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Hi guys, i'm new to doing this for Google Android as i've never owned an Android phone before. A friend of mine wanted me to do it for him because i've done iphone jailbreaking, PSP / DS hacking, installing custom roms on many mobile platforms. The only one i haven't done is Android but he feels that it's safer that i do it for him.
I owned a HTC Touch Pro and know how the process works, but it seems for Android devices, you have to "root" it first by bypass some sort of CID or SPL check??
Anyway my question is, can someone give me a rough and quick explanations on how this work for Android phones, or more specifically the HTC Desire?? My friend simply wants custom roms installed on his phone, just like how it is for the windows mobile devices like the Touch Pro or Touch Pro 2 etc.
So do i simply root it first, and then install the custom rom and that's it?? Are there any extra steps i must take as well such as updating the kernel or something??
I know for rooting, you have to create a gold card. I have found guides for those, but if anyone can give me guides on how to install custom roms or any other helpful infos that i need to them, please do. It seems it's not as easy and straightforward as it is for Windows Mobile phones........
and apparently, rooting the phone means that some apps won't be usable?? It seems there are some downsides to this as well. If anyone can give me as much info related to rooting or installing custom roms for Android devices, that would be awesome.
chaoscreater said:
Hi guys, i'm new to doing this for Google Android as i've never owned an Android phone before. A friend of mine wanted me to do it for him because i've done iphone jailbreaking, PSP / DS hacking, installing custom roms on many mobile platforms. The only one i haven't done is Android but he feels that it's safer that i do it for him.
I owned a HTC Touch Pro and know how the process works, but it seems for Android devices, you have to "root" it first by bypass some sort of CID or SPL check??
Anyway my question is, can someone give me a rough and quick explanations on how this work for Android phones, or more specifically the HTC Desire?? My friend simply wants custom roms installed on his phone, just like how it is for the windows mobile devices like the Touch Pro or Touch Pro 2 etc.
So do i simply root it first, and then install the custom rom and that's it?? Are there any extra steps i must take as well such as updating the kernel or something??
I know for rooting, you have to create a gold card. I have found guides for those, but if anyone can give me guides on how to install custom roms or any other helpful infos that i need to them, please do. It seems it's not as easy and straightforward as it is for Windows Mobile phones........
and apparently, rooting the phone means that some apps won't be usable?? It seems there are some downsides to this as well. If anyone can give me as much info related to rooting or installing custom roms for Android devices, that would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
basically what it is, when google made android, they locked us out of accessing system files, kinda like the windows directory on winmo fones if you get me, by rooting your fone you regain access to them system files in order to flash a rom there are 3 steps,
1) rooting (Lets us mod the system)
2) install custom recovery (Recovery is where you can flash roms and other update files)
3) get the rom you want, (copy the .zip to the root of your sd card, then just flash it via recovery)
thats it all done
thanks for your reply mate.
But i've read from a few topics that rooting is only required for branded devices, and i don't think my friend's HTC Desire is branded at all, will i still need to root his phone though?
Also, how do i install the custom recovery?? This is the first time i've learned about this, all the other guides i found were similar to how you install custom roms for Windows Mobile, just using the RUU_Flasher (something like that), it's like an automated installer that flashes your phone so you don't have to do anything else at all so it's very simple. Could you link me to the custom recovery thing you talked about??
So basically, the recovery thing is kinda like an app that you launch from Android itself, and then it'll install the rom found on the root of your memory card??
Oh and lastly, i've read something about the SPL and kernel as well, do those matter??
One question about rooting...
Is this something you do one time and it keeps forever? For example, I'm actually in android 2.1, but android 2.2 is going to be released soon. If I root my device now but I update it later to android 2.2 will be still rooted or should I root it again?
I'm asking this question because the root process needs an specific boot/ROM and updating the phone might update one or both of them, making the rooting process unavailable for the time being.
chaoscreater said:
But i've read from a few topics that rooting is only required for branded devices, and i don't think my friend's HTC Desire is branded at all, will i still need to root his phone though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is incorrect.
If the phone is unbranded, you don't need a goldcard, but you still need to "root" it to install custom ROMs.
In reality, what we call "rooting" here is a two stage process.
The first stage is to get a custom recovery on your device, which allows you to flash custom ROMs.
The second stage is to flash a ROM which allows you to gain root access to the device when in operation.
There are plenty of threads and guides on these forums that can take you through the process. IMHO, UnRevoked3 is the best solution.
Regards,
Dave
AzureusPT said:
Is this something you do one time and it keeps forever? For example, I'm actually in android 2.1, but android 2.2 is going to be released soon. If I root my device now but I update it later to android 2.2 will be still rooted or should I root it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install a ROM via an HTC RUU, or an OTA update, you will almost certainly lose root. So, once rooted, always flash ROMs that are pre-rooted via a custom recovery image. If you allow an HTC update to replace your bootloader, you may end up with a device that is no longer rootable by current methods.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
This is incorrect.
If the phone is unbranded, you don't need a goldcard, but you still need to "root" it to install custom ROMs.
In reality, what we call "rooting" here is a two stage process.
The first stage is to get a custom recovery on your device, which allows you to flash custom ROMs.
The second stage is to flash a ROM which allows you to gain root access to the device when in operation.
There are plenty of threads and guides on these forums that can take you through the process. IMHO, UnRevoked3 is the best solution.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so i basically use the UnRevoked3 app to install all that stuff on the Desire, and then put the custom rom image file on the root of my memory card, and where do i go from there?? I know i obviously have to install it but how? Will there be any apps installed on the phone by the UnRevoked3 program, and that i use the app to install the custom rom?
And btw i haven't gotten the phone yet so couldn't try this out so just wanna know exactly how this works.
Thanks for your reply btw, i appreciate it.
If you've got a custom recovery on your phone (via UnRevoked3 say), in order to install a custom ROM you need to:
a) Power down your phone
b) Power up your phone whilst holding volume down
c) Using the volume up/down keys navigate to "Recovery" and the power button to select. This will take you into your recovery image.
d) From here, you can then make Nandroid backups, flash new ROMs, wipe the device etc, etc
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
If you've got a custom recovery on your phone (via UnRevoked3 say), in order to install a custom ROM you need to:
a) Power down your phone
b) Power up your phone whilst holding volume down
c) Using the volume up/down keys navigate to "Recovery" and the power button to select. This will take you into your recovery image.
d) From here, you can then make Nandroid backups, flash new ROMs, wipe the device etc, etc
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHH ic ic, this is similar to hacking a PSP and install a custom firmware
ok i think i got the gist of it overall. Just one last question, what is Nandroid?? I read the FAQ on the homepage for UnRevoked3 and it mentioned something like this, or was it Nand?? I forgot, but it's one of those things that couldn't be flashed or changed permanently. I know nand is quite a common term for PSP and iPhones, so just wondering what this is for or what it means on Android...
here's an old video which shows how fake flash recovery works:
once you root your phone, you can use this procedure to flash roms:
vol down + power to enter hboot
choose Recovery option using vol buttons and power to confirm
once red triangle shows up, vol up + power, then choose apply update.zip to enter fake flash recovery
from there, you can backup your rom, wipe everything, flash new roms/radios, partition sd card...
thanks for your help, yup i got it.
But i just want to know what is Nandroid?? I read the FAQ on the homepage for UnRevoked3 and it mentioned something like this, or was it Nand?? I forgot, but it's one of those things that couldn't be flashed or changed permanently. I know nand is quite a common term for PSP and iPhones, so just wondering what this is for or what it means on Android...
btw i just watched the video and what's the difference between:
apply sdcard:update.zip
and
install zip from sd card
it's around the 0:39 on the video.
apply update.zip is to enter recovery
install zip from sd card is used to choose rom or radio from sd card to flash
nandroid backup is system image that you create prior to flashing. In case something goes wrong, you can restore your backup, and have everything as it was, without any consequences (that's how it should be in theory, to tell the truth I haven't used it yet )
djoni1980 said:
apply update.zip is to enter recovery
install zip from sd card is used to choose rom or radio from sd card to flash
nandroid backup is system image that you create prior to flashing. In case something goes wrong, you can restore your backup, and have everything as it was, without any consequences (that's how it should be in theory, to tell the truth I haven't used it yet )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok but for the "apply update.zip", how is it that it enters recovery?? I thought you ARE in the recovery, and thus you get those options as shown in that video??
EDIT: Regarding ROOTING: there are now rooted 2.2 official ROMs available with all kinds of goodies. If you have a rooted phone, or wanted to root anyway, you have the option of using those ROMs. This thread is then not for you.
BY FOLLOWING THE BELOW STEPS YOU WILL LOSE ROOT. If you want to root in the future, use a custom rom from the development section.
You do NOT need to have a rooted phone to do the below modifications. Everything is done using only official HTC Roms. You will have the official 2.2 Update as a result of the below steps.
Now back to your regular programme
-------------------
Ok for those who have itchy hands and must have the europe Froyo update on their non-Europe handsets:
The trick: treat your phone as if it were branded, even if you thought it wasn't. This applies especially to those with chinese input. This means you will need to do two things: create a gold card and de-brand your phone to European WWE 1.21 firmware.
Estimated time: give it an evening. There are a lot of things to do, so it may take a while, even if you're awesome and you've rooted and done other things to your phone you shouldn't do
Creating a gold card has been covered in detail see:
http://theunlockr.com/2010/03/10/how-to-create-a-goldcard/
But a few TIPS to note:
1. backup whatever you have on your memory card, just in case before starting the gold card creation process. you may have to format it.
2. look for the gold card creation tool, it will save you a lot of time
3. you will need to store your upgrade image on your gold card. when you are done creating your gold card, double check that when you unplug it from your computer and plug it back in, you are still able to put files in it. ie you do NOT get the message from Windows suggesting you should format it. If you get this message, do the gold card process again.
Now that you have a Gold Card...
Step 1: Unlocking
Get the WWE image:
http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Bra...00.28U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed.exe
This is a windows installer and is run from your computer. This WILL wipe all data from your phone and perform a factory reset.
I recommend using something like myBackup to backup your important information (bookmarks, smses etc). You can even back up Apps with myBackup, but since you are wiping data you might as well reinstall as you are not likely to get your Apps preferences back. Reinstalling also puts more of your apps into your SD memory, froyo style.
So, do a backup to your regular SD card, shut down. Pop in your Gold Card, boot up your phone, go into HTC sync mode (this enables USB debugging), and then run the above exe.
Follow instructions in the installer.
Step 2:
Now you have an unbranded phone. Keep your gold card in there, don't bother setting up your phone as you can do all this after we get froyo. And if something fails, you will be kicking yourself for having to do it again
Grab the update image from:
http://liveimage.htc.com/OTA_Bravo_Froyo_HTC_WWE_2.09.405.8-1.21.405.2_release4dua3bcrut4wrv30.zip
Hopefully it stays up there for some time, but if it gets taken down I'm sure you will be able to find someone who has a copy
When done downloading, rename this file "update.zip" and copy this file onto your Gold Card.
This is why it was important in step 1 to make sure your Gold Card can still accept writing files to it.
Step 3: The update
Shut down your phone. Boot recovery mode.
cool_scorpion said:
Hi Annafil - first - many many thanks for sharing this - I had purchased a Desire from the grey market in the UAE, and it was from Singapore, and I couldnt get rid of the Chinese keyboard options that kept coming up every time I typed. I couldnt also use the official wwe roms - and then ur post came along. Now thanks to you, I have the wwe rom, with Froyo chugging along perfectly fine on my Desire Thanks a ton.
Just a quick comment - refer the instructions quoted above - the video is not really reflecting the right tasks to be done at the 3rd step - I looked around and found these comments, and thought will put them down - you might want to use this in your comments as an alternative to the video
When you want to launch the recovery image
1. Turn on your device with 'volume down' pressed and select 'Recovery'
2. When the exclamation mark appears, press and hold 'volume up' then press 'power'
3. Select the second option, 'Apply sdcard:update.zip'
For more information, see video for instructions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi0PTV992WA
In recovery mode, use the option to load "Update.zip" from memory card.
This will kick start the update.
If you have done everything right, it will do some copying (an error about failing to load something related to cache is normal, ignore it). Your phone will reboot, show you an upgade in progress icon, reboot again into your regular phone mode and tell you you have successfully upgraded. It will then do a quick load from 0 to 100%, and then present you with keyboard settings.
You now have froyo. Shut down, swap out your gold card for your regular card with your myBackup backup, boot up.
Get online, grab myBackup from the market place. If you did this all within 30 days you've still got your free trial, so click restore inside myBackup and have fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many many thanks for the write up. Will follow the step and get back here soon.
Yes thanks to your write up, I have now in my hand a froyo-ed HTC Desire Woo Hoo!
Hi to all SG desire users,
Able to install back chinese input after you upgrade to froyo using european rom?
Out of interest... are we able to do the initial rooting of the Asian rom via the 'Unrevoked' method??
Its a hell of a lot less complicated than making a gold card... but I havent heard much feedback on whether it will work with the faux-branded Asian roms.
My current stock rom:
Firmware version 2.1-update1
Baseband version 32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2
Kernel version 2.6.29-c8d11160
[email protected]#1
Build number 1.20.751.5 CL171460 release-keys
Software number 1.20.751.5
HBOOT 0.80.000
Cheerz in advance.
Is root required for this?
Chinese input is available for me on world generic. Can't tell you if it's very good since don't use it but it's there.
No, you do not need to root.
Rooting is not the same as making a gold card and won't help you to install the ota successfully.
The rest: my pleasure happy to have saved someone the headache I had trying to do this.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
I'd be curious if anyone has an easier way to accomplish the same thing without losing settings, for instance.
Does rooting require to do this processes?
I bought my handset from an importer, how do I work out where its from and what version its running?
Can I completely ruin the phone if this goes wrong?
rabbitt1995 said:
I bought my handset from an importer, how do I work out where its from and what version its running?
Can I completely ruin the phone if this goes wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the software number is something like x.xx.405.x then you're running an unbranded phone.
combo1234 said:
Does rooting require to do this processes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your question has already been answered two posts before yours.
Is this reversible back to the Asian rom?
ie send in for warranty purposes.
i can't wait too, feel like trying it out
hye. i'm from asia. ok.. i have several question.
1. Do i have to always keep the goldcard the sdcard after update or i can simply delete the file?
2. Am i be able to auto update (if any) in the future or i have to go through the same procedure again?
3. After Step 1, can i just check for update on the phone instead installing the update from boot recovery mode?
I am getting following error when run RUU_Bravo_HTC_WWE_1.21.405.2_Radio_32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed.exe
“The ROM Update Utility cannot update your Android phone
please get the correct ROM update utiliy and try again”
Please any buudy help me
HTC desire ROM version Vodafone_UK_1.19.161.5_Radio_32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02
unlocked
abhishek_22 said:
I am getting following error when run RUU_Bravo_HTC_WWE_1.21.405.2_Radio_32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed.exe
“The ROM Update Utility cannot update your Android phone
please get the correct ROM update utiliy and try again”
Please any buudy help me
HTC desire ROM version Vodafone_UK_1.19.161.5_Radio_32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02
unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use a gold card. See the beginning of the OP.
1. Do i have to always keep the goldcard the sdcard after update or i can simply delete the file?
2. Am i be able to auto update (if any) in the future or i have to go through the same procedure again?
3. After Step 1, can i just check for update on the phone instead installing the update from boot recovery mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, you don't need the gold card once you are done.
2. If you use the European firmware on an Asian phone, you will likely need the gold card for future updates.
3. Yes, you can, but you have to have the gold card in your phone when you are running the update. So your gold card still has to be your SD card.
the update has a tendency to ask for more space, and then ask you to download again. i figured it would be easier to tell people to run the update.zip because that way less stuff can go wrong. But yeah, it's the same thing.
The update.zip does not wipe your phone. If you have settings on the European 2.1, or if you already used a gold card to go to WWE rom before, you won't lose settings.
annafil said:
Use a gold card. See the beginning of the OP.
1. No, you don't need the gold card once you are done.
2. If you use the European firmware on an Asian phone, you will likely need the gold card for future updates.
3. Yes, you can, but you have to have the gold card in your phone when you are running the update. So your gold card still has to be your SD card.
the update has a tendency to ask for more space, and then ask you to download again. i figured it would be easier to tell people to run the update.zip because that way less stuff can go wrong. But yeah, it's the same thing.
The update.zip does not wipe your phone. If you have settings on the European 2.1, or if you already used a gold card to go to WWE rom before, you won't lose settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the answer... i think i'll wait for the update.. i'm not brave enough to update manually since my device is still under warranty.. also i heard that some user experiencing some problem during updating...
kero89 said:
Is this reversible back to the Asian rom?
ie send in for warranty purposes.
i can't wait too, feel like trying it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it is because the asian version is 2.19 wheras the world wide english is 2.21.
I had a problem in that the update would not apply - but I had taken out my gold card between applying the 2.1 WWE rom and applying the Froyo update. BTW, if it keeps rebooting, and has a problem with "system" force closing - then you have this problem.
Anyway, in desperation, I thought I would go back to the asian rom - but the euro rom is more recent, and it refused to downgrade (Error 140). Oh well. I do have a successful Euro rom, I just haven't Froyoed it yet - something for tonight.
I have successfully completed 1&2 steps but I am getting error in step3, see the attached screen grab.
I am using a Gold Card to try and get over the signature verification issues.
Does anyone have a suggestion as to what else to try please?
just followed all the steps and my phone is rocking Froyo! yipee. pretty smooth process. took me <2 hrs.
Singapore user here.
My desire was purchased on T-Mobile (has T-Mobile startup screen), I also bought an unlock code from them. I'm now using my o2 contract sim in the phone. I'm interested in updating the software to FROYO but have no idea how to go about it.
I don't want to do anything complicated and am happy to wait for an official release. I've read the network sends an update direct to your phone. In my case would this come from T-Mobile or o2?
When I check for system updates it says none are available. My software number is 1.15.110.11
I've looked around the forum for ages but I still can't get a definite answer to my question.
You can be waiting for a very long time for froyo from a network provider.
It's easy to debrand and upgrade your phone. Create a goldcard & download an official ROM. Then you can simply upgrade OTA. There's loads of guides on this forum.
Hi there!
Understand your situation, since I had almost exactly the same circumstances (mine is running on orange)! I couldnt get a definite answer either, so bit the bullet anyway and did it, here is how:
1-rooted the phone by UnrEVOked method (really couldnt be bothered by the goldcard etc method; this method was easy, just had some driver install problems since the guide isnt too good on this point, but its easy to figure it out)
2-Installed the new radio
3-installed the generic rooted 2.2 ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=741775, just by doing an easy straighforward update from the sdcard by going to the bootloader.
Phone was still UNLOCKED,and all running ok. Just had an issue where the phone would say "sim card changed, do you want ot load settings etc". Say NO, otherwise you lose your wallpapers, scenes, etc settings, and you have to redo the whole shebang.
Hope your experience is same as mine, im a noob too, so dont take anything for granted (your phone may have different firmware from mine etc), and make doubly sure before you go ahead!
Good luck.
k.aalai said:
Hi there!
Understand your situation, since I had almost exactly the same circumstances (mine is running on orange)! I couldnt get a definite answer either, so bit the bullet anyway and did it, here is how:
1-rooted the phone by UnrEVOked method (really couldnt be bothered by the goldcard etc method; this method was easy, just had some driver install problems since the guide isnt too good on this point, but its easy to figure it out)
2-Installed the new radio
3-installed the generic rooted 2.2 ROM ... just by doing an easy straighforward update from the sdcard by going to the bootloader.
Phone was still UNLOCKED,and all running ok. Just had an issue where the phone would say "sim card changed, do you want ot load settings etc". Say NO, otherwise you lose your wallpapers, scenes, etc settings, and you have to redo the whole shebang.
Hope your experience is same as mine, im a noob too, so dont take anything for granted (your phone may have different firmware from mine etc), and make doubly sure before you go ahead!
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate.
I'm in exact the same situation (German T-mobile 2.1 Softnumber: 1.15.110.11). Your guide looks awesome!!! Can you please please please write it in a bit detail?? from a factory branded 2.1 to root, then to froyo?? please??
I read the UnrEVOked guide from rootmydroid.co.uk
but looks like I only need to the first half for your step 1?
does it root the phone ? does it wipe all my settings and apps???
I also don't know what to do with the radio in your step 2??
can you please help??!! THX soooooooooo much !!!!
Hi thanks for the replies, very useful info.
Does rooting the phone invalidate the warranty?? That's what's putting me off doing it and why I'm happy to wait for an official update.
Hey forgot10!
The step 2 of unrevoked guide is installing the ROM of your choice. Just pick the new ROM you want (from many here and other forums, I just picked a rooted generic 2.2), and install as per part 2 of the unrevoked guide.
2.2 requires a new radio, which is linked and shown in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=741775. Installing the radio doesnt wipe the data, but you seem to need to WIPE (from the recovery image) before putting the new ROM. So use TItanium Backup, or MYbackup, to save your apps, and user data on the SD card, then when the new ROM is installed, you reinstall one of those apps (from market) then rewrtie your apps/data!
As per warranty, check the other threads to be sure, but i think, yes it does invalidate your warranty, but im not 100% certain!
Regards
k.aalai said:
Hey forgot10!
The step 2 of unrevoked guide is installing the ROM of your choice. Just pick the new ROM you want (from many here and other forums, I just picked a rooted generic 2.2), and install as per part 2 of the unrevoked guide.
2.2 requires a new radio, which is linked and shown in {newbie cannot posted link }. Installing the radio doesnt wipe the data, but you seem to need to WIPE (from the recovery image) before putting the new ROM. So use TItanium Backup, or MYbackup, to save your apps, and user data on the SD card, then when the new ROM is installed, you reinstall one of those apps (from market) then rewrtie your apps/data!
As per warranty, check the other threads to be sure, but i think, yes it does invalidate your warranty, but im not 100% certain!
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate! it make much better sense for me now!! Im gonna try it next weekend!!
I've been getting a lot of requests from people, simply asking how I went about Rooting and Flashing new ROMs to my lovely G2 Vision. Well, I'm gonna make a guide with step by step instructions on how to do so. This Guide will teach you how to Root, Unroot, S-OFF (security off, to enable development), and how to Flash a new ROM to your G2.
NOTE!: I am NOT a developer, and i will only accept thanks for putting this information together, I did not create these instructions. Thank the individual developers/posters for their information!
WARNING!!: These procedures are not only dangerous if you don't follow them to the point, but also void the warranty on your phone!! Following these steps incorrectly can brick or otherwise damage your phone!! XDA-DEVELOPERS as well as MYSELF accept NO RESPONSIBILITY to what happens to your phone!!
Just in case you didn't get the message.. WE AREN'T RESPONSIBLE. HACK AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
I will do my best to help anyone along their way, but you've been warned. We aren't here to take the blame for a mistake, we're here to help you do what you're seeking to do.
Got it? Let's proceed, shall we?
First off? The Rooting!
ROOTING: Allowing the phone and it's softwares to have access to the "Root", or complete control, of the phone itself.
This procedure includes two major steps. Temporary Root and Permanent Root. The rooting process for the Temp Root will revoke itself after a reboot. The Perm Root method will not. The rooting process is not complete until the Perm Root process has been finished and the Root is still active after a reboot!
Temp Root the G2:
1. On your phone, go to Settings > Applications > Development > and make sure USB Debugging is ON (it MUST be ON) and make sure Fastboot is checked OFF (it MUST be OFF).
2. Visionary was removed from the Market, please download it from Here instead. Save it to your phone's memory card, then simply open it on your phone with any file manager app. (like Linda File Manager for free from the Market, for example) Find the visionary .apk file in the file manager and click it and follow the prompts to install it.
3. Install Visionary from Modaco.
4. Once installed, open Visionary and check ON Temp Root After Reboot, and check ON System R/W After Root. Then click TempRoot Now, and wait for it to finish. DO NOT CLICK ATTEMPT PERMROOT NOW! We'll get to that momentarily.
5. Once it is done, you have temp root and can use rooted apps without rebooting, OR continue to the next procedure to gain persistent root access.
Perm Root & S-OFF the G2:
An explanation of what S-OFF is and why you might want it - S Off means security off for your HBoot mode (aka Bootloader). The bootloader is what allows you to flash updates and write to the file system of your phone. By turning the Security OFF, we can flash any updates/ROMs we want without the phone checking to see if it is an official update or not.
Let's continue.
1. Download the rooting files: Right here.
2. Extract the files somewhere to your computer.
3. Plug your phone in via USB cable and mount the SD card so we can transfer files to it.
4. Copy the .ko and .img files from inside the extracted folder from step 2 to the root of your sd card on your phone (NOT in any folders, just on the SD card itself).
5. Unplug the phone.
6. Go to the Market on your phone and download/install Android Terminal Emulator (free).
7. Open the Terminal Emulator app and type the following with hitting enter at the end of each line (to get the touch screen keyboard to come up hit the menu button then toggle soft keyboard):
Code:
su
cd /sdcard
insmod /sdcard/wpthis.ko
*After typing the last line, you should see an error saying failed:
(function not implemented). If you DO see that, you have done it correctly
and can continue.
8. Now, type the following line in the terminal emulator hitting enter at the end of the line.
Code:
dd if=/sdcard/hboot-eng.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18
[the last part is mmcblk(zero)p(one)(eight)]
9. After you have typed the dd line for your specific phone, it should say something was written etc. Now, type the following into the command prompt with hitting enter at the end of each line:
Code:
sync
10. After that is done, reboot the phone. When it boots back up, turn it off and back on holding down Volume Down and Power until the HBoot screen comes up. Confirm it says S-OFF at the top. If so, you have S-OFF.
11. Now, to get permanent root, turn the phone back on to get to the normal home screen.
12. Open Visionary and Uncheck TempRoot on Boot and click Temproot Now.
13. Then select Attempt Perm Root Now and the phone should reboot.
14. Once the phone reboots, open Terminal Emulator on the phone and type su and hit enter. If you get the # symbol, you have permanent root access and S-OFF!
Next? The ROM Flashing!
Alright, guys. If you've made it this far, You're golden. Grade A directions taker, In my opinion. Let's get to the last step, yeah?
Getting Recovery:
1. Once you have done the above to procedures, open the Market on your phone and search for ROM Manager (Free).
2. Install it.
3. Open the ROM Manager app and click Menu, then Settings and turn ON Delete Recovery.
4. Click Back and then select Flash Recovery.
5. Choose your phone model and then let it flash the recovery.
6. Click Reboot Recovery and you should be put into the custom recovery image screen. If so, you are all set.
Now, to Flash a Custom ROM:
1. Head over to theunlockr.com's ROM page here and choose your preferred ROM. Download it and save it to your computer.
2. Once it is saved, plug in your phone via USB cable and mount the SD card so we can save files to the sd card.
3. Copy the ROM's .zip file over to the root of the sd card (NOT in any folders on the sd card, just on the root of the card) (do NOT extract it, leave it as a .zip).
4. In the custom recovery screen, Backup/Restore and backup your current ROM.
5. Then select Wipe Data.
6. Then select Apply .zip from sd card and choose the ROM you downloaded earlier.
7. Once it is done flashing, click reboot system. Once it reboots, you are all set!
Congrats! You've flashed a new ROM to your G2! Hopefully..
There are some known issues out there, that prevent mostly the Rooting process. I'll touch on one of them real quickly.
The main issue I experienced was that I accepted and flashed the update that T-Mobile released to prevent Rooting. I've found an article on how to downgrade your firmware to pre-OTA, so that you can Root. Try this if you have severe issues trying to complete the Rooting process. Thanks to Apache14 for this info!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=831398
There's now also a process to UNROOT your phone! Here's the link. Thanks to David Cogen from theunlockr for all this information!!
http://theunlockr.com/2010/12/01/how-to-unroot-the-t-mobile-g2-htc-vision/
Thanks for reading, XDA friendlies, and Happy Rooting!!
Thnx for the link to the unroot man
Sent from my HTC Vision
No problem!
Sent from my HTC G2 using XDA App
Thanks for the effort. But I'm not sure what this is achieving other than duplicating the existing rooting guides in the dev forum.
Also this isn't a very up-to-date guide, it only seems to use one version of "wpthis.ko" and it isn't clear if this is for pre-OTA or post-OTA G2s. And it doesn't cover the DZ either, so it's not a "Vision" guide, just a G2 one.
The existing wpthis.ko was found by scotty not really to work properly anyway, and the newer gfree method of rooting (fully documented in the Wiki) is more reliable (though still does not work with all kernels). And you know Visionary hasn't been updated for months now, right ?
Sorry if this seems like I'm just trashing your guide, but I don't see how posting old information is going to help people ?
steviewevie said:
Thanks for the effort. But I'm not sure what this is achieving other than duplicating the existing rooting guides in the dev forum.
Also this isn't a very up-to-date guide, it only seems to use one version of "wpthis.ko" and it isn't clear if this is for pre-OTA or post-OTA G2s. And it doesn't cover the DZ either, so it's not a "Vision" guide, just a G2 one.
The existing wpthis.ko was found by scotty not really to work properly anyway, and the newer gfree method of rooting (fully documented in the Wiki) is more reliable (though still does not work with all kernels). And you know Visionary hasn't been updated for months now, right ?
Sorry if this seems like I'm just trashing your guide, but I don't see how posting old information is going to help people ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may be old, but I had yet to see a collective guide on xda developers' website about rooting, s-off, and flashing the 'G2' vision. In which I clearly stated this was for the G2. Not the Desire Z. This is the only method I knew about, and this guide was for a few select friends, and whomever else felt the need to use it. Its okay if you don't agree this post was helpful. But come on. This was the surefire way I used to root my G2, so I'm spreading the knowledge. Let not hate.
So visionary still works right?
Just checking before I go threw with this.
ijoshv2 said:
It may be old, but I had yet to see a collective guide on xda developers' website about rooting, s-off, and flashing the 'G2' vision. In which I clearly stated this was for the G2. Not the Desire Z. This is the only method I knew about, and this guide was for a few select friends, and whomever else felt the need to use it. Its okay if you don't agree this post was helpful. But come on. This was the surefire way I used to root my G2, so I'm spreading the knowledge. Let not hate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, it's old. If you're writing a new guide, why use very old, out-of-date info, when you could easily provide the latest info (e.g. from the Wiki).
Yes, it's a collective guide, but one with old info in, so I don't see how that's helpful.
Your guide uses wpthis.ko, but makes no reference to G2s that might be running the original shipped ROM, or the OTA update. So this will only work on some of those phones.
Your article talks about something that T-Mobile did "to prevent rooting". I don't know where you got that information from, but it's not correct. T-Mobile did nothing to prevent rooting, because the OTA came out before root was fully achieved. It's just that the way of disabling NAND write protection needed to be done differently on the OTA (more as an accident than anything that T-Mobile did).
You refer to Visionary as a "sure-fire" way of rooting. Are you sure ? Have you seen how many phones have ended up stuck in a boot loop after using Visionary ?
Also, I find it kind of weird/interesting how your guide points people to another website to choose their list of custom ROMs. Why not point them to the dev forum on this site ?
Sorry but your guide is full of mistakes and out of date. You haven't even posted it in the right forum, this is the Q&A forum.
It worked for me. Bottom line, That's because i did it step by step and actually followed directions.
Old or not, IT WORKS.
If you want to make something better, then do so. Otherwise, silence your lout. Thank you.
Thank you for this write up. I was having problems getting my root to stick even though it was showing s-off but I followed your steps
10. After that is done, reboot the phone. When it boots back up, turn it off and back on holding down Volume Down and Power until the HBoot screen comes up. Confirm it says S-OFF at the top. If so, you have S-OFF.
11. Now, to get permanent root, turn the phone back on to get to the normal home screen.
12. Open Visionary and Uncheck TempRoot on Boot and click Temproot Now.
13. Then select Attempt Perm Root Now and the phone should reboot.
14. Once the phone reboots, open Terminal Emulator on the phone and type su and hit enter. If you get the # symbol, you have permanent root access and S-OFF
AND IT WORKS!!!!
You're welcome, fellow G2 owner.
Why don't you join my group, for those who love their G2? just check my groups in my profile, hopefully we can get a good set of owners together. You never kno what a mass of similar thinking people could accomplish!
Plus, i'm going to start posting some cool guide on how to further customize / enhance your device! Good stuff to kno.
Can i use this tutorial for HTC Desire Z?
Dimitri1992 said:
Can i use this tutorial for HTC Desire Z?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This tutorial was create for THE G2. I would NOT recommend you trying this method. Go around and search google for a tutorial MADE FOR YOUR PHONE. Although the phones are almost exactly alike, they don't necessarily mean they are exactly the same.
Find a different method.
Need help
This is not working for me. I temprooted my phone using visionary but when i try to use terminal to permroot, whenever i type "su" it say permission denied. Please help. I've been trying to do this all night and have been unsuccessful.
steviewevie said:
Exactly, it's old. If you're writing a new guide, why use very old, out-of-date info, when you could easily provide the latest info (e.g. from the Wiki).
Yes, it's a collective guide, but one with old info in, so I don't see how that's helpful.
Your guide uses wpthis.ko, but makes no reference to G2s that might be running the original shipped ROM, or the OTA update. So this will only work on some of those phones.
Your article talks about something that T-Mobile did "to prevent rooting". I don't know where you got that information from, but it's not correct. T-Mobile did nothing to prevent rooting, because the OTA came out before root was fully achieved. It's just that the way of disabling NAND write protection needed to be done differently on the OTA (more as an accident than anything that T-Mobile did).
You refer to Visionary as a "sure-fire" way of rooting. Are you sure ? Have you seen how many phones have ended up stuck in a boot loop after using Visionary ?
Also, I find it kind of weird/interesting how your guide points people to another website to choose their list of custom ROMs. Why not point them to the dev forum on this site ?
Sorry but your guide is full of mistakes and out of date. You haven't even posted it in the right forum, this is the Q&A forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...It is true that it is out of date but for me it works fine. I didn't use the wiki way cause it was to confusing for me and Unfrogivens method was working fine on me. Not saying this method is better or anything and I know this method is unsafe "if" you do not fallow what it says. Like always people try Gfree method 1st before trying this one...(Only for G2)
Sent from my HTC Desire Z/G2 Using XDA Premium App
lainvalenajr said:
Hmm...It is true that it is out of date but for me it works fine. I didn't use the wiki way cause it was to confusing for me and Unfrogivens method was working fine on me. Not saying this method is better or anything and I know this method is unsafe "if" you do not fallow what it says. Like always people try Gfree method 1st before trying this one...(Only for G2)
Sent from my HTC Desire Z/G2 Using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I rooted my DZ, I combined all referrences and guides
It was very hard at the beginning to understand the instruction, but after read and tried, it become easier to understand.. and I finally could root my DZ...
Cheers
Hello
Hello all totally new to android and was trying to root my g2. I followed instructions thourghly ( so i thought at least) and the s is still on after i exit the emulator and reboot. The last part about typing sync threw me off, how many times am i supposed to type sync while hitting enter after each line? Which lines, im sure overanaylzing something but didnt seem to work and tried multiple times. Thanks for your time..
Hi to all and thanks in advance to anyone that helps.
I've finally moved to Android and purchased a DHD branded to Orange. I've unlocked it for any SIM card, after following recommendations on this site and so far, so good.
Now, I want to remove all the Orange stuff from the phone so I can have what I want on it to make it my own. I've read so many threads/guides my head is spinning and I'm a bit confused as to what I need to do and how to do it.
The phone is running the following:
Android version 2.3.3
HTC Sense version 2.1
Build number 2.37.61.11
Software number 2.37.61.11
I wouldn't want to start trying things without really knowing if I was doing the right thing, so If someone could point me in the right direction as to where I need to go and what I need to do, it would be much appreciated.
I've seen websites offering the debranding service for a price, but I would rether learn how to do it myself.
Again, thanks in advance.
Basically what you need to do is this:
1. Downgrade phone and get RADIO S-OFF
2. Create a goldcard as your phone is branded. This is used to install zips from CWR.
3. Root phone
4. Backup everything
5. Install roms, kernals, anything you want, or
5.1. Remove programs you have on current ROM and install new kernel for improvements. Up to you!
It is scary at first. I'd suggest looking into, but not necessarily trying the guides, one could be: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905003 how to Downgrade.
If you want to remove the Bloatware (the apps Orange installed) You'll need to root, which I am assuming you've already looked into.
The DesireHD was "fixed" so you can't root if you are running later releases. Downgrading is a necessity. Look in to that first.
edit; this worked for me when creating a goldcard: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...gold-card-for-htc-desire-without-hex-editing/
Thanks for the quick response. I'll take a look at your suggestions later and post back.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
OK, I've read the guide which pushed me onto other guides which I've also read. I've also printed them off so I can follow them as I go along.
As the phone is new to me I don't need to back up any data so that's something I can avoid at present.
A few questions;
Do I transfer the PD98IMG.zip(stock) ROM to the SD card whilst it's still in the phone or from my PC via a card reader?
When does the Goldcard (I've created one) come into play?
Do I do all this with/without the SIM card in the phone?
Do I need to disconnect the phone from my PC to change from 'charge only' to 'disk drive' for file transfer and then reconnect it?
If something goes wrong, can I recover my phone back to the state it's in now?
I'm sure that I'll have a few more questions before I take the plunge so any help is appreciated.
Edit: I've found a guide for my software build so will move questions there to avoid duplication (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1152233)