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[Video Tutorial] Noob Proof Everything Desire Guide UPDATED [04/04/11][Video Tut]

****UPDATED*****
04/04/11 - Added Gingersense Roms to Step 7
20,000 Views!!!
Hello XDA and community. I've compiled a complete walkthrough to root, s-off, and flash a custom rom on your GSM HTC Desire. This guide was created with NOOBS in mind so please follow along.
***This method only works for users with hboot 0.93 and lower. Sorry 1.06 users, but until unrevoked updates, your stuck on stock htc***
To check your hboot, turn off your phone. Hold volume down and press power while continuing to hold volume down. A white screen should load with alot of information on it. The 2nd line will have your hboot version.
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***I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU BRICK YOUR DEVICE***
Table of Contents
Step One - Service Provider RUU roms
Step Two - Root Preparations
Step Three - How To Root Your Device
Step Four - How To S-Off Your Device
Step Five - How To Partition Your Sd Card
Step Six - How To Nandroid Backup
Step Seven - How To Flash a Custom Rom
Step Eight - Optional Extras
The 1st thing im going to teach you about is your service providers RUU rom. This is not nessesary for the rooting procedure, but nessesary if you have problems or need to send your phone in for repair. So lets be safe and download it before hand.
STEP ONE - Download Your Providers RUU rom
A RUU rom is the stock rom your provider had preinstalled in your desire. The reason for downloading is just incase you have problems, you can always reflash the RUU back to the factory default. Your providers RUU rom will erase your root, s-off, apps, contacts, sms messages, and call history. The RUU will not touch anything you have saved to your sdcard such as music, photos, or videos.
Now on your phone, goto settings>about phone>software then look for your baseband version and build version. Use that information to find your RUU file here:
http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Bravo/ and here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695667
Once you have your RUU file downloaded, store it in a safe place on your pc. Now im going to show a video of me flashing my providers stock RUU. You do not need to do this, im only shooting this to showcase to new comers that its easy to erase root and return to your providers stable sense 2.2.
******PLZ NOTE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PERFORM A RUU FLASH, I ONLY DID ONE TO SHOWCASE HOW EASY IT IS TO REMOVE ROOT ACCESS AND FEATURES ******
Watch this video showcasing how to flash the RUU if you ever need too:
I created part one strickly because I understand how difficult it can be when you want root access but your afraid of the repercussions.
Now that you understand how todo a emergency reflash, lets prepare your phone and computer so they can transmit the root through hboot
STEP TWO - Root Preparations
First things first, download and install HTC sync which can be found at: http://www.htc.com
After its completely installed, open control panel then goto programs and features. Look for HTC sync and uninstall it. But leave the drivers. DO NOT UNINSTALL ANYTHING OTHER THEN HTC SYNC. The drivers are needed to connect your phone in hboot mode. Next, Your going to have to flash a modifed usb driver so you can transmit the root through hboot mode. i was going todo a video for this section but i found this tutorial could showcase what you need todo alot clearer then i could with a video. So just click the following link and continue following along
http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/windows_hboot_driver_install
After youve updated the usb hboot driver, its time to prepare your phone. First thing we are going todo is turn on usb debugging. Goto settings>applications>development>usb debugging and turn this feature on. It allows your phone and pc to have a conversation and exchange information with one another. Next, click your back button so your at settings>applications and make sure unknown sources is also turned on. At this point, you should reset your phone and reset your computer. Now that youve prepared your phone and pc to communicate through hboot mode, your ready to use unrevoked to root your phone
STEP THREE - Rooting Your Device Using Unrevoked
Now that your ready fto flash root access, download Unrevoked3 here: http://unrevoked.com/recovery/
Unrevoked is the program used to flash superuser, busybox, and clockwork recovery into your phone. Once downloaded, hook your phone up to your computer and when it asks you what kind of connection you'd like, click charge only and dont ask me again.
Heres a video to showcase the installation. Just follow along:
After youve successfully rooted your device, youve opened your device to most but not all features your device is capable of doing. You now have to S-off using alpharev to fully unlock the power of android.
STEP FOUR - S-Off Precedure With Alpharev
HTC created a new security feature they have implemented into the majority of there phones which blocks the ability to really tweak the phones internal features like your splash screen, boot animations, changing the size of system partitions, etc. You must create a way to bypass the security system which can be done with alpharev s-off procedure.
First thing were gonna do is download the alpharev hboot reflash utility from: http://alpharev.nl/
Once you have this file downloaded, you have to burn it with an iso burning program or place it on a usb drive. I perfer the disc as i have so many laying around. I Used Magic Iso to burn the boot disc which can be found here http://www.magiciso.com/download.htm
Once you have magiciso installed, all u have to do is open it, then click the "Burn dvd/cd with iso" then click the alpharev iso, then burn it.
Once you have your alpharev s-off disc in hand, you must setup your pc so it reads boot discs before it reads windows on your hard drive. To do this, restart your pc. When your pc restarts, it will have a screen with your manufacturers logo. In one of these corners it will say something like "press F5 for setup." press the required button your specific computer asks for and it will bring your too a menu like this:
Your computer will start the boot sequence from the top of the list. So you want to move your cd/dvd drive above your hdd in the boot list. once youve moved it above your hdd, save the changes and close the setup menu. Below is a video of the S-off precedure starting from where the text ended.
After youve successfully s-offed your device, its time to partition your sdcard.
STEP FIVE - Partitioning Your Sd Card With Gparted
A majority of custom roms today come with a feature called "App2sd". This feature allows movement of most applications to your sd card to save valuable system space which is definately needed for a device with such a small amount of room for applications [131mbs] as the desire. To set this feature up, you must first partition your sd card using a program called "Gparted". You can download this program here: http://gparted.sourceforge.net/download.php
After youve downloaded the file, you must burn it in the same method as you burned alpharev. Again, use magiciso to burn a boot disc you can use to bootup when you turn on your pc. Follow along with this video:
STEP SIX - Stock Nandroid Backup
After youve successfully partitioned your sd card, youve got to make a stock nandroid backup just incase you have an issue with a rom you decided to try.
Watch this video for instructions:
Now that youve made a backup of your stock rom, your ready to flash a custom rom
STEP SEVEN - Flashing A Custom Rom
Now that your ready to flash a custom rom, you have quite afew choices. But after many months of testing, im going to post my personal favorites of each type.
First, we have sense roms. Sense roms are the same as the stock htc rom butwith tweaks and modifications. My personal favorite sense rom is Leedroid which can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=768703
Second, we have sense hd roms. sense hd roms are roms pulled from the desire hd. There basically the same as sense roms except they give you extra features like flipclock, the porsonalize button, skins, etc. These are my second favorite type of rom. And my personal favorite sense hd rom is Cool Sense Hd which can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=899943
UPDATE- Third, We Have Gingersense roms. Gingersense is a sense hd rom updated to googles gingerbread 2.3.x. So youll have all the greatness of a sense hd rom with the additions of gingerbread like notification settings, a new app drawer etc. These roms are amazing but still in development stages and lack specific features like camera and a proper 3d graphics lib. My personal favorite is Robo's RCMixS which can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=988570
Fourth, we have ASOP roms. These are the stock google roms. They are pritty bare minimum roms but incredible in the speed department. These are my favorite type of rom. And my personal favorite of the bunch is Cyanogen Mod 7 which can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=957344
Last but not least, we have MIUI roms. These are the closest thing your going to get to an Iphone. If your looking for an iphone look, go with an MIUI rom. Favorite MIUI rom is Xj's 2.3 which can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=957291
It's up to your personal preference, so go ahead and choose your favorite then continue. Im going to use Cyanogen Mod 7 RC3. Follow the video
Now that you have your custom rom installed, your good 2 go! enoy the power of android. The desire is already a great device but with all the extra youve just setup, its spectacular. There are still extras you can flash if you choose too. Step eight is purely optional.
[OPTIONAL] STEP EIGHT - How To Use Android Flasher
Android Flasher is a program for your pc you can use to flash custom splash screens [the 1st screen u see when u bootup ie. the joker alpharev], your boot animation [the cm7 spinning wheel], and your recovery [clockwork, amonra]. Download android flasher here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=794638
And a good desire splashscreen thread is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=8367224
Basically, extract the downloaded file to your desktop, open it and click android flasher. hook your phone up via usb cable on charge only. click the splashscreen box and begin. it will then ask where the file is. direct it to your file and click ok. it will ask if this is the picture you want. click ok. it will then load the splash into your phone. The odd time you will get a error and it wont flash. If this happens to you, just restart your computer and try again. Also make sure unknown sources is on and usb debugging.
Ive just spent approx 20 hours creating this thread to help all the newcomers to the forum so plz, if this helped you, click the thank you button

Reserved for OP

Reserved for OP

This is an extremely useful guide, and I don't want this thread being polluted with questions. If you have a suggestion for the guide and the OP is willing to do it then post that here.
Questions belong in the Q&A forum. Please keep this thread clean.
Thanks...

Edit> The OP did PM me about my request for PVT4 but as yet its not here so to help others, I shall put it below:
Essential information before rooting
Current Android Software version
Settings>About phone. We need to check if your software is the ARA build (ARA 2.xx.415.x) this is the Arab build
Hboot version, PVT and Erase size.
Boot into Hboot (from off, hold volume down and press power)
Make a note of your Hboot version - Must be lower than 1.06
Make a note of your PVT version. If it is PVT4 you must now check if the erase size is 40,000
"Download Terminal emulator" from the market and open it.
Type "cat /proc/mtd" and press enter. It will return results of either 20,000 or 40,000
The reason we need to know the above:
The ARA build dictates you use unrevoked 3.32 (3.21 is best for anything else)
If erase size is 40,000 Amon RA 2.0.1 is better as Clockworkmod recovery supplied with Unrevoked does not work.
To select a recovery different to clockworkmod in unrevoked, before connecting the phone, go to File > Custom recovery
Hope this helps.
http://androidforums.com/desire-all...g-unrevoked-windows-published-19-03-11-a.html

THANX OP I GOT MY S-OFF FOLLOWING UR PROCEDURE....... NOW I WAS AT ALPHA REV SITE I WANTED TO UPDATE MY HBOOT :-
ravo CM7 r2 145M 5M 287M 0be8c68b41f3ab6dda4f772d6de50760 bravo_alphaspl-cm7r2.img PB99IMG_cm7r2......
TRIED EVERYTHING LIKE:-
DOWNLOADING PB99IMG_cm7r2.ZIP RENAMING IT TO PB99IMG.ZIP THEN TRYING THE FASTBOOT METHOD BUT IT SAYS CID ERROR.....
NEED HELP PLEASE REVERT BAK ... WAITING THANX IN ADVANCE

Tried S-OFF my Desire. Did everything like in instructions, step by step. Now I'm stuck at 3rd step for ~30 mins. On phone is written
"AlphaRev SPLBOOT 2.0
Normal NAND detectef. NonPVT-4."
ON PC screen: waiting for flashing to complete....
and nothing changes...
Any help??

Not so Noob proof for me unfortunately
Unfortunately, not so noob proof for me...since step four gives me an error. I'm using Alpharev's ISO, burned on a cd. Then booting, trying to S-OFF my rooted stock ROM. Then when I see "pushing necessary files to phone" on the screen of my pc, it doesn't go beyond that point.

Thanks man, Everything worked ...... Keep up the Good Work

Thanks, worked perfectly for me.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Many thanks bro...working perfectly for me. Will keep me occupied for days playing with new roms.

hi.
i'm getting stuck at step 5.
After booting computer and plugging in the phone i think it doesn't load properly as i get repeated messages saying - sense key : hardware error - (and some other stuff) and then after a bit the screen goes blank but the computer is still on. i'd previously flashed a gingerbread .zip rom onto the phone if that is a problem?

pjtripp said:
hi.
i'm getting stuck at step 5.
After booting computer and plugging in the phone i think it doesn't load properly as i get repeated messages saying - sense key : hardware error - (and some other stuff) and then after a bit the screen goes blank but the computer is still on. i'd previously flashed a gingerbread .zip rom onto the phone if that is a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for Gparted? Does it work without plugging the phone in?

a huuge thanks to u my friend
worked like a charm

Nice and easy to follow instructions.
Just have one question. I made partition as showed, but i still have very little room for apps. Do i need to somehow move them to ext partition or move something else to ext partiotion?

cheers man, worked a treat, even sim unlocked it. would have not done it without your guide, thanks a bunch,

does this works also for branded phones?
mine was locked and branded by three uk

Thanks for the instructions !!
I want to unroot my phone, in order to unlock it, then I'll root again.
I have couple of questions:
1) If I take Nandroid backup now that I'm rooted and have custom Rom, can I restore my phone using this backup after I've unroot and root my phone again using same method ?
2) I tried to flash my Desire with shipped RUUs, tried different ones, but none of them worked and they gave me error that the RUU doesn't match my phone or sth .. So someone told me that they have a solution to this. He said I just have to get the rom.zip file from the RUU and rename it to PB99IMG.ZIP and put it in the root of my SD card and using bootloader, I can unroot and go back to stock froyo. The problem is when the bootloader looks into my SD card to find the zip file, it doesn't find it !! I tried different SD cards and changed the name to PB99IMG with and without ".ZIP" and none of them worked !! What am I doing wrong here ?
3) I got an unlock code from interenet, my friends used that website and they unlocked their unrooted HTCs successfully, but I can't because it said I the phone ahs to be unrooted, is that right ?
Many many thanks in advance

ok after partitioning, what is the 1gb used for since moving the apps are to the left 13 gb of memory ?? since all the apps are moved to the 13gb fat32 part...

amir88 said:
Thanks for the instructions !!
I want to unroot my phone, in order to unlock it, then I'll root again.
I have couple of questions:
1) If I take Nandroid backup now that I'm rooted and have custom Rom, can I restore my phone using this backup after I've unroot and root my phone again using same method ?
2) I tried to flash my Desire with shipped RUUs, tried different ones, but none of them worked and they gave me error that the RUU doesn't match my phone or sth .. So someone told me that they have a solution to this. He said I just have to get the rom.zip file from the RUU and rename it to PB99IMG.ZIP and put it in the root of my SD card and using bootloader, I can unroot and go back to stock froyo. The problem is when the bootloader looks into my SD card to find the zip file, it doesn't find it !! I tried different SD cards and changed the name to PB99IMG with and without ".ZIP" and none of them worked !! What am I doing wrong here ?
3) I got an unlock code from interenet, my friends used that website and they unlocked their unrooted HTCs successfully, but I can't because it said I the phone ahs to be unrooted, is that right ?
Many many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldnt have to be unrooted, no. Also, you dont need unlock codes for the desire anymore. See here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=943726

[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

[noob] Unlocking and Using Custom ROMs

Hello,
This has probably been asked 100x over but I am looking to root my HTC Desire S.
I am a noob at all of this and so was wondering if it was possible for people to give me an idea of the best way to do this and the best ROM to use.
Many Thanks in advance!
Bobsk101

The best way would be to go to Desire S General section, and to read a sticky thread that's called "[GUIDE] A Complete Tutorial for the Beginners and Others". I would imagine that the name of this thread speaks for itself.
The best way to continue the best way would be to imagine that there is no "best ROM", such thing doesn't exist. Different things for different people. Then, again, it would be best to read, read, and read some more, and this way the next question would be probably something that wasn't "asked 100x over".

As a beginner follow the suggested thread and start with the ROM that I'm on see signature rather than a cutting edge ICS one
Swyped from my DesireS

Hey mate!
Im on a same boat than you. Waiting for my phone to arrive then I'll start tweaking.
so far ive done this note list to my self.
could someone confirm if there is some big mistakes?
MY NOTES/ TODO LIST.
1. to not avoid warrancy ( Dont use htcdev unlock!)
2. download adb tools (ADB TOOL GUIDE LINK)
3. install htc sync for drivers then disable/uninstall htc sync.
4. check your phone software and hboot version on boot menu (GUIDE LINK)
5. downgrade to oldest RUU with hboot 0.90.xxx something if don’t want use htcdev unlock ( GUIDE LINK)
6. to do this it depends on software on phone.
if its new like 2.11.xx-> use tacoroot guide. ( GUIDE LINK )
if its older like 2.10.xx use the zergrush guide. ( GUIDE LINK )
7. after succesfully downgraded. take a backup. ( GUIDE LINK )
8. use revolutionary guide to S-Off And root ( this is possible only in oldest version of original RUU). ( GUIDE LINK )
8. install 4ext recovery touch and titanium backup. do your backups. ( GUIDE LINK)
9. format / partition SDCARD ( GUIDE LINK PLEASE!)
10. download preferrable custom rom. Copy it to SDCARD root.
11. Flash custom rom. ( GUIDE LINK )
12. Enjoy and have a beer!
The SDcard partitioning is weird for me. how do i do that and what ext3/4 etc and what size do they need to be. if someone would confirm, please.
Am i on a right track or totally lost?

moonjak said:
Hey mate!
Im on a same boat than you. Waiting for my phone to arrive then I'll start tweaking.
so far ive done this note list to my self.
could someone confirm if there is some big mistakes?
MY NOTES/ TODO LIST.
1. to not avoid warrancy ( Dont use htcdev unlock!)
2. download adb tools (ADB TOOL GUIDE LINK)
3. install htc sync for drivers then disable/uninstall htc sync.
4. check your phone software and hboot version on boot menu (GUIDE LINK)
5. downgrade to oldest RUU with hboot 0.90.xxx something if don’t want use htcdev unlock ( GUIDE LINK)
6. to do this it depends on software on phone.
if its new like 2.11.xx-> use tacoroot guide. ( GUIDE LINK )
if its older like 2.10.xx use the zergrush guide. ( GUIDE LINK )
7. after succesfully downgraded. take a backup. ( GUIDE LINK )
8. use revolutionary guide to S-Off And root ( this is possible only in oldest version of original RUU). ( GUIDE LINK )
8. install 4ext recovery touch and titanium backup. do your backups. ( GUIDE LINK)
9. format / partition SDCARD ( GUIDE LINK PLEASE!)
10. download preferrable custom rom. Copy it to SDCARD root.
11. Flash custom rom. ( GUIDE LINK )
12. Enjoy and have a beer!
The SDcard partitioning is weird for me. how do i do that and what ext3/4 etc and what size do they need to be. if someone would confirm, please.
Am i on a right track or totally lost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how we do!
Very glad you are reading reading and reading everything before doing even a little touch. Most people want to start NOW, do everything immediately and xda is sh*t if it does not work.
Your plan looks good so far. if you don't stress your self, get through step by step and always reading allot, I'm sure you will succeed and be happy in the end
Just finished my examinations. WOOOHOOOO

So, can 4ext/titanium backup handle SDCard partitions automatically and what sizes should i make them and name... dont have usb cardreader for my pc so phone needs to handle SDcard partition/formatting.
i know 1st partition FAT32 2nd partition Ext3? 1gb? 3rd partition ?
i got cheap 32gb class10 samsung card coming..
ps. just being bored with this long waiting... trying to figure things on my own..
-mj

I'm really sorry if I missed something but as far as I know there is no "you HAVE TO partition the sdcard"
You might benefit from doing so somehow, but I did not partition anything and I did never had any problems.
Ps: anyways my sdcard is very well organized.
Just finished my examinations. WOOOHOOOO

There's no need to partition SD card. The only thing this partition is useful for, is running A2SD in its various forms (Apps2SD-EXT, Data2EXT, etc) - and in a phone with 1+ GB of internal storage, it's useless.

Jack_R1 said:
There's no need to partition SD card. The only thing this partition is useful for, is running A2SD in its various forms (Apps2SD-EXT, Data2EXT, etc) - and in a phone with 1+ GB of internal storage, it's useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know my thoughts were right
Just finished my examinations. WOOOHOOOO

Help Please!!!

I'm getting the Motorola Milestone xt720 delivered soon so that I may have a fairly inexpensive phone to use on Tmobile USA out of contract. I know it isn't the best of phones I just wanted something inexpensive to use on HSPA until other phones came down in price to use with my tzones ($ 5.00 data plan). I'm coming from the HTC HD2 in which I have rooted and installed different Android Roms multiple times over (This was originally a windows mobile device). But the problems I'm having is finding precise instructions to enable this on the xt720. 1. I know that I will root with Universal Androot as this seems to be the easiest way to root. 2. I'm lost from that step forward So if someone can put something detailed together I will be so grateful. I have read and watched youtube instructions the past two weeks since placing the order but everyone is so brief with their instructions or they post small non verbal videos
I need to upgrade from 2.1 I guess ? Because most importantly, 1. I definitely need to use this phone as a Wireless Hotspot to Tether 3G, 4G speed, 2. Use HDMI for streaming INTERNET, and 3. want minimal freezes. I love the UI of MIUI so I was planning to install this ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311603
MIUI t2w v2.2.10_b20120214]-[MOTOROI XT720] - DISCONTINUED.
I hope I'm not asking for too much and Thanks to anyone for their assistance.

I recently got a xt720 too and couldn't find universal androot in the market...if you cant find it either, superoneclick works too. I installed a custom rom on mine yet but I saw one where it was pretty easy to install. Its something something froyo, where you virtually just drag and drop what you download onto the root of your sd and do the entire process from your phone. I youtubed "how to install custom rom on milestone xt720"
Sent from my Motorola XT720 using XDA Premium App

Thanks for your reply. But that didn't really help. Anyone else please? That can explain it the easiest way?

I think these videos are very good: http://www.youtube.com/user/reverendkjr/videos?query=XT720
We've collected all known original SBF files at http://sbf.droid-developers.org/umts_sholestablet/list.php
Let me know if you encounter other dead download links. I might be able to hunt them down.
Khalpower's ROMs are pretty old now. But basically there are the basic techniques you can learn from reverendkjr's videos:
1) SBF flash to restore phone to factory state (flashing back to stock tutorial & installing drivers tutorial)
2) Root and install OpenRecovery from factory state (IIRC both the khalpowers and CM6.3 videos have this, but I can't remember... it is up there in at least one of the tutorials...)
3) Flash a nandroid type ROM from OpenRecovery (install Khalpowers videos)
4) Flash an update.zip type ROM from OpenRecovery (install CM 6.3 video)
5) Advanced the fastboot boot boot.img trick (advanced)

Mioze7Ae said:
I think these videos are very good: http://www.youtube.com/user/reverendkjr/videos?query=XT720
We've collected all known original SBF files at http://sbf.droid-developers.org/umts_sholestablet/list.php
Let me know if you encounter other dead download links. I might be able to hunt them down.
Khalpower's ROMs are pretty old now. But basically there are the basic techniques you can learn from reverendkjr's videos:
1) SBF flash to restore phone to factory state (flashing back to stock tutorial & installing drivers tutorial)
2) Root and install OpenRecovery from factory state (IIRC both the khalpowers and CM6.3 videos have this, but I can't remember... it is up there in at least one of the tutorials...)
3) Flash a nandroid type ROM from OpenRecovery (install Khalpowers videos)
4) Flash an update.zip type ROM from OpenRecovery (install CM 6.3 video)
5) Advanced the fastboot boot boot.img trick (advanced)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. So let me make sure I understand this correctly. I just received the phone Monday so it is already stock 2.1. All I have to do is root it( I will use Universal Androot), Install Open recovery ( Can I get it from playstore?), and install a nandroid rom or update.zip? I have no idea what you're referencing in #5.Advanced the fastboot boot boot.img trick?
Also, because I want to install this Rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1311603. I have NO idea what this first direction to install the Rom means? RSD to STSKT_N_79.33.50R (Android 2.2.1)? Or is it even necessary?
Thanks again for help.

Study threads on this before you try this.
Sent from my SGH-T759 using xda premium

the open recovery link seems to be down takes you to a lnx.lu website

kenny513 said:
the open recovery link seems to be down takes you to a lnx.lu website
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure exactly what you're looking for but...
Open Recovery
[MOD]OpenRecovery XT720 01 (2011-08-30) based on Androidiani (Androidiani is a modified OR)
There is also an app to install Open Recovery. You can find it attached to the OP in this post

[Q] Looking for root basics, list etc.

As the title states, I need help with understanding the basic steps on rooting the ASUS TF300.
I am not a programmer, I do not know the lingo or terms, and searching on the site has yielded very confusing results.
Basic steps?
1. Unlock boot loader - Why? What does this do?
2. TWRP? I have no clue, but I see references all over the place
3. Custom Recovery - What does this do? Do I need it?
4. Kernel - What is this?
5. ROM - What is this?
6. Install Super SU or SuperUser (what's the difference?, what does this do?
7. Install a root check app (to check if rooted I presume)
8. Install some form of file explorer (I have Fx File Explorer) and backup/control app (I have Titanium backup)- both paid forms
9. De-bloat with caution!
Where does the OEM firmware/software fit in this scheme? Does it exist as a backup or is it over-written? Do I have a choice?
As you can guess I'm lost. Reading threads after searching for "root TF300" or even the guides or the very good index, I have more questions than answers. How does one know what to do if the acronyms used are cryptic? (example TWRP~ what does this even stand for?)
I believe that not all steps are required, but I also believe the order I do things is important, and I'm concerned about bricking my TF300 by doing something wrong. I also don't want to assume that this is the same for every device or phones. (what steps work for a phone may not be the best for a tablet)
All I want to do is root and remove bloat. After I get this, I may consider upgrading the OS (kernel? Rom?) to something better.
Any links would be greatly appreciated. Please just bear in mind I'm so noob to this I don't know a ROM from a Kernel yet. (When I search, all answers are overly complicated developer definitions.)
Thank you!

Here is a "simple Step by Step" with notes in red as to how my mind tries to grasp this:
1. Upgrade your tablet to the desired firmware: 4.1 or 4.2 I assume they mean any OTA upgrade~ my tablet is current with JB 4.2.1 and I do not believe ASUS will plan on upgrading this anytime soon)
2. Be sure the correct drivers for your tablet are installed!! Installed where? on my PC? How do I know what are the correct drivers? Where can I get them?
3. Download the updated rooting toolkit: Updated Motochopper rooting toolkit -OK, I can do this!
4. Download TWRP for your firmware version:
- 4.1: TWRP 2.5.0.0 for Jellyeban 4.1
- 4.2: TWRP 2.5.0.0 for Jellybean 4.2 -This makes sense to me, as I am jellybean 4.2.1
5. Rename the downloaded TWRP blob file to twrp.blob and copy it to the root of your sdcard -what is a blob file? Is there a size requirement for the SD card? Does the SD have to be blank?
5. Extract the rooting toolkit to a place you like. -I assume the above mentioned motochopper? Does this answer my question above about the SD card?
== Part 2 - Rooting ==
1. Open up the folder where you placed the rooting toolkit. - with what program? A simple file explorer I assume?
2. Open the run file and follow the instructions -I hope there aren't any cryptic/over my head choices to make!
After installation the tablet should reboot and you should be rooted. -Does this install all the SuperSu stuff or is this it? What about customer recovery? Can I go back? what are the limitations of doing it this way assuming it works....
And this is just PART of the process!

I'll answer in logical order:
broderp said:
5. ROM - What is this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the Operating System that's running on your tablet, i.e. what is called Lollipop or KitKat, or even further what makes the difference between Android and iOS.
Your ROM may come with some preinstalled apps, but with some ROMs they are separate (i.e. the Google apps).
broderp said:
1. Unlock boot loader - Why? What does this do?
2. TWRP? I have no clue, but I see references all over the place
3. Custom Recovery - What does this do? Do I need it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On your ASUS tablet you can, by default, only install ASUS supplied ROMs (i.e. updates).
In order to install a new ROM you need to unlock your device. You do that by unlocking the boot loader. Once you have unlocked the boot loader, you can install a custom recovery, such as TWRP (there are many custom recoveries, but for your device TWRP is recommended).
Once you have a custom recovery, installing a new ROM, or rooting your device, becomes a lot easier. No need to type in commands, but you can now use touch.
broderp said:
4. Kernel - What is this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your kernel is the most important part of your ROM. It's the software between apps and your actual hardware, the lowest level actually. The kernel determines if you can talk to certain pieces of hardware or not. If the kernel does not support certain hardware, that's it, you can't use it.
When your tablet boots up, the first thing it loads its the kernel, the kernel loads all other programs. Another responsibility of the kernel is to allow you to run multiple programs at once.
broderp said:
6. Install Super SU or SuperUser (what's the difference?, what does this do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They allow you to execute programs with root privileges (i.e. no limit to privileges, can do anything), but also give you some protection so malicious programs cannot become root: you have to give explicit permissions for every app.
broderp said:
7. Install a root check app (to check if rooted I presume)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
broderp said:
8. Install some form of file explorer (I have Fx File Explorer) and backup/control app (I have Titanium backup)- both paid forms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Optional, pick whatever you like.
broderp said:
9. De-bloat with caution!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No clue!
broderp said:
Where does the OEM firmware/software fit in this scheme? Does it exist as a backup or is it over-written? Do I have a choice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware often is part of the hardware: it gets written to special memory, and "sticks", i.e. when you reboot it stays there. If you get a T300 you should let ASUS run all the updates as it installs new firmware. Some firmware gets written when your device boots, meaning the special program, the kernel, starts, and at some point writes updated firmware to hardware.
So firmware is software that makes hardware a bit more flexible: else everything is hard-wired, if there's a problem you can't fix it, but with software you sometimes can fix a hardware issue.
Hope this helps!

First, to unlock the bootloader, you need to go the asus site and register your tablet. Then you can download the unlock app from the asus site as well. Next, move the unlock app from where ever it downloaded on your pc to your tablet. You can put it on the tablet RAM or on an SD card, it doesn't matter. On your tablet, go into the settings menu. under security(I think it is there) and enable 'unknown sources' for app installation. I haven't had the stock ROM for so long, I can't recall where that option is. Run the unlock app. It may take a couple times to unlock the tablet. WARNING! this will void your warrenty! So if your tablet is relatively new, think hard about this. Once your tablet is unlocked, then you can worry about TWRP and ROMS
TWRP is a custom recovery. It is officially Team Win Recovery Project, hence TWRP. It is a program that will allow you to back up your tablet before you make changes(very important in case you screw something up) and a host of other things including flashing custom ROMs. If you go into the LP 5.1 for the TF300 thread in the development area, it will have all the links for stuff like the current TWRP, Gapps packages and the newest LP ROM. It is great for our tablets and really wakes it up. Oh yeah, the TWRP site will have instructions for flashing TWRP on your newly unlocked tablet as well.
All this seems very intimidating for noobs, I was one about 4 months ago. I now feel sort of not-noobish. To install TWRP you will need either Fastboot or ADB on your computer. Google Fastboot or ADB and you should find plenty of answers. There are also 'lite' versions of Fastboot out there too. If you are on Windows 8 or 8.1 you will need one of those. Windows doesn't like fastboot or ADB for some reason
HTH