It seems like most of the threads about rooting are from back in July. I want to root my phone. I'm pretty sure I should use the Cyanogen ROM. Should I use stable? Experimental? Nightly? I want 2.2 for sure, beyond that I don't really know what the differences are I should be looking for.
So, using Windows 7 what should I do starting from square one, and in which order should I do it?
I would like the ability to un-root and return to stock, if possible.
Thanks for any helpful replies.
911jason said:
It seems like most of the threads about rooting are from back in July. I want to root my phone. I'm pretty sure I should use the Cyanogen ROM. Should I use stable? Experimental? Nightly? I want 2.2 for sure, beyond that I don't really know what the differences are I should be looking for.
So, using Windows 7 what should I do starting from square one, and in which order should I do it?
I would like the ability to un-root and return to stock, if possible.
Thanks for any helpful replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you posting this in the appropriate sub-forum. Here is a link in the Development sub-forum that explains all of the steps you need to root your Aria and prepare for loading custom ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788737
As for a Froyo 2.2 ROM, you have CM 6.0/6.1 or Liberated FRxx Series. The Liberated FR series has the familiar HTC Sense interface that came on your Aria, but it is built on Froyo 2.2 instead 2.1.
Regards,
Tom
Thanks for the reply Tom, although I'm still hesitant. It seems like every thread I've seen with instructions has quite a few posts afterwards from people having issues. The instructions are also usually about as clear as mud. It seems like the people writing the instructions are writing them for people who have rooted in the past, because they use terminology that a new user like me doesn't understand. I have lots of computer experience (used to design websites in the 90's with Notepad - ha!) but I have zero Linux or smartphone experience, so maybe I should just forget the root thing. It's just that I love Photoshop and would really like to be able to use those skills to customize the look of my phone much more than I currently can.
911jason said:
Thanks for the reply Tom, although I'm still hesitant. It seems like every thread I've seen with instructions has quite a few posts afterwards from people having issues. The instructions are also usually about as clear as mud. It seems like the people writing the instructions are writing them for people who have rooted in the past, because they use terminology that a new user like me doesn't understand. I have lots of computer experience (used to design websites in the 90's with Notepad - ha!) but I have zero Linux or smartphone experience, so maybe I should just forget the root thing. It's just that I love Photoshop and would really like to be able to use those skills to customize the look of my phone much more than I currently can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you know what I did when i rooted my phone? I watched a youtube video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjgg__m-KHc
911jason said:
Thanks for the reply Tom, although I'm still hesitant. It seems like every thread I've seen with instructions has quite a few posts afterwards from people having issues. The instructions are also usually about as clear as mud. It seems like the people writing the instructions are writing them for people who have rooted in the past, because they use terminology that a new user like me doesn't understand. I have lots of computer experience (used to design websites in the 90's with Notepad - ha!) but I have zero Linux or smartphone experience, so maybe I should just forget the root thing. It's just that I love Photoshop and would really like to be able to use those skills to customize the look of my phone much more than I currently can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well 922jason, I think we are both going through exactly the same thing. I bought my Aria already rooted by the seller, and so I missed out on the learning curve of rooting and the terminologies involved. Think I'm more of a learn it on the job kinda fella and now I have to read all these texts.
Anyway, I just did the most daring thing today. I was running Liberated Aria R12 few hours ago and decided to get hands on. Downloaded FroYo Cyanogen, made nandroid backup (yes it's such a noob thing) & flashed (sounds fancy) Cyanogen. Anyways, I found out that it didn't suit me at all because:
1. I can't find my ALL my installed and backup-ed Apps anywhere
2. The familiar Market isn't anywhere in the phone
3. ALL my contact list are gone
4. I couldn't find any application that lets me access my SD card
5. There were wayyyyy too many options to customize in Cyanogen that gave me a headache instead
Now I realize that the pros would bombard me with comments and advice to sort out those problems, and they certainly would know better what to do than me. But as a new user to Android in the smartphone era, I'm just plain confused.
So I restored the nandroid backup and I'm back to the state before I installed Cyanogen
BUT, I'm not done yet. I'm now downloading Liberated Aria Froyo FR007 and want to try it out. Just don't chicken out at getting hands on with this cos I wanna get the most out of my Aria. So good luck!
The people at XDA are really helpful and you shouldn't worry about getting lost. Thanks guys!
Thanks for the link Zervic, I'll check that out.
I also appreciate the info Emigre, glad to know I'm not the only noob on XDA! =)
Root yet or still having problems?
Noz85 said:
Root yet or still having problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm waffling big-time!
I just read through the huge CM6 thread and seeing all those different problems posted gives me the willies. Going to read through the Sense/Froyo thread next and see if it looks any safer.
Dont worry so much with any of the roms here theres a very small chance to brick your phone. If you like how your phone looks now then Liberated is for you. If you want to customize everything them go with CM6.
Your choice but dont over think it lol.
if you need help just ask.
Hey man, I really appreciate that... I like the idea of all the customization possible with CM6, but all of the bug reports in that thread scare the crap out of me.
Thats mostly for the nightly roms. CM6 and CM6.1 RC1 are very stable, I didn't have any major problems with them. Just make sure to fallow all the instructions when installing to avoid any problems with any roms you chose.
Noz85 said:
Thats mostly for the nightly roms. CM6 and CM6.1 RC1 are very stable, I didn't have any major problems with them. Just make sure to fallow all the instructions when installing to avoid any problems with any roms you chose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would agree. Both CM 6.0.2.1 and CM 6.1 RC1 have been very reliable for me. As has been mentioned in other posts, most of the 'bugs' are about the nightly CM builds which are truly 'experimental'.
There are a few caveats with CM 6.x that you won't run into with the Liberated ROMs. Number 1 is read the wiki instructions completely. Once you flash the CM 6 you then need to flash the Google Apps so that you can access the Android Market. Number 2 is that the CM 6.x cannot read any contacts you have stored on your SIM card, so you should export them from the SIM and sync them with your GMAIL account.
Regards,
Tom
Okay, anything I need to set aside for doing this? Will the stock 2gb SD card work fine? How long does the process take, from start to finish?
i too am on the learning curve of all this rooting and whatnot. before i got the aria just this last wednesday i had the hero cdma with Alltel. which apparently was a B* to root and whatnot, cuz alltel isnt popular for devs ive noticed. when i first got the hero it was really new for alltel, and there were people working on the root process. I too get pretty nervous when i read stuff that i could do to my phone but could brick it.. but then i found out about the recovery mode and nandroid backups.. and OMFG they help a lot when you change a setting to be incompatible and get a boot loop. that was VERY often with that hero.
When i found out that i was getting the Aria cuz of the Alltel to AT&T transition, i kept an eye on the aria threads. day one of getting the aria, i plugged it right in running unrevoked and it went real quick, however thats just the root process of course. you havent installed any roms at this point, just got the privileges.
thats when you boot the recovery mode, do that nandroid backup and copy that backup somewhere safe on a computer or something.. then of course after that then you follow the steps for whichever rom you choose that you want.
IMO- i prefer the Liberated series, i had my chance with CM6.1 on the hero and enjoyed it a bit, but got tired of it and went to the Fresh Hero ROM. so since i knew i liked fresh hero, i knew i wanted liberated series, and most especially because its 2.2 FroYo with the HTC Sense UI (the "stock look" that was mentioned earlier)
and to answer your questions:
1. make sure you have the right usb drivers, youll know if you read the tutorials. the nandroid backup would be somewhere between 200-350MB so make sure you have enough free on the sd.
2.the stock 2gb will work just fine. in the future look into upgrading with a class 4 or class 6 speed MicroSD for even better performance.
3.once you get the drivers and software downloaded, the unrevoked root process takes probably around 5 minutes, if that.. it seemed really fast to me. the nandroid backup process will be fast if you dont have many apps installed now. should only take a few minutes as well. im guessing it takes me like 10-15 minutes sometimes cuz of apps and such, (sometimes i lose track of time). then after nandroid, the wipes are like instant, then flashing the rom, (like i said im bad with time sometimes) and i believe that takes about 5-10 minutes.
So it seems like after I root my phone, I should boot back into the stock ROM and download Titanium to back-up my apps and app data. Is this correct? I don't want to lose access to the apps I have purchased. Is that the best way?
the purchased apps you can obviously re-download, but yes. titanium backup is really useful for saving app/app-data. however, if needed, you can always nandroid the custom rom, restore your stock backup and pull info from that, then restore back to the custom.
joachim123 said:
the purchased apps you can obviously re-download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have found quite a few threads around the internet about people losing their paid apps after rooting and flashing a custom ROM. Wasn't sure if there was some step I needed to take to ensure that I can retrieve my paid apps. There aren't many, I've only had my phone for a few weeks, but still... I'm cheap!
1. You can use titanium to back up your apps, though that isn't 100% necessary because, as previously mentioned, you can re-download your purchased apps.
2. Once you get the ROM installed (if it happens to be cyanogenmod) you need to also install gapps, which includes the market app. If you don't flash the gapps package, obviously, there will be no market.
3. Keep in mind that if you install CM, there will be no more HTC Sync.
4. If you follow the directions in 1, the video i posted for you or 2, any of the threads that explain this process the possibility for you to brick your phone is slim to none. -- as attn1 said "If you manage to brick your phone with this ROM from there, you are a dumb ass of unimaginable proportions, and I absolve myself of any responsibility whatsoever. "
There were a few other things I wanted to mention but I gotta run...
oh haha, well as far as im concerned, the purchases should be saved in the google database as long as you use the same gmail account to log in to the phone. ive been fine every time. even from goin thru the transition of different cell providers and phones. there is an app that im not sure if its allowed to be posted but ill message a link to you. its helped a lot lately even tho i just found it out like two days ago.
zervic said:
There were a few other things I wanted to mention but I gotta run...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh that's just great... reminds me of the teases for "News at 11 - The critical info you need that could save your life"... meanwhile, it's 4pm, what do I do until 11 to stay alive?!?!
Related
Hi guys,
Im new to the Android scene, and thats because of the N1 got my nexus on order and should arrive shorty in the following week. Been reading the threads here over the last week or so, but alot of things aren't quite clear to me. Especially because im a Android noobie (previous WinMo )
Anyways reading about the Unlocking bootloader and Rooting the device seems pretty straight forward. I understand the consequences of each part and thus appears to be pretty easily done.
The things that i am unclear about are the addon packs and the things it comes bundled with?
- What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
Thankyou for any answers as I believe you will help me to NOT mess up my new phone. I'm sure alot of other people would be thankful for your answers.
Thankyou again!
Hello,
First off welcome to Android, second, get the fire suit on for the "wrong forum" flames.
What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
Not a *ton* but there is Tether and other goodies that you can start using.
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
Yes to 1st, and there will be lost data when you unlock the bootloader.. if you unocked the bootloader, and then used the phone for a week or so, THEN flashed this addon pack, then no data loss.- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
Android Debug Bridge... its used for debugging. lol....- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
No, the Nandroid backup will be an option AFTER you unlock the BL and install Amon_RA's Recovery image..
Good luck man!!
thanks for the reply.
I'm trying to gather as much as i can before i get the phone in my hands. Maybe because i want to start right away when i get hold of the phone lol You have enlightened me on many points.
I was just wondering also,
I've read about apps such as Nexus Torch and SetCPU which require rooting. Are these apps aquired simply after I unlock + root from the market place? because i read about reinstall su and similar.
Sorry for the noobiness, as i've mentioned im a android beginner and not too familiar with the terms used.
I just want to install some cool apps and convert those iphone users......(my gf )
No they're not required. Rooting is really only for the hardcore phone nerd (which is probably why you're on this site!) I personally am holding off on rooting my N1 until it's fully understood on if it can be re-locked etc. If this is your first Android phone I would recommend doing some reading around on the G1 forum and understand the full capabilities of rooting your device and some neat apps.
**edit
mis-read what you said. Those apps can be obtained from the "Makin Bacon" add on somewhere on this forum. Cyanogen posted it up.
SystmDcln said:
No they're not required. Rooting is really only for the hardcore phone nerd (which is probably why you're on this site!) I personally am holding off on rooting my N1 until it's fully understood on if it can be re-locked etc. If this is your first Android phone I would recommend doing some reading around on the G1 forum and understand the full capabilities of rooting your device and some neat apps.
**edit
mis-read what you said. Those apps can be obtained from the "Makin Bacon" add on somewhere on this forum. Cyanogen posted it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doing the same thing as this guy. I'm super hardcore about customization so I have no doubt that I'll root my phone eventually but not quite yet. Things are still a bit too new and right now there really aren't that many reasons to root (outside of tethering support IMO). If you can live without tethering for a month, then you should wait to root.
welcome
addon packs do a few things to your phone. the biggest things, i think, are the busybox and the dropbear installations, and the tethering apps. some modders also like to "optimize" android too. whether or not it actually works, i can't personally tell, but i take their word for it.
busybox will allow you to run some common linux commands on your android (with a terminal app i guess...) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BusyBox
dropbear is an ssh server so that you can access the command line (and push files to your android) from your computer
tethering means share your cell connection with a computer to give your computer internet. i've used it in many airports, and it's sweet.
like the other dude said, the initial root will require a data wipe, but not the addons. i'm not sure if it's true for EVERY rom (i think it is) but when you first install a whole rom a wipe is required, but when upgrading to a newer version of the same rom no wipe is required. if you like to keep your sms and mms's then it's good to have some of these linux tools so you can move and replace the sms and mms databases manually.
adb is android debugging bridge. it's a part of the android sdk (software development kit) that google gives out for free and is meant to develop apps. with it you can plug your phone into your comp via USB and run all sorts of commands on it from your computer. droidexplorer is basically a GUI for the adb commands, so with ADB you can do all that droidexplorer can do. http://de.codeplex.com/
nandroid is kind of like "system restore" for android. you need to root the phone, then flash Amon_RA's recovery thingy (in one of the threads). once you're in recovery, you can create a nandroid backup (kind of like an image of your current android phone) that you can restore later. then restoring it is as simple as going back into recovery and clicking "restore".
m00moo said:
Hi guys,
Im new to the Android scene, and thats because of the N1 got my nexus on order and should arrive shorty in the following week. Been reading the threads here over the last week or so, but alot of things aren't quite clear to me. Especially because im a Android noobie (previous WinMo )
Anyways reading about the Unlocking bootloader and Rooting the device seems pretty straight forward. I understand the consequences of each part and thus appears to be pretty easily done.
The things that i am unclear about are the addon packs and the things it comes bundled with?
- What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
Thankyou for any answers as I believe you will help me to NOT mess up my new phone. I'm sure alot of other people would be thankful for your answers.
Thankyou again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
If I buy an app (I'm thinking of the Exchange Calendar sync app) and then end up rooting and installing another ROM (say the EU ROM if it has multitouch) will I be able to get my purchased apps working again - or do you have to rebuy them?
If you buy an app it'll always show as purchased on the marketplace so you can redownload it - all the ones I bought on my G1 were still available when I setup the N1 for example.
m00moo said:
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait to root. Right now it's still too unknown on the "ins and outs" of this phone. When I first started rooting on my G1 and MyTouch I wiped a lot while learning things about it. Research while you wait. An OTA is supposed to come out to fix some bugs, and nobody has released any ROMs anyways. And on paid apps, Google Checkout keeps a record of what you purchase, no matter how many times you wipe Market will always have them listed in the "Downloads" Tab as "Purchased" to re-download at no charge.
m00moo said:
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that happened to me. i think it has to do with the fact that i rooted and turned on my phone before i even put my simcard in. i opened the market and couldn't see "top paid apps" (though i could still search for apps and paid ones would show up). after i turned it off, then put my sim card in and turned it back on, no dice, still no top paid apps.
i reflashed nexusone-superboot-1.1.img with my sim card in this time (can't remember if i wiped. i think it required a wipe) and i turned it on with my sim and voila. paid apps. so it's definitely fixable if you run into that problem.
thanks again for the replies
Im pretty up for rooting upon recieving my handset which should be by wednesday the latest (no engraving), as i ordered on friday 8th. But being the first time im quite scared to do so lol especially on a brand new phone.
But as SystmDcIn said theres too much we don't know as of yet and slowly things are becoming more and more developed as we speak.
The main issue for me is using the phone 2 weeks in and then wiping it clean hopefully somebody will make some cool ROMS soon which include the "addons and goodies" so the process is made way more simple.
Thanks again guys! Well appreciated!
I would also agree with waiting to root. I dont see the benefits of SetCPU for the N1, cuz its already at 1ghz, if it was underclocked i would understand.
Orangeandblue302 said:
I would also agree with waiting to root. I dont see the benefits of SetCPU for the N1, cuz its already at 1ghz, if it was underclocked i would understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use SetCPU to underclock the device in sleep mode.
I also underclock when I am not going to be using it for long periods.
Saves battery life.
true true, didnt think of it like that. most people want to overclock, i shouldnt assume. you know what happens when you assume lol.
It is a bit of a travesty to do it to this device. Its like putting a Beetle engine in a Porsche.
I can't always be near a charger, and until I can get a bigger battery that will give me more than seven hours, this is the solution.
this being my first android device i have spent hours on end on theses boards and on wiki's learning as much as i can about the phone and the platform... many of these basic questions that he asked i also had not 24 hours ago haha...
that being said, i think a lot of people are moving over to android so what if a thread got started that would answer basic questions that typically ever new user is going to have? ive yet to find a straight forward answer for half of the crap i have tried to find out and having it all in 1 place would be quite beneficial for people switching over... this could be moderated highly to keep it clean and in order?
a nice, straightforward, helpful community would be a nice touch to overtake some iphone shares
I see that you're from Hong Kong also- has your device shipped yet? I ordered mine on the 8th as well and it still shows not yet shipped. Was just wondering whether that's normal as most people state that the device shipped a day after ordering.
yamanote said:
I see that you're from Hong Kong also- has your device shipped yet? I ordered mine on the 8th as well and it still shows not yet shipped. Was just wondering whether that's normal as most people state that the device shipped a day after ordering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I am not really from Hong Kong lol I'm in fact from UK and Chinese. My Phone will be arriving early next week so whilst waiting, I am trying to learn as much as possible in case i damage my phone being a noob. lol
I agree with JHaste, i think due to the N1 and the upcoming HTC andoird devices. Alot of people will be moving over to Android in the coming 2-3 months. The questions i asked will be asked over and over and some kind of wiki,faq or android bible will be great. If anybody had the time and knowledge of basic rooting, unlocking and flashing could do such a thing it will be greatly appreciated
m00moo said:
thanks again for the replies
Im pretty up for rooting upon recieving my handset which should be by wednesday the latest (no engraving), as i ordered on friday 8th. But being the first time im quite scared to do so lol especially on a brand new phone.
But as SystmDcIn said theres too much we don't know as of yet and slowly things are becoming more and more developed as we speak.
The main issue for me is using the phone 2 weeks in and then wiping it clean hopefully somebody will make some cool ROMS soon which include the "addons and goodies" so the process is made way more simple.
Thanks again guys! Well appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think cyanogen's mod includes a backup app (titanium backup or somethin)...you'd be able to save all your data before you wiped it clean (but then you'd need the same backup app to restore it)
Hey all,
I posted this same thread on another forum but it's not as active as this one so I'm posting here for better results. Anyways, I did a hell of a lot of googling on all sorts of random things, and after hours and hours of trial and error just to get my damn Windows 7 to recognize the Hero, I was well on my way to rooting. After I had rooted my phone, I, by default, ended up going with the MoDaCo 2.0 ROM core update. I just recently downloaded the extension update, and basically I'm just kinda sitting here, thinking to myself, "Now what?" I guess my real question is, what exactly have I done? I understand that rooting the phone basically puts in a free-to-use-however-you-want sort of sense, and the custom ROM gives you better performance and more to offer than the factory Hero ROM, but seeing so many posts of all sorts of people doing this and that and the other thing on their phones, I feel like I'm missing out on the what-to-do-next memo. If anyone has any good advice for a new Android user to look forward and almost like a guide on Things You Should Do After You've Rooted and Installed MoDaCo 2.0, I'd appreciate it.
As for apps. I currently have, use, and enjoy these (any other recommendations?):
Ak Notepad
Astro File Manager
Spare Parts
TasKiller
Twidroid
Also looking for the consolidated power settings widget I see randomly everywhere. It's so bad ass looking and convenient but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I know Beautiful Widgets had it but HTC sent them a C&D so it got taken down.
Another thing. This stuff I read about being able to get apps that aren't normally in Market after you root, what's up with that? And which ones of these are must-haves?
Haha I apologize beforehand for this thread having so many questions but to consolidate it all to one question, what exactly should I do now that my phone is rooted and loaded with custom rom 2.0, and what are some must-haves and must-knows for a noob looking to eventually become a pro at this stuff?
I just rooted my phone a while ago
So far I've loaded fresh ROM 1.1
found some sweet themes to change stuff
I recommend you go to this website: www[.]geekfor.me (no .com) and check out the pre-kitchen v 0.2. it allows you to easily run command line stuff from a really really easy to use GUI
he's also got a few themes and stuff to download
the customization is about the most useful thing I've found from root. apparently there are some good tethering apps and stuff, but I've never really gotten them to work
Thanks I appreciate that. I'm gonna check some of that stuff out. Can anyone guide me in the direction of a good beginner's guide to ap2sd and do I need to install a radio update or something after I've installed the ROM? Or is that just for GSM? I'm having trouble finding a good collection of beginners guides on google for this stuff so I apologize if all my questions can be answered by other threads in this forum.
smackinisaiah said:
Hey all,
I posted this same thread on another forum but it's not as active as this one so I'm posting here for better results. Anyways, I did a hell of a lot of googling on all sorts of random things, and after hours and hours of trial and error just to get my damn Windows 7 to recognize the Hero, I was well on my way to rooting. After I had rooted my phone, I, by default, ended up going with the MoDaCo 2.0 ROM core update. I just recently downloaded the extension update, and basically I'm just kinda sitting here, thinking to myself, "Now what?" I guess my real question is, what exactly have I done? I understand that rooting the phone basically puts in a free-to-use-however-you-want sort of sense, and the custom ROM gives you better performance and more to offer than the factory Hero ROM, but seeing so many posts of all sorts of people doing this and that and the other thing on their phones, I feel like I'm missing out on the what-to-do-next memo. If anyone has any good advice for a new Android user to look forward and almost like a guide on Things You Should Do After You've Rooted and Installed MoDaCo 2.0, I'd appreciate it.
As for apps. I currently have, use, and enjoy these (any other recommendations?):
Ak Notepad
Astro File Manager
Spare Parts
TasKillerTwidroid
Also looking for the consolidated power settings widget I see randomly everywhere. It's so bad ass looking and convenient but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I know Beautiful Widgets had it but HTC sent them a C&D so it got taken down.
Another thing. This stuff I read about being able to get apps that aren't normally in Market after you root, what's up with that? And which ones of these are must-haves?
Haha I apologize beforehand for this thread having so many questions but to consolidate it all to one question, what exactly should I do now that my phone is rooted and loaded with custom rom 2.0, and what are some must-haves and must-knows for a noob looking to eventually become a pro at this stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://geekfor.me/faq/you-shouldnt-be-using-a-task-killer-with-android/
First I would say read everyhting you can in this forum. I have learned a lot about my phone just by reading the treads.
second and I cant belive no one said this yet. DO NOT I repeat DO NOT do anything with the radio. as far as I know flashing the radio is the only way found so far to totally brick this phone.
apps2sd is automatic with modaco's rom as long as your sd card is partitioned for it.
must have apps are really something that is subjective. I just googled best android apps and got a ton of info to go through and found a few apps that I really wanted or thaat I just thought where cool.
good luck and happy moding
Hello everyone, I just recently got an HTC Aria and it is my first Android phone. A friend recommended I come here and see how I can make my Aria "better" so what do you guys recommend.
I've read a lot of the posts on here and it seems that I should root my phone, but as I stated previously I'm really new to all this so can you guys help me out and give me some tips.
Thanks!
vicmora5 said:
Hello everyone, I just recently got an HTC Aria and it is my first Android phone. A friend recommended I come here and see how I can make my Aria "better" so what do you guys recommend.
I've read a lot of the posts on here and it seems that I should root my phone, but as I stated previously I'm really new to all this so can you guys help me out and give me some tips.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tips:
1. Read, study and reread, especially the STICKY threads that usually contain Q&A information for new users.
2. Forum Search and Google will also be your friend.
3. If you do have questions, posting in this "General" section is the best place to start.
vicmora5 said:
Hello everyone, I just recently got an HTC Aria and it is my first Android phone. A friend recommended I come here and see how I can make my Aria "better" so what do you guys recommend.
I've read a lot of the posts on here and it seems that I should root my phone, but as I stated previously I'm really new to all this so can you guys help me out and give me some tips.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What it says above is a great way to start. I just got an Aria too and for me the first thing I wanted to do was to get rid of the AT&T crapware off the phone. After rooting, which is super easy compared to how it was a few years back, then you can just search for what you want to do. I am new to Android but have been on this forum for years and it's the best place for anything you want to do to your phone to make it "better" Now I'm trying to add 3rd party apps that are not in the market, this gets a bit involved, but the info is here. I have installed different ROM's on other phones before, but don't really care to do that with the Aria yet, but it is definitely an easy way to get the Aria upgraded to Android 2.2 and get rid of the crapware and AT&T's limitations that they put on their phones at the same time.
Everyone here is super helpful as long as you read first and ask questions later. Cheers!
ckuke4 said:
What it says above is a great way to start. I just got an Aria too and for me the first thing I wanted to do was to get rid of the AT&T crapware off the phone. After rooting, which is super easy compared to how it was a few years back, then you can just search for what you want to do. I am new to Android but have been on this forum for years and it's the best place for anything you want to do to your phone to make it "better" Now I'm trying to add 3rd party apps that are not in the market, this gets a bit involved, but the info is here. I have installed different ROM's on other phones before, but don't really care to do that with the Aria yet, but it is definitely an easy way to get the Aria upgraded to Android 2.2 and get rid of the crapware and AT&T's limitations that they put on their phones at the same time.
Everyone here is super helpful as long as you read first and ask questions later. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'm a total noob with everything though, I get really confused with this stuff. So far I think I've seen two different methods for rooting the Aria can you guys tell me which is the best one? So far all I've done with my Aria is get swype on it :3
Here's the two different ways I've seen,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710677&highlight=Root+htc+aria
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788737&highlight=Root+htc+aria
There may be more I'm not sure, but which one is the better guide? Or are both basically the same.
vicmora5 said:
Thanks! I'm a total noob with everything though, I get really confused with this stuff. So far I think I've seen two different methods for rooting the Aria can you guys tell me which is the best one? So far all I've done with my Aria is get swype on it :3
Here's the two different ways I've seen,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710677&highlight=Root+htc+aria
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788737&highlight=Root+htc+aria
There may be more I'm not sure, but which one is the better guide? Or are both basically the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO the second one has more concise instructions for noob. They both document using the Unrevoked 3.2 tool which makes rooting the Aria pretty painless.
tpbklake said:
IMO the second one has more concise instructions for noob. They both document using the Unrevoked 3.2 tool which makes rooting the Aria pretty painless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks, is there anything I should do before beginning the rooting process?
Also what comes after the root 3:
vicmora5 said:
Ok thanks, is there anything I should do before beginning the rooting process?
Also what comes after the root 3:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install HTC Sync so that the usb drivers get installed.
After you get rooted, I suggest you reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery mode and do a 'nandroid' backup. Do a search and you'll find more info about how to do that.
tpbklake said:
Install HTC Sync so that the usb drivers get installed.
After you get rooted, I suggest you reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery mode and do a 'nandroid' backup. Do a search and you'll find more info about how to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I did the nandroid backup, now what?
Just search for a ROM?
Which is the best one
vicmora5 said:
Ok I did the nandroid backup, now what?
Just search for a ROM?
Which is the best one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's purely opinion. The good news is we only have a few to choose from, but they are very good roms. If you like the stock look/feel if the aria then one of the two liberated roms would be a good choice. One is based on android 2.1 with sense ui (came stock on the aria) and the other is based on android 2.2 with sense ui. Then theres cm6.1, which is based on android 2.2 but without the sense ui. All are good choices and very well developed. Try em all and see what you like. Ask those roms receive very good user support.
I personally started on liberated (i was hesitant to give up sense), but I eventually tried cm6 and once I adjusted I've never looked back.
vicmora5 said:
Ok I did the nandroid backup, now what?
Just search for a ROM?
Which is the best one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too agree with the post before mine, that it's all a matter of opinion. If you want mine, since you call yourself such a noob, I'd try one of the liberated rom's that have sense ui which is what you're used to. Then try cm6.1 at a later time once you're comfortable with your skills, it's very customizable and as mentioned before, well developed, with a large helpful community. Good luck. Btw, rom's are in the Development section.
CallMeAria said:
That's purely opinion. The good news is we only have a few to choose from, but they are very good roms. If you like the stock look/feel if the aria then one of the two liberated roms would be a good choice. One is based on android 2.1 with sense ui (came stock on the aria) and the other is based on android 2.2 with sense ui. Then theres cm6.1, which is based on android 2.2 but without the sense ui. All are good choices and very well developed. Try em all and see what you like. Ask those roms receive very good user support.
I personally started on liberated (i was hesitant to give up sense), but I eventually tried cm6 and once I adjusted I've never looked back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having troubles with both of them, not installing or running them or anything like that , but problems with my network. The liberated constantly drops the signal and the cm6.1 doesnt allow me to send or receive picture messages, do you know if theres a way to get back to just the default rom the aria came with. Maybe I'll just root then and not install any other ROMS
vicmora5 said:
I'm having troubles with both of them, not installing or running them or anything like that , but problems with my network. The liberated constantly drops the signal and the cm6.1 doesnt allow me to send or receive picture messages, do you know if theres a way to get back to just the default rom the aria came with. Maybe I'll just root then and not install any other ROMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Htc website had the stock aria rom. As far as the picture messages go remember that you have to have your data turned on to send or receive pic messages. But you should definitely be able to do it I'm on cm6.1 and I'm able to send and receive.
CallMeAria said:
Htc website had the stock aria rom. As far as the picture messages go remember that you have to have your data turned on to send or receive pic messages. But you should definitely be able to do it I'm on cm6.1 and I'm able to send and receive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know but there is no indication of it being on there isn't that check mark thing, even though it says its on. Anyways I already went to stock thanks for the help, I'm going to root then just keep it that way.
I've had the MT4G since it came out in November and I used to absolutely love it but recently it has become increasingly sluggish and certain aspects have become much less responsive.
Pulling down the notification bar is much less responsive than before as is installing apps. Apps take much longer to install and when I reset the phone it now takes FOREVER (3 or more minutes sometimes) for the apps that are installed on the SD card to become usable. This wouldn't bother me quite as much if it weren't for the fact that it didn't used to be like this.
I do have a lot of apps on the phone (around 200) but I have plenty of free space on both internal memory and the SD card. When I go into the running apps section of the app manager it doesn't appear like there are any unwanted background apps running - just the essentials.
I'm not sure what I could have done to slow it down so much but is anyone else having this problem and is there a known solution?
Thanks in advance.
Belvadier said:
I've had the MT4G since it came out in November and I used to absolutely love it but recently it has become increasingly sluggish and certain aspects have become much less responsive.
Pulling down the notification bar is much less responsive than before as is installing apps. Apps take much longer to install and when I reset the phone it now takes FOREVER (3 or more minutes sometimes) for the apps that are installed on the SD card to become usable. This wouldn't bother me quite as much if it weren't for the fact that it didn't used to be like this.
I do have a lot of apps on the phone (around 200) but I have plenty of free space on both internal memory and the SD card. When I go into the running apps section of the app manager it doesn't appear like there are any unwanted background apps running - just the essentials.
I'm not sure what I could have done to slow it down so much but is anyone else having this problem and is there a known solution?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing happened to my friends mytouch. What ROM are you running? I rooted her phone and installed CM7 and she's even more in love with the phone as to her it's 100x faster. So maybe you can go that route? Or you can install Faux's Orange Glacier if you want mySense, maybe ext4 will help you.
I am running everything stock. My phone is not rooted or running any custom roms. I haven't rooted because there honestly isn't much for me to personally gain from it. I like the MT4G interface and appreciate the things that it does well and ignore or workaround the things that it doesn't.
Also, I know Gingerbread has been confirmed so it's just a matter of time. So I guess I've just not done it because it's easier and I'd like to avoid doing it.
The thing is, when I got it and it was stock it ran like a dream. In fact it ran like a dream for quite some time. It's only been quite recently that it's begun to decline...
Belvadier said:
I am running everything stock. My phone is not rooted or running any custom roms. I haven't rooted because there honestly isn't much for me to personally gain from it. I like the MT4G interface and appreciate the things that it does well and ignore or workaround the things that it doesn't.
Also, I know Gingerbread has been confirmed so it's just a matter of time. So I guess I've just not done it because it's easier and I'd like to avoid doing it.
The thing is, when I got it and it was stock it ran like a dream. In fact it ran like a dream for quite some time. It's only been quite recently that it's begun to decline...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont like suggesting rooting/flashing to fix errors when its not needed, but in your case, it looks like it is. Because you say you like your rom, i would look at THIS one. Its the same as what you have now, but with root and you can get the version that has some of the bloatware removed. Hope I helped!
JDV28 said:
I dont like suggesting rooting/flashing to fix errors when its not needed, but in your case, it looks like it is. Because you say you like your rom, i would look at THIS one. Its the same as what you have now, but with root and you can get the version that has some of the bloatware removed. Hope I helped!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But why would this fix it? Something had to have happened to make it so sluggish. If you can't tell I really don't want to have to resort to rooting my device. Maybe I'm just not familiar enough with the functionality of a rooted phone: do all of the features work? (camera, gps, etc). Is it easy to update to a newer version of a custom ROM when a new one comes out? I don't really want to root because when an official Gingerbread update comes out I imagine it will be a nice and painless update whereas with rooting there is always that X factor that I could brick my phone and be worse off than I was before...
Belvadier said:
But why would this fix it? Something had to have happened to make it so sluggish. If you can't tell I really don't want to have to resort to rooting my device. Maybe I'm just not familiar enough with the functionality of a rooted phone: do all of the features work? (camera, gps, etc). Is it easy to update to a newer version of a custom ROM when a new one comes out? I don't really want to root because when an official Gingerbread update comes out I imagine it will be a nice and painless update whereas with rooting there is always that X factor that I could brick my phone and be worse off than I was before...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the hint originally that you dont want to root, but it really is the best option for you. All the features work, you can get those Gingerbread roms right now, if you would like. My favorite things about it are: WAY better performance, customization, choice of version of android, choice of Sense (or another UI overlay) or stock android, etc. I could go on forever with a list of whats better. If a new version of the ROM you are using is released: you download it to your SD card, (re)boot into recovery (something you will learn), three clicks of the trackpad and it will be flashing. Then you reboot and its all done!
If you would like, PM me and I'll walk you through all of it with links/guides/tips and opinions
EDIT: As far as the sluggish thing, i can guarantee you its something with the (currently stock) rom. I'm not saying its unfixable, but this is a good reason to go ahead and root, flash custom rom, etc.
JDV28 said:
I got the hint originally that you dont want to root, but it really is the best option for you. All the features work, you can get those Gingerbread roms right now, if you would like. My favorite things about it are: WAY better performance, customization, choice of version of android, choice of Sense (or another UI overlay) or stock android, etc. I could go on forever with a list of whats better. If a new version of the ROM you are using is released: you download it to your SD card, (re)boot into recovery (something you will learn), three clicks of the trackpad and it will be flashing. Then you reboot and its all done!
If you would like, PM me and I'll walk you through all of it with links/guides/tips and opinions
EDIT: As far as the sluggish thing, i can guarantee you its something with the (currently stock) rom. I'm not saying its unfixable, but this is a good reason to go ahead and root, flash custom rom, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add on to what he's saying:
But I can understand why you're hesitant. I think the sluggishness is just part of the stock ROM, every person I know that has the stock ROM it eventually slows down after some time. But a custom ROM should be faster because it's just lighter over all, it's been deodexed (whatever that means) and all that stuff plus bloatware taken out. Plus it would be in EXT 4 format which has proven to be faster. There's wonderful youtube tuts if you need em, and of course you got us!
You're aren't they only one with the sluggish phone. My wife told me that her phone started getting sluggish about two days ago. She's also stock and not wanting to root. She only has about 50 apps installed. So like others have said it's part of the stock rom.
You could always factory reset it and start from scratch. That will bring back its original speed but you will obviously lose all your apps.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Having a faulty SD card or having a bad sector in the internal memory might also be a reason for it. In that case, formatting the "offender" will solve it (formatting internal memory means factory reset).
If I root my phone and install a custom ROM do I lose all my apps and/or other personal data? Also, which is the most highly recommended ROM for this phone? I'd like to use the most current and up-to-date one and preferably one where all the features work, etc...
I'm really unsure about this but I'm left with little other choice I suppose...
Belvadier said:
If I root my phone and install a custom ROM do I lose all my apps and/or other personal data? Also, which is the most highly recommended ROM for this phone? I'd like to use the most current and up-to-date one and preferably one where all the features work, etc...
I'm really unsure about this but I'm left with little other choice I suppose...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As others have said - if you truly don't want to root for whatever reason, your other option is to factory reset the phone, which will revert it to its original condition when you first got it. I for one totally support the rooting option, as it really does make you feel like you just upgraded your phone to a better model. Phone will be faster, more responsive, and offer better battery life (depending on the rom you flash). Plus, you just get a world of customizable possibilities that aren't available to you on stock. You can choose between Sense (and many different versions of Sense at that), stock/AOSP (i.e. cm7), or even something totally different like MIUI.
If you do decide to root, but enjoy the stock experience, I'd suggest Iced Glacier (correct me if I'm wrong) which is pretty much the stock UI with bloatware removed...or if you want to try a different version of Sense, I'm on Royal Panache right now, which is gingerbread Sense 2.1, and it's really awesome and works flawlessly.
You can use Titanium Backup to backup your apps/data and then restore them after you've either rooted and flashed a new rom, or factory reset...hopefully someone else will confirm this, because I'm not sure off-hand if you need to be rooted to be able to backup/restore.
sunsean said:
As others have said - if you truly don't want to root for whatever reason, your other option is to factory reset the phone, which will revert it to its original condition when you first got it. I for one totally support the rooting option, as it really does make you feel like you just upgraded your phone to a better model. Phone will be faster, more responsive, and offer better battery life (depending on the rom you flash). Plus, you just get a world of customizable possibilities that aren't available to you on stock. You can choose between Sense (and many different versions of Sense at that), stock/AOSP (i.e. cm7), or even something totally different like MIUI.
If you do decide to root, but enjoy the stock experience, I'd suggest Iced Glacier (correct me if I'm wrong) which is pretty much the stock UI with bloatware removed...or if you want to try a different version of Sense, I'm on Royal Panache right now, which is gingerbread Sense 2.1, and it's really awesome and works flawlessly.
You can use Titanium Backup to backup your apps/data and then restore them after you've either rooted and flashed a new rom, or factory reset...hopefully someone else will confirm this, because I'm not sure off-hand if you need to be rooted to be able to backup/restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know titanium backup needs root before you're able to use it. He won't lose anything of he gains root. He'll be able to use it after root.
lilchip85 said:
I know titanium backup needs root before you're able to use it. He won't lose anything of he gains root. He'll be able to use it after root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, wasn't sure if you had to be rooted to backup/restore - so to the OP, either way if you factory reset or root/flash a rom, you'll lose your apps. In that case, next best option is to make sure you sync google backup right before whatever you decide to do, so after you reset/root, your google market apps should automatically be restored to your device. Obviously, same goes with contacts, they will automatically restore to your device provided you have it synced with google.
If you decide to root, you won't have to worry about this again as after that you can use Titanium to backup/restore apps and data when you flash different roms. Pain in the butt, but better than the alternative of having a phone that doesn't run well.
I understand the hesitation with rooting, I was the same initially, but I promise you - if you don't mind putting in a little extra time and energy, the benefits are substantial. Obviously you're into your phone enough to register with XDA, so I encourage you to explore it. I'm not a hardcore tech-savvy guy, rooting is pretty painless as long as you read a bit before you do it.
sunsean said:
Thanks, wasn't sure if you had to be rooted to backup/restore - so to the OP, either way if you factory reset or root/flash a rom, you'll lose your apps. In that case, next best option is to make sure you sync google backup right before whatever you decide to do, so after you reset/root, your google market apps should automatically be restored to your device. Obviously, same goes with contacts, they will automatically restore to your device provided you have it synced with google.
If you decide to root, you won't have to worry about this again as after that you can use Titanium to backup/restore apps and data when you flash different roms. Pain in the butt, but better than the alternative of having a phone that doesn't run well.
I understand the hesitation with rooting, I was the same initially, but I promise you - if you don't mind putting in a little extra time and energy, the benefits are substantial. Obviously you're into your phone enough to register with XDA, so I encourage you to explore it. I'm not a hardcore tech-savvy guy, rooting is pretty painless as long as you read a bit before you do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you misunderstood what you quoted, you dont lose anything during the rooting process. You can sit with the stock ROM w/ root, JUST like how you had it before the rooting process without doing any extra steps.
@OP, The rom I linked you to on the first page was the stock ROM that you are running now, but debloated and few minor features added. You can do that, but now there are quite a few *stable* Gingerbread ROMs w/ Sense(2.0,2.1,3.0).
JDV28 said:
No, you misunderstood what you quoted, you dont lose anything during the rooting process. You can sit with the stock ROM w/ root, JUST like how you had it before the rooting process without doing any extra steps.
@OP, The rom I linked you to on the first page was the stock ROM that you are running now, but debloated and few minor features added. You can do that, but now there are quite a few *stable* Gingerbread ROMs w/ Sense(2.0,2.1,3.0).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah, duh...I was thinking if he rooted and flashed a new rom, forgot that he can still stay stock with root, and back up before flashing anything
Forgive me if anyone already suggested this, but have you tried rebooting? I didn't read all the text because I keep seeing people talking about ROMS and rooting. My myTouch does the same thing and restarting always fixes it.
Nitrouspony said:
Forgive me if anyone already suggested this, but have you tried rebooting? I didn't read all the text because I keep seeing people talking about ROMS and rooting. My myTouch does the same thing and restarting always fixes it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I reboot frequently - sometimes several times per day. As a last ditch effort before giving in to the root I got LauncherPro and have to say that it has solved like 75% of the problems I was having. SD programs still take their time loading on a reboot but homescreen switching is much faster as is app drawer scrolling (and scrolling in general really) and app launching is also quite a bit snappier.
The only caveat is that it really feels like now my battery is draining faster than it did before although the battery monitor doesn't show any abnormal amounts for any programs...
I was also taking a look at the memory usage and I was averaging around 168mb free which seems awfully low for a device with 768mb of RAM although there didn't seem to be that much stuff running either...
sunsean said:
Oh yeah, duh...I was thinking if he rooted and flashed a new rom, forgot that he can still stay stock with root, and back up before flashing anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol its ok, we all have our sunsean moments hehehe
@OP, convinced that rooting is eternal happiness and stock is the devil yet?
Belvadier said:
I was also taking a look at the memory usage and I was averaging around 168mb free which seems awfully low for a device with 768mb of RAM although there didn't seem to be that much stuff running either...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why, it's OK actually- Android (Linux-based) RAM management has a different behavior- compared to Windows. You can use Task Killers but whatever RAM you free will soon be occupied again.
Ok, so I've asked around and was told that I have to downgrade first to 2.2 from 2.3.4 to temp root then perm root my T-Mobile G2. I'm asking around bec. I want the Virtuous Unity ROM with Sense 3.0 on my phone, like the ones on the new HTC Sensation 4G. Do I really have to downgrade first? If so, can you please post a link to how to do it? I'm consulting you guys bec. you are knowledgable. Thanks in advance!
Did u even bother to look in the dev section? You gotta try a little in life to get things done ya know.
Look in the dev section or the wiki and you shall find your answer
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
im not even gonna read the post im just going to say TO DOWNGRADE
if your going to attempt it i guarantee this will be the easiest guide usually works the first time http://techticians.com/index.php/mobile-tech/14-mobile-phones/27-rooting-the-t-mobile-g2
Tbbo514 said:
if your going to attempt it i guarantee this will be the easiest guide usually works the first time http://techticians.com/index.php/mobile-tech/14-mobile-phones/27-rooting-the-t-mobile-g2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll second this guide--honestly it's NOT as bad as it sounds, and is soooo worth it
(If the concern is backup of apps...Titanium Backup should work. Keep in mind that pretty much ANY backup utility has some limited functionality with non-rooted phones, but at least the user apps will back up. I'd also back up Dolphin bookmarks (if you use Dolphin HD) as a precaution.)
Pretty much in my case, I backed up APKs and as much as Titanium Backup would allow on a non-rooted phone, followed essentially the instructions in the guide above (I did the Great Rooting JUST before that guide came out), picked a ROM, installed Titanium Backup, and restored the app-land user backups. The most annoying thing was getting stuff back on my panels/windows the way I liked.
(In my case, I don't go TOO far from stock--the furthest I've experimented with was MIUI Bulletproof (VERY solid but too iPhone-ish for my liking...if you want something different from the standard Android interface, go for it ). I've not seen the sense in Sense (relative has a Desire S, played about with it, wasn't all that impressed) and do tend to like ADW Launcher-using CyanogenMod variants (was with HTCClay for a bit then found it was functionally abandonware, now am with ILWT CW7 nightlies and couldn't be happier). What you want in a ROM is going to depend a LOT on what you tend to go for--performance or pretty or something else altogether )
One caveat that exists in all but the absolutely "stock save for rooted and deodexed" ROMs--none of them have Swype. Don't bother with reinstalling stock; I'd FAR more recommend going to http://beta.swype.com and just getting the beta versions. (They tend to have better performance and are several versions higher than the stock Swype. I note this, as an aside, because Swype is so far the ONLY non-physical keyboard I've ever found that the SO likes (and this is dating ALL the way back to the PalmPilot!) and I think if a rooted phone didn't include it they'd be Very Unhappy.) I usually use the physical keyboard, but Swype is a bit more tolerable than hunt-and-peck on the screen if I don't use the physical board.
I held off for months on rooting, and now seriously wonder why I waited so long