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
Related
Hi. So this is what I have done so far..
1. Unlocked my bootloader using HTCDEV which unlocked my bootloader but kept S-On.
2. Then I flashed my recovery with 4Ext recovery.
3. Installed SU using that. Now I have super user privilages.
In the end, I have unlocked, rooted bootloader with HBOOT 2.00.0002 and S-On. I have taken back up of my current ROM.
From what I understand,
1. My phone is completely rooted.
2. To install a new ROM, I need to go to recovery in booloader and install from SD card.
3. I can revert to my old stock ROM using the back up I took earlier.
Please let me know whether I have got it right till here.
I went through beginner's guides and needed few things to clarify.
1. Will installing new ROM overwrite RUU ?
2. If yes, how do I back up RUU or Rom.zip before I flash with new ROM ?
3. Even though I restore back to my stock ROM. Will my super user privilages remain ?
4. If yes, how to remove them ? How to unroot ?
5. Can I restore to stock's recovery ?
In other words, can I COMPLETELY restore it back excluding unlocking? Please guide me with respect to Desire S.
Installing RUU will comletely restore your phone to stock, removing root as well. So basicly there is no point in backing it up.
Please note that when you unlocked with htcdev.com you will have to flash boot.img separately after installing any custom rom for the phone to boot.
Anyway, there are so many guides on this forum that unswers all your questions, don't see a point to start the new one here.
Sent from my HTC Desire S
dmatik said:
Installing RUU will comletely restore your phone to stock, removing root as well. So basicly there is no point in backing it up.
Please note that when you unlocked with htcdev.com you will have to flash boot.img separately after installing any custom rom for the phone to boot.
Anyway, there are so many guides on this forum that unswers all your questions, don't see a point to start the new one here.
Sent from my HTC Desire S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. And sorry for the new thread. I went through the guides. Just needed to confirm. These RUUs, are they fixed for a particular model and country? For example, this link provides some RUUs for Desire S for different countries. So RUUs for all the Desire S phones in that region are same, officially ?
Aah, this thread solved the problem that I've been thinking!
When I am going to sell my DS, only need to install correct RUU and it is fully stock again?
I've been reading a little on this S-off thing and was wondering what its purpose actually is and what the advantages are from doing it? I know I was able to flash my HTC Vivid without it so what is it really used for? Thank you in advance.
Answer...
phrotac said:
I've been reading a little on this S-off thing and was wondering what its purpose actually is and what the advantages are from doing it? I know I was able to flash my HTC Vivid without it so what is it really used for? Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See: What Is S-OFF & How To Gain It On HTC Android Phones With unrevoked forever
In a nutshell, S-OFF means that the NAND portion of the device is unlocked and can be written to. The default setting for HTC’s devices is S-ON, which means that neither can you access certain areas of the system nor can you guarantee a permanent root. Furthermore, signature check for firmware images is also ensured by the S-ON flag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:58 PM ----------
Basically, if you are going to be installing custom ROMs, you probably want to set s-off so you can flash unsigned ROMs.
Very interesting. Thank you for responding That gives me something to think about.
In short. S-OFF allows you to change pretty much everything. Your CID, firmware (radio, hboot etc) and most important thing probably, allows you to flash older RUUs
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using Tapatalk 2
If you are going to be changing roms, themes, etc, then leave it off. If not then turn in back on.
kdub83 said:
If you are going to be changing roms, themes, etc, then leave it off. If not then turn in back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the perfect ROM from WCX but I never had to use a wire on it though. Is HTCdev the reason why? I'm just trying to figure out this whole s-off thing because I saw a video where someone used a piece of insulated wire and was wondering why. I'm sorry if I wasn't clear enough with my questions earlier... My bad.
S-OFF
Hi - I've had HTC devices since the Eris way back in 2010 - currently running the Rezound. Hopefully I can shed some more light.
When I first got the Rezound I was coming over from an S-OFF Eris... if you wanted to flash something custom, you'd go to htcdev.com and use their "unlock bootloader" tool. Once you ran that and followed a few other steps, you are reverted to stock and your bootloader now has a little warning "unlocked" in the text at the top. This was in January 2012, and ROMs back then came with 2 things - the ROM and a Kernel. You had to flash the kernel separatley (and via the bootloader as opposed to a custom recovery), as S-ON (even unlocked) still won't let you write to certain places (in the case of the kernel, its the boot partition).
We got S-OFF several months later (the thing using the wire trick). In S-OFF - custom recovery can write to all areas of the device - no more need for any separate files, you just flash a ROM in custom recovery and everything is set up the way it should be. Added bonus - no need to unlock the bootloader from htcdev... so no "unlocked" warning message.
Here was my S-OFF process:
1. Run the official RUU exe to get your device back to stock with a Locked bootloader (backup any files on the SDCard first!).
2. Perform the wire trick
3. Flash a custom recovery and proceed with flashing ROMS
Let me know if I can clarify anything...
Basically allows you to flash RADIOS that have not been signed by HTC
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Ryan Kasper said:
Hi - I've had HTC devices since the Eris way back in 2010 - currently running the Rezound. Hopefully I can shed some more light.
When I first got the Rezound I was coming over from an S-OFF Eris... if you wanted to flash something custom, you'd go to htcdev.com and use their "unlock bootloader" tool. Once you ran that and followed a few other steps, you are reverted to stock and your bootloader now has a little warning "unlocked" in the text at the top. This was in January 2012, and ROMs back then came with 2 things - the ROM and a Kernel. You had to flash the kernel separatley (and via the bootloader as opposed to a custom recovery), as S-ON (even unlocked) still won't let you write to certain places (in the case of the kernel, its the boot partition).
We got S-OFF several months later (the thing using the wire trick). In S-OFF - custom recovery can write to all areas of the device - no more need for any separate files, you just flash a ROM in custom recovery and everything is set up the way it should be. Added bonus - no need to unlock the bootloader from htcdev... so no "unlocked" warning message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. That DOES explain it very well.
Ryan Kasper said:
Here was my S-OFF process:
1. Run the official RUU exe to get your device back to stock with a Locked bootloader (backup any files on the SDCard first!).
2. Perform the wire trick
3. Flash a custom recovery and proceed with flashing ROMS
Let me know if I can clarify anything...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying I can make my bootloader say LOCKED again? I thought I could only make it say UNLOCKED or RELOCKED now that I've unlocked it. That is so awesome. And then the s-off will give me permanent root?
Are you saying I can make my bootloader say LOCKED again? I thought I could only make it say UNLOCKED or RELOCKED now that I've unlocked it. That is so awesome. And then the s-off will give me permanent root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup! Once you are S-OFF you will be back on the stock bootloader that reads "locked". There are a variety of HBOOTS (AKA Bootloaders) you can flash (well - there are for my device currently...). For the Rezound right now I have a variety of them with different verbages in the title (example - "locked S-ON", "Rezound") - or you can simply leave it at the stock HBOOT though you will not be able to flash, say a custom recovery, using fastboot in the bootloader via a terminal emulator (you have to use the PH98IMG.zip method in the bootloader)... Also the devs that made the wire trick available offer their own hboot "juopunutbear" - this one allows fastboot recovery flashing... - here for the vivid http://unlimited.io/jb_holiday.htm
Also - be VERY careful when updating the bootloader - it is a very common way to brick the device... I always check the MD5Sum before copying to SD and flashing.
And regarding permanent root - absolutely. Flash SuperSU from custom recovery (the zip version available here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
Ryan Kasper said:
Yup! Once you are S-OFF you will be back on the stock bootloader that reads "locked". There are a variety of HBOOTS (AKA Bootloaders) you can flash (well - there are for my device currently...). For the Rezound right now I have a variety of them with different verbages in the title (example - "locked S-ON", "Rezound") - or you can simply leave it at the stock HBOOT though you will not be able to flash, say a custom recovery, using fastboot in the bootloader via a terminal emulator (you have to use the PH98IMG.zip method in the bootloader)... Also the devs that made the wire trick available offer their own hboot "juopunutbear" - this one allows fastboot recovery flashing... - here for the vivid http://unlimited.io/jb_holiday.htm
Also - be VERY careful when updating the bootloader - it is a very common way to brick the device... I always check the MD5Sum before copying to SD and flashing.
And regarding permanent root - absolutely. Flash SuperSU from custom recovery (the zip version available here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This information is golden. Thank you very much
tinky1 said:
In short. S-OFF allows you to change pretty much everything. Your CID, firmware (radio, hboot etc) and most important thing probably, allows you to flash older RUUs
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! I have a couple more questions still *scratches head in confusion*...
Once I S-Off, can I reverse it if needed?
and
<Ignore this part... I found the information LOL>
What is an RUU? I have googled it and I can't find anything about it (maybe I'm just too tired or something)
phrotac said:
Awesome! I have a couple more questions still *scratches head in confusion*...
Once I S-Off, can I reverse it if needed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup - here is how I'd do it if I had to for my device - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1612937 - careful if you do and read any warnings (brick opportunities again)
Hi,
It is possible, if I install custom rom, some function will not work without S-OFF?
The phone was routed and unlokced but it was S-ON.
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
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
There is unlocking bootloader, rooting, SuperCID, flashing CWM recovering and installing a customROM (ViperOne) on my new device, M8.
I'm completely capable of understanding and following the guides, but I'm just not sure the order I should be following to achieve all those.
Could you please guide me with the correct order?
dilxadon said:
There is unlocking bootloader, rooting, SuperCID, flashing CWM recovering and installing a customROM (ViperOne) on my new device, M8.
I'm completely capable of understanding and following the guides, but I'm just not sure the order I should be following to achieve all those.
Could you please guide me with the correct order?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root using weaksauce first. Then use firewater to get s-off and unlock the bootloader. Then flash any of the recoveries in development (I like philz) using fastboot. Then boot to recovery, do a backup and flash your rom of choice. I don't see a need to use supercid unless your rom requires it.
Here is a little guide I put together that includes links to get you going.
http://www.scottsroms.com/showthread.php?5126-CleanROM-1-1-Installation-Guide