Develop Bugs

HTC Evo, want to do a froyo 2.2 stock

Hello all I just received my Evo yesterday. I managed to Root the phone using Unrevoked 3.21. But, now I just want to wipe everything and build my phone from the ground up. I wanna do the latest android so froyo 2.2 and on stock HTC Sense. Can anybody link me to a guide that will lead me to the right direction? Thanks.

BETA. said:
Hello all I just received my Evo yesterday. I managed to Root the phone using Unrevoked 3.21. But, now I just want to wipe everything and build my phone from the ground up. I wanna do the latest android so froyo 2.2 and on stock HTC Sense. Can anybody link me to a guide that will lead me to the right direction? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got lots and lots of reading to do. There is no specific guide, you need to learn what ROMs are what.
Good luck building your phone from the ground up and then adding in Sense.
Why did you root if you didn't have a reason to do it? You were at 2.2 and HTC sense when you bought the phone.

First things first....
1) Have you made yourself familiar with recovery mode yet and what it can do?
2) Have you done a nandroid backup yet? This should of been the first thing to do after rooting.
If you have not done this and need help just post back so u can be directed to the right walkthrough.
If you have done this and want to use your phone with the latest software and root capabilities, then I would suggest downloading the latest HTC 3.30 from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819838 It has not been officially released yet but seems to be very stable and contains some official fixes. I have flashed it myself and seems to be working fine. Make sure you do a full wipe and backup before flashing. This should put your phone to stock w/ root capabilities and let you build on the latest software from the ground up.
**By the way...if you are planning to use themes then download the "deOdexed" version, otherwise, get the "Odexed".
Hope this helps.

All I did was root my phone and downloaded Titanium Backup and got rid of some Sprint apps. That's about it... but no, I am not really familiar with recovery mode and nandroid back up. So, all the help I can get is always welcome. Thanks.
Also, when I do a complete wipe and reinstall the stock rom, the Sprint apps will also be included?

If it is the stock rom then unless whoever posted it took these out, then they should be on there. Can't remember for sure, but I believe the stock 3.30 will take you to exactly like stock except rooted and with new software version.
Couple things you should do first....
1) Read through this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=790427
2) Search for how to do nandroid backup and get that done first. Without it, you have nothing to recover if something does not flash properly.
3) Read, read, read.....if there is something you don't understand search these forums or the internet. If you can't find the answer then post something.
**If you are rooted do not take the OTA updates. It could really screw things up. Check in these forums first because something will be posted about it.

[Q] Question about Official T-Mobile US OTA Update 2.2.1 Froyo 34.4.9

I just downloaded the 2.2.1 Froyo 34.4.9 update.zip and am really anxious to give it a try. I'm kinda new at this, I have a rooted Defy (Superoneclick method) and I did root and flash a custom ROM on my CliqXT (adb push method) and have both working good. So, I'm not completely dumb to this stuff but I read in a couple of the thread posts that some people have had issues with 3G and WiFi after installing this update. I do believe that troubleshooting that stuff might be a bit over my head so I'm just wondering if this has been an on going issue or if its rare? If I follow the posted instructions correctly do I have a good chance at ending up with a trouble free version of Foyo? FYI...My Defy is Rooted (factory ROM) 2.1 update1 with Blur Version 3.6.36 and I have a Nandroid backup.

I wasnt sure where to post my previous question since I found the info in the Dev's forums, but I guess because I haven't posted at least 10 times I wasn't allowed to post my question in the Dev's thread I got the .zip from. Funny because I saw a post from someone that didnt even know what "root of the sd card" was but they're allowed to post in that thread. Not trying to offend anyone just making an observation. New to this site so I'm just learning the rules.

I dont think you should be so anxious I upgraded today and the only issue was that it was initially a bit slow but after a few minutes everything was zipping along perfectly.. My 3g is just fine and my Wifi as well. I was able to reroot using superoneclick (update undoes root), and overclock using milestone-overclock app.
I was getting near a near 1000 quadrant score at stock b4 overclocking and got in the 1400's after overclocking to 1200mhz @80.
If you follow the directions it should work no prob.. Welcome to froyo

Those problems you mentioned only apply to the leaked FroYo SBF files. And it only affects those that flash the SBFs to phones that are not specific to that SBF.
I flashed the leaked FroYo for T-Mo USA on my T-Mo USA Defy and had no problems.
You should be fine with the official update.
If you can, please make a nandroid after you update and post it here...
Thanks!
realityrat said:
I wasnt sure where to post my previous question since I found the info in the Dev's forums, but I guess because I haven't posted at least 10 times I wasn't allowed to post my question in the Dev's thread I got the .zip from. Funny because I saw a post from someone that didnt even know what "root of the sd card" was but they're allowed to post in that thread. Not trying to offend anyone just making an observation. New to this site so I'm just learning the rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Are common folk getting the update today?

hah2110 said:
Are common folk getting the update today?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the Moto forum an Admin is asking for any issues discovered by those who have updated to 2.2. Not sure if this means they're still trying to sort it.
https://supportforums.motorola.com/message/335597#335597

"Common Folks?" Wow, I hope that wasnt supposed to be some kind of insult. You should remember something, its us "common folks" that have the clean Nandroid backups the Dev's seem to be needing, its us "Common Folks" that flash the custom ROMS and donate to the Dev's in appreciation for their hard work. But if us "common folk" aren't welcome here then I can leave because the last time I checked I was able to root and install custom ROMS on both of my phones without your help. Not bad for "common folk"

Lol you took my comment way out of context. I'm not a dev. I don't even have a defy. I'm about intermediate android when it comes to roms, flashing, etc.
I simply meant that, until now, you needed to root, install custom os, etc to get froyo.
realityrat said:
"Common Folks?" Wow, I hope that wasnt supposed to be some kind of insult. You should remember something, its us "common folks" that have the clean Nandroid backups the Dev's seem to be needing, its us "Common Folks" that flash the custom ROMS and donate to the Dev's in appreciation for their hard work. But if us "common folk" aren't welcome here then I can leave because the last time I checked I was able to root and install custom ROMS on both of my phones without your help. Not bad for "common folk"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

Ok, sorry about that. The official OTA 2.2 release was done for a limited time a month or so ago (supportforums.motorola.com/thread/44255?start=0&tstart=0). I have a rooted Defy with custom recovery and download the update.zip from the Dev's forum. Sorry if I wasnt clear about that.

Hi! So what about that nandroid?
realityrat said:
Ok, sorry about that. The official OTA 2.2 release was done for a limited time a month or so ago (supportforums.motorola.com/thread/44255?start=0&tstart=0). I have a rooted Defy with custom recovery and download the update.zip from the Dev's forum. Sorry if I wasnt clear about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I havent installed the OS yet. I got a little more research to do but once I do it I'll be happy to provide the Nandroid. I have a couple questions about the current status of my SD card that I wanna look into first. Hopefully i'll be running Froyo in the next day or so and will provide the Nandroid ASAP.

I would like to know if I have Clockwork Recovery installed, can I still flash the official rom using the Update.zip file on SD card? Thanks.

Just want to be clear on the Nandroid backup. Are you asking me to make the backup right after flashing new OS before anything else gets installed? Basically a stock Defy running Froyo? If you give me details on what you're wanting it'll help alot with my learning process and it'll help make sure that you get what you're looking for. And does a Nandroid backup contain all info thats on SD card?

Yes, a Nandroid right after you update so that none of your data is on there and everything is stock.
Nope, the contents of the SD Card are not included when you make a Nandroid...
Thank you, your help is appreciated!
realityrat said:
Just want to be clear on the Nandroid backup. Are you asking me to make the backup right after flashing new OS before anything else gets installed? Basically a stock Defy running Froyo? If you give me details on what you're wanting it'll help alot with my learning process and it'll help make sure that you get what you're looking for. And does a Nandroid backup contain all info thats on SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Beach_Head said:
Yes, a Nandroid right after you update so that none of your data is on there and everything is stock.
Nope, the contents of the SD Card are not included when you make a Nandroid...
Thank you, your help is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any suggestions as to how to backup? I rooted the official (beta) tmous 2.2 with superoneclick (Z4 didn't work), and tried to install tenfars recovery module, however, it won't work with this rom. Is there another one that you suggest to use?

Try this one: kb7sqi's Recovery
Also, have you tried disabling USB Debugging before booting to recovery on Tenfar's Recovery?
You'll have to do that for it to work. The same goes for kb7sqi's Recovery.
Nasty bug or something...
darule_2011 said:
Do you have any suggestions as to how to backup? I rooted the official (beta) tmous 2.2 with superoneclick (Z4 didn't work), and tried to install tenfars recovery module, however, it won't work with this rom. Is there another one that you suggest to use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

this version doesn't work on this rom either...and the updated version was pulled.

Replied to your PM.
You can use Tenfar's and even kb7's old one. They both work.
You just need to disable USB Debugging before rebooting to recovery...
darule_2011 said:
this version doesn't work on this rom either...and the updated version was pulled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks Beach Head...got it running...will post soon.

Fantastic!
I'll be waiting...
darule_2011 said:
Thanks Beach Head...got it running...will post soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Help needed! rooting

Hello everyone
I am looking for some guidance as I have a stock DHD 2.3 (freshly updated) If there's someone who can tell me the steps and eventually the links because I don't know the order of the rooting process nor where to find the tools I shall hit the thanks button madly and hope I won't end with a big digital brick..
also any recommended ROMS?
thanks in advance

Well, you need to downgrade first DOWNGRADE LINK.
Then after radio S-OFF (you dont have to, but it'll be much better) you can install ROM Manager and flash CWM recovery.
The CWM recovery will allow you to flash new Custom ROMs to your device.
You can then go back up to 2.3, or do whatever you want really.
I can't suggest any ROM to you, because everyone has their own taste in ROMs. I flashed a Stock-ROOTED 2.3 ROM and modified it to my liking using many different MODs out there.
But the android development section contains many different ROMs.
EDIT: CWM recovery will add many advantages to your phone. One big advantage is backing up your phones current ROM (aka Nandroid).
If anything goes wrong while trying to flash other ROMs or MODs, you can just simply restore your backup (and if you know where the problem is, you can restore only part of the backup). This feature is what made me install (or flash) CWM recovery.
And plus, it makes flashing ROMs and other stuff so easyyyyyy!!!

This forum isn't here to hold peoples hands to get them through rooting processes etc. All information is gathered in quite simple guides that are available for everyone to read so we won't have to explain over and over again to the thousands of new users how to do everything. Your question have been asked countless times and you would have found multiple threads with everything explained thouroughly if you used the search function (read the rules). But instead you created a new thread and made it harder for the next person to find information because this forum is filling up with a lot of similar threads that could have been avoided if people spent some time searching the forum. I don't mean to be offensive, but you have to be able to do something on your own if you want to enter the world of custom roms etc. New users should do some researching so that they know what they're getting in to and not just jump in head first and hope that somebody does everything for them
Anyway, here's something to get you started:
EDIT: Better guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=964996
Edit: youtube video by xda-developers.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmvCpR45LKA

Hawks556 said:
Edit: youtube video by xda-developers.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmvCpR45LKA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHAHA, yea i just watched that, its so true though!!!

Hey! thanks again, both of you.. I just needed the order, I'll search over the forum for anything else. Hawks556, you are right but you are rude though.. you don't have to be so severe, it is a forum an I felt free to ask.. of course I'm not the first to have this question, I'm not one of a kind..
again thank you for your help and indeed, the youtube video is soo true! )

tibrocks said:
Hey! thanks again, both of you.. I just needed the order, I'll search over the forum for anything else. Hawks556, you are right but you are rude though.. you don't have to be so severe, it is a forum an I felt free to ask.. of course I'm not the first to have this question, I'm not one of a kind..
again thank you for your help and indeed, the youtube video is soo true! )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry if I sounded harsh, I didn't mean to. Just tried to make my point clear. (The fact that 3 or 4 similar threads was started just today might also have something to do with it ). I wish you all the luck with your project

It's ok and you are right, there's no arguing
now I have a question: regarding the goldcard, I don't understand if I have to get a different card from my actual 8gb I'm using, make it a gold card and then switch back to my non-gold former card, or I have to use my phone all the time with this new goldcard??
thanks

tibrocks said:
It's ok and you are right, there's no arguing
now I have a question: regarding the goldcard, I don't understand if I have to get a different card from my actual 8gb I'm using, make it a gold card and then switch back to my non-gold former card, or I have to use my phone all the time with this new goldcard??
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try here
http://theunlockr.com/2010/03/10/how-to-create-a-goldcard/
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-make-gold-card-for-htc-desire-hd/
I use a different card generally it is only used to bypass security... so does not need to be used all the time .... if you use your normal card backup it up as you may trash

I tried to get Visionary+ but it has Trojan virus... anywhere else safer?!
and I don't get it, after permaroot is S-OFF (radio s-off) and after that what?! after my phone is S-OFF I install RomManager or is there sth in between?

Heres a genuine link .. LINK
well, after S-OFF, you install ROM Manager, then choose the first option from ROM Manager ('flash clockworkMod Recovery').
--ROM Manager and CWM recovery is not a MUST, but is needed to flash ROM and MODs to your device.
let me make it clear...
radio S-OFF is to allow you to flash new radios(if you dont know what a radio is, search ).
ENG S-OFF allows you to do more extreme things and can get you out of a 'nearly bricked' device (so i've heard). It makes your phone VERY flexible and allows you to modify nearly everything!
^--this is to my knowledge--^
anyway, this isnt needed to be rooted, it just increases the amount of thing you can do with your phone.
CWM recovery flashes over your stock HTC Recovery. Its also not a must, but also allows MUCH more flexibility.

tibrocks said:
I tried to get Visionary+ but it has Trojan virus... anywhere else safer?!
and I don't get it, after permaroot is S-OFF (radio s-off) and after that what?! after my phone is S-OFF I install RomManager or is there sth in between?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignore that virus warning, it'd be your AV identifying it as a rootkit, which oddly enough it is. If you can add it to your whitelist or disable your AV whilst downloading/moving it from your PC to your phone.

thanks for clearing the things for me.. as for the link, there's the virus.. This is what my Nod32 says.. I've searched on other sites to download but still the same..

andyharney said:
Ignore that virus warning, it'd be your AV identifying it as a rootkit, which oddly enough it is. If you can add it to your whitelist or disable your AV whilst downloading/moving it from your PC to your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I'll try this way but I'm afraid it'll harm my PC.. ) anyone who risked?

tibrocks said:
Ok, I'll try this way but I'm afraid it'll harm my PC.. ) anyone who risked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes ..the are more than few Thousands of us ..(more than 10 000 only on Android Revolution HD)
just follow the indications in the link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=905003
and everything will be just fine
and if something doesnt works the way is supposed to be...believe me ..YOU DID SOMETHING WRONG...these steps are verified
MAY THE DROID BE WITH YOU

What have I done wrong? attempting to downgrade, this is what I got (every time)

it worked after reboot

tibrocks said:
it worked after reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that you have root and s-off....finaly you are really abbe to Brick your phone ....i'm just jocking enjoy your DHD..... and from all the ROMS i recommend Android Revolution HD
si daca ai nelamuriri vis a vis de ceva ...trimite-mi un PM

Just got a defy

I have just bought a defy and want to root it. Im not too keen on Motoblur and want to get rid of it if it is possible! However, I have never rooted a phone in my life. I have noticed that there are a few roms knocking around for this phone.Cyanogenmod and Gingerbread Android 2.3.4. Which is the best one? I will also need an idiot proof tutorial if anyone would be good enough to point me in the right direction. I would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance guys but Im a bit.....

cyanogenmod 7 is the best..it is stable and its nice..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065798
follow this link..it has everything u need to know to install CM7..
To root follow this tutorial
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-motorola-defy-with-superoneclick/
All the best

arpith.fbi said:
cyanogenmod 7 is the best..it is stable and its nice..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065798
follow this link..it has everything u need to know to install CM7..
To root follow this tutorial
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-motorola-defy-with-superoneclick/
All the best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks arpith.fbi . I will have a go at it when Im awake and refrreshed (ive been working nights lol). Will this remove the t-mobile branding? Ive already had the device unlocked but it still has the t-mobile logo popping up on start up etc. Thanks arpith.fbi. Your help is very much appreciated

yea..no tmobile crap..u can customize the way u want..check it out

TudorBlue said:
Thanks arpith.fbi . I will have a go at it when Im awake and refrreshed (ive been working nights lol). Will this remove the t-mobile branding? Ive already had the device unlocked but it still has the t-mobile logo popping up on start up etc. Thanks arpith.fbi. Your help is very much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a custom rom like Cyanogenmod will remove the t-mobile logo at bootup.
Before you start flashing a rom I'd recommend you to first browse some of the threads and to read some tutorials and FAQ's.

Jaflo said:
Flashing a custom rom like Cyanogenmod will remove the t-mobile logo at bootup.
Before you start flashing a rom I'd recommend you to first browse some of the threads and to read some tutorials and FAQ's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume I need to root my phone first and foremost? I will use SuperOneClick as this looks quiet easy to do, even for me.

Oops I forgot to add thgat my defy is on 2.51. Will this be a problem??? I want to be sure that I dont screw up my new phone. Cheers

I suggest you go to a stock 2.2.2 via MSU or RSD Lite. For your locale. Try it for a while (- the GB retail is very good). You don't need to root to do that, and it is fairly easy and safe.
You could then try and remove the Blur stuff and some bloat after rooting. Plenty of guidance around. This will increase your familiarity and experience, which you lack by your own admission.
If this doesn't give you what you want, then try a Custom ROM. Note that no 2.3 Custom ROM presently provides a "100%" experience. It may be that you need something they cannot yet deliver... I'm not sure why you desperately need to do this, not having tried 2.2?
Take things one step at a time and don't rush.

LenAsh said:
I suggest you go to a stock 2.2.2 via MSU or RSD Lite. For your locale. Try it for a while (- the GB retail is very good). You don't need to root to do that, and it is fairly easy and safe.
You could then try and remove the Blur stuff and some bloat after rooting. Plenty of guidance around. This will increase your familiarity and experience, which you lack by your own admission.
If this doesn't give you what you want, then try a Custom ROM. Note that no 2.3 Custom ROM presently provides a "100%" experience. It may be that you need something they cannot yet deliver... I'm not sure why you desperately need to do this, not having tried 2.2?
Take things one step at a time and don't rush.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will take your advice. What do I need to do to remove branding and bootlogo? I assume MSU stands for Motorola Software Update. What is RSD lite? How do I use either of them to remove the network branding? I know these questions are probably seem idiotic to you guys as you are the experts but this is my first adroid and I need to start at the beginning so any help with this is very much appreciated.

You have to learn all the basics at the development forum threads before making any changes to your phone.
I suggest you to root your phone, install 2nd Init (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1032212) and make a full backup before you get the party started.
You can debrand you phone (including the bootlogo) if you install a custom rom.
The questions you've asked are already answered on the forum in a better way than I could do.
So start trying to use the search tools and don't forget to read the forum rules.
I'm a newbie here too, and following these advices I didn't get in trouble yet...

I still suggest, as you are new to Android and phone hacking, that you take small steps and learn about Android before hacking. I'm not sure why you have a branded phone - why not just get a retail one?

LenAsh said:
I still suggest, as you are new to Android and phone hacking, that you take small steps and learn about Android before hacking. I'm not sure why you have a branded phone - why not just get a retail one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was cheaper than buyiong an unbranded version. Im reading up on it now and I think Im starting to pick things up a little. Android seems to be a lot more complicated than an iphone but Im getting there.................slowely

LenAsh said:
I suggest you go to a stock 2.2.2 via MSU or RSD Lite. For your locale. Try it for a while (- the GB retail is very good). You don't need to root to do that, and it is fairly easy and safe.
You could then try and remove the Blur stuff and some bloat after rooting. Plenty of guidance around. This will increase your familiarity and experience, which you lack by your own admission.
If this doesn't give you what you want, then try a Custom ROM. Note that no 2.3 Custom ROM presently provides a "100%" experience. It may be that you need something they cannot yet deliver... I'm not sure why you desperately need to do this, not having tried 2.2?
Take things one step at a time and don't rush.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a mistake, the firmware version is 2.2.2. Right where do I start. I think I will debrand it first.

I followed this to debrand:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=853674
And then this to root:
arpith.fbi said:
...
To root follow this tutorial
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-root-motorola-defy-with-superoneclick/
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything works fine.

I have now debranded it. RSDLite wouldnt work on my windows 7 desk top through. I followed the debranding tutorial to the letter but my defy wouldnt show up. I used my Vista laptop and it worked first time. It was actually quite easy. I do have another question though. I have debranded my defy and no longer have the t-mobile boot logo on start up. However, when I go into my menu, I do still have t-mobile widgets. How do I get rid of them?? I have tried dragging and dropping them into the waste bin but as soon as I got back into the menu, the widgets have returned. Its not a big issue but I would like to get rid of them if possible. Thanks in advance guys (again)

most probly u flashed a t-mobile sbf..other retail sbf wont show t-mobile widgets..anyways u can remove them with root explorer..its quite easy..

arpith.fbi said:
most probly u flashed a t-mobile sbf..other retail sbf wont show t-mobile widgets..anyways u can remove them with root explorer..its quite easy..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed it with the UK Retail .SBF , version 2.2.2 service flash. Because I was already on 2.2.2. I went for the same version number. Im sure you klnow the one but here is the link.
http://and-developers.com/sbf:defy
Would it do any harm if I went for another version??

no no..2.2.2 is fine...anyways use root explorer to get rid of those crap..
the best way to clean install is to enter Stock Recovery, then do "Wipe data/Factory reset" and "Wipe cache" and then flash an sbf...this will wipe "everything" and will install freshly..

arpith.fbi said:
no no..2.2.2 is fine...anyways use root explorer to get rid of those crap..
the best way to clean install is to enter Stock Recovery, then do "Wipe data/Factory reset" and "Wipe cache" and then flash an sbf...this will wipe "everything" and will install freshly..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you enter stock recovery? Do you mean on the device itself?
Edit............Its ok, Ive susssed it out. I had to press trhe volume keys up and down simultaniously. This stuff is not that difficult to do once you get started and read through everything.

[Q] Regular Flasher but noob to Deft - Help Needed

Can anyone give me some pointers please ?
My kids have had Defys (green lense) since last christmas. Rooted them straight away but have never tried to flash them.
So ... rooted ... green lense .... running 2.1 (!) .....
Looking to flash them a gingerbread ROM. now ive done this loads on my HTC Desire and Asus Transformer so im ok with the principle ... but loads of the ROMs for the Defy are suggesting other methods rather than flash the zip via CWM. Some are saying I need to go to Froyo first ?!
Can anyone recommend an easy (stable ish) Gingerbread ROM to flash from the current state of these Defys ??
Cheers.

cm7 2.3.5 very stable and fast

pmp326 said:
cm7 2.3.5 very stable and fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cheers ... but is that going to mean a flash to froyo first ? is there a preferred froyo rom to flash to first ??

unfortunately yes no way to get around it

the first time i tried i was very confused too. then i found out you don't have to worry about cwm, it's included in the 2nd init. all you need after rooting is to install 2nd init, reboot into recovery and do your tricks from there. it is recommended to wipe data/cache and dalvik cache first before choosing "select zip from sd" to install your preferred rom.
and yes, you need to goto froyo first. gingerbread apparently is not compatiple to eclair from my understanding. the recommended froyo rom to use is Nordic, but i just update to my carrier's official stock froyo (telstra, Australia). worked perfectly.
you can follow the instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065798
there's only one thing missing from that instruction, basebandswitcher. read up about it and make sure you select the correct baseband for your carrier. otherwise you might get weak or no cell signal.
there are better and simpler instructions elsewhere if you google for it, but i guess i'm not supposed to refer anything outside this forum

just as a note, beware that if you flash a froyo sbf, yo will most likely not going to be able to restore it to 2.1 even with another SBF ( it's a thing mototola is doing now, called e-fuse )
just be informed of that.

cheers guys. got so used to flashing Desire and now Transformer it seems like its a whole new world on the Defy

wilbur-force said:
cheers guys. got so used to flashing Desire and now Transformer it seems like its a whole new world on the Defy
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same here dude, i m from india and i m cuming from galaxy 3 but noob at defy. The most irritating thing here is that u cant go back to previous version or may be it looks messy bcoz i have not done it yet.

Please guys, read this thread before starting threads. All your queries are explained in detail here.
[GUIDE] All-in-One Defy Beginner's guide