Related
I have been searching the web for how to relock my EVO. This is because i am taking it back to sprint for a screen fix and I have learned from the PPCGEEKS thread all the problems and warranty stuff related to rooting as well as the odds of them discovering that I have rooted it. I just don't want to risk it and I would like to know how to relock, just for the knowledge.
Does anyone have specific instructions how??
PPCGEEKS Thread: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=126849
http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Supersonic/
Download first and last, and flash in the same sequence.
So thats all?? its done? It's unrooted? That seems simple.
Yep, that's how easy it is.
On some phones (one out 5 I "control") I had to get all 3 and flash in the same sequence, otherwise last one wouldn't flash over the first - not sure why.
redsolar said:
last one wouldn't flash over the first - not sure why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that surprises me. the latest RUU should flash over anything *theoretically*.
what error did it give you when you attempted?
yes, it should be easy to restore the phone to stock. think of all their service departments fixing/refurb'n phones. one simple flash and its all completely stock no matter what was loaded before.
for those more technically included, since this is the dev board, if the eng build RUU is loaded the PRI is downgraded and as of now, no currently released RUU is able to upgrade the PRI ... but thats such a small issue, can almost guarantee nobody will notice.
Damn screen... I have to do the same thing, and just one other question, besides those files I will just have to use Htc Sync to flash them right?
Yellowcard8992 said:
Damn screen... I have to do the same thing, and just one other question, besides those files I will just have to use Htc Sync to flash them right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those RUUs are just exe files. So sync will provide you with drivers yes, but after downloading you just run from that download with your phone plugged in.
wow after reading that thread on ppcgeeks i dont think i ever want to leave xda! must be a young crowd over there. i ran the latest 1.47 RUU that i downloaded from HTC before I returned my phone. much to my surprise they didn't even take the phone out of the box! still, since it only takes 10 minutes might as well do it.
barnacles10 said:
Those RUUs are just exe files. So sync will provide you with drivers yes, but after downloading you just run from that download with your phone plugged in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you talking about just using the volume down and power button method?
redsolar said:
Yep, that's how easy it is.
On some phones (one out 5 I "control") I had to get all 3 and flash in the same sequence, otherwise last one wouldn't flash over the first - not sure why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whats the point in running all 3 on a phone you are returning? just running the first one is good enough to unroot and restore to stock. i only ran the most recent one, because i had already upgraded the baseband and was unable to run the earlier ones because of it.
joeykrim said:
that surprises me. the latest RUU should flash over anything *theoretically*.
what error did it give you when you attempted?
yes, it should be easy to restore the phone to stock. think of all their service departments fixing/refurb'n phones. one simple flash and its all completely stock no matter what was loaded before.
for those more technically included, since this is the dev board, if the eng build RUU is loaded the PRI is downgraded and as of now, no currently released RUU is able to upgrade the PRI ... but thats such a small issue, can almost guarantee nobody will notice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was surprised too when I tried first.
The 1.47 RUU just sat on the "waiting for bootloader" screen and timed out after ~90 seconds, "unable to find phone" (tried multiple times) and the screen would get stuck in white bootloader/RUU message (battery pull required) - so i am guessing 0.76.2 bootloader was too low for it. That was flashing from 3.2.2+ DamageControl ROM, didn't try from any other one, since the DC -> 1.36 -> 1.47 stock worked well.
And yes, the PRI caveat is there, but as joeykrim said, that's minor, plus you can always say "PRI what - huh?", right?
OneStepAhead said:
whats the point in running all 3 on a phone you are returning? just running the first one is good enough to unroot and restore to stock. i only ran the most recent one, because i had already upgraded the baseband and was unable to run the earlier ones because of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running latest OTA makes you seem more of a "dumb user" who wouldn't even know what root is?
Yellowcard8992 said:
are you talking about just using the volume down and power button method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. RUUs are handled differently. You download the file. And run it on your computer with the phone plugged in. It does everything for you. You DO NOT flash these via recovery.
Update on my phone
I took it to the sprint store yesterday and against everything I have heard the guy at the store turned my phone and checked it. Thank god I used redsolar's posted method. I must have the appearance of someone who would root there phone. It passed his inspection, luckily.
Thanks for the help
I rooted with the new Simpleroot OTA Edition, with Fresh Rom 053, and RA-Rec.
I'm trying to start over from stock so I can re-root my phone, but I can't get the RUU's to work. The oldest one will actually try and put the phone in bootloader, but while its waiting for bootloader it eventually just stops and gives me the 170 error, usb connector problem.
So is there any other way to go about this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
murdercitydan said:
I rooted with the new Simpleroot OTA Edition, with Fresh Rom 053, and RA-Rec.
I'm trying to start over from stock so I can re-root my phone, but I can't get the RUU's to work. The oldest one will actually try and put the phone in bootloader, but while its waiting for bootloader it eventually just stops and gives me the 170 error, usb connector problem.
So is there any other way to go about this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya what I do is replug the usb coord then try ruu again while the phone is stuck on the HTC sign,then if that doesn't work I just manually go into bootloader myself (power+volume down) then use the ruu.exe, works everytime but then it tells me my current version is not valid, so if you ota'd you probably won't ever be able to go back to 1.32.651.1/.6 stock but you can just use the new 1.47.651.1 ruu to regain stock after ota.
Tundricles said:
ya what I do is replug the usb coord then try ruu again while the phone is stuck on the HTC sign,then if that doesn't work I just manually go into bootloader myself (power+volume down) then use the ruu.exe, works everytime but then it tells me my current version is not valid, so if you ota'd you probably won't ever be able to go back to 1.32.651.1/.6 stock but you can just use the new 1.47.651.1 ruu to regain stock after ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a **** load Tundricles, you saved my ass.
I was getting so pissed, I'd run the RUU and once it got to opening the bootloader on my phone it was get frozen on the HTC screen, and the RUU would get the use connection error. So I unplugged my phone, and noticed it was in the bootloader, but if the usb was plugged in, it wouldn't show the bootloader screen for some reason. So I just plugged it back in and started the RUU back up, it instantly went past the "Waiting for bootloader..." message and started updating.
Thank you, and for anyone else having similar problems, READ THIS!
Flashing the RUU doesn't restore the stock recovery does it?
I ran Unrevoked 2 a while back and I have RUU'd but I'm pretty sure Clockwork Mod is still there.
Sent from my EVO 4G using the XDA App.
ViViDboarder said:
Flashing the RUU doesn't restore the stock recovery does it?
I ran Unrevoked 2 a while back and I have RUU'd but I'm pretty sure Clockwork Mod is still there.
Sent from my EVO 4G using the XDA App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should. RUU replaces everything but PRI
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
murdercitydan said:
Thanks a **** load Tundricles, you saved my ass.
I was getting so pissed, I'd run the RUU and once it got to opening the bootloader on my phone it was get frozen on the HTC screen, and the RUU would get the use connection error. So I unplugged my phone, and noticed it was in the bootloader, but if the usb was plugged in, it wouldn't show the bootloader screen for some reason. So I just plugged it back in and started the RUU back up, it instantly went past the "Waiting for bootloader..." message and started updating.
Thank you, and for anyone else having similar problems, READ THIS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
np glad I could help
Hi guys,
I have a Desire I bought unlocked on eBay. Though initially thinking it was factory unlocked, and having bought it under that pretense, I now think it's been unlocked by some other means. It doesn't appear to be rooted, having no superuser app but I'm not sure how else it could have been unlocked? If any one can shed some light here, that would be great.
I received the OTA update tonight, and after downloading and resetting it simply wouldn't get past 90% on the install before resetting itself. After about 15 minutes I switched it off and switched it on again, and it booted into my homescreen, with a "loading" alert and a rotating circle, no percentage.
Eventually that stopped, and it looked like everything was ok. I checked the version and it said I was running 2.2. Awesome, so I go about my business and realise I have no 3G or wireless connections. I check the settings and under WiFi it says "error", and I can't enable it. My APN is gone too. I can get that online, but it seems like there's an issue with the radio so I haven't bothered. It doesn't connect to the network anyway. It also resets occasionally, it seems when it has to load SenseUI but I can't confirm this.
What could it be? I'm not sure where the phone came from. It's a Black a8181 model with the Orange case branding, but the OS is unbranded. The locale is English (Singapore/Taiwan/a few others), though I thought the Black model was only in the UK. I'm in Australia, on vodafoneAU.
Is there anything I can do?
Cheers guys, I really hope I haven't (basically) bricked it.
Firstly, removing the SIM lock from the phone has nothing to do with rooting. Usually, you just stick in an "incorrect" SIM, and it will ask for an unlock code which you can buy online.
Given that the OTA update was a patch, it sounds to me like you have a partially patched ROM and this is causing your problems.
However, since it basically boots up and works to a fashion, it isn't bricked and chances are it is fairly easily recovered.
IMHO, you have two options.
1. Install a 2.1 RUU to downgrade your phone.
2. Root the phone using UnreEVOked and load a custom 2.2 ROM.
Both of these should be quite easily so long as your previous attempt to upgrade hasn't already updated HBOOT.
Turn you phone off and then power on again whilst holding down the volume down button - your phone should boot into HBOOT.
Look for the HBOOT version on the second line and post back what it says here.
Regards,
Dave
You've received a branded phone that has been debranded (you should have been told this) - you can't upgrade these without a goldcard. What's happened is part of the upgrade has worked, but other parts failed.
To recover you'll need a goldcard, which will be more difficult to make with the phone rebooting all the time.
teppic74 said:
To recover you'll need a goldcard, which will be more difficult to make with the phone rebooting all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the OP can get UnrEVOked running, and doesn't mind having a custom recovery image (good thing!), he/she shouldn't need a goldcard.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
If the OP can get UnrEVOked running, and doesn't mind having a custom recovery image (good thing!), he/she shouldn't need a goldcard.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, though it does mean going down the custom ROM route, which might not be wanted.
Thanks guys, that's really good info.
I'm not too concerned about running custom ROMs, I've been thinking about doing it for a while, just don't know enough about how to root and flash. There are some good guides here, I'm just a bit nervous about doing it. I also don't know what the best ROM would be. I'm really just after a factory standard Desire with Sense ROM, the most out of the box it could be.
I assume an RUU is like a rollback? In which case, what would I be rolling back to. I have no idea how it was debranded, so I don't know what ROM I'd need to roll back to.
As for the goldcard, what would that do? Is that rolling back, or fixing what I have now? It doesn't crash too often, I can probably baby it through.
Sorry for the questions guys, just want to know my options. I didn't think it was too badly bricked, but you never know. I bricked my XDA Mini II trying to flash a new ROM, so you can see my hesitation :/
An RUU is an official way to flash the phone with HTC's own software. That is how the phone was debranded in the first place, and you can do the same to get it back to normal. It does require a goldcard though, which is a minor software patch on the sdcard.
If you root and install a custom ROM (and update the radio) you'll have a working phone again, and you can make a goldcard in your own time.
If I go with an RUU, will OTA updates work? That's really the only thing I'd miss about a custom ROM, the convenience of OTA.
foxmeister said:
Look for the HBOOT version on the second line and post back what it says here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hboot - 0.80.0000
papalazarou said:
If I go with an RUU, will OTA updates work? That's really the only thing I'd miss about a custom ROM, the convenience of OTA.
Hboot - 0.80.0000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll get ota updates if you use an ruu. Just make sure you have your goldcard in when you apply them.
teppic74 said:
You'll get ota updates if you use an ruu. Just make sure you have your goldcard in when you apply them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, will the process in the link in your sig do the trick? And the goldcard, will I need to keep it in permanently, or only when updating? Trying to decide if I should use a dedicated card for it, or include it on the card I keep in there.
Thanks for the help, I'll run the RUU tomorrow morning.
I'm trying to run unrevoked to root and reflash it, but it get's to a point and fails, saying "failed to flash recovery image".
Any thoughts?
EDIT:
I've now created a goldcard and am trying the downgrade process in the link in your sig. I've followed all the instructions, but when I ran the downgrade util, after asking for my password, nothing happens.
papalazarou said:
I'm trying to run unrevoked to root and reflash it, but it get's to a point and fails, saying "failed to flash recovery image".
Any thoughts?
EDIT:
I've now created a goldcard and am trying the downgrade process in the link in your sig. I've followed all the instructions, but when I ran the downgrade util, after asking for my password, nothing happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's my fault for leaving a testing point in the Mac/Linux version of the utility. It was mentioned in the bugs section, but probably not made clear enough. It's fixed now.
DO NOT FLASH A NEW RUU OR OFFICIAL ROM IMAGE UNLESS YOU *REALLY* KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING !
Sorry for shouting, but this is very important. Thanks to the mods for making this sticky.
The latest official RUU that has been released - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=870369 - has been found to break the existing methods of rooting and getting full S-OFF.
This shouldn't be a big suprise, because when HTC saw that the amazing devs on XDA had cracked the existing security, we should expect them to put something even tougher in later releases.
So flashing any later release, whether that's an official RUU or just the ROM image (PC10IMG.zip) is a very dangerous thing to do until it has been fully tested and "cleared" by the devs here. i.e. your previously rooted and S-OFF'd phone might lose root and go back to S-ON, and be unable to be rooted and S-OFF'd again.
It's of course fine if your phone came with a particular ROM release to flash that *exact same* release back onto the phone if you want to return to stock. What I'm referring to is flashing a brand new release that isn't the one that came with your phone.
It's fine to flash custom ROMs of course, because those have already been tested out. In general, it's probably best to steer very clear of new official releases, and wait till the devs have pulled them apart and put any cool new stuff into a custom ROM. Then you know it'll be safe to flash.
Currently I don't think it's entirely clear what just flashing a new *radio* on its own will do, as opposed to the entire ROM/RUU. That's still being worked on. But steer clear of even that if you're not sure what you're doing or dont' want to take any chances of losing root/S-OFF.
Thanks for reading
Thanks for the heads up.
I flashed the ROM you mentioned.
For those who want to try:
Just remember to get REAL S-OFF using gfree before flashing it.
This provide you a medicine for regret. You can get back to WWE ROM using WWE RUU and root/recover your old ROM.
What is RUU? What is it to do with ROMs? Did HTC provide a change log for newer Radio? Or does anyone know what changes are , in the latest Radio?
Just to be clear. Don’t flame me for this please. I’m still learning just like many others in here.
androidtoy09 said:
What is RUU? What is it to do with ROMs? Did HTC provide a change log for newer Radio? Or does anyone know what changes are , in the latest Radio?
Just to be clear. Don’t flame me for this please. I’m still learning just like many others in here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't have a changelog, no.
RUU is ROM Update Utility. It's a program to run on Windows (.exe) which flashes your new ROM for you, and holds your hand through the process. It's possible to extract just the ROM zip file from the exe so you can flash it yourself if you want.
The thing about the RUU and stock ROMs is that they will flash pretty much *everything* on your phone. So as well as a new system partition (the main stuff for Android), you'll probably get a new hboot, new radio, new recovery. Those *might* all have increased security which is a lot more difficult to crack. So generally you should not flash it until we know it's "safe" to do so, i.e. it can be re-rooted and S-OFF'd etc.
steviewevie said:
We don't have a changelog, no.
RUU is ROM Update Utility. It's a program to run on Windows (.exe) which flashes your new ROM for you, and holds your hand through the process. It's possible to extract just the ROM zip file from the exe so you can flash it yourself if you want.
The thing about the RUU and stock ROMs is that they will flash pretty much *everything* on your phone. So as well as a new system partition (the main stuff for Android), you'll probably get a new hboot, new radio, new recovery. Those *might* all have increased security which is a lot more difficult to crack. So generally you should not flash it until we know it's "safe" to do so, i.e. it can be re-rooted and S-OFF'd etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for clearing it up. So, RUU is pretty much similar to the method RIM uses to flash its OS on the Blackberries.
Im a little confused here.. So just to clear some things up i hope someone will answer these questions i have.
I have the software on my Desire Z that it came with (1.34.405.5), which i've rooted, S-off'ed and installed another kernel for OC porpuses. This is working fine, but lets say that i wanted to try another rom .. After some time i decide to go back to the stock software and then update to the newest software, would that be a problem? And has HTC released some newer software than the one iam using?
If you flashed back to stock, that would be fine. But if you flashed a new official update (e.g OTA), then you run the risk of installing something that you can't root/S-OFF.
It is best to steer clear of any official upgrades until they've been checked by the devs here and been given the all-clear.
Given that the phone came with certain areas write-protected, and the devs managed to crack that, we should be expecting HTC to release an even more secure update.
Yes, there is a new ROM out, at the moment for Egypt, that seems to have increased security. It would not be a suprise if HTC rolled out similar security as an OTA update for all existing ROMs. Right now there is something in that Egypt ROM (probably the hboot, at the minimum) which mean existing permanent root and S-OFF methods fail. It may be this is easily cracked again, or maybe it will take some time, who knows.
Bottom line - don't apply any official updates to your phone if it is rooted/S-OFF or you plan to root/S-OFF.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z
perm-rooted g2 stock tmobile rom s-off
ok, my question is....i perm-rooted my g2 and have s-off, does this mean that i cant except the new gingerbread OTA update? ive had my fill of flashing roms with my old windows phone.. att tilt, tmobile touch pro 2, and tmobile hd2. im not looking to flash my g2 with a new rom...no offense to the chefs. love there work. but i only rooted the g2 to get rid of the bs apps that tmobile and google added to the phone. and i thought i heard that wen u root the phone tmobile cant tell wen u tether, so there for no more throttle b/s but thats not true...i must have miss read. but i would like to stay w/the stock rom and still b able to install the Gingerbread OTA. please someone provide an answer for me or point me in the right direction. thank you in advance.... sorry if the answer is already provided somewhere and i over looked it, i tend to do that a lot.
blitz69 said:
ok, my question is....i perm-rooted my g2 and have s-off, does this mean that i cant except the new gingerbread OTA update? ive had my fill of flashing roms with my old windows phone.. att tilt, tmobile touch pro 2, and tmobile hd2. im not looking to flash my g2 with a new rom...no offense to the chefs. love there work. but i only rooted the g2 to get rid of the bs apps that tmobile and google added to the phone. and i thought i heard that wen u root the phone tmobile cant tell wen u tether, so there for no more throttle b/s but thats not true...i must have miss read. but i would like to stay w/the stock rom and still b able to install the Gingerbread OTA. please someone provide an answer for me or point me in the right direction. thank you in advance.... sorry if the answer is already provided somewhere and i over looked it, i tend to do that a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The trouble is, HTC/T-Mobile don't want you to root and/or S-OFF your phone, because it's a lot easier to end up bricking the phone if you don't know what you're doing. They put greatly increased security on the G2/DZ/DHD when they came out, in order to help prevent this.
Now this security has been cracked, we can expect HTC/T-Mobile to try and increase security even further (e.g. closing loopholes that let our current methods of root/S-OFF work) in future updates.
So if you accept any future OTA, you run a high risk of accepting something that will lock you out of root and S-OFF, at least temporarily, and possibly permanently (depending on how good a solution they come up with).
If you are not bothered about root/S-OFF, then that's fine of course.
This doesn't mean that you necessarily have to switch to a custom ROM to get updates though. If you stay with the stock ROM (and I'm still on a stock ROM too right now), then just do not accept the update when an OTA comes out, and keep checking these forums to see when the devs say that they can root/S-OFF with the new version. When they say it's ok then you know you can apply the update and still get root/S-OFF.
This already happened with the G2. Very soon after release, but after rooting had been achieved, there was an OTA. Most people here decided to wait until the OTA had been looked at, and sure enough there was a small adjustment needed to the rooting method. But of course this OTA was before HTC had a chance to respond to the cracking of the security, so as I said, any future updates may well require a lot more time and effort from the devs to investigate and crack again.
Ok. Thank you very much
Will this muff up my phone if I factory reset it by using the Power+Volume Down option?
Ok,there is a new gfree method to get root and S-Off.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON.
But what about the backup "part7backup-1291675121.bin"
which gfree created at my sdcard?
No longer needed?
And with the new root and S-Off method,is it now possible to
to flash stock RUU 1.34.405.5 to get all original?
Because with old UBERROOT method this doesn`t work!
Ganii said:
Ok,there is a new gfree method to get root and S-Off.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON.
But what about the backup "part7backup-1291675121.bin"
which gfree created at my sdcard?
No longer needed?
And with the new root and S-Off method,is it now possible to
to flash stock RUU 1.34.405.5 to get all original?
Because with old UBERROOT method this doesn`t work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean with gfree?
Is my waranty broken When i execute radio s-off?
Is it possible to make it radio s-on?
Yes,warranty is broken,but with the new gfree method
you can go back to S-ON:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
ericjosepi said:
Will this muff up my phone if I factory reset it by using the Power+Volume Down option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do a factory reset then I think you'll lose root, but you can get it back again easily enough. The issue for this thread is flashing new updated stuff from HTC etc.
Ganii said:
Ok,there is a new gfree method to get root and S-Off.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON.
But what about the backup "part7backup-1291675121.bin"
which gfree created at my sdcard?
No longer needed?
And with the new root and S-Off method,is it now possible to
to flash stock RUU 1.34.405.5 to get all original?
Because with old UBERROOT method this doesn`t work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might still need that backup, e.g. if you don't know what your old CID was and you want to un-do that bit too. I would keep it.
Sorry I don't think I understand your last question though, or why you say the uberroot method (I'm personally not keen on that name, it's just the usual method using Visionary/rage with gfree, not a new method) doesn't work.
Ok,so I can go back to S-ON with gfree commands from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
If you are only interested in permanent root you only need radio S-OFF and then it is sufficient to use
# ./gfree -s off
instead of
# ./gfree -f
in the following commands.
And gfree can now also be used to set radio S-ON by using the "-s on" option and to change the CID back to the original value be using i.e. "-c T-MOB010" if you want or have to go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But for CID (you mean SuperCid right?) I need the backup?
And with the last question which you don`t understand,I mean
with flashing the HTC RUU 1.34.405.5 I don`t go back to S-ON
and original CID whether I use UBERROT method or this from here:
(Rooting the Vision (G2/DZ) and DHD)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
Thanks for the advice, I will stick myself with the current rom for a while
Ganii said:
Ok,so I can go back to S-ON with gfree commands from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
But for CID (you mean SuperCid right?) I need the backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I mean to go from your SuperCID back to your regular CID. You might not know what your original CID was.
And with the last question which you don`t understand,I mean
with flashing the HTC RUU 1.34.405.5 I don`t go back to S-ON
and original CID whether I use UBERROT method or this from here:
(Rooting the Vision (G2/DZ) and DHD)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you flash a stock ROM then it won't affect your S-OFF and CID status (or SIM unlock). These are stored in your radio configuration partition, and not in any of the partitions which are overwritten by the ROM flash.
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
Recently been looking into purchasing a new HTC One for myself, but after reading up on it, I see that there are a ton of S-Off and stock issues flying around. I guess I have a few clarifying questions then...
If I buy the phone today, is S-Off still possible?
Is S-Off risky?
Can I return to 100% complete stock yet if I need to or not? If yes, how?
Really I'm wondering if it's worth it to even purchase this phone as I don't want to be without flashing ROMs but at the same time, I resell my phones after awhile so I'm going to need to go back to 100% stock eventually. Sorry if these questions have already been asked, my xda search function is a bit broken. Thanks for reading this far.
Edit - Did some more searching and found the HTC One m8 now has the RUU's? Could someone also explain this? I'm new to HTC devices, coming from a nexus 5 here.
Nobody knows at all...?
Sent from my HTC M8
DinoSoup said:
Recently been looking into purchasing a new HTC One for myself, but after reading up on it, I see that there are a ton of S-Off and stock issues flying around. I guess I have a few clarifying questions then...
If I buy the phone today, is S-Off still possible?
Is S-Off risky?
Can I return to 100% complete stock yet if I need to or not? If yes, how?
Really I'm wondering if it's worth it to even purchase this phone as I don't want to be without flashing ROMs but at the same time, I resell my phones after awhile so I'm going to need to go back to 100% stock eventually. Sorry if these questions have already been asked, my xda search function is a bit broken. Thanks for reading this far.
Edit - Did some more searching and found the HTC One m8 now has the RUU's? Could someone also explain this? I'm new to HTC devices, coming from a nexus 5 here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably, it will be. But it's not for certain. If your phone comes with the stock 1.12 software, then you can do it. But there's also a possibility of your phone being one of those unlucky "Whelp, this sucks..." phones. If it comes with the latest 1.57 software installed, it won't be possible.
That being said, if it comes with 1.12, which it probably will, and you unlock the bootloader, root, and S-Off, you can always go back to 100% stock with no trace at all of it ever being rooted if you want to return it for warranty, exc.
IF it is one of the unlucky "Whelp, this sucks..." phones, and you unlock your bootloader, root, and try to S-Off, but can't, then you can re lock the bootloader, run the stock RUU, and the only trace of it being unlocked and rooted would be that in the bootloader, it would say "Relocked" instead of "Locked."
Remember that if the phone comes with the 1.12 software, NEVER accept the OTA update. If you do accept the update, you will never be able to S-Off.
But again, chances are you will probably get the 1.12 software and be able to S-Off your phone. Hope this helped.
XxKINGxX2580 said:
Probably, it will be. But it's not for certain. If your phone comes with the stock 1.12 software, then you can do it. But there's also a possibility of your phone being one of those unlucky "Whelp, this sucks..." phones. If it comes with the latest 1.57 software installed, it won't be possible.
That being said, if it comes with 1.12, which it probably will, and you unlock the bootloader, root, and S-Off, you can always go back to 100% stock with no trace at all of it ever being rooted if you want to return it for warranty, exc.
IF it is one of the unlucky "Whelp, this sucks..." phones, and you unlock your bootloader, root, and try to S-Off, but can't, then you can re lock the bootloader, run the stock RUU, and the only trace of it being unlocked and rooted would be that in the bootloader, it would say "Relocked" instead of "Locked."
But again, chances are you will probably get the 1.12 software and be able to S-Off your phone. Hope this helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a ton, this is exactly what I was hoping for. Final question - how do I go about getting to stock. I found the RUU and stock files but I don't know at all what to do. After I know that, I'll be ready to root!
Sent from my HTC M8
DinoSoup said:
Thanks a ton, this is exactly what I was hoping for. Final question - how do I go about getting to stock. I found the RUU and stock files but I don't know at all what to do. After I know that, I'll be ready to root!
Sent from my HTC M8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply,
To get to complete 100% stock, you have to download and run the RUU. It's a simple EXE file. There are a bunch of Youtube videos on how to run RUUs. Before running the RUU, you have to re-lock the bootloader. But, to go to 100% stock, you first have to to reset the tampered flag, LOCK, not re-lock the bootloader (there is a thread on how to make the bootloader say LOCKED, not Re-Locked) and then S-ON. After that, run the RUU file, and it will take you back to complete stock. Like you never unlocked the bootloader or rooted.
But, I would do everything except S-ON. If you go to S-ON and run the RUU, you will not be able to go back to S-Off again. The RUU will install the 1.57 software, and that version isn't supported by Firewater.
The only thing you really have to do is a simple re-lock of the bootloader before running the RUU. But, doing what I said would make the phone look like it was never rooted. Again, I would do everything I said except going back to S-ON.
I just successfully achieved completely stock with S-On. I gave my details here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55374644&postcount=2