Develop Bugs

[Q] post/pre OTA explaination?

Could someone explain or point me in the direction of an explanation for how installing a custom rom affected automatic updates, as well as the difference between pre and post ota, and why we can't install a pure clean android 2.2 installation in our phones. I am relatively new to this, but did alot of iPhone hacking before.. I've already rooted, S-OFF and flashed a few different roms having my phone 2 weeks and new to android hope someone can explain, thanks :_)

When you flash a custom ROM, you will no longer get the automatic updates OTA. Either you will have to revert to the stock ROM for the update, or the ROM developer will have to incorporate the OTA update changes into the ROM.
There are a few ROMs that attempt to give you a plain vanilla Android experience. But in my opinion, Cyanogen is one of the best mixes of plain Android with lots of extra features.

Okay that makes sense, I'm currently using a villian rom with no sense, is it worth my while installing cyanogen? and if so will i go with RC4 of wait for the stable release?

jakbjak said:
Could someone explain or point me in the direction of an explanation for how installing a custom rom affected automatic updates, as well as the difference between pre and post ota, and why we can't install a pure clean android 2.2 installation in our phones. I am relatively new to this, but did alot of iPhone hacking before.. I've already rooted, S-OFF and flashed a few different roms having my phone 2 weeks and new to android hope someone can explain, thanks :_)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the reason for many semi-bricks from trying to downgrade to original stock rom pre- or post-OTA was the fact that hboot was hacked, and not truly "S-OFF." If you search the dev section you will find the S-OFF, SIM unlock, SuperCID guide that will give you true S-OFF. I recommend reading that--it helped elucidate why semi-bricks were showing up. Once this is done, it should be easy to flash a rooted, stock ROM when the OTAs start showing up and get the update that way, or just wait for it appear in the forums (which is usually sooner than the OTA gets pushed out, anyhow).

So the S-OFF I have isn't complete? Not that I need a sim unlock as I bought the phone off contract, but it's worth my while getting the true S-OFF? Thanks for all ye're help, there are so many people talking about these things in every section it's hard to pull a search of a simple explanation,

jakbjak said:
So the S-OFF I have isn't complete? Not that I need a sim unlock as I bought the phone off contract, but it's worth my while getting the true S-OFF? Thanks for all ye're help, there are so many people talking about these things in every section it's hard to pull a search of a simple explanation,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the previous S-OFF was via an engineering version of HBOOT, which was set to report S-OFF. But the security setting is actually held in the radio, and was still S-ON.
The new, "true" S-OFF (via gfree) is a lot safer than the old method, e.g. much less prone to a brick if you flash the wrong thing (e.g. an older RUU than the ROM you're running).

[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.

How to update system when your HTC is rooted

Bros, please help
My Desire is running Froyo 2.2 and I rooted it.
There is an OTA today for version 2.29. I already download it. But when it restarted and installed, it failed with error like wrong signature or sth like that.
Please help me if you got any clue on this.
warmest regards,

Don't apply OTA updates on rooted devices, either use a custom rom which is based on 2.29 or use a 2.29 RUU and root again.

TheGhost1233 said:
Don't apply OTA updates on rooted devices, either use a custom rom which is based on 2.29 or use a 2.29 RUU and root again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I think you have too little knowledge of rooting. Don't even think about the word "official" when you rooted your phone.

Actually I toggled Sig off in Clockwork mod and
was able to install the update, it went well and the phone was working
fine, i did loose my root tho , so I had to root again....
I am a beginner, so don't take this as advice, cause I don't know
the downside off togling Sig off. I just wanted to state that in fact
it is possible to ota a rooted device..
grtz

Lanbase said:
Actually I toggled Sig off in Clockwork mod and
was able to install the update, it went well and the phone was working
fine, i did loose my root tho , so I had to root again....
I am a beginner, so don't take this as advice, cause I don't know
the downside off togling Sig off. I just wanted to state that in fact
it is possible to ota a rooted device..
grtz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for your advice.

It's generally considered that if you're rooted you should not apply an OTA as you won't truely be back to 'stock' and it can cause issues further down the line. It can be done, though, as highlighted above but if people just used some common sense as opposed to just saying OK to any updates this question wouldn't get asked 30 times a day

[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

When is the best time to S-off?

Newb Alert!
Hi I'm currently running stock android 2.2.1 (build 1.72.405.3) on an unbranded DHD in the UK (I'm on Orange if that matters) I'm getting frustrated with the wait for 2.3 to be released here so I want to install the official RUU that was released a little while back.
I understand that to do this my phone will still be "official" ish, and that the only real difference between this way and OTA is that I'll lose my apps etc. which I can handle.
I want to be able to try some custom roms (in the future) but then be able to return the phone to stock - I believe this is possible? Am I better off downgrading now and doing S-off / eng-off, clockwork recovery, root etc? Or will I be fine to downgrade from 2.3 to 1.32 in the future to do everything I'll need for custom ROMS?
Or am I a muppet and have things totally wrong?
Any help appreciated,
Grim.
Ps. I've read the sticky in the Development forum, and tried searching the forum to find answers but have found it difficult as the terms I'm searching for are really generic - for this forum at least.

grimbola said:
I want to be able to try some custom roms (in the future) but then be able to return the phone to stock - I believe this is possible? Am I better off downgrading now and doing S-off / eng-off, clockwork recovery, root etc? Or will I be fine to downgrade from 2.3 to 1.32 in the future to do everything I'll need for custom ROMS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple answer: Do it NOW!!!
Yes you can always go back to stock.
Much easier to do everything now.
Even if you only do root and S-OFF, you will be protected should the OTA update arrive in the sense that you won't need to downgrade again. But in for a penny and all that, go for the lot now and start exploring the greatness of Android and Sense (if you like that).

grimbola said:
Newb Alert!
Hi I'm currently running stock android 2.2.1 (build 1.72.405.3) on an unbranded DHD in the UK (I'm on Orange if that matters) I'm getting frustrated with the wait for 2.3 to be released here so I want to install the official RUU that was released a little while back.
I understand that to do this my phone will still be "official" ish, and that the only real difference between this way and OTA is that I'll lose my apps etc. which I can handle.
I want to be able to try some custom roms (in the future) but then be able to return the phone to stock - I believe this is possible? Am I better off downgrading now and doing S-off / eng-off, clockwork recovery, root etc? Or will I be fine to downgrade from 2.3 to 1.32 in the future to do everything I'll need for custom ROMS?
Or am I a muppet and have things totally wrong?
Any help appreciated,
Grim.
Ps. I've read the sticky in the Development forum, and tried searching the forum to find answers but have found it difficult as the of yerms I'm searching for are really generic - for this forum at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi grim..
not neccesary you are going to lose your apk´s...
you can install "titanium backup" and do a backup of your apk´s, your system and your data (dialer, missed calls, wifi passwords...on sd-card\titaniumbackup) and then when you has installed your new gingerbread rom you can restore it.
download it from android market..
and finally say to you step by step what should to do:
1ºDOWNGRADE proccess from 1.72xx to 1.32xx wee off. ru
2ºroot with visionary Rxx
3º s-off eng-off+SUPERCID
4ºinstall ROM MANAGER from market and then flash a CWM recovery (lastest)
5ºDOWNLOAD the gingerbread rom, copy, paste to sd card root,
6ºDO FULL WIPE in recovery (factory reset, data, dalvik)
7ºFLASH the new rom and ENJOY

Mr_JMM said:
Simple answer: Do it NOW!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WIN!!!!!!

Hi grimbola
You can do anything, anywhere, and anyhow on your Desire HD (But make sure you know what you are doing. Lol.) It all depends on your risk appetite.

only follow the guides, it sounds more difficult than it is.
I did it as an unexperienced user 3 weeks ago and the master plan was, to read the guides

Hi guys,
Thanks for all the speedy replies! I read them last week, but have only now have the time to reply.
I did it! I downgraded to 1.36 (?) then ran the tool on my pc to do radio S-off then also ran the other tool to Eng S-off - I followed jkoljo's posts (from the sticky roll-up thread over on the development forum). I've now installed the official 2.3. It was a little scary at times, but easy as pie!
The only issue I had was that I don't think I backed up my apps correctly (I used Astro file browser to do it) as they have not all been restored, however this is no great pain!
I'm now thinking that I might try installing a custom ROM, maybe Leedroid? I'm after something that is like the stock rom - i.e. Sense based (at least to start with) but has more bells and whistles - any suggestions are welcome!
Once again many thanks for your replies,
Grim.