back up contacts... contacts, menu button, more, manage contacts, backup to sd
download these files...
http://android.d3xt3r01.tk/cyanogen/gapps/gapps-gb-20110307-signed.zip (auto download)
recovery-clockwork-3.0.2.4-ascend.img (save in a cwm folder if you don't have cwm, if you do rename it recovery.img and save to current cwm replacing already existing file)
update-cm7-03302011-NIGHTLY-Ascend-signed.zip (save in a folder you can find easy)
IF YOU DON'T HAVE CLOCK WORK MOD GO HERE NOW AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS!
http://androidforums.com/ascend-all...mod-recovery-2-5-1-8-via-your-desktop-pc.html
open cwm and go to backup/restore
select backup.
reboot phone and connect to usb
copy your sd card a folder for safe keeping.
copy gapps and cm7 .zips to sd card
disconnect from usb and turn off phone.
boot to fast boot (vol DOWN, HANGUP, POWER)
connect usb to pc
open cwm folder previously dl/d and: run the install-recovery file according to os (for windows .bat)
disconnect usb and pull Battery out for ten seconds
boot into cwm
your cwm should now be orange and black instead of green and black.
wipe data/ factory reset
wipe cache
under advanced wipe dalvik cache
(optional) under mounts and storage, format following... boot, data system cache
install .zip from sd
chose zip from sd.
install cm7 rom
install gapps
advanced, fix permissions
restart system now.