Develop Bugs

[Q] post/pre OTA explaination?

Could someone explain or point me in the direction of an explanation for how installing a custom rom affected automatic updates, as well as the difference between pre and post ota, and why we can't install a pure clean android 2.2 installation in our phones. I am relatively new to this, but did alot of iPhone hacking before.. I've already rooted, S-OFF and flashed a few different roms having my phone 2 weeks and new to android hope someone can explain, thanks :_)

When you flash a custom ROM, you will no longer get the automatic updates OTA. Either you will have to revert to the stock ROM for the update, or the ROM developer will have to incorporate the OTA update changes into the ROM.
There are a few ROMs that attempt to give you a plain vanilla Android experience. But in my opinion, Cyanogen is one of the best mixes of plain Android with lots of extra features.

Okay that makes sense, I'm currently using a villian rom with no sense, is it worth my while installing cyanogen? and if so will i go with RC4 of wait for the stable release?

jakbjak said:
Could someone explain or point me in the direction of an explanation for how installing a custom rom affected automatic updates, as well as the difference between pre and post ota, and why we can't install a pure clean android 2.2 installation in our phones. I am relatively new to this, but did alot of iPhone hacking before.. I've already rooted, S-OFF and flashed a few different roms having my phone 2 weeks and new to android hope someone can explain, thanks :_)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the reason for many semi-bricks from trying to downgrade to original stock rom pre- or post-OTA was the fact that hboot was hacked, and not truly "S-OFF." If you search the dev section you will find the S-OFF, SIM unlock, SuperCID guide that will give you true S-OFF. I recommend reading that--it helped elucidate why semi-bricks were showing up. Once this is done, it should be easy to flash a rooted, stock ROM when the OTAs start showing up and get the update that way, or just wait for it appear in the forums (which is usually sooner than the OTA gets pushed out, anyhow).

So the S-OFF I have isn't complete? Not that I need a sim unlock as I bought the phone off contract, but it's worth my while getting the true S-OFF? Thanks for all ye're help, there are so many people talking about these things in every section it's hard to pull a search of a simple explanation,

jakbjak said:
So the S-OFF I have isn't complete? Not that I need a sim unlock as I bought the phone off contract, but it's worth my while getting the true S-OFF? Thanks for all ye're help, there are so many people talking about these things in every section it's hard to pull a search of a simple explanation,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the previous S-OFF was via an engineering version of HBOOT, which was set to report S-OFF. But the security setting is actually held in the radio, and was still S-ON.
The new, "true" S-OFF (via gfree) is a lot safer than the old method, e.g. much less prone to a brick if you flash the wrong thing (e.g. an older RUU than the ROM you're running).

[Q] stock update S-OFF phone

I've used the search but frankly, the vBulletin search still sucks after all these years.
I rooted the phone following this guide. Now my phone says a system update is available.
Since I would like to install it (my phone is still 1.34, I think. The latest version should be 1.72, right?) and installing a stock update onto a S-OFF phone is highly inadvisable (I've read), how do I go about this?
I have Visionary installed but it says the phone does not appear rooted, even though it is (just checked).
I'm sure there have been others with similar questions and I just couldn't find the right thread. If so, please point me in the right direction.
Regards and thank you,

Kokuyo said:
I've used the search but frankly, the vBulletin search still sucks after all these years.
I rooted the phone following this guide. Now my phone says a system update is available.
Since I would like to install it (my phone is still 1.34, I think. The latest version should be 1.72, right?) and installing a stock update onto a S-OFF phone is highly inadvisable (I've read), how do I go about this?
I have Visionary installed but it says the phone does not appear rooted, even though it is (just checked).
I'm sure there have been others with similar questions and I just couldn't find the right thread. If so, please point me in the right direction.
Regards and thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you root your phone? There is no need to update your phone to the latest OTA update if you are wanting to install custom ROMs.

Because I was testing custom mods and wanted to go back to stock?

Kokuyo said:
Because I was testing custom mods and wanted to go back to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhh, I thought you had just rooted it. I updated the day after I received my new phone. I had problems with bluetooth (music wouldn't resume after ending phone calls) and wound up here on the XDA forums looking for answers. I ended up rooting my phone, installing CM6 and now CM7 and never looked back. There is no bluetooth switching problems using CM builds so I'm happy.

Found this:
http://www.thinkthinkdo.com/trac/project1/wiki/back_to_stock

Thanks, that looks interesting. Now the only question: Do I need my original CID? And if so, how do I find it now that the CID has been changed by gfree?

That link is about a procedure to restore the stock G2 ROM. Since you seem to have a DZ ROM, I'm not sure if you want to flash a G2 ROM (though the other bits might be useful).
The 1.72 OTA update has been rootable for some time now, so you can safely accept the update if you want. But it might be easier just to flash the 1.72 ROM in its entireity (you can get it from the dev forum).
With SuperCID and S-OFF you should have no problems flashing 1.72.

steviewevie said:
With SuperCID and S-OFF you should have no problems flashing 1.72.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Then I don't quite understand the stickied warning thread that says to never, ever attempt that.
Anyhow, I gave the Virtuous mod another go. Since it has sense and 1.72 I'm thinking of testing this one out a bit more, before I go flashing stock.
Thanks for the replies, though.

Am i about to kill my HD?

I have a Orange branded DHD, unlocked via IMEI, running 2.3.3, i want to install the HTC rom as i have been told it comes with far less bloatware.
I do want a genuine rom though, rather than a cooked version, so have opted for the HTC rom. I found and downloaded the following file which claims to be what i need.
Am i correct?
RUU_Ace_Gingerbread_S_HTC_WWE_2.36.405.8_R_Radio_12.54.60.25_26.09.04.11_M2_release_187331_signed
Also, as it is a genuine rom, do i still need to do all that "rooting" business?
Or can i go ahead and install/flash?
Thanks for any possible help or tips.

leethedon1 said:
I have a Orange branded DHD, unlocked via IMEI, running 2.3.3, i want to install the HTC rom as i have been told it comes with far less bloatware.
I do want a genuine rom though, rather than a cooked version, so have opted for the HTC rom. I found and downloaded the following file which claims to be what i need.
Am i correct?
RUU_Ace_Gingerbread_S_HTC_WWE_2.36.405.8_R_Radio_12.54.60.25_26.09.04.11_M2_release_187331_signed
Also, as it is a genuine rom, do i still need to do all that "rooting" business?
Or can i go ahead and install/flash?
Thanks for any possible help or tips.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your phone is allready rooted then, after installing the new Official ROM it will be unrooted again, You can try downgrading to the official 1.3x version and then update from HTC direclty. I dont know if you gonna have any problems
because your phone is branded, but i dont rly think so. Im just a user using roms etc, have no idea for further instructions!

Considering you paid a hefty sum for your Desire HD, i strongly recommend you first find your branded rom somewhere in the dev forum first. Just in case you have to reflash teh stock rom for warranty issues. For the rest, I also recommend downgrading to 1.3x first and then flashing whatever you want (cooked roms need s-offs and root). I have a guide in my sig on how to root, s-off and flash a rom, however, stock roms are executables from what i know so you might not need to follow my guide just plug in your dhd with drivers installed and let the exe do its work. Regarding downgrading, you will find a link in my thread to the "Downgrading to 1.3x thread". Have fun
Edit:
I know of 3 ways to brick your dhd:
1. Partitioning your sd card with clockwork mod recovery 3.0.2.5
2. Editing some esf files or something and mistyping something
3. SMashing your phone into a brick wall repeatedly
So, don't worry so much, it's not a galaxy S

Yes, the file i have is an executable file. I think it is the most recent genuine HTC rom available for this device.
So, that being said, i should not need to root or downgrade etc? Just double click & go?
Surly you should not have to root your device when wanting to install a different, but still genuine rom?
I have found it very difficult to locate stock roms for this device.
Going to have another search now, but if anyone knows a shortcut, i'd be more than gratefull

leethedon1 said:
Yes, the file i have is an executable file. I think it is the most recent genuine HTC rom available for this device.
So, that being said, i should not need to root or downgrade etc? Just double click & go?
Surly you should not have to root your device when wanting to install a different, but still genuine rom?
I have found it very difficult to locate stock roms for this device.
Going to have another search now, but if anyone knows a shortcut, i'd be more than gratefull
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need to downgrade first as your device is branded. Once downgraded just run the RUU and Bobs your mothers brother.

If you have an orange dhd you will need the orange upgrade. I'm pretty sure if you try to use a different one it won't let you do it. I'm not 100‰on this.
I used to get android updates for T-Mobile brand off the T-Mobile website.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

twiztedvvv said:
If you have an orange dhd you will need the orange upgrade. I'm pretty sure if you try to use a different one it won't let you do it. I'm not 100‰on this.
I used to get android updates for T-Mobile brand off the T-Mobile website.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why you need to downgrade.

@ ghostofcain
And to downgrade is it just a simple rom flash? Or do i need to root or s-off etc first?
I know this would be the case with cooked roms, but i'm only talking about Genuine releases here.
I'm currently running an Orange branded 2.3.3 ROM, so if i simply flash an older rom to the device, then i am all set to flash the newest HTC generic rom to the Desire, right?
That older rom i need to flash first, it would have to be Orange branded too right? Is there any chance you could give me it's exact name or provide a link?
Thanks greatly for the help.

leethedon1 said:
@ ghostofcain
And to downgrade is it just a simple rom flash? Or do i nee- talking about Genuine releases here.
I'm currently running an Orange branded 2.3.3 ROM, so if i simply flash an older rom to the device, then i am all set to flash the newest HTC generic rom to the Desire, right?
That older rom i need to flash first, it would have to be Orange branded too right? Is there any chance you could give me it's exact name or provide a link?
Thanks greatly for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you have downgraded you don't need root or s-off to flash the RUU and you don't have to flash an orange branded one. You can flash any updated .exe.
if I have time ill find you a link..
*EDIT*
Also bear in mind if you flash the orange ruu. Or any other branded rom. It will still have all the bloatware you are trying to get rid of.
You must flash a standard HTC one. Go to the HTC website and download the official update from there. You will need to downgrade first though.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

@ twiztedvvv
That's the problem, the HTC 2.3.3 rom was only ever released OTA, and is not available to download from their website.
Although i think i have managed to find the ".exe" version of that rom.
RUU_Ace_Gingerbread_S_HTC_WWE_2.36.405.8_R_Radio_12.54.60.25_26.09.04.11_M2_release_187331_signed
From what i can tell, this seems to be the newest, Genuine HTC 2.3.3 rom for the Desire HD.
So, i just need to downgrade and then install this right?
So what do i need & what do i do to downgrade, bearing in mind what i currently have installed?

forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1152233
follow this guide. downgrade to 1.32 and then flash the ruu you have. don't worry if its not the right one it won't install it if it's wrong. hit the thanks button if I've helped.

twiztedvvv said:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1152233
follow this guide. downgrade to 1.32 and then flash the ruu you have. don't worry if its not the right one it won't install it if it's wrong. hit the thanks button if I've helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so where would i find this 1.32 rom?
Also, when i have this HTC rom loaded on, will i still receive any OTA updates? And would they be HTC branded one's from that point on?

leethedon1 said:
Ok, so where would i find this 1.32 rom?
Also, when i have this HTC rom loaded on, will i still receive any OTA updates? And would they be HTC branded one's from that point on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the 1.32 downgrade should be in the link I sent you. I'm not sure about the ota updates. its seriously worth considering doing a full root after you dg and try out some of the fantastic roms some of which are kept as stock but you have more options and root privilages.

leethedon1 said:
Ok, so where would i find this 1.32 rom?
Also, when i have this HTC rom loaded on, will i still receive any OTA updates? And would they be HTC branded one's from that point on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to downgrade and use a goldcard to de-brand your phone. You cannot flash a standard WWE ROM on a branded phone. After you have completed the steps of de-branding and flashing the latest WWE ROM.... OTA updates may or may not work.
Everything you have asked about is already thoroughly documented elsewhere in the forum and I suggest you go read all the stickies. Do not do anything with your phone that you do not fully understand as you could run into problems.
With Regards to warranty and such-like that people have mentioned, HTC don't really care what you do to the phone software-wise, they might have a problem if you returned it too them in pieces claiming that it just came out of your pocket that way.
Just read everything here and you should be good to go.
Peace.

[Q] Not only debranding, but enabling direct OTA from HTC

Hi, I regret to say I am a noob. I have read around for the past few days and have a general idea of rooting and flashing ROMs.
I have a branded T Mobile DHD and I not only want it debranded, but I want it to function as if T Mobile never touched it. That is, I want to be able to debrand it once and then receive OTA updates direct from HTC when they are released (all the way up to the eventual ICS).
I have two main questions. One, can I replace the T Mobile ROM with the Stock HTC one without root and without a custom recovery (that is, installing the stock ROM using the stock recovery -renaming it update.).
Two, do I need to change the CID to HTC__001 to enable future OTA updates?
There may be things I have missed. Please point me in the right direction if this is the case, cause the info I've found isn't as specific as I'd like it.
Thank you!

Unfortunately not sure if there is such a thing. I have rooted and used custom ROMS and in the end went back to my providers RUU. I find even though some bloat ware the software is fast enough bug free and battery life is very good. Search the net maybe find your answer there.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using xda premium

rzgomba said:
Unfortunately not sure if there is such a thing. I have rooted and used custom ROMS and in the end went back to my providers RUU. I find even though some bloat ware the software is fast enough bug free and battery life is very good. Search the net maybe find your answer there.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have clarified, I'm using a T Mobile DHD off ebay with a 3 sim. The reason I want to have a clean DHD is primarily so I can be free from waiting on T Mobile for updates. The reason I want to be clean and have OTA direct from HTC is because I've always been happy with stock, unbranded ROMs.
Thanks though.
Is there no way of completely restoring the DHD to a purely unbranded state so that it functions as a factory bought one?

I read this
"If you're coming from a branded ROM and just want to debrand, you can stop here. By reverting back to an unbranded 2.2 ROM, you will now be able to receive OTA update straight from HTC without any network bloatware. You can continue with the root process, but it is not recommended you download OTA updates when rooted."
on androidforums, the thread "How to root and install a custom ROM on the Desire HD" (I can't post links)
Which is what got me thinking about debranding and leaving it there, but reading up about CID and OTAs I got confused, wouldn't mine still be T Mobiles and not HTC__001 after downgrading? It'd be great if someone could explain how simply reverting back using a goldcard results in successful HTC OTAs.
Or I could just root the phone and install HTC WWE ROMs as they appear online.
What would be best?

You would have to gain root/soff/supercid first after that you just simply flash the unbranded ruu.

It should be doable, I would imagine all it takes is setting the proper CID/MID and flashing a WWE RUU, and never rooting/installing custom recovery.

Hunt3r.j2 said:
It should be doable, I would imagine all it takes is setting the proper CID/MID and flashing a WWE RUU, and never rooting/installing custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could I use the Advanced Ace Hack Kit to give me those permissions, then using the Kit revert it to a WWE RUU?
If not, I'll try rooting then installing a RUU separately. I know how to install ROMS from zip files through recovery, how do I install a stock exe RUU on a rooted phone?

Reverting back to son unbranded to me would be an unnecessary step. This is what I would do.
1)use the hack kit to get supercid/soff
2) flash the unbranded ruu
3)done
To flash an ruu, you would simply just run the program from your PC with your phone connected

Should I update to Marshmallow?

Good day, guys.
I recently bought a HTC Desire Eye (eye_tuhl) and I was wondering if I should update the phone first to Marshmallow before rooting it? I read through the development threads and it seems that people have difficulty with regard to the Marshmallow firmware. I am planning to flash S.ROM and the patch after rooting.
Also, after rooting, which ROMs are available for flashing for my variant, if I'm going to stay S-ON? I read that some ROMs have problems with S-ON phones. I also wanted to confirm that the Minis Reloaded Kernel also works in S-ON, provided that it will be flashed using a PC and is used with a ported ROM from M8.
I am sorry if the questions seem redundant, I got confused with the whole variant/firmware/S-ON snafu coming from devices which were relatively easy to understand (HTC Sensation, Xperia ZR)
Thank you very much in advance.

jamesmalit3 said:
Good day, guys.
I recently bought a HTC Desire Eye (eye_tuhl) and I was wondering if I should update the phone first to Marshmallow before rooting it? I read through the development threads and it seems that people have difficulty with regard to the Marshmallow firmware. I am planning to flash S.ROM and the patch after rooting.
Also, after rooting, which ROMs are available for flashing for my variant, if I'm going to stay S-ON? I read that some ROMs have problems with S-ON phones. I also wanted to confirm that the Minis Reloaded Kernel also works in S-ON, provided that it will be flashed using a PC and is used with a ported ROM from M8.
I am sorry if the questions seem redundant, I got confused with the whole variant/firmware/S-ON snafu coming from devices which were relatively easy to understand (HTC Sensation, Xperia ZR)
Thank you very much in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a long time since I flashed new ROM on my Desire, so I'm not sure about some info (already forget a lot), sorry for that.
But here is it
1) You can't update your firmware to custom one with S-On phone, only using OTA or RUU. But you may need to do that.
(for every Android version you need correct firmware)
2) Some people had problems with installing kernels on S-On devices also.
3) Even if you succed with flashing ROM, you may have problems with it. For example, enormous battery drain (I've this, it was just horrible), mobile data not working, NFC, etc.
So, i think the best way in this situation is OTA.
Please, correct me if i'm wrong.