Develop Bugs

[Q] Rooting HTC Desire... -completely lost-

Hey guys,
I'll start with a heads up; complete newb here so I hope i have the right forum/section. Furthermore I appologise for my English, it is not my native language so I hope I can make myself clear. So far for the disclaimers.
Here's the situation; I have a Dutch HTC desire and I am absolutely lost in the rooting proces. I'll give you guys my specs first;
Phone
- HTC Desire running Android 2.2 Froyo from the OTA update
- Hboot version 0.92.0001
- NO Goldcard, regular microSD 4 gig that came with the device, haven't altered it
- Radio 5.09.00.20
PC:
- Windows 7 x64
- HTC Sync installed
Now I want root, preferebly with OpenDesire and A2SD so have been googling about the entire weekend now, but haven't found any guides that match my specs fully, havent got a clue where to start really with the rooting process. For instance; most downgrading guides talk about needing to use Hboot 0.92, where mine is 0.92.0001. Also some guides tell me I need a goldcard, others say I don't.
This is where I'm at right now, having read several guides these are the steps I think I have to take;
1. Backup everything using Mybackuppro
2. Downgrade using PB99IMG.ZIP. Is this correct, and will it work with my Hboot? Will I need a Goldcard for this?
3. Root the phone using Unrevoked. Will this work, concedering I have HTC Sync installed, and if no will a normal uninstall through the Windows programs uninstall be sufficient for "Uninstall HTC Sync completely" or are further meassures required? Will it work on my radio version, or is this not of any matter at this point?
I believe that at this point, my phone is worthless, right? There is no rom installed, so at this point I would need to install a rom. So on to step 4;
4. Install OpenDesire rom. I have read things about it having to be a zip file, the files I found though were .exe's Will the .exe do, or have I found the wrong files? Also I read that in order for the camera to work on OD, i need radio version 5.x, which I do. Will the rooting/downgrading proces make any changes to the radio version also?
5. Is this it? Have I missed anything, or are these roughly the steps I have to take to downgrade from 2.2, root, and install OD (which I believe also is a 2.2 version, with the JIT correct?)
Any tips, advises and remarks would be highly appriciated, coming from an ancient Nokia E65 I'm sort of unsure how to handle Android, how import small nuances like the exact version of Hboot are.
Also, if I have left out any important information please do not hesitate to ask, i'll reply ASAP.

Not one reply? Anyone?

Greppel said:
Hey guys,
I'll start with a heads up; complete newb here so I hope i have the right forum/section. Furthermore I appologise for my English, it is not my native language so I hope I can make myself clear. So far for the disclaimers.
Here's the situation; I have a Dutch HTC desire and I am absolutely lost in the rooting proces. I'll give you guys my specs first;
Phone
- HTC Desire running Android 2.2 Froyo from the OTA update
- Hboot version 0.92.0001
- NO Goldcard, regular microSD 4 gig that came with the device, haven't altered it
- Radio 5.09.00.20
PC:
- Windows 7 x64
- HTC Sync installed
Now I want root, preferebly with OpenDesire and A2SD so have been googling about the entire weekend now, but haven't found any guides that match my specs fully, havent got a clue where to start really with the rooting process. For instance; most downgrading guides talk about needing to use Hboot 0.92, where mine is 0.92.0001. Also some guides tell me I need a goldcard, others say I don't.
This is where I'm at right now, having read several guides these are the steps I think I have to take;
1. Backup everything using Mybackuppro
2. Downgrade using PB99IMG.ZIP. Is this correct, and will it work with my Hboot? Will I need a Goldcard for this?
3. Root the phone using Unrevoked. Will this work, concedering I have HTC Sync installed, and if no will a normal uninstall through the Windows programs uninstall be sufficient for "Uninstall HTC Sync completely" or are further meassures required? Will it work on my radio version, or is this not of any matter at this point?
I believe that at this point, my phone is worthless, right? There is no rom installed, so at this point I would need to install a rom. So on to step 4;
4. Install OpenDesire rom. I have read things about it having to be a zip file, the files I found though were .exe's Will the .exe do, or have I found the wrong files? Also I read that in order for the camera to work on OD, i need radio version 5.x, which I do. Will the rooting/downgrading proces make any changes to the radio version also?
5. Is this it? Have I missed anything, or are these roughly the steps I have to take to downgrade from 2.2, root, and install OD (which I believe also is a 2.2 version, with the JIT correct?)
Any tips, advises and remarks would be highly appriciated, coming from an ancient Nokia E65 I'm sort of unsure how to handle Android, how import small nuances like the exact version of Hboot are.
Also, if I have left out any important information please do not hesitate to ask, i'll reply ASAP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude did u manage to root your desire let me know ? i can pm you the links

You probably have the new phones which is with the SLCD screens. There is currently only 1 method to root those. But you need to operate with a black screen. Which means you won't be sure if you really pressed the right option or not. Try search for the SLCD root for HTC Desire.

Treschen said:
Dude did u manage to root your desire let me know ? i can pm you the links
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet mate, when I do I'll let you know

Downgrading will require a goldcard if your phone is network branded. It is necessary to root your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=768256

WingYn said:
You probably have the new phones which is with the SLCD screens. There is currently only 1 method to root those. But you need to operate with a black screen. Which means you won't be sure if you really pressed the right option or not. Try search for the SLCD root for HTC Desire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still have the AMOLED version, not the SLCD one... Was one the first with a Desire in Holland, just sort of late with rooting it... and now there's hundreds of outdated tuturials, making it hard to figure out which ones still work

teppic74 said:
Downgrading will require a goldcard if your phone is network branded. It is necessary to root your phone.
(outside URL -- not permitted yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thx. I bought the phone without any form of network branding, your post implies that I will not be needing a goldcard then, correct? Or do I need it anyway for A2SD?

Right, what ROM is on it at the moment? IF it's 2.09.405.8 then do the following...
Download this file:
http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Bra...8U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed_txt.zip
and rename it PB99IMG.zip (not PB99IMG.zip.zip!!) and copy to the root of your SD card. Turn phone off and boot into HBOOT by holding Vol-down whilst turning it on. Follow the instructions and allow it to update (assuming it works). Once done, reboot and you'll be back on 1.21.405.x and you can now root your phone using unrEVOked
OR
Read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=768256

If you run this utility it will tell you if you need a goldcard. If you do need one, you can quit it, make one, and run it again.

EddyOS said:
Right, what ROM is on it at the moment? IF it's 2.09.405.8 then do the following...
Download this file:
http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Bra...8U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed_txt.zip
and rename it PB99IMG.zip (not PB99IMG.zip.zip!!) and copy to the root of your SD card. Turn phone off and boot into HBOOT by holding Vol-down whilst turning it on. Follow the instructions and allow it to update (assuming it works). Once done, reboot and you'll be back on 1.21.405.x and you can now root your phone using unrEVOked
OR
Read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=768256
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats great! It is 2.09.405.8 acctually, so I am going to give this a try first thing in the morning, i'll start reading the link you gave now... Thx so much, I will keep you updated!

The problem with the first method is that it corrupts your misc partition, which will need fixing. The second one takes care of everything.

Worked like a charm guys, thanks so much! Running OpenDesire right now, absolutely love it! Thanks again!

teppic74 said:
The problem with the first method is that it corrupts your misc partition, which will need fixing. The second one takes care of everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't on mine...

please help me achieve root ive tried everything!!

hi, ive been trying to achieve root with unrevoked for the past 3 days, but i cant do it.. ive been able to (according to unrevoked 3.21) achieve root.
but in Hboot it says that i am not nand unlocked.... (i do have root to an extent because superuser is installed and busybox does say i have root although i cant install it)
so i also tried using unrevoked forever, but that gives me an error saying: unsupported system...
any details u need i will give you, please help..
stock desire, latest update.
thanks in advance
supa.

You won't necessaily have s-off, or nand unlocked, it depends on what phone you have for this to work using Unrevoked. There are other methods available if you wish to do this.
Have you actually tried installing an app that requires root access, like Setcpu or Titanium Backup, to see if it actually works?

I got an htc desire a month ago and got errors when I tried rooting with unrevoked. It turned out the hboot version was too recent (0.93) so I had to downgrade to 0.83 using this guide: forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=768256
It actually downgrades your phone to android 2.1 with Sense, but after that you can root your phone normally and then flash the Rom to any 2.2 Rom you want. It's a bit involved but the only way I could get root.
I wrote a quick guide for this before, which I'm reposting below. You can skip step 1 since it sounds like your phone is not branded.
Step 1:
Get an extra MicroSD card (2gig or whatever) and create a goldcard. You ONLY need this because if your phone is branded (eg. by a carrier... if any other names come up during boot, your phone is branded) and this is part of getting rid of that. If your phone is not branded, skip to step 2. Find out how here: android.modaco.com/content/general-discussion/305672/creating-a-goldcard/#entry1233023
Tip: you don't need an microSD card reader. You can format the microSD card in your phone by connecting your phone as a USB drive, and right-clicking the drive and formating. It MUST be FAT32 format, NOT FAT, so do it from the computer controls, not on the phone itself (because the phone itself does it in FAT format)
Step 2:
With your goldcard in your phone, you can now downgrade to Android 2.1. This kills two birds with one stone. A. It removes any branding from your phone and B. Lowers your hboot from higher versions to 0.83 which makes it possible to root your phone. Instructions here:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=768256
Tip: if it fails the first time (as mine did) and it can't find the zip file at the end, make sure your goldcard was FAT32.
Now your phone will be running HTC Sense 2.1 unbranded. The next two steps will allow you to put any of the Froyo versions (with Sense or without, your choice) on your phone.
Step 3:
Root your phone with UnrEVOked. Instructions here:
rootmydroid.co.uk/guides/general/howto-root-your-htc-desire-wildfire-evo-incredible-with-unrevoked/
Tip: His instructions are great. His download pages are horrible, but they work eventually, just keep clicking.
Step 4:
Install any of the custom Android ROMs available. Instructions are also found on the above link for rooting the phone.
You can choose from any of the ROMs listed here: forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=809328
I went with DeFroST, which is a nice Android ROM without Sense, since Android is better off on it's own, IMO.
Tip: If you don't have an MicroSD card reader, make sure you put the ROM's zip file on your MicroSD before you wipe your phone (Pt. 3, point 4 in the guide).

wow thanks for that..
my phone is rooted, i just want s-off.. but i have read that unrevoked doesnt work for gsm phones, which is what i have..
so i tried alpharev, which seems to be working for most people, but when i tried it using virtualbox, it tells me that i have a cdma phone, and to go back when i know what im doing or something like that..
i 100% have a gsm phone... why do i get this??
thanlks.

Download this:
http://alpharev.nl/alpharev.iso
Burn the image to a CD and boot your PC from it. Follow the instructions
All being well you'll end up S-OFF

as i said previously, ive tried that and it says i havent got a gsm phone when i do.

Dunno, ask them in their thread...

EddyOS said:
Dunno, ask them in their thread...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, cheers anyway. i'm going to try booting from cd instead, see if that will make a difference..

That's what I said to do and you said you've done it!!

ive tried it again using virtual box and it seems to be working this time, i havent done anything different... dont know y it didnt work last night, neither the phone or the computer have been rebooted..
if all goes well u wont hear from me..

Why not just boot your PC from the CD? It's SO much easier

too lazy to pick up my ass to go buy cdrs, it worked anyway whoop!!
thanks.

[Q] A few questions before rooting

Hey guys, first time poster here and a bit of a newb to rooting, Android and smart-phones in general.
I've been hanging on these forums the past 3 months researching the rooting process for a Desire and all the relevant stuff that goes along with it. So please go easy on me. I've also read all the 'similar threads' suggested to me at post-time.
I'm almost ready to begin the process but there's a few bits of information that's got me pretty scared before I go ahead. I wasn't able to find much of a concrete answer/s to these questions, from Googling around.
Well without further ado.
What is the difference between GSM & CDMA and do I need to know which my phone is before proceeding?
If I DO need to know, how do I find this out?
My phone is branded (Orange splash-screen at boot) and locked to Orange network (Newly recieved contract phone).
I've heard that I may need a goldcard to proceed with the Unrevoked process due to the branding. Is this correct?
Another guide on the net (can provide link if necessary), mentions upgrading the radio on Orange phones can permanently break the wifi OR permanently simlock your phone.
Will I need to worry about this during the Unrevoked rooting process? And will this be avoidable after installing a custom rom. (If I get that far )
I read somewhere on these forums (I forgot where exactly), something about the newest Orange OTA update causing problems with the rooting process. Is this still the case or has Unrevoked been updated to avoid that now? Also, how can I check if I have that update?
I can provide all the information about my Hboot, radio and kernel versions etc, if you need it (I guess you will), but for some reason, I keep getting a spam warning as this is my first post. I can only assume the version numbers are being interpreted as IPs...
Well sorry for the wall of text, but I greatly appreciate any help I can get regarding these issues. I'm so scared of bricking my Desire and not being able to return it, if bricking does occur.
Yours a worried root newb!

1. We use GSM phones in the UK as we use SIM cards. CDMA phones don't use SIM cards and are locked/released to one network
2. You don't need a gold card to root, no. As there isn't an Orange RUU available to go back to stock for warranty you will need one to flash a non-Orange RUU. Best to make one before starting
3. This was the case a while back but I'd wait for confirmation before changing it
4. No as the radio isn't flashed during a ROM (unless stated in the ROM thread that it does)
5. Shouldn't be an issue, just get the latest version of unrEVOked from their website before starting

Great, that's most of my questions/concerns answered. Although the below answer has brought a new question to the front
EddyOS said:
2. You don't need a gold card to root, no. As there isn't an Orange RUU available to go back to stock for warranty you will need one to flash a non-Orange RUU. Best to make one before starting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately my knowledge of RUU is almost non-existant, other than that it stands for Rom Upgrade Utility and is used to upgrade the software on my phone? Right?
And forgive me if I'm being dumb here but, if
EddyOS said:
there isn't an Orange RUU available to go back to stock for warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and yet I
EddyOS said:
will need one to flash a non-Orange RUU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then how can I do this? Or am I totally misunderstanding you?
Do I somehow use an application without root permission to perform a procedure similar to hdd ghosting?

Basically, if you wanted to return to stock for any reason you wouldn't be able to go back to the Orange ROM as the RUU doesn't exist so you'd have to go to a generic ROM. To flash any ROM other than the originally on the phone you need a gold card
It's the same for me, if (for some strange reason) I'd want to flash a branded ROM on my Desire I'd need a gold card. Thankfully, I have an unbranded handset so I can get the stock RUU and use it without a gold card

EddyOS said:
Basically, if you wanted to return to stock for any reason you wouldn't be able to go back to the Orange ROM as the RUU doesn't exist so you'd have to go to a generic ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically if I were to screw it up, which I hopefully won't, I'm buggered as far as getting my phone fixed cos they'll see the Orange rom is no longer installed? Not too fussed about that, as I'm super-careful with my phone.
I guess my next issue would be, after rooting using Unrevoked, I'd need to gain S-OFF right? Which I understand is done via AlphaRev. Only issue there would be related to this
"Please revert to a rooted stock ROM if possible. Your /data partition is used for temporary storage of important files." If I'm reverting to a stock rom, while gaining S-OFF presumably there's a high chance that'd upgrade my radio - a potentially very bad thing.
THEN I go about choosing a rom to flash. Then Nandroid backup. Then flash the rom, hopefully love it and voila?
Also, what would you suggest as a good rom for someone like me just starting out with a fully rooted phone? I was thinking one of the official builds to lose all the crap, but then the above issue of the radio creeps up again...

I have been flashing ROM's since I got my phone rooted last year and I have never bothered to S-OFF. It's not a requirement.
I have tried a number of ROM's (it becomes a bit addictive!) there is not normally a need to flash a new radio, just leave it be. If you are worried about it and the ROM requires a new radio don't flash it. There are plenty to choose from.
As for recommendations, everyone has their own tastes and likes. That's the beauty of modding. Just flash a few ROM's and see which you like. I have tried most of them, stuck with MIUI for ages, but am now on Cyanogenmod 7 Nightly's.

There is nothing to really worry about. There is a remote chance of bricking your phone for a start, like 0.0000000001% chance. Only way of doing it is disconnecting during say an S-Off.
As for the Orange issue. I had a locked, Orange Desire with 2.2 on it (the first update) and when I rooted and S-Off'd I had no problems. I also have updated my radio to 5.14.05.17 and have no issues at all. To be honest, I found issues to do with signals and Wi-Fi are to do with the ROM you install and the kernel as well which can be frustrating but fun as well.
As for choosing a ROM, choose one, flash it then see what it's like. It's purely down to what you like most about each ROM. I've been through so many ROMs in the past few months but now I am sort of staying with 1 ROM. I will say that when I installed a custom ROM, I had to pay to unlock my sim because it was being gay and Orange wanted £20 of my hard earned cash to unlock it and send it off. So be prepared.

thetasigma3 said:
So basically if I were to screw it up, which I hopefully won't, I'm buggered as far as getting my phone fixed cos they'll see the Orange rom is no longer installed? Not too fussed about that, as I'm super-careful with my phone.
I guess my next issue would be, after rooting using Unrevoked, I'd need to gain S-OFF right? Which I understand is done via AlphaRev. Only issue there would be related to this
"Please revert to a rooted stock ROM if possible. Your /data partition is used for temporary storage of important files." If I'm reverting to a stock rom, while gaining S-OFF presumably there's a high chance that'd upgrade my radio - a potentially very bad thing.
THEN I go about choosing a rom to flash. Then Nandroid backup. Then flash the rom, hopefully love it and voila?
Also, what would you suggest as a good rom for someone like me just starting out with a fully rooted phone? I was thinking one of the official builds to lose all the crap, but then the above issue of the radio creeps up again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother about S-OFF at the moment, you don't need it. Just get rooted and then look into custom ROMs for now

Ok I've taken a tiny step further forward. I'm at the point of making a goldcard but one thing concerns me... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6710085&postcount=3 According to that it won't work with the 2.2 OTA update from HTC.
I know, I have 2.2 installed but this was already on the phone when I received it, so I've no idea if this was an OTA or not... So I guess I need a different method to make a goldcard now?

Use this:
http://android.modaco.com/content/software/308798/pc-application-goldcardtool/
Probably need to register to get the file, though

Hmmm tried using that tool and no joy... Get my img file downloaded, but then the tool refuses to recognise my phone, despite doing the appropriate change over to 'disk drive'. I tried re-plugging the un-mounting and re-plugging the usb cable. Still no joy.
I'm beginning to lose hope here... That tool won't work and the tutorial here says it's incompatible with 2.2...
**edit**
Been Googling around a fair bit and I can't find any information at all on downgrading a branded 2.2. Only information on people with branded handsets wanting to update to 2.2.
After a bit more searching, I found someone else with the exact same issue as me. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10370443&postcount=977
Only one difference though. He doesn't mention if he managed to flash a custom rom after his root. I'm guessing he probably wouldn't have been able to going by your post:
EddyOS said:
To flash any ROM other than the originally on the phone you need a gold card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

A gold card is only needed to flash a STOCK ROM different from your original - it's not needed to flash a custom ROM. The gold card isn't even needed to root. It's just handy to have in your case as you'd need it to go back to stock due to the lack of an Orange RUU
I'm out of ideas I'm afraid, never had to deal with a gold card as I'm unbranded

Use this:
http://android.modaco.com/content/so...-goldcardtool/
Probably need to register to get the file, though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that work a lot better then?
I used the method posted by thetasigma3 and I can't get OTA 2.29.405.5 but I can get 2.29.405.2. To get round the problem I installed the 2.29.405.5 RUU and rooted

Anyone who's debranded will need to use the RUU as the OTA won't go through

GoogleJelly said:
I will say that when I installed a custom ROM, I had to pay to unlock my sim because it was being gay and Orange wanted £20 of my hard earned cash to unlock it and send it off. So be prepared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call me crazy, but why the heck would flashing a custom rom require you to unlock and send off? Presumably the sending off thing would've been for Orange to perform the unlock procedure?
Anyway, back to my main issue, I know I've probably tread the same ground a few times now, but I really don't wanna end up bricking, cos I overlooked a tiny element, or something.
Could someone confirm I have these points all correct please?
Goldcard NOT needed for rooting.
Goldcard NOT needed if/when I flash a custom rom.
Goldcard needed if I wanted to go back to a STOCK rom.
Only reason to flash a STOCK rom is if I need to send back to Orange for repairs etc.
Oh and thanks for the clarification on your earlier post EddyOS. About goldcards not being needed for custom roms as opposed to stock etc.
Think I'm ready to go ahead with the process now, but if I go ahead and something goes wrong, what's my safety net, so to speak? Presumably my battery would die on me long before I get a response here

What you have there is correct (point 2-5)
The unlocking issue was down to some radios causing Orange handsets to become SIM locked. If you're using an Orange SIM this isn't an issue but others who got an Orange handset but use a different SIM card found they wouldn't work.
This was earlier in the Desire's life and I don't think it's applicable now

Try using "GoldCard Helper" app from Android Market, in case you want to try and make a goldcard (as the other methods did not work for you).
As mentioned as EddyOS, all your points from 2 - 5 are correct.

Ok finally got the guts together to go ahead and run unRevoked. (Already had done the driver steps etc).
I've checked with an app from the Android Market, called 'Root Check' to verify root access. That's saying I do have it and it also asked for Root permissions on start-up, which it never did before root. So I assume that's a good sign. I also checked for the 'Superuser Permissions' app in my apps menu. Found it was present and clicked it. Started without any problems. So I guess that's another good sign.
So I guess my next set of questions are reasonable simple.
Does this seem like my phone is now 100% rooted? I think it is, but I could be wrong.
Do I need to install Busybox? Root Checker seems to like seeing it there.
Does it matter if I use Titanium Backup Pro or free? I'm guessing it won't but I'd like to be certain.
If I backup my current Orange rom with Titanium Backup will I be able to go back to that without a goldcard? My guess is no. I didn't make or use one for the root process.

1. Yes
2. For Titanium Backup, yes
3. No
4. You don't backup the ROM with TB, you boot into Recovery and do it there

kvphani said:
Try using "GoldCard Helper" app from Android Market, in case you want to try and make a goldcard (as the other methods did not work for you).
As mentioned as EddyOS, all your points from 2 - 5 are correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, I downloaded that app and found a fairly easy looking guide on the Unlockr http://theunlockr.com/2010/03/10/how-to-create-a-goldcard/ . Just wanted to check, if I use that app plus this guide. I skip steps 1-6 right?
Ok gone ahead and done that now. Just having some trouble finding instructions on backing up my Orange rom.
Oh and now that the forum won't grumble at my phone info, here it is. Hopefully that'll shed some more light on my situation, if I need further help.
BRAVO PVT4 SHIP S-ON
HBOOT-0.93.0001
MICROP-051d
TOUCH PANEL-SYNW0101
RADIO-5.10.05.30
Aug 10 2010, 17:52:18
Android Version
2.2
Baseband Version
32.48.00.32U_5.10.05.30
Kernel Version
2.6.32.15-g29e526b
[email protected] #1
Build Number
2.17.61.3 CL274424 release-keys
Softare Number
2.17.61.3
Browser Version
WebKit 3.1
Model Number
A8181

[Q] Rooting Desire HD

Good evening.
I'm new to the forum, so I hope it's ok that I ask a question as the first thing?
(Oh and bear over with my english as it is not my main language)
I'm quite sure you guys get this question quite alot, but it is a bit hard for me to collect the necessary information needed for me to start working on my "problem".
My plan is too root my newly aqquired HTC Desire HD.
As an added information: I already temporary rooted it using the VISIONary+ application and that seems to work as it should. I can get root rights and everything. So far so good - I havn't tried using the permanent root option that this program allows as I want to know exactly what I am doing before doing anything (I heard all the scary stories of bricking and stuff)
So let's start out with the questions:
- How do I check what firmware, kernel, ect ect ect I've got so that I can get the necessary information?
- How do I know if it is branded or not? (Not sure what that even means... I live in Denmark and bought it at the shop, and it is not simlocked. Phone company is Telmore)
- Where the hell should I start?
I looked up this guide: wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=HTC_Desire_HD:_Full_Update_Guide#Flashing_Radio
Would that help me?
Also looked at this: androidpolice.com/2010/04/16/complete-guide-how-to-fully-back-up-and-restore-your-android-phone-using-nandroid-backup-and-clockworkmod-rom-manager/
Could I just perma root with VISIONary+ without worrying and then using rom manager to get the recovery image on and stuff or is it better doing a manual root somehow?
Oh and by the way, I already got adb access to my phone through the pc!
(And please tell me if this is the wrong section of the forum.)
Thanks in advance!

I guess the first question is, did you purchase the telus desire hd in canada per chance?

The firmware /kernel info can be found in the about phone section of the settings menu.
As for rooting I personally favour the manual root specified by the good folks over at CyanogenMod here if you find that a bit daunting there are some automated one click tools over in the Development forums here on XDA, although most require that you have access to a computer running windows.

equlizer said:
I guess the first question is, did you purchase the telus desire hd in canada per chance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. It was bought in denmark.
Dunno if it's a telus model or anything (As I have no idea what a telus is lol)
Some Information about my device: (Btw I'm trying to translate from danish. So ask if something sounds wrong)
- Android Version
2.2
- Basebandversion
12.28b.60.140eU_26.03.02.26_M
- Kernelsystem
2.6.32.21-gf3f553d
[email protected] #1
Thu Oct 28 13:24:11 CST 2010
- VersionNumber
1.32.405.6 CL278359 release-keys
- SoftwareNumber
1.32.405.6
- Browser version
WebKit3.1
As far as I can see my VersionNumber (I guess that is my firmware??) matches the one that the cyanogenmod guide (As In I dont need to downgrade yay!):
wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=HTC_Desire_HD:_Full_Update_Guide
Asks for.
Is there anything else I should check for before I begin, or would that be the guide I should follow?

Plus I forgot to say:
I'm pretty good with computers in general. So I don't care using an "advance" manual method as long as it is descriped well so I don't end up saying "Wait what? Where the hell should I go now?"
So no need to doing some noobish way (Not saying One click methods are noobish) I just need to know what to do and how it should be done.

ok for starters, dont worry about bricking, it's impossible to brick your device trying to root, infact there are only 2 ways you can brick your device, and thats flashing a radio or hboot you have the 1.32 software version and that can be easly permrooted using visionary, after you root, you may want to s-off aswell

AndroHero said:
ok for starters, dont worry about bricking, it's impossible to brick your device trying to root, infact there are only 2 ways you can brick your device, and thats flashing a radio or hboot you have the 1.32 software version and that can be easly permrooted using visionary, after you root, you may want to s-off aswell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, thanks for the quick help! *thumps up*
So I don't have to use the CyanogenMod guide? (would it be better if I did it that way?)
Or is it enough with a perm root with VISIONary?
Then after that I'm thinking of doing a backup (It's called Nandroid as far as I've read?)
Doing a perm root with VISIONary, followed up by flashing the recovery image using the one click option that ClockWork ROM manager allows.
Would I have to worry about doing that, or does my information say that my model should work perfectly fine with that?
I think it's quite important to say that I'm thinking of doing a Custom Rom later, but my first job is to get it rooted and backed up incase anything happens.
Oh and, how would I manage to do a s-off after I've got it rooted? Would that have to be done BEFORE doing the flashing of the recovery image and doing a backup?

you can use the Cyanogen method, thats just a manual way, i used visionary, and have had no problems at all, just click the permroot option and wait after you root, before you flash a custom recovery you need to s-off, this is because the nand chip has write protection, check out this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=855403 jkoljo tool is awsome and although flashing a hboot is dangerous, no1 has bricked there device using his tool yet, thats how safe it is once you are s-off, you can download rom manager and flash a custom recovery

I can see that the tool is called "One click ENG s-off" as in ENGLISH.
Does it matter that my phone is bought in denmark and is in danish?? (Does the language matter at all? :O)

virtual-aidz said:
I can see that the tool is called "One click ENG s-off" as in ENGLISH.
Does it matter that my phone is bought in denmark and is in danish?? (Does the language matter at all? :O)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the ENG means engineering, there are two types of s-off, engineering s-off and Radio s-off, the engineering one allows you to issue fasboot commands though and the radio one dosent, either one will security unlock your bootloader though

Ah I see
I just noticed in the s-off guide: "tick "I have Radio S-OFF" in the tool"
Why do I have to tick that? I don't have Radio S-OFF? :O
And right now I can't even test out what we are talking about *sadface* I just noticed a dead pixel right in the center of the screen, so before I start messing around, I'm gonna take it to the shop and see what they say (God I hate dead pixels)
I know it's a bit (well alot) besides the subject, but I was just crossing my fingers that you were a dead pixel specialist and could answer a simple question: Would a dead pixel on a 1 month old phone (I think the pixel is red, but it could be black as in completly dead) have any chance of spreading or something?
Cause I could live with a single dot.. but if it has a chance of spreading, I would really wanna get it fixed before it's too late (And sorry for the off-topic in my own thread xD)

Notice the big OR in the requirements part? As you are not using a custom ROM, and you do not have Radio S-OFF, you should not tick it.
Dead pixels do not spread, and there are apps in market to revive dead pixels, you should try one of them.

jkoljo said:
Notice the big OR in the requirements part? As you are not using a custom ROM, and you do not have Radio S-OFF, you should not tick it.
Dead pixels do not spread, and there are apps in market to revive dead pixels, you should try one of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha... My bad.
As I mentioned in my first post, my main language is not english. So I misunderstood what it said
I think I'm ready now.
Just need to talk with the shop before I void the warranty for good.
Thanks for the help guys, and I will return when I get it working (or **** it all up.. who knows)

By the way, root, S-OFF and custom ROMs do not void warranty. It says nothing about software in the warranty terms, check it out yourself if you want to

Odd. There has been multiple cases where they did not fix phones that were just rooted.

jkoljo said:
By the way, root, S-OFF and custom ROMs do not void warranty. It says nothing about software in the warranty terms, check it out yourself if you want to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh and by the way. I see you're the creator of the s-off and radio s-off tools?
Is it true that you recommend Radio S-off (forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=857537)?
And how do I check if I meet all the requirements?

jkoljo said:
By the way, root, S-OFF and custom ROMs do not void warranty. It says nothing about software in the warranty terms, check it out yourself if you want to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually it does............. "use of products, equipment, systems, utilities, services, parts supplies, accessories, applications, installations, repairs, external wiring or connectors not supplied or authorized by HTC" ........ custom bootloader, and software can come under the systems, applications and installations

Ah yay. I thought so
As far as I can see on the Radio S-Off (Again, is it recommended over s-off?)
System requirements:
Windows XP SP2 or higher
.NET Framework 4.0
HTC Sync (or ADB drivers)
Desire HD with stock kernel (or Apache14's 1.0.7 / 1.1.4 Sense)
It will not work on 1.72.405.3 or higher build, or new radio. Downgrade first!!
I got the 3 first ones covered.
But I'm not sure about the two last.
My Phone has HTC sense, but I dunno what version to be honest.
And I guess I got the last one covered too as I got the 1.32.405.6

You meet all the requirements
AndroHero said:
actually it does............. "use of products, equipment, systems, utilities, services, parts supplies, accessories, applications, installations, repairs, external wiring or connectors not supplied or authorized by HTC"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please take a picture for me, that is not included in the warranty statement that came with my phone. I rang HTC about it, and they said that unless the hardware is modified, software does not matter. Also mike1986 sent his phone to be repaired with ENG S-OFF and everything, and nobody complained.

jkoljo said:
You meet all the requirements
Please take a picture for me, that is not included in the warranty statement that came with my phone. I rang HTC about it, and they said that unless the hardware is modified, software does not matter. Also mike1986 sent his phone to be repaired with ENG S-OFF and everything, and nobody complained.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you know I met the requirements with the HTC sense?
(I need to learn too)

[Q] Can I flash any RUU with unlocked bootloader?

Hey guys,
About 7 weeks ago, my simcardreader stopped functioning. Because my device was rooted, I unrooted it, and flashed the original RUU to be able to get it repaired. 3 weeks later I got my device back, only to discover that the simcardreader was still defective. Ok, back to the repair center.
Yesterday I received it again, and was glad that the cardreader was working again. Glad...untill I saw that they flashed a wrong rom, with only five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian and German. As I live in Belgium, where we speak Dutch, I'd prefer to have a Dutch rom, but apparantly that can only be done in the repair center. But again three weeks without my desire hd, me no likey.
Rooting is apparantly out of the question, because I'm on rom 3.12.405, which seems to be very hard to root. So I started to look at the bootloader unlock mechanism. If I unlock it, would I be able to flash any RUU, i.e the original RUU I flashed before sending it to the repair center (1.32)? Do you guys see any other options?
Thank you!

Well if you could do that, you'd be able to root, wouldn't you? I didn't quite follow the scene lately with the latest software releases, but if your SW version is very difficult to root, I'm sure some dev already tried flashing older RUU, and most likely failed...

Can you flash an older when son? NO.
3.12.405 being difficult to root? NO.
just use the advance ace hack kit. Its as automated as it gets. Just make sure you read the manual

marsdta said:
3.12.405 being difficult to root? NO.
just use the advance ace hack kit. Its as automated as it gets. Just make sure you read the manual
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the dev-thread i read everywhere that devices shipped with that version can't be hacked with the AAHK. However, I'm in doubt whether that applies to my device. Originally it shipped with Froyo, then I had it rooted, unrooted it to get it repaired. Then I got it back with 3.12.405. Does that mean it is shipped with Gingerbread?
Both stock Froyo and Gingerbread (pre Sense 3.0) supported
This kit should work fine on HTC Inspire and HTC Desire HD Software versions below 3.06.405.1 which require the radio/kernel downgrade before a root exploit is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Lol if you send it for repair 3rd time, you can get your money back before sending it away, at least that's how it works in Switzerland, not sure if it's the same policy throughout EU but you can try your luck and invest money into HTC One X or something...

Purplizer said:
In the dev-thread i read everywhere that devices shipped with that version can't be hacked with the AAHK. However, I'm in doubt whether that applies to my device. Originally it shipped with Froyo, then I had it rooted, unrooted it to get it repaired. Then I got it back with 3.12.405. Does that mean it is shipped with Gingerbread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's old news. At one point it was true but attn1 was quick to remedy that by using the zergrush and taco root exploits. For those on sense 3.0 it is a little different as it has to downgrade you back to 2.50.405 then you rerun the kit and gain soff and root

marsdta said:
That's old news. At one point it was true but attn1 was quick to remedy that by using the zergrush and taco root exploits. For those on sense 3.0 it is a little different as it has to downgrade you back to 2.50.405 then you rerun the kit and gain soff and root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your answers. I'll try it tomorrow.

I think the hack kit just bricked my phone. Can't even get in bootloader anymore Read the manual five times through before I started.
I was on 3.12.405. During the downgrade process, my bootloader froze, waited for hours, but battery died. New battery, phone doesn't boot
Update:
without sd-card, I can get into bootloader and use navigation. With sd-card, bootloader just freezes. Can't get into recovery, because it freezes at the red exclamation mark.

I suppose you have a PD98IMG on your SD card?

Check if any PD98IMG is in sd card as said above, and delete it.
If it doesn't reboot, you can run the 3.12.405.1 RUU from Hboot. Later you can try the hack kit again.
By the way are you S-ON or S-OFF? and what is your Hboot now?

Try getting a goldcard made.
1. Put ur SD-C in another rooted phone to get ur cards ID.
2. Create the gold card on pc
3 insert it in phone and reflash ur rom in it.
this worked for me after i updated to 3.x and tried to root with AAHK.