I recently worked up the courage to root my new T-Mobile G2. I got the phone recently, so it came preloaded with the OTA update.
Through searching, I identified Visionary r14 as an easy one-click root solution. I tried out the temp root via Visionary r14 first, then tried out the OC kernel module. Satisfied with this, I perm rooted, also using Visionary r14, without any incident. I followed the manual instructions for flashing HBOOT and getting S-OFF. I confirmed S-OFF in HBOOT, then installed ROM Manager and flashed Clockwork Recovery. After a Nandroid backup, I then flashed the BaconBits 0.3 kernel to lock in the overclock.
After doing all this, I then found an XDA thread and the wiki page on the G2 indicating that the Visionary root method has problems with it and should not be used. Gfree is the new preferred method.
My question is, is there any issues with the method I performed? Would there be any harm in running Gfree now? I would like to perform the Subsidy unlock, as well as S-OFF the radio.
Last question is related to battery life. Are there any other kernels aside from BaconBits that can be used with stock ROM for better battery life? I read somewhere Pershoots kernel does not work with stock ROM.
Sorry for all the questions, new to all this and trying to figure out what my options are.
--MrAnt--
I believe you can still use gfree to get true S-OFF and SIM-unlock, see this guide.
Preloaded with OTA? Which version? To my knowledge, isn't it that after OTA to post 1.34, neither Visionary nor gfree work?
Thanks raitchison. I read that part of the wiki, but it wasn't very clear if there would be any issues using gfree after visionary. I'll give it a try.
octpus, I am not sure what I started with, but it is my understanding that there are two ROMs for the G2, stock and the OTA which adds wifi calling and hotspot tethering. My phone had these features out of the box, and there was no system update available. That made me think I had the OTA version.
Also, when testing out the OC kernel module using temp root, I used the OTA kernel modules with no problems. What is 1.34 referring to? Build number?
I had no problems using Visionary for temp and perm root. Perm root stuck just fine, I have done a few reboots since and everything is solid.
--MrAnt--
If everything was working after doing the permroot with Visionary, then you are fine. It's now just as simple as running the gfree command on your phone (as explained in the Wiki).
I believe where people had problems with Visionary was with simply hitting the "Attempt permroot" button (as opposed to the whole temproot, flash HBOOT thing). It would sometimes leads to bootloops, getting stuck at the HTC screen, inability to even get temproot anymore, etc. If it worked though, it worked fine. That's why most now say to not even take the chance with it (since safer methods exist).
As far as 1.34, that is a version number, only for the Desire Z though. Gfree was found not to work on any Desire Z's above 1.34 (so they have to be downgraded first). The G2 though has only been released with two versions---1.19 and 1.22. Both work fine with gfree as is.
Just wanted to update that I ran gfree (v0.4) without any problems. Confirmed everything worked by running gfree_verify. Post-reboot, everything is working great.
Thanks for help and advice. Glad I didn't brick my phone!
--MrAnt--
I too used visionary and i had no problems with it at all. It is prone to problems though. If not followed 100%
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Related
i'm not really comfortable with using adb and terminal to root my phone because im not willing to turn it into a $300 brick lol anyone know if there will ever be a one click perm root?
urfavoritemazn said:
i'm not really comfortable with using adb and terminal to root my phone because im not willing to turn it into a $300 brick lol anyone know if there will ever be a one click perm root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a program....hold on ill find it brb.....
FOUND IT!
http://android.modaco.com/content/software/320350/19-nov-r14-visionary-one-click-root/
it is called Visionary r14 and while its not 1 click it did mine in 2!
load on phone click temproot
also make sure usb debuggin is checked!!
then after it temp roots open up app again and click attempt perm root now
viola! thats all i did and been running roms ever since! hope that helps!
That might also brick your phone... you should get insurance on your phone then its only a 130 dollar brick but seriously use the rage method or use the new real root/sim unlock. Its stickied in the dev section. Its about as easy as it can be.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
I've never been excited about one-touch root methods. One small thing goes wrong, a glitch in the program or something and boom, dead phone. At least the other way if I brick it, it's my fault.
I'm practicing adb in preparation for the rooting of my phone, I'm aiming for a late December root.
AbsolutZeroGI said:
I've never been excited about one-touch root methods. One small thing goes wrong, a glitch in the program or something and boom, dead phone. At least the other way if I brick it, it's my fault.
I'm practicing adb in preparation for the rooting of my phone, I'm aiming for a late December root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds sensible to me, I think the rage method is a lot better, at least you're in control over what it's doing and can see every step.
yea i would love a one quick root im a newbe but would like to root this phone
clamman said:
yea i would love a one quick root im a newbe but would like to root this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like shortlived and stevie said just try the rage method its fairly simple. Just take some time to learn how to use adb and then it'll be a breeze. Also adb is almost a necessity when it comes to rooting/modding android phones. Also if u get stuck or confused bout anything there are plenty of useful threads just search lol good luck
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Adb is very simple. All you need to know for the rage method is "adb push" if you can open a cmd window on your pc, learn a few dos commands like "cd" and "cd.." then your all set. There are some very good guides to get you set up with adb just check the stickies. And good luck!
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Just use visionary r14 to temp root. then look through the overclocking thread and find the GScript method of Overclocking. I permanently rooted my first g2 and then the sd card gave out on me and I sent in it for warranty. Idk if they checked to see if its rooted or not but I haven't been charged. The only issue with perma rooting the g2 is the fact that if you screw up they can see if you've tampered with it and if you've only temp rooted it, from what I understand, the temp root is much safer but you have to root it every time you reset your phone (turning it back on from an off state). small price to pay imo. GL though!
Get over your fear, read over the instructions, and root using rage. It took me a half-hour to root my phone, and that was the first thing I did when I got it.
I think the new easiest way is gfree? I haven't done it because I was already permrooted. It also should unlock your phone (sim, radio, some other thing I don't remember.)
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
There is a video that walks you thru rooting with VISIONary r14. I followed the video and worked perfectly. Just a note I unistalled my version of VISIONary first then followed there video on temp-rooting first and then onto perm-rooting. I bricked my first G2, got it replaced and was scared to try again, but if followed there videos and worked out perfect, now running CyanogenMod 6.1 rc4 and my phone is super charged. heres the links thanks to dcogen:
Do this to gain temp root:
http://theunlockr.com/2010/10/20/how...ionary-method/
Then this to gain permanent root:
http://theunlockr.com/2010/11/30/how...g2-htc-vision/
Then this to flash a recovery and load a custom ROM:
http://theunlockr.com/2010/11/30/how...g2-htc-vision/
And here's how to completely unroot for good measure :
http://theunlockr.com/2010/12/01/how...g2-htc-vision/
Note: I was running stock OTA updated rom, rebooted to un-temproot, installed VISIONARY r14 from MODACO's website and followed the videos to the tee(first temproot video, even though I already knew how to temp root, I followed exactly what they did in the video to temp root. second Perm rooted following the video, then installed custom ROM per video), I used the link in the perm root video to download the wpthis.ko file and the hboot.img
http://www.youtube.com/user/BlackPrince310#p/u/7/tU9zn_BEth4
Try this. Worked great for me.
joemm said:
There is a video that walks you thru rooting with VISIONary r14. I followed the video and worked perfectly. Just a note I unistalled my version of VISIONary first then followed there video on temp-rooting first and then onto perm-rooting. I bricked my first G2, got it replaced and was scared to try again, but if followed there videos and worked out perfect, now running CyanogenMod 6.1 rc4 and my phone is super charged. heres the links thanks to dcogen:
Do this to gain temp root:
http://theunlockr.com/2010/10/20/how...ionary-method/
Then this to gain permanent root:
http://theunlockr.com/2010/11/30/how...g2-htc-vision/
Then this to flash a recovery and load a custom ROM:
http://theunlockr.com/2010/11/30/how...g2-htc-vision/
And here's how to completely unroot for good measure :
http://theunlockr.com/2010/12/01/how...g2-htc-vision/
Note: I was running stock OTA updated rom, rebooted to un-temproot, installed VISIONARY r14 from MODACO's website and followed the videos to the tee(first temproot video, even though I already knew how to temp root, I followed exactly what they did in the video to temp root. second Perm rooted following the video, then installed custom ROM per video), I used the link in the perm root video to download the wpthis.ko file and the hboot.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I did to the T. Great instructions and explains them in dummy form on the vids, as well as written.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
SuperCID, SIMUnlock, Radio S-Off is the new Permroot. Its actuallty true permroot. Those of you who think your permrooted technically arent. You just have a "hacked" Hboot. Doing the gfree method allows you to
1: Flash pc10img (stock rom) without the whole hex editing process and also flash roms from another carrier.
2: Your sim is unlocked (maybe wont matter for some of you but its nice to have for travel)
3: S-off, need I say more.
When flashing back to stock you also keep S-Off and do not lose it via gfree and from what I'm hearing soon there will be a way to revert back to S-On via gfree. Just incase we need to send our phones back in for any reason. Cant leave any trail of evidence.
many thanks
finally got the courage and did it. now running cyanogen. thanks so much guys.
luis86dr said:
SuperCID, SIMUnlock, Radio S-Off is the new Permroot. Its actuallty true permroot. Those of you who think your permrooted technically arent. You just have a "hacked" Hboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry that's not right. SuperCID/SIM Unlock/Radio S-OFF doesn't have anything to do with perm root. Yes, this is the new way of totally unlocking your phone, but you can be full perm rooted and still have radio S-ON.
Seems to be that some people use the term "permanent root" to refer to a full unlock rather than just the rooting ability itself (i.e. run as the root user).
I think what you means to say is that those you who think you are S-OFF without running gfree technically aren't, you've got an engineering hboot which makes it look like S-OFF.
Hi guys,
I've been reading through the forums over the past two days but I have to admit it's hard to find what I am looking for now that the G2 forum and the DZ forum are merged, and the search isn't getting me anywhere for this one.
I have Bell Canada Desire Z permarooted and S-OFF'd, with CWMod. I did this before the newer gfree method and from what I can gather this can lead me to some kind of endless loop if I try to flash back to the a Bell RUU or other RUUs for that matter. It also worries me that I can't try new radios, etc.
I am getting very poor battery life compared to others so I want to have my phone replaced. I have an extended warranty from FutureShop so I probably don't even need to reset the phone to stock again (they swap on the spot) but I would like to anyway. It will also allow me to test the battery again with the stock ROM.
So, how do I go about flashing back to the Bell ROM and turning S-ON, and unrooting? Keeping in mind that I used the pre-gfree method. I believe it was Visionary R12 and gtab's guide.
Also as the title implies, I was wondering if it's possible to use the new (better) S-OFF even if I am already S-OFF'd the old way?
Any help is appreciated!
You can use gfree and achieve "real" S-OFF without having to unroot.
Just run it. Worst that'll happen is it fails if you happen to be on a kernel it doesn't like. If this happens, no harm is done, just a reboot.
Just run gfree from where you are, as the previous poster said.
That will put you in a much safer position, where you can get stuck in that boot loop that you can if you've only got the eng hboot.
Then you can flash whichever ROM you want. Then you can undo gfree if you want via its new options (see the Wiki).
Regarding your point about the merger, IMHO this issue isn't anything to do with the DZ specifically, and lots of users are posting about similar stuff with their G2s. It's all the same
Thanks guys,
I've done gfree (which is MUCH easier than the thread and wiki make it look - they need to simplify the text, it's overwhelming to look at given how simple the procedure is) and flashed the Bell RUU.
Now I am just about to root, and use gfree to undo the S-OFF I guess?
Will let you know how that turns out. Thanks again!
Ok,there is a new gfree method to get root and S-Off.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON.
But what about the backup "part7backup-1291675121.bin"
which gfree created at my sdcard?
No longer needed?
And with the new root and S-Off method,is it now possible to
to flash stock RUU 1.34.405.5 to get all original?
Because with old UBERROOT method this doesn`t work!
Ganii said:
Ok,there is a new gfree method to get root and S-Off.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON.
But what about the backup "part7backup-1291675121.bin"
which gfree created at my sdcard?
No longer needed?
And with the new root and S-Off method,is it now possible to
to flash stock RUU 1.34.405.5 to get all original?
Because with old UBERROOT method this doesn`t work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd keep that backup file as it is a dump of your original partition 7 before gfree mods it. You can dd i back and put everything back to how it was, if you ever need to. Do you need to keep it on the phone? No.. store it somewhere on your PC.
With the old "fake" S-OFF you would get stuck if you flashed a stock rom because it would overwrite the engineering HBOOT which was the only thing making your phone think it had S-OFF. With gfree method, you have real S-OFF, so this should be fine.
See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=838484 for details.
tl;dr You should be fine.
Hm,little bit confused!
The backup I need to get original original partition 7
but not to get S-On.
To get S-On I can use the new gfree method,it`s now
possible with this!
I did the old UBERROOT method with real S-Off!
P.S.I read here about this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
Not 100% sure I understand the question...but:
You don't need that backup file. If you delete it nothing bad will happen. Paranoid people (like me) would copy it to a safe place, but there's no real need.
You can flash whatever roms you like, including stock ones, as long as you have real, radio (gfree) S-OFF.
Hi guys, thanks for the help! I got it all settled, it was easy.
As I mentioned above, I used gfree to do a true S-OFF, which was easy.
Then I ran Bell's RUU and it worked without any issues. I assume the RUU install also flashes the HTC recovery back to the phone, I didn't check but it must..
A little summary for anyone who needs help in the future..
If you rooted/S-OFF'd using a method older than the current rage/gfree method (the one in the wiki) then you need to redo the S-OFF using gfree.
Steps:
Use gfree -f to S-OFF again
Run the stock RUU file on your pc (you need HTC sync installed for this)
Temproot (first part of the wiki guide) the stock ROM
Use gfree -s on to S-ON your phone
Reboot, and everything should appear like stock (aside from still being sim-unlocked).
Were u sucessful in returning your phone to htc after u did the above?
I didn't have to return it to htc, just to future shop, and it was fine.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
hey everyone i just bought a desire z from bell after having my vibrant die 3 times -.- (build number 1.34.666.5 cl##### build keys (too lazy to type the numbers out XD)) and was wondering what method should i use to root this phone help would be appreciated
People use Visionary or Gfree. Bith are good! I rooted usibg visionary r12 and havent rooted since and flashed like 7 roms already. I dont get the fuss about gfree. To me visionary got the job dobe bacm then
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
I used Visionary too, but I think it was right before or around the time when people here started to say that method might cause some semi-bricks (or else I was bad at reading everything and missed the warnings). I used the Visionary method b/c I thought it was the easiest and safest at the time.
My takeaway from reading the various threads here is that Visionary seems slightly more likely to cause semi-bricks, and therefore not considered as safe as gfree. There has been a lot of discussion and debate here about Visionary being good/not good or safe/unsafe. But I think its hard to really know how likely a problem is to happen. Visionary works most the time. If that's you, you're golden. If not, well . . . then Visionary is not so good.
The gfree method is a bit more complicated, requiring you to input a good amount of commands into ADB and the terminal emulator. So you need to be careful you type the commands exactly per the instructions. But as with any rooting or flashing activities on these phones, follow the instructions carefully and you will be fine.
SO each method seems to have its risks and pros and cons. Of course, the choice is ultimately yours. If you haven't found all the guides, this page is invaluable:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=916431
The gfree method is in the Wiki (first link in the Guides).
jark99 said:
People use Visionary or Gfree. Bith are good! I rooted usibg visionary r12 and havent rooted since and flashed like 7 roms already. I dont get the fuss about gfree. To me visionary got the job dobe bacm then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only need to root once and you can flash all million ROMs after that if you want (with the exception if you flash a stock ROM that removes root). So I'm not sure what you are getting at.
Perma-root on Visionary is a one time thing. Either it works or it doesn't. So if it works, you don't have to worry anymore about whether that method was not as safe as gfree. If it doesn't work, well that's a different story obviously.
anyone out there knows how to root DHD after downgrade? i downgraded my unit to 1.32 after 2.2.1 update (via OTA) messed with my rooted DHD. i used goldcard. now i cant root using visionary or z4root. just shows "rooting device, please wait" but nothing happens. i even reflashed it thinking that something went wrong with the 1st downgrade.
any idea what to do next? i really need to root my DHD.
i used this downgrade tutorial...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905003
Have you tried to RUU 1.32 and then start over with visionary, you will loose all data again though
Regards
i reflashed again using RUU_Ace_hTC_Asia_WWE_1.32.707.1_Radio_12.28a.60.140e_26.03.02.08_M_release_153610_signed.exe but still the same. i think the problem is i already have my DHD S-OFF. My unit is already rooted using visionary before i upgrade via OTA. when i downgraded, my unit is still on S-OFF. i'm trying to find a way to turn it on again without rooting. i even tried manual root but still no luck. any suggestion?
I don't think that it matters that you are already S-OFF, I flashed back to stock with RUU couple of times while my phone is radio S-OFF. Just could root again with visionary with no problems at all.
hmmm.... that is the only reason i can think of that may be causing my DHD not to root. i'm planning to try unrEVOked 3.32. any thoughts on it?
boyoyong1980 said:
hmmm.... that is the only reason i can think of that may be causing my DHD not to root. i'm planning to try unrEVOked 3.32. any thoughts on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No sorry, I'm not familiar with unrEVOked , sorry
everything went well without error with the OTA update, downgrade & reflash. can't seem to find any DHD owner with same problem as i am.
UnrEVOked will not work, it is useless to even try. Try uninstalling Visionary, and install the latest version from MoDaCo forums, you can find an official thread there.
By the way S-OFF does not interfere with the OTA in any way.
We can downgrade the system to a lower version to solve this problem
i'm already using the latest version of visionary (r14). seems odd coz everyone seems able to root after downgrade using visionary except me. it used to work for me before though. duno what went wrong now.
I seem to have the same problem as you. I downgraded due to a problem with my Device not being able to boot up after powering down. It worked perfectly after the downgrade but after that i tried rooting again with the visionary and easy radio tool. Got the same problem. I do achieve permroot. But i cannot Radio S-OFF. when i do that then i get these problems.
Were you able to solve your problem?.
Hi guys.
I've tried both the manual rage and the automatic Visionary R14 methods.
I'm not able to get into temp root with anyone of these two methods
Visonary gives me a black screen and the rage method crashes the terminal emulator app after it restarts (Should restart into temp root, but it just crashes)
Both methods makes the devide VERY slow, i need to reboot to get it up to speed again.
Device info
Android version
2.2.1
Kernel version
2.6.32.21
Software number
1.82.405.1
Not sure what problem is I've 3 G2's rooted using both methods, double check ur steps.
Visionary was easiest n fastest way to root for me....try to factory reset and try visionary again?
Well, that is an easy one. Any ROM version above 1.34 is not yet rootable. You are 1.82.
You need to downgrade to the official 1.34 ROM for your phone carrier/region, then root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#December_2010_DZ_OTA_1.72_Update
Also, if you are not aware, the Visionary method is riskier than other methods, and can lead to an unrecoverable brick:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1025135
Kablamooo.... This has got to be the 4th or 5th thread about being unable to root lol.
Here you go. It's a guide that uses ADB & psneuters. It's probably the safest way of doing it.
Alternatively you can also try the HTC Vision Wiki one which is just as good