Database Develop

a little nervous to rrot

First of all I'd like to apologize because I'm sure this has been covered already but I just feel more comfortable asking myself.
I have had my g1 for a couple of months now and I'm starting to get all itchy for root for all the obvious reasons. I hoping someone can answer some questions or point me in the right direction.
I have ota CRB43 build on my phone. I see LOTS of different instructions for rooting.. I'm wondering what one I should go by. I also notice some people say to take out the SD card instead of mounting to prevent possibly bricking your phone... should I do that or is it better to mount with the usb? And after following whatever instructions is there anything else necessary to do?
I was also interested in what themes people are using. Can I jump right into that after rooting or is there something else I will need to do. Any links for themes you are using would be great also.
Thanks so much… I really appreciate it.. Thought I had more questions.. If I remember anything else I’ll update.

I used Gizmodo's guide - very simple and clear.
http://gizmodo.com/5146797/how-to-hack-android-for-multitouch-web-browsing-on-the-t+mobile-g1
If you follow it step-by-step you'll wind up with an old build, but you'll have root and be ready to step up to any new build. New builds are easy once you've rooted - rename to update.zip and flash using recovery (explained in the guide above).
You'll also want to get the newest radio (after rooting per directions above) - Download the ota-radio-2_22_19_26I.zip file from http://www.htc.com/www/support/android/adp.html#s3 -- Rename to update.zip and flash as usual.
And I had absolutely no problems mounting the SD Card via the phone itself. Just make sure you cleanly eject the card from your PC every time, to avoid corruption.
And let me suggest CyanogenMod for your build.. Simply the fastest and most stable Android build out there - "official" firmware included.

Thanks a lot for your response! It was helpful and I checked out your link.. I was looking at -
http://androidsocialmedia.com/root-access/android-g1-root-access-why-how
originally, but I think they look similar. Thanks for the radio info as well.. anything else besides that I'll need to update?
let me ask one more thing- what's the difference between CyanogenMod and the others available?
thanks again for your help!

sole3s said:
Thanks for the radio info as well.. anything else besides that I'll need to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I did skip the SPL - Some ROMS require a different SPL (Secondary Program Loader/Launcher, I think..) to free up additional space on the device. Mostly the Hero based ROMs. I haven't touched any of those, need someone else to help there.
sole3s said:
let me ask one more thing- what's the difference between CyanogenMod and the others available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogen is tweaking the heck out of Android - endlessly enhancing it for performance and stability. Cyanogen has a few visual tweaks but mostly it looks like stock Android with all the improvements under the hood.
The other builds.. Mostly visual, in my opinion. They all have fans though, check out the threads under Development for more details. Also, the Android ROM Database - http://www.simonwalkerphotos.com/android/android_build_information.asp

Dude, thanks so much for all this info.. http://www.simonwalkerphotos.com/and...nformation.asp was really helpful.
last question I'm gonna ask.. if i hard reset do is it going to unroot my phone?
Again.. you were really helpful! I appreciate it so much!

Nope it will not unroot you're phone

No, you'll just go back to a fresh version of whatever ROM you have installed. However, some ROMs (Like Cyanogen) put some apps in the /data folder, so a wipe could break the ROM. Typically it is better to flash after a wipe. But you won't loose root either way.

Only way I know how to loose root is to flash a none rooted ROM.
The only thing I would do is avoid the DangerSPL until you either need it or know what you are doing. Otherwise its pretty much hard to brick your phone unless your trying to with a low battery.

I'd just like to take a second to thank everyone for their help, especially Saiboogu. Like I said in the first post, I'm sure this stuff was covered somewhere but this really made me feel a bit more confident. Thanks for not flaming me... I'm actually a bit surprised at the friendly responses... again thanks everyone.
Most likely I'll be able to get around to rooting on monday or tuesday.. I'll post updates just for the fun of it.
Take it easy guys

Lol well you posted it in the right section. Of course you are going to get help

What alritewhadeva said .. You ask in the right place, we'll help. You're off to a good start.

Rooting - I'm sorry

First post!
Hi guys, I'm making this thread after fiddling around with the search for a while because I don't know exactly what to search for to get the answers to the questions I need answered. If anyone could link me to a thread containing these answers, I'd be eternally grateful. Please don't be mad, I'm sure the regulars have answered these a thousand times.
I live in Brazil and got my N1 through an american friend.
1- Can I root a N1 running Froyo (FRF91)?
2- If I root my phone, will I have access to paid apps? Do I pay for them with my google account somehow?
3- Will rooting my N1 screw up my ability to call folks?
4- Is there any reason to root a froyo N1? (I've been told Cyanogen's mod of 2.1 was a billion times better than the default one, but I don't think there's a 2.2 build)
Again, Sorry if these were answered somewhere else. In that case, please link me and I'll be quiet
Edit - Ugh, there's a Q&A subforum. Way to go, me.

1. Yes, I'm sure you can, but maybe not yet with the method that doesn't unlock the bootloader.
2. Yes, with MarketEnabler. You pay with a Google Checkout account.
3. No.
4. When CyanogenMod 6 comes out, for sure. Right now I have CM5.08 (2.1) and Froyo FRF83 on my N1 and I prefer Froyo to be honest. But CM6 will have 720P recording and other cool stuff.

arkain123 said:
First post!
Hi guys, I'm making this thread after fiddling around with the search for a while because I don't know exactly what to search for to get the answers to the questions I need answered. If anyone could link me to a thread containing these answers, I'd be eternally grateful. Please don't be mad, I'm sure the regulars have answered these a thousand times.
I live in Brazil and got my N1 through an american friend.
1- Can I root a N1 running Froyo (FRF91)?
2- If I root my phone, will I have access to paid apps? Do I pay for them with my google account somehow?
3- Will rooting my N1 screw up my ability to call folks?
4- Is there any reason to root a froyo N1? (I've been told Cyanogen's mod of 2.1 was a billion times better than the default one, but I don't think there's a 2.2 build)
Again, Sorry if these were answered somewhere else. In that case, please link me and I'll be quiet
Edit - Ugh, there's a Q&A subforum. Way to go, me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. you can but you may have to downgrade your rom using the PASSIMG.zip method
2. Yes, you can use google checkout
3. No
4. You can theme your phone, flash custom roms, block ads on your phone, use root enabled apps, etc

some good questions and answers here! gonna bookmark this

Thank you so much, guys.

flybyme said:
1. you can but you may have to downgrade your rom using the PASSIMG.zip method
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can this method above be used without having having to cut the battery with a razerblade?
I want to root but without unlock bootloader to keep warranty intact.

Bjur said:
Can this method above be used without having having to cut the battery with a razerblade?
I want to root but without unlock bootloader to keep warranty intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well imo cutting that small tab on the battery is very easy to do and in no way affects vital battery operation. its just a separate piece of plastic.
however, some members have managed to force their sdcard in without cutting the tab, but that may cause more damage than cutting the battery if something goes wrong.
you can also either get a spare battery that doesnt have the tab or a class 6 transcend 4gb microsd.
there arent to many viable options im afraid, but the piece you cut off the battery is not really even a part of the battery. i think its just there to ensure the sd remains secure during operation

Okay thanks for the elaborating answer. I have been considering root for a long time, but the thing that will make me root right away was if FM was working, and perhaps 720p, but with the new Froyo I haven't seen arguments that should make me use costum rom yet, but if there's someone that can tell me otherwise, I would like to know

I hv been thinking about rooting for long time as well.
Currently I m on FRF91 stock, I hv read the posts in dev section and it seems the only way now is to downgrade first then upgrade afterwards. And there are so many different combination of kernels, tools, etc. which bloated my head. And in different tutorials I read ppl facing different issues. Cutting the plastic part of the battery is another obstacle (for my mind) to overcome. In some tutorials, however, I don't see this particular step as necessary, e.g.:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710351
So for now, I will keep reading and probably wait for a new tutorial for rooting stock frf91 without touching the bootlocker, and without issues...

lou2s said:
I hv been thinking about rooting for long time as well.
Currently I m on FRF91 stock, I hv read the posts in dev section and it seems the only way now is to downgrade first then upgrade afterwards. And there are so many different combination of kernels, tools, etc. which bloated my head. And in different tutorials I read ppl facing different issues. Cutting the plastic part of the battery is another obstacle (for my mind) to overcome. In some tutorials, however, I don't see this particular step as necessary, e.g.:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710351
So for now, I will keep reading and probably wait for a new tutorial for rooting stock frf91 without touching the bootlocker, and without issues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you can avoid cutting the battery if you can see your phone through ADB while in recovery. That is the most difficult part of the whole process. The rest of it is easy and takes less than 2 minutes.
If your phone shows up in adb while in recovery, your pretty much good to go. As for rooting, you really dont need to mess with any kernels or roms. You can stay stock and rooted. Thats what ive done (though i plan on moving to other roms soon enough)
The workarounds and problems for the root method without unlocking bootloader all stem from seeing your phone in recovery and the SD is what plays the major role. All other problems are because of circumstances of people not following directions or flukes.

So according to the sticky: forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710842
The very 1st step is:
- Extract the files within "ROOT_FRF83.zip" into the "tools" directory of the extracted SDK package
While I m already on FRF91, this sounds like I m going to push something older to my phone. Am I correct?
(I stay in this thread for a reason, I m a noob in rooting )
Thanks!

well, i updated a stock european rom (EPF30)
unlocked the bootloader and was rooted. Glad
after downgrading to firmware ERD79 still rootacces
then i received by OTA build FRF91
installed without problems.
butt, no rootacces now.
searched for a working superboot for FRF91. No succes at the moment
For me it is not clear how to get full acces. ?

flybyme said:
well imo cutting that small tab on the battery is very easy to do and in no way affects vital battery operation. its just a separate piece of plastic.
however, some members have managed to force their sdcard in without cutting the tab, but that may cause more damage than cutting the battery if something goes wrong.
you can also either get a spare battery that doesnt have the tab or a class 6 transcend 4gb microsd.
there arent to many viable options im afraid, but the piece you cut off the battery is not really even a part of the battery. i think its just there to ensure the sd remains secure during operation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cut my battery to root my phone, and the amount you have to remove is really negligible. I don't think it even makes a difference to the security of fit of the SD card. I can get the card in, but I can't get it out with the battery in

lou2s said:
So according to the sticky: forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710842
The very 1st step is:
- Extract the files within "ROOT_FRF83.zip" into the "tools" directory of the extracted SDK package
While I m already on FRF91, this sounds like I m going to push something older to my phone. Am I correct?
(I stay in this thread for a reason, I m a noob in rooting )
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the requirements for that guide state, you must have an N1 at FRF85B or lower. It doesn't work on FRF91.
- Stuck on FRF91? Use THIS to downgrade to EPE76, then use my links to upgrade to FRF85B, FRF83, or FRF72 to complete the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Is cyanogenmod 6 rc2 radio upgrade important to flash

Hi all.
I had recently flashed cm6 rc2 without the radio via rom manager comming straight from froyo. While using the ROM today, I noticed a lot of processes crashed all at once including acore.
When I rebooted, I was stuck in a boot loop. I wiped stuff and did a nandroid restore to get back to my stock froyo, just fine.
Was it the radio that caused it (edit: seems like rom manager may have snuck it in). Since I flashed cm6 from ROM manager, I thought it would prompt me if I needed the radio. What went wrong?

The radio on the first post of the CM6 RC2 thread is the required radio and must be flashed separately if you are not already using that radio. If you are on stock froyo you most likely are.
Radio Firmware: 4.0.6.00.12_7 (FROYO RADIO, REQUIRED!)
Check this by going to: Settings - About Phone - Baseband version
If you are not on the correct radio you can flash by downloading the zip on the first page of the CM thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=722798
If you update again try wiping and a reboot into the mod before your nand restore. Some common issues/fixes are in the link below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7418214&postcount=2055
Good luck to you.

Please read the instructions next time instead of posting a new topic.
Edit: Actually, after reading your other post, I'd say, stop what you're doing, reflash to stock, and please don't do anything more. I can see you'll be a headache for all the other users in the future as you refuse to read first then ask questions. Everything you need to know is in the first post of the CM6 RC2 thread and the wiki that is linked within that post. If you can't handle that much, please do us all a favor and don't flash custom roms.

I'm waiting for the "My phone iz bricked now" thread to arise...In the right forum next time I hope!
It's lame topics like this that get budding roms pushed to the back of the list.
chesh is right though, you need to learn by reading first. The search button is your friend.

chesh420 said:
Please read the instructions next time instead of posting a new topic.
Edit: Actually, after reading your other post, I'd say, stop what you're doing, reflash to stock, and please don't do anything more. I can see you'll be a headache for all the other users in the future as you refuse to read first then ask questions. Everything you need to know is in the first post of the CM6 RC2 thread and the wiki that is linked within that post. If you can't handle that much, please do us all a favor and don't flash custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind you. I read those instructions 1 million times. I chose not to flash it because a website said you only need it if you are comming from froyo. I had also seen a video of someone running cm6 without the radio. So I thought I was fine

jrmurph said:
The radio on the first post of the CM6 RC2 thread is the required radio and must be flashed separately if you are not already using that radio. If you are on stock froyo you most likely are.
Radio Firmware: 4.0.6.00.12_7 (FROYO RADIO, REQUIRED!)
Check this by going to: Settings - About Phone - Baseband version
If you are not on the correct radio you can flash by downloading the zip on the first page of the
If you update again try wiping and a reboot into the mod before your nand restore. Some common issues/fixes are in the link below.
Good luck to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you saying that the 4.0.6.00.12_7 is the radio needed to use cm6 or does it mean I need to flash the radio

GlobaL_TroTTer said:
So are you saying that the 4.0.6.00.12_7 is the radio needed to use cm6 or does it mean I need to flash the radio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.0.6.00.12_7 is the Froyo radio that is required for using CM6 or Froyo roms. Froyo will work with the earlier radio, but you'll have issues with camera, video camera, MMS, SMS, and a whole slew of other things. There is another radio floating about that's from the Korean version of the Nexus Ones, and has a higher version then the initial Froyo radio, but at this time, doesn't seem to change anything. So, the way you check which radio you already have (as most Froyo roms don't come with the radio, you're required to flash it on your own) is to go into Settings -> About Phone and check what version of the radio you have listed in there. If it is anything other then the above version, then flash the above version.
Follow this guide to the "T" and you won't have any issues. And, BTW: this guide is linked in Cyanogen's original post in the CM6 RC2 thread. (Please visit the CyanogenMod Wiki for step-by-step installation walkthroughs and tons of other useful information.) http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Full_Update_Guide_-_Nexus_One

Strangely enough, i have that radio even though i didn't flash it. is it possible it came from rom manager when i installed cm6 or could it have been there when i got froyo

chesh420 said:
4.0.6.00.12_7 is the Froyo radio that is required for using CM6 or Froyo roms. Froyo will work with the earlier radio, but you'll have issues with camera, video camera, MMS, SMS, and a whole slew of other things. There is another radio floating about that's from the Korean version of the Nexus Ones, and has a higher version then the initial Froyo radio, but at this time, doesn't seem to change anything. So, the way you check which radio you already have (as most Froyo roms don't come with the radio, you're required to flash it on your own) is to go into Settings -> About Phone and check what version of the radio you have listed in there. If it is anything other then the above version, then flash the above version.
Follow this guide to the "T" and you won't have any issues. And, BTW: this guide is linked in Cyanogen's original post in the CM6 RC2 thread. (Please visit the CyanogenMod Wiki for step-by-step installation walkthroughs and tons of other useful information.) http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Full_Update_Guide_-_Nexus_One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
turns out i have the radio, even though i didnt flash it (unless its not the baseband you mean) i think rom manager snuck it in- could this be possible

if you flashed froyo previously then the radio got updated with that full ROM.

one more thing, for some reason the clockwork recovery keeps dissapearing. it changes to an exclamation mark in a white triangle with a mini green android. it just dosent like me!

Once again, see my previous post where I linked you to the Cyanogen Wiki with complete, step-by-step instructions of how to install all of this manually. I would suggest the manual route, as it seems you need the practice with the commands.

chesh420 said:
Once again, see my previous post where I linked you to the Cyanogen Wiki with complete, step-by-step instructions of how to install all of this manually. I would suggest the manual route, as it seems you need the practice with the commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what im saying is that every recovery image i use disappears after i have been in the recovery image more than once Even Amon ra's recovery!

Which means you haven't done some part of the process right. I remember hearing about this once before. Just start from the very beginning of those instructions (including unlocking bootloader). Not going to harm anything if it's already been done.

chesh420 said:
Which means you haven't done some part of the process right. I remember hearing about this once before. Just start from the very beginning of those instructions (including unlocking bootloader). Not going to harm anything if it's already been done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure. I searched slot and I didn't find anything about recovery images reseting. I am in need of help.
One thing about the rooting process, all I did was unlock the bootloader and install su permissions. It's hard to find detailed and I mean detailed instructions on rooting a nexus one and installing a recovery image.

do a wipe
i did everything again except unlock the bootloader again because i am not sure of the result of that if you have already done it. do you think a factory restore would do the trick in setting or do i need to http://forums.t-mobile.com/t5/Opera...-Nexus-One-to-shipping-Rom/m-p/292051#U292051

Did you do all the steps in the Cyanogen wiki that I linked you, exactly as they were? Because, if you did, you wouldn't still be having a problem. See, this is what I'm saying, you keep on posting, but you don't want to follow any instructions. Why don't you follow that t-mobile guide, and give up on installing custom roms.
And, are you saying this isn't detailed enough?? http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Full_Update_Guide_-_Nexus_One
Or how about some video's in the sticky at the top of this forum? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=705460
Or, how about these: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nexus_One/Guides_&_Tutorials
I mean, I found all of those in the last 45 seconds. Come on man. You obviously just can't follow instructions. What you need is the 5yr old from down the block that keeps beating your a$$ at MW2 to do it for you.

why dont you post a video showing exactly what happens. show it booting into recovery, then trying again and recovery disappearing.

Would just let everyone know I fixed it. I've been reading alot and now allmost fully understand the rooting and flashing side of android. Sorry for this noobish post. Will never happen again
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

chesh420 said:
Did you do all the steps in the Cyanogen wiki that I linked you, exactly as they were? Because, if you did, you wouldn't still be having a problem. See, this is what I'm saying, you keep on posting, but you don't want to follow any instructions. Why don't you follow that t-mobile guide, and give up on installing custom roms.
And, are you saying this isn't detailed enough?? http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Full_Update_Guide_-_Nexus_One
Or how about some video's in the sticky at the top of this forum? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=705460
Or, how about these: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nexus_One/Guides_&_Tutorials
I mean, I found all of those in the last 45 seconds. Come on man. You obviously just can't follow instructions. What you need is the 5yr old from down the block that keeps beating your a$$ at MW2 to do it for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fixed it differently from how you said I should do it even though I tried to do what you said.
Also. I OWN at WW2... you have no idea. Being cocky doesn't fix anything.
Also I know how it feels when there is a new generation of android hackers joining the community. I was with the iphone hacking community from the start. I miss the days when hacking was harder. Don't start saying I can't follow instructions on the rooting process because it was a nandroid restore that stuffed everything up. I rerooted twice just to make sure.
I hate being taken as a noob. Everyone starts somewhere.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

[SOLVED] Help to choose rooting method and backup method

Got my phone (AT&T Captivate, firmware 2.1-update1 version JH7, kernel 2.6.29, build eclair.UCJH7) on december 28 from a AT&T store (it even came with a pic taken december 20 ) and I've already been able to boot into download mode (power off, hold volume keys then plug usb) and into that menu used to install packages (power off, hold volume keys then power on). Guess my hardware and firmware are ok, so I may be able to recover my phone by myself in case things go south.
I've been doing my homework lately (been reading stickys, tutorials and faqs for 10 days) but I'm still confused about some procedures. I'm not going to list everything I've read here, but I would like someone to correct me if I've learnt wrong. I don't really need the easiest methods, I want to understand the options available and to choose the best ones (aka the hardest path).
First of all, it seems I need to root my phone in order to be able to create backups, carrier-unlock it and flash custom roms. But it doesn't make much sense to me, since rooting it seem to be enough to prevent it from receiving FOTA updates - and I want to make the most comprehensive backup possible, in such a way I could restore my phone to 'factory condition' if needed.
Second, I realize there are many ways, programs and guides to root the phone - the most famous ones, One-Click root/unroot and z4root, seem to be listed in the wiki (http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S/SGH-I897), but there is also CLShortFuse's One-Click Root and Allow Non-Market Apps, which sounds interesting but I don't know if it is undo-able. So there are different ways to root the phone, but there is little to none information on what's the difference between these methods, which is 'better' and what difference does it make if I root it permanently or by some reversible method. Does it affect performance? How each of them work? I have no clue.
The mess gets even greater when it comes to creating backups. People mention different programs to make these backups (clockwork recovery, titanium backup) but I don't understand if they back up different parts of the phone. Some even seem to change the bootloader of the phone - shouldn't it be backed up prior to any modification? Do I flash these backups using Odin? Which programs should I use to have a full backup? Is there anything left I should back up manually?
I'll quit talking for now because I've already written a lot and I still have many questions; if I write all of them at once, no one will ever have the patience to read them.

Erk, a long post deserves a long answer
So first off, il tell you about recovering your phone. Since you just got it, you can go back to the store and play dumb to get a new one in case anything goes wrong. You can also use the 3 button combos to get into download mode and use odins back to stock to get back to your original 2.1 eclair firmware . To do that you would need to get into download mode. Now there are a couple ways to do this, and i can only explain two since ive actually used two. (Well 3 actually, but il get to the third after these 2)
The first method is using the 3 button combo which you should already know. The second method is using adb commands such as (adb shell, adb reboot download, adb reboot recovery, adb devices). The third way is building a jig. Thats basically connecting 301k 1/4 watt worth of resistors together and placing them on pin 4 and 5 on your micro usb slot. You can read more about that on the tutorial on how to build a jig for your phone.
To restore to your factory setting, odin's one click back to stock thing should do the job. It simple installs the stock 2.1 eclair all over again (without the root).
To root your phone, any method from the wiki should work. None of them are really "better" :S, they all do the same job and give you super user permissions. None of them root your permanently since you can always go back to stock using Odin's... It does not really affect performance, not to any extent i have noticed :S, and unfortunately, i dont really know how it works.
As for creating backups, Titanium Backup is the best solution. Whether you have the few extra bucks to spend for the premium one or simply want to use the free one, its one of the best tools out there. I personally use it and its one of the best. It backs up all the data (except for my text messages). It creates a folder on your internal memory which you can just copy to your desktop. When the time comes that you need to restore your backup, just copy the folder back into your internal memory, load up titanium backup. Restore it and voila .
I think ive answered everything, if ive missed anything, let me know
Edit : Forgot to mention this . If your truly interested in customization. Custom roms are the best there is a howto in the themes and apps section on how to install it. It comes pre-rooted (if that is the word to use :S) and theyre much better than the stock firmware. Im currently using serendipity v3.0 (flashed it yesterday)

supaphreek, guess I'll have to thank you twice: once for reading my enormous post, and again for you supacompleteanswer.
I'm being paranoid with recovery because I actually bought the phone in the US then came back to my country (Brazil), so I'm a few thousand miles away from the simple lets-return-this-thing solution.
From everything I've read, I believe the most instructive were the wiki at http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S/SGH-I897 , the FAQ at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=858765 , the PDF guide from user nbs11 at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761819 and the wiki at http://www.capfaq.com/w/FAQ. These contain most of the info a newbie user would ever need and I'd definitely recommend them to any newbie user who happen to be reading this. And for everyone afraid of bricking, it's a tremendous relief to know pretty much any mess you do can be reverted using download mode and Odin, so the first thing to test is if you can get into download mode using one of the ways described by our buddy supaphreek.
On the rooting matter, I found no discussion at all about which is better, so they should be pretty similar (though I have no idea which is the oldest version, I'd assume the recent ones might be a little improved). There is some discussion on what's the better lagfix and many of the cooked ROMs already come with some lagfix installed, but this is another story...
Once I get my phone rooted, it seems to be trivial to carrier-unlock it. There's even an app on android market for this, so I won't even need sideloading. Since all this procedure does is just give me a number, there's hardly any difference among all the unlocking procedures out there.
For the backup, I'll still do it using both titanium and clockwork, as suggested by nbs11 on the pdf I've linked on this post. Better safe than sorry, right?
And yes, I'm truly interested in customization and I'll go deep down that path, I'm just packing up my head with some knowledge to avoid being desperate if things eventually go fubar.
As a last question, is there somewhere I can get 1-click Odin with my exact firmware version? (2.1-update1, I897UCJH7, Kernel 2.6.29 [email protected] #2, build eclair.ucjh7) And how important is it to get the exact same firmware?
As I've done my research, I found 1-click odin with JF6 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731989
I've also found the 'standalone' I897UCJH7 on this topic (where this guy even flashed succesfully his phone using old JH2 firmware without problems, so finding the exact firmware version might not be the greatest issue): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10056254&postcount=36 but this process is a bit more complicated and uses regular Odin and clockwork recovery. Nonetheless, from what I've understood, I can still use any old version of odin to flash JF6 then use my own clockwork backup, right?

Hmm, unfortunately, im not sure if there is a specific Odin for that firmware :S. However what you can do is use one that reverts you to any stock version, and then flash the version you want through clockwork mod

I'll do that. Thanks again!

Also if you one click to stock, you can OTA update to the most recent firnware. I suggest titanium premium if you are going to flash a lot of custom roms, it is a lot faster to restore and also syncs with dropbox
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Be careful trying to flash with odin. Some newer builds get instabrick flashing back to jf6 and must go with jh2 or newer.
So, you may want to invest a few bucks in a jig setup before blindly using odin.

Thanks for the tip, sixstringsg.
Newter55, as my phone is brand new I believe I may have one of these insta-brickable devices. If I happen to try flashing it with a recent rom, does it get recoverably bricked (fixed by flashing an older rom), or I'm left with a $500 paperweight?

You just need to use the correct firmware version of odin if you manage to get in trouble. Many people flash rom over rom, including myself, but it is highly likely that at some point you will need odin if you are flashing roms so it is best to ensure that you have that set up first. Look for the odin thread by c3popl (sp?) in development forum and you should find what you need. Read through that and look for others with your base firmware. Or look through q&a at the "help I bricked" threads . On my phone and posting links is a pita or I would make it easy for you.

If your phone came with JH7, follow this guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=10056254&postcount=36
If you use one of the Odin one-clicks and brick your phone, you'll need a USB jig to recover.

You guys are awesome. Thank you newter55 and GGXtreme for this info! I hope I'll never need it, but I'll buy a cable and make a jig.
The news: I've rooted my phone using One Click Root / Unroot by TGA_Gunnman (for the record: it worked with my JH7 Captivate bought in 28 dec). Once I booted windows, installed dotnet framework 4 and the samsung drivers (easy too, but a pita), rooting was easy and failproof. However, someone using linux might find it easier to just download 1-click root, find the root.zip file in there, rename it as update.zip, put the zip in the internal sdcard, boot the phone holding the volume buttons and then 'install packages'. This way there will be no need to fight Wine nor install anything nor look for a windows computer with admin privileges.
Also unlocked my phone using SGS Unlock Tool, available in the Android Market. The unrooted option won't work, but once rooted it worked like a champ. Next step: I'll do the backups, and then... start messing up my new toy!

[Q] A few questions about mods, from a total n00b

I have a Sprint HTC hero with original everything.
I've been wanting to do a mod but that brings up a few questions.
1) A lot of places say the CM7 mod from here is great for this phone but I clicked around and can't find a list of things it changes/improves. Why would I install a mod and will most things continue to work (market places, email, phone utilities, purchased apps).
2) All roms have those warnings that they void warranty. How often do they brick the device? Is this something I should worry about?
Sorry for the noobish questions but I am looking towards modding the hero but I want to make sure I don't make it worse.

1.) well basically MOD's are roms that people cook themselves from the scratch android or from a base like for example the DesireHD android base. They can do things varying from the look and feel of android to adding elements like being able to browse Privately on your browsers. i know that CM7 allows you to do that. Being able to flash different roms opens up a even bigger Android World.
2.) I have been flashing back and forth for a long time and not once have i bricked the device. Besides not like a little system restore wont fix anything. Also if you happen to send you device into maintenance or repair just restore you phone back to factory settings. All of it is reversible. When i first started out it helped me to really read NOOB forums so i didn't do something i would regret, but you should have nothing to really worry about.

reply from a still nearly noob, although i read alot about roms already and flashed my sgs2. ill just attemt to help you a little here.
1) i now flashed lite'ning rom on my phone as there is no cm7 for it yet. once realeased i will also flash it as i also read that it is the most widely used rom with best support. within a thread of the specific rom there should be a list of improvements/major changes or what will be added if you flash the rom. these and mostly more battery life and/or more speed are the reasons people flash roms. after flashing the phone you will have all the things still working, sometimes even better. for apps it depends on the rom. mine for example didnt require a wipe that delets all you data on the phone. others (as i think cm7 also) require a wipe of all you on-phone personal data apps and so on (not sd card if im not mistaken, please correct me!)
2)yes, you void warranty if you flash a custom rom, root or do sth else on the firmware not published by the manufacturer. when i flashed and overflashed my phones rom for several time already i haven't had any problems. and as i read all over the net/xda there is just a very little chance to brick your phone and even there you might have possibilities to revive it, i think. but im not sure on this, cosider others informations first!
hope i could help you a little from noob to noob and enjoy flashing roms. oh and of course have a look in the htc hero android development section for roms!
cheers!
IQHU

Damn - too late, and didnt recognize until now...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Go to this thread and start reading some of the linked threads. All your answers can be found there.