[Q] Need Help Rooting the Merge - G2 and Desire Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi Everyone, this is my first time here in this section of XDA developers, but I have an interesting situation.
I recently acquired the Merge (Verizon's G2 variant that is still in limbo) and I'm thinking of rooting it. I have tried the instructions on the wiki for gfree 02, but it seems that as soon as I enter adb shell and type in su, I get permission denied. I read the wiki for hot to use gfree and also how to install adb but I have not been able to find an answer.
I'm trying to get the merge SIM unlocked and because this is the first android phone I have ever owned, I would really like to be able to use it on AT&T's network. Anyways, I would like to get some help as to why I am getting the permission denied response when I did everythng as the gfree wiki said to do. Is it possible that the merge is so internally different that gfree will not work on it even if it's a variant?

It's GSM coming from verizon?

If you're trying to use gfree to gain s-off, I would HIGHLY recommend running it with the "-s" flag (no quotations) just to be on the safe side
Even then, I still wouldn't recommend running gfree on the merge as it was made to gain radio s-off on the htc vision.
I would suggest using the rage method for now for root. See if that works.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk

@ ratchetrizzo: no, it's just a world phone version for verizon users to use in different countries
@ Pancubano: So you would recommend against using gfree on the merge then? I'm trying to learn how to perform this rage method, but I have no experience in android whatsoever so even while reading the wiki, it seems there are a few things that are omitted or assumed that is common knowledge. By using the rage method, will I be able to achieve sim unlock status?
p.s thanks for replying!

The problem is, the merge is a CDMA device, so I'm pretty sure the sim unlock that gfree achieves with our HTC Vision's would not work on the merge. It involves copying partition 7 (on our phones) and making various hex edits to set the secu_flag to 0, supercid to 11111111 and simunlocking the phone, then copy's the modified partition back to the phone. All of which is taken care of by gfree.
Of course in order to process all of this, you're going to need at the very least temp root first, so, I would highly recommend doing more research into the rage method, but, do not try the gfree method yet, as I can't truely confirm if it will work with the merge with just the "-s" flag.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk

"Rooting the Merge" sounds dirty...

You might actually have more luck in the HTC Evo Shift 4G subforum - that's Sprint's version of the G2 (more or less), and thus the internals are more likely to be similar to the Merge than the G2 would be.

the orange bandit said:
You might actually have more luck in the HTC Evo Shift 4G subforum - that's Sprint's version of the G2 (more or less), and thus the internals are more likely to be similar to the Merge than the G2 would be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the merge is closer to the G2/DZ than the Shift 4G, right down to the keyboard and hinge, although I see the point since Sprint is CDMA although this phone is CDMA/GSM

well, thanks for everyone's attempt to help, but I finally realized that Verizon is evil and even if I unlock it, it'll simply be on 2G (EDGE) so there's no point of me having it.
EDIT: so I sold it to someone who is on verizon and will take care of it.

how did you get a hold of one? for some reason i dont believe you even had it from the start, haha. because it hasnt been released yet, and you must of been lucky enough to get an early production version.

I got it from a reviewer of the merge when it first came out. The mod who had it decided to sell it so i took a chance and bought it from him. After trying to unlock it, I finally gave up and because I got a leery of rooting it.
believe me or not, I had it, got to test it out, and finally had to give it up.
check htcmerge.com if you don't believe me. My username is the same as it is here.
EDIT: btw, why would I post this if I don't have it? It seems idiotic for me to post a thread asking for help on a phone that does not technically exist. No, I do not care for the attention. I was tempted to root it but as I said, I simply chickened out.

mputtr said:
I got it from a reviewer of the merge when it first came out. The mod who had it decided to sell it so i took a chance and bought it from him. After trying to unlock it, I finally gave up and because I got a leery of rooting it.
believe me or not, I had it, got to test it out, and finally had to give it up.
check htcmerge.com if you don't believe me. My username is the same as it is here.
EDIT: btw, why would I post this if I don't have it? It seems idiotic for me to post a thread asking for help on a phone that does not technically exist. No, I do not care for the attention. I was tempted to root it but as I said, I simply chickened out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay okay, its just a lot of speculation about this phone has been floating about and I didn't believe you. How did it run?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

It ran as well as the G2. What I did like alot was that unlike the evo shift 4g, the slider mechanism is spring loaded so it snaps upwards. the battery backing is odd since you have to pry the bottom part then unhook 2 minihooks on the side.
The heft of it is probably heavier than the G2, but it feels good in the hand and doesn't feel like it will slip at all.
Most of all the design is amazing!!
I definitely like the feel of the physical build. It feels tough, sturdy, and simply a phone that a man should have.
I think I might have only 1 gripe and that it's still stuck with bing since the one I bought was the Verizon version. (this was before the rumor that it was pulled back to be fitted with 4g).
In the end, I had to give it up, because I am on AT&T and verizon will never let their phones work on any carrier but theirs.

anyone been able to root a merge? I just got a merge. Didnt know about the phone beforehand and am using it on gsm(it is a worldphone). Once i got home and googled around and checked these forums... its still not released apparently :s so anyone have any idea on how i can root it?

Related

Does US Cellular Desire have Root

I know it was only released yesterday, but I know nothing about the current Desire models. I come from the realm of CDMA Hero's and am moving to the Samsung Epic. My brother just picked up a desire and wants to root it.
Is the current Desire a GSM or CDMA phone?
And has anyone who has gotten the new USC Desire, have you tried the current root method to see if it works. I have doubts that it will.
I am going to assume after looking through this forum a little bit that the current model being developed for here is GSM.
The US Cellular Desire is the first CDMA phone to be called "HTC Desire". Tread carefully. But please also report any positive/negative results so that others can learn from your win/fail.
cmstlist said:
The US Cellular Desire is the first CDMA phone to be called "HTC Desire". Tread carefully. But please also report any positive/negative results so that others can learn from your win/fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankfully I am pretty Android savvy. I just wasn't sure if it was CDMA or GSM - No radio updates for this phone .
If the current root method does not work I will attempt the ones for other devices running 2.1 and might even try the new EVO/Epic root for 2.2.
I'll get this thing rooted if I have to find my own.
Kcarpenter said:
Thankfully I am pretty Android savvy. I just wasn't sure if it was CDMA or GSM - No radio updates for this phone .
If the current root method does not work I will attempt the ones for other devices running 2.1 and might even try the new EVO/Epic root for 2.2.
I'll get this thing rooted if I have to find my own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't wait to get my US Cellular Desire and I'm really hoping for root. Let us know if you have any luck.
So what are the actual chances that it will work on the uscc desire? I got mine so I guess ill just have to try it tonight.
The us desire has a bootloader 0.98.xxxx you will have to downgrade to a different hboot plus I'm pretty sure all the roms only support a gsm radio.
Odd_Sam said:
The us desire has a bootloader 0.98.xxxx you will have to downgrade to a different hboot plus I'm pretty sure all the roms only support a gsm radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, tread with caution... if a different HBOOT bricks the phone... there's not much recourse!
From what I have read/observed, the USCC Desire is basically the same phone as the Nexus One. I would like to know what is different about this thing that would prevent me from rooting and/or upgrading to 2.2.
Anyone have any advice? I can't wait to upgrade this piece.
CreepingDeath said:
From what I have read/observed, the USCC Desire is basically the same phone as the Nexus One. I would like to know what is different about this thing that would prevent me from rooting and/or upgrading to 2.2.
Anyone have any advice? I can't wait to upgrade this piece.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, Desire is CDMA. Nexus one is not. completely different cellular radio HARDWARE. and that pesky slcd is also a problem.
Gonna have better luck adapting a cdma android root. (incredible, evo, etc..) at least they use the same radio technology.
i thought the incredible was supposed to get the slcd also...... that would help alot.
I know this doesn't provide any technical information, but just as an FYI I did ask HTC what their policy on rooting is. They said:
"Of course the Desire is your phone. If you would like to root the phone or install 3rd party software to it, you are more than welcome to. It's just that with any 3rd party software, HTC did not create it so we do not have information on how it works therefore, we can not support it. As far as voiding any warranties, I do not have that information. You may contact our Warranty Deparment at 1-800-229-1235 (8:30 AM - 5 PM EST M-F). They will be able to verify that information with you. HTC has repaired some phones that had the incorrect ROM on them. There may have been a fee for this, I am not certain."
I hadn't gotten around to calling about the warranty. I had read elsewhere that as long as the damage wasn't a result of the rooting that they would still repair a rooted phone under warranty, but I don't know if there's any truth to that.
Anyway, I don't know if this helps alleviate any concerns about experimenting with it or not. I had gotten as far as making a gold card for it yesterday, but I'm kind of afraid to go any further until I can get some more information on this specific phone. I feel like there may be a chance with this method since it takes information from your actual device. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
psychache said:
I know this doesn't provide any technical information, but just as an FYI I did ask HTC what their policy on rooting is. They said:
"Of course the Desire is your phone. If you would like to root the phone or install 3rd party software to it, you are more than welcome to. It's just that with any 3rd party software, HTC did not create it so we do not have information on how it works therefore, we can not support it. As far as voiding any warranties, I do not have that information. You may contact our Warranty Deparment at 1-800-229-1235 (8:30 AM - 5 PM EST M-F). They will be able to verify that information with you. HTC has repaired some phones that had the incorrect ROM on them. There may have been a fee for this, I am not certain."
I hadn't gotten around to calling about the warranty. I had read elsewhere that as long as the damage wasn't a result of the rooting that they would still repair a rooted phone under warranty, but I don't know if there's any truth to that.
Anyway, I don't know if this helps alleviate any concerns about experimenting with it or not. I had gotten as far as making a gold card for it yesterday, but I'm kind of afraid to go any further until I can get some more information on this specific phone. I feel like there may be a chance with this method since it takes information from your actual device. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you make a gold card, which rooting technique are you going try? Unrevoked is the simplest overall but I think HBOOT 0.98 fixed the exploit that Unrevoked uses.
I tried unrevoked the other day and it said that it was unsupported. I don't know that I'll go as far as trying to root at this point. I was kind of hoping that someone else would try it first, ha . . . Initially I was doing the gold card just to see if I could at least unbrand it so I could install the OTA update. But then I run into the original issue of whether or not it supports CDMA and/or SLCD. Is there any way to tell aside from actually attempting to flash it? Maybe it would be safer to try one of the methods for the Incredible? Not sure what version of HBOOT that has on it. Honestly, I'm pretty far from being any kind of expert on this. So far I've only had experience with rooting the Moto Droid and that was pretty much cake since the phone is so old at this point.
psychache said:
I tried unrevoked the other day and it said that it was unsupported. I don't know that I'll go as far as trying to root at this point. I was kind of hoping that someone else would try it first, ha . . . Initially I was doing the gold card just to see if I could at least unbrand it so I could install the OTA update. But then I run into the original issue of whether or not it supports CDMA and/or SLCD. Is there any way to tell aside from actually attempting to flash it? Maybe it would be safer to try one of the methods for the Incredible? Not sure what version of HBOOT that has on it. Honestly, I'm pretty far from being any kind of expert on this. So far I've only had experience with rooting the Moto Droid and that was pretty much cake since the phone is so old at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's only one set of RUU that support CDMA at this point. Pretty much any other attempt will brick your desire. You could try one of those RUU's and see if it downgrades where you could root then.
Yeah, I think I'm going to wait until some sort of tested method is worked out. I'm not at any kind of skill level to be figuring this stuff out on my own. Overall I'm pretty pleased with how the phone worked right out of the box. My only major complaint is the lack of internal storage for apps and the fact that you can't remove any of the preinstalled crap. This is the only reason I was really even looking into rooting or unlocking at this point. I just hope that the fact that the EVO and Incredible got their updates means that one can't be far off for the Desire.
psychache - I feel ya there. I got mine and I love it. However, was kinda skiddish on testing on this new unit. Whether or not the insurance would cover it if I bricked it. Even then, would still be another $100 deductible.
I am willing to try something. I already tried the Universal Androot to no avail... no brick or anything, it just didnt take.
Well, if anyone else is up to the challenge you could always call the number I posted above to get a definite answer on whether you would still have coverage if you did brick. I had actually had several replies back and forth with them before I asked specifically about rooting and was very impressed by how responsive and open-minded they were. I'd say of any of the manufacturers they're probably the most likely to be "cool" about it. And you're right, primerorico, worst case scenario is you could do an insurance claim and pay the $100 (you know, because you "lost" it). I know that's not cheap but it's a heck of a lot less than paying the full retail for a new one. Just food for thought for anyone who actually knows what they're doing . . . (unlike myself)
Someone has made some progress in rooting. Not sure if he needs some help but here is the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7917553
heavymetalmage said:
Someone has made some progress in rooting. Not sure if he needs some help but here is the thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7917553
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. I'll definitely keep an eye on it.

[Q] Travelling from US to AUS. Should I unlock my G2 or old G1?

Root / Hack virgin here.
Next month I'll be travelling all over Australia for 2-3 weeks and I would like to take a phone with me to use a Telstra SIM card with.
I have a new G2 and and OLD G1, both Un-rooted and T-Mobile SIM locked.
I know that there have been many issues with using the standard T-Mobile Unlock code for the G2. I'm a little nervous about bricking my phone using the regular unlock code method. I'm also a little nervous about rooting and using GFree on my new G2, because I've never messed with code or command line at all.
So my question is, is it too risky to try to use the regular T-Mobile unlock method on my G2? Should I just unlock and take my old G1? Or...should I bite the bullet and try Gfree and root?
Thanks for helping a noob.
I can certainly understand being nervous about bricking if you don't have much experience - before acquiring a free G1 last summer, the only programming/command line experience I had was (1) in intro CS in college (hooray Java!) and (2) making a sweet Tic-Tac-Toe game for my graphing calculator in eighth grade. I was, then, pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to pick up some basic adb/fastboot commands for my G1, and now my G2.
The gfree method can sound a little intense, but if you can meticulously follow directions it's really not all that difficult to do. The wiki page (http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision) has thorough, complete instructions for the process, including a set of prerequisites.
I've had a lot of luck with T-Mobile in the past giving out unlock codes when I'm headed out of the country, but at this point I've been a customer of theirs for 11 consecutive years, so YMMV. Given the simplicity of gfree and its ability to sim-unlock the phone without any extra trouble, I would think that would be the best way to go.
Hey,
Always nice to see new people come in and not be afraid to ask questions. I was sitting in your situation (not the travelling part) just afew days ago on rooting my Desire Z (your G2).
Prior to this, I had never used ADB and usually resorted to "one click root" solutions. With the case with the DZ/G2, there are one click root options, but they do not SIM-Unlock your phone.
There is a guide in my sig to get SIM-Unlock/PermRoot/S-OFF using the Rage/Gfree method. Took me a good 2 hours of sitting there and reading then re-reading the wiki and thread before I actually accomplished it. Just needs some patience.
I would suggest reading through the thread and corresponding wiki and see what you can understand then ask more questions. If you think it's over your capabilities, that is fine, I think there are simpler solutions for the G1 since it's been out longer. The important thing is that you at least tried it.
Have fun!
I would say go for the gfree unlock/root method, it's easier and faster than getting the SIM-unlock code from T-Mobile.
Only tricky part is getting ADB working, once that's done it's a straightforward process.
Thanks for the answers all.
I think I'm gonna go for it. Any tips, aside from whats on the wiki walkthrough?
It is federal law that T-mobile has to give you the unlock code if you ask for it. Just call them and they will email it to you. You do need a tmobile account to run the request under.... I used my friends who had a type of a pay as you go account I'm not even a tmobile cust.
They emailed it to me in less than 24 hours. You either own the phone all ready or signed a contract so you will have to pay for it whether you keep your service or not... they can't make you keep the phone on tmobile.. its yours now.. you can't give it back and get out of the contract could you?
Its the law.
But gfree is the way to go and you will want to do it sooner or later.... just go for it.....lol
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Sorry, I didn't check in for a few days - how did it go?

[Q] potential g2 owner here, much needed help and appreciated!

[reposted from wrong thread]
Hey all, I was thinking of getting a g2 after my contract is ready for it, and ive got a few questions. I'm not really a noob to all this rooting and cyanogen mod, so i might understand some of the technical jargon. i've rooted my g1 with cyanogen 5.0.8
If you use visionary to temp-root your phone daily, is there any chance for bricking it? Are there are any known problems with using visionary?
what are the main benefits with getting permaroot as opposed to just temp rooting it everytime? im not that interested in roms like cyanogen, gingervillan,etc
can you use setcpu with the stock tmobile g2 rom?
is the hinge really that bad?
does tmobile really monitor tethering? some say that the original g1 plan includes tethering but that just sounds absurd.
what exactly does busybox do? i have asked this several times but havent gotten a clear answer; i know that it has to do with linux, but thats about it :/
theres a section on the wiki about g2 radios; i dont understand what is the problem with the stock radio and why someone would want to flash another one besdies for the reason of getting a better signal, but this leads me to the question of 'doesnt tmobile update the radio? why would we need to manually update radio'?
what are the main differences between using visionary temp to permaroot and the adb method? if i were to use the visionary one, at what point could i enable s- off and hboot?
that being said, is there any news about a new release of visionary?
can't people just ask tmobile for a sim unlock code after 1 year? why do we have to root it and do it?
Looking at the wiki, i dont understand what md5 is when the wiki provides downloads and what it means
what is hboot used for and whats the difference between that and a bootloader (whats a bootloader btw)
can both temp rooting and both versions of permarooting work on 1.19 and 1.12?
thanks!
kayway27 said:
[reposted from wrong thread]
Hey all, I was thinking of getting a g2 after my contract is ready for it, and ive got a few questions. I'm not really a noob to all this rooting and cyanogen mod, so i might understand some of the technical jargon. i've rooted my g1 with cyanogen 5.0.8
If you use visionary to temp-root your phone daily, is there any chance for bricking it? Are there are any known problems with using visionary?
what are the main benefits with getting permaroot as opposed to just temp rooting it everytime? im not that interested in roms like cyanogen, gingervillan,etc
can you use setcpu with the stock tmobile g2 rom?
is the hinge really that bad?
does tmobile really monitor tethering? some say that the original g1 plan includes tethering but that just sounds absurd.
what exactly does busybox do? i have asked this several times but havent gotten a clear answer; i know that it has to do with linux, but thats about it :/
theres a section on the wiki about g2 radios; i dont understand what is the problem with the stock radio and why someone would want to flash another one besdies for the reason of getting a better signal, but this leads me to the question of 'doesnt tmobile update the radio? why would we need to manually update radio'?
what are the main differences between using visionary temp to permaroot and the adb method? if i were to use the visionary one, at what point could i enable s- off and hboot?
that being said, is there any news about a new release of visionary?
can't people just ask tmobile for a sim unlock code after 1 year? why do we have to root it and do it?
Looking at the wiki, i dont understand what md5 is when the wiki provides downloads and what it means
what is hboot used for and whats the difference between that and a bootloader (whats a bootloader btw)
can both temp rooting and both versions of permarooting work on 1.19 and 1.12?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This late in the game jsut wait for the next wave of phones some will has dual core
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using XDA App
Might even see quad core by the end of the year.
Sent from my Liquid Metal using XDA Premium App
sorta didnt answer my question, dont mean to sound ungrateful;
i want the g2 b/c of the keyboard and other asthetics; dual core isnt that big of a factor for me.
As others have said there will be new phones coming out soon, faster processors, more cores, more megapixels, etc.
Another thing to consider is that I would expect new phones from T-Mobile to have radios capable of operating on AT&T's 3G network, making them more future proof.
OTOH If you are a keyboard guy I would expect these to be less and less common, as a former G1 user myself I can tell you the G2 keyboard is quite inferior to the G1 and thanks to better soft keyboards like Swype I rarely use the hardware keyboard anymore.
Also I can certainly sympathize with wanting to upgrade from the G1, the G2 is unbelievably more snappy, I don't think could go back to the G1 again.
One other option is to look at picking up a used device off Swappa (something like a MyTouch 3G Slide) to hold you over until the new hotness comes out later and renew your contact then.
BusyBox is a set of Linux tools that is pretty much essential for a rooted Android phone.
I have never heard of using Visionary only for temp rooting causing any problems, it only gets dicey if you try to use it for permanent root.
As for advantages of permanent root over temp root, I guess in your case it's mainly a matter of convenience, though I found some rooted apps don't behave properly with Visionary temp root.
I haven't heard anything about a newer version of Visionary and I don't think I'd expect one.
The gfree method isn't too difficult once you have ADB working, I'd just do that.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
I'm no expert but I'll try to answer some things. As for temp rooting, Visionary appears to be relatively safe, but many people warn of using it to perm root as there's a good chance of bricking the phone. It just seems to be less of a hassle to perm root and be done with it. The gfree method seems to be the one that is least risky. I have yet to root my G2 but will probably follow a method that uses Visionary for temp root and gfree for the perm part.
As to the radios, there is often no need to flash a new one and its generally advised NOT to unless you have a very good reason and know exactly what you're doing. The hinge can be bad on some G2s, not so bad on others. Mine is on the loose side but its not really a big deal to me. I can post the link to the "Easy Root" thread if you like. There are a lot of posts from people who used it and have yet to see a reported failure. I'm trying to steel myself up to go through with it. Just wanna have everything in line.
A lot of people it seems are saying wait and don't bother with the G2. Not so sure. It's an awesome phone if you like a physical keyboard. It's plenty fast and capable, even more so when rooted. Playing the technology waiting game is pointless, IMO. There is ALWAYS something bigger and better right around the corner. Everyone is touting the current wave of dual core phones, and soon those will be kicked aside by the tech elites in favor of quad core phones, then THOSE will be swatted aside when something else comes along. Android phone technology is moving faster than any tech I've seen so I think it's better to find a phone you like and chill. So what if some dude you know has a dual core phone? That fact doesn't make a phone like the G2 suddenly slow and incapable. Sure, relatively speaking it's less powerful but that's technology for you. I say if you find a phone you really like, jump on it.

[Q] Root method for 2.3 Gingerbread and help please

OKay for weeks now i have been searching ways to Root my HTC EVO I have been looking and looking maybe i am confused so now i see great methods to root the files are no good such as ginger breaks and other ways such you tube videos but unable to find a video who do play by play how to do a easy successful root method now i am currently S-on my Hboot is 2.15 and build number is 4.24 now i know unrevoked is not working since the update make a long story short if anybody has some of a method please reply in a nice way and don't bash me because i may not know this phone stuffed by i am geek in computers so we all have good things what we do best.
Put simply, 2.3 hasn't been rooted yet, they're making progress but you're out of luck for the moment.
Still no method yet, waiting impatiently, check the forums multiple time daily. I'm sure there will be an announcement when it available, so just keep your eyes peeled. Just rooted my wifes evo because she never accepted the OTA, now I'm drooling in jealousy.
That hurt my head
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
AZ1412 said:
That hurt my head
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup.....Mine hurts too now...
Boltons75 said:
Still no method yet, waiting impatiently, check the forums multiple time daily. I'm sure there will be an announcement when it available, so just keep your eyes peeled. Just rooted my wifes evo because she never accepted the OTA, now I'm drooling in jealousy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALRIGHT WELL I STILL HAVE MY htc HD 2 PHONE AND THAT PROCESS IS SO EASY THE 3.0 SENSE IS CRAZY ON THAT PHONE I WISH SOME 1 WOULD MAKE IT AS SIMPLE TO JAILBREAK ON THE HTC HD 2 PHONE BUT I WILL STILL LOOK OUT OR TRICK MY BROTHER AND CHANGE PHONES HE NEVER UPDATED EITHER LOL
he has hboot 2.15?
didnt even know that existed, but afaik, anything BELOW 2.16 is rootable
dgotgame816 said:
OKay for weeks now i have been searching ways to Root my HTC EVO I have been looking and looking maybe i am confused so now i see great methods to root the files are no good such as ginger breaks and other ways such you tube videos but unable to find a video who do play by play how to do a easy successful root method now i am currently S-on my Hboot is 2.15 and build number is 4.24 now i know unrevoked is not working since the update make a long story short if anybody has some of a method please reply in a nice way and don't bash me because i may not know this phone stuffed by i am geek in computers so we all have good things what we do best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I have my HTC evo 4g fully rooted with unrevoked. What I did is I broke my phone and I'm under the black tie program with sprint. I called asurion to get my NEW AND UNUSED PHONE. They asked if I would rather it come fully activated. Or would I rather activate it myself. I told them I'd rather activate it myself. I paid the 100 dollar deposit and while Isaac activating my phone I stopped the firmware and software update. It only comes on the phone as an ota if you activate yourself. If they activation it you will be stuck where you are. After stopping the firmware update I was sitting at stock android 2.2 aka froyobwith hboot 2.10. If you're willing to spend 100 bucks to do this, it will come a lot faster than the HTC bootloader update or the developers hacking methods. No offense to the development team. You Guy do an amazing job. But yea, that's the way I did it. Then I rooted with unrevoked and am currently running cm7 and am extremely happy with improved battery life along many other things. Maybe this will help you
hawke591 said:
Well I have my HTC evo 4g fully rooted with unrevoked. What I did is I broke my phone and I'm under the black tie program with sprint. I called asurion to get my NEW AND UNUSED PHONE. They asked if I would rather it come fully activated. Or would I rather activate it myself. I told them I'd rather activate it myself. I paid the 100 dollar deposit and while Isaac activating my phone I stopped the firmware and software update. It only comes on the phone as an ota if you activate yourself. If they activation it you will be stuck where you are. After stopping the firmware update I was sitting at stock android 2.2 aka froyobwith hboot 2.10. If you're willing to spend 100 bucks to do this, it will come a lot faster than the HTC bootloader update or the developers hacking methods. No offense to the development team. You Guy do an amazing job. But yea, that's the way I did it. Then I rooted with unrevoked and am currently running cm7 and am extremely happy with improved battery life along many other things. Maybe this will help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this. NEVER EVER EVER EVER LET SPRINT activate a phone. DON'T EVEN LET THOSE ASSHOLES TOUCH IT! Biggest mistake you can EVER EVER make! spread this around. :-D However!, I find it hard to believe on the "I called asurion to get my NEW AND UNUSED PHONE."
It might not be unused but it definitely came in mint condition with the froyo firmware on it so that's all I needed lol as of right now if you're willing to spend the 100 bucks its well worth it in my opinion. Good luck getting root guys ill see if I can't find a way to help the devs and the others working in the collaboration in the development section.
hawke591 said:
Well I have my HTC evo 4g fully rooted with unrevoked. What I did is I broke my phone and I'm under the black tie program with sprint. I called asurion to get my NEW AND UNUSED PHONE. They asked if I would rather it come fully activated. Or would I rather activate it myself. I told them I'd rather activate it myself. I paid the 100 dollar deposit and while Isaac activating my phone I stopped the firmware and software update. It only comes on the phone as an ota if you activate yourself. If they activation it you will be stuck where you are. After stopping the firmware update I was sitting at stock android 2.2 aka froyobwith hboot 2.10. If you're willing to spend 100 bucks to do this, it will come a lot faster than the HTC bootloader update or the developers hacking methods. No offense to the development team. You Guy do an amazing job. But yea, that's the way I did it. Then I rooted with unrevoked and am currently running cm7 and am extremely happy with improved battery life along many other things. Maybe this will help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not necessarily true. My evo was destroyed in a car accident. Asurion sent me my replacement. I was hoping it would be 2.2 and denied their request to activate my phone. When the new phone arrived, it had already been loaded with 2.3.3. I didn’t even bother to activate it and ended up going back to my rooted hero for the time being. Getting a replacement phone is a crapshoot. There are multiple posts on XDA giving anecdotal reports of replacement phones. Most are shipping with gingerbread. Some still will have froyo. Some (very few) will come with S-off. Don’t assume that by breaking your phone and dropping $100 you will automatically be shipped a phone capable of being unlocked at present time.
hydroxylicacid said:
That is not necessarily true. My evo was destroyed in a car accident. Asurion sent me my replacement. I was hoping it would be 2.2 and denied their request to activate my phone. When the new phone arrived, it had already been loaded with 2.3.3. I didn’t even bother to activate it and ended up going back to my rooted hero for the time being. Getting a replacement phone is a crapshoot. There are multiple posts on XDA giving anecdotal reports of replacement phones. Most are shipping with gingerbread. Some still will have froyo. Some (very few) will come with S-off. Don’t assume that by breaking your phone and dropping $100 you will automatically be shipped a phone capable of being unlocked at present time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends on if the phone was made before the ota release date and whatnot. You cn request that it come with 2.2 instead of gb. This method may not work for everyone but I know that it has worked for the friends I have around my area. They saw what happened and wanted to try it and its worked for them. If you feel that its a longshot at getting the right phone
Then by all means stick with what you've got. I just was willing to try anything to get rid of gb. But now I'm running cm7 with a tiamat kernel and am very happy. Little side note: I actually didn't break my phone on purpose.
hawke591 said:
Well I have my HTC evo 4g fully rooted with unrevoked. What I did is I broke my phone and I'm under the black tie program with sprint. I called asurion to get my NEW AND UNUSED PHONE. They asked if I would rather it come fully activated. Or would I rather activate it myself. I told them I'd rather activate it myself. I paid the 100 dollar deposit and while Isaac activating my phone I stopped the firmware and software update. It only comes on the phone as an ota if you activate yourself. If they activation it you will be stuck where you are. After stopping the firmware update I was sitting at stock android 2.2 aka froyobwith hboot 2.10. If you're willing to spend 100 bucks to do this, it will come a lot faster than the HTC bootloader update or the developers hacking methods. No offense to the development team. You Guy do an amazing job. But yea, that's the way I did it. Then I rooted with unrevoked and am currently running cm7 and am extremely happy with improved battery life along many other things. Maybe this will help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your method and point so I am in KCMO AKA Kansas City MO doing some research online and from Best Buy they have an HTC EVO for 99.99 in white Android 2.2 and even called them to confirmed but doing some thinking and playing around on the Android Market SPB 3D its Awesome since I cant root my phone but I pay the 14.95 that way my phone is not harm and I have my warranty still but i am sticking with SPB 3D
They just came out with the revolutionary root for gingerbread. Look in the android dev section and you'll find it. It works too. I rooted a friends phone using that method and he had absolutely no issues with his phone. Even though my usb cord had a short in it there was no problem with it that made it brick even though it disconnected multiple times. Id have to say that it is a very safe root method. So check it out if you're still interested in root
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium

ROOTING & UNLOCKING - why so much trouble?SOLVED

Backstory: I have just switched over to Sprint from ATT, due to a growing need to save money on my family plan. As such, I had to sell my Nexus 4 and get an Optimus G (HTC One was sold out ) Picked this phone for it's extreme similarity to the N4, which I liked quite a bit. Brought home my new device and immediately set about rooting and unlocking it. I have been around this particular block many times since my first rooting and ROMing experience with the HD2 back in '10. I am relatively adept at this and don't typically get put off by it being more or less difficult than the last time. For example, I had an HTC Rezound that required a length or wire to touch two contact points together during a script run to unlock the bootloader. That was fun! Point is, this ain't my first rodeo. I researched the threads pretty thoroughly, and although I wanted to use shadow's AIO root/unlock, it sounded from the posts that it was outdated due to recent updates that hadn't been implemented. Sooooo, I went with engine's root/unlock. I followed the instructions carefully, installed and utilized Freegee(after running the rooting script, which was successful), got to the 'YAY' screen, and went about the reboot to recovery process, and poof! - brick city. What sucks is that I see all over where people have had seemingly the same problem (no boot past the LG splash screen). The thing is, everyone else seems to be able to get a download mode or fastboot or both, thereby making some form of 'recovery' possible, even without an actual recovery program being in place. I cannot. I was unable to do anything with the device, and after many hours of trying, I took the damn thing to Sprint and got another(always root and ROM on the first day, that way you can blame the crappy product instead of your crappy ability to follow directions ). Now, I have never been too proud to admit when I screw up, but I was very careful about reading and following the instructions and took my time. This isn't to say it couldn't still be user error; it almost always is. But, the fact that my problem was so similar to so many others, but no one else had documented a problem like mine really bugged me. Anyway, I got a new one and have been researching LGNPST and teenybins way of rooting/unlocking. I have already installed all the drivers and software and am ready to go. But, I gotta be honest, I am leery. I don't care about taking another phone back to Sprint, but just don't want the hassle. I am nervous because it seems that these devices are very finicky and there are many posts in all of the root/unlock threads with people who can't seem to get theirs handled. This is compounded by the fact that my friggin device refuses to go into either download mode or fastboot mode. I have followed the instructions for this as well (vol down and pwr for download - all three and plug at the same time for fastboot) I can't accomplish either task with this device. WTF. I have no problem doing the noobie dance if I am somehow screwing this process up, but I can't see how. I have some experience at this; I have owned an HD2, a Sensation 4G, a Rezound, a G2X, a GSII Skyrocket, a Nexus 4, and this. All have been rooted and unlocked successfully, except one of the LGs, see below. I have had issues getting this done before, but never like this. I also have some experience compiling builds, so I am not a pro by any means, but I have a pretty good idea how to go about these things when I change devices. What I would like is some factual and specific tips, steps, and/or advice. I have read all of the threads about these, so simply mirroring the current steps listed is not much help right now. I also have some questions, regardless of whether or not some of the 'purists' will troll my possibly noobie style thoughts :
Why the hell can't I get into download or fastboot? If this is something that is actually happening and not just my user error, it would definitely be a reason for unlock failure and potential bricking, right?
Is it absolutely neccesary to unlock after root? I know that the two almost always go hand-in-hand, but nevertheless I think it is a legitimate question.
Is this just a problem with LG devices? I had a G2X for about a week, and went through 3 of them trying to get the damn thing rooted and unlocked. I literally could not do it, and after the third one even TMobile was tired of it. The gave me a Sensation that I had rooted and ROMed in about an hour. I had no issues with my N4, and to be honest I was nervous as hell getting that badboy set up. smooth sailing....
I know that most eveyone swears by the LGNPST method, but there have been reported failures through this method as well. Can I get anything more than just opinion about the best way to accomplish this with a minimum of bloodshed?
I would appreciate as much advice and discussion as possible, because I can't be the only one and we have to be able to figure this out once and for all.........
One other question: Why the hell am I having so much trouble extracting the .bin files on my laptop? I have 7zip, archive manager, and winzip. All three have the settings refecting .bin files being formatted with each file manager, and none will recognize the .bin files. I have an HP DV7 dual-core, running W7 Ultimate. SOLVED: Desktop at work showed these files properly as .bin. Don't know why my laptop won't........
UPDATE: I was able to get into download mode by pressing both vol buttons while plugged in. I was also able to gain root using fiddy619s Universal root and held it after reboot. For all the good it does... can't use font installer. hmph. Can alter root files though, so progress is being made
UPDATE: I am able to get OEM system recovery by holding dn and pwr until 'buttons' light up, then releasing pwr but not dn until recovery shows. Still can't get anything from holding up and pwr. Tried unplugged and plugged in; no love. From what I have read, you HAVE to be able to access fastboot to be able to complete this process, sooooo........
BMP7777 said:
Backstory: I have just switched over to Sprint from ATT, due to a growing need to save money on my family plan. As such, I had to sell my Nexus 4 and get an Optimus G (HTC One was sold out ) Picked this phone for it's extreme similarity to the N4, which I liked quite a bit. Brought home my new device and immediately set about rooting and unlocking it. I have been around this particular block many times since my first rooting and ROMing experience with the HD2 back in '10. I am relatively adept at this and don't typically get put off by it being more or less difficult than the last time. For example, I had an HTC Rezound that required a length or wire to touch two contact points together during a script run to unlock the bootloader. That was fun! Point is, this ain't my first rodeo. I researched the threads pretty thoroughly, and although I wanted to use shadow's AIO root/unlock, it sounded from the posts that it was outdated due to recent updates that hadn't been implemented. Sooooo, I went with engine's root/unlock. I followed the instructions carefully, installed and utilized Freegee(after running the rooting script, which was successful), got to the 'YAY' screen, and went about the reboot to recovery process, and poof! - brick city. What sucks is that I see all over where people have had seemingly the same problem (no boot past the LG splash screen). The thing is, everyone else seems to be able to get a download mode or fastboot or both, thereby making some form of 'recovery' possible, even without an actual recovery program being in place. I cannot. I was unable to do anything with the device, and after many hours of trying, I took the damn thing to Sprint and got another(always root and ROM on the first day, that way you can blame the crappy product instead of your crappy ability to follow directions ). Now, I have never been too proud to admit when I screw up, but I was very careful about reading and following the instructions and took my time. This isn't to say it couldn't still be user error; it almost always is. But, the fact that my problem was so similar to so many others, but no one else had documented a problem like mine really bugged me. Anyway, I got a new one and have been researching LGNPST and teenybins way of rooting/unlocking. I have already installed all the drivers and software and am ready to go. But, I gotta be honest, I am leery. I don't care about taking another phone back to Sprint, but just don't want the hassle. I am nervous because it seems that these devices are very finicky and there are many posts in all of the root/unlock threads with people who can't seem to get theirs handled. This is compounded by the fact that my friggin device refuses to go into either download mode or fastboot mode. I have followed the instructions for this as well (vol down and pwr for download - all three and plug at the same time for fastboot) I can't accomplish either task with this device. WTF. I have no problem doing the noobie dance if I am somehow screwing this process up, but I can't see how. I have some experience at this; I have owned an HD2, a Sensation 4G, a Rezound, a G2X, a GSII Skyrocket, a Nexus 4, and this. All have been rooted and unlocked successfully, except one of the LGs, see below. I have had issues getting this done before, but never like this. I also have some experience compiling builds, so I am not a pro by any means, but I have a pretty good idea how to go about these things when I change devices. What I would like is some factual and specific tips, steps, and/or advice. I have read all of the threads about these, so simply mirroring the current steps listed is not much help right now. I also have some questions, regardless of whether or not some of the 'purists' will troll my possibly noobie style thoughts :
Why the hell can't I get into download or fastboot? If this is something that is actually happening and not just my user error, it would definitely be a reason for unlock failure and potential bricking, right?
Is it absolutely neccesary to unlock after root? I know that the two almost always go hand-in-hand, but nevertheless I think it is a legitimate question.
Is this just a problem with LG devices? I had a G2X for about a week, and went through 3 of them trying to get the damn thing rooted and unlocked. I literally could not do it, and after the third one even TMobile was tired of it. The gave me a Sensation that I had rooted and ROMed in about an hour. I had no issues with my N4, and to be honest I was nervous as hell getting that badboy set up. smooth sailing....
I know that most eveyone swears by the LGNPST method, but there have been reported failures through this method as well. Can I get anything more than just opinion about the best way to accomplish this with a minimum of bloodshed?
I would appreciate as much advice and discussion as possible, because I can't be the only one and we have to be able to figure this out once and for all.........
One other question: Why the hell am I having so much trouble extracting the .bin files on my laptop? I have 7zip, archive manager, and winzip. All three have the settings refecting .bin files being formatted with each file manager, and none will recognize the .bin files. I have an HP DV7 dual-core, running W7 Ultimate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the Optimus G. It sounds like you got a phone that needs the "Special Unlock". This is not a method available to the general public. You will need to go to IRC and ask Shelnutt2 for it. Good luck!
Stories like this make me not want to root/unlock.
I know the basics, but I dont know much beyond that. I would feel pretty stranded if some sort of soft-brick, etc occurred.
Rooting my OG EVO was simple as simple could get.
Mindspin_311 said:
Stories like this make me not want to root/unlock.
I know the basics, but I dont know much beyond that. I would feel pretty stranded if some sort of soft-brick, etc occurred.
Rooting my OG EVO was simple as simple could get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just as nervous, but I'm not gonna let this damn thing get the best of me. Already made some progress. As I figure it out, I plan to offer another listing for how to accomplish this goal. I don't think we need YET ANOTHER thread about it though. Probably ask one of the others to add whatever makes mine work to their existing OP. I think part of the problem is too many different ways to do this that are only verified as working by a few; or many up until a recent time. Maybe the latest LG update is part of it as well.....
I know this feel all too well. On my third LGOG and I was able to properly rot/unlock. I'm more of a visual learner so learning using text only was a pain in my ass(weird right?) But I am way to skeptical to flash a new ROM and the ROM I want to use(Paranoid Android) was just recently ported so I'll stick with Stock rooted for now.
KUmike said:
Welcome to the Optimus G. It sounds like you got a phone that needs the "Special Unlock". This is not a method available to the general public. You will need to go to IRC and ask Shelnutt2 for it. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually not anymore, since I rewrote the freegee app, it's built into it. On the main screen press menu -> sbl unlock. Follow the directions, read everything, then after you enter the code, unlock like normal. This method is guarnteeed to always work, however there is some additional risks involved and only a small subset of optimusg owners need it, that is why it is not the default method.
BMP777 said:
vol down and pwr for download - all three and plug at the same time for fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is wrong, it's vol up + vol down + have the usb plugged in + power and they will get you to download mode. Fastboot mode is only avaliable when unlocked and that is vol down + power .
Tried the Freegee again but the softbrick was the result. I didn't find the sbl unlock, it must be in the paid version. Waiting for a new bank card to come in the mail is the only reason I haven't coughed up the buck. Was able to get into download mode easily and restore using LGNPST. No fastboot or recovery access though......back to the drawing board. Makes me wonder if the last one was really broken or I was too dumb to figure it out.
BMP7777 said:
Tried the Freegee again but the softbrick was the result. I didn't find the sbl unlock, it must be in the paid version. Waiting for a new bank card to come in the mail is the only reason I haven't coughed up the buck. Was able to get into download mode easily and restore using LGNPST. No fastboot or recovery access though......back to the drawing board. Makes me wonder if the last one was really broken or I was too dumb to figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the SBL unlock method in the freegee app is there, you just have to hit the menu button (I think).
Ran LGNPST again and acheived unlock. Good to go.
BMP7777 said:
Ran LGNPST again and acheived unlock. Good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it, and fyi as in the description on the play store, the free and paid versions are 100% the same minus the name change.
I was considering trading my Note 2 for two OG's but reading this scares me a lil. Is it really that bad to root this thing?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
RayTrue04 said:
I was considering trading my Note 2 for two OG's but reading this scares me a lil. Is it really that bad to root this thing?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope not at all. Rooting and unlocking is pretty easy for 99% of the phones out there.
Shelnutt2 said:
Nope not at all. Rooting and unlocking is pretty easy for 99% of the phones out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever owned an Evo? Rooting and unlocking is not always easy lol
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
RayTrue04 said:
Have you ever owned an Evo? Rooting and unlocking is not always easy lol
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By phones I was meaning optimus g's
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
Rooting this device is easy. Unlocking was a bit more detailed but in the end, just as easy. Still not certain if my issues were genuine or user error, but I will assume it was me. Make sure you read the instructions over and over before you begin. I have been doing this for a long time so I may have gotten caught up in thinking I knew all there was to know and not paying close enough attention to the details. Thanks to fiddy619, engine95, and especially Shellnutt2 for making these tools and taking time to offer assistance. Use fiddys tool for rooting, then buy and install Freegee for unlocking. If you have issues with Freegee, use the two-button plug method of accessing download mode(press and hold both volume buttons while plugging in the USB), and then use the LGNPST tool with teenybins for unlocking and/or repairs. These are the steps that worked for me without hassle; your experience may vary......

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