[Q] Flashing ROMS and Radios, safety? - HTC Sensation

Hello,
I am planning on giving in for a few ROMs, but read they need to have a new radio flashed as well. How risky is this? Or, whats the WORST that could go wrong? I know that when flashing a ROM, the worst is that it wont flash right and cause a semi-brick that is easily fixed by flashing a backup ROM.
But, what about if you flash a radio and THAT gets FUBARed? Is it just as easily fixed as restoring with your latest backup?
I am not serious enough to try flashing ROMs if there is the potential for a 100% brick. I am a noob, but can follow directions well. (Or as well as they are written).
Thanks,
Matt

Actually flashing a radio is the most risky thing. If you screw up, you can brick it. However, I flashed it without problems and it's very easy. Just make sure you didn't download a corrupted file
Swyped from my HTC Sensation

idavid_ said:
Actually flashing a radio is the most risky thing. If you screw up, you can brick it. However, I flashed it without problems and it's very easy. Just make sure you didn't download a corrupted file
Swyped from my HTC Sensation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yikes! So there is the chance for a 100% brick then? Is there a way out of this? Its too bad that there isnt a way around having to do this...
What are some steps to take to get the absolute best chance at this? Also, does this mean that if I wanted to return to my stock ROM, I would have to find my stock radio and re-flash all that too?
Seems this may not be worth it, for me just yet...I was just curious to see how the dual core support ROMs are compared to stock.
Matt

mrg02d said:
Yikes! So there is the chance for a 100% brick then? Is there a way out of this? Its too bad that there isnt a way around having to do this...
What are some steps to take to get the absolute best chance at this? Also, does this mean that if I wanted to return to my stock ROM, I would have to find my stock radio and re-flash all that too?
Seems this may not be worth it, for me just yet...I was just curious to see how the dual core support ROMs are compared to stock.
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to revert to stock you just have to run the official RUU found here.
Download the one that matches your region
Regarding whether its worth it or not, the risk of bricking your phone is very small, and if you check the md5 sum its virtually nonexistant

frederikh said:
If you want to revert to stock you just have to run the official RUU found here.
Download the one that matches your region
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I know how to do that, as well as use recovery to use my backup, but my question is whether or not a failed radio flash can 100% kill your phone?
For instance, lets say I am flashing whatever radio I was advised to use for a ROM and then I get some error. Would I be screwed, or could I just flash my backup or use the RUU to be back in business?
Matt

mrg02d said:
Yikes! So there is the chance for a 100% brick then? Is there a way out of this? Its too bad that there isnt a way around having to do this...
What are some steps to take to get the absolute best chance at this? Also, does this mean that if I wanted to return to my stock ROM, I would have to find my stock radio and re-flash all that too?
Seems this may not be worth it, for me just yet...I was just curious to see how the dual core support ROMs are compared to stock.
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. ROMs are very easy to flash. As said, the Radio is much riskier to do than the ROM itself (although the comments about changing Radio having a low chance of bricking your phone if the process is done right are probably true).
2. Dual core support is not yet properly done. From all the feedback I've seen, it looks like a lot of devs have already pulled dual core support when people were saying it hardly increased performance while adding other issues. That said, it's still worth it to try custom ROMs because they offer speed improvements even without dual core support yet.
3. You can try custom ROMs without changing radios. I know I did (I'm currently on CoreDroid 2.3 and I didn't touch the radio), and my stock radio has given me the same data speeds and battery life I saw stock. There are a number of people who don't ever change the radio when they try different ROMs and they too have no problems. Ultimately, if you really don't want to change radios, just try out different ROMs until you find one that works well with the stock radio (and if you're like me it will only take your 1st shot to find one that does). I recommend going this route (flashing ROMs but not changing the stock radio) until you've done a lot of reading/searching about changing radios and gathered the courage to do it.

Related

Debranding a ATT branded Touch pro(fuze)

I just got a ATT fuze, and I think that all of the att bloatware is slowing the thing down. Is there a tutorial anywhere on how to de-brand it? If not, anybody feel like helping me out with it? I have the unlock code to sim unlock it but thats it.
jwx said:
I just got a ATT fuze, and I think that all of the att bloatware is slowing the thing down. Is there a tutorial anywhere on how to de-brand it? If not, anybody feel like helping me out with it? I have the unlock code to sim unlock it but thats it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, do u mean taking the logo off the front of the device or flashing a faster rom? for rom make sure u flash Hard spl(check the noob guide) and for the logo if its not actually in the glass on the front then u would open your phone cover up and scrape the logo off(not recomended). once u have hard spl u can change the logo that shows when u turn it on and the gay att animation.
That's pretty much what this entire forum is all about. You need to check out the ROM section of the Raphael sub-section and read the sticky's there. I would HIGHLY recommend installing the Energy ROM series. If you are going from the AT&T ROM to that you will be floored with the increase in speed and just overall sexyness.
KevinACrider said:
That's pretty much what this entire forum is all about. You need to check out the ROM section of the Raphael sub-section and read the sticky's there. I would HIGHLY recommend installing the Energy ROM series. If you are going from the AT&T ROM to that you will be floored with the increase in speed and just overall sexyness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I got that much after I posted. I'll check out the energy ROM, thanks for the recommendation.
reaverclan said:
Hi, do u mean taking the logo off the front of the device or flashing a faster rom? for rom make sure u flash Hard spl(check the noob guide) and for the logo if its not actually in the glass on the front then u would open your phone cover up and scrape the logo off(not recomended). once u have hard spl u can change the logo that shows when u turn it on and the gay att animation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the software/firmware. I could care less what the phone actually looks like as long as it works correctly.
Anybody have any recommendations on what ROM to flash? It's actually going to my girlfriend once I get this ATT branding off of it, so the easier to use the better. I was thinking about just loading the unbranded touch pro's ROM if I can find it, unless the cooked ROMs would be ok for someone who probably won't want to reflash ROMs often.
If you need stability, flash a WM6.1 ROM, the WM6.5 ROMs are still beta and a little buggy.
jwx said:
Anybody have any recommendations on what ROM to flash? It's actually going to my girlfriend once I get this ATT branding off of it, so the easier to use the better. I was thinking about just loading the unbranded touch pro's ROM if I can find it, unless the cooked ROMs would be ok for someone who probably won't want to reflash ROMs often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EneryROM - a totally different experience.. try it ...
I think I'm gonna try one of the engeryrom 6.1 ROMs. Thanks guys!
Out of curiosity, lets say that I brick the phone, anyway to bring it back?
jwx said:
I think I'm gonna try one of the engeryrom 6.1 ROMs. Thanks guys!
Out of curiosity, lets say that I brick the phone, anyway to bring it back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To brick your phone implies that is is dead and cannot be brought back.
There are very few instances where a device cannot be bought back.
If you read the Noob flashing guide, make sure you have Hard SPL installed and follow the directions to the letter, you won't brick your phone.
One thing to remember, as you start flashing ROMs, you will want to flash back to stock ROM in between flashing customs ROMs as the RUU wrappers do not completely overwrite the previous ROMs but flashing back to stock does.
Bruce Inman said:
To brick your phone implies that is is dead and cannot be brought back. There are very few instances where a device cannot be bought back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So bricking a phone would be one of those instances where it's not coming back, right? I just want to make sure that I understand it...
Bruce Inman said:
If you read the Noob flashing guide, make sure you have Hard SPL installed and follow the directions to the letter, you won't brick your phone.
One thing to remember, as you start flashing ROMs, you will want to flash back to stock ROM in between flashing customs ROMs as the RUU wrappers do not completely overwrite the previous ROMs but flashing back to stock does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really planning on reflashing a lot honestly, since it's not my personal phone. If that was the case, then I'd probably play a bit more with it.
It does look pretty straight forward but I always tend to worry a bit when I do something new. I don't really expect anything bad to happen though.
Just a warning, its very addicting....
It looks like it is. I wish my e63 had the same hacks that these have for them. I see a lot of room for improvment on it...
I wouldn't say all the 6.5 ROMs are buggy. Get the latest EnergyROM which is 6.5. The buggy ones are 6.5.1 which are changing the UI.
First.off all lets stop the discussion about which is the best ROM! LOOK FIRST into debloating a stock ROM. Arupenthal and myself have good threads about it. SECOND look into hardSPL and understand what it does. THIRD I agree that a good start would be a 6.1 based ROM again arupp and NRG (2.0) ROMs may be the best start. Careful flashing a stock HTC TouchPro ROM. It may work w/o hardSPL but the keyboard layout differs and requires at least one more cab (fuzekeyboard) and even ATT connection setup.. Be patient read a lot and understand what you are doing and what'ss going on!! It'll take some time but Rome wasn't built in a day either

What are the risks of unlocking my TP2?

Hello Im completely new to modding/ hacking smartphones and was wondering what the risks are for unlocking my verizon TP2 when the unlocker is released? I like to hack all of my gadgets and gizmos to my liking like my ipod touch for instance but with my ipod if anything goes wrong I cant just put it back in DFU and restore it back to the normal firmware and I was wondering if it is the same sort of deal with the my touch pro 2. Also any advice would help at least to lower any risk that there might be.
NO risk if done Right!
There is always risk, but if you do it right you will be able to fully use all the great features of the TP2, It's the most sophisticated and nice PPC on the US market right now.
Don't worry, it's the same type of deal, you will be able to relock you TP2 and re-install the out of the factory ROM that it's is f loathing around.
Thanks for the reply Im glad to hear that and Dont worry Ill make sure to read the instructions very carefully so ill do it right.
Cmk618 said:
like my ipod touch for instance but with my ipod if anything goes wrong I cant just put it back in DFU and restore it back to the normal firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But just so you understand . . . if you flash a new ROM, you can't just hard reset and have it go back to the factory default. When you hard reset after flashing a new ROM, you'll get a fresh install FROM THE FLASHED ROM, not from your carrier's original.
If for some reason you have to return the phone, you'll have to re-flash your carrier's default ROM.
biggest risk...you will become addicted to flashing like the rest of us lol
SecretAgentMan said:
But just so you understand . . . if you flash a new ROM, you can't just hard reset and have it go back to the factory default. When you hard reset after flashing a new ROM, you'll get a fresh install FROM THE FLASHED ROM, not from your carrier's original.
If for some reason you have to return the phone, you'll have to re-flash your carrier's default ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thxs for the tip. I really did not know that and Ill make sure to keep a copy of the original rom just in case if only i knew where to download it.
Cmk618 said:
Thxs for the tip. I really did not know that and Ill make sure to keep a copy of the original rom just in case if only i knew where to download it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go here for stock rom downloads man always good to have on hand just in case
I am also a cooked ROM virgin. I'm sure this is somewhere out there, but does anyone know where to find detailed instructions on flashing for noobs? Or when the unlocker is ready I assume it's released with the ROM's and with instructions?
ron-tx said:
I am also a cooked ROM virgin. I'm sure this is somewhere out there, but does anyone know where to find detailed instructions on flashing for noobs? Or when the unlocker is ready I assume it's released with the ROM's and with instructions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
based on the past, when the unlocker is released it should come with instructions possible even a video tutorial for ya
You risk total awesomeness!
But seriously, just like everyone else said, just make sure to do the research, there's already been a few people in this part of XDA that have tried to flash their CDMA phones with GSM ROMs . Also, just like the rest said, READ THE DIRECTIONS, and make sure to read instructions of the ENTIRE process before you even start, that way you're not surprised with anything at the wrong time.
I have the CDMA Touch Pro 2 (sprint) and am trying to find a re-locker. I am waiting to flash, until I have everything in place to go back should I need to for warranty reasons...
Anyone can point me in the right direction to find the re-locker?
http://rhodiumw.htc-unlocks.com/hard-spl.php
Mardibob said:
http://rhodiumw.htc-unlocks.com/hard-spl.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.... Guess I never saw it buried in there

Radio download links?

Hey all, I'm sorry if this seems an odd question, but I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around the process of how the One S gets different features flashed to the device.
I don't have my One S yet (Hopefully it'll arrive later today, 7/27) but I wanted to be prepared when it arrives.
It seems the links are broken in this post and it's stating that this thread is outdated.
If I'm going to flash a new ROM on the device, are the radios generally included in that ROM already? I see that you often times need to manually flash BOOT.IMG on a per-ROM basis due to not having s-off? I'm comfortable with all of that, I just want to make sure that I'm not missing anything, and unfortunately it seems as though there is little information in some of the threads on XDA that clearly answer my question.
Call it a personality defect, I just like to 100% understand something in every possible way before being able to attempt it. Unfortunately when I don't have the device in front of me, it prevents me from being able to do that, but that's what forums are for, right?
Cheers all, I appreciate anyone taking the time to answer my question.
TooSlo said:
Hey all, I'm sorry if this seems an odd question, but I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around the process of how the One S gets different features flashed to the device.
I don't have my One S yet (Hopefully it'll arrive later today, 7/27) but I wanted to be prepared when it arrives.
It seems the links are broken in this post and it's stating that this thread is outdated.
If I'm going to flash a new ROM on the device, are the radios generally included in that ROM already? I see that you often times need to manually flash BOOT.IMG on a per-ROM basis due to not having s-off? I'm comfortable with all of that, I just want to make sure that I'm not missing anything, and unfortunately it seems as though there is little information in some of the threads on XDA that clearly answer my question.
Call it a personality defect, I just like to 100% understand something in every possible way before being able to attempt it. Unfortunately when I don't have the device in front of me, it prevents me from being able to do that, but that's what forums are for, right?
Cheers all, I appreciate anyone taking the time to answer my question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The latest radio with android 4.0.4 rom is said to be much better in terms of performace of wifi and cellular data signal then all previous versions, unfortunately buying a phone at this stage means that you probably will have a later hboot version 1.13 and this hboot doesnt allow flashing radio from recovery like the previous versions. You can find out more info about the radio in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1781033
To answer your other question the radio has to be flashed separately from the ROM. Hopefully your phone comes with a lower hboot so flashing wont be a problem, make sure you dont accept the ota update out of the box like i did so u dont accidently get an upgraded hboot. Makes life more diificult ;p.
Its a used phone and is already running CM9, so I'm hoping its the older boot. I already made sure it was the S4, but I just realized that the unlocked phones don't support TMOUS bands, so I'm a bit screwed at the moment.
I don't know what the next step is for me, so I may be forced to move to Straight Talk until I can get another 100% compatible TMOUS phone. I saw it has 2100 HSPA radio frequencies so I had assumed it would work on TMOUS. Needless to say I feel pretty stupid now.
Thanks again for the links, they were exactly what I was looking for!
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2
just boot into bootloader it will tell you hboot. i think .06 is stock one
there are radio links here .10 latest for us--if you want 4.0.4 one--research needed
http://ville.giev.de/?page_id=42
flash thru twrp or if cwr you must boot into recovery thru fastboot then flash
Radio from 4.04 update and hboot 1.13
rugmankc said:
just boot into bootloader it will tell you hboot. i think .06 is stock one
there are radio links here .10 latest for us--if you want 4.0.4 one--research needed
http://ville.giev.de/?page_id=42
flash thru twrp or if cwr you must boot into recovery thru fastboot then flash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for putting this question another time, but the answers concerning this are treated in a lot of different threads, just to confirm:
I am on Leedroid 2.1, Radio Version 0.1631501S.17_2_10.23.31501S.10L; i have Hboot 1.13,
I there a possibility for me to flash this new radio radio from update 4.04??
Regards, Dwino
Dwino said:
Sorry for putting this question another time, but the answers concerning this are treated in a lot of different threads, just to confirm:
I am on Leedroid 2.1, Radio Version 0.1631501S.17_2_10.23.31501S.10L; i have Hboot 1.13,
I there a possibility for me to flash this new radio radio from update 4.04??
Regards, Dwino
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to get this new radio, the only way to do it at this moment is to change to SuperCID and follow the steps from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1781033

ROMs & Radio compatability S-ON

I've got my Inspire rooted and working pretty well, but still S-ON with RADIO: 12.69a.60.29U_26.17.14.11_m. I'm now looking at flashing a new ROM.
After looking at a lot of ROMs, reading about Radios, I've begun to wonder about Radio compatibility. For example the Android Revolution recommends a different Radio than I have. Some ROMs suggest flashing the Inspiremod which also recommends an different Radio.
From reading various threads it is stated clearly that S-OFF is required to "Fastboot Flash" a radio.zip.
banangranola,
Originally Posted by RadarZgin View Post
soo how about radios? ive seen alot of them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash radios with S-On. Only with S-Off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and glevitan wrote,
Unlocking the bootloader will allow you to flash CWM recovery and custom roms, but again not radios or boot images in recovery (you have to do it manually).which might imply it can be dome manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If ROMs/inspiremod recommend other radios and I can't flash a radio s-on, I assume radio performance will suffer.
Given the additional risks associated with Radio flashing I might prefer to avoid it. However, it seems to put a serious limit on the ROMs I can use. What's the alternative? Is there a way to flash radio S-ON?
I was reading about using "fastboot boot recoveryname.img" to flash a ROM without doing the fastboot of Boot.img. Would this work for Radio?
I'm guessing not, but thought I'd ask.
Try flashing the ROM without flashing the radio. If wifi, bluetooth, data, and all those other fun radio things work fine, don't worry about it. Radio recommendations are merely recommendations, not requirements. Of course, however, if you do notice a performance problem, then you'll need to weigh the decision for yourself. And no, I don't think fastboot flashing the image will work.
bananagranola said:
Try flashing the ROM without flashing the radio. If wifi, bluetooth, data, and all those other fun radio things work fine, don't worry about it. Radio recommendations are merely recommendations, not requirements. Of course, however, if you do notice a performance problem, then you'll need to weigh the decision for yourself. And no, I don't think fastboot flashing the image will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'll do, just flash it.
One other question about radio-
I've tried to research this but the radio issue is still confusing. With so many ROMs built for the DHD, and I assume configured for Europe, how's that effect use in North America? I've found patches (AGPS patch and inspiremod), but is it the ROM or Radio that determines network protocols?
I had an I4G, and I used many DHD ROMs without seeing any radio or reception issues. I don't know anything more in-depth than that.
bananagranola said:
I had an I4G, and I used many DHD ROMs without seeing any radio or reception issues. I don't know anything more in-depth than that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if I come up with anything I'll post it.
Edit: By the way I flashed my first ROM today. Went smoothly. Been tweaking and testing today.
Cremnomaniac said:
Well, if I come up with anything I'll post it.
Edit: By the way I flashed my first ROM today. Went smoothly. Been tweaking and testing today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the dark side. Flashoholicism awaits.
i have the same issue
which do you recommend flashing rom? I'm interested in a jelly bean .. I'm on the stock and the same radio you mentioned in the first post, I have ROOT and CWM and unlocked bootloader
Thanx in advance
Lussardi said:
which do you recommend flashing rom? I'm interested in a jelly bean .. I'm on the stock and the same radio you mentioned in the first post, I have ROOT and CWM and unlocked bootloader
Thanx in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't. I don't have the experience, and if you spend a little time reading other posts which ask the SAME question you'll find an answer.
The answer is there are too many, and too many variations to say which is best for you.
Guess you'll just have to do some homework.
Now that I'm home I have links to ROMs that others have compiled. Good luck.
Development list... ROMs, Kernels and more
DHD Development List: ROMs, Kernels, and More

Help! Learning but still in the dark

I have my Sensation $g from T-MOB for 2 years now and it time to upgrade or something. I have tried several different ROMs from different developers and was ok but now I'm questioning my performance. Signal "seems" to be getting worse but since I didn't log can't be sure. I remember it being better before the last 2 ROM changes but the company has changed windows and put a new roof on the building. But my watering holes also seem to be giving me difficulty getting a signal. So I tried to return to stock thinking it may be the radio included in these roms but it seems almost impossible or at least very dangerous to try compared to going forward. I am running an elegancia rom now and going to try another ARHD only b/c I have the 3.33.401.601 firmware. I just learned this is world wide english where as the T-MOB US is only at 3.32.531.x so I cant go back to that. Does anyone think this new ROM will help my signal/connectivity issue?
are you on S-ON or S-OFF?
I'm still S-OFF after installing ARHD 3.33.401.53. but I think I'm no longer rooted.
dssturk said:
I'm still S-OFF after installing ARHD 3.33.401.53. but I think I'm no longer rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
every custom rom comes pre-rooted so probably you are
use getril app from playstore
it will show you the best combination of radio/ril
otherwise take a look at this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1202867
Actually the ROM I'm installed was a semi stock rom,
https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNEi6ycHiWUAVLkQ-RW0ZoIVvJyiNA
It did remove Root and SuperCid so I returned to previous Rom and looked for another and found what I was looking for "maybe". I'm testing rom's befor I make a desission on whether or not to renew my TMOBUS account or switch.
Thanks so much for the feed back.

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