Database Info

12 Step Root Guide

I just got mine working using some legacy WinMo tricks for the HTC Installer... and I am a n00b at this Droid thingy, so hopefully this is useful and not dangerous or misleading info - use at your own risk!!! Please test and let me know if you have success or if there are better methods for installation. I removed the http preface from the links, FYI...
1. Root the device using the unrevoked.com/m/ method (Steps 1-8 forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=701004)
2. Installed MyBackup and created a full backup of Apps and Data to my SD card (should say you are root, and enable the additional backup features)
3. Downloaded the new PC36IMG.zip, renamed it to rom.zip (forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=701835 - under File Needed)
4. Downloaded the RUU Restore Application
(forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=685835 - Green Text at bottom of Thread)
5. Run the RUU_Supersonic_1.32.651.1_Radio_1.39.00.04.26_release_171253.exe downloaded from #4 and contiue with the installer until it asks you to select the ROM - then STOP
6. Navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Temp and look for the new folders created by the RUU installer
7. Copy the rom.zip from your downloaded PC36IMG.zip (renamed to rom.zip) and overwrite the existing rom.zip file
8. Back to the RUU installer, click the Select ROM, and finish out the installer.
9. I held down the Volume Down button once the phone started rebooting, not sure if it is required or not
10. Wait till it is done installing to release the Volume Down button, tired fingers... ugh, but may be optional
11. Upon reboot, it will take a bit longer than usual, but once it loads, link your account back to Google and download the MyBackup app from your Downloads section, and run the app once installed to restore your Apps, then Data (I use Google for contacts and calendar, so I unchecked those in the restore). Again, you should be informed you are root by MyBackup...
12. Reboot
I haven't tried to finish Step 3 from forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=701835, but I will asap to assure it is complete.

wow, very interesting!
in simple terms you're essentially tricking the RUU into loading a different rom.zip . since PC36IMG.zip (both the userdebug and eng build versions posted by toast for his root methods) seem to be interchangeable with the rom.zip payload of the RUU .exe installers, they are all swappable ....
unfortunately all these .zip files, rom.zip and PC36IMG.zip seems to have the same special HTC encoding which we can't seem to duplicate or we could make our own PC36IMG.zip files.
this seems like a great method and perhaps can get us one step closer! thanks for posting this! the more little tricks the better!

**POSSIBLE HOW TO** [HOWTO] Flash a Permanent Recovery Image with UnrEVOked!

***WARNING: TAKEN FROM DESIRE PAGE originally posted by 42turkeys***
Dev's: will this work with our EVO the same way???? If Not, please delete or if changes need to be made, tell me what to edit.
thanks!
42turkeys said:
HOWTO: Flash a Permanent Custom Recovery Image With UnrEVOked
WARNING!
ROM Manager does work after you have used this, and has been confirmed by koush (The guy who makes ClockworkMod) but because the app uses flash_image to flash the recovery, if it dosen't have enough memory then it will fail & you will have no recovery so will not be able to boot your phone! (This can be recovered using an RUU in fastboot)
Because of this, it is Highly Recommended that you kill all your apps before using ROM Manager to flash or just avoid it.
Why?
It enables you to have a custom recovery image installed (like Hero or G1) so that you can have access to Recovery anywhere. (& Backup SD EXT)
Can I get Back?
You can get back very easily by using an HTC RUU for your network which you can find here. Or use one of my OpenRUUs for Linux & Mac users. (See the link in my sig)
Requirements:
A Rooted Desire
Patience!
A PC, Mac or Linux (Linux or Mac recommended because you will have no problems with drivers or HTC Sync.)
Downloads:
The correct file for your computer at unrevoked.com/recovery
Instructions:
Windows: (Thanks to BlackLine7)
1) Install the HBOOT driver (take a look at the guide in the zip you just downloaded)
2) Unninstall HTC Sync (leave HTC Driver Installer)
3) Reboot
4) Take your Desire and go to Settings - Connect to PC - Default connection type - Disk drive and remove check from Ask me
5) Connect your Desire
6) Start the reflash.exe in Admin mode
7) Wait (it should take about 1-2 minutes)
8) Done
You can then reinstall HTC Sync if you need it.
If you have problems check you have the drivers installed, or if you really can't get it to work use an Ubuntu live CD from www.ubuntu.com
Linux:
1) With the phone on goto Settings > Connect to PC -> Default connection type -> Disk Drive
2) Uncheck 'Ask me' option then goto Home
3) Download this, extract and double click on Unrevoked.sh and click 'Run in Terminal'.
4) Wait for it to finish...
No messing in terminal required!
Mac:
1) With the phone on goto Settings > Connect to PC -> Default connection type -> Disk Drive
2) Uncheck 'Ask me' option then go back to Home
3) Just run it.
*Looking to expand on Mac, if anyone did it please let us know what you did.*
Check it works:
Power off device.
Load HBOOT ( VOL DOWN + POWER )
Wait for the image check to complete.
Press VOL DOWN to highlight 'RECOVERY' then press POWER to accept.
ClockworkMod Recovery v2.0.1.0 should load.
Or run 'adb reboot recovery' if you know what that means
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, will this same method work on our HTC EVO??

Can't you just run unrevoked2?

delete thread...
i guess if it is that simple this thread should be deleted...i didn't realize unrevoked 2 flashed roms...just thought it unlocked nand (but obviously i didn't know enough to understand that maybe that is what nand unlocking is for???)

[SOLVED] Semi Bricked HTC Desire S bought in Turkey...

Hello to all.
I want specially thank all of you, because I don't remember names that hels me with their solutions during my chaos. (I read houndreds of thousand pages since 41 hours).
Well my situation was:
I bought my HTC Desire S from Vodafone Turkey.
Android: 2.3.3
HTC Sense: 2.1
Main Version: 20.28I.30.085AU_3805.06.02.03
Build Number: 1.47.468.2
It was S-offed.
41 hours ago, I thought that I must(!) flash new RUU_Saga_S_HTC_Europe_2.10.401.5_Radio_20.4801.30.0822U_3822.10.08.04_M_release_219480_signed...
But something went wrong and I'm stucked on Bootloader with nothing.
I had no GoldCard, no official ROM from Vodafone Turkey (it should something like
RUU_Saga_S_TUR_1.47.468.2_Radio_20.28I.30.085AU_3805.06.02.03_M_release or something)
I had only my Nandroid Backup and OTA-Update for 1.47.468.2.
All of my attacks with fastboot turns without anyresults. I only got same Error "CID Incorrect" with RUU or PG88IMG.zip installations
Firstly I had to find a working Goldcard. That could be the only working method...
Today morning. I read in a forum from a different android site (for an another HTC Phone)that if we have a working WinMo device, we can prepare a GoldCard...
Here is the method for a Goldcard,if you don't have an another Android machine to use and your HTC Desire cannot be controlled with adb commands:
1. Find a working WinMo device (mine is HTC Touch HD)
2. Download RevSkills from its own site
(http://psas.revskills.de/?q=node/6)
3. Get a SDCard <4GB (not a SDHC, only a SD Card can be very chip one, too)
4. Put your SDCard to WinMo
5. Run RevSkills (just run. Should not be as Administrator)
6. Open Menu-Calculators/Generators/HTC Goldcard
7. Than push Get CID from WINCE Device. So you will get CID of SDCard.You will not need Reverse CID, but just in case of get it, too.
8. Go to Free GoldCard Generator site (http://psas.revskills.de/?q=goldcard)
Put your SDCard CID in the blank line (important: do not use reversed do not change first 2 letters as 00). Choose your GoldCard Type as Android and push Download Goldcard! button.
9. Download your Goldcard.img to PC
10. Remove your SDCard, find a SDCard Reader,Format the SDCard as FAT32/4096
10. Download HxD HEX Editor from anywhere (you can find it with googling)
11. Run HxD as Administrator
12. Under Extras choose Open Disk and that choose there Removable Disk (att: uncheck open read only checkbox)
13. Under Extras choose Open Disk Image and find your Goldcard.img from downloaded place on your PC (opens a dialog box, just push OK)
14. In goldcard.img Edit/Select All/Edit/Copy
15. Go to removable disk choose from 000 to 170 (included) and Edit/Paste Insert
16. Save it
17. For controlling remove SDCard and insert again.
If you can see your SDCard on Windows Explorer means everything is OK
Here is the method to flash a RUU again.
1. Put your GoldCard SD to HTC Desire S.
2. Go to bootloader with Power+Volume Down
3. Choose Fastboot.
4. In my case I used
RUU_Saga_HTC_Europe_1.47.401.4_Radio_20.28I.30.085AU_3805.06.02.03_M_release_199410_signed
because I had before a 1.47.468.2 ROM
with 1.28.401.2 probably you will get an error message number 140...
After 10 minutes I've gotmy HTC Desire S back and alive...
Again I want to thank all of XDA-Developers member for their brilliant helps...
PS: If you want you can use your Goldcard as a normal SDCard, because it will stay always as GoldCard. It is not important you format it again or not.But I prefer to keep it in a safe place,just in case of emergency

I had the same issue after flashing radio on my Desire S. It was stuck at bootloader.
Remove SD Card, then boot the phone as normal, once booted remove the corrupt radio from SD card and you should be good.

Hey,
Dude also my phone is opening only bootloader and S-ON. I am not able to find windows mobile phone. My cid is same with yours. Can you share your goldcard?
Thanks.

[GUIDE] Sensation 4G - stock GB to rooted ICS (T-mobile release). For noobs!

This is a guide for noobs by a noob to get from a stock gingerbread T-mobile (USA) Sensation 4g to a *rooted* version of the recent T-mobile ICS update (with working wifi calling etc.).
With root you can install your own tethering apps and lots of other things. By following the steps you also get to install other custom ROMS.
I did a lot of (overwhelming) reading and some question asking (see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1658100 , Thanks to GROGG88 ) to get to this point.
This update has been done to Qty.3 sensation 4g phones, using 2 different windows 7 pro 64bit PC’s so it looks pretty repeatable so far.
So here we go….
Preparation
1. You will need a *stock* Gingerbread T-mobile sensation 4g phone with an SD card with at least ~4 GB free space.
2. A fully charged battery
3. A windows PC and micro usb cable
4. $10 to spend in the Google play store.
5. A healthy snack
6. 2 healthy drinks

PART A – S-OFF – so you have the lowest level control of your phone
PART A – S-OFF – so you have the lowest level control of your phone
1. Backup everything of value on your SD card to your PC (photos videos music documents etc.). Have your first healthy drink while the file copies complete.
2. Make sure there are no .Bin or .Zip files on the root of your Sd card.
3. Download v1.1 tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1497404 and run.
4. Install HTC drivers.
5. Remove battery from phone. Put battery back in. hold down power+ VOL DOWN – wait until boot screen.
6. IMPORTANT: note down HBOOT version number at the top of the screen.
Then reboot phone
7. Use tool to start “revolutionary s-off method”, make a note of the serial number in the key prompt.
8. Connect phone and select htc sync mode
9. Go to: http://revolutionary.io/ and chose windows download so you can unlock a beta key.
10. Enter the serial number from the console and copy your beta key (CASE SENSITIVE)
11. Paste beta key into console and hit enter
12. It ill install and reboot your phone a lot.
13. IMPORTANT : On the last reboot it should say “S-OFF” at the top of the screen. If it doesn’t then avoid the next parts.
14. Choose NO to clock work recovery when prompted on the PC.
15. Reboot phone – check everything still working

PART B – New hacked radio and super user
PART B – New hacked radio and super user
1. Install CWM 5.0.2.0
a. Load from the "Sensation_All-In-One_Toolkit_v1.1" :
b. Turn on debugger (setting - apps – dev. – debug), phone connected on usb
c. Select htc sync mode.
d. Run “CWM 5.0.2.0” from the toolkit.
e. Phone will reboot after completion
f. check everything still works.​2. New (Gingerbread) firmware
a. copy "PG58IMG.zip" to the rood of the card.
IMPORTANT : This is *not* the same PG58IMG.zip” that will be used in the last part.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=706572&d=1314848127
b. remove battery, re-install, hold down power+ vol DOWN until boot menu.
c. Press volume UP to install the update .ZIP
d. When finished press power button to reboot
e. Check everything still works
f. IMPORTANT: REMOVE "PG58IMG.zip" from the root of the sd card​3. Super user access – so you can install busy box , backup app and recovery
a. copy "su-2.3.6.3-efgh-signed.zip" to the root of the SD card
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=670828&d=1311991644
b. remove battery, re-install, hold down power+ vol DOWN until boot menu.
c. Use vol up/down to navigate the menu and use power to select the “RECOVER” option.
d. You will now go into clock work mod (CWM)
e. Choose “install zip file from SD card”
f. Choose “ choose zip file”
g. Scroll down and select “su-2.3.6.3-efgh-signed.zip”
h. Scroll down and select “yes – install su-2.3.6.3-efgh-signed.zip”
i. You will see the install end with an “error ….. (status 0) “ and “iosntalation aborted” do not be alarmed this seems to be normal.
j. Choose” go back”
k. Choose “reboot system now”
l. Check everything works
m. If all went well you should now see SU / Super user in your apps list.​

Part C – Getting ready for a custom rom - install busy box , backup app and recovery
Part C – Getting ready for a custom rom - install busy box , backup app and recovery
1. BusyBox
a. Go to market/play store and download and install “busybox” by Stephen (Stericson)
b. Fin and launch busybox
c. When Supper user asks give busybox SU permission
d. From busybox main screen shoose “install”
e. Installation should report ”successful”​
2. (optional but highly recommended) Titanium backup ($6.50)
a. Go to market/play store and download and install “titanium backup ” (free)
b. Go and buy and install the pro key version ($6.50)
c. Back up EVERYTHING.
i. Go to settings and chosoe ot backup all types of app data everywhere.
ii. Then do a backup of all system and apps
iii. Select menu and do batch
iv. Go have your healthy snack while the backup completes
v. Copy the backup on your Sd card to your pc and/or to your google drive account for safe keeping​
3. 4EXT recovery control ($3)
a. Go to market/play store and download and install “4EXT recovery control ” by “4EXT” ($3)
b. Open “4EXT recovery control”
c. Choose “online install / upgrade”
d. Grant Super user access
e. Say yes to go online
f. Again Choose “online install / upgrade”
g. Say yes to “sensation/XL”
h. Choose 4EXT Recovery touch v1.0.0.5 RC3
i. Choose install (wait for the download)
j. You should have success.
k. You will be promted if you are S-ON?
If in part A you are very sure that you are S-OFF (which you should be) then answer “NO”​

Part D – Super CID (11111111) – to allow you to flash any rom.
Part D – Super CID (11111111) – to allow you to flash any rom.
1. Install ADB tools
a. Download windows adb tools:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=672540&stc=1&d=1312138079
b. copy / uncpomrpess to c:\adb
c. open console widows in c:\adb​
2. Set the phone to SuperCID
(from thread step 4: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192300 )
a. Ensure your phone is switched on (regular home screen) and connect it by USB in HTC SYNC MODE (Ensure usb debugging is on settings)
b. enter the command "adb devices". This is to confirm your phone is connected. (It should come back with list of devices attached and your serial number)
c. enter the command "adb reboot-bootloader". (nothing further required device WILL reboot in bootloader)
d. IF it doesn't you can Manually put the phone in the bootloader/hboot mode
e. Navigate to fastboot by pressing volume down and pressing power button to select (power off > vol down + power on)
f. It will take you to the fastboot bootloader screen on your phone
g. Connect your phone via USB
h. Your Screen should now read fastboot USB
i. enter the command "fastboot oem writecid 11111111" (that is Qty. 8 of “1”)
j. enter the command "fastboot reboot-bootloader (Wait for it to reboot the bootloader)
k. enter the command "fastboot getvar cid" [it should confirm your CID is 11111111]
l. enter the command "fastboot reboot"​
3. Note: You can now flash any ROM you like.

Part E – (Steve’s) Rooted ICS and radio install
Part E – (Steve’s) Rooted ICS and radio install
1) Get files:
a. IMPORTANT: remove any old .zip files from the root of your SD card.
IMPORTANT: this new “PG58IMG” is NOT the same as the one from part A above.
b. Copy to root of SD card new ROOTED ICS firmware “Sensation_3.32.531.14.zip”:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1654347
file: http://www.4shared.com/zip/34Y1RPQf/Sensation_33253114.html
c. Copy to root of SD card new radio Firmware “PG58IMG.zip”:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1656413
file: http://www.mediafire.com/?oy1lq3lxdcjcf7o
d. IMPORTANT : Make sure you have both of these zip files on the root of your phone SD card or you may get very stuck.​
2) Install new radio firmware:
a. remove battery, re-install, hold down power+ vol DOWN until boot menu.
b. Press volume UP to install the new radio firmware .ZIP
note: there will be a black screen/reboot and it will finish up the install.
c. Reboot and NOTE: you will no longer be able to boot to a useable phone / gingerbread (you will be stuck in a boot loop). you must proceed to the next step:​
3) 4EXT control – backup your existing ROM
a. remove battery
b. IMPORTANT : REMOVE SD CARD (or you will be stuck installing radio again)
c. re-install battery, hold down power+ vol DOWN until boot menu.
d. Choose recovery menu option – you will enter the fancy EXT4 menu system.
e. Re-insert your SD card (without removing power from the battery)
f. Choose “backup / restore” to do a backup (of your present rom).
g. Go and have your 2nd healthy drink while it backs up.
4) 4EXT control – Install the new rooted ICS ROM
a. Choose “ install from SD card”
b. Choose “choose .zip from sd card”
c. Scroll down and locate “Sensation_3.32.531.14.zip”
d. Locate the Sensation_xxxxx.zip file and install
e. Once the install is complete go back and go to “wipe/format” and wipe the “dalvik cache” ONLY.
f. Reboot.
g. The phone will now update/migrate to ICS. After a few minutes (or many more depending on how many apps you had installed) you phone will be up and running with all your old programs and setting intact.
h. Note: the phone is going to be slow for an hour or two because it is going to be very busy:
i. some apps will request super user when run for the first time. You can usually grant it ok.
ii. Gmail will do a massive re-sync that could take up to an hour (see the sync symbol at the top of the screen )
iii. Many apps will start updating in the play store or need a manual update.
iv. After an hour or so (and a few reboots) your phone will be going at full speed.
i. Enjoy. Go play with ICS and then start trying out some cool root (Super user) only apps like “Samba file share”​

other
reserved

Mods please delete this post by me T-Macgnolia as I posted before htcsens2 wqs done posting the guide. My sincere apologizes.

T-Macgnolia said:
Mods please delete this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome

No I meant my post not your post I will edit so it is understiod sorry. Oh and if a mod will please delete this post also.

Great guide!! Very understandable! nice of you to take your time to write it for every new person! They will love it!
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium

realsis said:
Great guide!! Very understandable! nice of you to take your time to write it for every new person! They will love it!
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
It was to help myself, my wife, and friends with the same phone - since it took me several days of research to get mine to rooted ics and i also had my wifes to do I thought i had better document every step.

T-Macgnolia said:
No I meant my post not your post I will edit so it is understiod sorry. Oh and if a mod will please delete this post also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh , now i understand.

it will be more helpful u should create a guide from ics ota update revert back to gb. from forum more users has that problem after ics ota update.....

[GUIDE] Root / Unlock bootloader / CWM recovery Nandroid & IMEI backup / ROM Flashing

[GUIDE] Root / Unlock bootloader / CWM recovery Nandroid & IMEI backup / ROM Flashing
Here is a very extensive yet concise and user-friendly guide for rooting, unlocking the bootloader, setting up Clock Work Mod recovery, performing a nandroid backup, backing up your IMEI data, and flashing a custom ROM.
I'm a Professional Writer and find that many of the more tech-savvy nerds (love you guys) have difficulties effectively communicating technical instructions and how-to guides. I created this full walk-through to help those who don't wish to dedicate hours of research into flashing a custom ROM onto their Samsung Galaxy S III Verizon Wireless (d2vzw) devices.
Please say thank you and leave feedback if you find this guide useful.
Samsung Galaxy S III (Verizon Wireless) d2vzw
1. Root Device
2. Bootloader Unlock
3. CWM Recovery
4. Nandroid Backup
5. IMEI Backup
6. ROM Flashing
Root Device
1. Download Samsung USB Drivers . (http://tinyw.in/Fdozhttp://tinyw.in/Fdoz)
2. Install Samsung USB Drivers.
3. Download the Root 7z file(s). (http://goo.im/devs/invisiblek/i535/Root%20Debug%20FS.7z)
4. Unzip the .7z file to a folder of your choice. If you don't have an Unzipper on your PC download and install WinRAR (http://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0)
5. Plug in the VZW Galaxy SIII via the OEM Micro-USB cable.
6. On the device make sure USB debugging is enabled: Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging (checked).
7. On the device make sure Unknown Sources is enabled (Settings > Security > Unknown Sources (checked).
8. Make sure no other apps are running on the device (e.g.; Android devices, emulators, tethering programs , etc.).
9. Open the extracted Root Tool folder from step 4.
10. Double-click on RootDebugfs.bat.
11. Type the number 1 and press Enter.
12. Follow the command prompt instructions (pressing any key when prompted and verifying choices with y when necessary). The device will reboot multiple times. Do NOT remove, disconnect, power-off, or touch device during this process. It may take a while.
Now the device should be successfully rooted with SuperUser installed.
Bootloader Unlock
1. Download EZ-Unlock onto the Android OS.
NOTE: At this time (9/25/11) only v1.2 is confirmed to work without problems with the newest OTA Verizon update. Check: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/32456-app-920-ez-unlock-14-easiest-way-to-unlock-your-bootloader/ for different versions than the one available on the Google Play Store. This guide will use EZ-Unlock V1.2 (direct-download: http://www.mediafire.com/?0oa6ylr8wskvr9q.
2. Run the Superuser app one time (installed during the Root Device process).
3. Open EZ-Unlock (Allow Superuser access if prompted).
4. Press the Unlock button.
5. Press Yes to confirm unlocking the bootloader.
You should hear the "That was easy" audio clip if your sound is turned on. The Device Status should now read "Unlocked".
CWM Recovery
1. Download and install EZ-Recovery onto the Android OS (Search the Google Play Store for "EZ-Recovery").
2. Open EZ-Recovery (Allow Superuser access if prompted)
3. Pan over to Recovery.
4. Select the Recovery radio option.
5. Tap the associated drop-down and select CWM 6.0.1.0.
6. Tap the Flash! button.
A pop-up notification should indicate that the CWM flash was successful.
Tapping Reboot Recovery will now allow you to boot into the CWM if you wish to flash custom ROMs, make backups, etc.
Nandroid Backup
1. Boot into CWM recovery (One method to do this is to use the EZ-Recovery option to Reboot Recovery, as mentioned in step 6, above).
2. Select Backup to External SD Card.
3. Process will take a few minutes but once complete you will have the backup stored on your external SD Card. Recommend backing this up somewhere besides your device / SD Card as well.
You now have a full backup (nandroid backup) of you device.
IMEI Backup
1. Download Connectbot from the Google Play store onto the Android OS.
2. Open Connectbot (Allow Superuser access if prompted).
3. Select local from the dropdown menu.
4. Type in a nickname (this is not important).
5. Tap the enter <-- key.
6. Once connected, type "su" and tap the enter <-- key.
7. Tap Allow if prompted to grant Superuser access.
8. Type "dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p11 of=/sdcard/efs.bin" and tap the enter <-- key.
9. Once the process completes you may close Connectbot.
10. Now navigate to your internal SD card (using a file browser).
11. Copy the newly created "efs.bin" file to your external SD card and/or another location for safe keeping.
You now have a backup of your IMEI information.
ROM Flashing
1. Determine which ROM you wish to install (See Section 3 and Section 4 from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709).
2. I use the ParanoidAndroid Jelly Bean ROM and have found no problems with it.
3. Download one of the ROMs to your internal SD card (this will be a .zip file).
4. If you choose a CM10/AOSP/AOKP like ParanoidAndroid you should also download to the internal SD card one of the associated Gapps file as found in the thread linked in step one. This file bundles all of the Google Apps and is highly recommended.
5. Using the EZ-Recovery app (see the CWM Recovery section, above) reboot into the CWM Recovery tool.
6. Select wipe data/factory reset to wipe / reset device.
7. Navigate to the advanced menu.
8. Select Wipe Dalvik Cache to wipe the Dalvik Cache.
9. Return to the previous menu screen.
10. Select install zip from sdcard.
11. Select choose zip from sdcard.
12. Navigate to and select the .zip ROM file chosen from step 3, above.
13. Once the process completes the ROM should be successfully installed.
14. If applicable (see step 4, above) repeat steps 10-11 and select the Gapps file to install instead.
You can now reboot the phone and it should load the newly installed ROM.

Wonderful guide! Almost deserves a sticky, but the IMEI backup procedure you listed is incomplete. Bits of EFS data exist on several other partitions that need to be backed up in order to have a complete IMEI backup. You can find more information here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
I implore you to update this wonderfully written guide so that newcomers can backup their IMEI in the fullest manner possible. Simply backing up EFS will result in roaming issues upon restore. This is what I have come to understand though I have no first hand experience. I can say that I feel completely safe having performed the backups listed in the thread I linked.
Thanks again for giving new users a great guide!

Div033 said:
the IMEI backup procedure you listed is incomplete. Bits of EFS data exist on several other partitions that need to be backed up in order to have a complete IMEI backup.
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Thanks for the feedback! I hadn't realized additional EFS data existed. I'll update the guide with this information.

I believe there is now officially more guides than actual development in this section.

I would have to say though, this is a nice concise, well written guide in layman's terms. Once I get my S3 this is where I'll go. Thanks for this.

i wanted to thank you for making this guide. I have rooted plenty of other phones but something about the GS3 scared me. i think it was all the troubles some people had in the begining. i used your guide to a T, and i am very happy to say that my phone is now running jellybean

Can we get this stickied please? Couldn't find any guides on the first 2 pages earlier today.

so I am having an issue. When I boot into clockwork "Nandroid Backup" isn't even in the list. I followed everything. any ideas?

Without 'reboot nvbackup' your imei advice is incomplete.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

mangler1055 said:
Without 'reboot nvbackup' your imei advice is incomplete.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
I think I got it. How do I boot into clock without ez using the app? Is it the power, volume, and home??

Thank you very much
Good work with this tutorial.
Respect:good:

"IMEI Backup
1. Download Connectbot from the Google Play store onto the Android OS.
2. Open Connectbot (Allow Superuser access if prompted).
3. Select local from the dropdown menu.
4. Type in a nickname (this is not important).
5. Tap the enter <-- key.
6. Once connected, type "su" and tap the enter <-- key.
7. Tap Allow if prompted to grant Superuser access.
8. Type "dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p11 of=/sdcard/efs.bin" and tap the enter <-- key.
9. Once the process completes you may close Connectbot.
10. Now navigate to your internal SD card (using a file browser).
11. Copy the newly created "efs.bin" file to your external SD card and/or another location for safe keeping.
You now have a backup of your IMEI information."
How to restore IMEI ?