Develop Bugs

few noob questions after finally rooting

Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster.
I finally gave in and fully rooted my EVO and successfully flashed the newest damagecontrol rom. Afterwards, I took some time and set up my phone like how it used to be with the apps, settings, etc. Just a few questions from after this.
If I wanted to flash a different ROM, it is recommended to do a data wipe, correct? And also a NAND backup. Does this mean that my phone will be reset to factory settings again - using the new ROM as a base? In other words, would I have to rearrange my screens, settings, etc. if I wanted to try out a new ROM?
If not a different ROM, but an updated version of my current ROM, do I just flash that on top of what I have? (i.e. DC4.0 is released, do I have to wipe everything again before upgrading?)
If the answer is yes to both these questions, what are the easiest/quickest ways to get my phone looking/acting the way I like when getting a new ROM?

also, I followed toast's method step by step, and got the Amon Ra recovery on my phone as well. What is the function of this? Sorry for all the questions, I have everything working fine, but I'm just curious as to what and how things work on the phone. What is the difference between the amon ra recovery and following steps to use clockword for recovery?
Thanks a lot

baxtercat said:
Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster.
I finally gave in and fully rooted my EVO and successfully flashed the newest damagecontrol rom. Afterwards, I took some time and set up my phone like how it used to be with the apps, settings, etc. Just a few questions from after this.
1. If I wanted to flash a different ROM, it is recommended to do a data wipe, correct? And also a NAND backup. Does this mean that my phone will be reset to factory settings again - using the new ROM as a base? In other words, would I have to rearrange my screens, settings, etc. if I wanted to try out a new ROM?
2. If not a different ROM, but an updated version of my current ROM, do I just flash that on top of what I have? (i.e. DC4.0 is released, do I have to wipe everything again before upgrading?)
If the answer is yes to both these questions, what are the easiest/quickest ways to get my phone looking/acting the way I like when getting a new ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
baxtercat said:
also, I followed toast's method step by step, and got the Amon Ra recovery on my phone as well. What is the function of this? Sorry for all the questions, I have everything working fine, but I'm just curious as to what and how things work on the phone. What is the difference between the amon ra recovery and following steps to use clockword for recovery?
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello there, iv done videos on this rom for youtube, if you want the links let me know but ill go as it follows.
Ok, if you want to test out new roms, just do a nand backup of the one you have now, after that. WIPE both Factory and Delvic cache. Then flash the new rom in your phone adn you will be fine.
Ok, i know DC does this, i dont know about the others yet, But if a new update comes out, just flash that DC update over yours and it will be fine. All user data will be there. YOU shouldn't have boot loop ether. If so, then you will have to wipe again. I didn't and im fine. ( I use fresh evo right now. loving it. )
As for the NAND backup. This saves EVERYTHING so once you are tired of a old rom and wanna try another, just restory the back up and your fine.

super-6-1 said:
Hello there, iv done videos on this rom for youtube, if you want the links let me know but ill go as it follows.
Ok, if you want to test out new roms, just do a nand backup of the one you have now, after that. WIPE both Factory and Delvic cache. Then flash the new rom in your phone adn you will be fine.
Ok, i know DC does this, i dont know about the others yet, But if a new update comes out, just flash that DC update over yours and it will be fine. All user data will be there. YOU shouldn't have boot loop ether. If so, then you will have to wipe again. I didn't and im fine. ( I use fresh evo right now. loving it. )
As for the NAND backup. This saves EVERYTHING so once you are tired of a old rom and wanna try another, just restory the back up and your fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thanks for the quick reply! That cleared up a lot of things for me.
So if I have everything set up the way I want, it is recommended to do a NAND backup at this point?
Also, what are the pros/cons of using Rom Manager (marketplace)?
Thanks a lot

baxtercat said:
Wow, thanks for the quick reply! That cleared up a lot of things for me.
So if I have everything set up the way I want, it is recommended to do a NAND backup at this point?
Also, what are the pros/cons of using Rom Manager (marketplace)?
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well if i was you, wait till you wanna flash something else THEN do a nand back up.
as far as rom manager goes, i dont use it. I just come on here and see whats new and what going on, you get a lot more from here then on rom manager, Plus, its free

super-6-1 said:
well if i was you, wait till you wanna flash something else THEN do a nand back up.
as far as rom manager goes, i dont use it. I just come on here and see whats new and what going on, you get a lot more from here then on rom manager, Plus, its free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I was thinking as well. Thanks
could you be kind enough to explain the different recovery files and their uses?

baxtercat said:
This is what I was thinking as well. Thanks
could you be kind enough to explain the different recovery files and their uses?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean? like the different kinds of recoverys? Really i just stay with toasts, his is more stable and as far as the clockmod one, It has issues with formatting the Factory cashe.

Honestly, for someone that is completely new to flashing roms, backing up etc., Rom Mgr. is the best thing for you. You may not have the absolute cutting edge of available roms, but it makes flashing/backing up extremely easy and straightforward. That is how I got started with my previous Droid until I felt comfortable enough to flash the old fashion way. I have literally flashed and backed up hundreds of times using clockwork mod (rom manager recovery) and have not had a single issue. Plus, the app is only a couple bucks if I remembe correctly. I would start there to gain some experience, then move on to flashing zips from here.
just my opinion.

Will rom manager work if I have Amon RA's Recovery?

I think it may replace your recovery

What do I do now?

Okay, first timer here and I have a few questions. I just completed rooting my phone via Simple Root. My build number is now 1.17.651.1.
My questions are as follows:
1) Now that I am rooted, what installation files can I delete from my SD Card?
2) I see that I need to do a recovery flash, do I do this immediately? What one do you recommend?
3) After I do the flash, are there any others files I need to install before I do a custom rom?
4) Which custom rom do you recommend?
5) Am I leaving anything else out that I forgot?
Thank you so much in advance!

SHicks18 said:
Okay, first timer here and I have a few questions. I just completed rooting my phone via Simple Root. My build number is now 1.17.651.1.
My questions are as follows:
1) Now that I am rooted, what installation files can I delete from my SD Card?
2) I see that I need to do a recovery flash, do I do this immediately? What one do you recommend?
3) After I do the flash, are there any others files I need to install before I do a custom rom?
4) Which custom rom do you recommend?
5) Am I leaving anything else out that I forgot?
Thank you so much in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you have rooted you can delete nearly anything you want, I wouldn't suggest doing it because I doubt you know what to do. But you do have the freedom to..
I would suggest you flash a recovery as soon as possible. It makes life easier. The two most common recovery are Amon Ra And clockwork.. I use amon Ra just because it had a better wipe feature but clockwork is used in rom manAger (look in to it).
After rooting you can look into upgrading your radio and your wimax and your kernal.
Custom roms are like sneakers, They all have different purpose and size. The most common ones are damagedcontrol and fresh. Do your research and experiment and find your sneaker. You can also just wait til the official stable cm6 comes out. For now I use fresh.
Try oUt some themes and different apps that are for rooted devices only. And there us always something neiw to do with your evo.
Sent from my SUPERSONIC reEVOlution using xda app

I am in the same boat as OP. I managed to make my way through SimpleRoot. But I am having a heck of a time digging through the forums to figure out what to do next. I feel like kind of an idiot, but I have no idea how to set up my backup/recovery "amon ra" right? And then I'd like to install the rooted 1.47 build and update my radio and wimax. Any direction would be VERY appreciated.

Thanks for the reply. Mind pointing me in the right direction for the radio kernel and wimax?

I'm new to this too. Read up a lot first. Easy root looks to make it pretty easy, but I learned more doing it the hard way. Used the two part method in dev section, by toast I think, with adb, nand unlock and all. Helps to understand the odd file structure, and what different parts do. You have to try things too, and just hope you don't f up. Using cm6 now and its pretty cool. Have fun man.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Liked he said read. And do a lot of it. Last thing you want is to brick your phone
Sent from my SUPERSONIC reEVOlution using xda app

gangsterholla179 said:
I would suggest you flash a recovery as soon as possible. It makes life easier. The two most common recovery are Amon Ra And clockwork.. I use amon Ra just because it had a better wipe feature but clockwork is used in rom manAger (look in to it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's wrong with Clockwork's wipe feature?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=734564&highlight=clockwork
Also, as for flashing a recovery, if you install ROM Manager from the market, it will give you an option to flash either Clockwork or Amon RA. It will stay there even if you flash new ROMs later, though there's a quirk where a new ROM Manager install will ask you to flash recovery, but then if one is already there it won't really change it, it just needs to see it to believe it.
Installing new files won't make a difference if you switch ROMs. It wipes your data when you re-flash, so you'll lose it all anyway (unless you back up your apps with Titanium Backup or MyBackup). All you need is a recovery installed - and I actually recommend Clockwork, but only because I use it myself and I have no problems with it - and you can reboot into it, install a new ROM, and start playing. I've never flashed from ROM Manager, even though it gives the option, but I imagine it does the same thing, but runs it automatically after a recovery reboot.
Read the "favorite ROM" thread with the poll attached, lots of good ROM recommendations in there. I'll say it once more: I'm using Fresh 1.0.1 and netarchy's 3.7.3c kernel (Fresh-compatible version). It's so fast and smooth.
If you like your current setup but want to try a new ROM, use ROM Manager (or Clockwork as a recovery reboot) to do a Clockwork backup. That way you can return to your current state if you want to. It's basically a system image that you can restore.
Here's one helpful page to start with.
And have fun.

Back on fresh 0.5.3, clockwork was not doing a great job with the wipe, causing the boot to loop. I believe it wasn't completely wiping the dalik cache.
Sent from my SUPERSONIC reEVOlution using xda app

Uhhhh Ohhhh... EVO repeatedly rebooting

Now, I thought, "hey, I'm not a novice with flashing ROM images, nor am I a *nix or system notice..." So, I decided to cook a ROM using the Online ROM kitchen: http://evo.feeder.pk/
I had run unrevoked3 + unrevoked forever, so I had clockwork recovery.
So, I copied the zipped ROM generated off the online ROM kitchen to the sdcard and then via clockwork installed /sdcard/update.zip (the ROM).
So, everything installed okay, then upon reboot, it seems to go into a reboot loop.
Lucky for me I performed a nandroid backup before installing the newly built ROM, and I'm in them middle of performing a nandroid restore; which I hope will resolve the problem.
1) Will the nandroid restore actually restore my entire phone back to how it was previously?
2) How do I actually install another ROM properly?
These are pretty n00b questions, but any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt

branded said:
Now, I thought, "hey, I'm not a novice with flashing ROM images, nor am I a *nix or system notice..." So, I decided to cook a ROM using the Online ROM kitchen: http://evo.feeder.pk/
I had run unrevoked3 + unrevoked forever, so I had clockwork recovery.
So, I copied the zipped ROM generated off the online ROM kitchen to the sdcard and then via clockwork installed /sdcard/update.zip (the ROM).
So, everything installed okay, then upon reboot, it seems to go into a reboot loop.
Lucky for me I performed a nandroid backup before installing the newly built ROM, and I'm in them middle of performing a nandroid restore; which I hope will resolve the problem.
1) Will the nandroid restore actually restore my entire phone back to how it was previously?
2) How do I actually install another ROM properly?
These are pretty n00b questions, but any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Its supposed to...
2) From what it sounds like, you installed everything okay, just with a bad ROM image. Installing any of the other ROMs already posted should relieve you of your bootloops (as should the nandroid). Unless you try overclocking, which some folks experience bootloops when overclocked over 1.15.

nol3n said:
1) Its supposed to...
2) From what it sounds like, you installed everything okay, just with a bad ROM image. Installing any of the other ROMs already posted should relieve you of your bootloops (as should the nandroid). Unless you try overclocking, which some folks experience bootloops when overclocked over 1.15.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir. nandroid obviously did restore everything back to normal (wasn't sure to what extent nandroid backed up the device, but it looks like every single thing was backed up).
As for a ROM, I really just want the stock froyo ROM, but rooted... Do you have any suggestions? I can't go OTA since I have clockwork recovery.
Thanks,
Matt

branded said:
Thank you sir. nandroid obviously did restore everything back to normal (wasn't sure to what extent nandroid backed up the device, but it looks like every single thing was backed up).
As for a ROM, I really just want the stock froyo ROM, but rooted... Do you have any suggestions? I can't go OTA since I have clockwork recovery.
Thanks,
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have flashed most of the ROMs here, but I have mostly been using CM6 (Cyanogenmod 6) since it came out. I did try Baked Snack, which is a very nice ROM with a beautiful theme, but it is Sense based and if by any chance you wanted to use a Wiimote for emulators, you cant. It is based off the HTC bluetooth stack, CM6 is not. Its kinda nice to get nightly (experimental) updates to flash if you want to also.
Its all a matter of personal preference, but my BEST results have been with CM6 - benchmark, features, and otherwise.
*E* You also may want to consider posting something like this in the Q&A forum next time...

Uhhhh Ohhhh wrong section

nol3n said:
I have flashed most of the ROMs here, but I have mostly been using CM6 (Cyanogenmod 6) since it came out. I did try Baked Snack, which is a very nice ROM with a beautiful theme, but it is Sense based and if by any chance you wanted to use a Wiimote for emulators, you cant. It is based off the HTC bluetooth stack, CM6 is not. Its kinda nice to get nightly (experimental) updates to flash if you want to also.
Its all a matter of personal preference, but my BEST results have been with CM6 - benchmark, features, and otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very cool. I'll take a look but I really want Sense, which I'm not sure if CM6 has. Thanks.
Sporkman said:
Uhhhh Ohhhh wrong section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flag the post and request a mod move it. There's really little reason to post a reply. It seemed like the best place given the descriptions of all the EVO sub-forums.

branded said:
Thank you sir. nandroid obviously did restore everything back to normal (wasn't sure to what extent nandroid backed up the device, but it looks like every single thing was backed up).
As for a ROM, I really just want the stock froyo ROM, but rooted... Do you have any suggestions? I can't go OTA since I have clockwork recovery.
Thanks,
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just get netarchys rooted stock rom and you should be ok... just make sure you get the rooted version

Next time do a wipe of your davik cache before installing any rom

playya said:
Just get netarchys rooted stock rom and you should be ok... just make sure you get the rooted version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks playya...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=740520
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=719763
evolol said:
Next time do a wipe of your davik cache before installing any rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc...-clockwork-clears-dalvik-cache-just-fine.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4535156&postcount=4
http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-eris/76110-what-dalvik-cache.html#post710236
And thank you both for ignoring that racist bag of donkey twats that responded earlier.

branded said:
Thanks playya... do you have a link?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4535156&postcount=4
http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-eris/76110-what-dalvik-cache.html#post710236
And thank you both for ignoring that racist bag of donkey twats that responded earlier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem quote from last response at that forum
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tamasabian View Post
Ok. So I should just clear it when I do a data wipe to flash a new rom? Will it be a problem if I just do a data wipe and flash a new rom without doing the dalvik cache?
i have had issues when i dont clear the dalvik cache, but never had issues when i do. just cear it, nothing bad will happen and only good can come of it

Sporkman said:
Uhhhh Ohhhh wrong section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed, theres a section for Q&A

evolol said:
no problem quote from last response at that forum
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tamasabian View Post
Ok. So I should just clear it when I do a data wipe to flash a new rom? Will it be a problem if I just do a data wipe and flash a new rom without doing the dalvik cache?
i have had issues when i dont clear the dalvik cache, but never had issues when i do. just cear it, nothing bad will happen and only good can come of it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thank you I will do that and attempt to reflash this ROM that I cooked.
Rocklee99 said:
agreed, theres a section for Q&A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flag the thread and request a mod move it. Glad that you all really want to up your post count so badly, shows real dedication to the forums cleanliness.

Your welcome...now show your dedication to this forum by following instructions & quit cluttering the development section with basic Questions

Not to delf: seems like I fall under a ClockworkRecovery user who's dalvik cache doesn't actually clear. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=719763) Kick ass!

I have the same problem as you!!!! I posted it in the wrong forum though so I'll briefly psot my problem and maybe someone can help me. I was trying to update my radio to the latest radio and it worked. I then realized I didn't have a 4g signal and the mod I was using supports 4g. So I tried updating to the latest wimax and then my phone started rebooting. After it boots android it reboots after a bout a minute or 2.
I FIXED it with a nandroid restore which had my 2.1-1 back up which I made during the idiot proof guide. So thinking that I can always use that backup as a restore I tried re-installing the radios because I don't see how they could not work on my phone and thought maybe I had a corrupt file, but voila my phone started rebooting again, but this time nandroid restore tells me to fix it via adb restore, BUT my usb isn't working either. So I'm stuck and have no idea on how to get this thing to load my restore. Any help would be appreciated.

I didn't read you're reply. But after installing RA, I think I'll be alright...
Here's the deal from start to finish...
download and install the android SDK
install all the necessary drivers
restart in recovery mode ( adb restart recovery or hold volume down when powering on the device)
use adb shell to access the shell while the device is in recovery
1) install RA recovery using adb method (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=705026) This may or may not be okay with or without running unrevoked first... not sure if flash_image was placed on the device by unrevoked.
2) reboot into recovery
3) flush dalvik cache via RA recovery.
4) flush cache via RA recovery.
5) use adb push to copy a downloaded ROM zip to /sdcard/update.zip (using RA recovery to mount the /sdcard/ partition)
- I've downloaded http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7512117
6) Install update.zip from sdcard in RA recovery
- After booting into the new ROM one time, I allowed it to start and configured... then performed 3,4,5 against flashing a new kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=719763
And that should be that. I'm currently downloading the ROM, so I don't know how it'll be.

Please help a noob root

Hey guys I have been reading about this for the last 3 hours or so and I just want to make sure I have everything figured out before I start this practice. Please check over what I have lined up and let me know if you have any recommendations.
Phone Info:
HBoot 2.10
Android 2.2
Baseband 2.15.00.11.19
Kernel 2.6.32.17
Software 3.70.651.1
PRI 1.90_003
I read this article first:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865204
From there I decided that Universal Auto Root was the best choice for me. Is this correct?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=838448
I am currently downloading the RUU and AutoRoot v2.0 as suggested by the instructions on the thread above. The part that is tripping me up is what to do about a ROM. From what I can tell the AutoRoot puts on the Sprint Lovers ROM. I have a fair amount of experience with ADW and LP so I'm not set on using the Sense UI. However if I do use Sense I think I would like to use this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=883026 It seems to be Sense minus the bull****. I don't know how to use AutoRoot with a different ROM. If anyone could help me there that would be amazing!
Also, if anyone recommends rooting a different way or using a different ROM please let me know or if someone can link me to go instructions about flashing ROMs etc.
Thank you and I apologize for asking something that has probably already been asked. I am just trying to get the most updated responses to ensure this goes well.

Just go to www.unrevoked.com and chose your phone. Download the reflash file and the usb driver. Follow the instructions of how to install rhe usb driver. Run the reflash file and it will do the rest. Good hunting.....
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Scnd2no1 said:
Just go to www.unrevoked.com and chose your phone. Download the reflash file and the usb driver. Follow the instructions of how to install rhe usb driver. Run the reflash file and it will do the rest. Good hunting.....
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beat Me To It... Lol!
Exactly What He Said!!
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

So do the unrevoked3 and then the unrevoked forever? Do I need to remove HTC Sync or anything?

Yes. Make sure that HTC sync is not installed!!! and just used unrevoke forever and have HBOOT drivers installed Prier to rooting. GOOD LUCK

How do I get the HBOOT drivers installed? So nothing to do with unrevoked3? Should I format my SD card beforehand just to be safe as well? Sorry for so many questions.

Here you go. fallow the instructions.
http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/windows_hboot_driver_install

bdK14 said:
How do I get the HBOOT drivers installed? So nothing to do with unrevoked3? Should I format my SD card beforehand just to be safe as well? Sorry for so many questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No sd card format need it.

bdK14 said:
How do I get the HBOOT drivers installed? So nothing to do with unrevoked3? Should I format my SD card beforehand just to be safe as well? Sorry for so many questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.... At Least I Didn't!!
To Install The Drivers, If I Remember Right?
Put The Drivers Somewhere That You'll Be Able To Access Them Easily (Desktop), Then Matter Of Fact Follow This!
Probably Better Than Me Explaining It... Lol!
http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/windows_hboot_driver_install
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

Ok well I never moved the unrevoked-forever.zip to my SD Card. Was I supposed to? Unrevoked3 flash tool or whatever ran and now my phone reads S-Off which is the goal. Now what do I do? Should I do the backups suggested here (RSA keys and nandroid)? Should I try to flash a ROM? Any suggested ROMs? How do I go about flashing a ROM? Move it to SD Card and go into recovery but then what?

Don't put unrevoke on your sd card. You have to do it on your PC. PLEASE MAKE A NANDROID!!! I CAN STRESS THAT ENOUGH!!! As far as Rom's try Myn's, is the best Rom right now.

bdK14 said:
Ok well I never moved the unrevoked-forever.zip to my SD Card. Was I supposed to? Unrevoked3 flash tool or whatever ran and now my phone reads S-Off which is the goal. Now what do I do? Should I do the backups suggested here (RSA keys and nandroid)? Should I try to flash a ROM? Any suggested ROMs? How do I go about flashing a ROM? Move it to SD Card and go into recovery but then what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have S-OFF you are rooted, now you just need to decide if you want to use a custom ROM or keep the stock one.

i'm not sure you absolutely get rooting. once you are rooted, you can SWITCH roms easily and safely. but, in order to do this, you need to install a custom recovery and a rooted rom. in the earlier days, devs would compile rooted roms from scratch, but sprint lovers is just a rooted rom with minor improvements. just root and then change roms.

Alright I rooted it successfully, flashed a ROM successfully, and then tried it out. Now I would like to try another one. I put the new ROM on the SDCard and now I am wondering what I have to wipe in clockwork recovery. I went into recovery and I have wiped cache partition, wiped data/factory reset, and wiped dalvik cache. Now do I just go ahead and "install zip from sdcard"?

Yes, going from ROM to ROM wipe Data, Cache and Dalvik and flash as normal. Should be good.
Always make backups. I advise you to change your Recovery to Amon Ra's. This will allow you to make backups of your "RSA Keys." This is important for 4G / WiMax.
Once you've changed recoveries, should you even choose to (don't HAVE to), make a backup with that one. Backups from Clockwork will not work with Amon's recovery, from what I've heard. Maybe there is a way from last I heard, but not sure. So when that's done, you can put those clockwork backups on your computer or delete them. Only after making sure you're sitting fine.
Either way, establish backups (I have a stock rooted backup, confirmed working CURRENT ROM as well as taking one before doing something drastic. JIC ) and then start flashing. Try to enjoy yourself.
edit: toss those backups somewhere safe IE computer / ext hdd etc

i have a qucik question? what method should i use on an evo wuth the hardware 0003 and the 3.70 ? thanks in advance

m3xicanprid3 said:
i have a qucik question? what method should i use on an evo wuth the hardware 0003 and the 3.70 ? thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zikronix's method. for sure.
edit: link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=10472082

Hey guy also a bit of a noob here when it comes to the Evo, I rooted my incredible and it worked fine but I am worried a bit more about this phone cause its a work phone. First I was wondering does 4g work with any of the custom roms? I see that Cryogen just came out with an asop rom that seems to work with 4g but I am wondering do the sense based roms work with 4g? Also I see something about wimax keys what are they and what happens if I lose them.

Seagrizzly said:
Hey guy also a bit of a noob here when it comes to the Evo, I rooted my incredible and it worked fine but I am worried a bit more about this phone cause its a work phone. First I was wondering does 4g work with any of the custom roms? I see that Cryogen just came out with an asop rom that seems to work with 4g but I am wondering do the sense based roms work with 4g? Also I see something about wimax keys what are they and what happens if I lose them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4g works with all ota-based roms (minus the serious exeptions of course). rsa keys are the acutal keys that say "this phone is authorized to use the sprint 4g network". they are matched with hardware, so if you lose them, you cant ever get them back. even sprint cant. the easiest way to prevent this is to not use clockworkmod (i think its safe now) and to back up your keys. niether of these are very hard.

Ok thanks so I just use unrevoked to root the phone and then do a first time nandroid backup and I should be good to go? Then I can do S-off if I want?
Also how hard right now is it to put the phone back to stock if something strange should happen? Want to make sure I get to use my 7 buck a month insurance if I have something go wrong with the phone.

[Q] Newbie Here - Got ?'s Before Trying My 1st Rooting Venture

please feel free to direct me to any threads I might have missed - there is sooo many on here...
I have spent the last 2 to 3 weeks reading forums & articles (mostly from xda here once I found it or sites linked from here). I think I have a lot of things down and I even attempted to start my first root but after trying to use the adb shell I could not get a response from my phone. after reading and re-reading I determined that my EVO needs a factory reset before this will work (have not done this as of yet). I even confirmed this on another thread with someone else having a similar problem.
but before I dive in again I thought it wouldn't hurt to sign up here and ask questions (even repetitive dumb ones to some I'm sure) & get input. thanks for any help in advance.
and to let everyone know a little about me - I work on computers for a living and have for quite a few years now so I am alright with technical things and electronics. (more of a hardware guy but I install software & OS's etc.) I have flashed many motherboards also which flashing the phone sounds similar.
ok so on to my questions (these are in no order either just as I remember them)
as I said flashing a phone sounds similar but it sounds like there is approximately 4 different things to flash? is that right? a ROM, a recovery tool, you're wimax partition/key (might be saying this one technically wrong), and a kernel?
is a recovery tool (which is Amon_RA or clockwork - is that right to?) completely necessary? is there a stock version? also the HBOOT is just the boot loader right? nothing to do with the recovery tool if I understand correctly.
if necessary I want to use the Amon_RA from what I have read to. do I need to download and flash this separately? I thought I read it was part of the ROM package but I can not find where I read that at right now.
btw - I have saved all my phones info (software & hardware versions) if that would help with answers
before I go further I will try to keep it brief and give some information as to what I would like (I have read those threads to so I am pretty sure about this for now) - I am looking to go with the latest SprintLovers ROM. well I would actually luv gingerbread but I'm not ready for anything to "not" work. if I understand this correctly SprintLovers should have everything stock and be unlocked. I want what I have now including my 4G (I didn't see 4G listed as not working for this ROM) to work but I want what Sprint is keeping me from taking advantage of to - all the goodness built into Froyo but mainly full non-restricted wired & wireless tethering. I have also decided to go with the deodexed (sp?) version to have everything possibly necessary.
this will take up more room though on the built in memory right?
another question arises from the above - is it not possible to just root my phone and then continue using my stock ROM? or is the stock sprint ROM also locked in some manner to some degree (like being odexed if I understand the meaning correctly)? where I would not be able to use/install apps that require a rooted device
let's see
oh yes about doing a NANDROID backup - from everything I have read it seems like this backup occurs after the rooting AND flashing of a new ROM to the phone - am I right about this? if so that means I am just backing up my NEW ROM I just flashed? and not the stock one I had from the factory? if so is there no way to backup the stock ROM? or is that just completely unnecessary and being paranoid on my end as I have read about unrooting and using a stock RUU which I guess would be the same thing my phone has right now?
is it possible to just backup the wimax partition - root my phone - flash the SprintLovers ROM and be done without flashing a kernel or the wimax partition? (is that the right order?)
as for the kernel I have read many threads on that to and would just like to continue using the stock kernel for now.
one the threads I am going by and planning to follow is...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829045
but I do have a question - the instructions under "Lets Get Rooted!"
- well it states to push two files to the phone - PC36IMG.zip & PC36IMG-MR.zip then goes on to instruct on renaming the first to PC36IMG-ENG.zip and renaming the second to PC36IMG.zip and flashing both - why is this? what does MR stand for? I am guessing that is not 2 ROMs is it? if it is why would that be necessary? on that thread it also says he is using the SprintLovers ROM but if I go to the SprintLovers ROM thread the instructions there don't mention flashing PC36IMG.zip twice. the download I followed from the SprintLovers thread only linked me to download one PC36IMG.zip also (which I downloaded).
lastly (i think), how does my phone know to keep it's phone number or that it is still a sprint device and that it should talk to sprint to make phone calls and such? is that built in somewhere else or another part of the built in memory that does not get flashed?
thanks again to anyone and everyone who has time to help me. feel free to point me in the right direction if you have read my post and feel I am misunderstanding something. i look forward to learning some more & finally getting my phone rooted.
(sorry about the huge post & if I posted this in the wrong spot)

See my comments in red.
thegh0st said:
please feel free to direct me to any threads I might have missed - there is sooo many on here...
I have spent the last 2 to 3 weeks reading forums & articles (mostly from xda here once I found it or sites linked from here). I think I have a lot of things down and I even attempted to start my first root but after trying to use the adb shell I could not get a response from my phone. after reading and re-reading I determined that my EVO needs a factory reset before this will work (have not done this as of yet). I even confirmed this on another thread with someone else having a similar problem. (factory reset is NOT needed to root)
but before I dive in again I thought it wouldn't hurt to sign up here and ask questions (even repetitive dumb ones to some I'm sure) & get input. thanks for any help in advance.
and to let everyone know a little about me - I work on computers for a living and have for quite a few years now so I am alright with technical things and electronics. (more of a hardware guy but I install software & OS's etc.) I have flashed many motherboards also which flashing the phone sounds similar.
ok so on to my questions (these are in no order either just as I remember them)
as I said flashing a phone sounds similar but it sounds like there is approximately 4 different things to flash? is that right? a ROM, a recovery tool, you're wimax partition/key (might be saying this one technically wrong), and a kernel?
(technically, you don't need to flash any of these to have root. You can use Unrevoked to obtain root and keep the stock rom, kernel and recovery. Do NOT mess with flashing anything for your Wimax UNLESS you absolutely have to; meaning it doesn't work)
is a recovery tool (which is Amon_RA or clockwork - is that right to?) completely necessary? is there a stock version? also the HBOOT is just the boot loader right? nothing to do with the recovery tool if I understand correctly.
(with a customer recovery, it will make things like flashing and creating NAND back-ups much easier. Download ROM Manager (I suggest the premium version), and once you have root with Unrevoked, you can flash either clockwork or Amon recovery using this app. Please remember if you create a NAND back up with Amon, you can only restore it with Amon recovery and vice versa)
if necessary I want to use the Amon_RA from what I have read to. do I need to download and flash this separately? I thought I read it was part of the ROM package but I can not find where I read that at right now.
(some roms may include a customer recovery, yes. However, you will need root AND an unlocked boot loader (meaning "s" is off or you have the engineering hboot) to flash a custom rom that would include a custom recovery.)
btw - I have saved all my phones info (software & hardware versions) if that would help with answers
before I go further I will try to keep it brief and give some information as to what I would like (I have read those threads to so I am pretty sure about this for now) - I am looking to go with the latest SprintLovers ROM. well I would actually luv gingerbread but I'm not ready for anything to "not" work. if I understand this correctly SprintLovers should have everything stock and be unlocked. I want what I have now including my 4G (I didn't see 4G listed as not working for this ROM) to work but I want what Sprint is keeping me from taking advantage of to - all the goodness built into Froyo but mainly full non-restricted wired & wireless tethering. I have also decided to go with the deodexed (sp?) version to have everything possibly necessary. (tethering is controlled by the kernel. If the Sprint Lover's rom is based off of a stock kernel, wireless tether will NOT work. You would need to flash a custom kernel that would allow for that.)
this will take up more room though on the built in memory right?
(not sure)
another question arises from the above - is it not possible to just root my phone and then continue using my stock ROM? or is the stock sprint ROM also locked in some manner to some degree (like being odexed if I understand the meaning correctly)? where I would not be able to use/install apps that require a rooted device
(yes, you can just root the stock rom and keep that.....a lot of people prefer it this way. It will be odexed, but you can find a deodexed version of the stock rom on here if it means that much to you.)
let's see
oh yes about doing a NANDROID backup - from everything I have read it seems like this backup occurs after the rooting AND flashing of a new ROM to the phone - am I right about this? if so that means I am just backing up my NEW ROM I just flashed? and not the stock one I had from the factory? if so is there no way to backup the stock ROM? or is that just completely unnecessary and being paranoid on my end as I have read about unrooting and using a stock RUU which I guess would be the same thing my phone has right now?
(no....you are backing up your current rom so you can go back to it should you get some kind of error while flashing the new rom)
is it possible to just backup the wimax partition - root my phone - flash the SprintLovers ROM and be done without flashing a kernel or the wimax partition? (is that the right order?)
(yes, you can root with Unrevoked Forever which gives you root and changes your hboot to s-off and then flash the Sprint Lovers rom without a kernel....again, don't mess with the Wimax unless it gets borked and you have to.)
as for the kernel I have read many threads on that to and would just like to continue using the stock kernel for now. (if you want wireless tether, a stock HTC kernel will not work. Again, depending on the kernel that comes on the rom you choose, you may or not be able to use this feature.)
one the threads I am going by and planning to follow is...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829045
but I do have a question - the instructions under "Lets Get Rooted!"
- well it states to push two files to the phone - PC36IMG.zip & PC36IMG-MR.zip then goes on to instruct on renaming the first to PC36IMG-ENG.zip and renaming the second to PC36IMG.zip and flashing both - why is this? what does MR stand for? I am guessing that is not 2 ROMs is it? if it is why would that be necessary? on that thread it also says he is using the SprintLovers ROM but if I go to the SprintLovers ROM thread the instructions there don't mention flashing PC36IMG.zip twice. the download I followed from the SprintLovers thread only linked me to download one PC36IMG.zip also (which I downloaded).
(That thread is from November and very outdated. Do NOT try any of that because it will not work. Go here http://unrevoked.com/#evo and read. If you're tech inclined, this will be VERY easy for you to do.) Edit: I see this thread was updated 1/26. However, I am not familiar with this root method, so I prefer not to comment on it. Read, read and read. Also, check which software version your phone has and look for a root method for that particular software. Although I believe that Unrevoked currently works with all software version.)
lastly (i think), how does my phone know to keep it's phone number or that it is still a sprint device and that it should talk to sprint to make phone calls and such? is that built in somewhere else or another part of the built in memory that does not get flashed?
(How does the phone know? I don;t know, but you don't have to worry about this. You do not need to call Sprint and reactivate your phone after rooting or flashing.)
thanks again to anyone and everyone who has time to help me. feel free to point me in the right direction if you have read my post and feel I am misunderstanding something. i look forward to learning some more & finally getting my phone rooted.
(sorry about the huge post & if I posted this in the wrong spot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Ok, so TL;DR you are curious about rooting.
The absolute fastest and simplest way to root would be to use Unrevoked, just google unrevoked and read their guide, there is even a video tutorial step by step. Unrevoked has been updated to all versions of the EVO. When you root with Unrevoked, it automatically changes your recovery from the Stock unusable recovery to Clockwork mod 2.6.
When you flash a Rom, it comes already with a kernel, you can choose to change the Kernel but this is not required, Flashing wimax keys is not something you do, what you do is create a backup and this will backup your wimax keys. It is confirmed that Clockwork 2.6 makes a backup of your wimax keys.
You cannot make a backup of your unrooted stock rom, however as soon as you become rooted, you can make a backup of your stock rooted rom. Inregards to Clockwork vs Amon, If you root with Unrevoked you will have clockwork, if you wish to switch Ra recovery, you should follow the step by step instructions in the Ra Recovery thread in the development section.
Sprint Lovers is a Sense rom, which means it is 100% functional, the only 90% roms are AOSP(MIUI, CM, Gingerbread, ect..) if a rom is based on the 3.70 OTA Update it will be a sense rom, and be 100% functional. Before you Flash any rom, ALWAYS go into your recovery and Wipe Data, Wipe Cache, Wipe Dalvik Cache. Perform all wipes twice for best results. In Ra recovery these are all in the front page, in clockwork you need to go to advanced to access the dalvik wipe.
In regards to nandroid, you cannot do this without rooting, Once you root you will have a custom recovery, from inside your custom recovery you will select Nandroid(Clockwork), or Backup/Restore(Ra Recovery), and perform your backup. Both is these recoveries will make a backup of your Wimax keys, Ra Recovery is the only one that lets you select individual items to backup. Please also note, if you make a backup with clockwork it is only good with clockwork, and if you backup with RA it is only good with RA. So if you decide to change recoveries, you must redo your backups.
Your phone keeps its number because the only thing flashing changes is your software, it doesn't change your phones ID numbers that were activated on the sprint network.
Here are some Links for you.
Unrevoked Root Method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895208
Ra Recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=705026
Sprint Lovers Rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=830153
Again if you are new to all of this, Unrevoked is the fastest simplest method to rooting your phone.

I think you got two very good answers... Unrevoked by far easiest and trouble free rooting procedure IMO out there. I would just flash Amon recovery afterwards.
Also there is a nice program to help with other things called androidcommander.
Backing up your programs you can try MYBAckup
Like said previously no need to back up your rom but look into SPB Backup or Sprite Backup if you are still concerned

I think you have a pretty good handle on the phone stuff and the other answers you got were awesome...(gotta love the xda community!!)
My only gotchas you have to pay attention for are.
1. Having the correct drivers installed to use unrevoked. It is in the tutorials and in the instructions so you should be good
2. Getting the custom recovery (whther clockwork or amon ra) gives you great options to flash new stuff and backup existing installations, keeping backups is your friend!
3. I prefer Amon Ra over clockwork but clockwork is not a bad recovery, it's just preference (there are also certain posts out there that have clockwork being required to use for CM7, this may or may not be the case, I love me some Amon Ra)
4. at the bare minimum wipe cache and davlik in recovery when installing kernels, roms, and what not...I prefer a full wipe when switching between roms but if I'm just upgrading through betas or using the same devs roms I normally don't fully wipe.
5. Use Calkulins Format All.zip to do a full wipe, it just feels safer to use.
6. If something goes wrong don't get discouraged! restoring a nandroid or reflashing a rom will clear things up usually...
7. IMPORTANT - if you install new radios or PRIs or anything like this DO NOT PULL YOUR BATTERY IF IT TAKES A WHILE, just let it work...you will have problems...Using the sprint lovers all in one I feel is the safest route.
Forum advice
1. ignore the unfriendly people on the forums...they have nothing better to do than sit around and wait for people to ask dumb questions and get to use the same cliched links and jpegs to post to your question / thread...
2. Search and read and read and read before posting something that may have been covered.
Hope this helps, feel free to PM me, though I'm nowhere near the geniuses who are on these forums, so I'm closer to you than you think.

thanks for all the answers so far!
I am aware from all the reading and more reading not to mess with the wimax (RSA keys) as for flashing unless it is a last ditch effort to fix 4G. in my OP I just reference them to be sure on my understanding and how I am perceiving things to work. I believe the more I understand (basics, mechanics, etc.) the easier time I will have and the easier to trouble shoot.
oh and I have read and understand to backup the wimax/RSA keys also. that is made really clear in the threads I have read.
also I see everyone is saying to use unrevoked but from what I read here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865204
...I was not really looking to go that way. it states in this thread for the 3rd option "Longer step by step version: - Complicated and more time consuming but easier to troubleshoot" which is the way I would like to go so I understand more and have a better way to trouble shoot. I wouldn't wanna one click and bork with nothing to understand if that makes sense.
now from what I have read SprintLovers ROM has a built in wireless tether I thought so I guess this ROM has it's own kernel then from the information everyone has provided me with so far. is that typical for a ROM to have it's own kernel built and flashed with the ROM the same way some ROM's have their own recovery tool? if so I can live with that.
btw - just in case this helps:
SUPERSONIC EVT2-3 SHIP s-ON
HBOOT-2.10.0001
TOUCH PANEL-ATMELC03_16ac
RADIO-2.15.00.11.19
OCT 15 2010, 12:07:00
Software information
Android version
2.2
Baseband version
2.15.00.11.19
Kernel version
2.6.32.17-gee557fd
[email protected] #15
Build number
3.70.651.1 CL294884 release-keys
Software number
3.70.651.1
Browser version
WebKit 3.1
PRI Version
1.90_003
PRL Version
60674
Hardware information
Hardware version
0003
- that is my current phone info (oh doh I was going to reference replies but I gotta wait 5 min first)

thegh0st said:
now from what I have read SprintLovers ROM has a built in wireless tether I thought so I guess this ROM has it's own kernel then from the information everyone has provided me with so far. is that typical for a ROM to have it's own kernel built and flashed with the ROM the same way some ROM's have their own recovery tool? if so I can live with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of roms come with a 3rd party kernel already built into it. The OP of the thread you got the rom from says (or should say) if and what kernel was baked into the rom. Some devs will even recommend custom kernels that have been tested with their rom.

Tuffgong4 said:
1. Having the correct drivers installed to use unrevoked. It is in the tutorials and in the instructions so you should be good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see above reply
4. at the bare minimum wipe cache and davlik in recovery when installing kernels, roms, and what not...I prefer a full wipe when switching between roms but if I'm just upgrading through betas or using the same devs roms I normally don't fully wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this can be done with the stock setup right?
5. Use Calkulins Format All.zip to do a full wipe, it just feels safer to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I would use this .zip and flash it like you flash a ROM or recovery etc.?
7. IMPORTANT - if you install new radios or PRIs or anything like this DO NOT PULL YOUR BATTERY IF IT TAKES A WHILE, just let it work...you will have problems...Using the sprint lovers all in one I feel is the safest route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks - good to keep in mind if I ever have to
Forum advice
1. ignore the unfriendly people on the forums...they have nothing better to do than sit around and wait for people to ask dumb questions and get to use the same cliched links and jpegs to post to your question / thread...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am usually pretty good at letting the water slide off and I tend to think I won't know things if I don't ask
2. Search and read and read and read before posting something that may have been covered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
promise I have read a lot!

Good information from everyone...just my two cents:
You can use Wireless Tether with the stock kernel; however, from what I understand you will not be able to use the naitive hotspot.
The link you posted for rooting is my favorite method. It works on HW 0004 and HW 0003, along with HBOOT 2.10

rugedraw said:
A lot of roms come with a 3rd party kernel already built into it. The OP of the thread you got the rom from says (or should say) if and what kernel was baked into the rom. Some devs will even recommend custom kernels that have been tested with their rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! I might have just missed that or forgotten (I will check that thread again) - i've got a jumble of info/things in my mind atm but once I actually do this and the more I do, well that usually straightens things out

1. As for rooting method there are a few but the easiest (at least to me) is unrevoked. Install drivers set your phone to charge only and wait a few minutes, voila! it's rooted.
4. It can be done with a custom recovery
5. Yes you flash it like a regular .zip like a rom or kernel (it's not 100% necessary but I like having it on my sd card and I normally combine it with a wipe from just the custom recovery

Khilbron said:
Ok, so TL;DR you are curious about rooting.
The absolute fastest and simplest way to root would be to use Unrevoked, just google unrevoked and read their guide, there is even a video tutorial step by step. Unrevoked has been updated to all versions of the EVO. When you root with Unrevoked, it automatically changes your recovery from the Stock unusable recovery to Clockwork mod 2.6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
again see my reply - trying not to use the one click method
When you flash a Rom, it comes already with a kernel, you can choose to change the Kernel but this is not required, Flashing wimax keys is not something you do, what you do is create a backup and this will backup your wimax keys. It is confirmed that Clockwork 2.6 makes a backup of your wimax keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doh! you answered one of my follow up questions right here lol so they do come with a kernel - gotcha! - and from all the reading I have done I understand about the wimax/RSA keys - I believe I read a thread and someone who answered said Amon_RA backs them up to but I will make a manual backup also to be sure
You cannot make a backup of your unrooted stock rom, however as soon as you become rooted, you can make a backup of your stock rooted rom.
In regards to nandroid, you cannot do this without rooting, Once you root you will have a custom recovery, from inside your custom recovery you will select Nandroid(Clockwork), or Backup/Restore(Ra Recovery), and perform your backup. Both is these recoveries will make a backup of your Wimax keys, Ra Recovery is the only one that lets you select individual items to backup. Please also note, if you make a backup with clockwork it is only good with clockwork, and if you backup with RA it is only good with RA. So if you decide to change recoveries, you must redo your backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for all this and the info on what the backups are actually called per recovery - that is some great info - it seems I was correct in thinking I could not do a nandroid without rooting but I could do a nandroid or Amon_RA backup before flashing a ROM & technically a nandroid is the backup term for clockwork. glad to know this and what Amon_RA is called - I mighta been wondering where I messed up going with Amon_RA and not finding a nandroid option.
now you say I will have a custom recovery once I root? but I the reply before yours states I can root and leave everything stock to?

This has helped me too, but I do have a couple extra questions:
1) Root
2) Nand backup using recovery of choice.
3) Flash a ROM
OK, if after #3 I find my 4g is borked and have lost my RSA keys, would flashing the backup made in #2 restore the lost keys correctly?
And, is restoring a Nand backup just like flashing a ROM?
Thanks,

rugedraw said:
See my comments in red.
I think I have a lot of things down and I even attempted to start my first root but after trying to use the adb shell I could not get a response from my phone. after reading and re-reading I determined that my EVO needs a factory reset before this will work (have not done this as of yet). I even confirmed this on another thread with someone else having a similar problem. (factory reset is NOT needed to root)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
according the long method (this is the method I would prefer to use) this is required to use z4root (temp root) and get the phone to respond and is supported here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=891674&highlight=z4root - please let me know if I read that wrong or misunderstood
as I said flashing a phone sounds similar but it sounds like there is approximately 4 different things to flash? is that right? a ROM, a recovery tool, you're wimax partition/key (might be saying this one technically wrong), and a kernel?
(technically, you don't need to flash any of these to have root. You can use Unrevoked to obtain root and keep the stock rom, kernel and recovery. Do NOT mess with flashing anything for your Wimax UNLESS you absolutely have to; meaning it doesn't work)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just making sure I understood how things work here - thank you though - and yes I know not to flash wimax/RSA keys - also about unrevoked see my other replies - not looking to use the one click method if possible
is a recovery tool (which is Amon_RA or clockwork - is that right to?) completely necessary? is there a stock version? also the HBOOT is just the boot loader right? nothing to do with the recovery tool if I understand correctly.
(with a customer recovery, it will make things like flashing and creating NAND back-ups much easier. Download ROM Manager (I suggest the premium version), and once you have root with Unrevoked, you can flash either clockwork or Amon recovery using this app. Please remember if you create a NAND back up with Amon, you can only restore it with Amon recovery and vice versa)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this information to - very helpful - now about the ROM manager and using it to get a custom recovery I would do this after I get rooted right?
another question arises from the above - is it not possible to just root my phone and then continue using my stock ROM? or is the stock sprint ROM also locked in some manner to some degree (like being odexed if I understand the meaning correctly)? where I would not be able to use/install apps that require a rooted device
(yes, you can just root the stock rom and keep that.....a lot of people prefer it this way. It will be odexed, but you can find a deodexed version of the stock rom on here if it means that much to you.)
as for the kernel I have read many threads on that to and would just like to continue using the stock kernel for now. (if you want wireless tether, a stock HTC kernel will not work. Again, depending on the kernel that comes on the rom you choose, you may or not be able to use this feature.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if root my phone & I stay with stock (ROM & kernel) then I can install some root requiring apps but I wouldn't be able to get tethering? is that right? I don't care if it is sprint's hotspot or an after market app. I just would like one that works
and thank you very much again for all the information and answers!

topdawgn8 said:
Good information from everyone...just my two cents:
You can use Wireless Tether with the stock kernel; however, from what I understand you will not be able to use the naitive hotspot.
The link you posted for rooting is my favorite method. It works on HW 0004 and HW 0003, along with HBOOT 2.10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! I am definitely not worried about the native built in hotspot - just a wireless tether (and wired) that works - third party/after market - which ever
sounds like something to try at least before completely flashing the ROM

n00bhackin said:
This has helped me too, but I do have a couple extra questions:
1) Root
2) Nand backup using recovery of choice.
3) Flash a ROM
OK, if after #3 I find my 4g is borked and have lost my RSA keys, would flashing the backup made in #2 restore the lost keys correctly?
And, is restoring a Nand backup just like flashing a ROM?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am hardly the one to be answering for sure but from all the reading I have done I believe I did read at the very least a couple of times that you rename your backup file as PC36IMG.zip and flash it so I would think it is like just flashing a ROM but we would be flashing our backups.
hopefully someone with more knowledge will answer and confirm our thoughts
as for if that brings the wimax/RSA keys - good question

n00bhackin said:
This has helped me too, but I do have a couple extra questions:
1) Root
2) Nand backup using recovery of choice.
3) Flash a ROM
OK, if after #3 I find my 4g is borked and have lost my RSA keys, would flashing the backup made in #2 restore the lost keys correctly?
And, is restoring a Nand backup just like flashing a ROM?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you backed up your wimax.img. In Amon Ra's backup you can select Wimax as one of the items to back up during a nandroid. I'm not sure about Clockwork recovery but in Amon Ra's it is not on by default. I created it once and haven't done it again as I have it backed up to my pc.

Yup, would make sure I had everything backed up before I went flashing ROMs. Just want to make sure that I can recover everything using the nand backup (inc Keys) if something flashes wrong.
I live and travel in 4G areas, and don't want to lose that access.
So as I hear it I back up with Clock or RA w/ all options check, and if I needed to restore just rename to PC36IMG.zip and flash on that.
Thanks for the info,

n00bhackin said:
Yup, would make sure I had everything backed up before I went flashing ROMs. Just want to make sure that I can recover everything using the nand backup (inc Keys) if something flashes wrong.
I live and travel in 4G areas, and don't want to lose that access.
So as I hear it I back up with Clock or RA w/ all options check, and if I needed to restore just rename to PC36IMG.zip and flash on that.
Thanks for the info,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually just do a nandroid restore in the recovery and everything comes back. I have never used the PC36IMG.zip method. I also don't suggest restoring the wimax.img unless you have 4g problems, there is no reason otherwise...I suggest doing the backup and then saving the img in a safe place...
You can do a restore without certain .imgs in it.

Sweet...thanks so much, that just upped my confidence level to root. Needed to know I could and how to restore back to a starting point. Looks like I got a project now for this weekend...Root here I come....
Now I just gotta choose from all the great ROMs out there. Decisions decisions decisions.