Database Develop

Newbie Friendly How To's w/ Instructional Videos

Hello,
Thought I'd share the updated How To's we have up on the site. All complete with easy to follow videos for newbies.
How To Setup ADB -
http://theunlockr.com/2009/10/06/how-to-set-up-adb-usb-drivers-for-android-devices/
How To Load a Theme -
http://theunlockr.com/2009/10/15/how-to-load-a-theme-on-an-android-phone/
How To Flash a New Recovery Image -
http://theunlockr.com/2009/10/15/how-to-flash-a-new-recovery-image-if-you-are-already-rooted/
How To Switch to a Different SD Card (for use with Swap, Hero ROMs, etc.) -
http://theunlockr.com/2009/10/15/ho...-android-when-using-swap-hero-and-or-apps2sd/
How To Backup/Restore Your Android Phone -
http://theunlockr.com/2010/02/06/how-to-backup-and-restore-your-android-phone/
Nexus One How To's -
How To: Root the Nexus One (Updated 01.11.10)
http://theunlockr.com/2010/01/02/how-to-root-the-nexus-one/
How To: Load a Custom ROM on the Nexus One (Updated 1.11.10)
http://theunlockr.com/2010/01/08/how-to-load-a-custom-rom-on-the-nexus-one/
Want HTC Sense UI (HTC Desire ROM) on Your Nexus One? Ok, no problem.
http://theunlockr.com/2010/02/20/want-htc-sense-ui-htc-desire-rom-on-your-nexus-one-ok-no-problem/
Hope these help people! Enjoy!
For a list of all our How To's (w Videos) sorted by Phone go here -
http://theunlockr.com/how-tos/android-how-tos/

very helpful. we should merge with the newbie tutorial

This has been posted before, but still very useful info.

Awesome thanks! A little confusing with so much info all over the place. This sticky will help a bunch of people .

Excellent to have all these in one place, thanks!

I want to say thank you for this! It has helped me a lot.

Beauty!!! Good work!!

Great work, much appreciated. Although, after reading lots and following the forums, I have a few questions:
With the one-click root app listed in the wiki, will I still need to unlock the bootloader to flash a new radio? I'm hearing great things about updating to the new radio but it's also the riskiest thing you can do with the nexus in terms of bricking danger. I'm not a TOTAL newb: I did root and mod my old G1 but the N1 is different in that it cost $350. So the stakes have changed.
I know that it's possible to one-click root and still load CM6, which I plan on doing, but in the CM6 installation instructions, it lists "update radio...if necessary." How do I even know what radio I have or if it needs updating? This all of course without unlocking bootloader, hopefully. I want to keep my warranty; I paid top dollar for this thing!
Put simply, can I update my radio successfully and safely with the "one-click root" method, and if I can't, can I load CM6 without updating the radio.
Thanks so much in advance, and I apologize for being so gun-shy.
By the way, my about phone stats:
Build: FRF91
Kernel 2.6.32.9-27227
Android version 2.2
Love froyo!

how to root N1
hello i need some help how to root my N1

Don't worry, it's easy =].
Download One-Click Root and drop the .apk on your SD card, or email it to yourself. If you go the SD card route, you will need to install ASTRO File Manager to navigate to the root application. Install One-Click Root and run it, it takes about a second and will install BusyBox and Superuser IIRC.
Congrats, you have rooted your phone! You can now install apps that need root, such as Titanium Backup, SetCPU, and many others. Try searching the market for 'Nexus One Root' and check out here for a great list of root apps.
Install ROM Manager from the Market if you want to try out other ROMs. Remember to always make backups!
Have fun!

All these assume Windows, what about OS X and Linux?

Take Apart Videos
What will you do when your phone gets crazy? yes, send the phone back to repair center if it is still under warranty. what if it is out of warranty, and it is so expensive to repair it? or there are just some tiny problems and you just want to fix it by your self? yes, you may feel impulsed to take apart your phone by yourself and figure out what the hell the problem is. if you decide to do this, here are some wonderful take apart videos that may bring you some help. The nexus one take apart video is also included:
globaldirectparts.com/product-p/taprtvdo009.htm

S-Off
Hi,
This is a great sticky to have, but I have noticed it's missing out on something, and I couldn't find that despite using search on the forum. How to gain S-Off on Nexus One? Or is S-Off even required to get write access to /system partition the way it is required on some other Android devices including the Nexus One clone HTC Desire?

Rooting for Mac Users
I was also wondering about how to root if you have a Mac. Everything I see is for someone running windows and now that 2.2.1 is out the one click apps do not work. Advice?

Changing Splash Screen
Hi,
I wanted to change the default 'X' splash screen on nexus one. I had read that S-Off is necessary for that but I am not able to find a method that works for nexus one, can someone please help?
Thanks

followed all the steps to root the nexus one and then go to the last step which is to install the .bat file.... the command prompt pulls up and says <waiting for device> it says its unlocked but the apps needing root privileges says the device isnt rooted could someone please help me!?
i am running off the manual 2.3.3 update if that matters.

thanks for the info helped me alot.

This is outdated. I have Android OS 2.3.4 and from what I have read around root is only possible when downgraded. Please post a new video showing how to root N1 with 2.3.4.
Oh and try to keep the music on the low this time?

Does my Nexus One need to be S-OFF?
I am in the process of trying to install a new ROM (Cyanogen).
My N1 is unlocked and rooted. But I cant seem to get far. My research & understanding is that I need S-OFF
Currently it is -- NEXUSONE PVT SHIP S-ON
This article doesnt concur http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=700673
(now closed so I can't continue this thread)
I am now using ROM Manager premium but still cant get a new ROM installed.
Help?

The N1 is different from most phones. S-OFF is not needed to make the necessary changes to flash the bootloader, radio, recovery, or the system partition. So continue on with the next steps (which is to probably flash a custom recovery, then boot into that and flash CM and gapps).
If you stick with ROM Manager, flash the custom recovery, and then reboot and make sure it is there... then boot back into Android and use ROM Manager to flash CM (make sure you check the gapps box).

[Q] [N00B] Figuring out which mods my G1 has?

Greetings, all. I'm just moving into the Android scene from some dark and lonely years using WinMo/iOS. Since I'm cheap, I bought a used G1 that was already rooted, figuring I could figure it out (did my time jailbreaking iOS and modding WinMo). Well, apparently I'm a worse noob than I'd thought....
Here's what I'm finding:
Firmware Version: 2.1-update 1
Baseband Version: 62.505.20.17U_2.22.19.261
Kernel Version: 2.6.29.6-wg ctso#h0meb0x #2
Mod Version: OpenEclair-v1.2.1 BACONWEAVE
Build number: openeclair_dream_sapphire_us-eng 2.1-update1 ERE27 eng
From the Recovery Mode: CyanogenMod v1.4 + JF
I've tried searching XDA, but honestly, it confused me even more. From what I've found, I should be on at least CyanogenMod v4 to be running Eclair (2.1)? And the guy I bought it from must have been running an older ROM, as WiFi doesn't work and Android Marketplace don't show up.
If anyone could give me a few pointers on where to start, I'd greatly appreciate it. I feel pretty confident that I'll pick up Android pretty quick, just a big change from iOS/WinMo. Again, sorry for this probably being a repeat article, but the search tool has been more confusing that helpful to me here (unlike most forums).

The easiest thing for you to do is to flash a new rom onto you phone I'm using the new super e rom and have had no problem with it, you will have to do a seperate zip download for the marketplace with this rom, which is found on page 86 of this roms post, if your wanting to wifi the apk can be found in the rom bible in the development section as well, power on your g1 holding the power and home button go to the home section and WIPE EVERYTHING not doing so will cause problems, then install the rom reboot then power off and back into the same mode, and flash the gapps zip this will get you up to date
Sent from my HTC Dream using XDA App

So just to make sure I completely understand, I'm not going to need to touch the SPL or Radio or anything like that, right? Just wipe, then run the ROM for the saved .zip file?
Thanks for the quick response!

If ur not sure what spl or radio u have its best to get the most up to date ones, theunlockr.com has the easiest way to get the most up to date and walks you through step by step just click the how to tab, but when it comes to roms this site is by far the best
Sent from my HTC Dream using XDA App

If your going to replace everything then partition the sdard ext upgrade the exts install in order with reboots between, radio, spl, then rom, (if you beed more detail just ask I'm not sure how new you are to this) then once u install the gapps u will be asked to sign into google, if you haven't done this before then you will not have your contacts so be sure to write them down or something before wiping (sorry forgot about this earlier
Sent from my HTC Dream using XDA App

Haha, I was just watching their videos. Thanks for the help, I think my plan will be to wipe my phone then go their route. Does super E work with their system, by the way? I'm still trying to figure out the difference between "Danger SPL" (required for super e) and their method...
Also, since I can already get to root, can I just save a .zip'd ROM to my SD card, wipe the phone, and then install it? Or if I need to go through their steps, do I need to un-root my phone, and then do their "One-Click Root" method?
Thanks again, you're the best!

I would not recommend danger spl due to the risk of bricking your device just stick with the hard spl they provide it runs just fine on the super e
Sent from my HTC Dream using XDA App

You don't need the whole root method just use they're how to load a custom rom it gives you the latest spl and radio but yes save all three straight onto the sdcard after partitioning it
Sent from my HTC Dream using XDA App

In the future yes you can just wipe and flash but this ensures ur up to date with everything else, I'm calling it a night, post a update so we can see how it worked for you
Sent from my HTC Dream using XDA App

Walking my brother through rooting, need some help going forward

I'm on the Evo now but my lil bro has a Hero and wants to root. I rooted my Hero back in February and I just don't remember what is necessary. From my RSS feeds I heard about the "universal androot apk" from http://software2tech.com/2010/08/29...6-2-beta-5released-and-available-for-download
So he did that and he rebooted phone, all is normal. I told him to download busybox to test and it says he's rooted but NAND is not unlocked (tells me its just a partial root). How can I get him to a full root?
Also, I should probably know this by now, but can he flash Fresh2.4 without NAND unlocked?

here ya go...
NO @ partial root... and...
from CyanogenMOD Wiki...
It has been verified that the HTC Hero CDMA can be rooted using the Universal Androot method. This seems to work reliably if your Hero is running 2.27.651.5; however some users have reported problems with later releases of the software (2.27.651.6 and 2.27.651.7). In these cases you may need to revert back to the original 2.27.651.5 from Sprint -- this is the initial release of the Android 2.1 software for the Hero.
If you need to downgrade your phone from the .6 or .7 variations use the following steps (reference: theunlockr):
Locate the original Android 2.1 software released by Sprint. A google search using the terms: "RUU" and "2.27.651.5" should lead you in the correct direction. Download this software to your desktop/laptop computer.
Download and install HTC Sync on your computer.
Connect your Hero Handset to your computer using a USB cable (make sure your handset is at least 75% charged).
Run the 2.27.651.5 RUU on your computer. It will flash and update your handset with the original Android 2.1.
The steps in the Universal Androot should now work.
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Full_Update_Guide_-_Sprint_Hero_with_Android_2.1

cabbieBot said:
I'm on the Evo now but my lil bro has a Hero and wants to root. I rooted my Hero back in February and I just don't remember what is necessary. From my RSS feeds I heard about the "universal androot apk" from http://software2tech.com/2010/08/29...6-2-beta-5released-and-available-for-download
So he did that and he rebooted phone, all is normal. I told him to download busybox to test and it says he's rooted but NAND is not unlocked (tells me its just a partial root). How can I get him to a full root?
Also, I should probably know this by now, but can he flash Fresh2.4 without NAND unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to flash custom recovery easiest way to do that is d/l rom manager from the market and flash it using that. So while your phone is rooted you just don't have a custom recovery.
The partial root is odd since I had never heard it before until hitting up the Evo forum since most of us on the Heros were able to root are phone and flash a custom recovery in a couple of steps I think the Evo first rooting method only allowed rooting but didn't allow for a custom recovery to be added until about a month after it was out, you still see alot fo the rooting method where you have to root the evo and the unlock nand. So technically it is fully rooted but only partially unlocked ( when people wer say half root I was like theres only rooted and not no such thing as half)

Google SuperOneClick. It works per the latest .7 update. Really good, and really easy.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

Root HowTo Samsung Captivate

Hi folks. New member. Also a new owner of Samsung Captivate. I just bought it yesterday. My provider is AT&T.
I want to root it so I can tether, ssh, etc?
However, I've see few posts related to Captivate and only one thread got answered. So is rooting Captivate unreliable?
I also couldn't find the root HOWTO for gaining root access on a Samsung Captivate. Can anyone please help?
Thanks,
Neil

Same here, new device, can run sw to root phone but does not work -> Failure To Root -- read below ->
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A little new to this but the ATT Captivate does not do much after rooting the device.
I ran the Captivate One Click Root program, and it did indeed install the files and after selecting the volume down arrow the device reboots.
The Superuser Icon is there under applications, but if I put any APK on the device or pull one from other markets it is still blocked from installing.
Two problems:
When selecting the superuser icon the program launches but nothing displays.
Running any other apk displays the message "Install Blocked for security, your phone is set to block installation of applications not sourced in Android Market." [arguhhhh!]
I am sure others will run into this. I just picked up this device and can forge some ground if anyone has suggestions on how to proceed next ???

Need to enable side-loading. But it's been so long since I've enabled it on a "stock" ROM I forgot how

use SuperOneClick to enable non market apps

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
I used CLShortFuse's app here - worked beautifully - thanks dood

The Captivate FAQ has your answers:
http://capfaq.com/w/Root

Samsung Captivate
Hi guys,
I'm new to Android, and had a Samsung Captivate from my carrier Rogers Canada. I have updated it to Froyo 2.2, and everything is working fine for 3 weeks now (although I have At&T crap apps, and AT&T home screen when I reboot it. I wanna root it to do the following changes/updates:
1- Install another fonts/languages
2- Remove AT&T aapps
3- Fix GPS
any opinions on how? remember I run Froyo 2.2 and I can't see the SuperOneClick app on Android Market.
Thanks

horoscope55 said:
Hi guys,
I'm new to Android, and had a Samsung Captivate from my carrier Rogers Canada. I have updated it to Froyo 2.2, and everything is working fine for 3 weeks now (although I have At&T crap apps, and AT&T home screen when I reboot it. I wanna root it to do the following changes/updates:
1- Install another fonts/languages
2- Remove AT&T aapps
3- Fix GPS
Best thing you can do to this phone is put on custom roms. They have all that.
any opinions on how? remember I run Froyo 2.2 and I can't see the SuperOneClick app on Android Market.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Thanks man for prompt response but how to do it with custom roms ? .....

horoscope55 said:
Thanks man for prompt response but how to do it with custom roms ? .....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CUSTOM roms are already rooted. it sounds like you are on the leaked FroYo rom and not a custom.
this page (read carefully) will root you, enable sideloading, and allow you to remove ATT apps.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=797397
there is also the superoneclick.... IT IS NOT IN THE MARKET. it is a download on these forums. it is something you run from your PC

Thanks a lot guys ... you're so helpful. I will try to do it when I get some free time... by the way Pirateghost is there any way to change my froyo to CUSOM roms instead of the leaked froyo?

[Q] Updated cdma hero rooting help?

I'm pretty new to this stuff so i went for the easiest and fastest way to root, the universal android root.
I tried it and it wont root it. Ive been reading and im guessing its because my hero is at the newest update.
Firmware version: 2.1-update1
Software number: 2.32.651.2
any solutions? or other legit methods?
pm me or post
anything helps
thanks

That version has been rootable for a long time. There is a method here. Can't link since I'm mobile, but the intro threads should have directions in them; or the Wiki for that matter.
Check them out! They're full of good info.

This solution is reported to work for 2.32.651.2:
One click Root APK for CDMA Hero

Search for super one click. I use it on mine when I want to start fresh. It works on the newest update. But you do need windows sdk installed.

HELP! Im confused..Sprint Hero 2.1update
Ive been looking through these threads for a couple hours now and I cannot seem to find any of them that apply to my phone. I have a different build number and all of that. My phone is running super slow and about to bounce off a wall. I am looking to root but I have no clue what all I need to do with the different ROMS and everything to speed it up. Any ideas everyone?
Sprint Hero
baseband version 2.42.02.10.29
Build number 2.32.651.2 CL282911 release-keys
Software Number 2.32.651.2
Any Ideas would be GREAT!!! Thanks

I am having the same issue. I did get it rooted with SuperOneClickv1.7-shortfuse.zip file. However, I'm not sure where to go from here. This is a lot more complicated than it was to root and upgrade my Moment to Froyo. I'm now working on my husband's HTC Hero CDMA build number is 2.32.651.2, Sprint release Android 2.1-1 update. I want to do a nandroid backup from what I understand (no clue how to do this!) and then flash a 2.2 or even 2.3 custom ROM to the phone after wiping some files? I have this process down on the Moment, but the Hero is completely different and I'm lost.
I have ASTRO file manager installed and under apps after using the SuperOneClick, I do see SuperUser. I was thinking I wanted to update to the CM 6.1 ROM for now, until the newer systems are completely stable and up-to-date... but I have no clue where to go from here as most directions I've found don't apply to this build. Since I'm 6 months pregnant and off of work until after baby gets here, I have most of the day to tinker with it, when not chasing a rowdy 3.5 year old around the house. Just need some guidance.
Attached is the ZIP file for SuperOneClick

T3chnologicallyChallenged said:
I am having the same issue. I did get it rooted with SuperOneClickv1.7-shortfuse.zip file. However, I'm not sure where to go from here. This is a lot more complicated than it was to root and upgrade my Moment to Froyo. I'm now working on my husband's HTC Hero CDMA build number is 2.32.651.2, Sprint release Android 2.1-1 update. I want to do a nandroid backup from what I understand (no clue how to do this!) and then flash a 2.2 or even 2.3 custom ROM to the phone after wiping some files? I have this process down on the Moment, but the Hero is completely different and I'm lost.
I have ASTRO file manager installed and under apps after using the SuperOneClick, I do see SuperUser. I was thinking I wanted to update to the CM 6.1 ROM for now, until the newer systems are completely stable and up-to-date... but I have no clue where to go from here as most directions I've found don't apply to this build. Since I'm 6 months pregnant and off of work until after baby gets here, I have most of the day to tinker with it, when not chasing a rowdy 3.5 year old around the house. Just need some guidance.
Attached is the ZIP file for SuperOneClick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need a custom recovery installed to nand and flash. Rom manager is the easiest way to install recovery. Once you have that, backup, wipe data, cache, and dalvik, install rom zip just like on the moment. Also to get to recovery, hold down home then power.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA Premium App

I'll try that this evening when my husband comes home with his cell. I have a recovery file on the SD that I put there via Windows (recovery-RA-heroc-v1.2.3). Is this a good one to use? I'll download ROM manager onto the phone this evening and go from there. Or, if updating to CM 6.1 should I just flash that with the ROM manager?

T3chnologicallyChallenged said:
I'll try that this evening when my husband comes home with his cell. I have a recovery file on the SD that I put there via Windows (recovery-RA-heroc-v1.2.3). Is this a good one to use? I'll download ROM manager onto the phone this evening and go from there. Or, if updating to CM 6.1 should I just flash that with the ROM manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an older version. You can flash that way. I prefer to go into recovery to flash. Better luck that way for me. At least you don't have to run the updater to have factory to flash like the moment. You do need to nand restore to a sense rom to update profile and PRL though, and then nand back to CM.

CM has a great guide on their wiki... http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=HTC_Desire_(CDMA):_Full_Update_Guide