[Q] Questions before Rooting - Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey Guys,
I've been contemplating rooting my DHD for a while and have been looking up information on it for a while.
However, just a few questions before I undergo the journey of rooting my phone
Firstly, I'd just like to confirm the procedure of rooting my phone.
The general procedure for this would be;
a) Downgrading firmware from 1.72 -> 1.32
b) installing Visionary to attain permanent root.
c) Turning S-Off
d) Flash/Install a new rom.
Is that correct?
The main reason I want to attain root is to improve battery life. What is the best rom that achieves this? Also I love minimalistic skins and have a launcher pro skin that I have installed (which Imo looks absolutely beautiful [and made my work colleague jealous because his iPhone can't do that without it jailbreaked].
Question is - taking into account of battery life/eye candy, what would be the best rom to install? (HTC sense optional)
Also - i've been reading the lingo of "radio" s-off. What does this actually entail?
Finally a few more questions;
- How would I be able to backup my apps, settings, contacts, files etc on an unrooted phone?
- How long would this process approximately take? I've been reading that people have bricked their phones... How often does this occur?
(note - for reference, I have installed CFW on my PSP via hard-modding my battery - So I have limited experience in this; but nothing involving this much lingo. -_-)
Cheers,
Thanks in advanced guys!

I found rooting my DHD somewhat confusing. visionary did not work for me so I used the instruction on cyanogenmod wiki and those worked just fine.
I had the asian model and my version was 1.72.405.6 but had no problem with rooting and the fixes were not applied to my image.
backing up from unroot image? the rooting procedure will leave the original image just gives you root. so you can either use titanium backup or the CWD for backing up. no need to worry about that.
as for the process I was confused so it took me 2-3 days of error and trail to get it done. I had one case of reboot loop but got fixed with a proper wipe.
for the rom I am using MODACO. if you pay the support fee you can use their kitchen to customize your image and make it faster if you need. battery life issue had something to do with one of the original images if you use any other rom you should be fine.

Hey guys, just thought I should give you an update on how things went.
I have successfully rooted my phone and installed the Core Droid Rom on it (I'm a sucker for eye candy)
The way I listed was pretty much spot on. I followed the guides from both here at xda and also the cyanogenmod wiki.
General process was;
Down grading from 1.72 -> 1.32 (using psneuter).
Installing Visionary for Temporary into Permanent Root
Flashing the Radio S-Off and t hen Eng S-Off using the 1 click tools provided by the helpful members here.
After that it was just easily enough to install new custom roms via Rom Manager
It wasn't as hard as I thought. hahaha
Also - I backed up all my things using My Backup Pro (which does cost money)

Related

[Q] How to get Froyo: T-Mobile unlocked now on o2

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!!

Questions about rooting an EVO

Let me first say I'm a noob to this whole rooting thing and I would like to get some more info on. I tried searching the forums for the answers, but I failed to find what I was looking for.
1) What is this nand people are talking about? RUU? ROM (what's the difference between sense and no sense)?
2) How do I backup my apps, etc before trying to root?
3) Which guide do I use? My Evo came with 2.1, but I did the stock update to Froyo.- I don't wanna end up with a 500 paperweight.
4) If I need to bring my phone in for service how do I return it to stock?
5) I know you can turn your phone into a free wifi hotspot after rooting, what are some other advantages to rooting?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
ok now let me remind you im not far ahead of you so let me tell you i would wait for a few more posts before taking what i have to say to heart, but i cant leave someone i may be able to help (even a little in need)....
1. the phrase "NAND" refers to the term nandroid backup, which is when you create a backup file. like a system restore point for windows, so when u start doing some different customizations or just try flashing some different roms assuming something goes wrong you will always be just one click away from doing a restore back to a fully functioning rom that you backedup previously. i believe the 2 main programs associated with this is amon_ra and clockwork.....
2. as far as backing up apps i just save the .apks on my pc and reinstall them once i reflash a new rom, but from what im reading you can use a program like titatnium backup, app brain...etc. but then again as far as personal experience goes...none here just what ive gathered from reading.
3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=765496
(personally ive rooted with this method and it was very simple just read through the steps before starting and follow them accordingly, dont be discouraged general computer knowledge is needed though) or atleast the ability to move about the computer)
4. returning your phone from the method discribed below is simple as it seems...but again have not done personally only from what ive read: you are rooted (assuming you've used the thread above) with unrevoked3 meaning you have s-off(in laymen terms: the position of the bootloader {ON or OFF} which checks images being flashed to make sure they are signed with the htc security signature),,,you just need to download the unrevoked s-ON file and use that to return the phones security settings and re-download an RUU(RomUpdateUtility) thats official from the htc site and ull be back to unrooted good old-fashion stock evo.
5. and as far as the wifi tethering goes just go to the market place and download a wifi tethering .apk, once rooted of course ....and run it from your evo to connect to your pc wirelessly
*this should help*
http://handheld.softpedia.com/progDownload/Wifi-tether-download-76020.html
and as far as why root, well because when you buy a phone i assume you wanted it to be YOUR phone and with rooting its all about flashing opensource/custom roms to your phone and other things such as kernels to customize the phone to your liking and you cant flash unsigned data to your phone without having su permission, meaning you need ROOT access....
-now again let me disclaimer myself i am also very very new to the whole android community and may be spewing lots of wrong info and am probably quite confused my self but i figure id risk making a fool of my self to help u in the off chance that what im saying makes any sense at all....but yea
If I can root a phone trippin on 28 triple cs you can do it
Boss dextromethorphan.....is no fun, and I dunt suggest rooting ur phone or opperating heavy machinery under the influence of triple c's....
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Bump
Victory for L---S---U

[Q] Rooting - security issues & 'unrevoked'

Just came across this article while researching how to root my new HTC Desire (sweet phone!) ... is this still true and should I be concerned?
Also - has anyone got thoughts on the 'unrevoked' 'one-click-root'? - is it as safe as doing a more 'manual' method?
Well i have heard of several apps still storing passwords as plain text, so might still be a problem. This is also the case on unrooted phones though. The real problem here regarding root is, that apps, which you have given root access, can access those files which is normally available only to the actual app. So it is more a question of only allowing root to trusted apps, which you should always do anyways, as anything run with full access have the possibility to do major damage.
And regarding unrevoked, it should be as safe as rooting using pauls method, which only supports the old hboot versions by the way. There will always be a risk to it, but if you do everything right, it is very easy. The difference in the rooting methods is more the way they hack the recovery in order to let you flash unsigned or test-signed zip files. So just go with the latest unrevoked and make sure to install the drivers the right way first and you should be fine
Brilliant, thanks so much for the informative background, I will be rooting!
Read the OP too by Cory which has made me less worried - http://forum.androidcentral.com/hacking/35470-aware-clear-text-passwords-database-files.html
No problem I hope it helped you understanding.

[Q] Newbie questions about DHD rooting and memory

Hi,
I'd be really grateful to anyone who can answer my newbie questions.
I'm looking to follow the guide to downgrade my non-network-branded (i.e. sim-free) Desire HD, so I can permanently root it. Then I intend to follow the other guide so I can still update to the latest official release. My primary requirement for rooting is just so I can make complete backups of my phone's state in future. Though I'll probably play about with other community ROMs too!
Sorry if answers to my questions are elsewhere, and feel free just to point if that's the case. I've searched but haven't found definitive answers. Knowing these things will increase my understanding. Although I'm used to tinkering with things a little am in no way a programmer and my last phone was a Nokia E65!
1) Please can someone list the different parts of the phone's memories, including which are impossible to write over and which are. E.g. my understanding is:
--One flash chip with:
- 'bootloader', which to me sounds like a PC's BIOS or the kind of app you can boot into on a standard desktop PC when choosing which OS to boot into;
- factory image partition;
- separate partition for over the air updates;
- 1GB partition for user-writeable memory for things like apps installed on the phone, contacts, etc.
--Physically separate 'radio' chip that can be overwritten (I don't understand the difference between this and the OS though)
--RAM;
--microSD card.
2) After following the two guides mentioned above, will I still be able to receive over the air HTC updates in future? And if not, does that mean I'd be relying on the community to make available any official updates? I bought my DHD through an official UK retailer.
3) After following the two guides mentioned above, will it still be possible to restore my phone to its factory state in future, e.g. for resale or sending back to HTC, so everything that we unlock ('eng s-off', 'radio s-off', etc., which fries my brain right now) is locked again? If so, can a guide to this process be linked to?
4) I understand it's possible to switch between custom ROMs easily. When this is done, does that mean all system settings, such as phone contacts and app settings are also switched, or are these settings written to a different part of the phone memory?
I'll be sure to thank (and donate) for your time. Many thanks in advance as well!
Hi, I just bought the DHD 3 weeks ago and it is still difficult to understand to understand all this android stuff sometimes
1) I was a little lost at the beginning too, I don't know if this is what you are looking for but this is what I understood.
There are 4 flashable "things" :
- ROM OS (android OS)
- Linux Kernel (linux kernel)
- ROM radio (another ROM that manage ONLY the hardware stuff like 3G, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS...)
- bootloader (exactly like a bios) and contains a recovery menu (that can be flashed by clockworkmod for example)
The ROM radio seems independant and you can flashed it separatly from the other it doesn't bother. The last versions improve battery life or GPS startup etc...
The ROM OS (android) need to be flashed with the kernel otherwise you can have some problem (wi-fi or data network that doesn't work anymore...).
S-Off means security off and it is necessary to do it if you want to write a new recovery on the bootloader or flash a new radio ROM...
Ther is two kind of S-Off but I'm not sure of the meaning so I let you watch about it.
When you install through the official ways :
1 OTA : You need to have the official recovery from the bootloader otherwise it will NOT work (no OTA with clockworkmod)
If your phone is network-branded you need a goldcard here and/or superCID (I don't really understand here lol)
After the installation I think you keep the S-Off but you're not root anymore.
2 RUU : It will install/reinstall everything (ROM OS, kernel, ROM radio and bootloader).
It is even capable of reseting your CID (your not concerned here because your phone is non-network-branded)
If think you loose the S-Off (or ENG S-Off -> SHIPS S-Off), you're not root anymore...
If you want to keep S-OFF, SuperCID and ClockWorkMod you need to :
1 flash the ROM OS through the ClockWorkMod recovery -> update.zip (you can give it the OTA file .zip, it will only flash the ROM OS)
2 flash the kernel manualy with fastboot (you can also use the boot.img contain in your OTA file)
3 flash the ROM radio (there is the excellent tuto here on XDA about this)
2) OTA will not be possible if you want to use clockworkmod. I was a little anxious about that too at the beginning! But you can find the official
ROMS REALLY easily on XDA probably before your provider send it to you. And when you do everything manually, you can CHOOSE wich radio ROM you want,
you can do backup REALLY quickly with clockworkmod and you can come back (things you can't do if you use OTA)... The last point that confort me
in doing all of this is that you can download OTA but not install it to pick up the ROMs inside and the kernel ! I did it last week and my phone
is now running the two ROMS that was contained in the OTA file AND the kernel. This is why I'm not worried anymore.
3) I never tried to restore my phone to its exact factory settings but I think you can...
4) I don't really now. In my case, I decided to use Google for my contact too, so when I flash, a few minutes later I have all my contacts
I hope my english is not too bad for explainations like this
Hi poumpoum,
Firstly, thanks so much for taking the time to help. Your English is ten times better than my Française! If you've a PayPal account you'd like to Personal Message me, or just the name of your preferred charity, I'd like to say a little thanks that way too.
Okay: so I understand that doing these cool things to my phone means I won't be able to update it over the air. You've convinced me this isn't a problem because any updates find their way to the community.
I'm also convinced I can restore my phone completely to factory defaults due to this thread (the thread's for a different region but the principle still stands).
Thanks for clarifying the radio ROM shares the same physical chip as all the other memory (including the RAM actually, I found this out).
This thread also explained some of the jargon to me.
You're welcome

Rooting HTC desire Questions.

Hey, after reading allot about the benefits I gaining root access to a phone I have decided to root my HTC Desire. At the moment I just want to gain root acess so I can install root apps and remove Telstra's bloatware, but I may consider putting Cyanogen's rom on in the future. I am going to use the guide on the cyanogen mod wiki site for desire GSM (Australia)
It basically involves backing up phone, installing hboot drivers, installing unrevoked, rooting with unrevoked 3, then flashing radio.
Now just a few questions -
1) It the Cyanogen mod guide a good one? Can anyone recommend any others?
2) I have noticed that some guides say to partition your external SD card for app data. Is this necessary?
3) What are gold cards and how does this apply to rooting my phone?
3) If I choose to use Cyanogen mod, is there a way to get the HTC weather/time widget and the dialer on my phone? Can anyone recommend something similar/better?
4) I notice that flashing radios is a separate part that can improve the performance of your phone. I have also heard it is more risky then rooting or flashing roms. Is it necessary and as a side note, does Telstra update your phone's radio when they release an over the air update?
5) After reading through some of the other post I have gathered a list of exceptional root apps. Can anyone recommend any more?
Titanium Backup
Wireless Tether
Quick Boot
Spare Parts
ES File Explorer
Battery Status Pro
Terminal Emulator
MetaMorph
TypeFresh
ROM Manager
Adfree
CacheMate
6) Finally, any other tips when/after I root my phone?
That's hell lot of questions u got before rooting...
But the point is.. ALL repeat ALL your queries are answered in the forums. U just gotta search and read!
1) I used 'Unrevoked' and that was a very easy way to root for me.
2) I have noticed that some guides say to partition your external SD card for app data. Is this necessary?
For some custom ROMS it is necessary. You will have a lot more memory when you partition your SD card and use something like app2sd / data2sd.
3) What are gold cards and how does this apply to rooting my phone?
Goldcards are used when rooting a phone with a simlock / provider branded phones. If your phone is not rooted / provider branded, you don't need a goldcard.
3) If I choose to use Cyanogen mod, is there a way to get the HTC weather/time widget and the dialer on my phone? Can anyone recommend something similar/better?
I'm not sure, but Beautiful Widgets is a very good replacement!
4) I notice that flashing radios is a separate part that can improve the performance of your phone. I have also heard it is more risky then rooting or flashing roms. Is it necessary and as a side note, does Telstra update your phone's radio when they release an over the air update?
I am from the Netherlands, is Telstra a provider? My radio was never updated over the air using a custom ROM. I updated the radio several times and nothing went wrong.
5) After reading through some of the other post I have gathered a list of exceptional root apps. Can anyone recommend any more?
Quick App Cleaner
6) Finally, any other tips when/after I root my phone

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