Database Info

[Guide] Installing the Hero Rom on your HTC Magic

Since the original link to this guide is buried in another thread, I've re-posted it here (and the guide in full) in order to help people that might've missed it. The latest version of the guide will always be available at http://www.karrderized.com/romguide/ however, and is a more printable version as well, so please check there too.
Installing the Hero ROM on your HTC Magic
Version 1.2 - 13 August 2009 - by KarrdeNZ
Disclaimer: I am not responsible if you brick your phone. This is only a guide. These instructions have worked for me, but there is no guarantee that they will for you as well. Follow this guide at your own risk.
Feel free to print off this guide if it makes things easier to follow. Please do not, however, steal this guide and claim it as your own. Updates to this guide will be posted here - http://www.karrderized.com/romguide/ - link, but don't steal. Thanks.
Things you'll need
Back up your settings
Installing the Android SDK
Determine your phone's version
Download the correct recovery ROM for your version
Download the correct Hero ROM for your version
Setting up the fastboot connection
Boot the recovery ROM
Back up your phone with Nandroid
Wipe your phone
Load your new ROM
Boot into your new ROM
Things to note
Acknowledgements
Changelog
1 . Things you'll need
A HTC Magic phone (obviously) running Cupcake (1.5) and with a SD card
A USB cable for your HTC Magic
A PC. These instructions assume you're running a Windows variant, though the same procedures can be performed on a Linux machine. Don't ask me about Macs. If you're running Windows, note whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit OS, it becomes relevant later on.
The Android SDK - current release as of this writing is 1.5 Release 3, available here.
Recovery ROM - Which particular one you want to use will depend on your phone's version (I'll cover this later on).
A signed Hero ROM to install. Again, this is version dependent.
Got all that? Good.
2. Back up your settings
Now, before we start, back up. I'm of the opinion that you can never have too many backups. Take a copy of everything on your phone's SD card, make sure your contacts etc are synced, any apps you want that you can't easily get back from the Market are backed up, all that stuff.
Another thing you should note are the APN settings for your particular provider. These are in Settings, Wireless Controls, Mobile Networks, Access Point Names. You may have multiple APNs listed - go into each one and note down all the settings. You'll likely need to re-enter these manually once you've installed your new firmware.
Once you're satisfied you've got everything backed up, we can start setting up our environment.
3. Installing the Android SDK
Download the latest release of the Android SDK - here at the time of writing - for your relevant OS. I'll be using Windows from here on in. Extract the .ZIP file to somewhere convenient - I've got mine on my C: drive under C:\android-sdk-windows-1.5_r3. We need the SDK for the tools it provides in the tools subfolder, fastboot in particular, as well as the USB drivers for your phone.
4. Determine your phone's version
As of this writing, there are two distinct versions of the HTC Magic - PVT32A and PVT32B. The primary differences between these two versions is the amount of RAM (288MB on the 32A, 192MB on the 32B) and the radio (Qualcomm MSM7200a for the 32A, Qualcomm MSM7201a for the 32B). Generally, if your phone is HTC branded, it's a 32A, and if it's carrier branded (Google, Vodafone, etc) it's a 32B. Mine's a PVT32B from Vodafone NZ. But let's find out for sure what yours is.
Grab your phone and turn it off. Now, while holding the Back button down, power it back on. Your phone should now boot to a screen with a white background, some lines of text, and some skateboarding androids at the bottom. Welcome to fastboot.
The first few lines on the screen, in green, are what we're looking for. Mine reads as follows:
Code:
SAPPHIRE PVT 32B SHIP S-ON G
HBOOT-1.33.0004 (SAP10000)
CPLD-10
RADIO-2.22.19.26I
Apr 9 2009,23:30:40
Yours will likely differ slightly. The number we're looking for is in that very first line - PVT 32B in my case. Make a note of this. The next item we're looking for is the second line, which indicates your SPL version. Some SPL versions do not allow ROM flashing, notably those of T-Mobile's myTouch3G variant of the HTC Magic. At this writing, HBOOT-1.33.0006 and HBOOT-1.33.0010 are the two known "perfect SPL" versions that do not allow flashing. If you have either of those versions, stop now. There is a complicated procedure you will need to follow first.
Otherwise, for now you can turn your phone back off (by pressing MENU).
5. Download the correct recovery ROM for your version
Head to this thread and download the recovery ROM for your particular phone version, as we determined in step 4. Save it in the tools subdirectory of the Android SDK (in my case, C:\android-sdk-windows-1.5_r3\tools).
6. Download the correct Hero ROM for your version
If you have a 32A, this thread should help you find a signed ROM (I'd suggest Fatality's Hero ROM): here
If you have a 32B like me, try Qteknology's Hero port here- the swap version is the fastest Hero ROM I've found so far. It does however require you to repartition your SD card in order to provide swap space to speed the ROM up - a guide for this is available from the linked forum post.
Note I have only tested the one I linked for the 32B as that's the version I have. Download whichever ROM you need to somewhere handy, and rename it to update.zip. Please note: if you have file extension display turned off (default in XP) then just rename the file to update instead - the .zip extension will already be set. Once you've done this, copy it to the root directory of your phone's SD card. You can do this using the standard USB connection system that the phone provides, or if you prefer using a card reader.
7. Setting up the fastboot connection
Start your phone in fastboot mode as we did in step 4 (hold down Back while turning the phone on). Once the fastboot screen is up on the phone, plug the phone into your computer with the USB cable.
At this stage, my computer asked for drivers for the phone - these are included with the Android SDK, in the usb_driver subdirectory. Users with 32-bit versions of Windows should use the drivers in the x86 subdirectory under that, and 64-bit versions should use those in the amd64 subdirectory. Once the drivers have installed, leave the phone attached to your PC - you're ready to proceed with booting the recovery ROM.

[Guide] Installing the Hero Rom on your HTC Magic - part 2
8. Boot the recovery ROM
We're going to use the Android SDK's fastboot utility in combination with fastboot mode on the phone to perform a one-off boot of the recovery ROM so that we can back up the existing setup, wipe the phone and then load the new ROM. At this stage, it would be wise to make sure you've synced contacts and backed up whatever you want to hold onto.
Open a command prompt window on your PC (Start, Run, cmd) and change to the tools subdirectory of where you installed the Android SDK, for example:
Code:
cd\android-sdk-windows-1.5_r3\tools
The prompt should change to indicate you're now in that directory. Now we make sure the phone is properly configured to communicate through fastboot. Type the following:
Code:
fastboot devices
If you see your device listed, we're about ready to go. Let's boot into the recovery ROM:
Code:
fastboot boot recovery-RAv1.2.0G.img
If the recovery ROM you downloaded is named differently, substitute it's name for recovery-RAv1.2.0G.img.
All going well, your phone should kick into the recovery ROM now - you'll come to a pretty green texted menu with the HTC logo in the background. This ROM is being loaded via the fastboot software and is NOT on your phone, just in it's memory. We have yet to make any modifications to your phone at all.
9. Back up your phone with Nandroid
Let's make one more backup to be safe. The recovery ROM we booted into provides us with Nandroid backup and restore, which we can use to backup the firmware and data currently on the phone to the SD card.
On your phone, use the trackball to scroll down to Nandroid v2.2 backup and click. This will start the backup process, and you'll see some yellow text start to appear at the bottom of the phone's screen. Once it's complete, you have a backup.
Use the trackball to select the Reboot system now option and click. It should load back into it's normal firmware. You can now mount the SD card as usual and copy the nandroid directory from the SD card to your computer. This is also a prime opportunity to back up your entire SD card.
10. Wipe your phone
WARNING: This is the absolute LAST point at which you can back out of this procedure. After this, it's all or nothing. Proceed at your own risk.
Boot your phone back into fastboot with USB attached (see step 4) and then load the recovery ROM again:
Code:
fastboot boot recovery-RAv1.2.0G.img
Use the trackball to move down to Wipe data/factory reset. This will erase all the data on your phone, ready for you to install the new ROM. Click. Congratulations, you have just wiped your phone! You are now ready to load your new ROM.
11. Load your new ROM
Still in the recovery ROM menu, scroll to Apply sdcard:update.zip. This process extracts the ROM from the update.zip file we placed on your SD card earlier and installs it onto your phone. It may take a little while so be patient. It'll tell you when it's done.
12. Boot into your new ROM
Select the Reboot system now option and click. Your phone will now restart with it's shiny new ROM! First boots can take a while, so bear with it. You'll probably see a new splash screen or two on startup, and eventually you'll get into your phone. You may or may not be prompted with a request about giving an app root access on your first boot - you can safely Always Allow this, as it's writing a swap file to your SD card in an effort to speed things up. You'll also need to go through the setup process on the phone again as if it were new, because for all intents and purposes it is. This includes setting up your Google account syncing, as well as the new Hero functionality such as your Facebook, Flickr and Twitter integration (if you so desire).
And from here on out, it's all up to you! Enjoy your new firmware, make it your own. There's some great new functionality in Hero over the standard Magic firmware.
13. Things to note
This firmware isn't perfect. I'm loving it and see myself using it from here on in, but there are some quirks. These may or may not be fixed with your particular versions of ROM, especially once this guide has aged a little, but I'll try and keep it up to date.
The main thing you'll likely notice (especially if you're using a 32B like me) is the slowness. There's a lot going on with this new ROM so lag is fairly common. The phone will speed up a bit once you've used it some more, so bear with it. Your initial setups and playing around will be slow because of initial caching and your non-typical use of the phone, but this should clear up. Various ROMs have tried for workarounds for this, for example Qteknology's Hero port uses a swap partition on your SD card to help speed things up. CompCache is also a popular method, but my own experience with CompCache hasn't been very successful.
There are also reports of SMS messages sometimes not arriving on the latest Qteknology ROM - I mostly didn't experience this until recently, but it seems to be an occasional issue. The ROM builders are working hard on the issues they come across so fingers crossed for resolution on this one.
14. Acknowledgements
This guide wouldn't exist without the xda-developers forum. The bits and pieces I gathered from thereabouts are what I used to run this procedure on my phone, and hence build this guide. The people there are much more experts at this than I am, so I defer to their wisdom.
I must also give props to Jesse of Radix's Gadget Blog. His instructions were incredibly helpful in getting my head around what exactly to do.
And also to papalazarou, whose forum thread prompted me to write this guide.
- KarrdeNZ
15. Changelog
Version 1.2 - 13 August 2009
Added Changelog
Updated links and references to ROMs to account for new versions
Changed ROM recommendations to Qtek for 32B based on personal experience
Removed references to now fixed bugs, added reference to SMS bug on Qtek's ROM
Added "perfect SPL" note
Version 1.1 - 29 July 2009
Added note about update.zip naming with regard to file extensions
Added SD card issue
Version 1.0
Initial release

First rate stuff mate, thanks very much. Now all I need is the new release of Jerp's ROM and I'll be embarking upon my first upgrade. Makes so much difference having everything you need in one coherent place. This post really should be stickied.

+1 for sticky.
Needs to be in one place, will cut down on 'how do i' and 'where can i find' threads
(note i said cut down, and not cut out lol)

This applies to all roms actually.

Great write-up! Thx for the effort, this will surely be handy in all other topics, where these questions are asked again and again (logically IMHO, as it isn't basic stuff for everyone).
Well done!

Now that is a quality tutorial cheers!
+1 sticky

I had posted these replies elsewhere before I realised you had posted the guide in it's own thread. I've run into a problem and it's really confusing me as to why it's not working
---------------------------------------------------------------------
KarrdeNZ, mate I followed your guide to the letter. I got all the way down to step 11 and then a problem occurred.
When I clicked 'Apply sdcard:update.zip' it just said cannot find or cannot load update.zip, or something like that, then said operation aborted?
I was trying to install the EXACT same ROM as you, I downloaded it to my laptop, renamed it update.zip and moved it to the root of the SD card.
Yet it didn't work, I can't for the life of me think where it's gone wrong as everything else up to that point had gone smoothly.
Any idea's?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well I tried downloading the same file again. No luck this time either!
This is what it says when I click the install from sdcard button:
--install from sdcard...
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
E: Can't open /sdcard/update.zip
(no such file or directory)
Installation aborted.
Now I get that it's saying that it can't find the file but I really don't understand why? I mean the file is there, do I have to unzip the file onto my computer 1st and then put it on the sdcard?
I thought i just stuck the zipped file onto the root of the card making sure i renamed it 'update.zip'
Please help me out guys, thanks.

i did have the same issues, sorted it by:
Formatting the sd card (fat32)
Changing the permissions on the zip file
Moving files to the sdcard then sticking the sdcard into another computer to check that the files had been moved.
And it worked!

Roy_Drage said:
When I clicked 'Apply sdcard:update.zip' it just said cannot find or cannot load update.zip, or something like that, then said operation aborted?
I was trying to install the EXACT same ROM as you, I downloaded it to my laptop, renamed it update.zip and moved it to the root of the SD card.
Yet it didn't work, I can't for the life of me think where it's gone wrong as everything else up to that point had gone smoothly.
Any idea's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't know if this is the exact same error, but i had a similar situation and it freaked me out, all you have to do (in my situation) is wait a few seconds or so. i think the phone is still in the process of mounting the SD card or initializing the card component. give it a few seconds (30 sec) and try the update again.

I formatted the card in the phone before I started, did u format yours in the actual computer itself?
Also how do I change the permissions on the zip file?
n1ck75 said:
i did have the same issues, sorted it by:
Formatting the sd card (fat32)
Changing the permissions on the zip file
Moving files to the sdcard then sticking the sdcard into another computer to check that the files had been moved.
And it worked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

this is 5 star
thanx works gr8

Excellent guide. All the other tutorials/guides/instructions totally went over my head. Yours was extremely clear and easy to understand. Two thumbs up!

Excellent
Thank you for an excellent guide.

KarrdeNZ said:
I must also give props to Jesse of Radix's Gadget Blog. His instructions were incredibly helpful in getting my head around what exactly to do.
- KarrdeNZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet.. I get a mention! Glad my guide helped you get started and now you're writing a guide too to help others - this is what a community is all about!!!!
KarradeNZ - you've made a great start to a guide here - but I really think this should all be in the XDA Wiki so everyone can contribute/update/maintain it. Then we just get one link stickied at the top and everyone goes there..
I just started to write up a skeleton of what I think should be in the 'Ultimate Guide to Sapphire Hacking' on the Wiki page at:
XDADeveloperWiki - HTC_Sapphire_Hacking
You want to help me improve it?
Heck.. if you want we can use your guide as a basis if you like - I just braindumped what _I_ think should be in it and I can immediately see stuff I've overlooked that's in your guide!

Feel free to take inspiration/snippets/whatever from my guide for it - just throw a link to it in there as well. I prefer to keep the guide itself separate but am happy to have it contributing to the wiki.
And there's only one A in my name.

When I apply sdcard:update.zip I get the following Error
E:cant open/sdcard/update.zip
(No such file or directory)
installation aborted
Please help and suggest what could be wrong ?

Just rename the file update mate.
Then try again.

Thanks Roy_Drage for the fast reply you sorted my .zip problem.
Also well done and thanks to KarrdeNZ for putting such a great guide together that even a noob like me could follow. My new Magic is now running Hero looks awesome !

bajax said:
Thanks Roy_Drage for the fast reply you sorted my .zip problem.
Also well done and thanks to KarrdeNZ for putting such a great guide together that even a noob like me could follow. My new Magic is now running Hero looks awesome !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BT works? (can you connect to a BT headset?)
Facebook integration works?
have you notice any issues?

[GUIDE]Inspire 4G, Rooting, Flashing, Softbrick, Fixes, Sideloading.(4-23)

In this guide I will attempt to help you learn your way around your device, help you gain a little knowledge, and to eliminate some of the random threads asking the same thing.
I would also like to take this time to especially thank: attn1 and bubby for making rooting possible and easy. I would also like to thank the devs for all the hard work they put cooking all the roms for us to flash.
FROM THIS POINT ON YOU WILL BE VOIDING YOUR WARRANTY!
I TAKE ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANYTHING YOU MAY DO TO YOUR PHONE!
Things you will need:
-Spare time, it is going to take you a little while to root your phone and flash a rom.
-A computer it is not OS specific unless you are going to use bubbys GUI.
-A Inspire 4G preferably fully charged.
-Micro USB to connect your phone to your computer.
-External SD card (in most cases the one that came with your phone.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROOTTING & FIXES:
Rooting methods (creating a goldcard is included in both methods):
Currently there are two methods to root the Inspire 4G
[mod edit - link deleted, the kit has been replaced](thanks to attn1) simply follow the instructions in the post, as well as in the read me doc. (outdated) video guide can be found here.
-Bubby's one click GUI(thanks to bubby323). Just like before simply follow the instructions provided.(outdated) video guide can be found here.
If you have problems rooting please refer to the dedicated rooting threads, the developers there created the method and will be able to help you more then I will be able to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The infamous CWM blackscreen:
- I have a thread posted here that gives detailed instructions and the methods to fix this problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FLASHING A ROM & RADIO:
Flashing your first ROM:
-Download the ROM of your choice from the dev section
-Do not unpack/unzip the ROM
-Copy the ROM to the root of your sd card (Root= not in a folder)
-(optional) Backup your apps using Titanium Backup.(this only applies once you have root)
-Create a backup of your current ROM using rom manager.(this only applies once you have root)
-Boot your phone into recovery using either rom manager, or by booting into h-boot (to do this you are going to need to turn fastboot off by going to settings>applications>uncheck fast boot, then turn your phone off and turn it back on pressing both power+volume down, until the h-boot menu appears. Use the volume buttons to scroll down to recovery then press power to select.)
-Using the volume buttons scroll down to to down to wipe data/factory reset. (unless you are upgrading, THIS STEP IS NOT OPTIONAL!)
-Press the power button to select.
-Use the volume buttons to scroll down to YES-- delete all user data, use the power button to select.
-Scroll down to Advanced press power to select.
-Scroll to Wipe Dalvik Cache press power to select.
-Go down to Yes-- Wipe Dalvik Cache use the power button to select.
-Select go back
-Go to Install zip from sdcard and select it using the power button.
-Select choose zip from sdcard.
-Scroll down and find the ROM you wish to flash press the power button to select it.
-Select Yes - Install (roms name)
-You are now flashing a rom!
-Once the rom has finished flashing select reboot system now.
Things to note:
-Your first boot might take a few minutes do to deodexing and zip align.
-If your phone keeps cycling the HTC (white screen) you are going to need to go back to recovery, do a full wipe, and reflash the rom.
-Be sure to read the devs full instructions and faq before flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing your first rom a video tutorial:
-You can find a video tutorial I made for this guide here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Code:
[QUOTE][B]Flashing your first rom (a picture tutorial):[/B]
[COLOR=Red]Note: This assumes you have already downloaded the rom and placed on your sd card[/COLOR]
[B]- Do your backups!
- You will need to boot into recovery [/B]
ROM Manager:
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/snap20110413_092643.jpg[/IMG]
or via h-boot (turn your phone off then press power+volume to turn it on)
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00173.jpg[/IMG]
-select bootloader
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00174.jpg[/IMG]
-select recovery
[B]-Select wipe data/factory reset[/B]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00175.jpg[/IMG]
-select yes-- delete all user data
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00176.jpg[/IMG]
[B]-Select advanced[/B]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00177.jpg[/IMG]
-Select wipe dalvik
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00179.jpg[/IMG]
-Select yes
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00180.jpg[/IMG]
[B]-Select go back[/B]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00182.jpg[/IMG]
[B]-Select install zip from sd card[/B]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00183.jpg[/IMG]
-Select choose zip from sd card
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00184.jpg[/IMG]
-Select your rom
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00185.jpg[/IMG]
-Select yes
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00186.jpg[/IMG]
[B]-Once your flash has finished select reboot system now[/B]
[IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/mudknot2005/flashing%20walkthrough/DSC00187.jpg[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]
Flashing a Radio (eng s-off is not required, and it is strongly recommended that you DO NOT eng s-off your phone!)(video coming soon!) :
-You can find a very helpful guide how to flash Radios here(thanks to attn1 and shad0wf0x). (note: this post even includes the radios to make it easier for you!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GENERAL FIXES:
Recovering from a Soft Brick (HTC white screen)(video coming soon!)
What is a soft brick? A soft brick is where the ROM has been incorrectly flashed. (ie. you didn't data wipe, or the files were corrupt). You will see the bootsplash (htc white screen) or the boot animation continuously cycle.
How To Fix:
-Pull the battery!
-Put the battery back in.
-Turn the phone on using Power+ Vol down to enter boot loader (note: You CAN NOT have a PD98IMG on your sd card)
-Select Recovery using the volume and power buttons.
-Go down to full wipe.
-Select yes -- delete user data
-Go to advanced using the volume and power button to select.
-Select wipe dalvik cache.
-Select yes -- wipe dalvik cache
-Select go back.
-Select install zip from sd card.
-Select choose zip from sd card.
-Choose the rom you want to flash.
-After the rom flashes reboot the phone.
Video Tutorial:
-This is a video tutorial I made for this guide, you can find it Here!
Note: If you end up with a soft brick again, you are going to have to re-download the rom and place it on your sd-card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MISCELLANEOUS:
Returning to Stock:
(Major thanks to ClearD and Doo Doo)
Well for some reason or another you need to return your phone to stock. You might have avoided the Ace hack kit because it seemed a little complicated, and I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your going to have to use it to get back to stock.
What you will need:
1.Ace Hack Kit v9 (thanks to attn1)
2. The Stock Ruu
Note: when running the RUU make sure debugging is off!
Steps to Return to stock:
-Run the stock RUU (note: This is done on your computer. This is going to unroot your device but you will still be s-off).
-Use the instructions up to step 3 of the hack kit.
-After step three type the following in terminal emulator
Code:
cd /data/local
./gfree -s on
sync
-At this point you need to turn the phone off (note: fast boot will have to be off)
-Boot into bootloader by using power+volume down.
-Verify that the top of your boot loader reads ship s-on.
-Rerun the RUU.
-Enjoy your completely stock Inspire.
Note: There are other options, but this method is the most complete and yields the highest success rate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sideloading non market apps w/without root(videos soon):
What is side loading apps? Att blocks the instillation of non market apps. Hence the need to side load apps! (Shame on you ATT you monster)
There are multiples ways to do this, and I will be going over three.
-Option 1:(w/out root) Our brother over at android central made a niffty little GUI called side load wonder machine you can find the instructions and program here!
-Option 2:(w/ or w/outroot) You can also use android sdk (adb) you will need to download sdk from google you can find that here!
-You will need to update platform tools.
-I recommend placing the platform tools files into the tools folder.
-Place the apk file you wish to side load into the tools folder.
-Make sure you have charge only, and debugging mode selected (settings>applications>debugging)
-Connect your phone to your computer
- Press shift + right click on the tools folder
-Open command promp here
(ROOT ONLY)
Code:
adb devices
adb remount
adb push (apks name) /system/app
(W/OUT ROOT)
Code:
adb devices
adb install (apks name)
-Option 3:(root only)
-Place the apk file on your sd card.
-Insure Unknown Sources is selected (settings>applications>unknown sources)
-Use a root explorer (es file explorer, dual file manager etc. etc.) to locate the file on your sd card select it and select install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(coming soon: flashing mods, links to return to stock, links to fixes, video tutorials)
Note: This is a work in progress I am working to make this guide better. If you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know. I want to make this as complete as possible to make it easier for everyone.

F.A.Q.
What is a gold card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easy answer: You are editing the binary code on the sd card, what this does is allow you to bypass the CID check and downgrade your rom/radio.
Will I loose all my contacts, photos ect when I delete user data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and No, when you delete user data you are deleting anything pertaining to the rom. Essentially any thing that is on the same partition as the rom will be deleted. Since your photos and music are on your sd card you will not loose these items. It is highly recommended that you save your contacts before flashing, you can also back up sms messages using a third party messaging service called handcent.
What is the difference between ship s-off (radio s-off) and eng s-off (engineering)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The simple answer is: ship s-off allows you to flash custom roms. Eng s-off allows access to certain partitions within the phones memory, and this is mainly used for development with kernels. Unless you are an experienced dev, I recommend you avoid eng s-off!
What is a radio?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Essential it is firmware for the radio inside your phone. It is stored a separate partition then the rom, to keep the rom from interfering with the radio firmware.
Do I have to flash a radio ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only time flashing radio isn't optional, is when you root and s-off the phone. Rooting and s-off requires you to down grade the radio/rom and use the exploit to hack it. Once you have rooted and s-off the phone flashing a radio is totally up to you. Keep in mind that not using a the recommended radio for a specific rom may lead to problems.
Can I install the OTA (over the air) update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted it will fail to update, You will need to flash back to stock in order to do the update, causeing you to loose root. If you stroll over to the dev section of this forum, there are a ROMS that are using the 1.84 (ota updated base) inspire base.​

I was just thinking today about the lack of one-stop "guide" threads for the Inspire.
Looking forward to some newbie ROM-flashing stuff, if that's the direction you plan on heading.
The only thing I've done so far is root and a cwm current ROM back-up. That's it. Starting to get the itch to try flashing another ROM, but I'm a scaredy-cat. ;-)
Thanks, mudknot!
Sent from my Inspire using XDA Premium

Great work mudknot. This will help a lot of people. Hope this will become a sticky and not get buried within the forum.
EDIT: Let us know if you need help with pictures or anything.
Sent from my calculator

This is an awesome work in progress, mudknot....feel free to reference/use the guide in my signature if you wish.

Great start mudknot. Hopefully this will decrease the amount of threads opened. Keep up the good work.
Edit: Idk if you want to include this but here is a thread that AngelDeath wrote about a gps fix. It worked for me this morning, I have to do more testing later on.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=11342772#post11342772
Edit 2: I think mudknot you are gonna dislike me after so many edits . Depending on how much work it is, the guide should be turned into a Inspire "bible".
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

I knew all this things already but I hit the thanks button anyways ... GREAT job keep up the good work... this thread should be sticky...

Thanks every one. Pictures should be up tonight after I do some editing, and host them on photobucket. That and my wife has the memory stick duo adapter... I hate sony products..

I will probably work on a video tutorial, for flashing, and the HTC white screen tonight.
Sent from skynet using XDA Premium Resistance App

Right on! Thanks for this.

Any volunteers to help make a radio flashing video tutorial, including showing what is in the file, how to check the md5sum once it is on the SD card, booting into hboot and letting the radio flash?
Preferably if you have already flashed a radio via the correct method.
Sent from skynet using XDA Premium Resistance App

dooyoo222 said:
Great start mudknot. Hopefully this will decrease the amount of threads opened. Keep up the good work.
Edit: Idk if you want to include this but here is a thread that AngelDeath wrote about a gps fix. It worked for me this morning, I have to do more testing later on.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=11342772#post11342772
Edit 2: I think mudknot you are gonna dislike me after so many edits . Depending on how much work it is, the guide should be turned into a Inspire "bible".
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Naa it doesn't make me mad, I am going to add more to it later tonight including fixes. I want it to be as informative as possible, and cover as many topics as possible.
Sent from skynet using XDA Premium Resistance App

mudknot2005 said:
I will probably work on a video tutorial, for flashing, and the HTC white screen tonight.
Sent from skynet using XDA Premium Resistance App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet.
If I may give a vote for emphasis on the "oh ****, what do I do when __________ happens" type of information, which is undoubtedly the most cumbersome to harvest in one location, as that information tends to span multiple threads/comments.
Thanks again for your effort, and I'll do what I can to contribute, if needed.
Sent from my Inspire using XDA Premium

hmmm well the pictures are posted, but for the life me I can't remember how to make a re-sizable scrolling box.....soo the OP is as long as a motha

mudknot2005 said:
hmmm well the pictures are posted, but for the life me I can't remember how to make a re-sizable scrolling box.....soo the OP is as long as a motha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really familiar with what you're trying to do, but is this what you're talking about?
http://www.htmlforums.com/all-around-tutorials/t-html-scroll-box-63972.html
Sent from my calculator

kirk123 said:
Not really familiar with what you're trying to do, but is this what you're talking about?
http://www.htmlforums.com/all-around-tutorials/t-html-scroll-box-63972.html
Sent from my calculator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no I could use the code box but it is tiny I will try it
Sent from Hey... This isn't where I parked my car.

This should really be sticky.....
Awesome guide, that will help out a lot .........

video tutorials for: flashing, soft brick (htc white screen rebooting), flashing radio, and backing up using rom manager. Will be up tomorrow.

mudknot2005 said:
video tutorials for: flashing, soft brick (htc white screen rebooting), flashing radio, and backing up using rom manager. Will be up tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking forward to these.
I have a few related, lingering questions that I will hold-off on asking, as they might be answered in your forthcoming tutorials.
Thanks again for your efforts.
Sent from my Inspire using XDA Premium

Amazingly helpful, thank you.
But i still don't know whether I need to flash radio or not. And since there are some posted issues like GPS doesn't work or 4G signal lost. That keeps me from starting to work on my very first root.
I'm a newbie who really wants to do but I'm afraid of screwing something during the rooting process.
Thanks anyways, this post does give me some idea of the whole root thing. Great work. I'm looking forward to the video tutorial and the radio flashing one.
By the way, can someone explain to me that if I choose to use ROM manager would that means I don't have to do the HBOOT thing or?
Sent from my Desire HD - loving it

How To Root Stock Droid Charge FP5

Typed this up for a friend I thought it would be nice to share with any new droid charge owners looking for a guide to how to root FP5.
Major Credit goes to:
trparky
I learned how to do this from his website:
Tom's Android Knowledge Base -- Offline
Root Stock Droid Charge FP5:
First download this tool:
MD5-Checker
It will be used to run an md5 check on the files before they are flashed to your phone.
Next download this:
http://www.toms-world.org/android/download/ftp/ODIN3+v.1.82.exe
MD5: 3D8E8240F2A4F66E63A6622F65C7C909
This is Odin the *Windows* program used to interact with your phone.
Next download this:
0817_charge_recovery.tar.md5
MD5: 925D33E1AD40518AAC09B179DFDB0F76
This is CWM your main interface that will be used when loading roms, etc
Finally download this:
http://downloads.noshufou.netdna-cdn.com/superuser/Superuser-3.2-RC3-arm-signed.zip
MD5: 6462AC14CD38ED7C539CE3E29A6B92A8
This is the file that you flash to root your phone.
Run MD5 Tool to make sure all the MD5's match the previous MD5 checksum!
1. Open the MD5 program
2. Select create an MD5 checksum
3. Browse to the file that needs to be checked
4. Verify that the MD5 created matches the ones above (if they don't re-download)
5. Repeat for all files
Now you have all the files downloaded to root your phone. The steps to root stock droid charge are as follows:
Copy files to SD card
1. On the home screen select settings
2. Select USB setting and turn on USB debugging
3. Plug in your phone to your computer (give it a min to install drivers)
4. Pull down your top bar and select "Connect storage to PC" button
5. Create a new folder called Downloads
6. Drag the Superuser-3.2-RC3-arm-signed.zip file into the Downloads folder that you just created
7. Hit the "Disconnect from storage PC" button on your phone
CWM
8. Turn off your phone
9. Once the phone is completely off take out the battery
10. Open Odin then while holding the volume button down plug your phone into the computer
11. When you get the Yellow triangle with android in it your in download mode, plug battery back in.
12. On the left under option uncheck Auto Reboot (you and leave F. Reset Time checked)
13. Once Odin picks up your phone (a yellow com box will show up) click on PDA and browse to the CWM file and select it
14. Click start (it should be a quick flash)
15. Once the flash says successful take out battery and unplug phone
Superuser
16. Put your battery back in the phone
17. Hold down volume up and home (button on bottom of phone that has an up arrow) and the power button
18. Once you see the Samsung logo release the power button but continue to hold down the volume up and home button down
19. Once your phone has booted into CWM(there will be a banana at the bottom of the screen) arrow down with the volume button and select mounts and storage with the power button
20. Arrow down to the option that says mount system and use the power button to select it
21. Arrow down and select go back
22. Arrow down and select install zip from sdcard
23. Select choose zip from sdcard
24. Arrow down and select Downloads
25. Select the file that says Superuser-3.2-RC3-arm-signed.zip
26. Arrow down and select Yes - Install Superuser-3.2-RC3-arm-signed.zip
27. Select Go Back
28. Select Go Back
29. Select reboot system now
Let the phone boot up go the market and install root check it should say you’re rooted. Then your all done your phone has root that wasn't so hard was it
If you still are unsure or run into any problems feel free to send me a pm I would be happy to help you through the process via skype.

The link to the recovery file you mentioned in this post points to http://www.imnuts.org/downloads/charge/1209_charge_recovery.tar.md5.
Please update your link.
I no longer have permission to distribute the CWM file that imnuts made. The file has also been removed from the file system path that the web server has access to, meaning that it's outside of the public_html folder.
I do realize that some people still want the older 4.0.1.4 version of CWM but you will have to ask Imnuts for that file. Like I said, I do not have permission to distribute that file anymore.

trparky said:
The link to the recovery file you mentioned in this post points to http://www.imnuts.org/downloads/charge/1209_charge_recovery.tar.md5.
Please update your link.
I no longer have permission to distribute the CWM file that imnuts made. The file has also been removed from the file system path that the web server has access to, meaning that it's outside of the public_html folder.
I do realize that some people still want the older 4.0.1.4 version of CWM but you will have to ask Imnuts for that file. Like I said, I do not have permission to distribute that file anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing just updated post thank you for making me aware

I cant get the md5 for match for this file. I've downloaded over and over and it still doesnt match. what do i need to do?
"Next download this:
MD5: E9A01D028362387332C46F5FB32C23A6
This is CWM your main interface that will be used when loading roms, etc"
The others matched with no problem.
Help!

The correct MD5 signature for that file is 9C41377FDCDB341310BC8C25D0794D6D.

A one-step ODIN using dwitherell's deodexed odin rooted stock file as described here is so much simpler, IMO.

how to get the Root? There is a method in one click.

trparky said:
The correct MD5 signature for that file is 9C41377FDCDB341310BC8C25D0794D6D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I have the OP fixed now

KapTmaH said:
how to get the Root? There is a method in one click.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt think there was a one click for our device? Didnt see it listed.

No, there isn't a "one-click-root" for the Droid Charge.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk

I'm pretty sure there is no one click root for our DC. Im not a fan of one click root learning how to root manually will get you comfortable with flashing with Odin and CWM which you will need to flash roms, kernels, etc.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

Will this root method wipe all my data? I dont want to lose my data...

heathro1281 said:
Will this root method wipe all my data? I dont want to lose my data...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no this method will not wipe any data
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

Props to you ztkryan!!
Spent hours trying to find something simple to explain this process. There are tons of people trying to explain this but nobody can seem to do it in a step by step list.
Simple, clear and concise ;D

I did all the following steps as stated, and when I run Root Checker, it states "Sorry, you do not have proper root access."
Am I the only one receiving this error? Does anyone know what I am doing wrong perhaps?

slapshot591 said:
I did all the following steps as stated, and when I run Root Checker, it states "Sorry, you do not have proper root access."
Am I the only one receiving this error? Does anyone know what I am doing wrong perhaps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had that problem one time to fix it make sure you mount system before reflashing the superuser.apk in cwm
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

ztkryan said:
I had that problem one time to fix it make sure you mount system before reflashing the superuser.apk in cwm
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Giving this a try right now, I will return with results. Thanks again.
EDIT: Mounting System fixed my issue. I really appreciate your response ztkryan.

slapshot591 said:
Giving this a try right now, I will return with results. Thanks again.
EDIT: Mounting System fixed my issue. I really appreciate your response ztkryan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just an FYI if you rebooted your phone you will have to install cwm again (stock kernel overwrites recovey to stock recovery on boot)
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

I must have missed something, I have root and that seems to be working fine but when I try to get back into CWM to do a backup by holding the up volume + power & home it appears to take me into a stock recovery. Did I do something wrong?

Rodhargis said:
I must have missed something, I have root and that seems to be working fine but when I try to get back into CWM to do a backup by holding the up volume + power & home it appears to take me into a stock recovery. Did I do something wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't do anything wrong to make cwm stick you have to flash a custom kernel the stock kernel overwrites custom recovery on boot
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

[Q] Rooting: I have no idea?

Currently running 2.3.3
I've tried rooting this damn phone twice, followed the steps yet every time my phone just resets completely.
I honestly don't know what I'm doing wrong ... Is there a guide that's VERY specific in the steps to root? I tried youtube, couldn't find anything, and the method of going into boot was different so I'm lost...
Here's the questions I have on the steps...
1. Install latest Clockworkmod Recovery using NVFlash, if you haven’t already done so. - What do I do with this file ?
2. Download the root zip package referenced above.
3. Put the zip package on your internal or external sd card on your G2X. Do not unzip the package.
4. Turn off phone and boot into Clockworkmod Recovery by pressing volume down and power and hold until the fancy LG (second one) appears. - Isn't this the phone reset method? The youtube video I watched said to press "volume up + volume down"
5. Select install zip from sd card. Select and flash the root zip package. Note: You navigate in Clockwordmod Recovery by using the volume keys up and down and commit the action by pressing the power button. - Install the zip or clockword mod?
6. Reboot your phone. You are now rooted.
- I just need something really in depth, step by step by step ... If anyone is willing it'd be nice >.<
-Thanks

use this video
the rom selection is your choice I dont know what you want to do, obviously since you just stated you want root (SU permissions)
if you know what you basically want let me know in here or PM and I'll help you out. Only cause you kind of searched, yet you are obviously brand new to all of this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUT5JcnJHgk&feature=related

mt3g said:
use this video
the rom selection is your choice I dont know what you want to do, obviously since you just stated you want root (SU permissions)
if you know what you basically want let me know in here or PM and I'll help you out. Only cause you kind of searched, yet you are obviously brand new to all of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that video is what completely confused me ... the process seemed different in its steps to root. I followed the steps in that video, and the steps in the original post but still couldn't get into the root..
Now I will say I have no idea on which ROM to pick. In fact, that's probably what messed me up in the first place.. Do you have any suggestions? The Hellfire ROM seems to be popular amongst users on the forum. Basically, I just want a stable ROM that's going to allow me to remove stock applications, free up bloatware, and make my phone just run overall smoother.. and of course ability to over clock, under clock. Extra goodies are a plus ..

Rovon said:
Well that video is what completely confused me ... the process seemed different in its steps to root. I followed the steps in that video, and the steps in the original post but still couldn't get into the root..
Now I will say I have no idea on which ROM to pick. In fact, that's probably what messed me up in the first place.. Do you have any suggestions? The Hellfire ROM seems to be popular amongst users on the forum. Basically, I just want a stable ROM that's going to allow me to remove stock applications, free up bloatware, and make my phone just run overall smoother.. and of course ability to over clock, under clock. Extra goodies are a plus ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Rooting takes 15 minutes if you follow directions, after you get all the downloads.
-Get the apx drivers first install them regardless of everything it helps connect the phone and makes sure the process goes smoothly, if you do not know how to install drivers for a phone... Google it.
http://www.mediafire.com/?kgfk5234e4hhggc
I will suggest this since it easiest now a days. Read the directions over and over. then proceed to attempt.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1566681
after power up with the recovery select wipe/ format data (this will wipe the phone so your apps and settings are kaput so, make sure you have your google contacts and what not backed up with regular sync through settings. Your texts will be gone also, there are apps to back those up, search them if you want. After booting up and wiping select to install rom from which ever area you put the zip files at (DO NOT PUT THEM IN A FOLDER JUST LAY THEM ON THE THE SD-CARD WITH DRAG AND DROP.) First rom then kernel, if you choose to use it. then power on.
The rom I suggest for you, it is easy one step to install, then boot... LET SET FOR 10 MINUTES AFTER YOU BOOT UP! This allows the phone to adjust itself and all it's new entities and what not.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1400620
For the kernel to over-clock and under-clock (if you do not know then Google it).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19506802&postcount=1065
Make sure the rom and kernel are on the external sd-card if that is what you are using or vice versa.
I think that covers everything I don't know if it does or not right now as I just winged this altogether. Any questions ask I'll answer in a timely matter as I'm just watching Californication right now, lol.

ive followed what you said and it wont let me download the links that videos says to. takes me to a site and ask for money. help

I gave you all the links, you said the video didn't help so disregard that. Idk what else to tell you.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

This is my take, to help. This is as dumb as it gets to install CWM and root (optional). Click Thanks when you're done.
Step 1.
Download the APX Drivers from here: http://www.mediafire.com/?q0hn0d6etw9hg8b
I mirrored it to my mediafire. Thanks go to TGA_Gunnman!
OPTIONAL: to root, read this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=24992835&postcount=182
Step 2.
Turn off your phone, pull the battery.
Step 3.
Connect a microusb cable to your computer.
Step 4.
Extract the "One-Click-G2x-recovery-flasher-09-23.rar" to a folder. You'll see 2 folders, NVFlash and APX.
Step 5.
Right click My Computer, click on Manage. Go to Device Manager. Open up the APX folder you extracted, as well as the NVFlash folder (see Step 8).
Step 6.
Push and hold Vol Up+Vol Down. Plug in the USB Cable to your phone. Your computer will beep, indicating device plugged in, unless you have it on mute. This does NOT reset your phone in any way. You SHOULD get a dialog telling you to install drivers or something. If not, switch to Device Manager and you should see an uninstalled device.
Step 7.
Install those drivers (in the APX folder).
Step 8.
Open up the NVFlash folder and locate "OneClickRecoveryFlasher.exe". Run it.
Step 9.
Take your pick if you want internal recovery or external recovery (w/ sdcard), then click it. You'll see a S/W download on your phone. Wait until the blue screen finishes. If no errors pop up, see Step 10. If an error does pop up, redo install (as instructed).
Step 10.
Let go of Vol Up+Vol Down. Pull out USB cable. Get into CWM recovery using Vol Up+Power when phone is off. Let go when you see the blue wavey LG logo.

the problem i am having is trying to get that flasher to download

Rooting is not for everyone. If you are having this much trouble, you should find a friend that has done it and let them go at it.

mt3g said:
I gave you all the links, you said the video didn't help so disregard that. Idk what else to tell you.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different guy mate
I'm the OP, and the guide worked beautifully. You're a legend, thanks!

Rovon said:
Different guy mate
I'm the OP, and the guide worked beautifully. You're a legend, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was directed to the post right above mine, forgot to quote thanks though. Happy flashing!
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

[Q] Stock Rogers Rom for Infuse 4g

Can any send me a Stock Rogers Rom from one of their phones so that I can revert my phone to stock? My GPS is not working no matter how many different solutions I try. I need to return my phone to Rogers so that they can see if it is a hardware problem and of course I need my phone stock so as to not void my warranty.
Thanks!

have you tried this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1326143
Here is the good link click me
MAKE SURE VOODOOLAG FIX IS DISABLED!
HOW: Create a folder on your internal SD card called Voodoo. Then create another folder inside of it called disable-lagfix.
I didn't do this the first time and the phone bricked on me D:
FLASH KERNEL WITH ODIN --
After phone has booted
Download Root explorer from market & locate and delete:
/system/xbin/su
/system/xbin/busybox
/system/app/Superuser
go to settings>Privacy
-- DELETE USER DATA ALONG WITH SD CARD DATA --
DO IT, reboot. NO ROOT PURE STOCK.
When you factory reset the root wont be there either.

I did everything as it said and I had to click on two sections in root explorer so that I could delete su, busybox, and superuser. I also made sure that I put the disable-lagfix in the Voodoo folder (that was already there). I did a factory reset and I think that I have it, no superuser, which I hope means no root!
Thanks! I am hoping that this may also fix my GPS problem. I can't seem to lock onto any satellites when I am using Navigation.

Help
Can someone please give me a working download link. Half the links take me to ilivid download manager and the other half go dev-host and say that the is no longer available. The google drive link from this post says 404 file not found. Can someone please upload a reliable download link.

OnfireNFS said:
Can someone please give me a working download link. Half the links take me to ilivid download manager and the other half go dev-host and say that the is no longer available. The google drive link from this post says 404 file not found. Can someone please upload a reliable download link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2w3z0p15uvn4clc/i997R - Back to Stock.zip?dl=0
Also, the instructions that come with:
Odin Instructions:
1) Make sure the drivers for the Infuse 4G are installed. (Installing Kies is the easiest way to accomplish this.)
2) Download and unzip Odin_UXKG3_rooted_no_bootloaders.zip.
3) Run Odin v1.81 as administrator.
4) Place your phone into download mode. (Pull battery, replace battery, and press and hold both volume buttons while plugging in the USB cable.)
5) Make sure your phone shows up in Odin as COM##.
6) Click the PDA button and choose PDA_UXKG3_rooted_no_bootloaders.tar.md5.
7) Click the PHONE button and choose PHONE_UXKG3.tar.md5.
8) Press Start.
9) If the phone doesn't automatically reboot after it completes the flash, just pull the battery and then replace it and turn on the phone.
10) You should perform a factory reset after it boots. Go to Settings > Privacy and select factory reset. Warning: This will clear everything on your internal SD card, so move everything you want to keep to the external SD card first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse