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

Root Preparation For Rooting Handset

berocksr

berocksr

Member
Hey guys,

Im about to root my HTC DESIRE HD, your thread on how to root and install custom ROM seems very helpful and i am quite computer savvy.... But before i do a few questions.

1. Is it possible to backup the SD card in its entirety, including obviously photos, sms, apps and games. (contacts aren't a big deal and can obtain from google)
And can i do this by copying the sd card contents to p.c. then back again after root?

2 . After installing custom ROM's do i receive software updates for new versions of gingerbread for example... or are the custom ROM's an independent OS and do not require updating ?

That is all for now . looking forward to using my new handset cheers !
 
berocksr said:
Hey guys,

Im about to root my HTC DESIRE HD, your thread on how to root and install custom ROM seems very helpful and i am quite computer savvy.... But before i do a few questions.

1. Is it possible to backup the SD card in its entirety, including obviously photos, sms, apps and games. (contacts aren't a big deal and can obtain from google)
And can i do this by copying the sd card contents to p.c. then back again after root?

2 . After installing custom ROM's do i receive software updates for new versions of gingerbread for example... or are the custom ROM's an independent OS and do not require updating ?

That is all for now . looking forward to using my new handset cheers !
Click to expand...

Hello there!

1. When I rooted, I copied everything from the SD card in to a folder on my desktop. Changed the SD card in to a goldcard (as my phone was carrier branded) and then, once I'd done the rooting process, formatted the SD card (so it was completely blank and no longer a goldcard) and copied all files back to the SD card.

2. You will not get official updates (from either HTC or your mobile operator)... if, when you check to see if there is an update, you find that there is, DO NOT tell it to download, as this can mess your phone up.

The devs for the different ROM's available actually update far more often than HTC/Google, as they do not ahve all of the red tape involved in the development. Devs can respond much quicker to user complaints too - if you have an issue with the official update and try to get HTC to sort something out, you would not ususally get passed the first tier of support... with custom ROM's, you can usually contact the Dev direct and he will usually already have a response or be able to do it quicly (a good example is Lee, of LeeDroid fame, who seems to never sleep).

EDIT - could you let us know what version of the firmware you are currently running... although things are looking hopeful, some versions of Gingerbread are currently un-rootable... I say currently, as I have seen a post in the lat couple of days where one of the devs who knows exactly what is going on has said that it seems possible, but isn't 100% guaranteed at the moment!

EDIT EDIT - http://androidforums.com/desire-hd-...7-firmware-cracked-not-yet-100-confirmed.html
 
Thanks alot.

thats what i planned on doing. so format my sd card to FAT32 obviously after the gold card???

ok well i just installed the update ginger bread

ANDROID VERSION 2.3.3
HTC SENSE 2.1
SOFTWARE NUMBER 2.37.178.8

reading the root instructions on this forum i have to downgrade first ?
my handset is branded to vodafone.

i will wait for your reply before rooting. :)
 
Sorry im not sure which is the firmware but the rest of the stats

BASBAND VERSION 12.54.60.25u_26.09.04.11_m2

KERNEL VERSION
2.6.35.10-g3bf3222
htc- kernel@and18-2#1
mon apr11 22:46:37 cst 2011

BUILD NUMBER 2.37.178.8 CL66021 release- keys

BROWSER VERSIOM
webkit/533.1
 
Ok cool thanks presedente i understand....

but what if i can downgrade to the previous os or roll back if you will ?

otherwise i will just wait patiently.

i understand some of the stuff they talk about in that link you posted...

is firmware like an os? as it is in your phone permenantly yes ?
 
You can't roll back unfortunately, the only way to downgrade is by following the procedure in the thread.

The easiest way of describing firmware is comparing it to your PC/Laptop's BIOS.
 
oh ok yeah sure the system bios that makes sense ....

so if i downgrade following procedure i will be able to root???

i was always prepared to downgrade first its part of the procedure?

im a bit confused now. can i root gingerbread 2.3.3?
 
You can't permanently root Android 2.3.3 (S/W number 2.36.405.8). You can temporary root, via the command console and force the downgrade files to the phone when you're temp rooted. Those files/commands will downgrade the software on the handset to Android 2.2 (S/W Number 1.32.405.6). You can then permanently root and do all you need to do to install a custom ROM.

Unfortunately, you're running Android 2.3.3 (S/W number 2.37.178.8). The software number is the key.
 
Ok mate ill probably get to it on the weekend.... So ill just follow this guide you just posted and ignore the original guide to rooting handset. Anything else I should know ?
 
And also the section in the guide with the execute commands. I just type them in on my handset touchscreen/keypad and hit enter like I would in an old dos command prompt.? Sorry I just want to be absolutely sure what I'm doing as I feel once I start there is no turning back !!
 
All the commands are executed from the command prompt on the PC.

You'll need to follow the guide Cubz has posted, then once you have successfully downgraded to 2.2, you'll need to root, get S-OFF, then Engineering S-OFF, Install ROM Manager/Clockwork, then install your chosen ROM.

I'll edit my sticky at some point during the day, linking the guide CuBz has posted to make it a little clearer.
 
Ok thats sounds great. as i said ill probably attack it on the weekend

the sticky you originaly posted is clear as day mate!!

:) cheers again let me know when you update sticky
 
I have been reading about tethering my Kindle ereader with wifi to my HTC Desire in order to use the 3G. I am not very computer literate so would appreciate advice on how to do it please.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom