Database Develop

Troubles Unrooting/Removing Clockwork URGENT!

Here's the story:
A while back, I rooted my Nexus One without unlocking using the bait and switch method, and had been using various custom ROMs.
Recently, the power button hasn't been working well, so I called HTC to get a swap. Obviously, before sending my phone back, I need to unroot it.
I tried to restore my phone using the method in the XDA guides, but it hung on each step, and it didn't actually do anything. So, I flashed the non-rooted stock ERE27 through ROM Manager (this, I suspect was a huge mistake.)
Now, I have an rooted phone, that fails on any update attempt and so is stuck on 2.1, and worse, Clockwork Recovery is still on there. I've tried to unroot my phone again using both the bait and switch method, and the freenexus method, but both have run into errors. I've also tried installing Universal Androot and clicking Unroot, but it just tells me my phone isn't rooted.
So, I can't root my phone to attempt to flash the recovery, and I can't find a way to remove Clockwork Recovery, but I need to send this phone back to HTC within the next 7 days, or else I'm gonna be out $530.
Any ideas?

First: hate to be a douche, but someone's gotta say it: this is the wrong subforum for a question thread. Take a quick glance over the rules stickied at the top of the forum. There's a Q&A forum for things like this.
Second: HTC has typically honored the warranty for known hardware problems (of which the power button is probably the biggest) even for unlocked/rooted devices. They find for me, no problems. So relax.
Last, try using ClockworkMod recovery to flash CM 6 stable, then from that ROM, try flashing back to stock recovery. After that you should be able to flash a stock OTA ROM. You can't change recovery without root access, which you can't get on a stock ROM. So you have to change recovery first. And on your new phone, you should really just fastboot OEM unlock. Trying to deceive HTC makes them not want to give us this option anymore.

Yup no worries I had to send mine in because the trackball got stuck and they got it under warranty ... I had my phone running a custom recovery and rom and they didn't even ask about it.

[q] nexus one not letting me get into recovery

a few weeks back i got an update from t-mobile i think it was 2.2.1. i was running a custom rom by evil, I think it was sense. it never fully installed as it came up with a black scrren with a exclamation mark and a little android guy. every time i go into recovery now, i get the same thing. this also converted the phone back to stock rom.
im sorry, but i am a newbie when it comes to flashing new recovery images. do you think this is what needs to be done? i had clockworkmod's on there before, had a buddy do it for me.. and he didnt explain to me how to fix install it lol. i do install roms etc.
any way i should go with this?

You guessed right, you need to reflash the recovery, and possibly re-root before that.
You can follow the guides in Wiki, found in my signature.

did it, having a problem installing roms now :| gonna post in that roms thread.

[Q] Accidentally flashed stock ROM while rooted and S-OFF - HELP PLEASE!

Hello, my name is Jaro.
I have a problem with my Inc S. I used to have stock 2.3.3 ROM, but yesterday I decided to s-off, put CWM and root my device. I tested Cyanogenmod 7, went good, but my main goal was to put in the stock update to 2.3.5 with sense 3.0. Unfortunatelly, I forgot to unroot my device or whatever else need, so after flashing it with RUU my phone could not boot, only green logo on white background and nothing else. Recovery had no result but red triangle with exclamation mark.
I've tried many ways of getting my phone back to shape, but all of them failed. After 4 hours of hopeless wandering, I ask for help.
How to bring back my IncS to life after flashing stock ROM? I think I need to bring it the stock recovery (dunno how to do it exactly, tried many options), then either S-ON and flash the ROM, or flash the ROM and S-ON.
I am forced to used old Symbian-esque Nokia, so please help!

Hi Jaro,
Did you see the FAQ at the top of the forum? 2nd question/answer should fix you up.

HTC Vivid Stuck on HTC logo

Ok I tried using this All-in-one software to flash a kernel and it sent it over and wrote it but its stuck on the HTC logo, and yes I can boot into HBOOT and recovery, is there anyway I can restore straight back to everything factory?

Sounds like the wrong kernel for the Rom was flashed.
What rom/kernel were you trying to flash ?

I was trying to flash the holiradar Final rom, but it said I needed the newest kernel so, I didnt flash the rom yet but I went on the AIO program and flashed the holicakes 2.6.35.14 and when it wouldnt boot up after that...
So what do you suggest I do?

So you are going to need to flash the kernel that goes with the holicakes 2.6.35.14 rom.
Should be on the same site.
You can user CMD to fastboot flash boot boot.img and then the rom will boot.
From what I can tell on the rom page there is a kernel download section.
---------------------------------
Looks like he is instructing you to flash the kernel a different way than I have listed above, but both ways will work.

Riomaru said:
Ok I tried using this All-in-one software to flash a kernel and it sent it over and wrote it but its stuck on the HTC logo, and yes I can boot into HBOOT and recovery, is there anyway I can restore straight back to everything factory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO NOT TRY, FACTORY RESET WILL DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AND MIGHT ACTUALLY MAKE THINGS WORSE.
With that out of the way, don't use the AIO software, use fastboot.exe and flash a boot.img to fix the issue.

Riomaru said:
I was trying to flash the holiradar Final rom, but it said I needed the newest kernel so, I didnt flash the rom yet but I went on the AIO program and flashed the holicakes 2.6.35.14 and when it wouldnt boot up after that...
So what do you suggest I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to worry, you haven't had enough experience to know that it is normal. It is normal for the phone to not boot into the rom when the kernel doesn't match. since you have successfully flashed the kernel, you now need to boot into recovery (which I hope you have it installed at this point, if you have not, read how to do it and flash recovery) once in recovery, proceed to flash the HoliRaider rom and you'll be good to go.

in the same boat
Hi All,
I have a similar problem flashing the Kernal with the vivid toolkit (V 2.1) on my Vivid. I think there should be a big warning for that box. I tried flashing the Holicakes Kernal, and flashed it twice as it tells you to, and ended up with the white HTC screen. Then tried flashing back to the stock rom, more than twice now with no luck. In desperation I tried installing the RUU update 3.26.502.56_US but I now get error 150, which indicates a rom mismatch, and yet it is the update for the phone direct from htc.
What should I try next to get past the white screen?
Thanks

newbroman said:
Hi All,
I have a similar problem flashing the Kernal with the vivid toolkit (V 2.1) on my Vivid. I think there should be a big warning for that box. I tried flashing the Holicakes Kernal, and flashed it twice as it tells you to, and ended up with the white HTC screen. Then tried flashing back to the stock rom, more than twice now with no luck. In desperation I tried installing the RUU update 3.26.502.56_US but I now get error 150, which indicates a rom mismatch, and yet it is the update for the phone direct from htc.
What should I try next to get past the white screen?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you install a recovery?
Also, it was not a good idea to try and install all different types of things once you thought it was messed up. Anytime you think you may have messed up, stop right then, read about the issue, and if you can't find the solution, ask a question. I think you can get out of this but some people aren't that fortunate.

vivid white screen
Thanks for the advice I will press on and do some more reading,
I can still get to CWM recovery and have tried restoring the backup image I made, with the same result.
During the kernal flashing process:-
- is the HTC dev lock supposed to be on or off? It is off and unlocked at the moment,
- is double flashing the kernal what is meant by the instruction 'if this is the first time you flash a kernal, make sure to reflash it', or as is suggested in esloan's post on this thread your supposed to flash a matching rom instead?
Thanks

You did the right thing by flashing the kernel twice. That is what those directions said. After you flash the kernel twice the next step would have been to flash a rom. I believe it is better to use the fast boot commands for doing this entire process. It sounds like you are still on the holicakes kernel.
What recovery do you have? 5.5.4 or WCX Recovery? You will have better results with WCX Recovery. Also watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEWa_lUd2bY&feature=youtu.be
That is by randog. He did a great video and he shows you how to install everything without a program. Do you have the holiradier rom on your phone?

I was on the CWM recovery.
Thanks for the link to Randog's video, I now have a working phone again.
The major difficulties I had was finding wildchild's webpage with the links shown on the video, mainly because searching for wildchild illuminati took me to a forum with no links to any thing vivid, until you register.
I was also a little worried that I wasn't getting ICS in the ATT_ generic rom, but I needn't have. The key seemed to be locking the phone again and running wildchild's PH39IMG.zip. After that the security warning on the Hboot screen disappeared.
I almost messed the rom flashing part. Randog's vivid does this really quickly, my phone was a good 3 minutes behind and the progress bar was stuck around the 10% way after his phone had finished.
Like Randog says in the video follow the steps and you wont brick and you'll have a working phone.
Thanks megatronisabeast

Glad you got it. Sorry, forgot to give out the link.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA

Afraid to screw up any further
Htc vivid. 1.2dualcore.ICS.*
unlocked boot loader.
Used all in one vivid *toolkit 2.1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1498003.
There were two choices. After boot loader unlock, which I had already done. Using right reading logic, I went to the "next step". Didn't realize ICS meant ice cream sandwich. Dumbass. I used CWM 5.5.0.4. Then I tried to to update the kernel, to*Holicakes2.6.35.14. For some unknown reason. The result is the white screen of death.
.*
I have access to hboot. As well as the recover menu which has a backup and restore option.
NAND restore clockworkmod backup, is available. I'm not sure how proceed.*
At the bottom of the screen:*
RA Revamped
Build: made for the WCX ILLUMINATE SERIES by GINM
I studied quite a bit. Too dumb to get a clear picture of the necessary steps before I began, I guess. Again, what a Dumbass.
I *need a better understanding of the process.
I didn't know about the super guide until it was too late. Rather, I did not understand I had seen the super guide when I saw it. It was from December, called a Holliday guide, so I didn't read it. There were so many guides, it confused me pretty throughly. Sheesh.
I have the htc white screen, reboots every three minutes or so.
I would really appreciate someone who knows to give me some clarification on these issues.
I understand a lot of these issues have been dealt with in this thread. I'm just really apprehensive.
I hope I posted this in the right place.
Thanks in advance,
Microbot2

Microbot, you have done pretty much what I did. If you follow megatronis a Brady's advice you will have a working phone. In fact I'm using it right now. Use the generic att zip an you will have ICS less the ATT bloatware.

Okay mircobot, I am home and can help you. Here is what you should do:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEWa_lUd2bY&feature=youtu.be
Watch that video. Shows you what you will need to do to get everything working again.
The next thing, you need to download all of the files you will need for getting your phone working again. I would recommend going here:
http://www.wcxxperia-nce.com/index.php
You will have to register to see the vivid forums.
Next decide if you want to be able to tether (generic build) or if you want stock based rom (ATT vivid ics).
Download the zip file. Follow the instructions in the video and should get you up and running in no time. That would be the easiest way in my opinion.
If you can't get it figured out or need more help just post here and we will try to assist.

Microbot2--vivid
Hey guys, thanks for the prompt reply's and your general bad-assness.
I just woke and will Start on the instructions.
Megatronisabeast, really appreciate it. Newbroman, thank you.
I already feel considerably less worried about this already. I'll let you know how it works out.

microbot2_no PH39img.zip
Note: I updated to ICS from att before I unlocked the bootloader, which is still locked as now the phone can't be seen by the program.
Megatronisabeast, thanks for the link to the video. I am a little closer to understanding now. Unfortunately, I don't have direct access to the internal storage, like the guy in the video did. and I couldn't discern the website URL and he never tells you directly, except for "goto wildchilds site" which i couldn't locate.
I now know that I have access to wildchildes recovery. Unfortunately, I can only see the internal storage if I use WC recovery, ("windows wants to format it") then goto USB-MS. Otherwise the computers don't see it when its plugged up. It says "device not found when I try to do something in AIO_toolkit 1.2 Don't know if that helps.
I did find the wcxrecovery.img
It appears that you have to have access to internal storage to load an image to it. PH39img.zip, which I don't have. I can't seem to find the wildchild ICS image, either. when I start my phone, it looks for the ph39img.zip, doesn't see it, goes to the white screen.
I don't understand how to get the image back,Rather, how to access the internal storage again. is PH39img is the same thing as the ROM? Do I have to load PH39IMG.zip and the wilchild_vivid_ICS.ROM, which, again, I can't seem to find.
This feels like a comedy of errors. I wish I would have studied longer. I usually do. THEN, I find "newbie_proof" all in one toolkit.
I Just wanted it rooted. All I had to do was click "root" instead of "kernel". Man, what was I thinking?
If only I had taken the Red Pill.
Thanks again,

Look at my post above, the link for wild Childs site is there. You have to register to see the vivid forums. That is also where you will download the files needed to set up the ROM, etc. You won't need the Ph39.img since you already have ics. That is for the bootloader. You can actually send a file to your phone in the recovery. since you already have recovery you would need to download the Android sdk tools, so you will have fastboot. You use fastboot to send the boot image to your phone. Then you would go to recovery and send the .zip file to your phone and flash in recovery. Sorry these directions aren't better, I will try to assist more when I get home, Swyping right now.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA

Microbot,
The wildchild files you need are in the first link Megatronisabeast cites
wcxxperia-nce.com/index.php (I'm a newbie and cant post the full web address). You have to sign up to the forum to access the files. The vivid forum will appear once you have registered.
The PH391IMG.zip is not your normal PH39img.zip you have to use the one contained in the WCX_generic_ATT.zip on the WCX vivid forum page. You also need to relock the phone. You are probably better off using the fastboot and the windows command prompt for this.
Can you boot into recovery at all?
Do you have another phone? you could use that to copy the PH39img.zip over. Thats what I did.

Mcrobot2---
Hi guys,*
Here is what I think I know:
HBOOT is a bootloader, *like a BIOS.
PH39img.zip is the boot file. Like PH39IMG.zip which appears to be a modified version for WC.
Kernel *is the memory and CPU manager.
ROM is an operating system package, or file placed onto the erasable/programmable part of the phones memory. NAND, I think.
S-OFF/ON *is a security check.
.Apk: compressed java file.
.Jar: *java application file.
.odex *files: helper files with most relevant information to compile and run the concerned application as fast as possible, a JIT Kind of thing.
----
I was able to relock bootloader, Yea!
Thanks megatronisabeast and newbroman.
--history--I updated to ICS from AT&T.
I thought I could skip reading for another three weeks because of newbie-proof AIO 2.1. * wrong!
I wanted to root my phone. *I had unlocked the bootloader with htcdev.*
Found hasoons all in one vivid 1.2. Used WC's recovery. I then flashed with hollicakes kernel, twice. Wsod.
--
Megatronisabeast:*
You use fastboot to send the boot image to your phone. Then you would go to recovery and send the .zip file to your phone and flash in recovery.
-I'm not sure the exact boot img,*
- I think the zip file would be the rom?
Getting closer.
Thanks again guys. I'm feeling a little thick lately. Like freshman year of college! Weed out classes.

[Q] Beyond Confused

Long time Reader. First Time Poster. Ive read many posts over the past few months about rooting, But I think I am more confused then prior to reading them. My Warranty ends tomorrow for my Incredible S on Virgin Moible Canada. And I am looking to Root my Phone, But I do not understand totally all the talk about Radio's, different rom types ( IE Revolutionary, Cyanogen, and so on) the whole Bootloader unlock by HTC if it helps or hurts me. Also Cant seem to find an answer to some basic questions.
1. Do my exisiting Apps still work the same way? ( IE Angry Birds for my Kid, the FM radio and so on)
2. How do I get new apps in - Do we use the market still ( My icon still says market and brings to market - No PLAY for me yet
3. How Often does the roms update - ?
4. ICS, Foyo or Gingerbread?
5. What are the RUU? Bootloader and ADB?
I am basically looking at getting a new Kernal to Throttle down the CPU when not in use as my battery life is horrible, get rid of the BELL BLOATware as I do not even have bell TV, and various other tweaks.
Sorry I know these might be very a Nublet Question. But I did read all the threads and it left me a bit puzzled....

Reaper6181979 said:
Long time Reader. First Time Poster. Ive read many posts over the past few months about rooting, But I think I am more confused then prior to reading them. My Warranty ends tomorrow for my Incredible S on Virgin Moible Canada. And I am looking to Root my Phone, But I do not understand totally all the talk about Radio's, different rom types ( IE Revolutionary, Cyanogen, and so on) the whole Bootloader unlock by HTC if it helps or hurts me. Also Cant seem to find an answer to some basic questions.
1. Do my exisiting Apps still work the same way? ( IE Angry Birds for my Kid, the FM radio and so on)
2. How do I get new apps in - Do we use the market still ( My icon still says market and brings to market - No PLAY for me yet
3. How Often does the roms update - ?
4. ICS, Foyo or Gingerbread?
5. What are the RUU? Bootloader and ADB?
I am basically looking at getting a new Kernal to Throttle down the CPU when not in use as my battery life is horrible, get rid of the BELL BLOATware as I do not even have bell TV, and various other tweaks.
Sorry I know these might be very a Nublet Question. But I did read all the threads and it left me a bit puzzled....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you're just unlocking and rooting, the phone will not appear any different. The apps will work just like they did beforehand. However, if you flash a custom rom, you will have a clean slate. There are apps that can back up all the apps and userdata on the phone(Titanium backup is my personal favorite) and restore them to your new rom installation. However, they do require root access. So as you are a novice to rooting and Modding, I suggest you unlock, root and backup everything before you do any experimenting.
2. All roms can use the market/play store, Although CyanogenMod requires it to be flashed as a seperate package.
3. Rom updates can vary. If the dev is active and there's bugs or features that still need to be implemented, then you can usually expect regular updates.
4. Maybe, No, Probably.
5. An RUU is a Rom Update Utility. They are official updates from HTC packaged in a .exe file, digitally signed, region coded and model coded.
Bootloader is hboot, accessed by pressing the button combo volume down + power when switching on your phone from a completely shut down state. Here you can do a factory reset and enter recovery or fastboot mode.
ADB is android Debug Bridge, which you can send commands from your PC to your phone typically via USB.

(1. If you're just unlocking and rooting, the phone will not appear any different. The apps will work just like they did beforehand. However, if you flash a custom rom, you will have a clean slate. There are apps that can back up all the apps and userdata on the phone(Titanium backup is my personal favorite) and restore them to your new rom installation. However, they do require root access. So as you are a novice to rooting and Modding, I suggest you unlock, root and backup everything before you do any experimenting.)
So I take this as I dont need to install a custom rom? What are some non custom roms and is there any really difference.
Oh and I forgot to ask - what are the radios and how do those work. All the radio info i have seen is a bit jumbled and not sure which radio would work with what rom with what carrier and what phone and so one

Reaper6181979 said:
(1. If you're just unlocking and rooting, the phone will not appear any different. The apps will work just like they did beforehand. However, if you flash a custom rom, you will have a clean slate. There are apps that can back up all the apps and userdata on the phone(Titanium backup is my personal favorite) and restore them to your new rom installation. However, they do require root access. So as you are a novice to rooting and Modding, I suggest you unlock, root and backup everything before you do any experimenting.)
So I take this as I dont need to install a custom rom? What are some non custom roms and is there any really difference.
Oh and I forgot to ask - what are the radios and how do those work. All the radio info i have seen is a bit jumbled and not sure which radio would work with what rom with what carrier and what phone and so one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be installing a custom Rom if you want to notice difference in performance battery life and appearance. I suggest flashing nikhils Rom posted on march 7th as its a excellent first time users Rom, and it still uses sense UI. All he was saying is that you will lose all current apps and their data from your phone but not things like music, pictures, files on sd card etc. Once you root your phone and install the clockworkmod recovery you'll see an option from within it to create a nandroid backup which will back up your current phone state completely including all apps their data and all settings, just in case you mess something up. Once you get s-off and root you will be able to use titanium backup to save your apps data for use on your next Rom after flashing.
As for radios you only need to change them if your going from a froyo Rom to a gingerbread Rom. Otherwise these only slightly increse reception and WiFi strength. Worry about getting s-off, root and flashing your new Rom first than maybe later get into radios.
Follow instructions carefully and you shouldn't have any problems, good luck.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

Thank U both Very much - I will Have a look at the Post u stated. If I have any more questions I hope you don't mind me asking more lol

I assume U mean this one http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312021 - Now it says it needs a sep Kernel ( that later in the posts people cant find) . Doesnt the Rom have the Kernel? Do u do the Kernel after the rom is all install? and then How do u get the Market or Play reinstalled on it or do the roms come with it.
And what is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1506258 stuff for the Hboot and S-off - Not sure I understand all of that ether

Reaper6181979 said:
I assume U mean this one http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312021 - Now it says it needs a sep Kernel ( that later in the posts people cant find) . Doesnt the Rom have the Kernel? Do u do the Kernel after the rom is all install? and then How do u get the Market or Play reinstalled on it or do the roms come with it.
And what is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1506258 stuff for the Hboot and S-off - Not sure I understand all of that ether
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if his rom includes a kernel as he is posting links for recommended kernels on the first page.
The s-off page you linked to is not for this phone. Follow lynt's newb guide to unlock the bootloader, install recovery and root. Once rooted you should stop, install titanium, backup all apps and data, then install the 4ext recovery app and use it to flash the latest 4ext touch recovery as this makes things easier for s-on users to flash to the boot partition. Then do a nandroid backup using 4ext recovery.

Sorry OP, totally unrelated, but i think we need to declare Nonverbose, itsbeertimenow & tpbklake as the official sentinels or guardians of the IncS general section.
way to go guys

letmedanz said:
Sorry OP, totally unrelated, but i think we need to declare Nonverbose, itsbeertimenow & topklake as the official sentinels or guardians of the IncS general section.
way to go guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just from what Ive read - I 1000% agree and I am new here lol

Ok so my Info on the boot screen is
VIVO PVT S-On RL
HBOOT-1.13.0000
Radio 3805.04.03.27.27_M
So what I gather is since that hboot is not 1.16 it should be ok and i shouldnt need to to do the one step to revert it down to 1.13?

Reaper6181979 said:
Ok so my Info on the boot screen is
VIVO PVT S-On RL
HBOOT-1.13.0000
Radio 3805.04.03.27.27_M
So what I gather is since that hboot is not 1.16 it should be ok and i shouldnt need to to do the one step to revert it down to 1.13?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use revolutionary to root and install clockworkmod which can be used to flash a new rom or not if you just want to stay stock rooted.
Sent from my Incredible S using XDA

Easy steps:
1. Revolutionary s-off
2. Custom recovery
3. Backup everything using recovery
4. Install any rom u want ( guide to install is in the respective threads)
5. Take a backup of SD card in your PC
6. Do whatever pleases you that is related to rooted phones
7. Have fun... You just future proofed your device for another year
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using Tapatalk

Reaper6181979 said:
Ok so my Info on the boot screen is
VIVO PVT S-On RL
HBOOT-1.13.0000
Radio 3805.04.03.27.27_M
So what I gather is since that hboot is not 1.16 it should be ok and i shouldnt need to to do the one step to revert it down to 1.13?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. You can use Revolutionary.io to gain S-OFF and install ClockworkMod recovery on your phone and then you are good to go and enjoy the flashing of custom ROMs.

Yeah do revolutionary to get s-off, during the process it'll ask you if you want to install cwm hit yea and report your status here.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

Another side note: with your h-boot its generally impossible to brick your phone unless flashing radios (phone dies during process) or ruu's .
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

You guys or girls seriously rock. Thanks so much for all the help. Think I'm gonna try on Sat after my CCNA class getting my nerd on. I like the Rom by Nil that was advised will try that me figures
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA

Reaper6181979 said:
You guys or girls seriously rock. Thanks so much for all the help. Think I'm gonna try on Sat after my CCNA class getting my nerd on. I like the Rom by Nil that was advised will try that me figures
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool beans, just checked out nikhills trinity Rom and there is no kernel to flash. All you have to do is follow the instructions and you'll be fine.
Another tip: when revolutionary asks you for a code to enter (not sure if it still does) copy and paste it or your going to get problems.
Also during your first wipe before install you can't wipe something wrong, just avoid sd card wiping lol.
When asked to place your .zip of the Rom in the root of your sd card, its unnecessary, you can navigate to it anywhere on your phone.
When the Rom installs for the first time it will take 3-5 minutes on the boot screen.
That should answer most of the questions your going to have in the near future.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

A friend at work showed me his newly rooted Desire with http://www.virtuousrom.com/p/affinity.html Thinking maybe this one due to the fact it has its own Kernel built in. seems very fast and Uber. Anyone else had experience with it with the Incredible s?

Virtuous roms are quite brilliant..
You will not be disappointed...
its a shame that they longer are in the XDA forums,
team virtuous is one of my all time favorites

Having the kernel is common with most roms, you will find your phone is much more 'user friendly' once rooted and custom rom installed. I run virtuous affinity and didn't have to do anything but root,backup and then flash the rom.
Bloatware gone, speed and battery life increased, more customisation available and enjoyment of my device is improved tenfold.
You won't regret it but will wonder why it took you so long to get around to doing it It's like a whole new device....