Root Considering the Root...

[TheManWithNoNa]

First, I apologize if this has been covered before. I've done as much research as I could so far so please go easy on me.



OK, I am an absolute beginner with Rooting and Android in general. This is my first Android phone (coming from a BB Storm and I HATE all that has to do with Apple), and I

 

[brizey]

First, I apologize if this has been covered before. I've done as much research as I could so far so please go easy on me.



OK, I am an absolute beginner with Rooting and Android in general. This is my first Android phone (coming from a BB Storm and I HATE all that has to do with Apple), and I’ve been pleased with it after using it since the release date. I figure it’s time to stick it to the man and take control of my phone that I paid my hard-earned money for. Mainly I want to remove bloatware, slim down, improve battery life, and make the most of my phone. As I get more experienced and learn more, I’ll probably experiment with a flashy GUI and other such tweaks. Currently my emphasis is on performance and stability. I plan on keeping this phone for at least a couple years.

Using this guide http://androidforums.com/thunderbolt-all-things-root/322897-thunderbolt-rooting-methods.html and the XDA link, I am going to attempt Rooting my Tbolt soon. I have never attempted anything like this, so all of this information is pretty overwhelming. I have been researching this for a week and am still rather confused. I’m sure many on this forum understand my apprehension.

For the record, this is my current phone stats. Unfortunately I was stupid and did the OTA update on 7/20. I hope that doesn’t make things more difficult…

Software Status:
Source: Verizon Wireless
Name:1.70.605.0
Code:200
Date:07/20/11
Time:03:13 PM
etc...

Android Version: 2.2.1
Baseband Version:1.39.00.0627r, 0.01.69.0625r (I guess these are my radios)
Kernel Version: 2.6.32.21-g0606a3a
htc-kernel@and18-2 #1
Thu Apr 14 11:59:44 CST 2011
Build Number:1.70.605.0 CL343953 release-keys
Software Number:1.70.605.0
Browser Version:WebKit/533.1
PRI Version:1.41_002, 1.64_002
PRL Version:15011
ERI Version:5


So my questions for you:
1) Since I did the OTA update on 7/20, are there any special things to do? Based on this post http://androidforums.com/thunderbol...-thunderbolt-rooting-methods.html#post2999641 , I’m assuming that I would be good to go just using the XDA process, provided I “flash something” immediately after. Flash what? Any recommendations? I would like to get this in line before I Root so it’s all ready to go.

2) Will I lose my contacts? I would like to keep the “People” app (is this an app? WTF it’s just an address book) just the way it is. Can I back this up somehow, or should I physically write all of the contacts, their numbers and information, down to manually enter later?

3) Will my phone work as-is after Rooting? That is, will I be able to make/receive calls and SMS/MMS messages, connect to 3G/4G, browse web, etc.? I can’t afford any down time without my phone, and I certainly can’t risk bricking it; therefore this is a source of apprehension for me. Will I have to download a new radio or something? I'm kind of lost on this.


Thanks in advance for all of your help. Also many, many thanks to all those who worked on the how-to’s, videos, and the forum members who provide their help for free. It’s YOUR effort that helps noobs like myself make sense of this stuff and I am extremely grateful.

1) No. I did mine after the update. The guide on XDA has not been updated because the process has not changed.

2) If you sync your contacts to your gmail account you will have no issues--when you flash a new ROM and set up to sync with gmail--boom--they will all be there. You really need a google account to run the phone anyway, so there is no real point to not back up your contacts with google.

3) You will have to download and install the OTA radio (627r) and download and install the rooted ROM to make your phone functionally the same. BUT: you will run the risk of accidentally accepting the next OTA which may permanently unroot or brick your phone (unknown for now, but the risk is there and warning issued by the devs that know more about this stuff than me). Your phone will be functionally the same, but some programs that store data on the phone will lose that data...mostly games. Your email, etc. will be fine.

One more thing...if you are that dependent on your phone (not saying that is a bad thing...work..kids...etc. can make the phone very important and not everyone has $600 to drop on a new phone)...you should at least have a backup plan. For example, I have an old flip prepaid phone that I can use in a pinch if I screw things up.

 

[Yeahha]

Dont worry, once you root the phone will be fully functional unless you decide to try a rom that clearly states it is not fully functional (MIUI is the only one like this that I know of)

First time rooting can be stressful but I am sure if you need help with any of the process someone will be here to help you along