Noobie question about rooting - G2 and Desire Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Just got my Desire Z a couple of weeks ago, and I'm all new to this android platform.
I (think) I wanna root my device, dont know too much about rooting and what it does, but I like the idea of getting the most out of my phone. My number one wish is to get the Gingerbread version running on my Desire Z.
I've tried searching for a couple of hours, tried some rooting thats for the regular Desire. Did not work, I think I'm not doing it right, or that the Desire rooting doesnt work for the Z.
Ok, how do I do this?

First off, you shouldn't mess with these things if you don't know what you're doing. Just guessing around, and thinking the Desire root method would work on the Vision (G2, Desire Z) was possibly a risky thing to do. You could brick your phone if you try to root by the wrong method.
Basic info on rooting (what it is) can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9143411&postcount=2
The Vision has special write protection which initially prevented rooting, which was not present on any other Android phone before it. But the guys here on XDA quickly found a way to gain write access. The proper rooting method is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
If you don't know what rooting is, you might want to read up on it before doing something that may void your warranty, brick your phone, etc.
Also, there are no Gingerbread ROMs out for the Vision yet, so you may want to wait on rooting until that happens (if that is your only reason for wanting to root). Again, you might want to do more research before diving into it, since you won't get what you want just yet.

Try looking up root methods using visionary root. should have a 1 click root method. Although I did the manual root. But worth a try nonetheless, BUT READ THE ENTIRE THREAD AND ITS POSTS, just in case.

Related

So need help perm rooting

Okay I have a G2, just got it and I need to perm root it. I looked at the sticky guide but most of the links aren't loading for me, don't know why, either thread isn't there or link expired or w/e. I don't know, but I need some help.
First, how do I find out if I have 1.72 or an earlier version
Second, do I use "rage"? method or VISIONary and what's the latest version of visionary?
Third, about how long does the process take?
Any help is appreciated.
James_Caliber said:
Okay I have a G2, just got it and I need to perm root it. I looked at the sticky guide but most of the links aren't loading for me, don't know why, either thread isn't there or link expired or w/e. I don't know, but I need some help.
First, how do I find out if I have 1.72 or an earlier version
Second, do I use "rage"? method or VISIONary and what's the latest version of visionary?
Third, about how long does the process take?
Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every thing you need to know about rooting is in here http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision just start reading from Rooting the Vision (G2/DZ) and DHD or you can read the whole page. Don't use VISIONary, you have a chance of getting stuck in a boot loop, use Rage and GFree. You'll need the android SDK to get ADB. I'm not sure how long rooting takes, I haven't done it yet as I don't have my G2 until next week but I have been reading about root for the past week. From what I know, 1.72 is only if you have a Desire Z. If you have any more questions, I'm sure me or another member can answer you.
KoolKidsKlub said:
Every thing you need to know about rooting is in here http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision just start reading from Rooting the Vision (G2/DZ) and DHD or you can read the whole page. Don't use VISIONary, you have a chance of getting stuck in a boot loop, use Rage and GFree. You'll need the android SDK to get ADB. I'm not sure how long rooting takes, I haven't done it yet as I don't have my G2 until next week but I have been reading about root for the past week. From what I know, 1.72 is only if you have a Desire Z. If you have any more questions, I'm sure me or another member can answer you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know what the 1.72 # refers to? Is it the build number or something else?
Thanks a lot for your help though. I'll start reading
James_Caliber said:
Do you know what the 1.72 # refers to? Is it the build number or something else?
Thanks a lot for your help though. I'll start reading
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a Tmobile G2 (from your first post, I assume you do) you don't need to worry about 1.72 it for the Desire Z. There are three methods to root with, them being Visionary, Rage, gfree. Gfree by far has caused the least amount of problems. If you know ADB rooting should be pretty simple, just follow the wiki on rooting with gfree. If your not familiar with ADB, there are methods to root without having to use it. But its always good and recommended to have it installed and running. There are guide here to help walk you thru it, but if for some reason its to difficult or you don't quite understand it, like I said there are methods to root with out it. There is a modified way to run gfree with your home computer and terminal emulator on your phone. Also the visionary method too, now many people have had problems with visionary, I'm not one of them, it is how I rooted my phone, but I can't stress the importance of reading and putting the time into understanding what you are and want to do to modify your phone, far to many people act before understanding and run into many problems including bricking there phones, I know some of the threads are really long in this forum but that's no excuse, whenever I try something new I read the entire thread first start to finish because any problems you may have, the solution has probably already been givin somewhere in the thread. There is no rush to jump into something you don't understand, my suggestion is to invest the time to read and understand how to root you phone first.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Even if you root using rage, you can still install and use gfree on your phone. I can confirm that it works.
Just stay away from Visionary.
blackknightavalon said:
Even if you root using rage, you can still install and use gfree on your phone. I can confirm that it works.
Just stay away from Visionary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
This is my first Android phone and I was able to follow the Wiki and root it pretty easily. The only part I didnt do was installing the Engineering Hboot. Just cause it is labeled as optional and unnecessary and the warning about bricked phones scared me away from it.
This ADB Guide for Noobs was pretty helpful in the process too
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865685
With that link and the Wiki your all set.
boost3d23 said:
This.
This is my first Android phone and I was able to follow the Wiki and root it pretty easily. The only part I didnt do was installing the Engineering Hboot. Just cause it is labeled as optional and unnecessary and the warning about bricked phones scared me away from it.
This ADB Guide for Noobs was pretty helpful in the process too
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865685
With that link and the Wiki your all set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing out with the engineering bootloader. You'll have more recovery options with it installed.
blackknightavalon said:
You're missing out with the engineering bootloader. You'll have more recovery options with it installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might install it later on, if that is possible and wont cause issues.
boost3d23 said:
I might install it later on, if that is possible and wont cause issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to root the phone then when I feel more comfortable, I'm going to flash the engineering HBOOT. It's not that I'm scared, well I sorta am but I would rather not do something that isn't necessary. I'm coming from a rooted G1 so I know what it does and everything, I just don't think its necessary. The way I look at is is this, if you flash the HBOOT then your a lot safer because you can use fastboot flash to save your self from a semi-brick, but at the same time, flashing the HBOOT is also dangerous because you can brick your phone beyond repair.
*bump*
Sorry guys, I know this is an old thread, but isn't it better to post on something existing rather than creating a new thread? Hopefully I'm right...
Anyhow, I'm a Sprint convert and I now have the G2. Rooting the Samsung Epic I had was super easy, because I downloaded a one-click script that did everything for me. However, I'm fairly tech-savvy and accomplished just about everything for the rooting procedures using gfree and rage.
However, when I use gfree_verify, I get the message 'verify could not initialize the device!'. I think I run into my problem when I get to this part:
# /data/local/tmp/root
# sync
when I run the first line, I get a message about file existing that it says to expect... but it also says that "the rest of the script should still run ok". Well, after I get the file existing message, it goes back to the prompt. If there was a script that ran after that message, wouldn't I see other messages before it returned to the prompt?
I hope I'm making sense... and I hope I posted this in the right place. I'm dying to get a Sense ROM on my phone, but I need to get some sleep for work tomorrow. Any help that everyone could provide would be EXTREMELY appreciated Thanks so much!!
...EDIT...
Apparently, despite my lack of luck with verification, root is in place in my phone and has stayed after reboot. I've flashed clockwork and have used Superuser access... all seems to be well! Thanks anyway

getting a new g2 on Friday

so i got the promotion to get a free g2 but heres a few questions im thinking that it will come with the latest rom can i root it ive been looking through a ton of guides and im confused what should i do. which method work to gain perma root
cudahy_boy said:
so i got the promotion to get a free g2 but heres a few questions im thinking that it will come with the latest rom can i root it ive been looking through a ton of guides and im confused what should i do. which method work to gain perma root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may come with the latest ROM but I more suspect that it will come with the original (shipped) ROM and immediately receive the OTA update. The good news is that there are no issues rooting even if you have the OTA applied (I think some of the rooting guides assume you do) so I would go ahead and apply the OTA if prompted. This is different than the Desire Z where the latest updates can make rooting more complicated.
The most widely recommended method of obtaining permanent root is the "gfree" method, it will permanently root your phone and at the same time will SIM unlock it as well as set the CID so you could load whatever carrier ROM you might want to.
The only issue most people seem to have with using the gfree method is getting ADB up and running and talking to your G2. Using ADB isn't (as far as I know) strictly necessary to make gfree work but it's easiest and all the guides (that I've seen) have you use ADB.
Here is the section of the wiki showing you how to use gfree to root your phone: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wik...cess_.28Permanent_Root_.2F_.22Permaroot.22.29
For instructions for getting ADB up and running I would look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865685
Check out unlockr.com on rooting g2. They use the Visionary method. Took me only couple mins.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
GhostZini said:
Check out unlockr.com on rooting g2. They use the Visionary method. Took me only couple mins.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please stop telling people to use the VISIONary method!? That method has a risk of putting the user's phone into a boot loop! Please know you what your talking about before attempting to help some one, it can make the difference of bricking a phone and rooting a phone. Rage and GFree DOES NOT have a risk of putting your phone in a boot loop. Out of all the people that have messed up their phone, EVERY ONE of them that I have seen has used the VISIONary method. I'm not trying to be mean, but please be more careful when giving advice. I know your just trying to help, and I respect you for that but please do no tell some one to do the VISIONary method.
Sorry mate, I had no clue bout that. I had no loop but i see your point
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
nevermind about my quesiton lol
Thanks for this question, it answered mine so I didn't have to ask. Will be using g-free way shortly.

yes.. probs rooting.

Hey all, new here to posting although use this site alot for the quick fix answers ive had in the past.
How ever decided i would try rooting my desire z as i was looking for that extra control over everything and to loose some of that bloatware just like many of you.
Only thing im having trouble with is actually getting a successful root, im not one to just ask without looking of course but in actual fact ive been at this since 11ish this morning (8hours ago) with no luck. Ive tried about 5 different methods (from xda users such as 'Aegishua' and 'gtrab' guides to a random google searchs also) to no luck at all. Had quite a fair few errors pop up during the process of trying but so far my DZ is still intact and working fine but with S-ON still.
Im not here to ask for someone to explain a fool proof way to root my phone i was just hoping that someone may b able to point me in the right direction of a guide that should hopefully bring some success.
I have an unbranded Desire Z running 2.2.1 (originally 2.2) on Vodafone UK. i could list software details but im hoping someone could either tell me i can't root it since the new security update in 2.2.1 or could pass on a link to a guide that may work for me.
Sorry to sound long winded but its been a day full of "wtf's" amungst other phrases so im just a little lost and confused
Thanks in advance
Matt
if you have adb working and are comfortable with it, use the wiki method..
do you know what firmware version you are? if you are 1.72 or above, you need to downgrade to 1.34 before you will be able to root successfully.
Check in dev section, there is something bout debranding and rooting for DZ and shows what newly one has issue, also you could try the xda wiki methond gfreev.05
pmcqueen said:
if you have adb working and are comfortable with it, use the wiki method..
do you know what firmware version you are? if you are 1.72 or above, you need to downgrade to 1.34 before you will be able to root successfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before trying to root you need to follow the step above. This is mainly the mistake people make when they try to root the Desire Z if your a new comer, this is words from the wise. Lol
Your firmware is probably 1.85 or something higher than 1.72 by the looks of things which just means you need to downgrade. But the complicated part is actually getting the downgrade to recognize your vodafone branded Desire Z's unique CID. That's where a goldcard comes in handy because it bypasses the CID check.
Anyways, all you need to do is make a goldcard to downgrade. If you get any errors then post the exact errors word for word if possible.

[Q] Really need help rooting.

I have read multiple guides around the internet about rooting my HTC Desire Z. Hutchinson 3UK network. I am unsure on what method to use, how to downgrade etc.
I do not want to run a risk of rooting my phone as I bought it outright for £300. I also want to know if I can unroot and perm-root.
The reason I want to root is to overclock it, is it possile to use 2.2 firmware on a root?
Could you please post or link a guide that will provide all of the information I need and that is fairly simple to understand as I am new to the whole Android/rooting business.
Many thanks.
My Android version is 2.2.1 and am hoping to use this version as I love sense but only want a root on this to overclock.
My baseband version is 12.28e.60.140fU_26.04.02.17_M2
Build number and software number is 1.72.405.2
With a 1.72 ROM you will need to downgrade before you can Root.
The instructions in the Wiki (http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Introduction) include links to the downgrade instructions.
The recommended root method uses GFREE which will SIM-Unlock the phone while you are rooting.
Yes you can unroot, the instructions for that are in the Wiki as well.
You can absolutely use a 2.2 ROM while rooted, if you are only looking to overclock you can just install an overclock friendly kernel after you are rooted, though you may want to look at a custom ROM because you will have to wipe when you downgrade from 1.72.
Good luck!
Ok, is unrooting a simple process because I am covered on warranty and do not to want to simply lose it, I need a backup. My phone is already unlocked so that is fine there.
How long does the rooting take? Because it all looks very confusing entering the code etc, am I likely to mess anything up which results in a brick?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
The process of rooting via wiki method took me about 15 minutes, but the setup of adb and installing drivers will add additional time if you are unfamiliar with it. Usually if you enter in a wrong character in adb, the command won't go through (incorrect paths, etc), but just be careful and you will be fine. Read each step carefully.
Unrooting was a little difficult for me (I did this first to send my first G2 in for warranty) as that was my first experience tying my phone to the pc, but it is very simple and straightforward with the instructions.
Yeah i did rooting with the wiki but sometimes you'll get confused on how to do it. If u dont understand ask here or search the internet. Always happy to help ^_^!
Downgrading
It says check your INFOCID. How do I perform this check?
Sorry for not knowing anything..
the link I am asking about is provided by the wiki: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905261

[Q] upgrade from 2.2 to 2.3.x without rooting

It is a shame to say that I still use Android 2.2 with Kernel 2.6.32.21, Taiwan version since I bought the phone a year ago.
(Not until recently, I have decided to move on to Gingerbread because
I wanna use the the latest features in the NDK to write some C++ programs for Android.)
Without getting into trouble during/after rooting,
I tried an official OTA upgrade but it doesn't work.
I tried to ask HTC but they said they still don't have any official upgrade for my phone.
I am a newbie here in this forum,
Could anybody please kindly offer your help please?
It will be GREATLY APPRECIATED! I wanna make my App!!!
swimd
If there is no official Gingerbread for your phone (which seems odd ?) then you can flash a different official GB ROM onto your phone. But normally your phone isn't going to let you do this, because it will fail the signature checks.
What you need to do is to de-brand your phone so that it doesn't do these checks any more. I will see if I can dig out a link to a guide and edit it into my post, unless someone else beats me to it.
Sent from my Desire Z running CM7.
Steviewevie,
Thank you for your help in advance!
I can't copy and paste the link right now, but use the Search function in the Android Dev forum to find the thread called "Debranding Bell Desire Z" (it doesn't only apply to Bell phones).
Sent from my Desire Z running CM7.
Thank you for the help!
I have found that thread!
BTW, after a quick look of the thread, it seems that S-off is recommended...
Do I need to get "root" in order to do so?
Should I do that to prevent future trouble?
Always recomend rooting phones right away, if you have a custom recovery and an enginering bootloader you can save tons of headaches in the future when problems arise (as they often do) this of course is outside the fact that a rooted phone is a happy phone and certainly not an apple
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
As demkantor said, getting S-OFF is a lot better because it gives you a lot more options for the future, even if you don't use those options straight away.
IMHO the only reason to use the goldcard method and not full S-OFF is if you are really worried about voiding your warranty or the S-OFF process yourself. But there's no need to worry really, since (a) you can easily reverse the process if you need to, and (b) lots of people here can help you through getting S-OFF (the XDA Wiki explains it very well, though it can look daunting at first).
Sent from my Desire Z running CM7.
+1 to the notion of just rooting the phone. Especially since if are software developer, I would think that you would want full control over your device. And if you have these type of skill, rooting will be easy.
As mentioned, root, S-Off etc. can be removed for warranty purposes, if that is the concern.
The Wiki method is generally accepted as the safest:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_Vision_.28G2.2FDZ.29_and_DHD
demkantor and all,
Thanks!!! ok, I am least I will go for S-OFF!
But, I need to be able to fully recover my OS and Apps,
I need to do some research on stock recovery and/or custom recovery...
Well, I think there is an official update to Gingerbread thou.. But I think dont think that version is in English as it is a Hongkong version.

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