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[TUT]Complete upgrading guide(root, unroot, flashing ROM & updates)

Here's a tutorial for the new users facing unanswered (at a first glance) questions while browsing through the tremendous amount of information that can be found.
There are many tutorials about this, but I will try to make one unique tutorial that will be easy to understand for everyone.
Press a THANKS button if you think that this TUT has helped you
IMPORTANT!
Before you proceed, you need to understand one thing: although these upgrades work in 99% of the cases, you are doing this at your own risk!
If you have any problems or question with rooting and flashing ROM's DO NOT open new thread, cause I will delete it, post everything here
Before we start, here is little Q&A section, so please READ this before opening new thread!
How to format and partition SD Card?
Read this
Is my desire already rooted?
- Check if you have superuser app in the app list all rooted phones have it
If I root a device which is already rooted, can it mess anything up?
- You can't mess anything up by re-rooting.
Will my phone get the OTA froyo update from HTC here in the US or do I have to do it manually?
- No OTA updates when rooted, to get them you will have to go back to stock to get the update(yepp unroot, or wait for devs to release rooted stock version)
What is S-OFF?
-HTC implemented security on their newer generation phones. This flag, called @secuflag, controls whether your phone has
it's NAND or flash unlocked. Most noticeably, S-ON (security on) will read-lock your /system and /recovery partition, to name a few. Also, secuflag controls whether zip files being flashed through recovery or fastboot, are signed by HTC. The now notorious S-OFF (security off) will disable this NAND security. Since we are unable to access the Radio NVRAM itself (where secuflag is stored), we turned our attention to HBOOT.
Here is How to S-OFF your HTC Desire
If you think I should add more questions and answers, send me a PM
The easiest root method of all is(works for any Desire!):
[GUIDE] One Click How to Root the GSM & CDMA Desire with Unrevoked 3.21
If you want to root using old method, and you have Android 2.2 you will need to downgrade your radio first
[HOWTO] Downgrade Froyo (2.2) to Stock 2.1 (ANY HBOOT | WIN/LINUX/MAC | ROOT)
or
[HOW-TO] downgrade HBOOT 0.92 to 0.80 again
Here is how this thread works:
Newbie Friendly How To's w/ Instructional Videos(tnx to dcogen) - post #1
Root guide for users who have unbranded(unlocked) Desire - post #2
Root guide for users who have branded(locked) Desire and
How to make GOLDCARD - post #3
Guide how to use fake-flash, unroot, flash ROM and updates - post #4
How to remove apps & boot sound, install apps, and many other things - Post #5
*Unrooting, flashing ROM and updates is same for every device.
There are several methods of rooting device and one of the safest is using Tiny Core Linux(Live CD), since I had several problems using Windows(64-bit) I recommend this option, but if you are using 32-bit OS you should be fine rooting in Windows.
If you have any comments, ideas or requests to improve this thread, post them here
If you find any step that is wrong, or should be improved reoprt it here
Let's start flashing
Newbie Friendly How To's w/ Instructional Videos
How To Setup ADB
How To Load a Theme
How To Flash a New Recovery Image
How To Switch to a Different SD Card (for use with Swap, Hero ROMs, etc.)
How To Backup/Restore Your Android Phone
HTC Desire How To's
How To: Root the HTC Desire
How To: Load a Custom ROM on the HTC Desire
How To: Unroot the HTC Desire
Credits
Paul - Rooting method, rooting tool, rooting software, etc
Android dev team - adb, android, etc
craigcrawford1988 - for Tiny Core Linux tut and links
MasDroid - for some tutorials
42turkeys - unroot guide
eViL D: - general help
VeeDubZ - how to remove apps
dcogen - Newbie Friendly How To's
whole XDA community

Root guide for users who have unbranded(unlocked) Desire
Guide to root with Tiny Core Linux
IMPORTANT - this tutorial will not work if you have installed 2.2 OTA update from HTC!
Download Tiny Core Linux Live CD
---- For a bootloader of 0.75.* or lower AND a current ROM of 1.15.* or lower Download
---- For a bootloader of 0.80.* or lower AND a current ROM of 1.21.* or lower Download
Burn the downloaded iso on CD/DVD
Boot your computer from that CD/DVD, once you booted it will ask you to press Enter or F2/F3 keys, you need to press Enter
Start the HTC Desire in bootloader by holding back and turning it on by the power button
Connect the USB cable to the phone and PC
Open a terminal by clicking the icon that looks like a monitor at the bottom on Tiny Core Linux and type the following commands:
Code:
sudo mkdir /mnt/cdrom
sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt/cdrom
cd /mnt/cdrom/desire
sudo ./step1.sh
Wait until the phone restarts back into the white bootloader screen
In terminal type the following command:
Code:
sudo ./step2.sh
Once the phone has finished, you will see a screen with a green text. Use the optical tracker to navigate the menu to select Wipe and then press Wipe data/factory reset
Once complete you should be back in the main menu. Now select the option Flash zip from sdcard and than choose rootedupdate.zip
Once back in the main menu, choose restart the phone - the rooting process is now finished
Guide to root using Windows, MAC OS X and Linux
!Some people reported that this method needs to have GoldCard(in most cases you won't need it) even if you have unbranded device, more here
You need to have Android SDK and HTC Sync installed(for Windows users)
Download following items:
---- If you have a bootloader version 0.75.xxxx or below AND a current ROM of 1.15.xxx.x or below - DOWNLOAD / MIRROR
---- If you have a bootloader version 0.80.xxxx or below AND a current ROM of 1.21.xxx.x or below - DOWNLOAD / MIRROR
Unzip the file you downloaded to a directory, then open a command prompt / terminal window at that directory.
Turn off your HTC Desire, then turn it back on with the 'back' button held down. You'll see 'FASTBOOT' written on the screen in a red box. Connect the phone to the computer.
In the command prompt/terminal window, enter either 'step1-windows.bat'(for windows), './step1-mac.sh'(for mac) or './step1-linux.sh'(for linux)
Navigate to the 'BOOTLOADER' and then 'RECOVERY' option on the menu, using the volume buttons to move and the power button to select.
In the command prompt/terminal window, enter either 'step2-windows.bat', './step2-mac.sh' or './step2-linux.sh' as appropriate.
When this has completed, your device should be at the 'recovery'("green") screen. Select Wipe and then press Wipe data/factory reset
Once complete you should be back in the main menu. Now select the option Flash zip from sdcard and than choose rootedupdate.zip
Once back in the main menu, choose restart the phone - the rooting process is now finished

Root guide for users who have branded(locked) Desire
Before you start to root your branded(locked) Desire you need to know:
How to make GoldCard
GoldCard Tool v0.0.5
Requirements:
Latest HTC Sync software installed (www.htc.com)
Spare microSD card
Windows PC (Tested on Windows7 x64,Vista x86)
.Net Framework 2.0
Step by step instructions:
Format the microSD card to FAT32 format.
Put the microSD card in your device and boot it.
Launch GoldCard Tool (Right Click and run as Admin if needed)
Connect Android device to USB (USB Debugging must be enabled on the device)
Click 'Get CID' (If MMC1 fails try MMC0)
Click the link to open revskills.de, enter the CID number from Goldcard Tool and create your goldcard image, which will be e-mailed to you.
Enable USB Mass Storage on the device.
Click 'Refresh' and select your microSD card in the drop down menu.
Click 'Load GoldCard.img' and open the .img file you got by email.
Click 'Patch MMC'
You now have a goldcard!
[Notes]
HTC Sync is required for drivers only
Android SDK is not required
Guide to root with Tiny Core Linux
IMPORTANT - this tutorial will not work if you have installed 2.2 OTA update from HTC!
Download Tiny Core Linux Live CD
---- For a bootloader of 0.75.* or lower AND a current ROM of 1.15.* or lower Download
---- For a bootloader of 0.80.* or lower AND a current ROM of 1.21.* or lower Download
Burn the downloaded iso on CD/DVD
Boot your computer from that CD/DVD, once you booted it will ask you to press Enter or F2/F3 keys, you need to press Enter
Insert the goldcard into the phone.
Start the HTC Desire in bootloader by holding back and turning it on by the power button
Connect the USB cable to the phone and PC
Open a terminal by clicking the icon that looks like a monitor at the bottom on Tiny Core Linux and type the following commands:
Code:
sudo mkdir /mnt/cdrom
sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt/cdrom
cd /mnt/cdrom/desire
sudo ./step1.sh
Wait until the phone restarts back into the white bootloader screen
Turn the phone off via the bootloader menu (or pull the battery and USB cable) and remove the goldcard. Put a non-goldcard SD into the phone or reformat the goldcard and put it into the phone. Put the phone back into bootloader mode (Press Power button and Back button).
In terminal type the following command:
Code:
sudo ./step2.sh
Once the phone has finished, you will see a screen with a green text. Use the optical tracker to navigate the menu to select Wipe and then press Wipe data/factory reset
Once complete you should be back in the main menu. Now select the option Flash zip from sdcard and than choose rootedupdate.zip
Once back in the main menu, choose restart the phone - the rooting process is now finished
Guide to root using Windows, MAC OS X and Linux
IMPORTANT - this tutorial will not work if you have installed 2.2 OTA update from HTC!
Download following items:
---- If you have a bootloader version 0.75.xxxx or below AND a current ROM of 1.15.xxx.x or below - DOWNLOAD / MIRROR
---- If you have a bootloader version 0.80.xxxx or below AND a current ROM of 1.21.xxx.x or below - DOWNLOAD / MIRROR
Unzip the file you downloaded to a directory, then open a command prompt / terminal window at that directory.
Turn off your HTC Desire, put GoldCard and then turn it back on with the 'back' button held down. You'll see 'FASTBOOT' written on the screen in a red box. Connect the phone to the computer.
In the command prompt/terminal window, enter either 'step1-windows.bat'(for windows), './step1-mac.sh'(for mac) or './step1-linux.sh'(for linux)
Turn the phone off via the bootloader menu (or pull the battery and USB cable) and remove the goldcard. Put a non-goldcard SD into the phone or reformat the goldcard and put it into the phone. Put the phone back into bootloader mode (Press Power button and Back button)
Navigate to the 'BOOTLOADER' and then 'RECOVERY' option on the menu, using the volume buttons to move and the power button to select.
In the command prompt/terminal window, enter either 'step2-windows.bat', './step2-mac.sh' or './step2-linux.sh' as appropriate.
When this has completed, your device should be at the 'recovery'("green") screen. Select Wipe and then press Wipe data/factory reset
Once complete you should be back in the main menu. Now select the option Flash zip from sdcard and than choose rootedupdate.zip
Once back in the main menu, choose restart the phone - the rooting process is now finished

Guide how to unroot, flash ROM and updates
fake-flash
Fake-flash is only possible with root access, you need to be rooted to use it. Basically, its a way to have recovery running on the phone without using a PC (making it safer as you are less likely to brick using no USB cable to push files, instead, you push directly from your phone). You can use "ROM Manager" from the marketplace to do this. Simply place the downloaded test recovery image on the phone and the downloaded rom zip (renamed to update.zip) and flash using ROM Manager.
Preperation
Download the fake-flash update zip from one of the links below
Copy the update.zip to the root of your SD card (the name MUST remain as update.zip)
When you want to launch the recovery image
Turn on your device with 'volume down' pressed and select 'Recovery'
When the exclamation mark appears, press and hold 'volume up' then press 'power'
Select the second option, 'Apply sdcard:update.zip
That's it, ClockworkMod recovery should launch!
DOWNLOAD
How to flash ROM
Download this
Turn off Desire and then turn it on while holding back button to enter bootloader(white screen)
Once in "white screen" press power button again to enter bootloader
Connect Desire with PC
Press Volume Down and than Power to enter Recovery
Now the red triangle should show up, go to folder you downloaded file and press recovery-windows.bat, recovery-mac.sh or recovery-linux.sh depending on which OS you have
Now you are in recovery mode (green screen), press Wipe and than Wipe data/clear storage, than press optical tracker to confirm it
After that press Volume Down to go back to main menu in recovery
Navigate to Flash zip from sdcard using optical tracker, select .zip confirm it and wait until process finish, after that press Reboot system and unplug you Desire
Enjoy your new ROM
How to change boot animation
Download this
Copy bootanimation.zip to SD Card
Turn off Desire and then turn it on while holding back button to enter bootloader(white screen)
Once in "white screen" press power button again to enter bootloader
Connect Desire with PC
Press Volume Down and than Power to enter Recovery
Now the red triangle should show up, go to folder you downloaded file and press recovery-windows.bat, recovery-mac.sh or recovery-linux.sh depending on which OS you have
Navigate to Flash zip from sdcard using optical tracker, select .zip confirm it and wait until process finish, after that press Reboot system and unplug you Desire
Unplug your HTC and enjoy your new boot animation
Alternative method to install a custom boot animation (without Recovery Mode - by MasDroid)
You need to have HTC Sync and Android SDK installed (http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html).
To get adb running on the Windows OS platform, for example, download & extract the Android SDK to the following path: %SystemDrive%\android-sdk-windows (e.g. C:\android-sdk-windows)
Turn on your phone and connect it to your PC via a USB port.
Place the downloaded bootanimation.zip into the same folder as the adb app (in the tools folder of the SDK).
Open command prompt and type cd C:\android-sdk-windows\tools, hit enter.
Type adb push bootanimation.zip /data/local, hit enter.
Reboot phone.
How to Unroot your HTC Desire to stock
If you Have A 0.75 Bootloader:
Generic RUU Download / Mirror #1
T-Mobile UK RUU Download
o2 UK RUU Download
3 UK RUU Download
If You Have A 0.80 Bootloader: Download
Other RUUs Avalible Here
You will need:
HTC Sync (For Drivers)
The Download Above
A Windows PC
A Goldcard (Not required for generic HTC Desires)
The Guide:
Make sure your goldcard is in your phone (If Required-if your phone is branded)
Turn your Desire on
Connect it to a Windows PC
Run the HTC RUU
Let it run
& YOUR DONE!
You can use it to return your phone for warranty purposes!

How to remove apps from ROM
You need to have root for this and Android SDK installed!
Link to detailed tutorial
Im using Paul's R4 rooting files at the location C:/users/veedubz/r4-desire-root in Windows 7 so point your Command prompt there first and im also assuming that you have a rooted Desire and can get into recovery mode
1. First get into recovery mode with the Green menu then close that command prompt and open a new one and cd to /r4-desire-root folder
2. You now need to mount the /system folder using the code below
Code:
adb-windows shell mount /system
3. Now you will need to get the list of installed apk files
Code:
adb-windows shell ls /system/app/
and the output should look like this:
Code:
AccountAndSyncSettings.apk HtcWeatherWallpaper.apk
ApplicationsProvider.apk Jbed.apk
Bluetooth.apk LiveWallpapers.apk
..... ......
HtcStreamPlayer.apk htcsettingwidgets.apk
HtcSyncwidget.apk restartapp.apk
HtcTwitter.apk teeter.apk
4. there are 2 methods of removal, they are
4a. Just delete the files
4b. Move to the sdcard
Use one of the following methods
4a. Now you have a list of the files you can chose the ones you want to remove , note that this part is case sensitive so com.htc.twitterwidget.apk is not the same as com.htc.TwitterWidget.apk, use the following code(example used is the Stocks app and widget):
Code:
adb-windows shell rm /system/app/Stock.apk
adb-windows shell rm /system/app/com.htc.StockWidget.apk
4b. Also case sensitive, to move the files to your sdcard(which aso removes from the device):
Code:
adb-windows shell mount /sdcard
adb-windows shell mkdir /sdcard/device_files
adb-windows mv /system/app/Stock.apk /sdcard/device-files
adb-windows mv /system/app/com.htc.StockWidget.apk /sdcard/device-files
The files will be moved to the new folder on your sdcard called /device-files, once there you can also backup to your pc for a bit of extra backup
5. Repeat Step 4. untill all the apk files that you want to remove are gone and to check that they are gone use
Code:
adb-windows shell ls /system/app/
Restoring your backed up files
Use the following code,
Code:
adb-windows shell mount /sdcard
adb-windows shell mv /sdcard/device-filesStock.apk /system/app/
adb-windows shell mv /sdcard/device-files/com.htc.StockWidget.apk /system/app/
How to remove apps from ROM
Read here

any one having trouble downloading the method5 for windowsfiles for hboot 0.8
the first link seems dead and the mirror downloads a corrupt file ??
...EDIT --- forgEt this post liknk 2 seems fine now THANKS !!! .. .... .....
OH and nice work

Thanks man for this guide.
It's more clear for me now =)

cheers - if i flash R5 rom,will this leave me with 121 rom or 115 rom? -I already running the 121 rom?
thanks

dread123 said:
cheers - if i flash R5 rom,will this leave me with 121 rom or 115 rom? -I already running the 121 rom?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have generic 1.15 ROM

Good job!!!

Appreciate this. Thank you.

Very good tutorial dude.
This is worth to be sticky!

ignore pls answered own question

Using Modaco's guide and I am stuck in step 2!
Isn't the Modaco Custom Rom for the Desire the same rom as the one for the N1 port? If that's the case it's not that good because I had a lot of issues with the N1 port 22.1 alpha.
Using Mac OS X
Asian Unlocked Desire
1.19.707.7
HBOOT 0.80
I am so far stuck in Step 2 after installing Step 1. Tried everything and it still won't work.
# In the terminal window, enter either 'step1-windows.bat', './step1-mac.sh' or './step1-linux.sh' as appropriate.
# When this step has completed, REMOVE THE GOLDCARD and either format it and replace, or replace with a different (non goldcard) microSD.
# Navigate to the 'BOOTLOADER' and then 'RECOVERY' option on the menu, using the volume buttons to move and the power button to select.
# In the terminal window, enter either 'step2-windows.bat', './step2-mac.sh' or './step2-linux.sh' as appropriate.
# When this has completed, your device should be at the 'recovery' screen. Select the 'wipe' option, then select the option to apply an update zip from sdcard, and select 'rootedupdate.zip'. This will take a little while, so go make a nice cup of tea. When the flash has finished, reboot, and you are DONE!
After installing step 1, I proceeded to the recovery until the red triangle came out, entered step 2 and the error log shows :
./step2-mac.sh
Desire Root Step 2
Pushing required files to device...
error: protocol fault (no status)
* daemon not running. starting it now *
* daemon started successfully *
error: device not found
Pushing update file to device sdcard - this may take a few minutes...
error: device not found
error: device not found
Now wipe and apply rootedupdate.zip from the recovery image menu.
device not found
Tried Unplugging the unit first then plugging it to the mac only when the red triangle shows up to no avail.
Please help!
Read somewhere that its an HTC Sync issue but I am using a mac

kingofthebraves said:
Using Modaco's guide and I am stuck in step 2!
Isn't the Modaco Custom Rom for the Desire the same rom as the one for the N1 port? If that's the case it's not that good because I had a lot of issues with the N1 port 22.1 alpha.
Using Mac OS X
Asian Unlocked Desire
1.19.707.7
HBOOT 0.80
I am so far stuck in Step 2 after installing Step 1. Tried everything and it still won't work.
# In the terminal window, enter either 'step1-windows.bat', './step1-mac.sh' or './step1-linux.sh' as appropriate.
# When this step has completed, REMOVE THE GOLDCARD and either format it and replace, or replace with a different (non goldcard) microSD.
# Navigate to the 'BOOTLOADER' and then 'RECOVERY' option on the menu, using the volume buttons to move and the power button to select.
# In the terminal window, enter either 'step2-windows.bat', './step2-mac.sh' or './step2-linux.sh' as appropriate.
# When this has completed, your device should be at the 'recovery' screen. Select the 'wipe' option, then select the option to apply an update zip from sdcard, and select 'rootedupdate.zip'. This will take a little while, so go make a nice cup of tea. When the flash has finished, reboot, and you are DONE!
After installing step 1, I proceeded to the recovery until the red triangle came out, entered step 2 and the error log shows :
./step2-mac.sh
Desire Root Step 2
Pushing required files to device...
error: protocol fault (no status)
* daemon not running. starting it now *
* daemon started successfully *
error: device not found
Pushing update file to device sdcard - this may take a few minutes...
error: device not found
error: device not found
Now wipe and apply rootedupdate.zip from the recovery image menu.
device not found
Tried Unplugging the unit first then plugging it to the mac only when the red triangle shows up to no avail.
Please help!
Read somewhere that its an HTC Sync issue but I am using a mac
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you installed HTC Sync?

Im running MAC OS X so no HTC sync

kingofthebraves said:
Im running MAC OS X so no HTC sync
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried rooting with MAC, I would suggest downloading Live CD it should be safe and easy

Thanks for the guide, looks much easier to do.

getting a
failed- remote :42 custom id check fail??
when running batch 1? anyone help pls? tried to carryon and batch 2 - usb cant be found -htc sync installed?

thank you very much

[TUTORIAL] EVO Full Root|OTA Root|Nand Backup/Restore|Flashing|for n00b's + videos

I know there are several methods/guides to rooting the EVO. I posted these instructions on another site and many people found them useful, so I decided to copy them here. I didn't create any of these methods. I started this because this was my first experience w/ Android and trying to root. I had some trouble because there are certain steps that are probably obvious to Android regulars or guys that did a lot of research, but it was not obvious to me.
This is written for someone who is an ANDROID n00b and has absolutely no idea where to began. If you're a PC n00b and the idea of unzipping a file is foreign to you, this thread is not for you. Just enjoy the EVO Stock. It's a great phone and you won't be disappointed. Now, if you're comfortable around a pc and can follow instructions, this guide should be helpful. I've broken down every step.
*********** F.A.Q. and Videos - See Post #2 ***********
This guide includes;
ROOTING Part I and Part II (Full Root) - Use this if you're on software version 1.32.651.1 or 1.32.651.6.
Section 1 - This part gives you basic root access.
Section 2 - This part unlocks NAND and gives you full control. There are 2 versions of Section 2. Either one works.
Version 1 - No PC needed. No ADB Shell needed.
Version 2 - Using a PC and ADB Shell
Nand Backup and Nand Restore - 2 options with Rom Manager and w/o Rom Manager
Section 3 - Rom Manager Nand Backup/Restore
Section 4 - Manual Nand Backup/Restore
ROOTING AFTER OTA 1.47.651.1 (Full Root) - Use this if your phone had the OTA done and you're on version 1.47.651.1
Section 5 - This part includes all the steps to get full root including NAND Unlock. In other words, full control.
Here's the steps written in Android n00b language for the PC.
****ROOTING Part I and Part II (Full Root)**** Thanks to toastcfh
This is for Full Root access. I dropped the instructions for partial root because they are not needed. With Full Root available, there is no need to only do a partial root. Even if all you want is permissions to load a custom rom, you'll need to have a backup in case something goes wrong and you can't use the backup if you're not fully rooted. So, follow these simple steps and you'll have everything you need.
Before you start
Before you start anything, your phone needs to be able to connect to the pc. If you haven't done so before, install HTC Sync. There is a folder on the sdcard that contains a version of HTC Sync or you can download a newer version from their site. It doesn't matter which version because you're not going to use it. We just need the drivers installed so the phone can communicate with the PC.
Next, make sure "USB Debugging" is turned ON.
Menu>Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging
If it's turned on, every time you connect your phone to the PC, you'll see "/!\ USB Debugging connected" in the notifications on the phone.
Items you'll need
1- PC36IMG.zip (Place this on your sdcard)
2- eng-PC36IMG.zip - Mirror 1 - (Place this on your sdcard)
3- Full Root files.zip - This zip contains 3 files you will extract to your sdcard (flash_image, mtd-eng.img, recovery.img)
Now you sdcard should look like this -
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
4- evo-recovery - Extract this folder to your C:\ drive so you should see C:\evo-recovery
5- Any custom rom you want to load. If you don't want a custom rom, then at least install the rooted version of the Sprint Rom --> here <-- (place this rom on your sdcard too)
Section 1 -
1A) Connect your EVO to the PC and select "disk drive" so that you can see your storage card from the "My Computer" window
1B) Copy the file PC36IMG.zip and eng-PC36IMG.zip to the storage card. Don't unzip it and don't put it in a folder. Just copy the files.
1C) Take the "Full Root Files.zip" you downloaded and unzip all 3 files to the storage card. Don't put them in a folder.
At this point, you should have 5 new files on your storage card as shown in the picture above under items needed.
1D) Power-off your phone by holding the power-button for several seconds. The top choice is "Power Off."
1E) While holding "Volume DOWN", push the "Power" button so the phone turns on. You don't need to hold the "Power" button, but you do need to hold the "Volume DOWN" button. This will bring you straight to the bootloader screen which says
-FASTBOOT
-RECOVERY
-CLEAR STORAGE
-SIMLOCK
-HBOOT USB
Just wait for a minute. It will read your storage card. This takes about 30secs and there is a progress bar on the top right. It's reading the PC36IMG.zip file you placed on the card.
1F) Once that's done, it says, "Do you want to start update?" Volume UP=YES Volume Down=NO. Hit "Volume UP" and then wait.
1G) Once that's done, it says, "Update Complete. Do you want to reboot device?" Volume UP=YES Volume Down=NO. Hit "Volume UP" and you will reboot.
Now just be patient. It will take a while to start up the first time, but when it's done, you'll be at the setup screen you saw the first time you turned on the device. Skip all the account setups and whatever else. You just want to get to the Home screen so you can go to the next step.
Now you're phone is partially rooted, but we're not stopping there.
Section 2 Version 1 - No PC Needed -
2A) Go to the Market and download/install EStrongs File Explorer. Just search for "EStrong" pick "Estrongs File Explorer." Then download/install Barcode Scanner by ZXing. Just search for "Barcode."
2B) Open Barcode Scanner and scan the QR code below. Select "Open Browser" then download/install. Note: This will allow you to install Android Terminal Emulator by Jack Palevich. I couldn't find it in the market, so I'm using this method.
2C) Open Estrongs File explorer. Long-press on the files to rename the file "PC36IMG.zip" --> "root-PC36IMG.zip" and then rename "eng-PC36IMG.zip" --> "PC36IMG.zip"
2D) Open "Android Terminal Emulator" that you installed in step 2B, and type the following commands.
Code:
su
cat /sdcard/flash_image > /data/flash_image
chmod 755 /data/flash_image
/data/flash_image misc /sdcard/mtd-eng.img
If you typed each line correctly, you won't see any changes, you'll just go down to the next line w/ a "#"
2E) Power-off your phone by holding the power-button for several seconds. The top choice is "Power Off."
2F) While holding "Volume DOWN", push the "Power" button so the phone turns on. You don't need to hold the "Power" button, but you do need to hold the "Volume DOWN" button. This will bring you straight to the bootloader screen which says
-FASTBOOT
-RECOVERY
-CLEAR STORAGE
-SIMLOCK
-HBOOT USB
Just wait for a minute. It will read your storage card. This takes about 30secs and there is a progress bar on the top right. It's reading the PC36IMG.zip file you placed on the card.
2G) Once that's done, it says, "Do you want to start update?" Volume UP=YES Volume Down=NO. Hit "Volume UP" and then wait.
2H) Once that's done, it says, "Update Complete. Do you want to reboot device?" Volume UP=YES Volume Down=NO. Hit "Volume UP" and you will reboot.
Skip all the account setups and whatever else. You just want to get to the Home screen so you can go to the next step.
2I) Once your back to the home screen, go back to the Market place, go to downloads, and you should still see Estrongs and Android Terminal. You need to download/install them again.
2J) Open Estrongs File explorer. Long-press on the file to rename the file "PC36IMG.zip" --> "eng-PC36IMG.zip"
2K) Open "Android Terminal Emulator" that you installed in step 2B, and type the following commands.
Code:
su
cat /sdcard/flash_image > /data/flash_image
chmod 755 /data/flash_image
/data/flash_image recovery /sdcard/recovery.img
If you typed each line correctly, you won't see any changes, you'll just go down to the next line w/ a "#"
2L) Power-off your phone by holding the power-button for several seconds. The top choice is "Power Off."
2M) While holding "Volume DOWN", push the "Power" button so the phone turns on. You don't need to hold the "Power" button, but you do need to hold the "Volume DOWN" button. This will bring you straight to the bootloader screen which says
-FASTBOOT
-RECOVERY
-CLEAR STORAGE
-SIMLOCK
-HBOOT USB
Just wait for a minute. It will read your storage card. It won't find the PC36IMG.zip file because it was renamed. When it's done searching, use "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Recovery" and "Power" button to select it.
The phone will reboot into Recovery Mode.
2N) From the list, use "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe" and "Power" button to select it.
2O) In the Wipe menu you're going to use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe data/factory reset" and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Once it's done, repeat this step so you "Wipe data/factory reset" twice.
2P) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe Dalvik-cache" and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Once it's done, repeat this step so you "Wipe Dalvik-cache" twice.
Now push "Power" button to return to the previous menu.
2Q) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Flash zip from sdcard" and "Power" button to select it.
At this point every zip file on the root of your sdcard will show. Make sure you know which one you want to flash.
2R) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight your rom or radio file and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Sit back and wait. Mine took about 2mins.
When it's done, hit "Power" button to "Reboot system now" and enjoy your rooted EVO w/ a custom rom.
Section 2 Version 2 - Using the PC -
2A) Connect your EVO to the PC and select "disk drive" so that you can see your storage card from the "My Computer" window
2B) Rename the file "PC36IMG.zip" --> "root-PC36IMG.zip" and then rename "eng-PC36IMG.zip" --> "PC36IMG.zip"
2C) Disconnect the EVO from the USB, wait about 5seconds, then reconnect the EVO but this time select "Charge Only"
Note: Make sure you have USB Debugging turn on
Menu>Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging
2D) Open a "run" window by hitting the Windows key + "R" in the command line type (or cut/paste)
Code:
c:\evo-recovery\adb-windows shell
then hit "OK"
2E) In the window that opens, type (do not cut/paste this)
Code:
cat /sdcard/flash_image > /data/flash_image
chmod 755 /data/flash_image
/data/flash_image misc /sdcard/mtd-eng.img
If you typed each line correctly, you won't see any changes and the line will just repeat once when you hit enter. Each command takes a second or two.
2F) Power-off your phone by holding the power-button for several seconds. The top choice is "Power Off."
2G) While holding "Volume DOWN", push the "Power" button so the phone turns on. You don't need to hold the "Power" button, but you do need to hold the "Volume DOWN" button. This will bring you straight to the bootloader screen which says
-FASTBOOT
-RECOVERY
-CLEAR STORAGE
-SIMLOCK
-HBOOT USB
Just wait for a minute. It will read your storage card. This takes about 30secs and there is a progress bar on the top right. It's reading the PC36IMG.zip file you placed on the card.
2H) Once that's done, it says, "Do you want to start update?" Volume UP=YES Volume Down=NO. Hit "Volume UP" and then wait.
2I) Once that's done, it says, "Update Complete. Do you want to reboot device?" Volume UP=YES Volume Down=NO. Hit "Volume UP" and you will reboot.
Skip all the account setups and whatever else. You just want to get to the Home screen so you can go to the next step.
2J) Once your back to the home screen, the EVO should be connected as "Charge Only"
Note: Make sure you have USB Debugging turn on
Menu>Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging
2K) Open a "run" window by hitting the Windows key + "R" in the command line type (or cut/paste)
Code:
c:\evo-recovery\adb-windows shell
then hit "OK"
2L) In the window that opens, type (do not cut/paste this)
Code:
cat /sdcard/flash_image > /data/flash_image
chmod 755 /data/flash_image
/data/flash_image recovery /sdcard/recovery.img
reboot recovery
If you typed each line correctly, you won't see any changes and the line will just repeat once when you hit enter. Each command takes a second or two. The last command will reboot your phone into recovery mode.
2M) From the list, use "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe" and "Power" button to select it.
2N) In the Wipe menu you're going to use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe data/factory reset" and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Once it's done, repeat this step so you "Wipe data/factory reset" twice.
2O) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe Dalvik-cache" and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Once it's done, repeat this step so you "Wipe Dalvik-cache" twice.
Now push "Power" button to return to the previous menu.
2P) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Flash zip from sdcard" and "Power" button to select it.
At this point every zip file on the root of your sdcard will show. Make sure you know which one you're using.
2Q) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight your rom or radio file and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Sit back and wait. Mine took about 2mins.
When it's done, hit "Power" button to "Reboot system now" and enjoy your rooted EVO w/ a custom rom.
****Nand Backup and Nand Restore****
There are 2 options for making backups and restoring.
1) The easy method is to use Rom Manager. Install Rom Manager from the Market.
2) Put your phone into Recovery Mode and do all the steps manually.
Section 3 - Rom Manager Nand Backup/Restore -
3A) Go to the Market and download/install "Rom Manager" by ClockworkMod and then open it.
There is a free one and a donation one.
3B) Once it's opened, select "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery"
3C) Confirm your phone is an HTC Evo (CDMA)
Wait a couple minutes while it does it thing. When it's finished you'll get a "Successfully flashed ClockworkMod recovery!"
3D) Select "Backup Current Rom" and you'll have the option of naming it. Default is the Date and Time (2010-06-23-22.25.19) YYYY-MM-DD-HH-MM-SS
And that's it. Rom is backed up. If you try to flash another rom and don't like it or you make changes and mess something up, you can just restore the backup you just made and be right back where you were.
3E) To restore the Rom, select "Manager and Restore Backups"
3F) Select the Rom from the list of available backups. (You'll have the option to Restore/Rename/Delete)
3G) Choose Restore and select which parts you want to restore. All of them are checked by default.
You're choices are;
Restore Boot
Restore System
Restore Data
Restore Cache
Restore SD-Ext
Selecting all them will do a complete restore of your rom. I haven't experimented to see what the different parts do.
Section 4 - Manual Nand Backup/Restore -
You'll need to put your phone into Recovery mode first.
4A) Connect the EVO to the pc and select "Charge Only"
4B) Open a "Run" window by hitting the Windows key + "R" in the command line type (or cut/paste)
Code:
c:\evo-recovery\adb-windows reboot recovery
This will reboot the phone directly into Recovery Mode if you've done Rooting Part I & II
4C) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Backup/Restore" push the "Power" button to select it.
4D) Use the "Volume DOWN" to select "Nand backup" push the "Power" button to select it.
4E) You'll be asked if you want to create a Nandroid backup. Press "Power" button to confirm any other key to abort.
While it's creating a backup, it will say "Performing Backup" and show dots "....." across the bottom of the screen. It will fill-up about 3 rows of dots before it's done.
And that's it. Rom is backed up. If you try to flash another rom and don't like it or you make changes and mess something up, you can just restore the backup you just made and be right back where you were.
4F) To restore the Rom, do steps 4A-4C (skip 4D/4E) and use the "Volume DOWN" to select "Nand restore" push the "Power" button to select it.
4G) Use the "Volume DOWN" to select "HTXXXXXXXXXXX" (this will be your device #) push the "Power" button to select it.
4H) Use the "Volume DOWN" to select "BDS-XXXXXXXX-XXXX" (this will be the date of your backup) push the "Power" button to select it and "Power" to confirm it.
When it's done restoring, push "Power" twice to reboot.
****ROOTING AFTER OTA 1.47.651.1 (Full Root)**** Thanks to SteelH
This is for Full Root access after someone has applied the OTA 1.47.651.1. If you accepted the OTA or it was done for you when you bought your phone, use this guide. To check which version you're on, go to Menu>Settings>About Phone>Software Information>Software Number. If it says "1.47.651.1" this section is for you.
If you're on version "1.32.651.1" or "1.32.651.6" then use the ****ROOTING Part I and Part II (Full Root)**** instructions in section 1 & 2.
NOTE: Yes there are a lot of steps. Read through them once before you try it. The only tricky part is step 5Q. I actually had to reboot my phone and do 5Q again because I was too slow the 1st attempt. Other than that step, it's all pretty easy.
Before you start
Before you start anything, your phone needs to be able to connect to the pc. If you haven't done so before, install HTC Sync. There is a folder on the sdcard that contains a version of HTC Sync or you can download a newer version from their site. It doesn't matter which version because you're not going to use it. We just need the drivers installed so the phone can communicate with the PC.
Next, make sure "USB Debugging" is turned ON.
Menu>Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging
If it's turned on, every time you connect your phone to the PC, you'll see "/!\ USB Debugging connected" in the notifications on the phone.
Items you'll need
1- eng-PC36IMG.zip - Mirror 1 - (Place this on your sdcard and rename it PC36IMG.zip)
2- Rooting OTA Files.zip - This zip contains 5 files you will extract to your sdcard (flash_image, mtd-eng.img, part1, part2, recovery.img)
Now you sdcard should have these files -
3- evo-recovery - Extract this folder to your C:\ drive so you should see C:\evo-recovery
4- Any custom rom you want to load. If you don't want a custom rom, then at least install the rooted version of the Sprint Rom --> here <-- (place this rom on your sdcard too)
Section 5 -
5A) Connect your EVO to the PC and select "disk drive" so that you can see your storage card from the "My Computer" window
5B) Copy the file eng-PC36IMG.zip to the storage card, make sure to rename it PC36IMG.zip. Don't unzip it and don't put it in a folder. Just copy the file and rename.
5C) Take the "Rooting OTA files.zip" you downloaded and unzip all 5 files to the storage card. Don't put them in a folder.
At this point, you should have 6 new files on your storage card as shown in the picture above under items needed.
5D) Select Menu>Settings>Privacy>Factory data reset>Reset phone>Erase everything
Now you're phone is being reset. Once you're back to the home screen, continue to the next step (you don't need to fill in your account info, just skip past the setup to get to the home screen)
5E) Connect the EVO to the pc and select "Charge Only"
Note: Make sure you have USB Debugging turn on
Menu>Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging
5F) Open a "run" window by hitting the Windows key + "R" in the command line type (or cut/paste)
Code:
cmd
then hit "OK"
5G) In the window that opens, type (or cut/paste this)
Code:
cd c:\evo-recovery
Now you should be a prompt that says "c:\evo-recovery>"
5H) Now type (or cut/paste this)
Code:
adb-windows shell
Now you should be a "$" prompt
5I) Now type (do not cut/paste this)
Code:
sh /sdcard/part1
If you typed it correctly, you won't see any changes and the line will just repeat once, when you hit enter.
Then you will get a message that says "power down your phone from the power menu and re-run"
5J) Power-off your phone by holding the power-button for several seconds. The top choice is "Power Off." At this point, DO NOT TURN THE PHONE BACK ON!
On your pc you should have the cmd window open and once the phone is off, you will be at the "c:\evo-recovery>" prompt again. This next step will help you later. Do it now, while the phone is off, and it will make things easier later on.
5K) At the "c:\evo-recovery>" prompt, type (or cut/paste this)
Code:
adb-windows shell /data/local/part2
Because the phone is off, this will not work. You should get a message that says "error: device not found"
Now turn your phone back on. Once it's on the home screen continue with the next step. You should still be at the "c:\evo-recovery>" prompt.
5L) Now type (or cut/paste this)
Code:
adb-windows shell
Now you should be a "$" prompt
5M) Now type (do not cut/paste this)
Code:
sh /sdcard/part1
If you typed it correctly, you won't see any changes and the line will just repeat once, when you hit enter.
Then you will get a message that says "visit http://bit.ly/ad0pRn in the EVO Internet browser app"
The website you visit doesn't matter. It just needs to be a flash site that will trigger the exploit. Here's what I used.
5N) Open the Internet browser on your phone and go to this website "www.tinyurl.com/evo1234"
Once the page tries to load, the info on the pc will change. It will say "refresh that page or reopen it, reboot and run part2"
On your phone's browser, you need to refresh the page.
Note: Some people get an error at this point that says:
Code:
/sdcard/part1: cannot create /data/app-cache/com.android.browser/BEC48C17295CAF9
F550BCD500A0A6F03
/data/app-cache/com.android.browser/DE25D64D198E4BF84672045F0EAEE6CE
/data/app-cache/com.android.browser/EAFCD74DF11E57A3571B1E4D0B768134/foo: directory nonexistant
reboot and run part2
If you get this error, check the FAQ in post #2 for "Getting an error on step 5N"
5O) In the address bar of your phone's browser, on the far right, is the refresh icon. (Looks like 2 arrows in a circle) Hit refresh.
After the page reloads on the phone, go back to the command prompt on your pc. Make sure you're prepared for 5Q before you do 5P.
5P) Now type (do not cut/paste this)
Code:
reboot
You're phone will reboot.
As soon as the phone turns back on, while it's still booting up and is on the "HTC EVO 4G" screen, you need to do step 5Q.
Remember in step 5K when you typed "adb-windows shell /data/local/part2" That was done so that now you don't have to type it again.
On your keyboard, you can use the "UP" arrow key to cycle through commands you previously typed in the command window. For step 5Q, you'll need to hit the "UP" arrow key until you get to "adb-windows shell /data/local/part2" that you typed earlier. Should only be "UP" arrow once or twice.
5Q) While the phone is booting up, on your keyboard hit the "UP" arrow key until you see the "adb-windows shell /data/local/part2" you typed in 5K. Once you see that, hit enter.
If you get a message that says "error: device not found" do it again. "UP" arrow once and hit enter. Keep doing this while the phone is booting up until you get a message that says "part 2 is scanning." This will not work until your phone connects to the pc. You have a very short window from the time it connects until it passes the "HTC" welcome screen. I just kept entering it over and over until it worked. I actually entered it 10x's before the phone actually connected and the command worked.
Alternately, if you have sounds enabled on your pc, you'll hear when the phone connects again and you can enter the code once it connects, but you have a small window of time.
If you miss your window, then it will just sit at the "part 2 is scanning" for a long time and your phone will go to the home screen.
Just power off the phone, and start again from this step. Remember to enter the code over and over while the phone is booting up.
If it works, you'll initially get a message that says "part 2 is scanning" then after a short time (mine took about 15secs) you'll get a message that looks similar to this
Code:
/app-cache/com.android.browser/BEC48C17295CAF9F550BCD500A0A6F03/.foo.PWsZ8k
crw-rw-rw- root root 90, 2 2010-07-05 19:37 mtd1
That was the hard part. The rest is easy.
5R) Now type (or cut/paste this)
Code:
adb-windows shell
Now you should be a "$" prompt
5S) Now type (do not cut/paste this)
Code:
cat /sdcard/flash_image > /data/local/flash_image
chmod 755 /data/local/flash_image
/data/local/flash_image misc /sdcard/mtd-eng.img
If you typed each line correctly, you won't see any changes and the line will just repeat once when you hit enter. Each command takes a second or two.
5T) Power-off your phone by holding the power-button for several seconds. The top choice is "Power Off."
5U) While holding "Volume DOWN", push the "Power" button so the phone turns on. You don't need to hold the "Power" button, but you do need to hold the "Volume DOWN" button. This will bring you straight to the bootloader screen which says
-FASTBOOT
-RECOVERY
-CLEAR STORAGE
-SIMLOCK
-HBOOT USB
Just wait for a minute. It will read your storage card. This takes about 30secs and there is a progress bar on the top right. It's reading the PC36IMG.zip file you placed on the card.
5V) Once that's done, it says, "Do you want to start update?" Volume UP=YES Volume Down=NO. Hit "Volume UP" and then wait.
5W) Once that's done, it says, "Update Complete. Do you want to reboot device?" Volume UP=YES Volume Down=NO. Hit "Volume UP" and you will reboot.
5X) Once your back to the home screen, the EVO should be connected as "Charge Only"
Note: Make sure you have USB Debugging turn on
Menu>Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging
5Y) Open a "run" window by hitting the Windows key + "R" in the command line type (or cut/paste)
Code:
c:\evo-recovery\adb-windows shell
then hit "OK"
5Z) In the window that opens, type (do not cut/paste this)
Code:
cat /sdcard/flash_image > /data/flash_image
chmod 755 /data/flash_image
/data/flash_image recovery /sdcard/recovery.img
reboot recovery
If you typed each line correctly, you won't see any changes and the line will just repeat once when you hit enter. Each command takes a second or two. The last command will reboot your phone into recovery mode.
5AA) From the list, use "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe" and "Power" button to select it.
5AB) In the Wipe menu you're going to use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe data/factory reset" and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Once it's done, repeat this step so you "Wipe data/factory reset" twice.
5AC) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Wipe Dalvik-cache" and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Once it's done, repeat this step so you "Wipe Dalvik-cache" twice.
Now push "Power" button to return to the previous menu.
5AD) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight "Flash zip from sdcard" and "Power" button to select it.
At this point every zip file on the root of your sdcard will show. Make sure you know which one you're using.
5AE) Use the "Volume DOWN" to highlight your rom or radio file and "Power" button to select it, then "Power" button again to confirm. Sit back and wait. Mine took about 2mins.
When it's done, hit "Power" button to "Reboot system now" and enjoy your rooted EVO w/ a custom rom.

F.A.Q. and Videos
***********F.A.Q.***********
Q. What is Rooting?
A. Root is the user name or account that by default has access to all commands and files on Linux, Android or other Unix-like operating system. It is also referred to as the root account, root user and the superuser.
Q. Why would I want to Root my EVO?
A. Rooting gives you full control over the phone. It allows you to run programs that require root permission, like "Wireless Tether for Root Users" or "Titanium Backup." It also allows you to backup/restore your rom and to load custom roms or different radios.
Q. Does Rooting void my warranty?
A. Yes, if you root your phone, "technically" speaking, you did void your warranty. However, if you need to return your phone to Sprint, you can put the phone back to stock/unrooted by flashing a stock rom. http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Supersonic/
Q. My EVO has the OTA 1.47.651.1, can I still root my phone?
A. Follow the steps in ****ROOTING AFTER OTA 1.47.651.1 (Full Root)****
Q. What is Full-Root vs. just Rooting Part 1?
A. Full-Root is the steps that give you full control over all the files on the phone. Part 1 (Section 1) only gives you Superuser Permissions but Part 2 (Section 2) allows you to actually write/change system files.
Here's a PC analogy -
Part 1 would let you install apps and remove those apps (but only those apps you installed). You can't change files on the C: drive, only files on your external storage.
I.E. You could install Firefox and then remove it. But you can't remove MS Paint or Internet Explorer because they are on the C drive and you don't have access to it.
Part 2 also lets you change files that came w/ your operating system.
I.E. You could install Firefox and then remove it. You could also choose to remove preloaded programs like MS Paint or Internet Explorer. You could even go to the C drive and delete every important file on there and ruin your pc.
Q. What does Rooting Part 1 only do?
A. Part 1 (Section 1) of the Rooting process is just to give you Superuser Access. In other words, you can install/run a program that requires special permission. The problem is that it won't give you a Superuser Permission Icon. Many of the programs that need root access also need the SU Icon. Without the icon, they won't work. If you only do Part 1 (Section 1) of the tutorial, YOU WILL HAVE PROBLEMS. You need to do a full-root in order to take advantage of all the benefits of rooting.
Q. What does Rooting Part 1 only NOT do?
A. If you only did Part 1, and nothing else, then;
It does not allow you to remove OEM installed apps. Like Sprint TV or NASCAR or Sprint Navigation.
It does not allow you to install programs on your sdcard.
It does not allow you to install custom roms.
It does not allow you to install newer radios.
To do any of these things, you need to do a full-root using Section 1 & 2 or Section 5, depending on what version your EVO is on.
Q. Can I remove Sprint apps?
A. Yes, if you have full-root access. However, this tutorial is not about how to become an android chef, it's about getting root access and backing up/restoring and flashing new roms. If you don't like the Sprint apps, there are other instructions on how to get rid of them, but you will need full-root access. Or, there are several custom roms that have them removed already.
Q. How can I tell if I rooted my EVO correctly?
A. Super easy way to figure out if you're rooted.
Make sure USB Debugging is on.
Menu>Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging should be checked
Connect your phone using "Charge Only"
Open a "Run" window and type "c:\evo-recovery\adb-windows shell"
If you get a "$" you're not rooted
If you get a "#" you're rooted
Click -->here<-- to see a picture of this.
Additional note: If you're on 1.47.651.1 and you believe you're rooted, you'll see the "$" first, type "SU" and hit enter. You'll get a pop-up on your phone for Superuser Permissions to "Allow" or "Deny" access. Click "Allow". If it changes to a "#" you're rooted. If you get "permission denied" you're not rooted.
Q. How can I tell if I have full-root access?
A. Go to the Market and install/open "Quick Boot" by Sirius Applications Ltd. Choose "Recovery." If you're phone boots into the recovery screen w/ the menu options, you have full-root, if you get stuck at the /!\ screen, you do not have full-root access yet.
Q. Getting an error on step 5N, what should I do?
A. Some people get an error at step 5M that says:
Code:
/sdcard/part1: cannot create /data/app-cache/com.android.browser/BEC48C17295CAF9
F550BCD500A0A6F03
/data/app-cache/com.android.browser/DE25D64D198E4BF84672045F0EAEE6CE
/data/app-cache/com.android.browser/EAFCD74DF11E57A3571B1E4D0B768134/foo: directory nonexistant
reboot and run part2
tophyr figured out a solution and posted it --->HERE<---
In an attempt to keep this guide complete, I'll just copy his directions in this post.
I don't have the exact directory names, but the process to get beyond where you're stuck is this: (Type the bold parts, my comments are in the italics)
Code:
[B]cd /data/data/com.android.browser/flashlite
mv sharedobjects sharedobjects-[/B]
[I]The move command may fail - don't worry if it does[/I]
[B]ln -s /data/app-cache/com.android.browser/ sharedobjects
cd /app-cache/com.android.browser
ls[/B]
Here you should see at least one directory looking like 'BEC48C17295CAF9F550BCD500A0A6F03'. If there are multiple, repeat the following three lines for each. If there are not any, then refresh the website and/or find a new flash app (perhaps a game like mentioned above, or something) and repeat the 'ls' command after the app loads. You should then see a directory like the above.
Code:
[B]cd <long-ass-directory>[/B] [I](You can use wildcards.. if it starts with B like the above, do 'cd B*'[/I]
[B]cat /system/bin/rsync /system/bin/rsync /system/bin/rsync > foo
cd ..[/B]
These pretty much take care of what part1 tries to do, but likely fails to, if it's unable to outright delete the relevant directories. After running these commands manually, reboot the phone and follow the steps for part2 and beyond, and it *should* work. Did for me.
***********End of F.A.Q.***********
***********Videos***********
**Rooting - Full Root Parts I & II - Wipe - Flash - Without a PC or ADB Shell**
There are notes throughout the video that tell you what step of the video you are watching. If you do this, you can then use Rom Manager from the Market for any other things you need regarding roms. (i.e. Nand Backup/Restore, Flash newer roms/radios)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzEot2oYKbw
These older videos are here for reference if anyone wants to use the PC method.
The first video shows me doing the Rooting/Recovery/Nand Backup/Wipe/Flash.
After I loaded a custom rom, I use Rom Manager to load a custom rom again. Rom Manager works great, but I would suggest everyone do the manual method the first time. Once you're on a custom rom, Rom Manager is definitely the way to go.
**Rooting - Recovery - Nand Backup - Wipe - Flash - Rom Manager**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oja2a6O96wQ
The second video is my doing part 2 of the rooting process. This will give you full system access. This part is not absolutely necessary, but it does allow you to use the Nand Restore option to replace all your settings the way you had them. Plus, it gives you full control of the phone from the phone. No need to connect to pc next time you want to load a new rom.
**Full Root - Unlocking NAND Protection**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUXTB0eydwE

You are GOD..
This is for all of you that need your hand held.. hehe.. no really.. this is great stuff here..

I thought Fast's hands were tired from all the hand holding he's done at the other site, guess not
Looks great, as usual Bro.
@all new Android Friends- read, read again then watch Fast's videos. It helps. A Lot.

<3 all I can say

A quick n00b question...
I'm currently using 1.47 OTA version, but if I follow the instruction, will I be still at 1.47 or will the version be reverted to 1.32 with full root? It sounds like Simpleroot will revert the version to 1.32, but just wondering how this will result in after the full root of 1.47.
Thanks a lot for the detailed instruction!

Sweet, think I am getting somewhere. I went and checked to see if I was in fact rooted from when I tried following the first 1.47 OTA root guide. I get the # sign, thinking I should be good. But I guess I never went and took care of the superuser control. I type su in cmd and nothing prompts on my phone. Was this supposed to have happened at the very end of my root attempt? I didn't see it in the guide ... seemed as if when the guide ended it suggested that was it.
Unless something didn't properly get done ... but I got through the entire guide without any errors ... everything appeared to have been finished. superuser apk, from the market, effectively do the job, or is it all the same?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated, feel like something extremely minor is holding me back. Holding me down. -_-'

beesneazy said:
Sweet, think I am getting somewhere. I went and checked to see if I was in fact rooted from when I tried following the first 1.47 OTA root guide. I get the # sign, thinking I should be good. But I guess I never went and took care of the superuser control. I type su in cmd and nothing prompts on my phone. Was this supposed to have happened at the very end of my root attempt? I didn't see it in the guide ... seemed as if when the guide ended it suggested that was it.
Unless something didn't properly get done ... but I got through the entire guide without any errors ... everything appeared to have been finished. superuser apk, from the market, effectively do the job, or is it all the same?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated, feel like something extremely minor is holding me back. Holding me down. -_-'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are seeing the # then you should be all set.
The current Market version of Superuser is not the most up to date I believe.
whitslack has a flashable zip in his thread about fixing 4G that allows you to install the most up to date version.
This would only be needed I would think if you are staying on rooted stock. Most chefs include the SU app.
Hope that answers your question.
Edit:Come to think of it-even rooted stock should have the latest su app. So my question to you is after completing the root what ROM did you jump to?
Like I said above, if you have a # you should be all set but I don't *think* you are on 1.47 after this process, check your software #.
@st0921-this would apply to your question too. Since at the end of the process you flash the eng-PC36 my guess is that you are not on 1.47.
I say "guess" because I was safely rooted before the OTA and not run this process.
CLARIFICATION-As I state below eng-PC36 unlocks NAND so while you may be on 1.47 it is not a rooted ROM. You'll need to flash a rooted version of 1.47.

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing

If we are adding a custom rom, do we just add the zipped rom file to the sd card, or do I unzip it, then add to sd card?
Thank you.

winmonewbie said:
If you are seeing the # then you should be all set.
The current Market version of Superuser is not the most up to date I believe.
whitslack has a flashable zip in his thread about fixing 4G that allows you to install the most up to date version.
This would only be needed I would think if you are staying on rooted stock. Most chefs include the SU app.
Hope that answers your question.
Edit:Come to think of it-even rooted stock should have the latest su app. So my question to you is after completing the root what ROM did you jump to?
Like I said above, if you have a # you should be all set but I don't *think* you are on 1.47 after this process, check your software #.
@st0921-this would apply to your question too. Since at the end of the process you flash the eng-PC36 my guess is that you are not on 1.47.
I say "guess" because I was safely rooted before the OTA and not run this process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the response, am also getting a little assistance from another forum member (vballboarder) and I think I get what the problem might be. Am going to try it in a minute.
Thing is, and I'll try to word this as best I can, is that I went through the guide, no problems, got to the end and it all seemed to go. At the end of the post it linked to Toast's 2nd part so I thought that was, naturally, the next step. I guess I was under the impression that the superuser icon would show up when I booted back into the phone. It wasn't there so I didn't want to proceed and possibly mess something up.
FW version: 2.1-update1
Baseband version: 1.36.00.04.02
Kernel version: 2.6.29-as94cf60 / [email protected] #1
Build number: 1.17.651.1 CL160858 test-keys
Software number: 1.17.651.1
Browser version: WebKit 3.1
PRI version: 1.34_003
PRL version: 60662
Like I said, I didn't want to proceed with fear of doing something irreversible. Things have changed, no doubt.
"forum user": "So, did you not do the 1.47 ROM? You just rooted and stopped? If you do the 1.47 rooted rom you won't have any problems at all, and it includes the superuser app."
^^^ Is this seriously all I need to do now? I am confusing the hell out of myself I think.

I CANT COMPLETE STEP 5Q! :S i have successfully completed all the previous steps and everything comes out as instructed.... any tips?

JuggZaPoppiN said:
If we are adding a custom rom, do we just add the zipped rom file to the sd card, or do I unzip it, then add to sd card?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not unzip. Just place it on your card in its zipped form.
beesneazy said:
Thanks a lot for the response, am also getting a little assistance from another forum member (vballboarder) and I think I get what the problem might be. Am going to try it in a minute.
Thing is, and I'll try to word this as best I can, is that I went through the guide, no problems, got to the end and it all seemed to go. At the end of the post it linked to Toast's 2nd part so I thought that was, naturally, the next step. I guess I was under the impression that the superuser icon would show up when I booted back into the phone. It wasn't there so I didn't want to proceed and possibly mess something up.
FW version: 2.1-update1
Baseband version: 1.36.00.04.02
Kernel version: 2.6.29-as94cf60 / [email protected] #1
Build number: 1.17.651.1 CL160858 test-keys
Software number: 1.17.651.1
Browser version: WebKit 3.1
PRI version: 1.34_003
PRL version: 60662
Like I said, I didn't want to proceed with fear of doing something irreversible. Things have changed, no doubt.
"forum user": "So, did you not do the 1.47 ROM? You just rooted and stopped? If you do the 1.47 rooted rom you won't have any problems at all, and it includes the superuser app."
^^^ Is this seriously all I need to do now? I am confusing the hell out of myself I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, gotcha. Yup, pick the ROM of your choosing and flash it.
I'm trying to unroot and run this process so I have a better understanding but I'm having RUU issues.
I think the process is giving you root access on your non-rooted ROM. In general this is not a good idea as things won't gel, even if you install SU.
So flash custom or rooted stock and you should be fine.
Toast Part 2 unlocks NAND, it doesn't install a ROM per se.

winmonewbie said:
@st0921-this would apply to your question too. Since at the end of the process you flash the eng-PC36 my guess is that you are not on 1.47.
I say "guess" because I was safely rooted before the OTA and not run this process.
CLARIFICATION-As I state below eng-PC36 unlocks NAND so while you may be on 1.47 it is not a rooted ROM. You'll need to flash a rooted version of 1.47.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification. So, if I want a rom with 1.47 update built-in, then i can flash a custom rom at step 5AD) after i save the zip file into the sd card?

Ahh ok, reading comprehension has taken a serious hit lately. Or something.
So when flashing this ROM, I then proceed to the second step, nand backup for future purposes, and then it's go time?

cw269484 said:
I CANT COMPLETE STEP 5Q! :S i have successfully completed all the previous steps and everything comes out as instructed.... any tips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I know that step is tricky as it requires good timing/ What exactly are you seeing?
st0921 said:
Thanks for the clarification. So, if I want a rom with 1.47 update built-in, then i can flash a custom rom at step 5AD) after i save the zip file into the sd card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it!
beesneazy said:
Ahh ok, reading comprehension has taken a serious hit lately. Or something.
So when flashing this ROM, I then proceed to the second step, nand backup for future purposes, and then it's go time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You COULD Nand backup at that point thought I'm not sure of the point of having that ROM backed up, like I said (and could be wrong) you have a non-rooted version of 1.47.
I would flash the next ROM, set it up, and back THAT up.

winmonewbie said:
You COULD Nand backup at that point thought I'm not sure of the point of having that ROM backed up, like I said (and could be wrong) you have a non-rooted version of 1.47.
I would flash the next ROM, set it up, and back THAT up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, about to run through this thread;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715915
Sounds like it would also fix my WiMAX radio which hasn't been working since going through the initial root process. And then, as I'm told, this will give me my superuser access? That's the idea I'm getting, then I could set everything back up. Back it up, and if I wasn't feeling future ROMs I could go back if I chose, or try another. Apps and such? I didn't really "set" things up the first time around as I was expecting to go through this and get it going.
Or, once again, am I wrong? LOL I hate to clutter the thread. -_-'

beesneazy said:
Well, about to run through this thread;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715915
Sounds like it would also fix my WiMAX radio which hasn't been working since going through the initial root process. And then, as I'm told, this will give me my superuser access? That's the idea I'm getting, then I could set everything back up. Back it up, and if I wasn't feeling future ROMs I could go back if I chose, or try another. Apps and such? I didn't really "set" things up the first time around as I was expecting to go through this and get it going.
Or, once again, am I wrong? LOL I hate to clutter the thread. -_-'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good my Friend. You are on the right track for sure.
I dont have 4G but I did run through whitslacks steps. That will give you a rooted stock ROM with the updated wimax and radio. (and SuperUser once you flash the included zip) It will work as long as your mac address isnt busted.
If you run that and everything is ok then backing that up would be a good idea.
Whether you back it up immediately post flash or after you have all your settings and apps the way you like them is completely up to you.

"OMFG."
Thank you, good sir.
I guess I thought this was where I was sitting after doing the initial root.
Your help is greatly appreciated. On with LeBron ... I guess. Not sure why I'm watching this ... disappointment is sure to follow.

finally completed step 5q, but now after i type
/data/local/flash_image misc / sdcard/mtd-eng.omg
i get:
"error writing misc: permission denied"
help!
:s

Prevent OTA updates

Does anybody know of a universal app or method of preventing OTA updates? Here is what I have found out so far. PLEASE feel free to correct me
There is a lot of threads that are started because of this and every now and then someone seems to have half an answer. it seems there is 3 different ways of preventing OTA updates.
One is to rename /system/etc/security/otacerts.zip to otacerts.zip.bak but apparently that KILLS your battery. It still allows your phone to look for and install OTA updates but not install so it can drain your battery
The second that i saw was a zip some guy made back when Froyo was a BIG DEAL
the third seems to be the most complicated, yet the best choice. now i'm going to post the instructions for the Droid Incredible.
download android sdk, unzip and copy all files and folders to c:\sdk
root phone with unrevoked3 (see youtube)
Boot into Clockworkmod recovery (dwn vol btn + pwr btn)
press volume down to select "Recovery", then press power.
at Clockworkmod main menu press volume down until "mounts and storage" is highlighted and select it with the optical joystick
then select with the optical joystick "mount /system"
on your computer click Start > Run, and type CMD to open a command prompt
at the command prompt type cd\sdk\tools
at the next command prompt type adb shell
type mkdir /system/app/disabled
type mv /system/app/SystemUpdater.apk /system/app/disabled/
(notice caps in SystemUpdater.apk)
(SystemUpdater.apk app is now located in the disabled folder)
at Clockworkmod partitions menu select with the optical joystick "unmount /system"
press power btn and select "reboot" and unplug the USB cable
Does anybody know of a "one click app" or anything that will prevent OTA updates on all android phones?

[Guide] [Mac OSX] The Mac Guide to Flashing Custom ROMs on 2.20

I had a first generation Galaxy S and was fairly involved in XDA until I traded it in for an iPhone. A few days ago I bought the One X and I noticed there weren't any guides tailored to Mac users on how to flash custom ROMs from a brand new stock device. So here I go. If I have time and get the permission of the developers of the root exploit I might eventually create a mac program that automates the process. Over time I will also try to improve this with screenshots and better instructions. I take no liability if your phone blows up or if it doesn't work for you.
This is just a rough draft, use at your own risk.
Overview
Root the Device
Install Custom Recovery
Install Custom ROM
Directions
Assuming you are on the latest firmware, 2.20, you have to use the X-Factor root exploit. It should be in the downloads folder that you will download below. I did not come up with this expliot so if it works you should donate to its creator. For convenience I bundled the tools you will need into a single zip file. You can download it here. Place the unzipped folder on your desktop. You will also need a custom ROM downloaded from the Android Dev portion of this forum.
Rooting
Back up all data that you would miss if lost.
Open up settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging
Plug your phone into your computer. Do not mount the drive; just leave it in charging mode.
Move the folder you downloaded earlier onto your mac's desktop. Now open a terminal window and type "cd desktop/htconexmac" and press enter.
Now type "sh run.sh" and press enter.
Press enter again when the disclaimer pops up.
If it works, on your phones screen a message should pop up asking for backup restorations as well as a prompt for passwords. Ignore the password spaces and autorize it. It should prompt you twice.
The phone should restart into "bootloader mode." Press the enter button on your computer once this loads and it should confirm that your new CID is "11111111" if it worked. If it doesn't say that then try again from scratch.
Press enter again and you should get a big block of text copy the whole block including the tags on either side of it. You will need this to unlock the bootloader.
Go to htcdev.com and make an account. Now go to htcdev.com/bootloader and in the drop down box select All Other Supported Models press enter and follow their directions.
Recovery
Close terminal entirely (not really necessary, it just makes things go smoother) and reopen it. Now type "cd desktop/htconexmac" and press enter.
Now turn your phone off entirely and turn it back on by pressing the power and volume down buttons at the same time. You should boot back into recovery mode. This time, use the volume keys to select fastboot
With your phone plugged in and USB Debugging still enabled, type "./fastboot.osx flash recovery twrp.img" This will install the TWRP Custom Recovery. I did not make this, if it works for you I would suggest donating to its developer.
When it is done installing you can turn off your phone and then boot back into the bootloader by holding the power button and volume down button at the same time.
Now scroll to recovery and press the power key. You should boot to a screen with lots of buttons.
Flashing the ROM
Press the button that says "Mount" and then press the button that says "Mount USB Storage." In a moment you should see your phone appear mounted as a disk on your computer. Drag the .zip file of whatever ROM you downloaded to this disk as well as the file titled "gaaps.zip." Once they finish copying press "unmount."
Press the back button to return to the main screen and then press the button titled "Wipe"
Do a factory reset. Press back. Wipe the cache. Press back. Wipe the Dalvik cache. Press back twice to get to the main menu.
Press "Install" and then select the zip file on the ROM you want to install. Press "add more zips" and select "gapps.zip." Finally slide to confirm the flash.
When it is done flashing go back to the main menu and press "reboot" and then "bootloader"
Make sure it says "FASTBOOT USB" in red. On your computer find the folder where you kept your ROM and extract the zip file. Find the file called "boot.img" and copy it into the htconexmac file on your desktop.
In terminal type "./fastboot.osx flash boot boot.img"
When it is completed type "./fastbook.osx reboot"
Your phone should boot with its ROM!

nice one bro

BreatheHT said:
nice one bro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I don't think many people around here use mac though.

Very useful. Before I got my Win8 I felt like Mac users were left out. Still prefer to do things on my Mac when possible. Thanks for posting this

I am glad for the instructions. I just inherited my wife's old Mac Book and it's great to get intro to fastboot with OSX.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Thanks bro. I got a Mac and I've been waiting for clear instructions. Ill will give this a shot later today!
HtcOneXda-developers app

azd9 said:
Thanks. I don't think many people around here use mac though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good job, on a mac 2

Very valuable!
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2

azd9 said:
I had a first generation Galaxy S and was fairly involved in XDA until I traded it in for an iPhone. A few days ago I bought the One X and I noticed there weren't any guides tailored to Mac users on how to flash custom ROMs from a brand new stock device. So here I go. If I have time and get the permission of the developers of the root exploit I might eventually create a mac program that automates the process. Over time I will also try to improve this with screenshots and better instructions. I take no liability if your phone blows up or if it doesn't work for you.
This is just a rough draft, use at your own risk.
Overview
Root the Device
Install Custom Recovery
Install Custom ROM
Directions
Assuming you are on the latest firmware, 2.20, you have to use the X-Factor root exploit. It should be in the downloads folder that you will download below. I did not come up with this expliot so if it works you should donate to its creator. For convenience I bundled the tools you will need into a single zip file. You can download it here. Place the unzipped folder on your desktop. You will also need a custom ROM downloaded from the Android Dev portion of this forum.
Rooting
Back up all data that you would miss if lost.
Open up settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging
Plug your phone into your computer. Do not mount the drive; just leave it in charging mode.
Move the folder you downloaded earlier onto your mac's desktop. Now open a terminal window and type "cd desktop/htconexmac" and press enter.
Now type "sh run.sh" and press enter.
Press enter again when the disclaimer pops up.
If it works, on your phones screen a message should pop up asking for backup restorations as well as a prompt for passwords. Ignore the password spaces and autorize it. It should prompt you twice.
The phone should restart into "bootloader mode." Press the enter button on your computer once this loads and it should confirm that your new CID is "11111111" if it worked. If it doesn't say that then try again from scratch.
Press enter again and you should get a big block of text copy the whole block including the tags on either side of it. You will need this to unlock the bootloader.
Go to htcdev.com and make an account. Now go to htcdev.com/bootloader and in the drop down box select All Other Supported Models press enter and follow their directions.
Recovery
Close terminal entirely (not really necessary, it just makes things go smoother) and reopen it. Now type "cd desktop/htconexmac" and press enter.
Now turn your phone off entirely and turn it back on by pressing the power and volume down buttons at the same time. You should boot back into recovery mode. This time, use the volume keys to select fastboot
With your phone plugged in and USB Debugging still enabled, type "./fastboot.osx flash recovery twrp.img" This will install the TWRP Custom Recovery. I did not make this, if it works for you I would suggest donating to its developer.
When it is done installing you can turn off your phone and then boot back into the bootloader by holding the power button and volume down button at the same time.
Now scroll to recovery and press the power key. You should boot to a screen with lots of buttons.
Flashing the ROM
Press the button that says "Mount" and then press the button that says "Mount USB Storage." In a moment you should see your phone appear mounted as a disk on your computer. Drag the .zip file of whatever ROM you downloaded to this disk as well as the file titled "gaaps.zip." Once they finish copying press "unmount."
Press the back button to return to the main screen and then press the button titled "Wipe"
Do a factory reset. Press back. Wipe the cache. Press back. Wipe the Dalvik cache. Press back twice to get to the main menu.
Press "Install" and then select the zip file on the ROM you want to install. Press "add more zips" and select "gapps.zip." Finally slide to confirm the flash.
When it is done flashing go back to the main menu and press "reboot" and then "bootloader"
Make sure it says "FASTBOOT USB" in red. On your computer find the folder where you kept your ROM and extract the zip file. Find the file called "boot.img" and copy it into the htconexmac file on your desktop.
In terminal type "./fastboot.osx flash boot boot.img"
When it is completed type "./fastbook.osx reboot"
Your phone should boot with its ROM!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it keeps saying my "CID is not 11111111".......

Forget that last post from me.. Lol I got it.
HtcOneXda-developers app

Thanks for this. Was waiting for some clear mac directions before rooting/unlocking!

Awesome. Thank you!

mikeeygee said:
Awesome. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent write up.
One question, is the XFactor Exploit used on Rogers phones? I seem to remember this was for AT&T models.
Thanks again.
David

dkonkin said:
One question, is the XFactor Exploit used on Rogers phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not needed. Rogers phones can go straight to unlocking via htcdev.

Thanks again.
Plan to put HTC One X back in order tonight.
Numerous lessons learned, thanks to all for the assist.
David

dead link
the 'You can download it here' link is dead, could someone post another please?
so I can use this guide for my s2?

[Guide] Newbie to Photon Q 4G LTE Rooting w/ Ice Cream Sandwich

Purpose: The purpose of this guide is to help collect all information and steps needed to root a Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE and use Clockwork Mod. When I looked for tutorials there were no updated ones that detailed how to do this with the latest android update (as of May 2014) for the Photon. Some steps may have been / were copied from various posts & guides around the internet, again this is just a collection of information.
Goal: A user who just opened his Photon Q 4G LTE and did all the factory updates should be able to get his phone rooted by the end of the guide.
Note: I started this guide but sadly the ribbon cable on my Photon Q 4G LTE broke and I just decided to switch carriers. I never got back to proof reading this guide while it was still fresh in my memory but if anyone sees and issues just let me know.
Unlock the Bootloader:
I unlocked the bootloader because I wanted to install ClockWork Mod and read that you had to. Not sure if you need to do this just for root access. I wanted CWM so that I could create a backup of this phone as is came from the factory so if I want to restore down the road I can. Unlike my Samsung it seems difficult to find the factory software for the Photon Q so this seemed like the best way to get it. Also nice to have the ability to take backups of my phone every so often. Assuming your phone is new I recommend that you also take a factory backup once clockwork mod is on before installing any other apps.
1. Download and install the drivers for the Photon Q from Motorola here ( https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/88481 )
2. Download this ZIP package which contains the tools you need for most of the steps here ( https://od.lk/f/MjRfMjc2MDc1Ml8 )
3. Head over to Motorola’s bootloader unlock site and sign in / register ( https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-b )
4. Put your device in fastboot mode by powering off, waiting a moment, then pressing the “power” and “volume down” buttons simultaneously and releasing the “power” button ONLY after a few seconds. Once you see the fastboot screen you can release “volume down” as well.
5. Unzip and open the folder with the ZIP files from Step 2 and open a command prompt or terminal (in Windows 7 hold “Shift” and right-click in the folder and select “open command window here”.
6. In the prompt, type “fastboot oem get_unlock_data” without the quotes.
7. You will see 5 or so lines with either “(bootloader)” or “INFO” in front of them. Use notepad or some other basic text editor to paste together the 5 lines of output into one continuous string WITHOUT (bootloader) or ‘INFO’ or white spaces in front of them so your string looks something like this: 0A40040192024205#4C4D355631323030373731363031303332323239#BD008A672BA4746C2CE02328A2AC0C39F951A3E5#1F532800020000000000000000000000
8. Check if your device can be unlocked by pasting the string in the field on Motorola’s page on their section 6. and click “Can my device be unlocked?” If you have a problem with this most likely the string you pasted in the box has spaces or extra / incorrect characters. Try again.
9. Open the email and get the unlock code. My email ended up in the “Promotion” category inbox instead of my normal inbox so if you don’t see it check in other places such as “Spam”.
10. Put your device in fastboot mode again by powering off, waiting a moment, then pressing the “power” and “volume down” buttons simultaneously and releasing the “power” button ONLY after a few seconds. Once you see the fastboot screen you can release “volume down” as well.
11. Connect the device to the computer with a USB cable. You'll get a confirmation message on the device to indicate that it's connected.
12. Open the folder with the ZIP files from Step 2 again and open a command prompt or terminal (in Windows 7 hold “Shift” and right-click in the folder and select “open command window here”.
13. In the prompt, type “fastboot devices” without the quotes and make sure your device shows up.
14. To unlock the bootloader, enter the following in the prompt “fastboot oem unlock UNIQUE_KEY” without quotes where you replace the “UNIQUE_KEY” with the code you received in the email. It is case-sensitive.
15. If the line was entered correctly, you will see a message confirming that your device was unlocked.​Install Clockwork Mod:
1. Download the latest ClockWorkMod recovery for the Photon Q from clockworkmod.com/rommanager and place the file in the same folder as the files from Bootloader Step 2. Be careful to select the right image!
2. Connect the Photon Q to the computer via USB.
3. Open the folder with the ZIP files from Bootloader Step 2 again and open a command prompt or terminal (in Windows 7 hold “Shift” and right-click in the folder and select “open command window here”.
4. Put your device in fastboot mode again by powering off, waiting a moment, then pressing the “power” and “volume down” buttons simultaneously and releasing the “power” button ONLY after a few seconds. Once you see the fastboot screen you can release “volume down” as well.
5. In the prompt, type “fastboot devices” without the quotes and make sure your device shows
a. If you don't see your device serial number, and instead see "<waiting for device>", fastboot is not configured properly on your machine. See fastboot documentation for more info.
b. If you see "no permissions fastboot", make sure your UDEV rules are setup correctly.
6. Flash ClockWork Mod recovery onto your device by entering the following command in the prompt “fastboot flash recovery image.img” without the quotes where “image.img” is the full name of the file you downloaded in Step 1.
7. Once the flash completes successfully, reboot the device into recovery to verify the installation by powering off the phone and then holding both “Volume Up” & “Power” simultaneously until you see ClockWork Mod on the screen. From here you can take a backup (recommended) if you want to like I did.
o Note: Some ROMs overwrite recovery at boot time so if you do not plan to immediately boot into recovery to install CyanogenMod, please be aware that this may overwrite your custom recovery with the stock one. ​Root the device:
1. Boot the Photon Q normally and go to Settings>Developer Options> and enable USB Debugging. You may have to turn on Developer Options as well if they are grayed out.
2. Connect the Photon Q to the computer via USB.
3. Navigate to the folder with the ZIP files from Bootloader Step 2 again open the run.bat file.
4. Press Enter after reading the disclaimer (if you want) and wait for the file to finish running.
5. After it is done you can press enter again to close the prompt and disconnect your phone
6. After the phone reboots automatically you will see a new Super User app in your app list. You are now rooted.​

FYI installing TWRP will offer to automatically root the device for you when you reboot back into Android.
Also, CWM for our devices is horribly outdated, and last I checked completely unable to flash any KK-based ROM. I wouldn't recommend it - OpenRecovery or TWRP are my recommendations.

arrrghhh said:
FYI installing TWRP will offer to automatically root the device for you when you reboot back into Android.
Also, CWM for our devices is horribly outdated, and last I checked completely unable to flash any KK-based ROM. I wouldn't recommend it - OpenRecovery or TWRP are my recommendations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two months I had my Photon Q working CWM worked great for me. Did a few backups and didn't have to re-root after each boot. But it always helps to have more options so thanks for mentioning both alternatives!

protivakid said:
The two months I had my Photon Q working CWM worked great for me. Did a few backups and didn't have to re-root after each boot. But it always helps to have more options so thanks for mentioning both alternatives!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure CWM won't flash KK-based ROM's as I stated previously.
Also, you shouldn't have to re-root - TWRP just does the rooting for your if you are installing a custom recovery for the first time so you don't have to do it manually .

arrrghhh said:
I'm pretty sure CWM won't flash KK-based ROM's as I stated previously.
Also, you shouldn't have to re-root - TWRP just does the rooting for your if you are installing a custom recovery for the first time so you don't have to do it manually .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again! I just used the stock rom but rooted during my brief time with the phone but this will help those who wish to use KK on the Photon.

RISING THIS TREAD FROM THE DEAD!!!
WHO STILL HAS THIS PHONE WORKING??
i blue screened my LG G3 so i pulled this phone off my dash in the bimmer to possibly try to root but it runs so damn slow now. any support will be much appreciated this is by far the most reliable device i ever purchased (400 bucks out the door brand new fml)
i will try to root later this week but big shout out to XDA for all thier threads on android ive been rooting since the
optimus line
cheers!