though. Just be careful if trying to go back to it and read carefully as I understand there are possible problems going back if the correct procedures are not followed. Good luck to you and as the previous poster stated about educating yourself, I fully agree. Read until you understand then read again to make sure you are not missing something. Follow directions EXACTLY and it usually avoids problems.
Sorry I see you are on 1.34 which I think means that once you get S-Off and root you can download rom manager from the market, install clockworkmod and you will be good to go with Nandroid backups.