Root, S-OFF & ClockworkMod Install
Before you decide if rooting is for you, take a look here. That post will outline some of the benefits and disadvantages of rooting and custom ROMs.
There are a number of guides available for perma-rooting the Desire HD, but they all involve downgrading before hand. Unfortunately, this means you'll lose all apps and associated data if you want to root. However, there is now a tool which will Root, S-OFF and install ClockworkMod for you, all it takes is a few clicks (this tool means that you do not loose anything):
Advance Ace Hack Kit
I've never used the tool myself, so unsure of the ins and outs of the process. However, it's recommended to use the Ubuntu Live CD to do it as it will give you the "cleanest" platform for the process to work. If you're not comfortable with Ubuntu, there are instructions for Windows and a Mac. Whatever you do, please read the instructions before you do it. I am led to believe it's done with a couple of clicks and takes around 6-7 minutes.
Please note that, if you do want to use the Hack Kit to root your phone, you SHOULD NOT use HTC Dev to unlock your bootloader - if you have, then you will need to re-lock it before using the Kit.
If you still want to use the older downgrade methods, guides can be found here and here.
Once you've ran the tool and your handset is rooted, you'll want to install Titanium Backup. You can use this to backup your apps and all associated data. Once installed, you can backup your apps by following the below (click show):
You can backup your contacts to Gmail by following the steps here.
Popular ROMS:
That list is by no means exhaustive, just the most popular that spring to mind. For a full list of ROMs, check here: Desire HD Android Development - xda-developers. If you want ROMs added to the list, PM me.
(I've added a guide for installing Cyanogen, just because it's there, but the process for each ROM differs slightly. Check their thread on XDA for more info. There are guides and download packs for LeeDroid, ARHD & MIUI here. I'm not sure how up to date they are though (I'll check and confirm later)).
Terms you might hear now you're rooted
ClockworkMod/Recovery Images
ClockworkMod (or any recovery image) is the piece of software used to install a custom ROM on your phone, flash themes, kernels or other scripts etc. You can install ClockworkMod via ROM Manager or push it manually via ADB Commands. If you're new, I'd recommend using ROM Manager as it's a 1 click, job done type deal. The recovery image is loaded either via ROM Manager or by powering on your handset whilst holding Volume down and selecting Recovery in the bootloader. For a guide on how to use clockwork, click here.
Alternative recoveries include Amon Ra and 4EXT Recovery, but for simplicities sake, Clockwork is probably you're easiest choice.
Overclocking
Allows you increase the speed of the phones CPU to increase performance. Generally, Custom ROMs have performance improvements over HTC's stock software so overclocking is not essential and I wouldn't recommend it unless you know what you're doing. However, if you decide to go down that route, you can use SetCPU or No Frills CPU to do so. In CM7, there is an overclock option in the Performance menu so you don't need any 3rd Party tools.. If you do decide you want to overclock, be very careful and don't fire in massive increases straight away as you could really damage your handset. It's also best not to uncheck "Set on Boot" whilst you're still testing what your phone can do safely. Conversely, you can also underclock to increase battery life.
Governor
The Governor controls how the kernel sets the CPU speed, dependant on usage. There's a detailed list of how the different Governors work below:
Scheduler
The scheduler controls what percentage CPU is given to each running task. There are 2 Android/Linux schedulers, CFS (Completely Fair Scheduler) & BFS (Brain **** Scheduler). CFS ensures that all running tasks/apps will be given an equalish amount of the CPUs processing power, perfect for multi-tasking. BFS means the app running in the foreground receives the lions share of CPU. BFS is ideal for people who use their phone for gaming.
Personally, I tend to go for CFS as I find BFS slightly worse on battery life, but each to their own. CFS should be fine for most people, but you're free to experiment yourself.
Kernel
The kernel is the OS at its most basic format and acts as the bridge between Android and the phones hardware. It looks after things like voltages, power consumption, WiFi Strength (to a certain degree), CPU speed and the scheduler (see above). It's also one of the first things the bootloader kicks in to life after your handset is switched on. A decent kernel can make a massive difference to performance and battery life.
If you're running an AOSP ROM (CM7/MIUI), I'd recommend LorDmod's kernel. He also has a Sense kernel here or here.
For Sense Kernels, I used to recommend LeeDroid's kernel, found here. However, it's been a while since I've used a Sense ROM so not sure what the deal is now.
DO NOT flash a sense kernel with an AOSP ROM or vice versa.
Radio/RILs
The Radio controls all external communication, WiFi, Phone Calls, 3G, GPS, Bluetooth etc. Your current radio is listed under the baseband version in the About Phone section in settings. Most ROMs devs will recommend a Radio to work with their ROM. Failure to match a radio can result in poor battery life, weak signal, no WiFi etc. However, it's dependant on each phone/ROM. I've had mismatched Radios before and I've never noticed that much of a problem. For a list of current Radios, click here.
For instructions on how to flash a new radio, click here. To flash a radio with that method, you need ENG S-OFF. However, it can be done without ENG S-OFF via this method. I've only done the former, so I can't really offer much advice on the PD98IMG.zip method at the moment. If you get stuck, post and I'll see what I can find though.
Flashing a radio is a pretty risky operation so make sure you have at least 60% battery whilst doing so (although the phone is plugged in whilst you're flashing, it doesn't charge). It's also important you ensure the download isn't corrupt, you can do this with MD5 Checker. Instructions are included with the download. Match the MD5 checksum of the radio.img (Wherever you download the radio from should provide this), not the zip file.
Please read the instructions and follow them precisely before you go ahead and flash a radio. A bad radio flash can permanently and unrecoverably brick your handset. I've done it a couple of times (flashed a radio, not bricked my phone
) and I know I can type the instructions off by heart, but I still make sure I have them in front of me, just to be on the safe side. It's very easy to do, but just be careful when you do it!!!!
If you're not comfortable with flashing a radio and you're mismatched, you can flash something called a Radio Interface Layer or RIL. The RIL controls how the radio and the handset talk to each other and normally comes in zip format and flashable in clockwork. See the post I linked to for more info. RILs are only really relevant for Sense based ROMs, there's no need for CM7 or MIUI.
EXT3/EXT4
These are just a Linux file systems, similar to the FAT32/NTFS in Windows. EXT4 is supposedly faster and can handle larger file sizes. A lot of ROMs still use EXT3, but the ROMs that support EXT4 will offer an additional download which will wipe and format the phone's file systems to EXT4. This is flashed in clockwork. Having used an EXT4 ROM with the EXT3 file system and vice versa, I've never encountered an issue.
By default, the wipes in Clockwork format to EXT3.
Battery Calibration
It's called Battery Calibration, but it's slightly misleading; it's nothing to do with the battery at all, more so setting a precedent for your phone. There's a file on your phones internal memory called Batterystats.bin, that holds information letting your phone know what a full charge is and what empty is. When you hit calibrate in the battery calibration app, this deletes the file and a new one is written when the phone dies/or is switched on again. It's recommended (but not essential, to calibrate a battery after you've flashed a ROM or restored a backup.
To calibrate properly, you'll need to download apps called Current Widget and Battery Calibration. Stick the Current Widget app on one of your homescreens and charge until it reads 0mAh (or as close as you can get it, I've waited ages on occasion and it won't go below 2mAh). Once done, open the battery calibration app, accept the Super User prompt (this may or may not appear) then hit Calibrate, then unplug your charger. Let your battery die and don't charge your phone again until it switches itself off. Charge fully again. Once done, your phone/battery is calibrated.
--------------------------
Any part of the above that doesn't make sense, feel free to ask.
Before you decide if rooting is for you, take a look here. That post will outline some of the benefits and disadvantages of rooting and custom ROMs.
There are a number of guides available for perma-rooting the Desire HD, but they all involve downgrading before hand. Unfortunately, this means you'll lose all apps and associated data if you want to root. However, there is now a tool which will Root, S-OFF and install ClockworkMod for you, all it takes is a few clicks (this tool means that you do not loose anything):
Advance Ace Hack Kit
I've never used the tool myself, so unsure of the ins and outs of the process. However, it's recommended to use the Ubuntu Live CD to do it as it will give you the "cleanest" platform for the process to work. If you're not comfortable with Ubuntu, there are instructions for Windows and a Mac. Whatever you do, please read the instructions before you do it. I am led to believe it's done with a couple of clicks and takes around 6-7 minutes.
Please note that, if you do want to use the Hack Kit to root your phone, you SHOULD NOT use HTC Dev to unlock your bootloader - if you have, then you will need to re-lock it before using the Kit.
If you still want to use the older downgrade methods, guides can be found here and here.
Once you've ran the tool and your handset is rooted, you'll want to install Titanium Backup. You can use this to backup your apps and all associated data. Once installed, you can backup your apps by following the below (click show):
The first time it runs it takes a little while to open as it needs to scan the apps you've installed and check for root/busybox access. If you get a super user prompt up, click allow. Once it's done what it needs to do, you'll be presented with a screen like the one below:
From there, hit the Backup & Restore button at the top of the screen. This will take you to a list of all the apps installed on your handset. On that screen, hit the menu button on your phone, then filters.
In the next screen, under the section entitled, Filter By Type, you want to put a tick in the box which says User, then press the Apply button at the top right hand side of the page.
You'll then be taken to back to the list of apps you've installed on your phone.
From there, hit menu, then batch and you'll be taken to a screen which looks like this:
You want to hit RUN next to backup all users apps, the next screen you see will look like this:
Press select all, then run the batch operation. It will then backup alll your apps and the data associated with them.
From there, hit the Backup & Restore button at the top of the screen. This will take you to a list of all the apps installed on your handset. On that screen, hit the menu button on your phone, then filters.
In the next screen, under the section entitled, Filter By Type, you want to put a tick in the box which says User, then press the Apply button at the top right hand side of the page.
You'll then be taken to back to the list of apps you've installed on your phone.
From there, hit menu, then batch and you'll be taken to a screen which looks like this:
You want to hit RUN next to backup all users apps, the next screen you see will look like this:
Press select all, then run the batch operation. It will then backup alll your apps and the data associated with them.
You can backup your contacts to Gmail by following the steps here.
Popular ROMS:
- CyanogenMod 7.1 Install guide here. (Worth noting that whilst the LorDmod kernel isn't essential, I recommend it over the stock CM7 kernel.)
- Android Revolution
- MIUI
- RcMix Install guide here
That list is by no means exhaustive, just the most popular that spring to mind. For a full list of ROMs, check here: Desire HD Android Development - xda-developers. If you want ROMs added to the list, PM me.
(I've added a guide for installing Cyanogen, just because it's there, but the process for each ROM differs slightly. Check their thread on XDA for more info. There are guides and download packs for LeeDroid, ARHD & MIUI here. I'm not sure how up to date they are though (I'll check and confirm later)).
Terms you might hear now you're rooted
- ClockworkMod/Recovery Image
- Overclocking
- Governor
- Scheduler
- Kernel
- Radio/RILs
- EXT3/EXT4
- Battery Calibration
ClockworkMod/Recovery Images
ClockworkMod (or any recovery image) is the piece of software used to install a custom ROM on your phone, flash themes, kernels or other scripts etc. You can install ClockworkMod via ROM Manager or push it manually via ADB Commands. If you're new, I'd recommend using ROM Manager as it's a 1 click, job done type deal. The recovery image is loaded either via ROM Manager or by powering on your handset whilst holding Volume down and selecting Recovery in the bootloader. For a guide on how to use clockwork, click here.
Alternative recoveries include Amon Ra and 4EXT Recovery, but for simplicities sake, Clockwork is probably you're easiest choice.
Overclocking
Allows you increase the speed of the phones CPU to increase performance. Generally, Custom ROMs have performance improvements over HTC's stock software so overclocking is not essential and I wouldn't recommend it unless you know what you're doing. However, if you decide to go down that route, you can use SetCPU or No Frills CPU to do so. In CM7, there is an overclock option in the Performance menu so you don't need any 3rd Party tools.. If you do decide you want to overclock, be very careful and don't fire in massive increases straight away as you could really damage your handset. It's also best not to uncheck "Set on Boot" whilst you're still testing what your phone can do safely. Conversely, you can also underclock to increase battery life.
Governor
The Governor controls how the kernel sets the CPU speed, dependant on usage. There's a detailed list of how the different Governors work below:
It's worth noting, that not all kernels support all governors, this is taken from LordMod's thread here.
Scheduler
The scheduler controls what percentage CPU is given to each running task. There are 2 Android/Linux schedulers, CFS (Completely Fair Scheduler) & BFS (Brain **** Scheduler). CFS ensures that all running tasks/apps will be given an equalish amount of the CPUs processing power, perfect for multi-tasking. BFS means the app running in the foreground receives the lions share of CPU. BFS is ideal for people who use their phone for gaming.
Personally, I tend to go for CFS as I find BFS slightly worse on battery life, but each to their own. CFS should be fine for most people, but you're free to experiment yourself.
Kernel
The kernel is the OS at its most basic format and acts as the bridge between Android and the phones hardware. It looks after things like voltages, power consumption, WiFi Strength (to a certain degree), CPU speed and the scheduler (see above). It's also one of the first things the bootloader kicks in to life after your handset is switched on. A decent kernel can make a massive difference to performance and battery life.
If you're running an AOSP ROM (CM7/MIUI), I'd recommend LorDmod's kernel. He also has a Sense kernel here or here.
For Sense Kernels, I used to recommend LeeDroid's kernel, found here. However, it's been a while since I've used a Sense ROM so not sure what the deal is now.
DO NOT flash a sense kernel with an AOSP ROM or vice versa.
Radio/RILs
The Radio controls all external communication, WiFi, Phone Calls, 3G, GPS, Bluetooth etc. Your current radio is listed under the baseband version in the About Phone section in settings. Most ROMs devs will recommend a Radio to work with their ROM. Failure to match a radio can result in poor battery life, weak signal, no WiFi etc. However, it's dependant on each phone/ROM. I've had mismatched Radios before and I've never noticed that much of a problem. For a list of current Radios, click here.
For instructions on how to flash a new radio, click here. To flash a radio with that method, you need ENG S-OFF. However, it can be done without ENG S-OFF via this method. I've only done the former, so I can't really offer much advice on the PD98IMG.zip method at the moment. If you get stuck, post and I'll see what I can find though.
Flashing a radio is a pretty risky operation so make sure you have at least 60% battery whilst doing so (although the phone is plugged in whilst you're flashing, it doesn't charge). It's also important you ensure the download isn't corrupt, you can do this with MD5 Checker. Instructions are included with the download. Match the MD5 checksum of the radio.img (Wherever you download the radio from should provide this), not the zip file.
Please read the instructions and follow them precisely before you go ahead and flash a radio. A bad radio flash can permanently and unrecoverably brick your handset. I've done it a couple of times (flashed a radio, not bricked my phone
) and I know I can type the instructions off by heart, but I still make sure I have them in front of me, just to be on the safe side. It's very easy to do, but just be careful when you do it!!!!If you're not comfortable with flashing a radio and you're mismatched, you can flash something called a Radio Interface Layer or RIL. The RIL controls how the radio and the handset talk to each other and normally comes in zip format and flashable in clockwork. See the post I linked to for more info. RILs are only really relevant for Sense based ROMs, there's no need for CM7 or MIUI.
EXT3/EXT4
These are just a Linux file systems, similar to the FAT32/NTFS in Windows. EXT4 is supposedly faster and can handle larger file sizes. A lot of ROMs still use EXT3, but the ROMs that support EXT4 will offer an additional download which will wipe and format the phone's file systems to EXT4. This is flashed in clockwork. Having used an EXT4 ROM with the EXT3 file system and vice versa, I've never encountered an issue.
By default, the wipes in Clockwork format to EXT3.
Battery Calibration
It's called Battery Calibration, but it's slightly misleading; it's nothing to do with the battery at all, more so setting a precedent for your phone. There's a file on your phones internal memory called Batterystats.bin, that holds information letting your phone know what a full charge is and what empty is. When you hit calibrate in the battery calibration app, this deletes the file and a new one is written when the phone dies/or is switched on again. It's recommended (but not essential, to calibrate a battery after you've flashed a ROM or restored a backup.
To calibrate properly, you'll need to download apps called Current Widget and Battery Calibration. Stick the Current Widget app on one of your homescreens and charge until it reads 0mAh (or as close as you can get it, I've waited ages on occasion and it won't go below 2mAh). Once done, open the battery calibration app, accept the Super User prompt (this may or may not appear) then hit Calibrate, then unplug your charger. Let your battery die and don't charge your phone again until it switches itself off. Charge fully again. Once done, your phone/battery is calibrated.
--------------------------
Any part of the above that doesn't make sense, feel free to ask.