HTC Evo 4G - Introduction To Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

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Introduction To Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« on: October 28, 2010, 12:20:29 PM »

Please note that rooting your phone will void the phone's warranty. You will not be eligible for repairs or replacements if Sprint finds out it has been rooted, regardless of whether or not you have insurance. If you decide to root, you do so at your own risk. Evo4gforum.net accepts no responsibility for any consequences if you choose to proceed.

Rooting and unrooting can be done safely and fairly easily. Just make sure you have done all of your research before proceeding. Read all of the stickied notes in this thread, as well as the numerous other informational threads. If you have questions, make sure you get answers before you root to help avoid problems later.

Rooting is a process that allows users of cellphones running the Android operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's Linux subsystem, similar to jailbreaking on Apple devices running the iOS operating system, overcoming limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on such phones. Rooting makes it possible to use custom versions of the Android system such as CyanogenMod, supporting features unavailable in stock ROMs. It also allows for newer versions of Android not supplied by the original device manufacturer. In contrast to iOS jailbreaking, rooting is not needed to run applications not distributed by the official Android Market. It is needed however, when trying to access paid Android applications from countries which are not part of the paid applications market. (Source: Wikipedia.org)

If you are new to rooting, the best places to start are the following:

General Information:

ROMs:

Kernels:

Apps:

List of apps for rooted phones

Then proceed to the stickied threads in this forum.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Before starting anything, I would very highly recommend copying all of the contents of your SD card over to your computer so you have a backup just in case. Even if you do everything perfectly, something may go wrong and you may end up losing some of your files. Be safe, not sorry, and do a backup to your computer.

If you are rooting with Unrevoked3, you MUST uninstall HTC Sync from your computer. If you have not previously installed it, you must do so first, then uninstall it, leaving the drivers on your computer. You can find HTC Sync here.

ALWAYS do a Nandroid backup before flashing a new ROM. You should also consider one before flashing any kernels as well.

NEVER accept OTA (over the air) updates from Sprint once you are rooted. If you want the latest Sprint update, you either need to wait for an updated ROM to be released that you can flash, or [we really don’t recommend this method] unroot, do the update, then reroot. (However, you can (and should) update your PRL and Profile whenever you flash a new ROM.)

Before you flash a new ROM, make sure you carefully read all of the information about that ROM so you know what kernel, apps, etc., are included. Some do not include wimax/4G capabilities, some have removed all of the Sprint bloatware, some of which you may want (such as Sprint TV or Navigation), etc.

Always wipe the cache and dalvik before flashing any addons/modifications to a ROM.

Always check with ROM developer’s link before flashing any addons/modifications or updates before flashing them to see if there are any known issues.

HOW TO ROOT (AKA ROOTING FOR DUMMIES)

Once you have read and understood all of the above, you are ready to root your phone. How? By following the extremely easy step-by-step instructions in the first post of this thread. If you follow them correctly, you will not have any problem whatsoever with rooting your phone.

Now, once you have rooted your phone, you can delete any of the bloatware that you couldn't delete before you rooted. I would recommend using Root Uninstaller that will allow you to backup the apk files to your SD card and uninstall them in one step. Having a backup is nice in case you later decide/find you need something you uninstalled. I would highly recommend against uninstalling any system apps that begin with com. unless you know exactly what you are doing.

You can either run your system as it is and you won't see any changes to what you are used to, or you can try a custom ROM (see the link above to find out what they are). You can also try a new kernel, as well, although most ROMs seem to include a kernel (sometimes stock, sometimes a different one).

Before you make any decisions, you should read the ROM List thread, the ROM Discussion thread and the List of Kernels and Kernel Comparison List.

FLASHING ROMS AND KERNELS

Pre-Flashing Preparations

If you decided to flash a new ROM, you will need to do a few things to prepare first.

  1. Find the ROM (and kernel if you choose) that you want to flash. Download it to your computer. Do not transfer it to your phone at this time. Make sure you research the ROM so you know exactly what it contains and what it doesn't (i.e., some do not have wimax radio support).

  2. Next, you are going to need a few apps. From the Market, download Titanium Backup (the Pro version is worth buying, trust me on that), Busybox and Rom Manager. Once its downloaded, open and install Busybox (the download is merely the Busybox installer - you must run it first before doing anything else - this may some time).

  3. After you've removed any bloatware or other apps you no longer want/need, launch Titanium Backup, press Menu, Batch, scroll down to Backup all user apps + system data and click the Run button next to it. Make sure on the next screen that Kill active apps is checked, hit Select all then Run the batch operation. Set your phone down and go to the bathroom, get yourself a drink and a snack, etc., as its going to take awhile.

The screen will dim during the process but will not turn off. Once its done, you can exit out of Titanium.

  4. Transfer the ROM (and kernel if you are doing one) zip file from your computer to your phone. Make sure you put it in the root directory, not in a folder.

  5. Next, run Rom Manager. Click on the top option, Flash ClockworkMod Recovery. This will install the ClockworkMod Recovery app. Scroll to the bottom and choose Flash Alternate Recovery. This will install the latest Amon-Ra Recovery. Scroll to the top of the page and make sure it says "Current Recovery: Ra Recovery v.2.2.2 (or later version). If it doesn't, Flash Alternate Recovery again until it does. Some people have had to do it a few times to get it to flash properly. The reason you are doing this is because Amon-Ra Recovery is a better option than Clockwork and this is the easiest way to get the latest version installed.

  6. Then go down to Install ROM from SD Card. Scroll to the bottom of the list and choose your ROM zip file. A window will pop up. Check both boxes. The first option will make a Nandroid backup of your system as it currently is, and the second option is wiping everything out to factory reset state - a vital step when flashing a ROM. Click Ok on the Reboot and Install window.

Now set the phone down, go pee, get a drink, smoke a joint, etc., as this will take a bit of time. When its done, you're new ROM should be installed!

Alternate/Manual Backup/Flash for ROMS and Kernels

1. Follow the directions above until you get to step #6. Instead of choosing Install ROM from SD Card, choose Reboot into Recovery. This will reboot your phone and you will come to a black page with yellow menu options.

  2. Use the volume rocker to go down to Backup/Restore and press the power button to choose it. Then move down to Nandroid backup and choose it. Make sure the check boxes for boot, system, data and cache are checked. You can back up any of the others as well if you wish. Then move down to Perform Backup. This will create your Nandroid Backup.

   (Note that every time you make a Nandroid backup, it creates a new file rather than overwriting the previous file. So you can make them often without worrying about losing a previous backup file. It is recommended that you do a new Nandroid every time before flashing a new ROM or kernel. However, also note that these backup files can be rather large, so I would recommend keeping only 1 or 2 of the most recent backups and save the others on your computer for safe keeping in case you need one later.)

  3. Use the volume rocker to go down to Flash zip from sdcard and press the power button to choose it, then Choose zip file from sdcard and press the power button to choose it. The zip files will be listed at the bottom of the page, so use the volume up button to instantly get to the bottom of the page. Find the ROM zip file and press the power button to choose it. A black screen will show up with white text at the bottom. Press the power button if you have chosen the correct file you want to run. If its not, press a volume button to go back to the previous menu and choose the correct file.

  4. Once its done, choose Return, then Reboot system now.

It is highly recommended to flash the ROM first, reboot, then flash the kernel. To flash a kernel, reboot into recovery mode and follow the steps listed in #3 above.

To manually boot into recovery mode, hold the power button down until the menu comes up and choose Power Off, then click Ok. Once it is off, hold the volume down rocker and press the power button. (Do not release the volume down button until the white boot screen comes up.) Using the volume button, move the cursor (blue box) down to RECOVERY, then press the power button to choose it. This will get you to the black page with yellow menu options as mentioned in #1 above.

Flashing mods, addons, etc.

Flashing mods, addons, etc., is similar to the manual flash instructions above.

   1. Reboot your phone into recovery mode.

   2. Use the volume rocker to go down to Wipe and press the power button to choose it. Go down to Wipe Data and choose it, then press the power button to accept the wipe. Do the same with Dalvik-cache. Then go back up to Return and choose it.

   3. Go down to Flash zip from sdcard and press the power button to choose it, then Choose zip file from sdcard and press the power button to choose it. The zip files will be listed at the bottom of the page, so use the volume up button to instantly get to the bottom of the page. Find the ROM zip file and press the power button to choose it. A black screen will show up with white text at the bottom. Press the power button if you have chosen the correct file you want to run. If its not, press a volume button to go back to the previous menu and choose the correct file.

  3. Once its done, choose Return, then Reboot system now.

It is very important to wipe the cache and Dalvik cache before flashing any mods, addons, etc. You may have problems if you do not do so. Sad

You may also choose to use the files below. CLEAR_TEMP_FILE should be used before flashing any kernels, etc. Calkulin's_FORMAT_ALL should be used when flashing a new ROM, as it does what it says and formats everything (factory reset kind of thing).[/i]

CLEAR_TEMP_FILES.zip (2.74 KB - downloaded 28 times.) Calkulin_'s_FORMAT_ALL.zip (2.08 KB - downloaded 37 times.)
« Last Edit: February 03, 2011, 12:30:57 PM by Khassy »	Best Screen Protector

WayneB420

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2010, 06:23:50 PM »

Khassy...why would one root?
Please explain to me what the benefits of rooting are please!
And if I have the latest upgrade can I still root?


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Khassy

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2010, 02:24:43 PM »

10/28/10: Please read the links in the first post, and the stickied topics, as well as several of the other threads on the first page of this forum. They should tell you what you need to know.

EDIT 11/3/10: Added information regarding ROMs and Kernels.


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jj78

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2010, 10:50:15 AM »

Quote from: Khassy on October 28, 2010, 12:20:29 PM

NOTE: FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH NEW PHONES, VERSION 3.30+, THERE IS NO CURRENT VERSION OF UNREVOKED THAT WILL WORK FOR YOU, SO DON'T ASK. ONCE THERE IS, WE WILL POST THE INFORMATION.

Please note that rooting your phone will void the phone's warranty. You will not be eligible for repairs or replacements if Sprint finds out it has been rooted, regardless of whether or not you have insurance. If you decide to root, you do so at your own risk. Evo4gforum.net accepts no responsibility for any consequences if you choose to proceed.

Rooting and unrooting can be done safely and fairly easily. Just make sure you have done all of your research before proceeding. Read all of the stickied notes in this thread, as well as the numerous other informational threads. If you have questions, make sure you get answers before you root to help avoid problems later.

ROMs:

Kernels:

Then proceed to the stickied threads in this forum.

Hello new here:) I have version 3.30.651.3
So has there been an update on unrevoked3 for version 3.30+ yet? I've read that "hboot like a boss" would root my new Evo but I don't feel comfortable with the directions dont want to brick my phone. Thanks.


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Khassy

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2010, 11:52:07 AM »

Quote from: Khassy on October 28, 2010, 12:20:29 PM

NOTE: FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH NEW PHONES, VERSION 3.30+, THERE IS NO CURRENT VERSION OF UNREVOKED THAT WILL WORK FOR YOU, SO DON'T ASK. ONCE THERE IS, WE WILL POST THE INFORMATION.

Sorry, but which part of that big yellow text did you miss? Here, I'll underline and italicize for emphasis.

Quote from: Khassy on October 28, 2010, 12:20:29 PM

NOTE: FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH NEW PHONES, VERSION 3.30+, THERE IS NO CURRENT VERSION OF UNREVOKED THAT WILL WORK FOR YOU, SO DON'T ASK. ONCE THERE IS, WE WILL POST THE INFORMATION.


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jj78

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2010, 12:01:59 PM »

Quote from: Khassy on December 14, 2010, 11:52:07 AM

Quote from: Khassy on October 28, 2010, 12:20:29 PM

NOTE: FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH NEW PHONES, VERSION 3.30+, THERE IS NO CURRENT VERSION OF UNREVOKED THAT WILL WORK FOR YOU, SO DON'T ASK. ONCE THERE IS, WE WILL POST THE INFORMATION.

Sorry, but which part of that big yellow text did you miss? Here, I'll underline and italicize for emphasis.

Quote from: Khassy on October 28, 2010, 12:20:29 PM

NOTE: FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH NEW PHONES, VERSION 3.30+, THERE IS NO CURRENT VERSION OF UNREVOKED THAT WILL WORK FOR YOU, SO DON'T ASK. ONCE THERE IS, WE WILL POST THE INFORMATION.

Yes sorry I did see that. I just assumed since it was posted in October that this was a dead thread.


« Last Edit: December 14, 2010, 12:03:26 PM by Khassy »	Best Screen Protector

Khassy

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2010, 12:05:01 PM »

There are no dead threads here, especially the stickied threads.

We work pretty hard at maintaining current information. If you check the "Last modified" notation at the bottom, you'll see it was recently modified, backing up my claim of maintaining current info.


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jj78

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2010, 12:16:31 PM »

Quote from: Khassy on December 14, 2010, 12:05:01 PM

There are no dead threads here, especially the stickied threads.

We work pretty hard at maintaining current information. If you check the "Last modified" notation at the bottom, you'll see it was recently modified, backing up my claim of maintaining current info.

Oh I see. I'm still getting familiar with the site. Thank you for the quick response:)


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idrizeh

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #8 on: December 23, 2010, 07:58:55 AM »

i just want to thank u for making this this thread has helped me out a lot. but a couple questions once i root my phone download rom manager after i get clockwork would i go into recovery and backup what i have just done in order to save it just in case something goes wrong if so would i also do the same thing after i download cm6


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idrizeh

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #9 on: December 23, 2010, 08:02:43 AM »

Quote from: Khassy on October 28, 2010, 12:20:29 PM
NOTE: FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH NEW PHONES, VERSION 3.30+, THERE IS NO CURRENT VERSION OF UNREVOKED THAT WILL WORK FOR YOU, SO DON'T ASK. ONCE THERE IS, WE WILL POST THE INFORMATION.

does the version 3.30+ mean the same thing as evo 2.2? dont bash im new lol


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thunderwagn

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #10 on: December 23, 2010, 08:18:20 AM »

No.


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idrizeh

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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2010, 08:21:35 AM »

no to the first or second message or both


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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #12 on: December 23, 2010, 08:41:25 AM »

No to your second question. 2.2 is your android version (froyo). To get your software, go to menu>settings>about phone>software information>software number. If that is 3.30 or higher you cant root using unrevoked.


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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #13 on: January 01, 2011, 03:20:09 PM »

Hi all. I rooted with Unrevoked 3.3 last night. Where is the recovery image? Can I reinstall HTC Sync? How do I create a backup? I have read all the info in the links provided by Khassy but the info is vague. I would appreciate it if someone could help me or point me in the right direction.


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Re: About Rooting - Read this first before proceeding

« Reply #14 on: January 14, 2011, 06:04:26 AM »

January 6, 2011: Added a link to the new list of apps for rooted phones in the app section. If anyone has any suggestions for the list, please feel free to post them in that thread.

January 14, 2011: Modified the OP to add essential rooting information section, how to root section and how to flash ROMs, kernels, addons, etc.


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