• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Root ROOTING For Dummies

Hey! Long time I haven't seen this thread! Well, I just wanted to give you an extra idea for your thread, which is: Maybe you can add a "How-To..." Part in your "Extras" Section. So for an example, "How To ADB Push/Flash Boot Animations" Or "How To ADB Push Splash Screens", Or "How To Flash Themes", You get the point. I think that would be a good idea. I could help you out of you want, if you don't have the time. And thanks for having such an awesome thread! :D
 
The problems was that busybox as not being recognized as "correctly installed". I found this out by installing a program called: WiMaxRSAKeyChecker from the market. It confirmed that Root had happened but that BusyBox was not working. So I went to the Wiki you pointed to and read through everything there. Then I uninstalled busybox and went to the market and got a fresh copy; installed . .. . and then it worked. I ran WiMaxRSAKeyChecker again and the Rooting, BUSYBOX,and RSAkeys were confirmed as present and working well.
Thank you Matlock.
Now more reading about Roms. . . .

1. I read SOMEWHERE (it has all turned to mush) that the automatic Sprint update thingies could be turned off as a safeguard against accidentally accepting an update. I cannot find this section now and I'd like to uncheck the box. Anyone know where that section is?

2. I got a little confused as I see the ROM Manager listed in the Root Only section of apps. THere is a brief explanation of how to use it. It sounds awesome. But, then I read (and I think it was in this rooting section- but again with the mush,) to NOT use a ROM installer when flashing a ROM. So, . . . I got confused. Thoughts?

If I come across either of these sections that created confusion I will clarify this post or point back to them. It is a LOT of info for a little non-techie brain to take in, let alone process!
 
1. I read SOMEWHERE (it has all turned to mush) that the automatic Sprint update thingies could be turned off as a safeguard against accidentally accepting an update. I cannot find this section now and I'd like to uncheck the box. Anyone know where that section is?

Menu > Settings > System Updates > HTC software update

Uncheck the scheduled check box.

2. I got a little confused as I see the ROM Manager listed in the Root Only section of apps. THere is a brief explanation of how to use it. It sounds awesome. But, then I read (and I think it was in this rooting section- but again with the mush,) to NOT use a ROM installer when flashing a ROM. So, . . . I got confused. Thoughts?

It's better to flash ROM's through recovery. Make sure to make a backup first. Wipe your Data and Dalvik cache, then flash the ROM.
 
The problems was that busybox as not being recognized as "correctly installed". I found this out by installing a program called: WiMaxRSAKeyChecker from the market. It confirmed that Root had happened but that BusyBox was not working. So I went to the Wiki you pointed to and read through everything there. Then I uninstalled busybox and went to the market and got a fresh copy; installed . .. . and then it worked. I ran WiMaxRSAKeyChecker again and the Rooting, BUSYBOX,and RSAkeys were confirmed as present and working well.
Thank you Matlock.
Now more reading about Roms. . . .

1. I read SOMEWHERE (it has all turned to mush) that the automatic Sprint update thingies could be turned off as a safeguard against accidentally accepting an update. I cannot find this section now and I'd like to uncheck the box. Anyone know where that section is?

2. I got a little confused as I see the ROM Manager listed in the Root Only section of apps. THere is a brief explanation of how to use it. It sounds awesome. But, then I read (and I think it was in this rooting section- but again with the mush,) to NOT use a ROM installer when flashing a ROM. So, . . . I got confused. Thoughts?

If I come across either of these sections that created confusion I will clarify this post or point back to them. It is a LOT of info for a little non-techie brain to take in, let alone process!


I'll make sure to add a little NOTE to download Busybox in the guide prior to doing any customizing.

1) As far as the Sprint update.. Once you unlock Security (S-OFF), Sprint can no longer push OTAs to your device. So there is no way to accept it. You'll be fine.

2) This will be corrected soon. ROM Manager should be used to only download ROMs/EXTRAS/Change Recoveries, but not to actually Flash the files to your device.
If you decide to Flash anything, you should make sure to use either ClockworkMod 2.6.0.1 or Amon_RA (any version). Soon Edify (a coding Binary) will be used by Google in place of the original coding used. ClockworkMod will be forcing all ROM Developers to use Edify (when CyanogenMod7 Stable comes out), or the Recovery will not function properly.
 
Now the only reason you should be downgrading, is because of some errors or sluggishness.

If that is the case, you want to downgrade one version at a time from each of the Radios; to see if it corrects your problem.
Remember to Nand Backup before each downgrade, and reboot your device.




When you decide to use CyanogenMod7 - Nightlies, this is what you should do..

BEFORE FLASHING CM7
1) Nand Backup - Just incase something happens.
2) Factory Reset - Since you are going to a different Developer ROM, this should always be done.
3) Wipe Cache
4) Wipe Delvik Cache

FLASHING CM7
1) Download CM7 Nightly from either ROM Manager - or CyanogenMod.com
2) Download GApps - This is the Google Applications. CyanogenMod will never come with them Stock. You can download these from either ROM Manager (it will ask if you want to download them when you download the ROM) or CyanogenMod.com
3) Use either ClockworkMod 2.6.0.1 or Amon_Ra Any Version to flash the ROM and GApps. DO NOT USE ROM MANAGER TO FLASH ANYTHING. (After you flash the ROM, reboot your device, then flash the GApps. You won't be able to set up your device until AFTER the GApps are installed)

UPGRADING FROM NIGHTLY TO NIGHTLY (NO NEED TO DO A FACTORY RESET)
1) Download latest CM7 Build from ROM Manager or CyanogenMod.com (You do not need to download GApps, you have them already installed)
2) Nand Backup
3) Wipe Cache
4) Wipe Delvik Cache
5) Flash ROM
6) Reboot

Do this each time you want to upgrade to the latest Build version.

All of your settings, Apps, contacts and everything else on your device will not be altered. But there is always a chance of an error, so that is why we always do a NAND BACKUP before we flash anything.

NOTE: CyanogenMod7 Build #0 - #6 (that I have tested) do no have a working GPS, YET.
I have read that you can try and download GPS STATUS to correct it. (I have no such success yet)

1) Download GPS Status
2) Open it and press MENU
3) Click TOOLS then MANAGE A-GPS STATE
4) Click RESET then DOWNLOAD

This is suppoised to correct the GPS problem with Google Navigation and Maps.

So I seem to be stuck on build #7. I've tried to update to builds 8, 10 and 11 and when I flash the new one none of my stuff is there and its on the same screen as when I flashed #7. I noticed the market is missing as well. Also after it's done flashing it says update complete. I followed the steps to update just like you said.
 
So I seem to be stuck on build #7. I've tried to update to builds 8, 10 and 11 and when I flash the new one none of my stuff is there and its on the same screen as when I flashed #7. I noticed the market is missing as well. Also after it's done flashing it says update complete. I followed the steps to update just like you said.

Is this the first time you flashed a CyanogenMod ROM when you flashed Build #7?
 
Is this the first time you flashed a CyanogenMod ROM when you flashed Build #7?

Yes it was. I got it now. Had to do it the old fashioned way and download it to my computer then follow the steps. I'm running #12 and all seems well. In fact I dumped my calk rom. No reason to go backwards. And I'm too cheap to buy a bigger SD card.
 
Yes it was. I got it now. Had to do it the old fashioned way and download it to my computer then follow the steps. I'm running #12 and all seems well. In fact I dumped my calk rom. No reason to go backwards. And I'm too cheap to buy a bigger SD card.

Why would you need a bigger SD Card for that Calk ROM?

Speaking of ROMS.

My wife downloaded the MIUI ROM for her Incredible and I downloaded it for my EVO..
I really liked it! It was really customized. I loved all the new ways the phone worked and how it was layered out. Every says its like the iPhone. I've never used an iPhone so I can't say for sure or not.
To make a long story short.. I left MIUI and went back to CyanogenMod7. It just didn't FEEL like Android.
Pluses.. I'm a CyanogenMod fan 4evr!
 
Why would you need a bigger SD Card for that Calk ROM?

Speaking of ROMS.

My wife downloaded the MIUI ROM for her Incredible and I downloaded it for my EVO..
I really liked it! It was really customized. I loved all the new ways the phone worked and how it was layered out. Every says its like the iPhone. I've never used an iPhone so I can't say for sure or not.
To make a long story short.. I left MIUI and went back to CyanogenMod7. It just didn't FEEL like Android.
Pluses.. I'm a CyanogenMod fan 4evr!

I don't anymore. I was under 1g with 3 backups. I'm sticking with CyanogenMod. MIUI look WAY to much like the iPhone. Can't wait till October when I can get my wife of her palm Centro and on the Android train!
 
So, I flashed back to Myn's Warm TwoPointTwo RLS5 from CyanogenMod7. I have to admit... I'm a Sense fan.

NAME: CyanogenMod 7
VERSION: Nightlies Build #s: 5-11
WEBSITE: www.CyanogenMOD.com
OVERALL RATING: 5

WHAT DOES NOT WORK IN THE ROM (ROM ONLY):
I know that 4G and HDMI Out does not work as advertised. I noticed some issues with Wifi & Data Connection not turning off/on without reboot and I noticed some GPS problems such as innacuracy or not able to locate myself sometimes.

YOUR IMPRESSION OVERALL OF THE ROM/KERNEL:
Overall, this is ROM is still being developed and issues are to be bound. I honestly didn't have a problem with anything that happened as I assumed these risk when I began. The ROM is very snappy and works amazingly great for how early in life it is. There were minor differences between builds that I noticed especially when it came to settings and adjustments. I feel like build 5 was my favorite and least problematic. If AOSP is your style then this is definettely the ROM for you. I myself, a fan of HTC Sense, missed some of the "Sense-ability" and theming from Myn's TwoPointTwo.

How easy was it to install? Flash from Recovery
How long have you been using it? I used it for about two weeks
Is it user-friendly? Very user friendly. Sense & AOSP aren't that far apart.
Does it Force Close alot? I did not experience one force close
What are your favorite features? I enjoyed the ability to edit almost everything! Everything has a customizable setting. Also, the Screen On/Off feature (Old TV) was amazing as everyone claims.
What are your least favorite features? It becomes old having to re-do your settings if you choose to use the nightly updates. I am not a fan of the camera in AOSP
What kind of battery life does it have? Better than stock, not as good as SBC... therefore I flashed in the SBC Benice v8 Kernel from Netarchy
Would you recommend this ROM/KERNEL to others? Yes, while the stock CM7 kernel is great and allows overclocking, I prefer the battery life of SBC and the extra overclocking abilities.
What combination of ROM & KERNEL are you using? CM7 builds 5-11 + 12/25/10 - SBC for BC's Kernel SBC-bcnice-stable-v8.zip (2.62 MB)

And of course, whatever else you want to add in your review.
Give it a try. It's a great stable ROM for being a nightly. I really didn't find any issues that I couldn't live with. I do not live in a 4G area and I do not use the HDMI output. So for me it was a good trade-off.
 
Ok, sorry to be stupid.. I've searched but could not find:o
can someone point me to kernel lingo ... as i understand.. sbc is battery undervolting so you get battery life... has potential risk?? but what the heck is CFS / BFS ... havs .... nohavs im so confused only cause so many use all different ones and swear by them
thanks!
 
Which Rebooting was it? Was it the first or second Reboot? If it was the first, you may need to run unrevoked again. If it the second, you can check to see if you have a couple of things..

* Open your app Drawer and see if there is an app called Super User (A guy with a mask with a gun) - If you do not have it, you need to run unrevoked again.

* Turn off your device, Hold Vol Down and Power button to boot into the Bootloader. On the Top right corner, check to see if it says S-OFF or S-ON.
If S-ON, your security is still on.
If S-OFF, your security has been disabled and you may be Rooted. Go to the Next *.

* Download Terminal Emulator. Open it.
- Type su (lowercase). This will let you know if you have ROOT and grant T.E. Super User Access.
If # shows up. Your ROOTed.
If $ shows up. You are NOT ROOTed.


So... If you have S-OFF and are showing # in terminal emulator you are ready to customize your device!!



Also an easy way to check to see if you are ROOTed is to download


WiMAX KEYS CHECKER


STEP 1: Go into the Market and download then run; WiMAX Keys Checker.

STEP 2: Click Root access? (This will check to make sure you have ROOT privileges.).
(NOTE: If you do not have ROOT access, refer to ROOTING & BACKUP - SECTION 1.)

STEP 3: Click Busybox installed? (This will verify you have Busybox installed on your device.)
(NOTE: If you do not have Busybox installed, download Busybox by Stephen (Stericon))

STEP 4: Click Check for RSA keys. (This will take a few seconds to check for WiMAX RSA Keys.)


Only step 2 is really needed to check ROOT, but you can use Step 3 and 4 as well to check for Busybox and WiMAX RSA Keys (4G).


I just tried running unrevoked3 again. It did not recognize my device. Also I have S-OFF but it's .
 
I'd say you're a genius, but coming from someone who mixed up the charge only and disk drive is unsavory. Anyways, Many thanks. Looking forward to customizing this bad boy.
 
I just tried running unrevoked3 again. It did not recognize my device. Also I have S-OFF but it's .



I ran unrevoked with the disk drive selected, it rebooted twice, then said done. I followed your other instructions. I do see the super user guy in my app drawer. However, S-OFF is still and the terminal emulator is showing $.
 
I ran unrevoked with the disk drive selected, it rebooted twice, then said done. I followed your other instructions. I do see the super user guy in my app drawer. However, S-OFF is still and the terminal emulator is showing $.


If you have S-OFF then you are good to go!
 
If I flash a kernal and my phone starts acting funny, does reflashing my backup I created change the kernal back to the previous version or would I have to flash a different kernal?

If I have to flash a different kernal I figured I would download the kernal I have now just in case so that I can go back to it if it starts acting weird.

I am planning on flashing this kernal

4.3.1:
--CFS builds--
No SBC:
netarchy-toastmod-cfs-havs-nosbc-universal

This should work with myn warmrls 5 right? Is there anything else I should be checking before I do this? Obviously I will make a backup prior to doing it.

Thanks
Nick
 
Thank you so much for this guide. Very thorough, super easy to follow and most importantly IT WORKS FLAWLESSLY. Just rooted my Evo in the first attempt. I have had it since October and wasn't brave enough to try anything. Now onto roms...Thanks again!
 
Thank you so much for this guide. Very thorough, super easy to follow and most importantly IT WORKS FLAWLESSLY. Just rooted my Evo in the first attempt. I have had it since October and wasn't brave enough to try anything. Now onto roms...Thanks again!

You're welcome. Come on back if you have any ROM questions.

I'd say you're a genius, but coming from someone who mixed up the charge only and disk drive is unsavory. Anyways, Many thanks. Looking forward to customizing this bad boy.

If you need any help along the way, let us know!
 
If I flash a kernal and my phone starts acting funny, does reflashing my backup I created change the kernal back to the previous version or would I have to flash a different kernal?

If I have to flash a different kernal I figured I would download the kernal I have now just in case so that I can go back to it if it starts acting weird.

I am planning on flashing this kernal

4.3.1:
--CFS builds--
No SBC:
netarchy-toastmod-cfs-havs-nosbc-universal

This should work with myn warmrls 5 right? Is there anything else I should be checking before I do this? Obviously I will make a backup prior to doing it.

Thanks
Nick

I understand your opinion in staying away from SBC but I promise you won't regret the 4.2.2 SBC more HAVS from Netarchy. I am using it and Myn's Warm TwoPointTwo RLS5 flawlessly. I've tried many of different kernels and ROMS and this combination I keep coming back to.
 
Back
Top Bottom