Database Develop

[Q] Help with root and custom ROM.

Hello guys,
I've been looking around hier for a while, and I spotted a Custom ROM that I'd like to try, it's this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424260
I've never rooted my phone before so I don't have experience with it.
I found a couple of threads that can help me but, I don't know in wich order I have to follow them.
First of all, I'd like to make a complete back-up of my current ROM, so in case something goes wrong, I can restore it. How do I do this? I read something about ClockWorkMod and a nandroid back-up, can somebody clear this out?
I have an unrooted HTC Incredible S with S-ON. So first, I think that I have to get S-OFF? I found a tutorial with the Revolutionary tool, but it doesn't support my HBoot, so I think that's not an option?
So then, I found this tutorial: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1337105
The tutorial is easy to follow, but can I create a full back-up before I start the tutorial?
And to get S-OFF, do I need a rooted device?
I hope somebody can help me. If you need more information, just ask.
Here is some information about my device:
- Android 2.3.5
- HTC Sense 3.0
- S-ON
- Not rooted
- HBoot 2.00.0000
- No SIM-lock
If more information is needed, please ask.

Unfortunately having your current h-boot the method available to you to root and install custom ROMs does not let you back up your phone prior to flashing. As the method used is flashing a new ROM that allows root access to your phone. Prior H-boots (1.13.0000) allowed you to root your phone without flashing a custom ROM thus unlocking boot loader to be flashed CWM as a custom recovery and allowing you to create a nandroid backup of your current state before flashing a new rom. However[/] the process you are going to need to complete might contain a back-up function included in the flashing process, I don't know for sure as I flashed from 1.13.0000, but it doesn't really matter as your going to have to complete the process anyways. I say just go for it and follow the instructions to the "T". If you follow everything properly and take your time you shouldn't encounter any problems.

In the tutorial I posted, step 10 is
10. Using volume up/down and power to select, go down to Backup/Restore. Select it, then hit Backup. ClockWorkMod will backup your stock ROM in case there are any dramas and you want to go back to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this create a complete back-up? So when I restore it, will everything be back the way it is right now?

MrSenne said:
In the tutorial I posted, step 10 is
Will this create a complete back-up? So when I restore it, will everything be back the way it is right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Stay safe.

So if I just follow that tutorial, I will have a Custom ROM with root? And do I still have to get S-OFF?

You don't need to go S-OFF to flash a custom rom. There is actually no need whatsoever to go S-OFF, unless you want to go and flashing other radios. But the lastest sense 3.0 and android 2.3.5 update included the lastest radio, so keep S-ON. Better for warranty.
First go to htcdev.com and follow the instructions to unlock bootloader. BE AWARE THAT THIS WILL WIPE YOUR PHONE TO FACTORY DEFAULTS for security reasons, sdcard remains untouched.
After bootloader unlocked you can flash the clockwork recovery (you're still S-ON). Once you flashed that you can go into recovery with volumebutton down and power on. Take a backup with clockwork (=nandroid = full image of the phone in its current state) of your original rom and start flashing custom ones.
They're is probably a time where you gonna think you bricked your phone, I have. But I always got through it by searching the forum. Always, in any circomstance, manually push the boot.img of the associated rom from a PC to your phone. So never flash a ROM from your sdcard if you don't have a PC in hand. Otherwise it will probably not boot or get hardware not working (not broken in anyway, just not properly loaded).
Before changing roms, I always do the ARHD wipe script. Just to be sure every trace of the previous rom is gone. There are multiple partitions on your phone (system, data, boot). It wipes all of them to start clean.
The ROMs you are going to flash are rooted by default.
So now, of you go and be a ICS beta tester

Thanks fot the explenation.
But, because I can't root my phone because it's HBoot 2.00.0000; I can't make a back-up of it? Not even with Titanium Back-up.
Is there any way I can back-up my app's? So I don't lose all the saved data in the app's?

MrSenne said:
Thanks fot the explenation.
But, because I can't root my phone because it's HBoot 2.00.0000; I can't make a back-up of it? Not even with Titanium Back-up.
Is there any way I can back-up my app's? So I don't lose all the saved data in the app's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know the answer is "no".
You need clockwork for a nandroidbackup, you need bootloader unlocked for clockwork, unlocking bootloader wipes your phone.
I accidently wipe mine with the unlocking of the bootloader. It seems harder than it is to start over. Just link contacts and calendar with gmail, backup sms on sdcard in messaging. That's all you need. Starting over is good to get the crappy apps gone

Hmm, okay, then I'll have to do it without making a back-up.
And is there an easy way to switch between ROM's? Without using a computer.

MrSenne said:
And is there an easy way to switch between ROM's? Without using a computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is very easy to change roms. They are stored in zip-format on your sdcard which you can browse to with clockwork. Also the nandroidbackups are stored on your sdcard and can also be chosen with clockwork.
Experience tells me that you still need to flash the boot.img of the rom manually after you flashed the rom (something to do with clockwork not able to write in boot partition while in recovery-mode, you have to be in fastboot-mode). Flashing the boot.img litterly takes 2 secs to upload, done, and reboot.
So it is no big deal to swich:
- boot in recovery
- browse to the desired rom/backup
- start and wait 5 mins
- boot in fastboot
- connect to pc and flash boot.img
- wait 2 secs and reboot
Do not flash when you need the phone and there is no pc around. If it goes wrong, you need your usb pc to fix things.

I heard something about Rommanager, can I use this and what does it do excactly?

MrSenne said:
I heard something about Rommanager, can I use this and what does it do excactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM Manager is an app that works with ClockworkMod recovery to keep it up to date and allows you to make and manage CWM nandroid backups and manage partitions on your SD card. The paid version also allows you to download custom ROMs and flash them.
It requires root access in order to run.

But it's not a necessary application?

MrSenne said:
But it's not a necessary application?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not really.

Ok, propably I'll try it this evening.

Thanks for everything who helped me, I followed the tutorial and everything is working fine.

[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....

[Q] My method of installing ROMs - unsafe for the Note?

Hello everybody,
First of all: I have rooted some devices before, often in very bad conditions (Softbricked ones, simlocked and branded ones et cetera). However, all of them were not mine.
My smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy Note w/o branding or simlock but with the original Samsung software.
There wasn't really a reason to root my phone up to the point when it broke down (ergo: Shut itself down, reinstalled everything) on one day a few months ago, since that day, my phone has got a really, really bad battery life, apps are destroyed and it is pretty slow. Built-in obsolescence, as I won that phone when it was released, so I got the earliest version.
Because of this, I want to root dat phone and install dat cyanogen-shizzle.
All the phones I rooted before were rooted with my untested and never-recommended method of rooting it with a exploit on the phone, putting up clockworkmod via rom manager and then flashing cyanogen. Sometimes the phone was going crazy, but it always worked, every phone is working way better than ever before.
However, I read some real horror-stories about hardbricks on the Note as Samsung did some really bad work as always. (My next phone will be a Nokia Lumia anyway.)
So, what I wanted to ask: Can I root my phone and then install clockworkmod via ROM manager and then install the ROM via Clockworkmod without being exposed to an enormously high risk of a hard brick? My phone is currently on Android version 4.1.2.
I checked the phone with "Got Brickbug" and yes, I'm having it.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks in advance,
M24o (No, this name is not inspired by a weapon..)

Best, easiest and hassle free way to get root and custom recovery is to download the philz kernel (the one corresponding to your ROM):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1901191
you can do wipe, flash any custom rom, backup, restore and many more things on this.
Edit: download the zip file, put on ext sd, go to recovery select install zip from external storage, choose philz .zip file and that is it.

treacherous_hawk said:
Best, easiest and hassle free way to get root and custom recovery is to download the philz kernel (the one corresponding to your ROM):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1901191
you can do wipe, flash any custom rom, backup, restore and many more things on this.
Edit: download the zip file, put on ext sd, go to recovery select install zip from external storage, choose philz .zip file and that is it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I've just read the thread, what I really like about it is that I can flash it from the phone. Thanks alot for this, those threads are the ones I am always looking for hours (and then find them) to make rooting bearable for my.
Thank you!

[SOLVED] updating unlocked\rooted\s-off htc one to 4.3

Hi everyone,
im a newbie android user, have my device for barely 2 weeks.
i have a couple of questions on my mind, questions i tried googeling answers to for days now,
as i didnt find clear cut answers, im asking for your help.
i know i can flash a the stock 4.3 rom using custom recovery (i use TWRP) but that will result in wiping my data.
im interested in updating my AT&T HTC One to 4.3 without losing my data.
note that i currently have an unlocked bootloader, root (supersu) and im S-OFF (used Revone)
i already figured that i need to unroot my device and re-lock the bootloader in order to receive the OTA update properly.
my questions are as follows:
1) do i need to flash back to stock recovery in order to update or is unrooting and relocking bootloader good enough?
2) since im S-OFF, updating to 4.3 will update my hboot but will keep me S-OFF? or will it turn it on? or maybe it wont even update and stay on 1.44?
3) after i update to 4.3, re-unlocking my bootloader will once again wipe all data?
4) after updating to 4.3, in order to re-root my device i follow the same procedure i did on 4.1.2?
5) since im not using an AT&T sim card, i had to flash some wifi files in order to bypass carrier check and turn on wifi tethering, i imagine im gonna have to do that again on 4.3, will the same files work or will i need to wait for a new hack\workaround to come out? (i used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285047)
i have a few more questions that i cant recall right now, too much google digging for info got me confused.
will add them if\when i remember.
Thanks in Advance.

You don't need to relock bootloader or remove root, you do need stock recovery and stock ROM. Hboot will be updated, S-Off will remain. Your data will not be lost. Follow same procedure for root.

BenPope said:
You don't need to relock bootloader or remove root, you do need stock recovery and stock ROM. Hboot will be updated, S-Off will remain. Your data will not be lost. Follow same procedure for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply.
a few followup questions if u dont mind.
1) where do i get the stock recovery files?
2) how can i identify the correct ROM associated with htc one 4.3? i know i need to use Cingular as my HTC is an AT&T one, but the roms versions are listed by AT&T firmware.
3) do i flash stock recovery and then do a regular OTA update?

Nexaddo88 said:
Hi everyone,
im a newbie android user, have my device for barely 2 weeks.
i have a couple of questions on my mind, questions i tried googeling answers to for days now,
as i didnt find clear cut answers, im asking for your help.
i know i can flash a the stock 4.3 rom using custom recovery (i use TWRP) but that will result in wiping my data.
im interested in updating my AT&T HTC One to 4.3 without losing my data.
note that i currently have an unlocked bootloader, root (supersu) and im S-OFF (used Revone)
i already figured that i need to unroot my device and re-lock the bootloader in order to receive the OTA update properly.
my questions are as follows:
1) do i need to flash back to stock recovery in order to update or is unrooting and relocking bootloader good enough?
2) since im S-OFF, updating to 4.3 will update my hboot but will keep me S-OFF? or will it turn it on? or maybe it wont even update and stay on 1.44?
3) after i update to 4.3, re-unlocking my bootloader will once again wipe all data?
4) after updating to 4.3, in order to re-root my device i follow the same procedure i did on 4.1.2?
5) since im not using an AT&T sim card, i had to flash some wifi files in order to bypass carrier check and turn on wifi tethering, i imagine im gonna have to do that again on 4.3, will the same files work or will i need to wait for a new hack\workaround to come out? (i used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285047)
i have a few more questions that i cant recall right now, too much google digging for info got me confused.
will add them if\when i remember.
Thanks in Advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a quick question: why do you want to go through all that hassle to receive the OTA? Since you're S-Off you're able to flash unsigned firmware. The only reason I can think of using OTA, is if someone is S-On and therefore cannot update firmware; an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash ROM, kernel, and radio, but not firmware. with S-Off you CAN do that.
One piece of advice, in either case, DO NOT GO S-ON EVER!
Or did I misunderstand you?

nkk71 said:
Just a quick question: why do you want to go through all that hassle to receive the OTA? Since you're S-Off you're able to flash unsigned firmware. The only reason I can think of using OTA, is if someone is S-On and therefore cannot update firmware; an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash ROM, kernel, and radio, but not firmware. with S-Off you CAN do that.
One piece of advice, in either case, DO NOT GO S-ON EVER!
Or did I misunderstand you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, where an OTA update wont, or did i misunderstood?
also got an answer to the question about the wifi tether?

Nexaddo88 said:
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, or did i misunderstood?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are files in the firmware.zip that wipe the phone, removing those files means it won't wipe. Often boot.img and recovery.img are also removed from the firmware you download from here.

Nexaddo88 said:
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, or did i misunderstood?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by data? your internal storage/sdcard with pictures, music, etc. or your apps?
When flashing a new ROM with different base (eg 4.2.2 to 4.3) a wipe is recommended (that would wipe your apps and their data, not sdcard), but you could use Titanium Backup, Helium, etc. to back those up and restore.
You can do a dirty flash, which would not wipe your apps, but could lead to some potential problems with some apps; in which case you would need to reflash with wipe.
Anyhow, be careful with going back to stock first, because when you flash the stock recovery, it will/could wipe your phone completely including sdcard. Happened to me while I was testing a few things, and just flashing stock recovery and accessing it, wiped my apps and sdcard.
Hit us with some more details, what ROM (etc.) are you on now, and where do you want to go.

This is where I am now (attached pics)
I would simply like to upgrade my HTC to 4.3
I would like to do that without the hassle of wiping my phone and restoring apps data.
But if it's necessary I'm willing to backup and restore the apps data.
As u said, my SD CARD contents will no be deleted? ie photos, music etc.
From what u guys told me, I gather that doing an OTA is not as simple as I thought.
Can u please tell me the easiest way to upgrade?
or even better, what my options are?

2nd pic attached, for some reason it let me attach only 1 pic.
Thanks in Advance!

Nexaddo88 said:
2nd pic attached, for some reason it let me attach only 1 pic.
Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my humble opinion, you should do a full back up of everything (nandroid, apps+data AND sdcard) and copy all that to your PC.
Whichever way you proceed, you're going to be moving from Android 4.1.2 to 4.2.2+, that will change the file structure on your phone: in 4.1.2 sdcard points to /data/media/ but as of 4.2.2+ it now points to /data/media/0/ (this is due to multiuser support in 4.2.2+).
For some, whether OTA or flashing a custom ROM, three things have happened:
1- the sdcard (pictures, music, etc) files were moved correctly to /data/media/0
2- the files were duplicated in /data/media AND /data/media/0, so they had to manually delete the duplicates (root enabled file explorer needed)
3- the files were not moved at all, and had to be manually moved from /data/media/ to /data/media/0/ (root enabled file explorer needed)
Note: that once you're on 4.2.2+ /data/media/ will no longer show up when you connect to your PC, only /data/media/0, hence why you need a root enabled file explorer to access /data/media/
If it was me (and I like a clean phone ), I would flash the new custom ROM in recovery, then while still in recovery format the /data/media/ (/sdcard/), boot up and let the ROM setup the sdcard as brand new.
And then setup the device from scratch. Copying all pictures, music, etc. back using your PC.
For backup/restore of USER apps & data, I would take a look at these:
* Titanium Backup
* Helium
* SMS Backup & Restore
* Call Log Backup & Restore
and possibly the built in HTC Backup.
Titanium can back up the data of system apps, but it's not recommended to restore these especially between the large gap from 4.1.2 to 4.3; usually you could restore WiFi, Bluetooth and a few more settings, but there have been reports that due to the changes in all of these, the restore of system data could/was causing problems.
Finally, if you want to upgrade your firmware, use vomer's guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365506. The firmwares there have boot.img (so no need to reflash RIM), recovery.img (so no need to reflash custom recovery) removed as well as the files that would wipe the sdcard. So you can flash the firmware without any negative effects.
Of course you could just do all the backups, and try dirty flashing (without wipe), and see how that works out for you. In case you run into problems (eg apps force closing, missing widgets, bad Wifi, bluetooth, or mobile data), you can then reflash with full wipe.
This is all my personal opinion, so don't know if anybody disagrees with my thoughts.
EDIT: if you use CWM recovery, you should also take a look at this after upgrading: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1991657
Hit the thanks button if I helped

Sounds good. Tyvm!!!
I'd like a clean phone as well.
So lets me know if I get it straight:
1) flash Rom in recovery (after backing up media and/or non-system apps)
2) wiping SD CARD clean
3) flash firmware in recovery
4) flash radio in recovery
Did I get it right?
Again thanks on advance

Nexaddo88 said:
Sounds good. Tyvm!!!
I'd like a clean phone as well.
So lets me know if I get it straight:
1) flash Rom in recovery (after backing up media and/or non-system apps)
2) wiping SD CARD clean
3) flash firmware in recovery
4) flash radio in recovery
Did I get it right?
Again thanks on advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes pretty much, the most important part is the backup, I would do:
1- a nandroid backup in recovery (just in case you want to come back to that)
2- perform a Titanium Backup/Helium of everything (you don't need to restore system apps/data, but it's good to have them anyway)
3- perform HTC Backup (I do it, but have never restored from it yet)
4- copy everything from the sdcard (which would include above) to PC
firmware (modified versions by vomer) and/or radio can be flashed at any time without any risk of loosing apps or sdcard.
You should be good to go.
PS: In case you format sdcard and /system/ and find yourself without an OS (by accident), you will have to use 1 of 3 methods to get the ROM you want to flash on the phone:
1- adb sideload
2- adb push
3- OTG cable

Which firmware and radio version I need?
Whats the modification done in vomer's firmwares? Just removed files to prevent data wipe?

Nexaddo88 said:
Which firmware and radio version I need?
Whats the modification done in vomer's firmwares? Just removed files to prevent data wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware and radio are pretty much up to you; especially radio, where newer doesn't always mean better, it's very user specific, but you can flash them so easily in recovery back and forth. (I have them on my phone all the time and experiment depending on my location)
Also, just remember once you go to 2.x firmware or above the touchscreen drivers will no longer work with a 4.1.2 ROM, but then again why would you want to go back
The files in vomer's firmware that are removed are:
1- stock kernel (boot.img), otherwise you'd have to reflash ROM.zip after updating firmware
2- stock recovery (recovery.img), otherwise you'd have to reflash custom recovery after updating firmware
3- I don't recall, but some firmware package had a files in them that would wipe the sdcard (but haven't seen those for a while)
Firmware and radios are all available in vomer's guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365506

about wiping the /data/media/ folder after flashing the ROM,
will i be prompted to do it or i'll do it manually?
sorry for all the questions, i know i can see for myself when i actually do it, but im scared since its my first android device ever
ty.

Nexaddo88 said:
about wiping the /data/media/ folder after flashing the ROM,
will i be prompted to do it or i'll do it manually?
sorry for all the questions, i know i can see for myself when i actually do it, but im scared since its my first android device ever
ty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you'll have to do it manually, I'm using CWM, so I have to go to "mounts and storage" and then "format /data and /data/media (/sdcard)"
hmm, on that thought after formatting and booting up your ROM, check if all the apps are there, some get installed to /data/app, and I wonder if the above would delete those.
Wouldn't be a big deal, you would just copy the ROM back to your sdcard using your PC and reflash it. (Maybe do that anyway)
At least you know you'll have a clean sdcard without any possibility of duplicates or other files you no longer need (eg temporary files from some apps)

Alright, I've done it!!!
Upgraded to 4.3 stock Rom, which came with 3.17 firmware.
(used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2476204)
Flashed AT&T OTA radio.
Even found a new tether hack for 4.3 that will allow me to activate tethering while not on AT&T network
Thanks a lot for all the help,
Much appreciated.
One more question tho if that's ok,
Are there any downsides to upgrading my firmware from 3.17 to the latest 3.62?

Nexaddo88 said:
Alright, I've done it!!!
Upgraded to 4.3 stock Rom, which came with 3.17 firmware.
(used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2476204)
Flashed AT&T OTA radio.
Even found a new tether hack for 4.3 that will allow me to activate tethering while not on AT&T network
Thanks a lot for all the help,
Much appreciated.
One more question tho if that's ok,
Are there any downsides to upgrading my firmware from 3.17 to the latest 3.62?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratz.
As for firmware, I can't think of any downsides to upgrading it. Since you're S-Off you can always downgrade it back to 3.17 if you find any incompatibilities, though I dont think there will be any.

Alright ty.
The current firmware I have is 3.17.502...
Which came with the Rom.zip I flashed
I only found 3.17.402... on xda
Would u happen to know where I could get 3.17.502... ??
As I wouldn't want any problems or incompatibilities with the 402 one.
Also should I bother updating my hboot (if it's even possible)??
Thanks again.

Nexaddo88 said:
Alright ty.
The current firmware I have is 3.17.502...
Which came with the Rom.zip I flashed
I only found 3.17.402... on xda
Would u happen to know where I could get 3.17.502... ??
As I wouldn't want any problems or incompatibilities with the 402 one.
Also should I bother updating my hboot (if it's even possible)??
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure the ROM.ZIP contained firmware?? Usually, ROM.ZIP only contains the ROM and firmware is separate; also because the two have different flashing methods:
1- custom ROM is flashed using custom recovery
2- firmware is flashed in fastboot RUU mode
can you post a "fastboot getvar all" (remove IMEI and s/n before posting) to see the details.

Noob still on CM 7.1 needs KK.

Every time I trie to update to the latest ROMs I notice they specifically target the new bootloader. I have no idea what the old vs new bootloader dilemma is about but I bet my device runs the old one, I read somewhere the white LG logo on startup hints to an old bootloader,
My question is how to upgrade my bootloader or ROM directly to Kitkat the easiest way possible, I bought my handset already CMed and unrooted but I have never done it myself.
Thank you in advance, and if you could bother throw in some links to relevant threadshttp://forum.xda-developers.com/images/icons/icon8.gif

xdaCyborg said:
Every time I trie to update to the latest ROMs I notice they specifically target the new bootloader. I have no idea what the old vs new bootloader dilemma is about but I bet my device runs the old one, I read somewhere the white LG logo on startup hints to an old bootloader,
My question is how to upgrade my bootloader or ROM directly to Kitkat the easiest way possible, I bought my handset already CMed and unrooted but I have never done it myself.
Thank you in advance, and if you could bother throw in some links to relevant threadshttp://forum.xda-developers.com/images/icons/icon8.gif
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for tonyps kitkat , the only one for daily usage workign at the moment. you need his version of twrp 2.6 or as i know the cwm version 6.0.4.7, which can be found somewhere in the development forum.
tonyps cm11 : tonyps Cm11
kowalski kernel: kowalski kernel by pengus
dl links: cm11 by tonyp and bs86
working twrp by tonyp

They are New Bootloader only! The process seems as easy as full wipe + flash the zip (my phone came with ROM Manager 4.5.0.1 with old recovery) but I fear my bootloader in incompatible. Is there a way to update or something.
Also does my sd card and all applications get removed, and how to back them up, also if I brick my device does the recovery still work to flash the back up or what? very noob I know, I learned alot of terms but never managed to make good sense of it all, thank you.............
Oh one minute my ROM Manager has an Install ROM from SD Card button, can I do it right inside ROM Manager?

xdaCyborg said:
They are New Bootloader only! The process seems as easy as full wipe + flash the zip (my phone came with ROM Manager 4.5.0.1 with old recovery) but I fear my bootloader in incompatible. Is there a way to update or something.
Also does my sd card and all applications get removed, and how to back them up, also if I brick my device does the recovery still work to flash the back up or what? very noob I know, I learned alot of terms but never managed to make good sense of it all, thank you.............
Oh one minute my ROM Manager has an Install ROM from SD Card button, can I do it right inside ROM Manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With that you can backup/resotre and change the bootloader and alot more AiO-Toolkit
If you change the bootloader layout, as i know all stuf will be removed. so make a nandroid backup, if your new rom is not working and make a sdcard backup(also in aio) to get appdata back if you want.
If you dont want to download all apps new after having new rom use titanium backup. the recovery is not breakable. it will always work. not important if you **** your rom

xdaCyborg said:
They are New Bootloader only! The process seems as easy as full wipe + flash the zip (my phone came with ROM Manager 4.5.0.1 with old recovery) but I fear my bootloader in incompatible. Is there a way to update or something.
Also does my sd card and all applications get removed, and how to back them up, also if I brick my device does the recovery still work to flash the back up or what? very noob I know, I learned alot of terms but never managed to make good sense of it all, thank you.............
Oh one minute my ROM Manager has an Install ROM from SD Card button, can I do it right inside ROM Manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you do have CM 7.1 installed, I guess you've got a custom recovery installed too? I don't think you can directly use ROM manager to install a kernel, but you can use ROM manager to boot into recovery mode and flash the zip from there Just be sure to make a nandroid backup, just in case KK isn't compatible with 7.1.
If you ever want to get tonyp's CM 11 though, the AIO toolkit, as @Zubeplanet pointed out, is really easy to use to get the new bootloader.
Happy flashing!