[Q] What do I do first? - Defy General

I have a stock 2.1 Defy coming my way tomorrow. My goal is to get a custom ROM with an overclockable kernel that achieves the best battery life possible, while offering marginally cool features. What do I do? I haven't had a Moto Android phone and am used to Samsung/HTC. I read stuff about people getting stuck with friend recovery consoles, not having a custom bootloader, not being able to downgrade ROMs, etc.
What do I need to do? I have read the guides but aren't they now outdated since there is an official FroYo release?
How do I ensure I don't build myself into a box?
Do you guys recommend rooting, custom rom, etc FIRST before configuring any of my data/apps?
Thanks for all the help!

Read the guides and "brick" threads, and don't try before you understand every step and the purpose. It probably won't really brick when you messed up, but could get you a heart attack

hah2110 said:
I have a stock 2.1 Defy coming my way tomorrow. My goal is to get a custom ROM with an overclockable kernel that achieves the best battery life possible, while offering marginally cool features. What do I do? I haven't had a Moto Android phone and am used to Samsung/HTC. I read stuff about people getting stuck with friend recovery consoles, not having a custom bootloader, not being able to downgrade ROMs, etc.
What do I need to do? I have read the guides but aren't they now outdated since there is an official FroYo release?
How do I ensure I don't build myself into a box?
Do you guys recommend rooting, custom rom, etc FIRST before configuring any of my data/apps?
Thanks for all the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-motorola-defy-with-superoneclick/
2) http://www.multiupload.com/JB1B50GTU0 (see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=839640)
3) Get the 2.5.1.8 clockworkmod installed
4) Make a backup! (boot into clockworkmod)
5) SAVE THIS BACKUP SOMEWHERE SAFE
6) Upload your backup for us to enjoy!
Don't worry.. it's really hard to brick this phone, due to the locked bootloader. The worst that will happen is you'll find the screen is black and doesn't turn on.. but even this can be recovered from.
Don't forget to upload your Nandroid backup! (I've been looking for a good stock Nandroid backup of a virgin Defy..)

So I should do everything you listed BEFORE configuring data/apps?

hah2110 said:
So I should do everything you listed BEFORE configuring data/apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you want us to have a copy of your system settings, passwords, etc., etc.

Forgetting about the Nandroid backup... I'm referring specifically to functionality. Do I lose anything by configuring before doing all of this? Once I have Clockwork installed, I can install ANY ROM? Are there limitations on 2.1 to 2.2 stock vs/custom, etc?

Bump.......

Related

Question about rooting and installing custom roms.....

Hi guys, i'm new to doing this for Google Android as i've never owned an Android phone before. A friend of mine wanted me to do it for him because i've done iphone jailbreaking, PSP / DS hacking, installing custom roms on many mobile platforms. The only one i haven't done is Android but he feels that it's safer that i do it for him.
I owned a HTC Touch Pro and know how the process works, but it seems for Android devices, you have to "root" it first by bypass some sort of CID or SPL check??
Anyway my question is, can someone give me a rough and quick explanations on how this work for Android phones, or more specifically the HTC Desire?? My friend simply wants custom roms installed on his phone, just like how it is for the windows mobile devices like the Touch Pro or Touch Pro 2 etc.
So do i simply root it first, and then install the custom rom and that's it?? Are there any extra steps i must take as well such as updating the kernel or something??
I know for rooting, you have to create a gold card. I have found guides for those, but if anyone can give me guides on how to install custom roms or any other helpful infos that i need to them, please do. It seems it's not as easy and straightforward as it is for Windows Mobile phones........
and apparently, rooting the phone means that some apps won't be usable?? It seems there are some downsides to this as well. If anyone can give me as much info related to rooting or installing custom roms for Android devices, that would be awesome.
chaoscreater said:
Hi guys, i'm new to doing this for Google Android as i've never owned an Android phone before. A friend of mine wanted me to do it for him because i've done iphone jailbreaking, PSP / DS hacking, installing custom roms on many mobile platforms. The only one i haven't done is Android but he feels that it's safer that i do it for him.
I owned a HTC Touch Pro and know how the process works, but it seems for Android devices, you have to "root" it first by bypass some sort of CID or SPL check??
Anyway my question is, can someone give me a rough and quick explanations on how this work for Android phones, or more specifically the HTC Desire?? My friend simply wants custom roms installed on his phone, just like how it is for the windows mobile devices like the Touch Pro or Touch Pro 2 etc.
So do i simply root it first, and then install the custom rom and that's it?? Are there any extra steps i must take as well such as updating the kernel or something??
I know for rooting, you have to create a gold card. I have found guides for those, but if anyone can give me guides on how to install custom roms or any other helpful infos that i need to them, please do. It seems it's not as easy and straightforward as it is for Windows Mobile phones........
and apparently, rooting the phone means that some apps won't be usable?? It seems there are some downsides to this as well. If anyone can give me as much info related to rooting or installing custom roms for Android devices, that would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
basically what it is, when google made android, they locked us out of accessing system files, kinda like the windows directory on winmo fones if you get me, by rooting your fone you regain access to them system files in order to flash a rom there are 3 steps,
1) rooting (Lets us mod the system)
2) install custom recovery (Recovery is where you can flash roms and other update files)
3) get the rom you want, (copy the .zip to the root of your sd card, then just flash it via recovery)
thats it all done
thanks for your reply mate.
But i've read from a few topics that rooting is only required for branded devices, and i don't think my friend's HTC Desire is branded at all, will i still need to root his phone though?
Also, how do i install the custom recovery?? This is the first time i've learned about this, all the other guides i found were similar to how you install custom roms for Windows Mobile, just using the RUU_Flasher (something like that), it's like an automated installer that flashes your phone so you don't have to do anything else at all so it's very simple. Could you link me to the custom recovery thing you talked about??
So basically, the recovery thing is kinda like an app that you launch from Android itself, and then it'll install the rom found on the root of your memory card??
Oh and lastly, i've read something about the SPL and kernel as well, do those matter??
One question about rooting...
Is this something you do one time and it keeps forever? For example, I'm actually in android 2.1, but android 2.2 is going to be released soon. If I root my device now but I update it later to android 2.2 will be still rooted or should I root it again?
I'm asking this question because the root process needs an specific boot/ROM and updating the phone might update one or both of them, making the rooting process unavailable for the time being.
chaoscreater said:
But i've read from a few topics that rooting is only required for branded devices, and i don't think my friend's HTC Desire is branded at all, will i still need to root his phone though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is incorrect.
If the phone is unbranded, you don't need a goldcard, but you still need to "root" it to install custom ROMs.
In reality, what we call "rooting" here is a two stage process.
The first stage is to get a custom recovery on your device, which allows you to flash custom ROMs.
The second stage is to flash a ROM which allows you to gain root access to the device when in operation.
There are plenty of threads and guides on these forums that can take you through the process. IMHO, UnRevoked3 is the best solution.
Regards,
Dave
AzureusPT said:
Is this something you do one time and it keeps forever? For example, I'm actually in android 2.1, but android 2.2 is going to be released soon. If I root my device now but I update it later to android 2.2 will be still rooted or should I root it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install a ROM via an HTC RUU, or an OTA update, you will almost certainly lose root. So, once rooted, always flash ROMs that are pre-rooted via a custom recovery image. If you allow an HTC update to replace your bootloader, you may end up with a device that is no longer rootable by current methods.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
This is incorrect.
If the phone is unbranded, you don't need a goldcard, but you still need to "root" it to install custom ROMs.
In reality, what we call "rooting" here is a two stage process.
The first stage is to get a custom recovery on your device, which allows you to flash custom ROMs.
The second stage is to flash a ROM which allows you to gain root access to the device when in operation.
There are plenty of threads and guides on these forums that can take you through the process. IMHO, UnRevoked3 is the best solution.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so i basically use the UnRevoked3 app to install all that stuff on the Desire, and then put the custom rom image file on the root of my memory card, and where do i go from there?? I know i obviously have to install it but how? Will there be any apps installed on the phone by the UnRevoked3 program, and that i use the app to install the custom rom?
And btw i haven't gotten the phone yet so couldn't try this out so just wanna know exactly how this works.
Thanks for your reply btw, i appreciate it.
If you've got a custom recovery on your phone (via UnRevoked3 say), in order to install a custom ROM you need to:
a) Power down your phone
b) Power up your phone whilst holding volume down
c) Using the volume up/down keys navigate to "Recovery" and the power button to select. This will take you into your recovery image.
d) From here, you can then make Nandroid backups, flash new ROMs, wipe the device etc, etc
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
If you've got a custom recovery on your phone (via UnRevoked3 say), in order to install a custom ROM you need to:
a) Power down your phone
b) Power up your phone whilst holding volume down
c) Using the volume up/down keys navigate to "Recovery" and the power button to select. This will take you into your recovery image.
d) From here, you can then make Nandroid backups, flash new ROMs, wipe the device etc, etc
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHH ic ic, this is similar to hacking a PSP and install a custom firmware
ok i think i got the gist of it overall. Just one last question, what is Nandroid?? I read the FAQ on the homepage for UnRevoked3 and it mentioned something like this, or was it Nand?? I forgot, but it's one of those things that couldn't be flashed or changed permanently. I know nand is quite a common term for PSP and iPhones, so just wondering what this is for or what it means on Android...
here's an old video which shows how fake flash recovery works:
once you root your phone, you can use this procedure to flash roms:
vol down + power to enter hboot
choose Recovery option using vol buttons and power to confirm
once red triangle shows up, vol up + power, then choose apply update.zip to enter fake flash recovery
from there, you can backup your rom, wipe everything, flash new roms/radios, partition sd card...
thanks for your help, yup i got it.
But i just want to know what is Nandroid?? I read the FAQ on the homepage for UnRevoked3 and it mentioned something like this, or was it Nand?? I forgot, but it's one of those things that couldn't be flashed or changed permanently. I know nand is quite a common term for PSP and iPhones, so just wondering what this is for or what it means on Android...
btw i just watched the video and what's the difference between:
apply sdcard:update.zip
and
install zip from sd card
it's around the 0:39 on the video.
apply update.zip is to enter recovery
install zip from sd card is used to choose rom or radio from sd card to flash
nandroid backup is system image that you create prior to flashing. In case something goes wrong, you can restore your backup, and have everything as it was, without any consequences (that's how it should be in theory, to tell the truth I haven't used it yet )
djoni1980 said:
apply update.zip is to enter recovery
install zip from sd card is used to choose rom or radio from sd card to flash
nandroid backup is system image that you create prior to flashing. In case something goes wrong, you can restore your backup, and have everything as it was, without any consequences (that's how it should be in theory, to tell the truth I haven't used it yet )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok but for the "apply update.zip", how is it that it enters recovery?? I thought you ARE in the recovery, and thus you get those options as shown in that video??

HTC Evo, want to do a froyo 2.2 stock

Hello all I just received my Evo yesterday. I managed to Root the phone using Unrevoked 3.21. But, now I just want to wipe everything and build my phone from the ground up. I wanna do the latest android so froyo 2.2 and on stock HTC Sense. Can anybody link me to a guide that will lead me to the right direction? Thanks.
BETA. said:
Hello all I just received my Evo yesterday. I managed to Root the phone using Unrevoked 3.21. But, now I just want to wipe everything and build my phone from the ground up. I wanna do the latest android so froyo 2.2 and on stock HTC Sense. Can anybody link me to a guide that will lead me to the right direction? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got lots and lots of reading to do. There is no specific guide, you need to learn what ROMs are what.
Good luck building your phone from the ground up and then adding in Sense.
Why did you root if you didn't have a reason to do it? You were at 2.2 and HTC sense when you bought the phone.
First things first....
1) Have you made yourself familiar with recovery mode yet and what it can do?
2) Have you done a nandroid backup yet? This should of been the first thing to do after rooting.
If you have not done this and need help just post back so u can be directed to the right walkthrough.
If you have done this and want to use your phone with the latest software and root capabilities, then I would suggest downloading the latest HTC 3.30 from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819838 It has not been officially released yet but seems to be very stable and contains some official fixes. I have flashed it myself and seems to be working fine. Make sure you do a full wipe and backup before flashing. This should put your phone to stock w/ root capabilities and let you build on the latest software from the ground up.
**By the way...if you are planning to use themes then download the "deOdexed" version, otherwise, get the "Odexed".
Hope this helps.
All I did was root my phone and downloaded Titanium Backup and got rid of some Sprint apps. That's about it... but no, I am not really familiar with recovery mode and nandroid back up. So, all the help I can get is always welcome. Thanks.
Also, when I do a complete wipe and reinstall the stock rom, the Sprint apps will also be included?
If it is the stock rom then unless whoever posted it took these out, then they should be on there. Can't remember for sure, but I believe the stock 3.30 will take you to exactly like stock except rooted and with new software version.
Couple things you should do first....
1) Read through this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=790427
2) Search for how to do nandroid backup and get that done first. Without it, you have nothing to recover if something does not flash properly.
3) Read, read, read.....if there is something you don't understand search these forums or the internet. If you can't find the answer then post something.
**If you are rooted do not take the OTA updates. It could really screw things up. Check in these forums first because something will be posted about it.

[Q] rooting, I really...

Hi, I have the desire, and well I'm board with it, I want to mess around with different roms like miui, gingerbread extra. But I don't understand, please could someone help me with some of my questions? Thank :
1) What are the chances of breaking it through rooting, and what could happen, and would should you do it it does happen?
2) what does bricked mean, and is there away of unbricking?
1) what do you do if a bad rom breaks?
1.5) what are the chances of things going wrong?
2) Can you have more than one rom installed at a time, and switch between them, a bit like you can with launchers, and uses the same apps and data on those roms?
2.5) Is unrevoked the best way to root?
3) I you can have more than one rom, can you have a gingerbread rom, side loaded with a froyo from?
4) How do you switch between the roms?
5)Does rooting affect battery life?
6) Using unrevoked, is there anyway to unroot?
7) where do you find roms, and does the rom manager in the market allow you to install them without flashing?
8)Is there a good htc sense hd or gingerbread rom that works well?
9) With different roms increase the speed of the device, like the n1 is faster than the desire, yet they have the same hardware?
I know that a lot of questions but i am really nervousness about this and I can't seem to find todate answerers to these questions. If someone could help me with these questions I would be very great full, as I want to get more our of my device. Thanks ( I know there are a lot of rooting threads, but I really need to find out as much as i can before I undergo this, I love my desire too much to allow it to break when there was something that i could have done)
There is a remote chance (0.00000001%) of anything going wrong as long as you follow the steps to the rooting process and S-Off. If you become bricked then there is a topic on how to unbrick.
Easiest and best way to root is to using unrevoked 3.32. Make sure you download the HBoot drivers from their website. After rooting, it is also good to make your device S-Off'd. Your able to flash HBoot templates to change partition sizes and also change the splash and remove system apps and so on.
You can only have 1 rom installed at a time. You have to flash roms as well, that's how you install them and other zip files through the recovery. If a rom breaks, you can just flash it again. Installing a rom takes 5 mins, if that really.
You find roms in the Android Dev section. You can use Rom Manager but you have to pay or something.
You can have a fast rom or a "slower" rom. It depends on how it's been built and stuff but also the kernel can help to speed things up. (Speed isn't always the answer). There is no best or crappiest rom either. It's best to test many out for yourself.
Battery life again depends on the rom and the kernel.
Things To Download
To root a device
To S-Off your device
Roms and alsort of other nice things
Hope this helps you out.
Thanks very much , but do you need to install "S-Off" as I don't quite understand what it does, and which one to download and how to install it. Thanks
You don't need to install S-Off after a root. S-Off just allows you to do more things like uninstall system apps, change the splash screen, change the HBoot (not quite sure what else). If your not going to be doing them sort of things then stay away from it.
When you root, the unrevoked utility roots it and changes the recovery to ClockworkMod 2.5.1.8. That recovery allows you to boot into it and install roms through it. It has a menu and you use your optical tracker to navigate through them. That is how you install different roms.
With the roms, you need to see which one you like. I've been through almost all of them and I have one I stick to now. I can't say which is the best, that's for you to decide. The Gingerbread roms are Android 2.3 and I THINK, emphasis on the THINK, that the rest of the roms are Android 2.2.
I think at first your like, oh what if I mess things up and stuff but you won't if you follow instructions. When I first did it, I completely messed up and couldn't even boot into a rom at all and was wondering how to sort it out. I got there in the end but still. I also forgot to mention, if you want the stock rom back, you can install one of the RUU's. It will wipe everything and you will have to root again, but you will have stock.
Thanks very much , when change roms will you lose all of your apps, and data?
Yes. When your changing roms, you have to erase all data. It is a must and everything will go, apps, user data including texts and contacts, EVERYTHING!!!.
Thanks so much for all your help, i'm going to do it now, and use cyanogen mod 7 or 6.x. Thanks again
No worries. If you get stuck, just message me or something.
Completely IGNORE S-OFF if you're a n00b, it shouldn't be recommended to anyone who:
1. Doesn't know what it is
2. Doesn't actually need it
Concentrate on rooting and running a custom ROM first
Not actually true. When I S-Off'd my Desire, I didn't have a bloody clue, other than it disables all security, what it was. You eventually learn things like I did and read a little more. S-Off is a great tool to have on your phone because it gives you all the more freedom to do what ever you want with your device. I will say for all the "n00bs" out there that if you are S-Off'ing then please read it all carefully, unlike me because I could have messed it all up.
You were lucky - better to learn first, do second
I saw recently a wiped imei which made me cautious
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Thanks for all you help, I have rooted and now have a custom rom (cm 6.1). Thanks
EddyOS said:
Completely IGNORE S-OFF if you're a n00b
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would add that if you're a n00b, don't even try to get your device rooted!
Lothaen said:
I saw recently a wiped imei which made me cautious
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would ask if that's even possbile. Apparently it is.
Delete the efs storage without a backup... doh
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
I had a stock Desire and wouldn't move from it. Then the niggles in the current build just annoyed me enough to actually go down the root route (see what I did there? )
So I rooted and after a few mishaps along the way (make backups of everything, phone and SD card, especially if you partition it!) I am very happy with my Ginger Villain ROM. A few things still niggle (Me avatar in texts blank, phone reboots randomly to name a few), but its not as bad as it used to be. I can live without Sense as well surprisingly enough.
I also did the same for a friend, and stuck them on LeeDroid 2.3d and as they are technically challenged, it works for them sweet as.
stringent said:
I had a stock Desire and wouldn't move from it. Then the niggles in the current build just annoyed me enough to actually go down the root route (see what I did there? )
So I rooted and after a few mishaps along the way (make backups of everything, phone and SD card, especially if you partition it!) I am very happy with my Ginger Villain ROM. A few things still niggle (Me avatar in texts blank, phone reboots randomly to name a few), but its not as bad as it used to be. I can live without Sense as well surprisingly enough.
I also did the same for a friend, and stuck them on LeeDroid 2.3d and as they are technically challenged, it works for them sweet as.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha that made me laugh. As for your contact icon of yourself, you need to add yourself. Your own number and name and then you can add a picture. Yes it is annoying a little because Android natively doesn't have like a "contact card" for yourself.
Rooting and S-Off is the best thing I did by far
GoogleJelly said:
Haha that made me laugh. As for your contact icon of yourself, you need to add yourself. Your own number and name and then you can add a picture. Yes it is annoying a little because Android natively doesn't have like a "contact card" for yourself.
Rooting and S-Off is the best thing I did by far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bump creates a contact card for yourself...
right at the top of the phonebook called 'My Contact Card'
Lothaen said:
bump creates a contact card for yourself...
right at the top of the phonebook called 'My Contact Card'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, I don't have that, I had it in the Sense UI, not on the stock Ginger Villain ROM, unless I am missing something ...

Just got a defy

I have just bought a defy and want to root it. Im not too keen on Motoblur and want to get rid of it if it is possible! However, I have never rooted a phone in my life. I have noticed that there are a few roms knocking around for this phone.Cyanogenmod and Gingerbread Android 2.3.4. Which is the best one? I will also need an idiot proof tutorial if anyone would be good enough to point me in the right direction. I would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance guys but Im a bit.....
cyanogenmod 7 is the best..it is stable and its nice..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065798
follow this link..it has everything u need to know to install CM7..
To root follow this tutorial
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-motorola-defy-with-superoneclick/
All the best
arpith.fbi said:
cyanogenmod 7 is the best..it is stable and its nice..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065798
follow this link..it has everything u need to know to install CM7..
To root follow this tutorial
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-motorola-defy-with-superoneclick/
All the best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks arpith.fbi . I will have a go at it when Im awake and refrreshed (ive been working nights lol). Will this remove the t-mobile branding? Ive already had the device unlocked but it still has the t-mobile logo popping up on start up etc. Thanks arpith.fbi. Your help is very much appreciated
yea..no tmobile crap..u can customize the way u want..check it out
TudorBlue said:
Thanks arpith.fbi . I will have a go at it when Im awake and refrreshed (ive been working nights lol). Will this remove the t-mobile branding? Ive already had the device unlocked but it still has the t-mobile logo popping up on start up etc. Thanks arpith.fbi. Your help is very much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a custom rom like Cyanogenmod will remove the t-mobile logo at bootup.
Before you start flashing a rom I'd recommend you to first browse some of the threads and to read some tutorials and FAQ's.
Jaflo said:
Flashing a custom rom like Cyanogenmod will remove the t-mobile logo at bootup.
Before you start flashing a rom I'd recommend you to first browse some of the threads and to read some tutorials and FAQ's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume I need to root my phone first and foremost? I will use SuperOneClick as this looks quiet easy to do, even for me.
Oops I forgot to add thgat my defy is on 2.51. Will this be a problem??? I want to be sure that I dont screw up my new phone. Cheers
I suggest you go to a stock 2.2.2 via MSU or RSD Lite. For your locale. Try it for a while (- the GB retail is very good). You don't need to root to do that, and it is fairly easy and safe.
You could then try and remove the Blur stuff and some bloat after rooting. Plenty of guidance around. This will increase your familiarity and experience, which you lack by your own admission.
If this doesn't give you what you want, then try a Custom ROM. Note that no 2.3 Custom ROM presently provides a "100%" experience. It may be that you need something they cannot yet deliver... I'm not sure why you desperately need to do this, not having tried 2.2?
Take things one step at a time and don't rush.
LenAsh said:
I suggest you go to a stock 2.2.2 via MSU or RSD Lite. For your locale. Try it for a while (- the GB retail is very good). You don't need to root to do that, and it is fairly easy and safe.
You could then try and remove the Blur stuff and some bloat after rooting. Plenty of guidance around. This will increase your familiarity and experience, which you lack by your own admission.
If this doesn't give you what you want, then try a Custom ROM. Note that no 2.3 Custom ROM presently provides a "100%" experience. It may be that you need something they cannot yet deliver... I'm not sure why you desperately need to do this, not having tried 2.2?
Take things one step at a time and don't rush.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will take your advice. What do I need to do to remove branding and bootlogo? I assume MSU stands for Motorola Software Update. What is RSD lite? How do I use either of them to remove the network branding? I know these questions are probably seem idiotic to you guys as you are the experts but this is my first adroid and I need to start at the beginning so any help with this is very much appreciated.
You have to learn all the basics at the development forum threads before making any changes to your phone.
I suggest you to root your phone, install 2nd Init (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1032212) and make a full backup before you get the party started.
You can debrand you phone (including the bootlogo) if you install a custom rom.
The questions you've asked are already answered on the forum in a better way than I could do.
So start trying to use the search tools and don't forget to read the forum rules.
I'm a newbie here too, and following these advices I didn't get in trouble yet...
I still suggest, as you are new to Android and phone hacking, that you take small steps and learn about Android before hacking. I'm not sure why you have a branded phone - why not just get a retail one?
LenAsh said:
I still suggest, as you are new to Android and phone hacking, that you take small steps and learn about Android before hacking. I'm not sure why you have a branded phone - why not just get a retail one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was cheaper than buyiong an unbranded version. Im reading up on it now and I think Im starting to pick things up a little. Android seems to be a lot more complicated than an iphone but Im getting there.................slowely
LenAsh said:
I suggest you go to a stock 2.2.2 via MSU or RSD Lite. For your locale. Try it for a while (- the GB retail is very good). You don't need to root to do that, and it is fairly easy and safe.
You could then try and remove the Blur stuff and some bloat after rooting. Plenty of guidance around. This will increase your familiarity and experience, which you lack by your own admission.
If this doesn't give you what you want, then try a Custom ROM. Note that no 2.3 Custom ROM presently provides a "100%" experience. It may be that you need something they cannot yet deliver... I'm not sure why you desperately need to do this, not having tried 2.2?
Take things one step at a time and don't rush.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a mistake, the firmware version is 2.2.2. Right where do I start. I think I will debrand it first.
I followed this to debrand:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=853674
And then this to root:
arpith.fbi said:
...
To root follow this tutorial
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-motorola-defy-with-superoneclick/
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything works fine.
I have now debranded it. RSDLite wouldnt work on my windows 7 desk top through. I followed the debranding tutorial to the letter but my defy wouldnt show up. I used my Vista laptop and it worked first time. It was actually quite easy. I do have another question though. I have debranded my defy and no longer have the t-mobile boot logo on start up. However, when I go into my menu, I do still have t-mobile widgets. How do I get rid of them?? I have tried dragging and dropping them into the waste bin but as soon as I got back into the menu, the widgets have returned. Its not a big issue but I would like to get rid of them if possible. Thanks in advance guys (again)
most probly u flashed a t-mobile sbf..other retail sbf wont show t-mobile widgets..anyways u can remove them with root explorer..its quite easy..
arpith.fbi said:
most probly u flashed a t-mobile sbf..other retail sbf wont show t-mobile widgets..anyways u can remove them with root explorer..its quite easy..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed it with the UK Retail .SBF , version 2.2.2 service flash. Because I was already on 2.2.2. I went for the same version number. Im sure you klnow the one but here is the link.
http://and-developers.com/sbf:defy
Would it do any harm if I went for another version??
no no..2.2.2 is fine...anyways use root explorer to get rid of those crap..
the best way to clean install is to enter Stock Recovery, then do "Wipe data/Factory reset" and "Wipe cache" and then flash an sbf...this will wipe "everything" and will install freshly..
arpith.fbi said:
no no..2.2.2 is fine...anyways use root explorer to get rid of those crap..
the best way to clean install is to enter Stock Recovery, then do "Wipe data/Factory reset" and "Wipe cache" and then flash an sbf...this will wipe "everything" and will install freshly..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you enter stock recovery? Do you mean on the device itself?
Edit............Its ok, Ive susssed it out. I had to press trhe volume keys up and down simultaniously. This stuff is not that difficult to do once you get started and read through everything.

Rooting, ROMs, etc.

Ok, so before I get flamed for not reading anything and just asking questions, I'd like to put this out there that I do know what I'm talking about in terms of rooting, ROMs, flashing, recoveries, etc., but I'm not HTC literate, just Moto. I personally have a Droid 3, but I'm helping a friend root his D Inc and get a ROM flashed.
Anyways, please pardon my Moto slang and fill me in with the right terms. Thanks in advance here!
I know the D Inc is easily rootable. Is there a 1 click or does z4root work? I can use ADB, but for simplicity's sake, I like to keep it automated.
As for the bootloader, he's just an average user and has been using it stock for probably over a year now. Must I unlock it to flash a ROM (I know I don't on my D3, but our ROMs don't have kernels, so...) I'm assuming I need to. How would I go about doing that?
Once rooted (and unlocked?), can I install a ClockWorkMod-esque program to flash ROMs, or do I just use the stock Android recovery? Again, Moto and the bootloaders...
On this topic, do I just use a program similar to a Moto Bootstrapper to create Nandroid backups of the system and whatnot partitions as a recovery?
Is there an SBF (Moto term, way to flash stock software) so that a brick can be unbricked? I'm fully comfortable with a brick, I've done it MANY times to my D3 while flashing any assortment of things (most recently while patching a Bell Canada 2.3.6 build to a 2.3.4 VZW D3).
Finally, what ROM do you guys suggest? I'd like to keep it Sense'd because I don't think that slapping AOSP or some other launcher on there would be the best way to segue him into a rooted phone. Battery life is probably the main concern here.
Well, if you've made it this far without scolding my laziness (and desire to not fully grasp, I have a Moto phone and will be going to a Samsung one sooner rather than later hopefully), thank you for you time and suggestions. I'm hoping to get this all downloaded and set up over the next few days.
Thanks!
redsox985
redsox985 said:
Ok, so before I get flamed for not reading anything and just asking questions, I'd like to put this out there that I do know what I'm talking about in terms of rooting, ROMs, flashing, recoveries, etc., but I'm not HTC literate, just Moto. I personally have a Droid 3, but I'm helping a friend root his D Inc and get a ROM flashed.
Anyways, please pardon my Moto slang and fill me in with the right terms. Thanks in advance here!
I know the D Inc is easily rootable. Is there a 1 click or does z4root work? I can use ADB, but for simplicity's sake, I like to keep it automated.
As for the bootloader, he's just an average user and has been using it stock for probably over a year now. Must I unlock it to flash a ROM (I know I don't on my D3, but our ROMs don't have kernels, so...) I'm assuming I need to. How would I go about doing that?
Once rooted (and unlocked?), can I install a ClockWorkMod-esque program to flash ROMs, or do I just use the stock Android recovery? Again, Moto and the bootloaders...
On this topic, do I just use a program similar to a Moto Bootstrapper to create Nandroid backups of the system and whatnot partitions as a recovery?
Is there an SBF (Moto term, way to flash stock software) so that a brick can be unbricked? I'm fully comfortable with a brick, I've done it MANY times to my D3 while flashing any assortment of things (most recently while patching a Bell Canada 2.3.6 build to a 2.3.4 VZW D3).
Finally, what ROM do you guys suggest? I'd like to keep it Sense'd because I don't think that slapping AOSP or some other launcher on there would be the best way to segue him into a rooted phone. Battery life is probably the main concern here.
Well, if you've made it this far without scolding my laziness (and desire to not fully grasp, I have a Moto phone and will be going to a Samsung one sooner rather than later hopefully), thank you for you time and suggestions. I'm hoping to get this all downloaded and set up over the next few days.
Thanks!
redsox985
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a 1 click method (unrevoked) if the phone is on android 2.2 froyo, but if its on 2.3.4, there is a little more technical steps involved to rooting and getting s-off.
Yes to flash a rom you must be rooted and s-of with a custom recovery, either clockwork or amon ra.
We dont call them sbf's we call them ruu's. They are PB32IMG.zip files flashed thru hboot, or exe files ran from a pc. They will get you back to stock.
I would go with my rom Touch Of Blue, or jermaines stock+ rom. They are mostly stock with fixes and enhancements.
redsox985 said:
Ok, so before I get flamed for not reading anything and just asking questions, I'd like to put this out there that I do know what I'm talking about in terms of rooting, ROMs, flashing, recoveries, etc., but I'm not HTC literate, just Moto. I personally have a Droid 3, but I'm helping a friend root his D Inc and get a ROM flashed.
Anyways, please pardon my Moto slang and fill me in with the right terms. Thanks in advance here!
I know the D Inc is easily rootable. Is there a 1 click or does z4root work? I can use ADB, but for simplicity's sake, I like to keep it automated.
As for the bootloader, he's just an average user and has been using it stock for probably over a year now. Must I unlock it to flash a ROM (I know I don't on my D3, but our ROMs don't have kernels, so...) I'm assuming I need to. How would I go about doing that?
Once rooted (and unlocked?), can I install a ClockWorkMod-esque program to flash ROMs, or do I just use the stock Android recovery? Again, Moto and the bootloaders...
On this topic, do I just use a program similar to a Moto Bootstrapper to create Nandroid backups of the system and whatnot partitions as a recovery?
Is there an SBF (Moto term, way to flash stock software) so that a brick can be unbricked? I'm fully comfortable with a brick, I've done it MANY times to my D3 while flashing any assortment of things (most recently while patching a Bell Canada 2.3.6 build to a 2.3.4 VZW D3).
Finally, what ROM do you guys suggest? I'd like to keep it Sense'd because I don't think that slapping AOSP or some other launcher on there would be the best way to segue him into a rooted phone. Battery life is probably the main concern here.
Well, if you've made it this far without scolding my laziness (and desire to not fully grasp, I have a Moto phone and will be going to a Samsung one sooner rather than later hopefully), thank you for you time and suggestions. I'm hoping to get this all downloaded and set up over the next few days.
Thanks!
redsox985
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first off welcome.
ok so there is no 1 click root per say, you will have to do a little bit of work. first what build do you have? gb or froyo:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1306400
that thread will have a lot of helpful information.
as for SBF for htc is an RUU.exe that will bring you back if a soft brick is done. very simple to use.
save this site. it has everything you will ever need for the incredible. system wise that is.
http://pvillecomp.com/
that should get you started.
cmlusco said:
There is a 1 click method (unrevoked) if the phone is on android 2.2 froyo, but if its on 2.3.4, there is a little more technical steps involved to rooting and getting s-off.
Yes to flash a rom you must be rooted and s-of with a custom recovery, either clockwork or amon ra.
We dont call them sbf's we call them ruu's. They are PB32IMG.zip files flashed thru hboot, or exe files ran from a pc. They will get you back to stock.
I would go with my rom Touch Of Blue, or jermaines stock+ rom. They are mostly stock with fixes and enhancements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slight amendment, it's: PB31IMG.zip
Thanks for the quick answers. I should've mentioned that it is on 2.3.4. I'll do some reading now that I've got some leads and will be back here for at least the next few days!

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