Database Develop

[Newbie Guide] adb/fastboot/bootloader/android 101

The purpose of this document is to clarify a few basics about HTC Android Phones and basic commands to interface with the phones. Think of this as a beginner's guides to the Android device from a non-traditional user's point of view. I'll keep it simple and plain as much as I can for the new users. I'll also try to keep all the technical aspects true as much as I can while keeping it simple.
Before you go on, please read this and understand the basic concepts and how and why following commands are being used. Do not follow anyone's instructions/tutorials/guides without prior basic understanding of what each command do. I do want to believe it's humans visiting this forum and not lemmings. If you do not understand, feel free to ask here. I will or someone else also knowledgeable will answer your questions. DO NOT QUOTE THIS AS A WHOLE. My pet peeves and a complete waste of screen space.
Sometime, depending on your OS, command names may change (e.g: mouse / mouse.exe / mouse-linux / mouse-mac). For general purpose, we'll use mouse instead of an OS specific commands in this instructions.
So to repeat myself, if you understood the concepts of the commands, and you are on a linux system and someone's guide says touch index.php, you will automatically type touch-linux or whatever the name of your executable is on your system.
​
We shall assume you know how to install needed drivers and where to get android sdk and put the sdk binaries (executables) in the system path. If we need to expend this let me know and I'll expend this here.
Further, if I get any parts wrong, PM me and I'll get those parts corrected.
Android Partition, SPL etc.
Partitions:
Followings are a list of partitions on your android phone.
misc - misc partition -
recovery - Recovery Partition - This is where the original HTC recovery or Amon Ra's recovery or any other Recovery would go. Basically if you reboot into recovery it'll boot from here.
boot - This is your boot partition
system - This is where all your system information (ROM resides)
cache - cache (When you factory reset the phone, this area is wiped)
userdata - user data (like your login, your user settings etc) When you factory reset the phone, this area is wiped)
So, if you replace the recovery image, you are pretty much set for updates provided here at XDA. Note: By replacing your recovery image, you may not be able to have OTA updates.
ROM images will normally replace boot and system images at the same time and often time, userdata and cache too; reseting the phone completely.
SPL/Bootloader/Radio/Bricking Phones:
SPL / Bootloader is like BIOS on a computer. At least I think of it that way. SPL can be updated! SPL comes as either Security-On of Security-Off (S-ON/S-OFF).
Note: It is my understanding that radio will boot first, followed by other systems. So it is IMPORTANT that your radio image/version will work with your SPL image/version. This is the one and only reason for phones being bricked. You can not brick your phone by flashing a ROM or Boot image or recovery image. Once you flash the wrong radio for the SPL, the only known method of recovery is to send the phone back into HTC for repair.
How do I know the phone is bricked? A bricked phone can not boot into bootloader, recovery, or into normal operation modes. You can not connect to a bricked phone via adb or fastboot. You can only see one screen on the phone and it will be the first splash screen.
Commands:
adb - Android Debug Bridge - One of the two things you'll need to know if you ever want to do anything non-conventional on your android based phone.
List of commands that can be used by adb can be prompted by typing adb at the system shell (command prompt or terminal)
Notable adb commands:
adb devices - If you don't know anything, this is the ONE thing you have to know.
adb devices will give you a list of devices connected to the computer. This is also a good way to make sure that your phone is actually connected to the computer.
adb reboot (bootloader|recovery)
adb reboot - this will reboot your phone normally.
adb reboot bootloader - this will reboot your phone back into the bootloader (white screen with the android on wheels)
adb reboot recovery - this will reboot your phone back into recovery console (either default or amon_ra's recovery).
adb shell - this will shell into the phone and you can now explore the phone. Remember phone's native backend os is linux so know your linux commands.
adb remount - remounts the system partition on the phone so you can you read/write to it.
adb push xxx yyy - will push xxx file from computer into yyy location/file on phone (needs rooted access)
adb pull xxx yyy - will pull xxx file from phone into yyy location/file on computer (needs rooted access)
Fastboot is protocol used to update the flash filesystem in Android devices from a host over USB. It allows flashing of unsigned partition images.
Notable fastboot commands:
fastboot devices - If you don't know anything, this is the ONE thing you have to know.
fastboot devices will give you a list of devices connected to the computer. This is also a good way to make sure that your phone is actually connected to the computer.
fastboot reboot - this will reboot your phone normally
fastboot oem unlock - this will unlock your bootloader - NOTE THIS WILL VOID YOUR NEXUS ONE WARRANTY
fastboot erase XXX - Will erase the partition XXX (such as userdata, cache) - mainly used for resetting phone and clearing userdata / factory settings.
fastboot flash XXX YYY - This will flash XXX partitionn with YYY image.
e.g: fastboot flash system system_update.img will flash/update your system partition with an image called system_update
If anyone needs me to dig deep into using anything else, please PM me. I'll add it on here. Hopefully this will help all newbies about the basic commands and what they do.
FAQs (UPDATED Feb 09, 2010)
Q: One question about the Android SDK. Do I need it to flash my N1 or just to program new apps? Where can I get it?
A: Android SDK is not entirely needed to flash the N1. However, there are tools in there that you need. Adb / Fastboot etc. Although they can be downloaded by themselves, the windows version of the SDK also have the Drivers that are needed for android devices for USB connection. So, it is recommended to get it. You can get it from developer.android.com
Q:I have never experienced anything like this when I did a hard-spl on my winmo phone. Radio versions are included with SPL's, right?
A: Official packages from HTC did come with nbh packaging, meaning it is a all in one upgrader that will update Radio, ROM, System etc, it is very much common for active development area here at XDA to get the radio or SPL or ROM separately and independently of one another. And as such, you will most likely flash them seperately (who wants to wait 6-8 months). Also, since this phone is released by google, HTC will most likely not update any major Radios. However, it is very likely that we will be hacking in Radio updates or any other "updates" from HTC from their new device - HTC Bravo.
Q: Is there a guide for snow leopard? I'm kind of stuck.
A: I personally ran android SDK and aforementioned executable on both MAC OS 10.5 and 10.6. Like I posted, the commands and the executable names may be slightly different. I may call adb and you may find it as adb-mac. I am not going to write 3 separate documents for 3 separate OSes. You have to know that adb=adb-mac (on your mac), adb-linux (for linux) etc. And yes the above guide will work universally.
Q: Can i replace the splash image..?? (unlocking related)
A: As of the above date (next to the FAQ) no you can not. Issue is probably a few folds. One of them is that splash1.img is not going in due to security lock. Remember, you unlocked the phone. HTC will not like it. Anyhow, I like the current quad color X. If you are thinking of getting rid of the lock logo, good luck. Even if you can get rid of it, you will still have to overcome the pink text that says ***UNLOCKED*** on your bootloader.
Q: Can you run Windows Mobile on Android Phones?
A: With enough resources given, sure. Will it ever happen? No. Why? Windows mobile compiler and builder cost $. As a matter of fact, as of version 5, it was going to cost me $75 per device. That's one of the reasons why handset makers went to Android open platform. Android is free and universal so as long as you use certain chipsets and certain items, you are good to go. Can it ever be ported? Sure. With right amount of time and money anything can be done. But at this point, it's cheaper for you to go buy a windows mobile smartphone.
Q: How do I know the phone is bricked?
A: You can not brick a phone unless you are flashing Radio/SPL packages. Make sure if you are doing that, you follow directions VERY CAREFULLY. A bricked phone can not boot into bootloader, recovery, or into normal operation modes. You can not connect to a bricked phone via adb or fastboot. You can only see one screen on the phone and it will be the first splash screen.
Q: I have installed the Android SDK however, i cannot seem to get the laptop to detect the nexus. What have i left out?
A: Most common item that people forget to enable is USB Debugging. Settings => Applications => Development => USB debugging [checked]
Q: I have rooted n1. when I go to recovery to do backup, I get the triangle with the little green android guy, but phone is stuck there. I have to remove battery to reboot phone. What have I done wrong?
A: You still have the stock (shipping) recovery. If you want a different recovery (Amon RA's), download it, the from fastboot, run fastboot flash recovery downloaded_recovery.img
Q: Which step of the rooting / recovery procedure does it give root?
A: Root and Recovery are two totally different things. Recovery is a partition that contain recovery information. Stock recovery is what allows OTA updates etc. Normally it will search for update.zip in the root folder of the SD card. Amon_RA's Recovery or any other recovery images are there to enhance the traditional stock recovery. Amon Ra's Recovery for example, contains thing such as ability to update from different zip files, and backup/restore of your data/system.
Rooting is not done by recovery but is a kernel level access (simply put) that will give root or "SU". It is done by patching the boot partition of the your android device.
Q: What are the differences, advantages, disadvantages of the different ROM's?
A: They are all different. Some have some features, some are plain stock, some are made for bleeding edge kernel etc. You'll have to try them out and figure out yourself. I may make a chart of what they are (see the bottom at my signature - wiki) but with too many android devices, I will need some major help. One person alone will not have total knowledge of all the ROM releases. There are just way too many devices and ROMs.
Q: Which ROM will allow OTA updates?
A: Stock ROM WITH Stock Recovery.
Q: If the phone is SIM/carrier unlocked and you root do you have to SIM unlock again?
A: SIM/Carrier unlock has nothing to do with rooting your phone. You can still have root and still be carrier locked. Nexus One comes carrier unlocked from factory.
Q: How much space is there for apps? is using the sd card really necessary? (on Nexus One)
A: Search google? The phone has 512MB or space. That SHOULD be more than enough for you. If not, you have some serious issues. I do not believe you will not App2SD for Nexus One. Google did say during the release conference that they will update Android/N1 so that apps can be run/installed to SD but that requires some system and security changes (mainly to prevent pirated software - Yes if I write something, I deserve to get paid for it).
Q: When you do "flash zip from sdcard" or "fastboot flash image" does this merge and overwrite the files in to the partition?
A: When you update a software (via recovery), software my be merged. However, if you fastboot flash, just like the word flash says, it will flash and overwrite the partition.
Q: Which partition does "flash zip from sdcard" affect?
A: Depends on what you are flashing. It could be any or all of the partitions such as SPL, Boot, System, Recovery, Radio. You should study first before randomly flashing things.

sorry, got it!

blakestimac said:
i apologize if this is the wrong place for this but, but i have adb setup perfectly, but fastboot is not recognized at all. could i have missed something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need your system info.
What os are you running? where did you get fastboot? what are you trying to do?

Don't forget fastboot boot for testing images. My most used command

I still have no idea how to use or setup adb i have downloaded the sdk and used fastboot and superboot to root my phone and am currently running the cm 5.0 beta 2 rom and want to learn how to use adb so i can enable the ram. Thanks, Joe

really a noob question here.....it wa easier with Hero.
i have installed the Android SDK
however, i cannot seem to get the laptop to detect the nexus.
what have i left out?

wishmaker738 said:
really a noob question here.....it wa easier with Hero.
i have installed the Android SDK
however, i cannot seem to get the laptop to detect the nexus.
what have i left out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the FAQ.

dylanfan424 said:
I still have no idea how to use or setup adb i have downloaded the sdk and used fastboot and superboot to root my phone and am currently running the cm 5.0 beta 2 rom and want to learn how to use adb so i can enable the ram. Thanks, Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I need to know what you actually did. I am not understanding what you are trying to do.

Can't run adb commands - device not found
Thanks for the info. I am having an issue with running adb commands. My phone is rooted via superboot and I tested it with Nexus Torch which works. Now I am trying to install the new kernel so I can run the wireless tether app... but I can't get any of the adb commands to recognize the phone. I boot the phone by holding the trackball and power button. I am in USB debugging mode. When I run fastboot devices, the phone serial number shows up. When I run adb devices, it says no device detected. And when I try to run any other adb commands they do not work, even though fastboot commands work. Any ideas? Thanks.

Sorry i was pretty vague before i down loaded the sdk and also installed the adb setup file included with the superboot pack but just have no idea how to get it to work and add things through adb. I tried typing adb commands into comand line with the phone connected to the computer but nothing happend. just said not recognised command so i just basically need a rundown of how to setup adb.

dylanfan424 said:
Sorry i was pretty vague before i down loaded the sdk and also installed the adb setup file included with the superboot pack but just have no idea how to get it to work and add things through adb. I tried typing adb commands into comand line with the phone connected to the computer but nothing happend. just said not recognised command so i just basically need a rundown of how to setup adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a noob so can't offer much help...but I would make sure the usb drivers are installed if you're using windows....this probably should have happened when you installed the sdk, but you can also install it through the device manager and point it to the folder where the usb drivers are located. Also make sure the phone is in USB debugging mode. also you may need to reboot your pc. Make sure you have setup running when you run the adb commands. you need to be in the same directory as the adb file, or in the case of the superboot pack you need to type "adb-windows" not just "adb". you may also need to put .exe, ie adb-windows.exe.

pwnvds said:
Thanks for the info. I am having an issue with running adb commands. My phone is rooted via superboot and I tested it with Nexus Torch which works. Now I am trying to install the new kernel so I can run the wireless tether app... but I can't get any of the adb commands to recognize the phone. I boot the phone by holding the trackball and power button. I am in USB debugging mode. When I run fastboot devices, the phone serial number shows up. When I run adb devices, it says no device detected. And when I try to run any other adb commands they do not work, even though fastboot commands work. Any ideas? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You run fastboot from the white screen. Android on non-white screen. It's one or the other. It's ADB or Fastboot (depending on the mode of the phone).

dylanfan424 said:
Sorry i was pretty vague before i down loaded the sdk and also installed the adb setup file included with the superboot pack but just have no idea how to get it to work and add things through adb. I tried typing adb commands into comand line with the phone connected to the computer but nothing happend. just said not recognised command so i just basically need a rundown of how to setup adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the directory where ADB/fastboot (SDK) is installled in your system path?
I am guessing it's not. If it was, just by typing adb alone (without commands), it'll give you a list of commands. Click here if you want to know how to change your system path to include a particular folder.
We're now in the age of nintendo pilots and point and click OS that no one knows how to use command lines and system paths anymore.

recovery
I have rooted n1. when I go to recovery to do backup, I get the triangle with the little green android guy, but phone is stuck there. I have to remove battery to reboot phone. What have I done wrong?

umplarry said:
I have rooted n1. when I go to recovery to do backup, I get the triangle with the little green android guy, but phone is stuck there. I have to remove battery to reboot phone. What have I done wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answered in FAQ area.

seraph1024 said:
Answered in FAQ area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that before I posted. I searched the FAQ again. Maybe I am a complete DA, but still can't find answer. I don't mind searching, it will help me to learn, but could you point me in the right direction in FAQ?

umplarry said:
I tried that before I posted. I searched the FAQ again. Maybe I am a complete DA, but still can't find answer. I don't mind searching, it will help me to learn, but could you point me in the right direction in FAQ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Q: I have rooted n1. when I go to recovery to do backup, I get the triangle with the little green android guy, but phone is stuck there. I have to remove battery to reboot phone. What have I done wrong?
A: You still have the stock (shipping) recovery. If you want a different recovery (Amon RA's), download it, the from fastboot, run fastboot flash recovery downloaded_recovery.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There you go.

seraph1024 said:
There you go.
[/B]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help

seraph1024 said:
There you go.
[/B]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had it downloaded, just had not flashed it

I've been looking all over, but I probably need to check the HTC Dream forum or something.
How do I install a custom ROM? I know you have to adb push update.zip somewhere, but I can't find any info about this. Please help.

My G1 is stuffed, but not bricked. Mount from Recovery? Wave invites for help.

Ok. So yesterday night I was trying to give my G1 a new ROM. I wasn't really concentrating. I was tired. I've done it successfully before. I was following the instructions on Cyanogen Wiki for phones already with custom SPL and OTA.
Something screwed up, I did the firstROM a while ago so it probably wasn't the right one. Maybe it needed deathspl.
Regardless, it is now stuck on the T-Mobile G1 screen (and its stuck, I've left it for an entire night: still stuck) . I can take out the battery and boot into recovery mode. So at this point I basically need to mount my SD through USB (i dont have adapter) so I can start from scratch with SPLs, Radios and Images. This is the problem.
I've read you can do it by pressing Alt+X, going into console/terminal and type some commands in. I press Alt+X but nothing happens. I'll tell you what happens when I do other things:
---------
Alt+S= E:Can't mount /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 (or /dev/block/mmcblk0) (Invalid argument)
Can't mount sdcard
Alt+A= <<same thing except for last line:>> E:Can't mount SDCARD:
Move apps+dalvik-cache to SD: Error: run apps2sd via adb
Apply sdcard:update.zip: Can't mount sdcard
Apply sdcard:choose zip: E: CAn't mount SDCARD:
Wipe data/factory reset: Data wipe complete.
Nandroid v2.2 backup: Can't mount sdcard
Nandroid v2.2 restore: Can't mount sdcard, aborting.
Format SD : fat32+ext2+swap: Format complete!
Format SD : fat32: Format complete
Repair ext filesystem: Error : run e2fsck via adb!
Convert ext2 to ext3: Error : run upgrade_fs via adb!
Fix package uid mismatches: Error : run fix_permissions via adb!
-----------
Alrighty. So its royally stuffed up.
Please help! I'm telling myself its not bricked, because it has small but definite programs and calculations running.
It mentions adb, and I have used it in the past to skip through a tutorial (back when you couldn't skip through it) because it needed internet connection and at the time I didnt have data transfer on my SIM, but I did have Wireless. How exactly I did this escapes. Do I need to download anything?
I have no idea if this helps, but I was trying to think of a sort of prize for anybody to help and I have Google Wave invites. Whether thats a big deal or not, I have no idea.
Please help!

Well you can assure yourself that you are not bricked.
First check your SPL and Radio.
If they are:
SPL=1.33.2005
Radio=2.26.19.26I
then your good in that area.
you just need to wipe everything and retry the ROM.
If not then you might want to get the latest stuff and try again that way.

Thanks
Thanks.
But how do I check?
I can't get into the proper Android OS, the three states my phone can be in are:
Off
Stuck on T-Mobile Screen
Recovery Mode
Also, how can I get some new stuff on my SD card if I the only things I have are: the phone described above (i.e. the only workable state being recovery mode), an SD card and a USB cable.
Whats your email so I can send you an invite if you want it?

lachy95 said:
Thanks.
But how do I check?
I can't get into the proper Android OS, the three states my phone can be in are:
Off
Stuck on T-Mobile Screen
Recovery Mode
Also, how can I get some new stuff on my SD card if I the only things I have are: the phone described above (i.e. the only workable state being recovery mode), an SD card and a USB cable.
Whats your email so I can send you an invite if you want it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To see you SPL and Radio do this:
Turn off phone
Hold Home and End Call buttons.
If you see:
Hboot-1.33.2005 or something like that then that means that you have the latest SPL
Radio-2.22.19.26I then you have the latest Radio too.
First we need to check to see what your SPL and radio is before you try to do anything that involves flashing ROMs
What recovery image do you have?

Can't see it
When I press Home + End Call I can see is:
Android System Recovery:
<the options I described before, with their errors>
The above is in green font, the background is black with an HTC logo, at the very bottom is white font that says this:
Build: RAv1.2.1G
Sorry for not replying as fast as could. I mega-ly appreciate this so I'll try to be more vigilant.
I'll look around for other key combos to get some more info.

lachy95 said:
When I press Home + End Call I can see is:
Android System Recovery:
<the options I described before, with their errors>
The above is in green font, the background is black with an HTC logo, at the very bottom is white font that says this:
Build: RAv1.2.1G
Sorry for not replying as fast as could. I mega-ly appreciate this so I'll try to be more vigilant.
I'll look around for other key combos to get some more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I just did that! I pressed back + home and got a white background with three skateboarding androids with this text:
DREAM PVT 32B ENG S-OFF
HBOOT-1.33.2005 (DREA*****)
CPLD-4
RADIO-2.22.19.26I
Apr 20 2009, 15:30:43
CLEARSTORAGE
Delete all user data?
<ACTION> Yes
<POWER> No
--------
Well thats atleast one step we've bypassed. Stay with me here.
Alrighty so I know the Radio and SPL, and apparently they are up to date.
What next?

From your above post, it seems your SDcard is not being read by your phone. Not sure what the issue is there.
But, if you can get it recognized by the phone, try the following:
It seems you have ADB set up, you may be in luck.
Connect the USB cable in recovery and type these commands on cmd prompt in Windows:
adb shell
ums_enable
This should mount your phone to your PC.
You can now move in necessary files to save your phone.
I suggest doing a FULL WIPE, then reflashing a ROM such as CM 4.2.14.1 (latest build).
If that doesn't work, you may have to start over by flashing DREAIMG.nbh (RC29), flashing latest radio, flashing SPL, DON'T REBOOT, then flashing rom RIGHT AFTER SPL.
Good luck, keep us updated.

Nearly There
Ok. So I got adb up and running.
I ran adb devices and it was blank so I followed part 2 of:
<do google search for "the unlockr hot to set up adb usb drivers for android devices>
After reinstalling drivers via USBDeview:
My Device Manager is now registering my phone as the Android Composite ADB Interface, but when I run adb devices it still has a blank list.
Keep in mind I am in recovery mode.
When I try and run adb shell, it errors with 'no device found' so I need to do this devices command successfully.
Does anybody know whats happening?

lachy95 said:
Ok. So I got adb up and running.
I ran adb devices and it was blank so I followed part 2 of:
<do google search for "the unlockr hot to set up adb usb drivers for android devices>
After reinstalling drivers via USBDeview:
My Device Manager is now registering my phone as the Android Composite ADB Interface, but when I run adb devices it still has a blank list.
Keep in mind I am in recovery mode.
When I try and run adb shell, it errors with 'no device found' so I need to do this devices command successfully.
Does anybody know whats happening?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try running it while the Phone is on instead of recovery.

Say run terminal and post the output of:
cat /proc/cmdline
By the way you can still flash images using fastboot mode.

Its stuck
When you say 'on' do you mean on the T-Mobile Screen?

Thanks
Thanks again guys this is really good and I think we're getting close. OK. Here's an update as of right now:
My computer recognizes my phone in T-Mobile Logo, Fastboot (or thing with three skating Androids, Home and Back), and Recovery.
When I cd to my tools folder I can run adb commands but when I run 'adb devices' it shows:
List of devices attached
....
No serial number or anything. I've reinstalled the drivers.
When I do the command 'run terminal' it says 'run' is not recognized as an internal or external command blah blah
This is the same with 'cat /proc/cmdline'
I still can't run terminal with Alt+X in recovery mode (at least, nothing happens)
My phone cannot turn 'on'. It is stuck on the T-Mobile Screen.
What should I do?

lachy95 said:
When you say 'on' do you mean on the T-Mobile Screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normal boot.

That doesn't work.
How can I see it in adb devices?
Argh!
Any ideas just throw them out there.

Have you tried another sdcard? That's the first thing I would try if the phone is complaining about not being able to read it.

Check ur drivers.
sounds like u need to update them.
Try the attachment

Technochris1 said:
Check ur drivers.
sounds like u need to update them.
Try the attachment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works!
Sweet Technochris1, Sweet, sweet person. Thou hath skills and prowess!
I uninstalled the drivers then installed yours. Now adb devices is functioning and sees my device! Now to mount, transfer and fix! I'm indebted to you greatly, for you fixed my phone and everybody else on this thread! Thank you so much.

Please Help- FRF91 unable to root with Superboot! Bricked?

I'm having serious issues with my N1 since receiving it back from HTC for a repair. I had rooted the phone before it was repaired for a crack in the glass, but the repair center had re-locked the bootloader. I followed steps the way I had done before to root my phone and succeeded in re-unlocking bootloader but when I did superboot (using mac terminal) did not come to screen where root permissions were offered... booted phone, no wifi signal, did not recognize sd, very glitchy, unstable and maybe worst of all unable to mount to computer. So I don't know if anyone with this small amount of information would have any clue as to what I can do. Oh yes and when I had gotten my phone back from repair center I had done update to FRF91.. so I know I'm an idiot for trying to use superboot when there isn't one for the FRF91. There you go gentlemen. If someone is willing to help I can provide any other information required.

As long as you can get to your recovery screen, you're not bricked. Most important, are you running a custom recovery like Amon_RA's?
Edit: If you have a stock recovery and want the superuser/unsecured boot use the updates from here
-If you have a custom recover just flash a ROM that includes superuser/unsecured boot
*Always do a Nandroid

I didn't have it before I unlocked my bootloader, and I can't seem to install it considering that every post says you put it on the sd.. and as I said I cant even mount my phone So apparently I'm on stock..

Micro SD adapter?
That does make things interesting, the only thing i can think of is getting a Micro-sd adapter and putting the update on the sd, then place the sd back in your phone and flash.

Thread moved to Q&A.

Can't you adb push the file while in the recovery menu?

I can't flash if I can't mount my sd card right? So that would make the ROM with superuser useless.. Can you think of a way I can get Amon_Ra recovery through bootloader?

I can't flash if I can't mount my sd card right? So that would make the ROM with superuser useless.. Can you think of a way I can get Amon_Ra recovery through bootloader?

I've heard about this but I'm a total n00b, don't know how to..

I was referring to the adb push.. any help with this would be GREATLY appreciated!

ADB method
If you still have the adb ability try fastboot flashing...just follow the steps here

Emul8tor I really appreciate the continuing advice- home from work now.. I can't seem to get adb if i have done everything correctly working on terminal mac os.. have android sdk and i should be running it under sdk/tools dir correct? i type in adb or adb devices and I get adb: command not found..suggestions?

Have you used the adb method before, kinda sounds like you haven't set the PATH for your environment. I don't have any clue about the set-up for Mac, but theres a tutorial here

okay going to read through this again especially part on creating the PATH.. back soon

really don't know what to think I have no idea how to create a .bash profile and I'm not so sure this is why adb isn't working. Thoughts?

and I didn't use the adb method before.. only fastboot

found this by googling, adding tools to your path lets you run Android Debug Bridge (adb) and the other command line tools without needing to supply the full path to the tools directory when typing commands in Terminal

Dude this guy's having the same problem as me, I guarantee you he used the wrong version superboot with FRF91 http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-nexus/127689-please-help.html
I'll bet he can't mount sd card either

Alright I ran adb command but it isn't registering the phone after list of devices attatched. But it did issue a string of commands after so I assume it is working... Now i guess I can say that I am truly scared because my adb doesn't even recognize the device.

Just a hunch...is debugging enabled on your device?

[GUIDE] Turkeys' Ultimate Guide to Root Wildfire v42.1.2 (Easy & Safe!)

Turkeys' ULTIMATE Guide to Rooting v42.1.2
Note: It does not work on 2.2.1 Wildfire's (i.e. - Any bought after Feb - March 2011)
Like this guide? Hit the thanks button at the bottom left of this post
Before You Start
This is a new type of guide, an experiment if you like. The whole point is to get you with a fully functioning, rooted phone. But also to teach you something. Each step first tells you what you're going to do before you do it. By the end not only should you have a rooted phone but you will hopefully have priceless knowlege of how Android works.
Enjoy.
Need Help?
If at any point during this guide you need help, something's gone wrong or you need some extra clarification. Hit the help button.
The help button will link you to the #rootmydroid IRC help chat channel, where you can ask questions or get walked through the whole thing if you really need to. We have experts on hand to help you out.
PLEASE NOTE: At peak times our experts may be busy so please be patient.
So, Mr. Turkeys, what have you got for us today?
Root Guide
Post 1 - Intro
Post 2 - UnrEVOked (Rooting)
Post 3 - Flashing a ROM
Post 4 - Flashing a new Radio
Other Guides
Unroot
A2SD
More Coming Soon... Stay tuned!
So, click a link to the guide you want and get cracking, enjoy!
Donate
Should you feel the crazy need to donate to me, you can do so below.
GBP
EUR
USD

So, you wanna root?
Rooting is not easy like some people make it out to be. All these 1 click Noob-Proof tools can actually go wrong. And they do.
But lets get this clear, IT'S ALMOST impossible to brick. I'd put the odds on about a 99.9% chance you will not brick beyond repair. However, things probably will go wrong, which is why you will need to follow the instructions very carefully.
Pre-Root Info
I want to make sure the rooting process goes well for as many as you as possible, so get ready to read lots of information that will turn you from a Noob into a lean, mean rooting machine.
And for those of you who like to slack off and think "I cba to read all that crap", I've made it so you have to answer a question to get the download links. Aren't I nice. Seriously though, it really will be a lot easier for you if you read all of this, you will thank me for it one day.
Pro users who know what HBOOT is, how to flash a ROM and can use ADB can safely skip this step
Android Glossary
This page is probably the most valuble bit of information you will ever need during your rooted life. Behold, the VillainROM Android Glossary. (Cheers Pulser )
http://bit.ly/9HtICk
Read it. Read it ALL. No questions asking for these terms will be tolerated in this thread and you will be teased so much you will want to die. So please, read it carefully.
Downloads
Now, for the bit you've been dreading. 2 downloads. 2 questions. One answer will link you to the download. The other two will link you to a humorous fail picture. (And for all you sneaky cheaters out there, I've bit.ly'd the links. Take that.)
Question 1 - UnrEVOked download
What do you use to flash a ROM?
A) UnrEVOked
B) ADB
C) Recovery
Question 2 - Other Stuff Download (We may ask you to use this on the help channel)
What is a RUU?
A) A tool to root your phone
B) A tool to return your phone to 'stock' (unroot)
C) A tool to flash a ROM
You can also get countless lulz from adding a + to the end of those links and comparing the wrong answers to the correct ones. Yes people really don't read the information.
OK, I've talked enough now, let's get down to business...

So, hopefully you now know all the terms, which makes my life a lot easier as I don't have to explain everything. Let's begin.
Root Guide - Pt. 2 - UnrEVOked
1) Ensure you have downloaded and extracted the first download in the above post to somewhere you can remember and access easily. For the purpose of this guide, I will refer to that folder as the 'Root Pack'.
Next, we are going to prepare the UnrEVOked program to run. If you are a Windows user, this means installing the drivers, if you use Linux or Mac you just have to run the app as mentioned later. We have to install HTC Sync to get adb drivers and we have to uninstall it again as it interferes with UnrEVOked. The drivers however remain which is why you need to install it.
2) (Windows Only) If you have not already, download HTC Sync and install it. Then uninstall HTC Sync as well as any other software that may interfere such as doubletwist. Next, follow this guide to set up the hacked HBOOT drivers. Make sure you reboot your PC after doing this.
Next, we need to prepare your phone. We will make sure USB Debugging is on as UnrEVOked needs this to send adb commands to the phone. We also need to enable Unknown Sources so that UnrEVOked can push busybox and SuperUser Permissions apps to the phone.
3) With your phone go to Settings > Connect to PC > Default connection type > Charge Only and untick Ask Me. Then go to Settings > Applications > Development > Make sure USB Debugging is ticked. Then go back to Applications and make sure Unknown Sources is ticked.
Next, we're going to run UnrEVOked. What it does is reboot into HBOOT mode, and use an exploit to gain a temporary NAND unlock. Then it uses fastboot to flash a recovery image, and then pushes the su files required for root.
4) WINDOWS USERS: Right click on the 'unrevoked.exe' file (Or something similar) in the Root Pack and click 'Run as Admin' (Not required for XP)
LINUX USERS: Right click the 'ClickHereToRoot.sh' file and UnrEVOked will start. (Make sure you chmod 755'd it first)
MAC USERS:
mattbeef said:
Unrevoked, if your a mac user like myself then drag the app inside the dmg to the desktop and run it from there. Most mac users are lazy and will try to run it from the dmg.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GETTING A MISC RELATED ERROR? See post eight.
Your phone should now reboot and then congratulations! Your phone is rooted. However, the root that UnrEVOked gives you is basic. No ROMs or good stuff. So you must read on to the next post to flash a custom ROM...

Now you've rooted, let's flash a ROM. We will backup all your apps then flash a ROM then restore your apps. Ready?
Pt. 3 - Flashing Your First ROM
**NOTE: You can repeat Pt. 3 every time you want to flash a new ROM or update
Next we're going to download and use Titanium Backup to backup all your apps as we will have to wipe your phone to install the ROM. You can use the same method if you ever want to backup/restore in the future too.
1) Download & Install Titanium Backup from the market. Open it and hit the 'Problems' button to download busybox, a suite of commands for rooted phones.
Then hit menu then batch, and tap the button next to Backup All User Apps + System Data. Let it complete before moving on to the next step.
Next we're going to reboot into recovery mode to flash the ROM. You can use this if you ever need to get into recovery in the future.
2) Turn your phone off and turn it on again holding POWER + VOL DOWN to enter HBOOT mode. Wait a few seconds while it checks for images before using the VOLUME KEYS to scroll and POWER to select Recovery. Your phone will now vibrate and reboot into recovery mode!
Next we're going to do a full backup of your phone using Nandroid. This will backup the entire state of your phone in case you ever
want to go back. You should really do this every time you flash a new ROM.
3) Use the TRACKBALL to scroll down to where it says Backup or Nandroid or Backup / Restore. Then select Backup and wait for it to finish.
Now we need to wipe your phone. Whenever you flash a different ROM you should Always do this, when you are updating the ROM you should check on the release thread for information.
4) If you are not on the Main Menu in recovery, hit back a couple of times to get there. Then, use the TRACKBALL to navigate down to 'Wipe Data / Factory Reset' and accept the scary warning to wipe your phone.
Now we can flash the ROM! Ensure you have downloaded a ROM and it is on the root (Not in any folders) of your SD card. The flashing process may take a few minutes.
5) From the Main Menu, scroll down to and select Install zip from SD Card and then select Choose zip from SD Card then select where you put your ROM and wait for it to complete. Then, select Reboot System Now to reboot into your shiny new ROM!
Your phone will now reboot, it may take a while to reboot as it's rebuilding the Dalvik Cache. If it still doesn't boot up after 10mins, pull the battery and consult the ROM thread for troubleshooting.
Now we're going to restore that Titanium Backup you made before starting Pt. 3. It will restore all your apps back but not system data. (ie Settings) You can use Titanium Backup any time you want to backup/restore your phone.
6) Download & Install Titanium Backup again and tap Menu Button > Batch > Restore Missing apps + data. It should prompt you to reinstall every app again.
--------
Congratulations, you have qualified with a rooted phone from the Turkeh Root School!
(Unless you're reading this without having actually done any of this guide)
So, go off and ask questions, answer questions, and contribute to the community! We'd also really appreciate it if you could hang out in the help channel to help other people trying to root too.
Thanks for rooting! You can also follow some of the other guides to install all apps on the SD card, Unroot & S-OFF

Pt. 4 - Flashing a New Radio
Flashing a Radio
The radio is the lowest part of your phone. (ie It's the very first thing that loads when you turn your phone on.
Most ROMs will have a required radio version, but most will agree that it's best to be on the latest as they often improve battery life etc.
You can downgrade your radio and you can find your radio version by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Information > Baseband Version.
Your ROM should tell you on it's thread what the recommended radio version is, so download it, transfer it to the root of your SD card as you did in Pt. 3 then follow this.
Now we're going to reboot into recovery mode as we did in Pt. 3 to flash the new radio. There is also an app on the market called 'Quick Boot' which you can use to quickly get into recovery. The next step will assume you have this.
1) Open Quick Bootand tap Recovery then tap Allow on the SuperUser permissions prompt.
Note: The SuperUser Permissions app will prompt you whenever an app is requesting to use root. You should look over which app is requesting this before you allow it.
Next, we need to flash the radio. You do this exactly the same way as you flash a ROM, which you did in Pt. 3.
2) Use the same method you flashed the new ROM in Pt. 3 to flash the radio. You do not need to Nandroid backup or wipe to do this, just flash the zip.
Note: Your phone may reboot a couple of times and will show a picture of the Android Robot while it is flashing the radio. It has NOT crashed, it is flashing it. DO NOT pull the battery, it will reboot when it is done.
Your new radio has now flashed!

A2SD
Note: It has come to my attention that doing this with ROM Manager doesn't work most of the time. If you have problems please partition your card another way. (I recommend GParted - There is a Live CD if you don't have Linux)
First, we need to partition your SD card with ROM Manager. This will wipe all the data on your SD card so please backup before continuing.
1) Open ROM Manager (Download it from the Market if you don't have it - Although you will need the Market Mod to show all apps) and press Menu > Manually Override Recovery **Not sure exactly what it says, pls could someone help me out here** Then scroll down to Partition SD Card. Choose the ext size you want for your apps to be installed on, then tap 0 for swap size, then tap OK to reboot into recovery and start partitioning!
Note: While it's partitioning it will show a picture of an Android. You can press (Power?) to see what it's actually doing and if there's any errors.
Now, you need to check the ROM thread for info. Most ROMs activate it automatically when it detects an ext partition on your phone. On some others you need to flash a special update.zip. If you are unsure hit the help button on post 1 and we'll help you out.
Congratulations, you now have Apps2SD! Exactly what you will have (dalvik2sd etc) will vary between ROMs.

Unroot
These RUU programs that you use to unroot are Windows only, but fortunatley I wrote a tool for Linux called OpenRUU so you can flash them on there. If you are a Mac user, take a moment to ask yourself 'Why am I using a Steve Jobs product?' as there is no way for you to run the RUUs.
First, we are going to identify what RUU you need to download and flash then download it. (Bravo is the codename for Desire, all RUUs use this name)
1) Go to shipped-roms.com, click on the Android Robot then click on Buzz. Now, you need to recall what version of Android you were on before you rooted. If you had a carrier supplied device you should also get the one that is applicable, but if you are unsure or your carrier is not listed go for one that says WWE. (World Wide English - All Languages) Or come on our IRC channel for advice.
Note: HTC Sync must be installed before continuing. The next step will also wipe all your apps + settings!
Next we're going to run the RUU, this should take around 5-10mins. DO NOT touch your phone during the flashing process!
2) Double click on the RUU file you downloaded in step 1, read the readme, and click to start the flashing process.
After it's done! Your phone now should be completley back to stock status!
If you get an error during the flashing process, try again and then come on our IRC help channel for assistance if it persists.

Fixing the Annoying unrEVOked Backup CID Missing errors
NEW, EASY METHOD
I managed to find unrEVOked 3.2. If you want to use that as a fast-track then that's fine, but please read the following carefully:
Code:
[B]DISCLAIMER:[/B]
Please be aware that this build was pulled from unrevoked.com because it was not safe.
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!
If it ****s up and you point the finger at me, I will laugh at you.
This is only for 'Backup CID Missing' errors. if you use this on any other type of misc error it might brick.
Download. Run in replace of unrEVOked 3.21 in the standard guide.
You can still use the old, misc editing guide below:
(Guide edited from http://home.kennynet.co.uk/~kenny/bcid-fix.txt to be more noob-friendly)
This fixes:
Backup CID Missing
Unfortunately, because a couple of people corrupted their misc partitions during the testing of unrEVOked 3.2, they brought in a load of stupid, annoying safety features that included checking the misc partition on your phone.
/rant
What is misc?
Misc is a partition on your phone. It holds various switches and stuff, such as your:
Official HTC ROM Version
Your CID (Which tells the phone what carrier/region your phone is)
However, sometimes, the CID is not in misc or your misc is corrupted. This process will add in the CID to misc and reflash misc. (which may fix other misc related errors but probably wont)
Warning! Misc is quite an important part of your phone. If it gets severely corrupted you may loose USB access. Me or anyone on our IRC help channel take no responsibility if you **** up somehow.
This guide is designed for Windoze, Linux users use common sense adapting the instructions and can use a Linux hex editor like ghex. (Works just the same)
Please ensure you have downloaded the other stuff file on the second post before continuing and have extracted it to C:\root.
First, we need to use adb to grab misc off your phone. We will get temporary root then grab misc.
1) Open a command prompt on your computer by going to Start > Run and typing cmd then pressing enter. Now type the following pressing enter on each line. (Make sure your phone is connected and you have the drivers installed.)
Code:
cd \
cd root\adb
adb-windows devices <---- Make sure it finds your phone before continuing
adb-windows shell <----- You should see a $
$ /system/__unrevoked_su <---- Getting temp root
# cat /dev/mtd/mtd0 > /sdcard/misc.img <---- Copying misc to your SD Card
# getprop ro.cid <----- This is your CID. Remember what this says, it should say something like HTC_000 or 1111111 if you have a goldcard
# exit
adb-windows pull /sdcard/misc.img misc.img <---- Getting the misc we copied before
You should now have a file called misc.img in the C:\root\adb folder.
Now come on to the IRC help channel here. We will stick the CID into the misc.img so you can carry on as it really is complicated. You can also post here if nobody is avalible and I will sort it ASAP.
(If you've done hex editing before, all you do is put the CID you got above in at position 0 then add a 00 at the end so the hex string looks something like "48 54 43 5F 5F 30 30 31 00")
Make sure you save the file that we give you back to C:\root\adb overwriting the original misc.img file.
Next we're going to push misc back on to the phone using a similar method to step 1. Have open a command prompt and cd to the correct directory as in step 1 before proceeding.
2) Type the following in the command prompt:
Code:
adb push misc.img /sdcard/new-misc.img <---- Pushing misc back to your SD card
adb-windows shell
$ /system/__unrevoked_su <---- getting temp root again
# /data/local/flash_image misc /sdcard/new-misc.img <---- Using flash_image to flash the new misc
# exit
Now rerun unrEVOked and everything should be as shiny as the plastic Samsung use to make their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Reserved for good measure.

I'm sure this will help many people. Should be sticky'd

HCDR.Jacob said:
I'm sure this will help many people. Should be sticky'd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Idea!!!
For the rru you need to click on the windows mobile section and select buzz NOT bravo

Added A2SD guides, misc fix & unroot guide. Bump to v42.1.2

Many Thanks,
Helps loads confirm my thinking after a couple of days reading, I just have to grow some balls n take the plunge
My main concern is my WF is a UK Voda PAYG which I believe is locked n I'm unsure whether I should get n unlock code before doing anything.
I did read in a Desire thread that updating a stock rom without a sim could unlock, but haven't seen any other refs to unlocking WF other than code.
Note: Unroot section still refers to Desire Bravo not WF Buzz
Thanks agin

PanGalactic said:
Many Thanks,
Helps loads confirm my thinking after a couple of days reading, I just have to grow some balls n take the plunge
My main concern is my WF is a UK Voda PAYG which I believe is locked n I'm unsure whether I should get n unlock code before doing anything.
I did read in a Desire thread that updating a stock rom without a sim could unlock, but haven't seen any other refs to unlocking WF other than code.
Note: Unroot section still refers to Desire Bravo not WF Buzz
Thanks agin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't need to unlock or anything.
Thanks, I'll change that bit now

42turkeys said:
You shouldn't need to unlock or anything.
Thanks, I'll change that bit now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And buzz is under windows mobile for some reason

The guide really great....but the shipped rom website don't have RUU for Buzz

coltrain said:
The guide really great....but the shipped rom website don't have RUU for Buzz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look under windows mobile - who put it there? Those files do work.

This thread still not stickied?

Piece of art already. Should be stickied for sure.

I thought a bit about 'reporting' the thread to make a mod notice it but it said specifically what report was to be used for , so i didn't do it , i guess we'll have to bump it up so it gets stickied. Great post !!

[Q] [UPDATED]some question about signal, contacts and app on sd

Hi to all...
I have a big problem
I have a N1 with froyo 2.2.1
radio rom 05.12.00.08
build frg83D
And I cant' recieve OTA because it said that my version is upgraded....
But this is not the main problem...
I've root the mobile with SuperOneClickRoot and everythings goes fine, I have the icon in the launcher and I have the phone rooted...
I've tried to flash the recovery of amon Ra with the terminal app, and it said that flash_image not found...
So I've tried the ROM Manager and I've installed clockwork...when the yellow status bar finisch it gave me and error that some command cannot be executed with high privileges (or without high privileges I didn't remember the error was in italian language)...
What I have to do? I'm stuck with this phone...maybe rooted but it seems that anythings works on it
Please...
Thanks in advance
EDIT:
Please read THIS for the updated questions
Thanks

RealPsygnosis said:
I've tried to flash the recovery of amon Ra with the terminal app, and it said that flash_image not found...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting.. It's not found? Did you also where did you put the file and what was the command you did? Also.. what instructions did you follow? I'm assuming you typed in "su" as well right?

Try either fixing permissions via ROM Manager, or installing busybox through the Titanium problems menu...

Maybe it's because I've root the phone without installing the SDK but only the driver for nexus?
when I root I see that all adroid driver for windows was installed except the one of nexus...
Can I install SDK and then root again?

Of course it won't allow you to use flash_image - you don't have the executable on your phone.
Please read the proper manual in Wiki under "Installing Recovery image" (link in my signature), and follow the manual step by step.

Just because you have superuser in the app draw does not mean you're rooted.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

New question
I've found out that the problem was that ROM Manager doesn't have the root privileges -.-
So I've installed amonra and cyanogen...
everything is good but I have a really BIG problem
The phone sometimes goes to "only emergency call" also if there are strong signal, maybe it's the Radio? can I re-install it? or can be the sim-card?
Sometime it happen when the phone is for long time stand-by some time random...it's pretty annoying
I've installed Cyanogen mod, the phone is already rooted?
how can I import windows contact to android?
There is a way to config the app I want that can notify me?
Can I install app directly on SD instead of trasfert it after they are installed on the phone memory?
Thanks in advace

1. It's not a radio.
2. Yes.
3. Google can answer that with 1000 guides.
4. Only in the app itself. There is no external control over notifications.
5. There's an option for that in CM. I don't suggest using it or transferring apps to SD that weren't meant to go to SD - since the next question you'll come with would most probably be "Why are my apps/widgets disappearing".

ahahah LOL
thanks, but I didn't understand well the point 5 about the app to sd (why some peole talk about App2SD???)
And if it is not the radio what is it???

There are several options for moving apps to SD. In CM7 they use the default option, existing since Froyo days. This default option has several limitations that you need to know before using it - I wrote them.
The other way is partitioning the SD card, adding another partition to it, and running a special set of system scripts that moves all the apps by default to that partition.
Please read FAQ, question 13, and the thread that it links to.
If it's not radio - it can be your SIM, it can be your signal, it can be your phone, or anything else. The radio is just a SW build, and it works.