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Root ROOTING For Dummies
- Thread starter Matlock
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- htc evo 4g
Matlock
Android Enthusiast
Once you Un-Root your device, you'll be fine as far as your Warranty and Insurance goes. Usually there isn't a Android Geek there to really go deep into your device to find out if it's Rooted or not. Sprint doesn't really care anyway. lol
keohookalani
Lurker
Wanted to thank you for this guide. I was feeling a little hesitant about rooting my Evo till yesterday. This and the Quick Start guide made me feel so much more comfortable that yesterday after reading through everything in this guide and that one, I rooted my phone. I haven't got around to installing custom ROMS yet, but hey, I have root! S-OFF, etc. Differences in my real life experience vs. the guide however I wanted to share.
1.) Running HBOOT 2.10.0001 - Not sure how different it is from HBOOT 2.10, but I thought I'd mention that the guide worked on this version as well.
2.) Unrevoked3 for Evo now also includes the clockworkrecovery 2.6.0.1 as a step after rooting. I didn't have to do anything but continue to follow the instructions. It would have allowed me to also choose a different custom recovery mod, however following the on screen prompts for Unrevoked, everything went perfectly. I didn't take exact notes on the process, but it rebooted my evo approximately 3-5 times. At the end, it was already done with clockworkrecovery. Also, while using unrevoked3, I left the USB cable connected throughout the entire processes, just followed unrevoked3's prompts.
3.) When I installed ROM Manager, it updated my clockworkrecovery to 3.0.0.5; just wanted to share this piece of data.
Anyways, thanks again and wanted to share my experience. I was recently introduced to an app called JuiceDefender, and seeing as I wanted to be absolutely sure the root was successful after seeing S-OFF, I reinstalled this app. At the very bottom of the main screen of this app, after running the first time, it tells you whether or not the device is rooted. Probably not horribly relevant, but it made me better to have something else tell me that it was rooted, that knew better than I did.
Wanted to post all this so if you wanted to update any of the steps, you could.
There was one thing that I noticed none of the guides mentioned at all; what usually causes a phone to brick? I found some obscure post somewhere that mentioned that if the data cable were to be disconnected or the process was interrupted somewhere, that could do it, but are there any other reasons? I understand that if we can get to hboot, we can probably recover any error, as it is software we are dealing with, but I think a section explaining what the risks are and how to prevent most of them from happening would be great. Sure, following instructions works fine too, but mostly everywhere I see, it's ambigious statements stating, "There is a chance you could brick your phone" but nothing to explain how or why or anything. Essentially I felt like I was reading (not specifically in this guide, but all over the net) "Hey you could screw up and brick your phone, but I'm not telling you how to prevent that."
Again, thanks for taking the majority of fear out of rooting!
Thanks again!!!
-Keo
1.) Running HBOOT 2.10.0001 - Not sure how different it is from HBOOT 2.10, but I thought I'd mention that the guide worked on this version as well.
2.) Unrevoked3 for Evo now also includes the clockworkrecovery 2.6.0.1 as a step after rooting. I didn't have to do anything but continue to follow the instructions. It would have allowed me to also choose a different custom recovery mod, however following the on screen prompts for Unrevoked, everything went perfectly. I didn't take exact notes on the process, but it rebooted my evo approximately 3-5 times. At the end, it was already done with clockworkrecovery. Also, while using unrevoked3, I left the USB cable connected throughout the entire processes, just followed unrevoked3's prompts.
3.) When I installed ROM Manager, it updated my clockworkrecovery to 3.0.0.5; just wanted to share this piece of data.
Anyways, thanks again and wanted to share my experience. I was recently introduced to an app called JuiceDefender, and seeing as I wanted to be absolutely sure the root was successful after seeing S-OFF, I reinstalled this app. At the very bottom of the main screen of this app, after running the first time, it tells you whether or not the device is rooted. Probably not horribly relevant, but it made me better to have something else tell me that it was rooted, that knew better than I did.
Wanted to post all this so if you wanted to update any of the steps, you could.
There was one thing that I noticed none of the guides mentioned at all; what usually causes a phone to brick? I found some obscure post somewhere that mentioned that if the data cable were to be disconnected or the process was interrupted somewhere, that could do it, but are there any other reasons? I understand that if we can get to hboot, we can probably recover any error, as it is software we are dealing with, but I think a section explaining what the risks are and how to prevent most of them from happening would be great. Sure, following instructions works fine too, but mostly everywhere I see, it's ambigious statements stating, "There is a chance you could brick your phone" but nothing to explain how or why or anything. Essentially I felt like I was reading (not specifically in this guide, but all over the net) "Hey you could screw up and brick your phone, but I'm not telling you how to prevent that."
Again, thanks for taking the majority of fear out of rooting!
Thanks again!!!
-Keo
Matlock
Android Enthusiast
You are very welcome.
Shouldn't be much different. As far as I know, it's still Rootable using unrevoked3.
The ClockworkMod recovery has always been included in unrevoked3. For some reason, I never mentioned it on the Guide. I'll make sure to add that to let everyone know. Thanks.
I noticed this as well, that 3.0.0.5 is now available for Flash from 2.6.0.1. Not sure why it's being available for update, since CyanogenMod7 is not ready for Stable Release yet.
Most threads want to "Shift the Blame" to the User by adding a Disclaimer and such so they know, "it's not my fault your phone bricked". lol
I don't list anything such as that. Bricking is nearly impossible; as I state in the FAQ.
But you do bring up a good point. Hence why there is always a Fix to nearly every problem that I can find and correct. The most recent being the CID error that has been plaguing unrevoked users for months. As long as there is a way to correct a problem, I'll do my best to make sure everyone knows about it just-in-case it happens to them.
I plan on eventually adding a dedicated Troubleshooting Section to the guide for all the problems and fixes. As well as many, MANY other additions I want to add in the near future.
As always, if anyone has any input to the Guide, let me know.
CrazyTechnoBoy
Android Enthusiast
I've got a question: What kind of "malware" can the Evo, or Android in general, get?
CrazyTechnoBoy
Android Enthusiast
Oh, and BTW, it's good to see that this thread is doing VERY well.
Matlock
Android Enthusiast
Definition:
Malware, short for malicious software, is software designed to infiltrate a computer system without the owner's informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code. ...
Now that we got that out of the way.. lol
Basically, Malware can be anything that can access, alter, remove, send or save information without your knowledge.
One of the most recent cases was found out by Lookout Mobile Security. They found an App (from China) that had an invisible Layer over all of the Apps buttons. Therefore, you'd click what you thought was a button to start the game, but it did two things. It started the game, and sent information to the Developer's servers. It could have been to generate clicks for paid adds, or even to gather your Hardware/Software information for tracking.
All of the Malware Apps have come from China via third-party site downloads, thus-far.
Malware Developers are getting more bold in their attempt to take control of the Android OS; much like the way Virus developers have all but decimated all versions of the Microsoft OS.
Oh, and BTW, it's good to see that this thread is doing VERY well.
It's still kicking. We still have a lot of information we can Jam into this sucker. Hopefully I won't hit a character limit wall.
antwonjenkins
Member
OKay at that VERY last step where it boots into Recovery Mode it didn't do anything after that. I see on the video that it installs something before it actually finishes, but what exactly is it? and can I do it manually or should I restart the process?
*********update*********
after a couple more minutes the phone just rebooted itself. so idk. but when I checked there WAS Super User and I installed AdFree w/out a hitch so yeah, apparently it's rooted. I would still like to know what exactly it was trying to install or do while in Clockwork Recovery if anyone could clue me in on that.
*********update*********
after a couple more minutes the phone just rebooted itself. so idk. but when I checked there WAS Super User and I installed AdFree w/out a hitch so yeah, apparently it's rooted. I would still like to know what exactly it was trying to install or do while in Clockwork Recovery if anyone could clue me in on that.
Not exactly sure where you were in the process, but it was probably flashing unrevoked-forever, which is how you get S-OFF. Go ahead and verify three things:
1) Turn the phone off, then turn it back on while pressing and holding volume down. That will take you to hboot. Do you see S-ON or S-OFF? If you see S-OFF, you have full root.
2) While in hboot, select the option for recovery. You should be taken to Clockwork recovery. I would assume you would be based on what you've said already, but it doesn't hurt to check.
3) Boot up normally, install the terminal emulator from the market, then type "su" without quotes, then enter. If the prompt changes from $ to #, then you're all done.
Based on what you've said, I'm sure you're fine, but the big one to verify is that you have S-OFF.
mikoandriod
Lurker
hi to all,
1st thank you in advance to phandriod to all experts tirelessly helping and members asking, this is a great and helpful site !
2nd anyone from jersey city? kindly pm me here or hit me a message at ym neo_anderson_0
my dad owns an evo 4g, not that technically inclined especially to terms like rooting etc. I tried helping him via remote teamviewer while we talk on the phone.
Wish someone from jersey would help him, he is willing to meet anyone near the area, hope to hear from you guys, again, thank you
add, already read the unrevoked how to, and all the files are already backed up,
1st thank you in advance to phandriod to all experts tirelessly helping and members asking, this is a great and helpful site !
2nd anyone from jersey city? kindly pm me here or hit me a message at ym neo_anderson_0
my dad owns an evo 4g, not that technically inclined especially to terms like rooting etc. I tried helping him via remote teamviewer while we talk on the phone.
Wish someone from jersey would help him, he is willing to meet anyone near the area, hope to hear from you guys, again, thank you
add, already read the unrevoked how to, and all the files are already backed up,
xjonathanx
Lurker
i rooted my phone yesterday with unrevoked and put a cm7 nightlies rom on it..... amazing. i loved my when i got it, but now that i rooted my evo i love it 10000x more. thanks for all the help, it was super easy to do.
Finally rooted my EVO, after owning it since release date, last night. I used unrevoked3 and it went very well. I've flashed the MYN 2.2 rom and like it very well. My question is related to my micro sd card, its a 16 gb card and I have installed around 4gb of music and maybe another 2gb of pics, video etc. Also have used apps2sd to move several apps to card and now I only have 800mb free space remaining. If i copy everything to a file on my computer can I reformat the card without causing problems with my phone such as my backup of previous rom and such.
Matlock
Android Enthusiast
1st - You are very welcome, from all of us.
2nd - Most of Rooting is pretty much straight forward. Give him time, or make him hit us up on this thread and we'll give 'em some pointers.
Any time!
You should have no problem Formatting your SD Card.
I recommend using your device to format the card, rather than your computer. Mostly the same outcome, but safer. I have had reports of errors after Formatting the SD Card; I myself, have not had any from the many times I have done it, through my device.
But yeah, just copy all your files to your desktop, then transfer them back to your phone. I would also recommend going through your SD Card; prior to removing it from your device (if you plan on formatting it through the computer), and delete any unused files. The easiest way is to make sure the App associated to the file is no longer being used. I simply Sort the files by Date Modified. That gives me a pretty good guess of a round-about time frame that what files are good to delete, and which are not.
Hope this was of help.
Droidster
Member
Sorry for late response... just saw this... its waiting for you to turn on debugging in the application/ development section under setting
jtw9mail1970
Lurker
Im looking for someone to root my HTC EVO, I live in San Diego, Ca. Please email me at jtw9mail1970@gmail.com if you are able to. Will pay for your time.
SaleenFiend
Android Enthusiast
Well, I'll be getting to experience the joys of rooting again in the next few days. I expect to have my Asurion replacement phone arrive. 
Wish I could keep my current one It was perfect! Going from HW3 to probably 4 or is there a 5 now?
Wish I could keep my current one It was perfect! Going from HW3 to probably 4 or is there a 5 now?
Matlock
Android Enthusiast
I recommend doing it yourself. It's fun and interesting to learn new things when it comes to Root. If you have any questions, let us know.
Well, I'll be getting to experience the joys of rooting again in the next few days. I expect to have my Asurion replacement phone arrive.
I think it's still 4. I dunno. lol
esthernrob
Android Enthusiast
Outstanding step by step instructions! Everything worked to a "T".... Many, many thanks...
sellout007
Newbie
Just flashed MikFroyo 4.5 tonight and had a few oh crap moments in the reboot after i flashed but all seems to be working right now.
I do have a few questions. Before I flashed Mikfroyo, I downloaded Titanium Backup and did a complete backup of all my apps. How (can I even?) do I get them back? I downloaded a few programs that were free when I downloaded them and now cost money. I read in the write up that backups made by TB are not necissarily able to cross ROM's?
Whats the deal? Did I screw myself?
Should I have moved everything to my SD card first? Is there a way to fix it?
I do have a few questions. Before I flashed Mikfroyo, I downloaded Titanium Backup and did a complete backup of all my apps. How (can I even?) do I get them back? I downloaded a few programs that were free when I downloaded them and now cost money. I read in the write up that backups made by TB are not necissarily able to cross ROM's?
Whats the deal? Did I screw myself?
Should I have moved everything to my SD card first? Is there a way to fix it?
SaleenFiend
Android Enthusiast
Download and Open TB. Click Backup/Restore You will then need to select each individual app you wish to restore. You should see an option to restore APP + DATA
sellout007
Newbie
Thanks, so simple. *shakes head* lol
Ok I am ex[eroemced some pretty bad battery life, and it took me a little bit to figure out that I had to go back and do all those little tweaks I did originally to my phone when I first got it etc etc. But its still not spectacular.
I started messing around with SetCPU and realized I needed to read. So I started.
Questions...
1) Will those settings in SetCPU override whatever settings those custom rom's/Kernals have? I would be inclined to think I shouldn't mess with the settings that those have built in?
2) Does Mikfroyo 4.5 use the stock kernal? If I use SetCPU I disable perf lock if its a stock kernal correct? If its a custom one it has it disabled already?
3) How can I check to see if I have the latest wiMax radios? I see my Baseband Version, PRI, PRL etc etc Just no WiMax. I have the current of those, but want to make sure of my 4g as its a bit spotty now.
4) When I make an NAND backup does it overwrite past NAND backups or can I always go back to anyone I make? For example if I make a nand of my mikfroyo rom will that now overwrite my origonal nand I did when I backed up my phone before and after I rooted?
5) I have also noted that I cannot get the internet to work correctly on my computer using the wifi tethering unless I have the 4g on. It use to connect and then loses connection when the phone goes into sleep. Now I connect and i get limited access on 3g, but no problems with 4g on (other than battery drain).