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[Q] Rooting Inspire Question, Just got the phone.

Greets All,
I am sorry that I have to ask a few questions, only cause I really dont want to mess anything up, I got the phone about a week ago, and I have been reading alot of the different sections about rooting, and I see the different types of ways, and there is good replies and bad replies so I am a bit on the fence. I even got a CWR of this: att-inspire-rooted-signed.zip but I cant for the life of me find where I got it from. But let me ask the questions:
1) I want to keep the phone completely as is, I dont want to install another rom or anything right now, all I want to be able to do, is, remove the att software, and root the phone so that I can install the apk's I have on my sdcard. Do I have to go thru the whole hack kit or one click root and all that? Or is there a simple root and stay with the stock rom?
2) The file I mentioned: att-inspire-rooted-signed.zip I renamed it to update.zip, and then went into the bootloader, then recovery, obviously I got the phone with the red triangle thing, but hitting the up volume and the power button give me a CWR menu, and one of them is to install update from sdcard, but when I choose that zip it says about e:\cant open command folder blah, and then when I click update it says invalid operation. is that cause the phone isnt rooted?
3) If I have to root the phone, then which one will root it, but leabe everything intact if any? I dont want to change my radio, or the rom.
I am sorry if I am asking too much, but the rom has no sim at the moment and just playing with it everything works beautifully, even the gps works instantly because its properly using agps.
Thanks for the answers.

AngelDeath said:
Greets All,
I am sorry that I have to ask a few questions, only cause I really dont want to mess anything up, I got the phone about a week ago, and I have been reading alot of the different sections about rooting, and I see the different types of ways, and there is good replies and bad replies so I am a bit on the fence. I even got a CWR of this: att-inspire-rooted-signed.zip but I cant for the life of me find where I got it from. But let me ask the questions:
1) I want to keep the phone completely as is, I dont want to install another rom or anything right now, all I want to be able to do, is, remove the att software, and root the phone so that I can install the apk's I have on my sdcard. Do I have to go thru the whole hack kit or one click root and all that? Or is there a simple root and stay with the stock rom?
2) The file I mentioned: att-inspire-rooted-signed.zip I renamed it to update.zip, and then went into the bootloader, then recovery, obviously I got the phone with the red triangle thing, but hitting the up volume and the power button give me a CWR menu, and one of them is to install update from sdcard, but when I choose that zip it says about e:\cant open command folder blah, and then when I click update it says invalid operation. is that cause the phone isnt rooted?
3) If I have to root the phone, then which one will root it, but leabe everything intact if any? I dont want to change my radio, or the rom.
I am sorry if I am asking too much, but the rom has no sim at the moment and just playing with it everything works beautifully, even the gps works instantly because its properly using agps.
Thanks for the answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to remove the ATT bloatware you will have to root. You don't have to root to sideload. Just download the sideload wonder machine found in the dev section. As for rooting id suggest using the hack kit. Ive rooted 4 phones with it. First use the simple gold card maker. Then download the hack kit and follow the instructions in the read me file. Att1 has made it pretty simple. Then flash cleardroid stock rooted rom. All the bloatware is already removed. Its really stable. Good luck.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

What about the simple one click program instead of the hack kit?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

trell959 said:
What about the simple one click program instead of the hack kit?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used it myself so i cant give advice on it. That being said several thousand people have so im sure it will work fine.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

I'm glad you asked this question because I want to do the same thing I want to keep my phone stock and just root so I to can delete ATT crap and to edit my build.prop file because ATT pissed me off today telling me my speeds are slower than my friends 3gs because his has more storage space. Wtf. We ran speedtest app on both Phones to the same server and every single time his ran double or more on download speeds. ATT told me its the device doing it. IPhone fan boys is all I can say.
Anyway is there a easy way. I rooted my old aria with the unrevoked root. Super easy. Does the inspire have a easy way.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

slocav said:
I'm glad you asked this question because I want to do the same thing I want to keep my phone stock and just root so I to can delete ATT crap and to edit my build.prop file because ATT pissed me off today telling me my speeds are slower than my friends 3gs because his has more storage space. Wtf. We ran speedtest app on both Phones to the same server and every single time his ran double or more on download speeds. ATT told me its the device doing it. IPhone fan boys is all I can say.
Anyway is there a easy way. I rooted my old aria with the unrevoked root. Super easy. Does the inspire have a easy way.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No true one click. I find the hack kit to be the best for me.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

I used bubby's one click method. Very simple, and there is a youtube video of it as well. Watch the entire video first so you have an idea of whats going on then go through the video while rooting. (not, downplaying the hack kit, i have never tried it) And for what its worth i too wanted a stock rom and chose Two pump chumps rom (Its a stock inspire rom -bloatware and improved a bit) and lee droids kernel, which gives a slight sound boost and smooths things a bit more imho. Good luck.

So if I do the root do you have to flash a Rom to delete bloatware? If I have to do a ROM the one posted above will it have sound issues etc? Thanks a ton.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

should be receiving my Inspire tomorrow....coming from the captivate section, this is definitely a little different. I have a quick question though...
The hack kit is used to enable s-off, temp-root, flash a rom that allows use of an old exploit, then permaroot. Once permarooted and CWM recovery has been flashed, any rom from the dev section can be flashed which will keep the root.
My question is, this process only has to be done once, correct?? All future roms will be flashed via CWM recovery, and there won't be ANY need to return to the stock ATT Inspire, unrooted rom??
I ask because with the Galaxy S/Captivate/etc it is usually recommended to flash back to stock before flashing a different custom rom, which means you lose root. I usually didn't that, and never had a problem, but i'm just trying to get a grasp on how this process differs from the Captivate. I will be GLAD to have a phone that can simply be cleared and flashed via CWM for all rom purposes.

All i know is bubby's method, and with it, it gives you root but its just like when you bought it. Now i think you can use clockwork mod or something to manually delete the bloat from there, but for the trouble its easier to flash a new rom that has it already done for you, and get a few bonuses with it. The one i suggested has given me no problems and is a ton faster than it was stock, although your phone may be different.

My question is, this process only has to be done once, correct?? All future roms will be flashed via CWM recovery, and there won't be ANY need to return to the stock ATT Inspire, unrooted rom??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, the only need to go back is if you have to do a warranty return. Technically rooting voids the warranty, but if you undo it whos to know the difference

Bamatide2007 said:
yes, the only need to go back is if you have to do a warranty return. Technically rooting voids the warranty, but if you undo it whos to know the difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i actually meant to say "won't need to return to stock unless for warranty"...but yes i gotcha! thanks.
Like i said, although the Captivate seems more "open" or easier to root and such...in the end, this is going to be a MUCH better flashing technique compared to samsung phones. Everyone is always so worried about flashing to stock, doing this, doing that....

i guess i do have one last question....
it seems to be disputable at whether or not you need to do a factory reset/clear data within the CWM recovery during a new flash. When is it necessary and when can this be skipped?

Anytime your flashing a rom you need to do a full wipe, a benefit of CWM is it gives you the option when you start to flash anything to do one of 2 things A: being backup current rom, and B:full wipe.
So assuming you have a good backup already (if not do a backup before this step), just check the box for a full wipe and let it do the magic.
After getting the rom you want and you just want to flash a kernel, batterymod, etc then you only want to make a backup, you will not need to wipe at that point.

sounds good...thanks for all the help, Bamatide. Roll Tide!
I think i was just confused with the update process from within a rom, in which most dev's say it is ok to not wipe data in between updates. Flashing to a different rom requires the full wipe though everytime.
Just curious, but what happens if a full wipe is NOT done in between flashes? Is it just buggy or are there other problems?

The reason for a full wipe is because there could be conflicts between the two rom's where you could end up with just a bootloop and then you would need to do a wipe.
If you want there is a very simple way to do a full wipe, go to this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=996383 and download the zip, this makes it very simple to do. I keep it on my sd card because I like to change rom's and this makes it very easy.
As for rooting I have tried both programs and found that Bubby's was the easy way to go, with the hack kit you have to be able to use the command prompt on the computer and with Bubby's it does it for you. I am not a whiz with command prompt that is why I did not use the hack kit.
I hope this helps especially the one click wipe, it work's great.

So with buddy's do you have to make the gold card what ever that is lol. I didn't have to do anything like that on my old aria and was curious. Also can someone make a sticky that explains what s-off is and what radio s-off etc. I didn't have any of that on my aria and I would like to know what they mean.
And to the op I'm sorry to thread jack but it was the exact same question I had. Hope you don't mind I'm asking on top of yours.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

slocav said:
So with buddy's do you have to make the gold card what ever that is lol. I didn't have to do anything like that on my old aria and was curious. Also can someone make a sticky that explains what s-off is and what radio s-off etc. I didn't have any of that on my aria and I would like to know what they mean.
And to the op I'm sorry to thread jack but it was the exact same question I had. Hope you don't mind I'm asking on top of yours.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be sorry most of us would rather you search then start a new thread. As for which method to use, essentially they are the same except the "one click" does most of the dos commands for you. Both downgrade your rom and radio and use that as an exploit, to root and s-off the phone.
Now problems people run into, there still seems to be a problem with CWM and the one click. For this reason I will recommend the Hack Kit, its nothing against bubby but it is sad to see the same "cwm blank screen" thread resurrected everyday.
Essentially s-on is Security on meaning you cannot flash unsigned roms. Radio s-off essentially allows you to flash custom roms. To flash a stock rooted rom you will need s-off.
With both methods you will need a gold card.

S-off also does away with the Gold card, once you get S-off you can format the SD card be done with it.

mudknot2005 said:
Don't be sorry most of us would rather you search then start a new thread. As for which method to use, essentially they are the same except the "one click" does most of the dos commands for you. Both downgrade your rom and radio and use that as an exploit, to root and s-off the phone.
Now problems people run into, there still seems to be a problem with CWM and the one click. For this reason I will recommend the Hack Kit, its nothing against bubby but it is sad to see the same "cwm blank screen" thread resurrected everyday.
Essentially s-on is Security on meaning you cannot flash unsigned roms. Radio s-off essentially allows you to flash custom roms. To flash a stock rooted rom you will need s-off.
With both methods you will need a gold card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks for the explanation.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Can I just do root without flashing customized ROM?

Hi,
I know it sounds weird, but I've noticed that there are numerous uses reported something doesn't work after flashing a ROM. So I was wondering if I can just root my phone without flashing a new ROM. So basically what I asked is to do the root with my current stock ROM.
Sent from my little rectangular box

happyaray said:
Hi,
I know it sounds weird, but I've noticed that there are numerous uses reported something doesn't work after flashing a ROM. So I was wondering if I can just root my phone without flashing a new ROM. So basically what I asked is to do the root with my current stock ROM.
Sent from my little rectangular box
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flash a stock rooted rom.

Yes all you would do is root and it will still be stock. No problems at all. But I would recomend turning off the setting that searches for updates because being rooted and accepting ota updates does some funky things to your phone from what I've heard.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

You don't have to flash a stock rom after rooting. Rooting doesn't do anything to the stock rom on your phone in terms of having to flash something else.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

PhxkinMassacre said:
You don't have to flash a stock rom after rooting. Rooting doesn't do anything to the stock rom on your phone in terms of having to flash something else.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically the rooting process itself flashes a downgraded ROM in order to do the root. It then flashes the stock ROM over that (at least Bubbys tool does, I'm not sure about what the hack kit does, as I haven't used it personally).
So just the act of rooting does indeed flash over whatever is on your phone prior to rooting. There is no root for this phone without flashing taking place.
Sent from my Inspire using XDA Premium

Thanks Scott.
So no matter what if I would like to achieve the same thing then I would do flash a stocked ROM.
Sent from my little rectangular box

happyaray said:
Thanks Scott.
So no matter what if I would like to achieve the same thing then I would do flash a stocked ROM.
Sent from my little rectangular box
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well at the very least, you want the stock ROM, as the initial ROM that MUST be flashed in order to achieve root is a downgraded ROM in which you will have no sound (it's from the Desire, near-identical phone, but incompatible radios).
This is only temporary, as long as you finish the process.
The thing is, at least with Bubbys simple root method, putting the stock ROM back on is done for you, assuming you fully complete the process.
What you end up with, when it's all said-and-done, is a stock, rooted ROM, at which point you can leave it stock, or proceed to flash one of the many available custom roms.
Sent from my Inspire using XDA Premium

My previous phone was an HTC Aria, and it's the only phone I flashed a custom ROM to before getting this Inspire 4G (which I am considering rooting). On the Aria, after flashing a custom ROM to the phone, I had to start over entering all of my account usernames & passwords, installing the apps I wanted, etc. It took a long time to get the phone back to where I wanted it, but it was worth it to get the wi-fi hotspot feature.
If I root my Inspire using Bubby's simple root method, but don't do anything else, will I have to start from scratch again with installing the apps, entering credentials for all of the services I use (basically a fresh out of-the-box experience)?

Don't use bubby's. It hasn't been supported in several months, and it will not work if your phone has GB. The best and only way to root is using the Ace Hack Kit. Just make sure you read and follow the instructions.
BTW: A little search and reading would have given you the answer to your question. Not to be nasty about it, but it makes the Devs life easier and they are the reason this site exists.

andcal13929 said:
My previous phone was an HTC Aria, and it's the only phone I flashed a custom ROM to before getting this Inspire 4G (which I am considering rooting). On the Aria, after flashing a custom ROM to the phone, I had to start over entering all of my account usernames & passwords, installing the apps I wanted, etc. It took a long time to get the phone back to where I wanted it, but it was worth it to get the wi-fi hotspot feature.
If I root my Inspire using Bubby's simple root method, but don't do anything else, will I have to start from scratch again with installing the apps, entering credentials for all of the services I use (basically a fresh out of-the-box experience)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I can't even believe I'm going to say this again to someone, well actually I can but YOU NEED TO READ!!!! Please do your research before asking a question. I'm happy you didn't start a new thread but a little annoyed you dug up a 5 month old thread to ask a question that can be answered by searching!!!First issue, do not use Bubby's, what part of outdated is confusing. Please take a stroll over to the dev section and see the hack kit thread. read that sucker. than take a moment to let it sink in, then read it again to fully understand it. Please do your research so you don't destroy your phone.

Yea thats what my friend did, he rooted but stayed on the stock rom

[Q] Do you think rooting will get easier?

After going through the official, and unofficial means of unlocking the bootloader.... And going through the process of rooting..... And after learning that it undoes the OTA firmware upgrade and all it's little fixes...... And after reflashing RUU to get the upgrades back..... And after learning that I can't have my cake and eat it too, (rooted, and upgraded)..... I have to ask, do you think that a root method similar to that of what Visionary did for the MT4G or the RyanZa program did for the Vibrant, will come to the Sensation 4g? The only reason I ask is not because I'm an obvious noob, (Clearly I know what I'm doing) but because I'm just really - REALLY - lazy and I want a simple reasonably non invasive root method that won't reset my phone each time a hot fix or upgrade come across the wires.
Just thinking in my head, if the bootloader is unlocked, officially or unofficially, it should make it really easy for an ace developer to make a simple root method. Although, since I'm not a dev, perhaps it's harder than I think it is. In any event, my question still stands. Does anyone think it's going to happen?
P.S. In the end, after a few more months of not being rooted, or nothing new coming down the pipe, obviously I'll go the Revolutionary route again, as I'm almost certain there's no chance of another OTA coming out for this phone. (History has made me both bitter and pessimistic, I'm sorry)

The root method is already easy as is. Why worry about updates when we get them from our devs, sometimes even faster than the actual US OTA.

Lakeshow423 said:
The root method is already easy as is. Why worry about updates when we get them from our devs, sometimes even faster than the actual US OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I don't doubt that for a minute. Having been burned as much as I have in the past.... (READ: Samsung Behold II) I'm overly grateful for the devs for making it this easy. This is the first place I come for updates... There's just a small part of me that feels better about keeping it close to official, only because at the core I'm still a nooB.... Waiting for a non Samsung Nexus device....

well, the s-offing process doesn't "down grade" the OTA software, only the hboot in order to get s-off and fastboot commands working. you won't notice any part of that in daily rom use.
But, the rooting process is already pretty easy as it stands, but it won't be ANYWHERE near as easy as it was on galaxy s devices running eclair.

Huh?
1. From stock T-Mobile Sensation, turn it on, update to ota.
2. Unlock the bootloader through official or unofficial methods.
3. Flash CWM, flash root zip file.
You're done.
I have my cake and can eat it too.
If you're rooted already and can't get the ota, run the ruu to return to stock and go back to step 1
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

I hope they don't make it too easy. It is already incredibly simple as it is and if anyone thinks it is still too hard, they shouldn't be rooting it then. A modicum of understanding is still required so that if something bad happens, they can at least have the ounce of intelligence required to fix it instead of whining haplessly.

It already is too easy. Look how many clueless people root and brick their phones these days...

[Q] When should I root/unlock my phone? (Help me assess risk)

Hi, I'm looking for advice on when (not how) to root/unlock my phone. I'm coming from the "unbrickable" Captivate, and I really miss the peace of mind that came along with that. Here's my situation: I used to be a software developer, so the command prompt doesn't scare me, and I can follow directions carefully. However, I really cannot risk bricking my phone--I can't afford to waste extra money or spend time without a phone just because I wanted to tinker (the married folks will understand).
I've been following the dev forum for the last month. Originally I had decided to just leave my phone bone stock until there was a reliable and time-tested root/unlock method. But the idea of a "window" in which to unlock the bootloader has me a little bit spooked. Could I miss my chance? I also know there's no working root for 1.85 (I'm on 1.73). Is it possible that when AT&T pushes the official OTA, whenever that is, that I could be stuck without root? Or is it just a matter of devs being motivated to do it once everyone is there?
Finally, is there any bricking risk to simply rooting my phone, and not trying to mess with the bootloader? I would at least like to get ad blocking back on.
Thanks for any advice, it's much appreciated.

There is always risk, it can not be avoided.
No mater how careful you are something can go wrong.
Me I look at the risk vs reward.
The only issue I have for example is the phone once I put it into Airplane mode locks into Airplane mode, intermittantly.
No ROM I know says this bug is fixed, and even if there is a fix is it worthwhile for me to take a chance?
..... I am waiting so far seen no compelling reason to root my device.

AstroDigital said:
There is always risk, it can not be avoided.
No mater how careful you are something can go wrong.
Me I look at the risk vs reward.
The only issue I have for example is the phone once I put it into Airplane mode locks into Airplane mode, intermittantly.
No ROM I know says this bug is fixed, and even if there is a fix is it worthwhile for me to take a chance?
..... I am waiting so far seen no compelling reason to root my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Yes, it's all about "risk vs. reward". I'm pretty clear on the "reward" part: rooting lets me block ads and run a few other nice things like tethering, memory management tweaks, etc., and unlocking the bootloader lets me install a custom recovery and third-party ROMs which, for me, will be pretty important to my long-term satisfaction.
What I'm looking for is specific and reliable advice on the "risk" side of the equation, both for rooting and for unlocking, and for waiting to do either of those. In particular, is there a risk that if I wait too long to unlock, I'll end up stuck with it locked forever? I guess it wouldn't matter so much, since dev support would probably dry up in that scenario, but it's something I've been worrying about. This is only my second Android phone.

1.73 is the best place you can be In my opinion for rooting and unlocking. Kennethpenn's one click root for our phone is stupid simple to use. The One click SuperCID is the same. Stupid simple, but I havn't really needed any reason to unlock really. I've unlocked but havn't flashed any roms or anything or even installed recovery yet.

The "window" too unlock/root your device is pretty much before you upgrade to 1.85. With all the one-click scripts available there's a lot less risk than if you had to say, copy/paste or type out all the commands yourself, but again there's always risk.
As long as you root, unlock your bootloader, AND install with CWM Recovery or TWRP BEFORE you upgrade to 1.85 then you're good.
As long as you're SuperCID, you can reunlock using HTCDev (I used the same unlock token that was provided when I was on 1.73...may or may not work for all though). Since you installed a custom recovery before upgrading, you can flash SU and have it manually update the binary and boom, you're rooted again.
Just be sure to follow all instructions to the letter. The only insanely risky part was changing the CID manually (I spent a good 5 minutes staring at my hex editor to make sure things were right), but there's a one click for that now.

yes. while your on 1.73, do the supercid and get the unlock token from HTCDev. keep this token!!!! forever even, as you will be able to use it again and again to relock and reunlock bootloader. as long as you know what you are doing, i'd recommend you go ahead root unlock bootloader, relock, ruu to 1.85, and reunlock. devs are starting to spit out some really cool stuff.

Thanks guys, that's exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for. One more question: I know around the time that the BL unlock was first achieved, there was some worry that HTC would "patch" it, or do something, so that it would stop working. Is that worry justified, or can I count on being able to unlock whenever I choose as long as I'm still on 1.73?
Edit: ethantarheels123 answered exactly this before I even got done typing it. Awesome!

Tinyboss said:
Is it possible that when AT&T pushes the official OTA, whenever that is, that I could be stuck without root? Or is it just a matter of devs being motivated to do it once everyone is there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If AT&T pushes out 1.85 as an OTA and you install it, then you will be stuck without root and without bootloader unlock (unless AT&T also decides to unlock the bootloader officially). Devs coming up with a new root method is always possible, but I wouldn't count on it. A lot of people are already rooted, superCID and unlocked bootloader on 1.85. So not sure how much interest there will be on rooting 1.85 when other things are higher priority (S-Off, custom ROMs, kernels), even if 1.85 gets pushed out as an OTA.
The one-click root method is ridiculous simple, and not much can go wrong. If for some reason anything goes wrong, you can just run the RUU to get back to stock. One clock SuperCID is also simple, with little risk as well. As mentioned, everything has a risk. But if you use these methods to root and unlock, it seems the risk is quite small. If root privileges, and the ability to flash custom ROMs is important to you, I'd say the odds are highly in your favor. If not, and you are thinking of doing it just in case the "window" closes, than that's a tougher call to make, and its up to you to judge.
---------- Post added at 12:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 PM ----------
Tinyboss said:
Thanks guys, that's exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for. One more question: I know around the time that the BL unlock was first achieved, there was some worry that HTC would "patch" it, or do something, so that it would stop working. Is that worry justified, or can I count on being able to unlock whenever I choose as long as I'm still on 1.73?
Edit: ethantarheels123 answered exactly this before I even got done typing it. Awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is always the possibility that HTC may plug the hole by which SuperCID allows you to get an unlock token. Whether they will or not, who knows.
Also keep in mind that keeping the token to reuse does not always work. It worked for me, but not other people. So no guarantees.

I'm on 1.73 and I'm rooted only. (I'm also married and love this stuff but just don't have time to be redoing over and over and/or getting stuck). For now, root is enough for me and from what I've seen, there isn't much reason to rush into unlocking bootloader. Most things are WIPs or unoffical ports or have a list of "stuff not working" which makes it pointless unless you are into that beta experience.
Root is awesome and when the other stuff becomes official or fully working, I'll get do that stuff too.

[Q] Need help flashing custom ROM

Hi Everyone,
As this if my first post just wanted to say that I'm relatively new to customizing my Verizon HTC One M8 and really tried to search around here as well as other places to find answers but I really just wound up getting confused and bogged up in all the different scenarios and things that worked in this version but don't know etc. so apologies if I'm asking a bunch of newbie questions I after a lot of hours I really just couldn't find an up to date comprehensive guide.
So basically I have a Verizon HTC One M8 running Android 4.4.4. and I want to install a custom ROM most likely the DigitalHigh GPE or Skydragon not sure which but regardless I just read a bunch of different guides and started getting frustrated when they didn't work (like going the HTCDev route to realize that that route isn't supported by Verizon or whatever). Currently I have Sunshine installed and am waiting to verify that I can move forward before paying for it.
My question is after I pay for and run sunshine whats the exact route I take to get to where I want to go? I've searched around and found guides but I don't want to be stuck with outdated information that might not work. Thanks a lot for any help you guys can give.

sturdly said:
Hi Everyone,
As this if my first post just wanted to say that I'm relatively new to customizing my Verizon HTC One M8 and really tried to search around here as well as other places to find answers but I really just wound up getting confused and bogged up in all the different scenarios and things that worked in this version but don't know etc. so apologies if I'm asking a bunch of newbie questions I after a lot of hours I really just couldn't find an up to date comprehensive guide.
So basically I have a Verizon HTC One M8 running Android 4.4.4. and I want to install a custom ROM most likely the DigitalHigh GPE or Skydragon not sure which but regardless I just read a bunch of different guides and started getting frustrated when they didn't work (like going the HTCDev route to realize that that route isn't supported by Verizon or whatever). Currently I have Sunshine installed and am waiting to verify that I can move forward before paying for it.
My question is after I pay for and run sunshine whats the exact route I take to get to where I want to go? I've searched around and found guides but I don't want to be stuck with outdated information that might not work. Thanks a lot for any help you guys can give.
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Click to collapse
Since you are on 4.4.4 you first have to figure out if Sunshine will work on your phone, it's more recommended for users on 4.4.3 but you can still try as some people have had success. If it doesn't work, it will not charge so you don't have to worry. about paying and it not working.

sturdly said:
Hi Everyone,
As this if my first post just wanted to say that I'm relatively new to customizing my Verizon HTC One M8 and really tried to search around here as well as other places to find answers but I really just wound up getting confused and bogged up in all the different scenarios and things that worked in this version but don't know etc. so apologies if I'm asking a bunch of newbie questions I after a lot of hours I really just couldn't find an up to date comprehensive guide.
So basically I have a Verizon HTC One M8 running Android 4.4.4. and I want to install a custom ROM most likely the DigitalHigh GPE or Skydragon not sure which but regardless I just read a bunch of different guides and started getting frustrated when they didn't work (like going the HTCDev route to realize that that route isn't supported by Verizon or whatever). Currently I have Sunshine installed and am waiting to verify that I can move forward before paying for it.
My question is after I pay for and run sunshine whats the exact route I take to get to where I want to go? I've searched around and found guides but I don't want to be stuck with outdated information that might not work. Thanks a lot for any help you guys can give.
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Hey bud, we'll get you where you need to be. First off, unless it's the 4.4.4 under the Verizon forums, don't flash Skydragon as it is for the GSM version. I would recommend going with DHs, but beware *some* people have issues with data with that ROM. Here's the easiest way to get you where you need to be.
1. Go ahead and get S-off with sunshine. With S-off, you can flash RUUs.
2. Download this RUU and place it on your sd card, or use the executable method, both work flawlessly. Note that this will reset your phone, but you're flashing a ROM anyways. This is rooted. http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ent/ruu-m8vzw-4-4-4-s-off-onlynewest-t2914914
3. Confirm root and download flashify from the playstore.
4. Flash the recovery of your choice (most, myself included, prefer TWRP)
Now you are rooted with a custom recovery and good to go. If you flash DHs GPE, you will need to update to the 5.0 firmware first for best results. To do this, just place it (https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95832962473400175) on your sd card and boot into hboot by turning off your device, then hold volume down and the power button until it boots into a white screen with multi-colored text. This is hboot. From there, the device should auto detect the firmware on your sd card and press volume up to flash it. Volume up once more to confirm it. To confirm that you are on the new firmware, go back into hboot and check the opendsp number, it should something other than 46.2.2. Delete the firmware from your sd card so hboot doen't keep prompting you to run it every time you boot into hboot. From here, you should be all good to flash DHs ROM. If there is anything else I can help with or you get stuck at any point, let me know and we'll figure it out.

bjoostema said:
Hey bud, we'll get you where you need to be. First off, unless it's the 4.4.4 under the Verizon forums, don't flash Skydragon as it is for the GSM version. I would recommend going with DHs, but beware *some* people have issues with data with that ROM. Here's the easiest way to get you where you need to be.
1. Go ahead and get S-off with sunshine. With S-off, you can flash RUUs.
2. Download this RUU and place it on your sd card, or use the executable method, both work flawlessly. Note that this will reset your phone, but you're flashing a ROM anyways. This is rooted. http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ent/ruu-m8vzw-4-4-4-s-off-onlynewest-t2914914
3. Confirm root and download flashify from the playstore.
4. Flash the recovery of your choice (most, myself included, prefer TWRP)
Now you are rooted with a custom recovery and good to go. If you flash DHs GPE, you will need to update to the 5.0 firmware first for best results. To do this, just place it (https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95832962473400175) on your sd card and boot into hboot by turning off your device, then hold volume down and the power button until it boots into a white screen with multi-colored text. This is hboot. From there, the device should auto detect the firmware on your sd card and press volume up to flash it. Volume up once more to confirm it. To confirm that you are on the new firmware, go back into hboot and check the opendsp number, it should something other than 46.2.2. Delete the firmware from your sd card so hboot doen't keep prompting you to run it every time you boot into hboot. From here, you should be all good to flash DHs ROM. If there is anything else I can help with or you get stuck at any point, let me know and we'll figure it out.
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Thanks so much for the detailed explanation! I suppose its worth mentioning that my end goal is to run a ROM that's close to stock Android 5. Certainly don't mind resetting my phone, I have my contacts and whatnot backed up and being my first android phone I have tons of crap I don't need on it anyway. That being said, would you recommend DH's ROM or another one for my needs? Also in step 2, to clarify, once I apply the RUU that will root my phone or will I have to do that with a separate method?
Also @The Stig 04 thanks for the heads up, I ran the test they have and it told me it would work with 4.4.4, certainly reassuring that they'll refund if it doesn't work so appreciate that

sturdly said:
Thanks so much for the detailed explanation! I suppose its worth mentioning that my end goal is to run a ROM that's close to stock Android 5. Certainly don't mind resetting my phone, I have my contacts and whatnot backed up and being my first android phone I have tons of crap I don't need on it anyway. That being said, would you recommend DH's ROM or another one for my needs? Also in step 2, to clarify, once I apply the RUU that will root my phone or will I have to do that with a separate method?
Also @The Stig 04 thanks for the heads up, I ran the test they have and it told me it would work with 4.4.4, certainly reassuring that they'll refund if it doesn't work so appreciate that
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No problem buddy! DHs is GPE, so it'll be the closest to stock android that you can get right now, well Google's take on Android anyways. There are a few AOSP roms running around, but I personally have never had an AOSP ROM run in the past year that wasn't ridden with bugs. Plus DHs ROM has an almost completely working Sense camera, which I personally found as a plus since the quality of the 4 ultra pixels on AOSP is almost painful haha. I think another good rom that is actually Sense based but looks and functions a lot like stock Lollipop is Unsense. So step two where you run the RUU will actually redownload and install the same version of OS you have now but it will come rooted and no other further action will be needed to have root access. I found this to be the easiest way to go about it without having to use ADB to install TWRP and flash SU. It takes a few minutes longer since it has to reinstall the OS but is less steps than the ADB route and far easier to explain. Either one will provide the same result, I just prefer the simplicity of running the RUU

bjoostema said:
No problem buddy! DHs is GPE, so it'll be the closest to stock android that you can get right now, well Google's take on Android anyways. There are a few AOSP roms running around, but I personally have never had an AOSP ROM run in the past year that wasn't ridden with bugs. Plus DHs ROM has an almost completely working Sense camera, which I personally found as a plus since the quality of the 4 ultra pixels on AOSP is almost painful haha. I think another good rom that is actually Sense based but looks and functions a lot like stock Lollipop is Unsense. So step two where you run the RUU will actually redownload and install the same version of OS you have now but it will come rooted and no other further action will be needed to have root access. I found this to be the easiest way to go about it without having to use ADB to install TWRP and flash SU. It takes a few minutes longer since it has to reinstall the OS but is less steps than the ADB route and far easier to explain. Either one will provide the same result, I just prefer the simplicity of running the RUU
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Right on, I'll probably stick with DH's ROM. Thanks again, I'm about to hunker down and start this process, lol I'm glad I made the switch but am mildly missing the days where I could just click a few buttons and have a Jailbroken iPhone.

sturdly said:
Right on, I'll probably stick with DH's ROM. Thanks again, I'm about to hunker down and start this process, lol I'm glad I made the switch but am mildly missing the days where I could just click a few buttons and have a Jailbroken iPhone.
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I had an Ipone for about 3 months and never had the guts to modify to because I didn't know how to fix it if I broke it haha. There are a lot of individual steps but the process as a whole should go smoothly. Just follow the threads and you will be fine and if you get snagged on anything or need clarification, just let me know man!

bjoostema said:
I had an Ipone for about 3 months and never had the guts to modify to because I didn't know how to fix it if I broke it haha. There are a lot of individual steps but the process as a whole should go smoothly. Just follow the threads and you will be fine and if you get snagged on anything or need clarification, just let me know man!
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Hey just wanted to let you know I just finished up and it worked like a charm. Love my new phone! Thanks again!

sturdly said:
Hey just wanted to let you know I just finished up and it worked like a charm. Love my new phone! Thanks again!
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Awesome man! I'm stoked for you, enjoy and no problem!