[Q] First Time Rooting/Flashing. Help! - HTC Sensation

I've got a HTC Sensation XE.
Build Number - 3.33.720.106
Kernel version 3.0.16-g31a4fc7
HBoot version 1.29
I've spent about 3 hours reading about Rooting, flashing custom roms and I'm still confused as hell.
From what I've read, S-OFF is a pretty complicated process for users with HBoot version 1.27+
We have to use the wire trick, etc.
I'm not sure if I should S-OFF for two reasons:
1. First time flashing a custom Rom I want to keep it as simple as possible.
2. To S-OFF, I must use HTCdev's bootloader unlocker process as well and I read somewhere that once I do that, my phone's IMEI will be added to HTC's banned-list for warranty claims. I do not want to do that till I'm absolutely sure on how to do it.(Is this true?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have a few questions and need some help/guidance.
I wish to install a Custom Rom(Jelly Bean) without HTC's Sense as it takes up too much RAM and I want my phone to run smooth without lag. That is the priority.
1. Is it advisable to Root/Flash phone with S-ON?
2. What am I missing out on if I do not S-OFF my device?
3. If S-OFF is pretty advantageous, I am willing to read/learn more before Flashing a Custom ROM.
4. Which is the most stable and lag-free Custom ROM(Jelly Bean, No Sense)
4.a. With S-ON?
4.b. With S-OFF?
5. When you go to HTCdev.com->Bootloader unlocker, there is no Sensation XE, should I choose option Sensation 4g or go with All other devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry if my questions are silly but I'm very confused, I've read like 15+ different links in the last 3hours and its all messed up in my head.
Please help me understand clearly and/or refer me to a few Beginner guides(with advanced guides followed).

in simple words you have 2 options:
1)unlock your bootloader with htcdev unlock method
see here http://www.htcdev.com/
and then root your device
see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1632553 or
2)use the juopunutbear method to S-OFF and root your device
see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1661631
now to answer to your questions:
1)with S-ON involves the first option.but then before flashing a rom,flash first 4ext recovery
so you can use the smartflash feature from it(only for S-ON DEVICES)
2)with S-OFF you are completely unlock your device and have the ability to flash firmware,radios,rils(which you can not do with S-ON)
3)it is more advantageous.
but before flashing a rom the only thing you have to do is read carefully any installation instructions(the same goes for S-ON)
4)it is the same i assume
5)go with All other devices

rzr86 said:
...
now to answer to your questions:
1)with S-ON involves the first option.but then before flashing a rom,flash first 4ext recovery
so you can use the smartflash feature from it(only for S-ON DEVICES)
2)with S-OFF you are completely unlock your device and have the ability to flash firmware,radios,rils(which you can not do with S-ON)
3)it is more advantageous.
but before flashing a rom the only thing you have to do is read carefully any installation instructions(the same goes for S-ON)
4)it is the same i assume
5)go with All other devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. How is firmware different from ROM?
2. I thought firmware was the same as ROM?
3. After unlocking my bootloader with S-ON, I can install any custom ROM right? or Are there only certain ROMS that are available for S-ON phones?

thetearer said:
1. How is firmware different from ROM?
2. I thought firmware was the same as ROM?
3. After unlocking my bootloader with S-ON, I can install any custom ROM right? or Are there only certain ROMS that are available for S-ON phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2)no they are different.firmware is flashing in a different partition and the rom in a different too
3)you can install any custom rom you want but you must have the appropriate fw version to boot a rom
if you have a gingerbread fw version you can install only gingerbread roms,if you have 3.32fw or 3.33fw you can install any ics or jb roms
but remember for S-ON devices use 4ext recovery to flash any rom and before flashing enable smartflash from it
edit:actually for S-OFF devices too it is better to have 4ext(but no need for smartflash)
about the first question i am still thinking the right answer
maybe someone else can tell you

rzr86 said:
2)no they are different.firmware is flashing in a different partition and the rom in a different too
3)you can install any custom rom you want but you must have the appropriate fw version to boot a rom
if you have a gingerbread fw version you can install only gingerbread roms,if you have 3.32fw or 3.33fw you can install any ics or jb roms
but remember for S-ON devices use 4ext recovery to flash any rom and before flashing enable smartflash from it
edit:actually for S-OFF devices too it is better to have 4ext(but no need for smartflash)
about the first question i am still thinking the right answer
maybe someone else can tell you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
technical definition of a rom: Rom stands for Read Only Memory and technically speaking it refers to the internal storage of a device which is supposed to contain the operating systems instructions.the instructions are stored in read only memory,, firmware is the read only operating systems that stay firmly inplace without modification access to the users of the device, firmware in computing is a software that is embedded in a hardware device. it is often provided on flash roms or is a binary image file that can be uploaded onto a existing hardware by a user. firmware is identified as the computer program in a read only memory or ROM integrated circuit.a hardware part number or other configuration identifier is usually used to represent the software. firmware is required for the rom. basically the firmware is the operating system containing the android operating system .hope this helps .best wishes

Related

[GUIDE] Get back to HTC Stock ROM (from anything) [UNDER CONSTRUCTION]

Hi there,
This is a guide under construction that gather different ways to get (back) to HTC stock ROM from almost everything : branded ROM, custom ROM, ROOTed/S-OFFed/etc. DHD.
Whatever you do with your phone, I cannot be responsible for it. Don't blame me if you brick it. I'll try to keep this up to date.
How to read this ?
Colors :
This answer is known and working
This answer still needs some testing/feedback
This answer is probably wrong or untested, help me correcting it
Letters : This is a change of situation. Multiple case possible, choose your path and skip the others
Numbers : This is a step or a question, go through them one by one
Here we go for the GUIDE part :
I have never ROOTed/S-OFFed/Radio S-OFFed/CWMed my phone
In this case you have either a stock HTC ROM or a branded ROM (SFR/Vodaphone UK/T-Mobile/...)
1) How do I know that I have a branded ROM or an HTC stock ROM ?
HTC Stock ROMs are often up to date if you do all the OTAs so, update your phone OTA and check your version number, it should be the last one. Moreover, branded ROMs often have a custom boot screen (with awful logo) and custom (unremovable) apps.
1.A) I have DHD with stock ROM !
You have nothing to do in this thread then. Bye bye
1.B) Damn, I have a branded ROM...
Don't cry, we'll go through it together
1.B.1) Will RUUs work ?
Sometimes it will, sometimes it won't, the best thing to do is to try. The worst that could happen is... nothing.
Warning : At this point, if RUU works, you'll have a stock ROM on your HTC and you won't be able to go back to your branded ROM (except for T-Mobile phones as a RUU is available for them). No turning back ! Anyway, that shouldn't be a problem for warranty as RUUs are "public and official".
1.B.2) Why RUUs wouldn't work ?
HTC allow brands to put their own custom firmware that we call here a "branded ROM". Those include brand promotional items such as specific apps and boot screen. Plus, they have their specific OTA that could be on a very different schedule than official ones (from HTC). For this reason and to avoid county-specific (chineese) to be converted in WWE phones, HTC RUUs check for a specific number in your phone called CID. This CID tells if you can use RUUs and if yes, wich one (WWE, chineese, etc.)
1.B.3.a) RUU worked !
Lucky boy, we're done with you. Bye bye
1.B.3.b) RUU didn't work...
Please, hold you're tears, we're still not done here. (More to come)
1.B.3.b.1) Now you have a few solutions
The zip trick :This is a method that uses a test RUU (that doesn't check for the CID). Then you fake it replacing the test ROM by the one of your choice (here an official one). This method is described here but not tested on branded phone. This may not allow OTAs (need feedback).
ROOT & Radio S-OFF/SuperCID/Unlock your phone :By changing the Radio with this guide you will be allowed to flash all RUUs. No revert tool so far to restore the Radio but this is coming soon.​
The F.A.Q. part :
1) Is that possible to find a stock ROM extracted from RUU without any cooking and flash it with CWM ?
Yes
2) Where can I find the zip to use with CWM ?
Here (link needed)​
Glossary :
CWM or CM : ClockworkMod
Random stuff :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=835595 : Maybe a way to flash a RUU without changing the CID ? Need confirmation
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=841890 : Same here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=835595&page=4#edit9551194 : Working exemple without goldcard ?
Working on this thread... Any help is welcome
Please submit your questions/answers in this thread, i'll add them.
If giving answers, please, also give a source or guide (link) if possible and the color (green or orange, no red accepted as red cannot be trusted)
for later use
same as above
I can confirm that with Radio S-OFF it is possible to flash a RUU and get OTAs work. Everything will go back to stock except the Radio S-OFF, which will remain. If the device had also a bootloader S-OFF (ENG hboot), it will be replaced with the stock one.
If a device has only bootloader S-OFF, flashing a RUU is not recommended, as it will fail at version checking (because of no SuperCID). Eng bootloader has a higher version number than stock bootloader, and without Radio S-OFF the system will not allow downgrading.
jkoljo said:
I can confirm that with Radio S-OFF it is possible to flash a RUU and get OTAs work. Everything will go back to stock except the Radio S-OFF, which will remain. If the device had also a bootloader S-OFF (ENG hboot), it will be replaced with the stock one.
If a device has only bootloader S-OFF, flashing a RUU is not recommended, as it will fail at version checking (because of no SuperCID). Eng bootloader has a higher version number than stock bootloader, and without Radio S-OFF the system will not allow downgrading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to flash back the Radio S-OFF to the original one ? As far as I know, Radio S-OFF creates a backup of the partition it changes but I didn't see any tool that can change back this partition.
Edit: Seems I'm not the only one asking this question : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9642351&postcount=64
Also, when you say "not recommended" it's because it'll always fail or it has a little chance to fail ?
If you are S-OFF (not radio) there is no way to flash RUU again ? What about extracting the ROM from the RUU and flashing it with CWM ? same problem ?
Thanks
As stated in my Radio S-OFF thread somewhere in the last few pages (forum search is recommended), tools for Radio S-OFF removal are coming, but you just have to wait a bit longer. The backup that has been made is vital for the process, so do not lose it!
Not recommended, as it will most likely (probably always) fail. Without Radio S-OFF RUU is indeed not possible, unless you manually flash back the original bootloader using the original way of getting it in there (wpthis.ko + dd image). You would have to be in the stock ROM for that to work. Extracting a ROM should be possible, but I am not a ROM chef, so do not believe me
See my thread here for how to extract the rom.zip [i.e: update.zip] out of an RUU. RUU will write practically all partitions, but won't overwrite a radio-set S-OFF (i.e done through radio, not through hboot)
ivolol said:
See my thread here for how to extract the rom.zip [i.e: update.zip] out of an RUU. RUU will write practically all partitions, but won't overwrite a radio-set S-OFF (i.e done through radio, not through hboot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will add this to the FAQ/GUIDE
ivolol said:
See my thread here for how to extract the rom.zip [i.e: update.zip] out of an RUU. RUU will write practically all partitions, but won't overwrite a radio-set S-OFF (i.e done through radio, not through hboot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ivolol said:
note: This is mainly for stock phones, for vendor-derived ones (e.g Vodafone DHDs in Australia) you will also need a goldcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understood that it'll wipe everything except Radio S-OFF but what if this is done (method A or B) with a vendor-derived DHD ? Will that work ? Why wouldn't it ? Will OTAs be possible ?
Thread re-open. Follow the OP's rules and suggestions please.
Cheers,
M_T_M
jkoljo said:
As stated in my Radio S-OFF thread somewhere in the last few pages (forum search is recommended), tools for Radio S-OFF removal are coming, but you just have to wait a bit longer. The backup that has been made is vital for the process, so do not lose it!
Not recommended, as it will most likely (probably always) fail. Without Radio S-OFF RUU is indeed not possible, unless you manually flash back the original bootloader using the original way of getting it in there (wpthis.ko + dd image). You would have to be in the stock ROM for that to work. Extracting a ROM should be possible, but I am not a ROM chef, so do not believe me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any issues with the wpthis.ko + dd image method to write the original hboot over the engineering? I've returned system, boot, recovery, etc. to their branded originals. I don't see why there would be a problem but just seeing if anyone's tried this.
The other option is 'fastboot flash hboot'. With this method, I'm not sure if I'd have to 'fastboot erase hboot' first and frankly doing that seems a bit risky because if the fastboot flash fails, you're really screwed.
No, dd can overwrite it just fine.
BUT I would do it like this (now that my tool can do radio s-on):
Radio S-OFF (if not already)
Run stock RUU
Do stock cid and radio s-on with my tool
And your device is stock.
jkoljo said:
No, dd can overwrite it just fine.
BUT I would do it like this (now that my tool can do radio s-on):
Radio S-OFF (if not already)
Run stock RUU
Do stock cid and radio s-on with my tool
And your device is stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking about this solution which works flawlessly it seems. I made this guide for ppl that wanted their HTC Stock for real and your tool wasn't able to S-ON ^^
Anyway, still missing the feature to restore the CID as it was BEFORE your tool makes radio S-OFF.
I follow your thread and so far, as I understood, there's a field where we can put the string we want but nothing to restore as it was before. Right ?
For ppl who want to restore to their branded ROM (if they made a backup with CWM) what do they have to do ?
My guess :
1) Root + Radio S-OFF
2) Remove S-OFF if any (not Radio S-OFF !) by flashing any RUU
3) Root again (as root is lost by flashing RUU)
4) Reinstall CWM
5) Now the phone is still S-OFF and SuperCID, right ?
6) Restore ROM via CWM (does this restore the S-OFF we had when we made the backup via CWM ?)
7) Remove S-OFF if still here (how ?)
8) Radio S-ON with the tool (with previous CID)
9) Done, happy branded stock ROM fully functional
Diaoul said:
6) Restore ROM via CWM (does this restore the S-OFF we had when we made the backup via CWM ?)
7) Remove S-OFF if still here (how ?)
...
9) Done, happy branded stock ROM fully functional
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6) CWM/Nandroid doesn't backup/restore hboot so we'll still have stock S-ON hboot from RUU.
7) See above
9) Except you still have CWM recovery as this would have been flashed when you made the ROM backup (either replace recovery.img in CWM backup with stock recovery before restoring? or overwrite with dd after?). Also, the ROM you restored might still be rooted (unroot with Visionary?).
dazweeja said:
6) CWM/Nandroid doesn't backup/restore hboot so we'll still have stock S-ON hboot from RUU.
7) See above
9) Except you still have CWM recovery as this would have been flashed when you made the ROM backup (either replace recovery.img in CWM backup with stock recovery before restoring? or overwrite with dd after?). Also, the ROM you restored might still be rooted (unroot with Visionary?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I understand, people with branded phones will still have the recovery from CWM. And, so far, no easy way to replace it.
It seems like a tool to do that would be welcome here. What do you think jkoljo?
Diaoul said:
My guess :
1) Root + Radio S-OFF
2) Remove S-OFF if any (not Radio S-OFF !) by flashing any RUU
3) Root again (as root is lost by flashing RUU)
4) Reinstall CWM
5) Now the phone is still S-OFF and SuperCID, right ?
- Yes
6) Restore ROM via CWM (does this restore the S-OFF we had when we made the backup via CWM ?)
- Does not restore s-off
7) Remove S-OFF if still here (how ?)
- Radio S-ON has to be removed, see next step
8) Radio S-ON with the tool (with previous CID)
9) Done, happy branded stock ROM fully functional
- You should do visionary remove permroot, then the system is full stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have non branded device, my tool will automatically restore the stock cid. Otherwise a user has to check the cid from the bootloader himself before doing s-off.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
I'm testing all this stuff on my branded phone.
I started with a Rooted + S-OFFed DHD with AR 1.9 :
1) Radio S-OFF
2) RUU
3) Trying to temproot gets stuck on "rooting device, please wait"... Any clue ?
Edit : I grabed another copy of VISIONary here and it worked.
I had r14 before, downloaded r14 but files were slightly different in size... Anyway, package installation worked for both and I even successfully root my device with the first one long time ago. Weird
Are you still radio S-OFF? In which case, do you need to root again? The Vision wiki says you only need radio S-OFF for permanent root:
"If you are only interested in permanent root you only need radio S-OFF"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wik...cess_.28Permanent_Root_.2F_.22Permaroot.22.29
Maybe install Superuser.apk and busybox and then see if you can install ROM Manager/CWM.
Edit: Or try typing 'su' into a terminal app like ConnectBot or Terminal Emulator.
I've returned to the dark side with a stock Sense rom (instead of CyanogenMod), because I'd like to OTA update to HTC's gingerbread rom when it comes (hopefully soon).
I installed the signed HTC rom.
I'm not sure, but I think it's a good idea to follow the instructions for radio S-OFF, superCID and simunlock (from Apache14 himself: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=857444) before installing a signed rom.
The signed rom was courtesy of xmoo's thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=824357
Yes, there will be a CyanogenMod 7 based on Gingerbread probably soon after HTC releases their rom, and I'll be back then.
I still have root, Eng-Hboot and the official clockworkmod recovery installed. I re-installed eng-hboot and clockworkmod just to be sure, after installing the signed rom using the HTC installer
I believe that my carrier won't have anything to do with it (i.e. I won't need to wait for them to modify the Gingerbread rom), as I I'm using a plain brown HTC rom. Although someone could tell me I'm wrong.
Walker Street said:
I've returned to the dark side with a stock Sense rom (instead of CyanogenMod), because I'd like to OTA update to HTC's gingerbread rom when it comes (hopefully soon).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll probably find that LeeDroid, Android Revolution, and the other ROMs which are based on the stock HTC ROM will be upgraded within a few days of the Gingerbread HTC ROM being released. I find those to be a little better than stock as they have a lot of the crap removed. I found LeeDroid very easy on the battery too.
I'm not sure, but I think it's a good idea to follow the instructions for radio S-OFF, superCID and simunlock (from Apache14 himself: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=857444) before installing a signed rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jkoljo's Windows program is a front-end for the same program that Apache14 uses (gfree) so you get the same result with less hassle.
I believe that my carrier won't have anything to do with it (i.e. I won't need to wait for them to modify the Gingerbread rom), as I I'm using a plain brown HTC rom. Although someone could tell me I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's right. SuperCID will let you install any signed ROM. S-OFF will let you install any ROM at all.
The issue some of us are facing is trying to get back to an untouched branded ROM (for warranty purposes). It can be done a number of ways, just trying to discern the safest. I think it's probably:
1) Radio S-OFF
2) Flash RUU
3) Install CWM
4) Restore ROM via CWM
5) Restore original recovery with 'dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p21'
6) Radio S-ON with the tool (with previous CID)
7) Done
I'm going to test this over the weekend.

[Q] How to get started from my situation

Hi! I'm a newcommer to Android world . I really like the idea of being able to get my phone customized but the more I read the more difficult it gets. Right now I'm trying to process some data and i would really like some help .
1. The S-Off
As far as I have got the s-on is some kind of security system protecting system partitions from getting modified/ersed. But i have found guides here that claim that I can get root acces without getting s-off my phone. But the root is acces to the system files, right? So how does it work? To do flashing i have to have root or s-off?
2. The HBOOT
So the HBOOT is a bootloader, it gets phone up when I push the button. Bu it is also the partition on the NAND. It gets me confused as some say that bootloader is like a BIOS. But as far as I understand BIOS it can be manipulating crucial PC settings like for example the CPU clocks. But I read that in the Android we have kernel for that. Is this right?
3. Mu current phone state
After some reading I tried to get some information about my phone. So when I got to the HBOOT (?) it says:
***LOCKED***
SAGA PVT SHIPS S-ON RL
HBOOT-2.02.0002
RADIO-3831.19.00.110
eMMC-boot
What bothers me is how from there i can get to flashing some Custom Roms? Currently I'm using official ICS becaouse I needed fully functioning phone for a while and didn't want to get it bricked. But right now I'm interested in change but when I think about it I'm getting confused. I would like to test Flinny's Cyanogen but I'm not sure can it be flashed on my hboot? Do i have to change hboot like it is in guide in here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318919
or just get my phone rooted on my HBOOT following the guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1525100
?
Ok **roll up sleeves **
You need to decide what you want.
You can just unlock your bootloader via HTC Dev and still be S-ON and flash custom ROM's.
This is the easy process. The disadvantages are that you will loose warranty and will need to flash the kernel separately using a PC and some commands every time you flash a ROM.
On the other hand you can downgrade your HBOOT to 0.98 and then proceed to use revolutionary to gain S-OFF and unlock the bootloader. With this method you can still revert to stock in case you need to send the phone for warranty. You also don't need any additional steps to flash the kernel. It will be flashed along with the ROM.
In either case, after HTC dev unlock or downgrade and S-OFF you will need to flash a custom recovery which will enable you to take full nandroid backups and flash ROM'S.
Choice is yours
Read about both the methods and decide. Everything can be found in the index.
Tapatalked from Desire S running Andromadus
VnnAmed said:
Currently I'm using official ICS becaouse I needed fully functioning phone for a while and didn't want to get it bricked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are already using official ics i dont think u can go for the s-off method without unlocking first.
Ohh yes, forgot about that.
If you are on ICS, the only option for you now is HTC Dev unlock.
Tapatalked from Desire S running Andromadus
rain987 said:
If you are already using official ics i dont think u can go for the s-off method without unlocking first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it seems that way http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318919 Guide here that is showing the proces of getting older HBOOT includes HTC-Dev unlocking. The bigger problem is that it includes many really advanced steps like creating gold cards and using Android Windows Tools which i guess are not the same thing as ADB(?) and there are no files becaouse
I will not supply the necessary files that is needed, you MUST know how to use SEARCH. I also suggest to give THANKS to those who originally made/uploaded the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wchich is overwhelming. The problem is that I don't want to get my phone bricked. My friend has Galaxy SII and is just flashing customs through Odin. I guess there isn't such thing for Desire S? So should i go this way? And if i follow this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1525100 i will have custom rom but stock kernel? I have read that some Roms need specefic kernel otherwise some features or whole ROMs doesn't work which is just sad. And the only guide i have found of flashing kernel while S-On is here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1794867 but the guy there has different phone and different HBOOT so i guess it doesn't hel me...
You need to read more. With your current level of understanding I suggest you put your rooting plans aside and keep reading.

[Q] so many things, so insecure

So, i have updated my phone ota by htc so that now i have hboot 1.29 and ics installed with sense 3.6
I have no wifi/bluetooth anymore (MAC adres missing and bluetooth ID missing), so i was thinking in installing a custom rom/kernel whatever necessary to get my phone working properly again.
I think i read all the big guides and tutorials to be found in the sensation forum here. :good:
But that made me even more insecure.
What is it with the tools like the super utility from kgs1992, or the all-in-one toolkit.
i find threads about S-off, Super CID root, dev unlock and so on.
so, maybe someone here can give me one clear answer what i need to do in what order to exactly get my phone in a custom rom (let's say elegancia sense 4.1 themed?)
question one, what should i do first and what next?
first unlock over HTC dev (this i also a factory reset, isn't it?)
S-off (wire trick) (there are enough video's in youtube i guess)
then flash/install recovery (which one?)
Is this all correct?
at this point, am i rooted? and if not what comes next?
So what then? customrom? (how, what)? perm root? super cid? what do i need in what order?
in more than one place i read about rom as a file with the extension .img. But the elegancia download is a zip file.
what about the super tool, there they talk about a kernel, not a rom to flash.
And what about radio, is that a total different game? or is flashing a custom rom doing the interface, the kernel AND the radio in one go?
I hope i don't ask to much from anyone. I know there is a LOT of tutorials to be found already, but they are not all the same and often written to cover all versions and stuff. I can't see through all these things and hope to get some confidence by asking for my specific situation. :angel:
I'll try to explain stuff briefly ..hoping that it will solve other confusions too
well here it goes ...
1. First...Sensation by default is completely locked device (internal memory is locked )..so to either root the phone or run a custom rom ..you need to first unlock it.
2. Remember rooting the device and running custom rom are different
rooting: by doing this you will have complete control of the rom you are running be it stock or custom rom (its like administrative privileges in WIndows 7)
custom rom: this is changing the rom itself (like changing the OS From windows 7 to linux on PC )...and all custom roms comes pre rooted ..so once you flash/install a custom rom no need to root it again
3. Now The unlock procedure can be done in two different ways
3.1. HTC-DEV unlock : a process provided by HTC itself to support rooting of devices and running custom roms
(its a semi unlock...confused? will explain the difference later ..read on )
3.2. S-OFF: it means Security-off ..which implies unlocking the device completely (complete internal memory is unlocked)
S-OFF in turn has couple of ways to achieve it
3.2.1 S-OFF using revolutionary...It will only work on old bootloaders ..i.e. upto 1.18 HBOOT/BOOTLOADER (to put it simply it's for the sensation devices on gingerbread version of Android I.e. 2.3 version)
3.2.2 S-OFF using juopunutbear ..it will unlock even the current hboots (1.27/1.29 etc etc) (this method is primarily for sensation devices on ICS version of Android I.e. 4.0)
This juopunutbear inturn has two more ways
3.2.2.1. using juopunutbear after doing HTC-DEV unlock ..this process wipes the phone (because of HTC-DEV unlock) but the wire-trick (most imp step) is easier
(why juopunutbear ..if you already unlocked your device using HTC-DEV ? ..explained later ..read on )
3.2.2.2. using juopunutbear without HTC-DEV unlock required ..this process is harder at wire-trick part (comparatively)​
4. Difference between HTC-DEV unlock and S-OFF:
to explain this ..I'll try to give a pictorial representation of Sensation Device
Sensation as a whole has different partitions (or blocks ) ..so the whole device can be divided like this
Recovery --------firmware--------ROM (or OS)
Recovery: its a recovery mode ..the name says it all ..we change/tweak/modify rom from here ..(remember only ROM ..not firmware)
eg: stock recovery, 4EXT recovery, CWM recovery, TWRP recovery etc etc (the later 3 are custom recoveries for flashing
custom roms
Firmware: all the lowest level stuff comes here ...typically bootloader, radio etc etc
we flash/install Recovery and stock ROMS from bootloader.
stock roms are ..called RUU's (Rom Update Utility) and are provided by HTC ...they are in .exe format and the actual stock ROMS are extracted from the RUU which will be in "img" format
ROMS: the actual custom/stock rom comes here ..this typically has three partitions/areas
1. data partition: all your apps/app data and all the phone data you eneter goes here
when you factory reset your device this partition is erased so that phone gets resetted to factory state
2. system partition: all the system apps and system stuff will lie here
(in case of carrier locked Sensation ..like T-Mobile all the T-Mobile junk apps reside here)
this area is locked in general ..rooting typically means getting this region unlocked ..so that you can change
anything in the rom
3. boot partition: your kernel lies here along with other stuff (this region is responsible for the phone to boot)​ Now it should be obvious that Radio aka a part of Firmware wont be there in a custom ROM and typical custom roms comes in zip format
Now HTC-DEV process only unlocks Recovery and ROM partitions (which are more than enough for installing custom roms or rooting)
This way of unlocking is safer as tinkering with Firmware is not really needed and if mistakes were made in changing the firmware the device can get bricked permanently.
but SOFF provides unlock on every partition of the Device ..thus complete unlock..thus more ease also more risks
Now the big question -> why SOFF needed if HTC-DEV is safer ?
Reasons:
1. Firmware and Rom partitions are dependent ..to be more clear
Ginger Bread (GB) firmware (1.17 firmware) ..supports only GB roms ...ICS or above roms wont boot
and
ICS firmware(3.32/3.33 firmware) ...supports only ICS and above ROMS (Jelly Bean(JB) roms are supported too )
thus if you do HTC-DEV unlock when on Ginger Bread you can only boot GB custom roms as you can't change/modify firmware over HTC-DEV unlock.
if you did HTC-DEV unlock over ICS rom..you are good to go with all the latest ICS/JB custom roms
2. Flashing/installing ROM from custom recovery with HTC-DEV unlock...requires an extra step...and if that extra step is not done ..phone wont boot (literally around 90% threads in Q&A section are about this problem as people didn't knew about the extra step )
3. some people require a change in radio ..to improve phone/data signal which isn't possible if you did just HTC-DEV unlock (as radio is part of firmware )​
Another question that might come to your mind... What is the advantage of rooting the device on stock rom ..before installing a custom rom?
Answer:
people might say ..why root the device before installing custom rom when the custom rom comes pre-rooted
well here is the answer ..."to backup your phone and its data"
Remember this when installing a custom rom ..you need to wipe the phone(all the internal memory ..sdcard wiping is not needed) ..thus you will lose all data
but before wiping if you root the phone..you can backup all the user apps and its data ..also call logs, messages/MMS, wifi access points, bluetooth pairings. contatcs etc etc to your sdcard using a root app (an app which requires root permission to work ) ...and once you install the custom rom ..you can restore all the backup
..(makes things easier ..isn't it ? )​
5. Miscellaneous terms:
Supercid:
CID -> carrier identification ..its a 8 characterterm used in the device to identify the proper Firmware or stock rom (RUU ..remember?)
as sensation is a global device ..there are different variants of firmware and stock Roms which are uniquely identified by this cid ..
eg: T-Mobile US locked sensation has CID: T-MOBO10, europe unbranded sensation has cid HTC__001 etc etc
so when flashing firmware/stock rom ..you need to find the proper one based on your phone cid ....
but if you do a supercid (i.e changing CID to 11111111) ..you can flash any firmware/stock rom (in form of RUU )
supercid can only be done ..over SOFF and wont/might not work over HTC-DEV unlock
also now there are Universal Firmwares ..aka Firmwares which can be flashed over ( SOFF) device having any CID ..thus Supercid is now kinda obsolete
hoping that things are clear now ..
few threads that are much detailed
1. "flashing roms while SON" by askickar in sensation general section ...(which explains flashing rom with just HTC-DEV unlock together with the extra step needed (remember ?) )..thread here
2. SOFF process threads ...for soff with HTC-DEV unlock ..thread here
3. SOFF without HTC-DEV unlock ...look in my signature for the thread
4. General way of flashing ROMS with Firmware flashing ..with ARHD Rom as reference...by joaquinf ..thread here
Happy flashing
Damn! now that is an explanation! Really really thanks for that! :victory:
I learned to always give feedback in your own words to check if you understood everything correctly.
If it is only for changing the 'interface'/running system part of the phone (that's called a ROM ), i can do with devunlock and flash a recovery, then flash a custom rom that is compatible for my version
(android 4.0.3 ICS/htc 3.6 sofware build 3.33.401.154/hboot 1.2900/kernel 3.0.16)
so any rom that has version 3.33 i can use it.
i don't need S-off per sé. (correct?)
doing above is already rooting, because i get (partially) access (or full access when S-off) to otherwise locked part of the system.
i have to flash a recovery to get influence when installing a new rom. so that means i NEED to flash a recovery to the phone before i flash a rom?
in short for my situation:
1. Do devunlock.
2. flash a recovery.
3. flash a custom rom to my phones specs as above.
so before or after step 1 i CAN do S-off using juopunutbear and the wiretrick
The easiest way to do all above is using the 'sensation all in one kit'
super CID i don't need, perm root is also optionally what can do as in the super tool kit is offered
But my fear is that the mac adres/wifi and bluetooth problems are from the 'lower level' of the system called firmware/kernel. (correct? or will flashing any custom rom already help me with solving my hardware part of the problems on the phone? besides giving me a much newer and cleaner installation with lot's of nice things, of course)
Main question still is? will a custom rom solve my wifi and bluetooth problems, or do i need more than above?
and ps, where does superswipe fit in all this? i read it's needed for instance at some versions of elegancia.
WOW Ganesh,what are you on?
@klimpetje
Wifi and bluetooth are on the "Radio" level.
Use an app from the market called "Getril"
This will show if you have the best radio/ril combination for your area.
Custom ROM MAY solve this problem.
Do not use "Superwipe" scripts.
Install 4 EXT recovery,and use the "Format all partitions (except sd card)"
doing above is already rooting, because i get (partially) access (or full access when S-off) to otherwise locked part of the system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this ..is partially true ...once you do SOFF/HTC-DEV unlock ..the system partition can be unlocked ..and to actually make it unlock ..you need root
so that means i NEED to flash a recovery to the phone before i flash a rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
But my fear is that the mac adres/wifi and bluetooth problems are from the 'lower level' of the system called firmware/kernel. (correct? or will flashing any custom rom already help me with solving my hardware part of the problems on the phone? besides giving me a much newer and cleaner installation with lot's of nice things, of course)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the wifi and bluetooth modules are part of the ROM and drivers are part of radio ..so flashing CUSTOM ROM might/might not solve the issue
the chances of drivers getting corrupted are less ..as those areas are locked even when the OTA was applied...so custom ROM might solve your issue
superwipe -->as malybru said "not needed "..use the inbuilt wipe options present in recovery (this is done ..before flashing custom rom )
@malybru
WOW Ganesh,what are you on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
too much routine work/port im doing ...bored and came across this post
Nice guide ganeshp!
@ganeshp
Wow, that was really a nice and quick, yet thorough explanation! Cudos for being so helpful!
I was just wondering, is there any good reason to upgrade firmware after having S-OFF, custom recovery and flashed a working JB ROM?
Actually, I don't even know which firmware I have, but my last stock ROM before going custom was ICS.
My bootloader says:
Code:
=JuopunutBear=
PYRAMID PVT SHIP S-OFF RL
HBOOT-1.27.1111
RADIO-11.22.3504.07_M
OpenADSP-v02.6.0.2226.00.0131
eMMC-boot
Jan 13 2012, 17:33:34
I can't really figure out which firmware it is - wasn't it supposed to be either 3.32 or 3.33?
PS: I'm currently on Paranoid v.21.
tachylatus said:
@ganeshp
Wow, that was really a nice and quick, yet thorough explanation! Cudos for being so helpful!
I was just wondering, is there any good reason to upgrade firmware after having S-OFF, custom recovery and flashed a working JB ROM?
Actually, I don't even know which firmware I have, but my last stock ROM before going custom was ICS.
My bootloader says:
Code:
=JuopunutBear=
PYRAMID PVT SHIP S-OFF RL
HBOOT-1.27.1111
RADIO-11.22.3504.07_M
OpenADSP-v02.6.0.2226.00.0131
eMMC-boot
Jan 13 2012, 17:33:34
I can't really figure out which firmware it is - wasn't it supposed to be either 3.32 or 3.33?
PS: I'm currently on Paranoid v.21.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
based on the radio ..you have i can safely say that the firmware is 3.32
but to confirm it ..the output of this command gives you the firmware
(the command should be typed in PC ..by opening the terminal where the adb/fastboot files are there ...with phone connected to PC from bootloader (phone says FASTBOOT USB if connected properly ))
fastboot getvar version-main
tachylatus said:
@ganeshp
Wow, that was really a nice and quick, yet thorough explanation! Cudos for being so helpful!
I was just wondering, is there any good reason to upgrade firmware after having S-OFF, custom recovery and flashed a working JB ROM?
Actually, I don't even know which firmware I have, but my last stock ROM before going custom was ICS.
My bootloader says:
Code:
=JuopunutBear=
PYRAMID PVT SHIP S-OFF RL
HBOOT-1.27.1111
RADIO-11.22.3504.07_M
OpenADSP-v02.6.0.2226.00.0131
eMMC-boot
Jan 13 2012, 17:33:34
I can't really figure out which firmware it is - wasn't it supposed to be either 3.32 or 3.33?
PS: I'm currently on Paranoid v.21.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only difference between 3.32fw and 3.33fw is radio upgrade
but you can check your fw version by doing this:
from bootloader connect your device to pc
open a command prompt and do
fastboot getvar version-main
then it will show you your firmware version
Thanks guys
My version is apparently 3.24.401.1.
I wonder if an upgrade will improve stability/performance.
Would you recommend following this guide, or should I just stay with the current version?
*edit*
I think I might give this a shot
Firmware information thread
The guy says something about most people reporting their devices to become noticeably faster after flashing.
tachylatus said:
Thanks guys
My version is apparently 3.24.401.1.
I wonder if an upgrade will improve stability/performance.
Would you recommend following this guide, or should I just stay with the current version?
*edit*
I think I might give this a shot
Firmware information thread
The guy says something about most people reporting their devices to become noticeably faster after flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the only difference between 3.32fw and 3.33fw is radio ugrade
but in order to flash the latest ARHD rom probably requires 3.32 or 3.33(not so sure maybe it boots with 3.24 otherwise flash a higher fw version)
Great succes! :good:
I installed universal firmware 3.33.
Wouldn't boot ROM, so I used recovery to wipe cache, dalvik and battery stats, then reflash Paranoid v.21.
Works like a charm! Lightning fast
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app
ganeshp said:
I'll try to explain stuff briefly ..hoping that it will solve other confusions too
well here it goes ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really good stuff Ganeshp, wish I'd come across this earlier it's just what one needs when you enter this world fun trying to piece together all the terms being banded around. A huge time saver to have the 'glossary' and explanations in one place allowing the research time to go to the meat of the matter rather than sorting out the confusion that naturally occurs when starting up.
ganeshp said:
I'll try to explain stuff briefly ..hoping that it will solve other confusions too
well here it goes ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome Ganeshp, I am also new to this forum and this clears pretty much everything! I love how this Sensation forum is soo helpfull, thanks guys Im glad I bought my Sensation

[Q] A Little Assistance Please?

First off, I’d like to say thank you ahead of time to everyone here on this forum. You guys are very intelligent and generous and it is much appreciated. All the hard work and dedication that is put into this particular subject does not go without notice. :good:
My issue may not be too major or really an issue at all. It’s more of a ‘How-To’ per say and I’m just looking for a little guidance. I have used the resources available to me within XDA and am grateful that so many of you have spent so much time creating guides, code, etc. With that being said, I’d like to reach out to the User Forum in general and ask for your assistance.
I’m still in the mindset of the HTC HD2 days where it was a native Windows phone and all that took place was flashing. Flash this. Flash that. Once the concept was known, it was fairly simple and quite easy to comprehend.
Since then, I have upgraded to the T-Mo HTC Sensation 4G (About a year ago) and have kept it stock until just recently. This has been my first native Android phone so the ‘Rooting’ aspect is anew.
So on to the bulk of the posting. Please excuse my ‘Noobness’ in this matter.
I have followed ‘-AssKicker-’ guide to perfection which you can view below.
[GUIDE] Flashing roms with S-ON and 1.27+ HBOOT
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1631861
One of the most well written guides I’ve seen to date. Upon doing so, I currently have Unlocked my phone Via HTCDev. I have flashed a recovery (4EXT) and then flashed the ‘Android Revolution HD 1.2.2 Tmobile’ ROM. Everything went to perfection and works flawlessly. Now I’d like to take things a step further and obtain S-OFF and full root (If that’s the correct terminology?). This is where I’m at a standstill. From what I’ve read, I need to flash back to a “Stock” rom before I should perform the S-OFF procedure?
I guess I’m just confused at the process of achieving this. I’ve read several guides about achieving S-OFF such as the one by ‘auggie2k’ and other How To guides. I guess my question is what is my best option from where I’m currently at? The best process? Do I have a full root or just a Rooted ROM? Upon downloading a ‘Root Checker’ App within Play Store, it appears that I have root access. Is this just due to the Rooted ROM that I’ve flashed? How does the recovery come into play when I go about achieving S-OFF? Once I flash a “Stock” ROM, Do I need to rid of the recovery before gaining S-OFF?
If someone links an article to this thread, would you be so kind to explain the procedure more in depth from my viewpoint?
My best regards,
-Josh
For s-off, there isn't really a "best way". Since you have hboot version 1.2x, you need to use auggie's guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25202517
Recovery will not be affected in any way after you s-off your device. Recovery is a mode in which you can do multiple tasks including but not limited to (these are the most common tasks in recovery) 1. Flash zip files (ROMs, mods...) 2. Make nandroid backups/ restore nandroid backups 3. Format different partitions
There are numerous functions of recovery mode, and ones such add 4EXT and clockworkmod are custom ones.
After you s-off your device, "permanent root" is not necessary. S-off allows you to change your phone's firmware (includes phone radio [for carrier signal] and other things that allow you to flash different ROMs). By the way, you need a stock ROM to s-off. I'm pretty sure ARHD will work.
So... For you, i would:
1. S-off via juopunut bear method(auggie's thread)
2. Flash firmware 3.33 in kohr-ah's thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21711154
3. Flash any ROM you want! Make sure you format all partitions before you flash any rom unless the ROM says that a full wipe is not required.
Sent from my Ouya
AndroidSupporter318 said:
For s-off, there isn't really a "best way". Since you have hboot version 1.2x, you need to use auggie's guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25202517
Recovery will not be affected in any way after you s-off your device. Recovery is a mode in which you can do multiple tasks including but not limited to (these are the most common tasks in recovery) 1. Flash zip files (ROMs, mods...) 2. Make nandroid backups/ restore nandroid backups 3. Format different partitions
There are numerous functions of recovery mode, and ones such add 4EXT and clockworkmod are custom ones.
After you s-off your device, "permanent root" is not necessary. S-off allows you to change your phone's firmware (includes phone radio [for carrier signal] and other things that allow you to flash different ROMs). By the way, you need a stock ROM to s-off. I'm pretty sure ARHD will work.
So... For you, i would:
1. S-off via juopunut bear method(auggie's thread)
2. Flash firmware 3.33 in kohr-ah's thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21711154
3. Flash any ROM you want! Make sure you format all partitions before you flash any rom unless the ROM says that a full wipe is not required.
Sent from my Ouya
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So according to Auggie's guide, it requires a complete format/wipe of the device and Micro SD card. This will not affect the Recovery in any way? It will still be in it's current state as I see it now? The bootloader will also remain 'Unlocked' upon formatting everything? It also says on Auggies guide, it has the following pre-requisite:
* Be rooted (have superuser and/or an unsecured boot image installed)
Thank you for the clarifications. It is much appreciated.
freeridindirtbiker said:
So according to Auggie's guide, it requires a complete format/wipe of the device and Micro SD card. This will not affect the Recovery in any way? It will still be in it's current state as I see it now? The bootloader will also remain 'Unlocked' upon formatting everything? It also says on Auggies guide, it has the following pre-requisite:
* Be rooted (have superuser and/or an unsecured boot image installed)
Thank you for the clarifications. It is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, a full wipe of your SD card is not required, it is a precaution (I s-offed my device without wiping my SD card)
And yes, s-off will not affect recovery in any way. S-off is security off which means that you can change pretty much anything you want to your phone.
No. The bootloader will technically not be unlocked, but you have s-off so you won't have to worry. After you finish s-off, you have two choices: 1. Controlbear.exe (juopunut will ask if you want their custom bootloader). Their bootloader is unlocked so you can flash roms and stuff via adb/fastboot commands). 2. You can flash firmware 3.33 (recommended). Firmware 3.33 will also unlock your bootloader so that you can flash ROMs and stuff via adb/fastboot commands.
I'm guessing you are rooted because you have an unlocked bootloader via HTC Dev and root checker confirmed that you are rooted. So since you are rooted, go ahead and s-off your sensation.
Sent from my Ouya
AndroidSupporter318 said:
Technically, a full wipe of your SD card is not required, it is a precaution (I s-offed my device without wiping my SD card)
And yes, s-off will not affect recovery in any way. S-off is security off which means that you can change pretty much anything you want to your phone.
No. The bootloader will technically not be unlocked, but you have s-off so you won't have to worry. After you finish s-off, you have two choices: 1. Controlbear.exe (juopunut will ask if you want their custom bootloader). Their bootloader is unlocked so you can flash roms and stuff via adb/fastboot commands). 2. You can flash firmware 3.33 (recommended). Firmware 3.33 will also unlock your bootloader so that you can flash ROMs and stuff via adb/fastboot commands.
I'm guessing you are rooted because you have an unlocked bootloader via HTC Dev and root checker confirmed that you are rooted. So since you are rooted, go ahead and s-off your sensation.
Sent from my Ouya
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the information.
What I meant was that by formatting the phone and/or SD card (If I did), would the recovery still be on the phone itself? Just to be clear, the Bootloader is completely separate from the Recovery? Or is the recovery an aspect associated with the bootloader. Upon doing the HTCDev method, I believe its my bootloader that says **UNLOCKED** at the very top of the screen but of course still says S-ON since I haven't done S-OFF yet. I have 4EXT flashed onto the phone.I guess now I'm confused because the S-OFF guide states to unlock the phone via HTCDev before S-OFF which I've done. Is this like a partial root since you can't change the firmware or radios due to it being restricted? I haven't done anything but follow the directions within the guide I posted above.
HTCDev unlock Method>Flashed 4EXT>Flashed Custom ROM.
Thanks again.
freeridindirtbiker said:
Thank you so much for the information.
What I meant was that by formatting the phone and/or SD card (If I did), would the recovery still be on the phone itself? Just to be clear, the Bootloader is completely separate from the Recovery? Or is the recovery an aspect associated with the bootloader. Upon doing the HTCDev method, I believe its my bootloader that says **UNLOCKED** at the very top of the screen but of course still says S-ON since I haven't done S-OFF yet. I have 4EXT flashed onto the phone.I guess now I'm confused because the S-OFF guide states to unlock the phone via HTCDev before S-OFF which I've done. Is this like a partial root since you can't change the firmware or radios due to it being restricted? I haven't done anything but follow the directions within the guide I posted above.
HTCDev unlock Method>Flashed 4EXT>Flashed Custom ROM.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try to answer your questions in a list to prevent confusion:
1. Formatting all partitions of the phone and formatting SD card will not erase the recovery. Formatting the SD card WILL remove all your backups from recovery though.
2. Bootloader is completely separate from recovery. 4EXT and clockworkmod are custom recoveries used to restore your phone (and wipe your data/perform other functions)
3. You can say unlocking bootloader is a partial root. It gives you access to flash some things, but not other things. You can flash a custom recovery, ROMs, and mods(tweaks/themes to ROMs).
However, s-off allows you to change other parts of your phone (firmware, radio...)
Sent from my Ouya

Questions about unlocking

hello, i am new to HTC One S and my device is completely stock now. I have hboot 2.15..
I want to lock the bootloader, install a custom recovery, s-off and install a custom rom.
I have some questions now:
1. Is it possible to install a 4.4.2 rom with this hboot?
2. Why do i need s-off for sense 5.x?
3. Why do i have to flash boot.img? And why do i not have to flash a boot.img with s-off? Where do i get the boot.img for the rom i flashed?
MICH_** said:
hello, i am new to HTC One S and my device is completely stock now. I have hboot 2.15..
I want to lock the bootloader, install a custom recovery, s-off and install a custom rom.
I have some questions now:
1. Is it possible to install a 4.4.2 rom with this hboot?
2. Why do i need s-off for sense 5.x?
3. Why do i have to flash boot.img? And why do i not have to flash a boot.img with s-off? Where do i get the boot.img for the rom i flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1: I run CM11 which is 4.4.
2: Don't know but not sure if there is a 4.4 ROM with Sense 5.
3: The boot.img is in the ROM zip - just unzip it and the boot.img is there. When you are S-OFF the boot.img is flashed with the zip. Otherwise you have to do it manually if you are not S-OFF.
I am no expert but one thing I know - life got a lot easier being S-OFF with the HTC ONE S.
808phone said:
1: I run CM11 which is 4.4.
2: Don't know but not sure if there is a 4.4 ROM with Sense 5.
3: The boot.img is in the ROM zip - just unzip it and the boot.img is there. When you are S-OFF the boot.img is flashed with the zip. Otherwise you have to do it manually if you are not S-OFF.
I am no expert but one thing I know - life got a lot easier being S-OFF with the HTC ONE S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on hboot 2.15 too? Did you update your firmware?
No but there are sense 5.5 roms with android 4.3....
How did you get S-OFF? And which tutorial did you use to unlock etc?
MICH_** said:
hello, i am new to HTC One S and my device is completely stock now. I have hboot 2.15..
I want to lock the bootloader, install a custom recovery, s-off and install a custom rom.
I have some questions now:
1. Is it possible to install a 4.4.2 rom with this hboot?
2. Why do i need s-off for sense 5.x?
3. Why do i have to flash boot.img? And why do i not have to flash a boot.img with s-off? Where do i get the boot.img for the rom i flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's take one by one...
1. Yes. Currently only AOSP ROMs are with Android 4.4.2, there's no Sense based one (but it's been working on it)
2. Well, that's a tricky question...You don't need S-Off for sense 5.x BUT...only ROM with sense 5.5 is Liberty (by bilal_liberty). If you're not S-Off you can't flash radios. If you can't flash radios, you will not have HSPA/HSPA+ mobile data connection with that ROM (and probably with sense 6 and 4.4.2 ROM also). You will get maximum 3G (UMTS) mobile data with your current radio. On the other hand, if you decide to try an AOSP ROM, you won't have that problem there. You can be S-On and have everything working
3. You have to flash boot.img only if you're S-On. Maybe it's better if you read what S-On/S-Off means. On short, if you're S-On, some partitions are read only and you cannot write to them in recovery...most important the radio partition and the kernel/boot partition. So if you're S-On you can't flash the radio and you can't flash the kernel. Kernel has several components (I try to make a simple explanation not entering in the details): modules, ramdisk and the kernel itself. I'll take them one by one:
- modules: most are incorporated in the ROM and have the extension .so. These files are flashed on the device in the /system partition along with the ROM, in recovery. You don't need to be S-Off to have those installed
- ramdisk & kernel: they're both packed in that boot.img and they're generically referred to as "kernel". These are written in a special partition that is read-only for S-On devices while in recovery. Kernel partition is in write-mode only in fastboot. Therefore you must be S-Off to be able to write kernel from recovery OR, you have to write it from fastboot if you're S-On
So, when you flash a ROM ZIP, the install script writes the modules along with the rest of the ROM since those resides on the /system partition then tries to write also the boot.img. But in case you're S-On, it can't. So the only way to do it is from fastboot where you separately flash the boot.img
Now as I give you some info, take some time and read it (TWICE). Then take some time and look for the tutorials here. First thing you should do is to unlock your bootloader via HTC Dev site. Then you can install a recovery and make S-Off (I personally used for that Rumrunner but it's your call)
Before doing anything, install Android SDK and make sure it's properly installed and the drivers are working. You should have a functional ADB/fastboot for any of the above.
Rapier said:
Let's take one by one...
1. Yes. Currently only AOSP ROMs are with Android 4.4.2, there's no Sense based one (but it's been working on it)
2. Well, that's a tricky question...You don't need S-Off for sense 5.x BUT...only ROM with sense 5.5 is Liberty (by bilal_liberty). If you're not S-Off you can't flash radios. If you can't flash radios, you will not have HSPA/HSPA+ mobile data connection with that ROM (and probably with sense 6 and 4.4.2 ROM also). You will get maximum 3G (UMTS) mobile data with your current radio. On the other hand, if you decide to try an AOSP ROM, you won't have that problem there. You can be S-On and have everything working
3. You have to flash boot.img only if you're S-On. Maybe it's better if you read what S-On/S-Off means. On short, if you're S-On, some partitions are read only and you cannot write to them in recovery...most important the radio partition and the kernel/boot partition. So if you're S-On you can't flash the radio and you can't flash the kernel. Kernel has several components (I try to make a simple explanation not entering in the details): modules, ramdisk and the kernel itself. I'll take them one by one:
- modules: most are incorporated in the ROM and have the extension .so. These files are flashed on the device in the /system partition along with the ROM, in recovery. You don't need to be S-Off to have those installed
- ramdisk & kernel: they're both packed in that boot.img and they're generically referred to as "kernel". These are written in a special partition that is read-only for S-On devices while in recovery. Kernel partition is in write-mode only in fastboot. Therefore you must be S-Off to be able to write kernel from recovery OR, you have to write it from fastboot if you're S-On
So, when you flash a ROM ZIP, the install script writes the modules along with the rest of the ROM since those resides on the /system partition then tries to write also the boot.img. But in case you're S-On, it can't. So the only way to do it is from fastboot where you separately flash the boot.img
Now as I give you some info, take some time and read it (TWICE). Then take some time and look for the tutorials here. First thing you should do is to unlock your bootloader via HTC Dev site. Then you can install a recovery and make S-Off (I personally used for that Rumrunner but it's your call)
Before doing anything, install Android SDK and make sure it's properly installed and the drivers are working. You should have a functional ADB/fastboot for any of the above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. So i have to update my firmware, right?
3. okay, i understood everything.. thank you
Why do i need the complete SDK? Doesn´t it work just with the adb and fastboot drivers?
MICH_** said:
2. So i have to update my firmware, right?
3. okay, i understood everything.. thank you
Why do i need the complete SDK? Doesn´t it work just with the adb and fastboot drivers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to upgrade the firmware since you're on the latest official one. 2.16 is an unofficial leaked firmware and you only need it if you want to flash MaximusHD or MagioRom
You don't need entire SDK but I thought it's easier since is an install package for that. Of course, if you don't build for Android, you don't need the libraries, just the tools
Sent from nowhere over the air...
Rapier said:
You don't have to upgrade the firmware since you're on the latest official one. 2.16 is an unofficial leaked firmware and you only need it if you want to flash MaximusHD or MagioRom
You don't need entire SDK but I thought it's easier since is an install package for that. Of course, if you don't build for Android, you don't need the libraries, just the tools
Sent from nowhere over the air...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could you give me a good tutorial for unlocking the bootloader, s-off, flash this leaked firmware and super-CID please?
Okay, i unlocked the bootloader, installed TWRP, flashed a custom rom and now i am trying to get s-off...
MICH_** said:
could you give me a good tutorial for unlocking the bootloader, s-off, flash this leaked firmware and super-CID please?
Okay, i unlocked the bootloader, installed TWRP, flashed a custom rom and now i am trying to get s-off...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For firmware ZIPs you can flash in recovery AFTER you make S-Off, check HERE. For S-Off I used Rumrunner cause it seems to me much easier and without so many steps...it's something like a one-click operation
Rapier said:
For firmware ZIPs you can flash in recovery AFTER you make S-Off, check HERE. For S-Off I used Rumrunner cause it seems to me much easier and without so many steps...it's something like a one-click operation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rumrunner is running now
I will update my firmware tomorrow i think..
If i update the firmware with this tutorial from Maxiums 10.0 rom. Do i have hboot 2.16? Am i still able to run roms for 2.15 hboot?
MICH_** said:
Rumrunner is running now
I will update my firmware tomorrow i think..
If i update the firmware with this tutorial from Maxiums 10.0 rom. Do i have hboot 2.16? Am i still able to run roms for 2.15 hboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't checked the MaximusHD tutorial but I strongly suggest you to just flash the firmware zip if you want to do an upgrade/downgrade of the firmware. Most tutorials assume you're initial S-Off and include also some steps for how to acquire this or going through RUUs.
OK..I've read the MaximusHD tutorial, it's pretty much identical with the one made by Flashalot...so the answer is YES, you can use it and after that you would have hboot 2.16. Please also note that a different recovery must be used with 2.16 ROMs. But you'll have that in the MaximusHD instructions as well
NO, you can't run or flash ROMs made for 2.15 firmware after doing this. You should downgrade the firmware to 2.15 first, by using the instructions and the firmware ZIP from the thread I've linked
Rapier said:
I didn't checked the MaximusHD tutorial but I strongly suggest you to just flash the firmware zip if you want to do an upgrade/downgrade of the firmware. Most tutorials assume you're initial S-Off and include also some steps for how to acquire this or going through RUUs.
OK..I've read the MaximusHD tutorial, it's pretty much identical with the one made by Flashalot...so the answer is YES, you can use it and after that you would have hboot 2.16. Please also note that a different recovery must be used with 2.16 ROMs. But you'll have that in the MaximusHD instructions as well
NO, you can't run or flash ROMs made for 2.15 firmware after doing this. You should downgrade the firmware to 2.15 first, by using the instructions and the firmware ZIP from the thread I've linked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could you please give me a link to a recovery that is compatible with 2.16? TWRP would be perfect
After installing the new hboot i have still a rom for 2.15 running on my phone. does this work? Does updating the firmware wipe internal storage?
Why do some sense 5 roms work with hboot 2.15 and others not?
MICH_** said:
could you please give me a link to a recovery that is compatible with 2.16? TWRP would be perfect
After installing the new hboot i have still a rom for 2.15 running on my phone. does this work? Does updating the firmware wipe internal storage?
Why do some sense 5 roms work with hboot 2.15 and others not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh...you like to ask soo many questions don't you? All these questions are already answered in the threads, why don't you check them?
The main difference between 2.15 and 2.16 hboot/firmware is the partition map. On 2.16 there is no separation between the sdcard and data and you get a single big space for both. This makes more space available to data and sdcard looks bigger (12 GB instead of 10 GB). That's a brief description not entering in details. ROMs made for 2.15 will work on 2.16 and the other way around BUT with issues. Mainly it is about the sdcard size that is not available at all or has an incorect size (48 MB instead of 12/10 GB). So even if your 2.15 ROM is working...try to check if the sdcard is mounted and what space you have on it
So all these being said, your understanding of the word "works" is different from the one of the devs. For them (or for anyone else), a "working" ROM does not mean only it boots, but it's also have all the parts available including sdcard mountable and available on it's entire space, not truncated to 48 MB or not mountable at all.
Now about why some sense 5 ROMs work with 2.15 and some don't. Because some ROMs are based on the leaked 2.16 firmware and those ROMs need the new partition map to properly work. The ones that are working on 2.15 are usually ports or builds made for the standard official HTC firmware.
Link for recoveries compatible with 2.16 hboot you can find in the OP of each 2.16 ROM
Rapier said:
Oh...you like to ask soo many questions don't you? All these questions are already answered in the threads, why don't you check them?
The main difference between 2.15 and 2.16 hboot/firmware is the partition map. On 2.16 there is no separation between the sdcard and data and you get a single big space for both. This makes more space available to data and sdcard looks bigger (12 GB instead of 10 GB). That's a brief description not entering in details. ROMs made for 2.15 will work on 2.16 and the other way around BUT with issues. Mainly it is about the sdcard size that is not available at all or has an incorect size (48 MB instead of 12/10 GB). So even if your 2.15 ROM is working...try to check if the sdcard is mounted and what space you have on it
So all these being said, your understanding of the word "works" is different from the one of the devs. For them (or for anyone else), a "working" ROM does not mean only it boots, but it's also have all the parts available including sdcard mountable and available on it's entire space, not truncated to 48 MB or not mountable at all.
Now about why some sense 5 ROMs work with 2.15 and some don't. Because some ROMs are based on the leaked 2.16 firmware and those ROMs need the new partition map to properly work. The ones that are working on 2.15 are usually ports or builds made for the standard official HTC firmware.
Link for recoveries compatible with 2.16 hboot you can find in the OP of each 2.16 ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now i have everything i wanted to know tanks
I think i will stay on 2.15 and install ViperOne S 3.1.3 now. This will work on my current setup, right?
I will update the radio. Should i just flash the one attached in the ViperOne S thread in recovery?
MICH_** said:
now i have everything i wanted to know tanks
I think i will stay on 2.15 and install ViperOne S 3.1.3 now. This will work on my current setup, right?
I will update the radio. Should i just flash the one attached in the ViperOne S thread in recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good choice, Viper is a fine ROM and close to the original since it's sense based...also has extra customization that the original ROM doesn't have.
For the radio, well I've answered to you in the Viper thread. I would advice not to flash another radio just now. Flash the ROM, play with it for a few days then decide. If you have no issues with signal reception, wifi and so on, you don't have real reasons to change it.
I had initially (when I bought the device) radio 1.06es (I think)...since then alot of newer versions came out including the 1.20 from the leaked 2.16 firmware and the newest 1.35a from the One XL. To be honest, after several days with each, I've switched back to 1.15 that was the best radio for me.
The only ROM for which you MUST flash a different radio will be Liberty by bilal_liberty. That is based on Android 4.3 and Sense 5.5 and the newest 1.35a radio is needed in order to get H/H+ (HSPA) mobile data connection. If you don't use that radio you'll get maximum 3G (UMTS) connection. The rest will work tho
I still don't understand why I had so many problems with Viper. Dropped calls, random reboots etc...
Once I got CM11 running - never looked back in terms of reliability.

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