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Hero on Orange UK -- which custom ROM?

Hi all,
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Eh? There are no links in my message at all! Maybe the kernel versions which I included below is being detected erroneously as a URL? I'll snip it and try again. Back to the original message...
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I have tried searching and browsing the forums, but haven't found exactly what I need to know.
I've been waiting (very patiently) for an Android 2.1 ROM to be released for my phone. I tried to ask HTC Support when it might be available, but they just said 'check the website'.
I'm toying with the idea of rooting the phone, but am a bit undecided. I am interested in what the security risk is of rooting the phone. Doesn't this give root access to any application which I install?
Is there a custom ROM which will work on my HTC Hero, on Orange UK? If there's more than one, which would you recommend?
Currently my phone has the following versions listed:
Firmware version 1.5
Baseband version 63.18.55.06EU_6.35.06.18
Kernel version 2.6.27-8dd6eee [kernel details snipped]
Build number 2.73.61.5 146733 CL#61267 release-keys
Software version 1.0.0.A6288
Thanks,
Michael

I've been waiting (very patiently) for an Android 2.1 ROM to be released for my phone. I tried to ask HTC Support when it might be available, but they just said 'check the website'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully updates will start to be rolled out beginning 26th April,... HOPEFULLY!!!
I'm toying with the idea of rooting the phone, but am a bit undecided. I am interested in what the security risk is of rooting the phone. Doesn't this give root access to any application which I install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed it does give root access to all apps you install,... and you are quite right to be worried about security issues. However these risks can be minimised. Only install apps after doing abit of reading up, making sure other users aren't experiencing major issues. Also create nandroid backups (just like creating system restore points on a PC) regularly, so if you run into problems you can roll back to when you were fine.
Is there a custom ROM which will work on my HTC Hero, on Orange UK? If there's more than one, which would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any ROM for GSM HTC HEROs will work fine. I highly recomend MCR3.2 (see link in my signature). It is a rooted, tweaked Android 1.5 ROM. It is extremely fast and stable. I'd use that until a stable custom Android 2.1 ROM has been released.

One more thing,... Some Orange handsets can be awkward little buggers!!!!
Use BTDAG's guide (link in sig) to try and install the custom recovery console. This may fail as some Orange ROMS are known to be locked down. If this is the case with your phone, you will need to downgrade your ROM.
Gi'me a shout if you need any help.

Thanks for your help.
Use BTDAG's guide (link in sig) to try and install the custom recovery console. This may fail as some Orange ROMS are known to be locked down. If this is the case with your phone, you will need to downgrade your ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're probably right about the locked Orange ROM -- I have read about other people having the same problem and I do have a fairly new ROM installed.
I'm sure I'll be ok, as long as the instructions are well-written!
However these [security] risks can be minimised. Only install apps after doing a bit of reading up, making sure other users aren't experiencing major issues. Also create nandroid backups (just like creating system restore points on a PC) regularly, so if you run into problems you can roll back to when you were fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I see. The thing that worries me mostly isn't the risk of losing data, but the risk of someone stealing identity/financial data from my phone, maybe by means of hidden malicious code in an app... Still, that could already be happening. Maybe I just need to be more careful in general.
I won't ask more questions yet... I'll go read those pages you suggested.
Thanks!

I used the flashrec method of rooting on my orange handset, can't remember what rom I was on though at the time.
Definitely root its the way forward. Once you go android 2.1 (on a good custom rom) you will never want to go back to 1.5.
Once you have root all (or most) custom roms come with SuperUser.apk which is an app that controls root permissions in apps, you can deny it, grant it, grant it once etc... you get the drift so it can be controlled.
You don't have to worry about security too much.

HTC Desire newbe help.

Hi all,
I have just aquired my first Android (aka HTC Desire) after becoming all to familiar with Windows mobile!
My phone is from vodaphone with Android 2.1 and bootloader .80 version. I am unsure if it is branded but i suspect that it is as there is as vodaphone scene amongst the installed htc scenes although there dosn't appear to be anything else 'vodaphone' on the handset.
I have trailed through many forums (mostly this one) but haven't been able to provide wholly satisfactory answers to my questions and was hoping some kind sole would take the time to assist me for which i would be eternally greatful!:
Here goes:
My object is to flash my device with Froyo with the sense ui embedded which i have allready seen.
1. Is my phone actually branded and, if so, do i have to address this before i can continue. If the answer is yes, could somebody point me in the right direction?
2. Do i need to root my device to install Froyo and, if so, again could somebody please point me in the right direction(bootloader .80)
3. Assuming success, can somebody point me to where and how i can locate and install the best version of Froyo with embedded htc sense for my device.
If this is impossible with my device, i would appreciate someone in the know to break the sad news to me and i will wait (with my allready full Desire) for Vodaphone to send me my Froyo update! (perhaps for Christmas if that's not too optimistic.

1) is it branded? if its issued by vodaphone, chances are it is.
To root branded devices, you'll need a goldcard, follow this link (its specific for htc desire) :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6710085&postcount=3
2) to install froyo BEFORE the official release , yes you'll need to root it.
It's quite an easy process, took me under a minute using a one-click program.
Rooting guide :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=709146
3) best version of froyo with sense ... hmm
i'm using DeVillianRom but that's just my opinion of course
all roms can be found here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=628
hope this helps, make sure you check the HTC desire section regularly

Thanks jdebunt for your prompt reply.
I will be trying this out tomorrow morning and i am very grateful for your time and help.
After a year of 'messing' with windows mobile i was actually able to assist people with various problems! I have had an Android for one week now and have found this forum invaluable for understanding this excellent (almost) device.
I say almost as, after researching the Android platform, i failed to notice the lack of embedded apps2sd (until Froyo) which i think is a critical ommission.
Sorry to waffle on and thanks again and i will report back as to how it goes.
(One week old.....bricked???)

no problem, glad i could help
i do indeed rejoice at the sight of installing apps on SD because of the 2.2 roms, tho sometimes the apps load very slow...but that'll be sorted soon probably
if there's anything else, don't hesitate to drop a PM

[Q] Some questions about rooting HTC Wildfire ?

Hi,
I have bought a brand new HTC Wildfire and am awaiting for it to be delivered. It is on Vodafone (uk).
I would like to root my phone when i get it and would appreciate your time if you could help answer some questions i have.
1) If i root my phone can i revert back if i want to? by this i mean go back to the Vodafone default, sorry don't know what they call it, basically so it's back with Vodafones custom android or whatever it is they call it.
2) I guess i will loose everything on the phone like apps etc? can i backup everything before hand?
3) I would like Android 2.2 which i believe is the latest version, by rooting the phone how would i go about then updating to Android 2.2? would i just need to check for updates from the HTC website or something?
4) I here about all these custom roms, can someone explain what these custom roms are? are they modified versions of android or something?
5) If i am able to update to Android 2.2 does that mean i can install apps on the sd card to save the memory in the phone as this would really benefit me?
6) Do i need to root the phone to install Android 2.2 on it?
Maybe i don't need to root the phone to get Android 2.2, if not does anyone have a guide on how i can do this please?
Thanks for any help and sorry if these questions have been answered before.
I did read the UnRevoked Guide which has explained things a bit and sounds the easiest way and red all the replies to.
Thanks
MR

1) Yes. You do this by finding the relevant RUU on the internet and then flashing it to your phone.
2) Rooting does not make you lose any of your apps, it just gives you more access to your phone in a way. When you install a custom ROM you can use a program like Titanium Backup to backup all your apps. Also you make a Nandroid backup of your phone that you can recover in case something goes wrong.
3) Over the air (OTA) updates of Android 2.2 will be coming before Christmas it is thought so if that is all you want you could wait. There are a few different 2.2 based ROMs available on this forum if you look through the threads. This thread lists the different ROMs with links to each thread and there are some links to guides as well. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=822181
4) The custom ROMs are community modified versions of Android that provide something different to the stock ROM. Some of them have HTC Sense, some of them are the standard Android interface. Which one you choose all depends on what you want out of your phone. See the link above for more info.
5) Yes a feature of Android 2.2 is apps2SD. This is available in the custom ROMs.
6) If you don't want to root your phone then you can wait for the OTA update of 2.2 from Vodafone. If you don't want to wait then you will have to root your phone.
I believe those answers to your questions are correct although you could be better waiting for a more experienced member to reply. I suggest you read as much as you can about rooting and installing custom ROMs so you can make sure you are making the right decision and that you know what you are doing.
You need to be aware that rooting your phone will void your warranty.

Hi,
Thanks for replying, this has really helped answering my questions
Thanks
MR

[Q] Help a n00b

Well this is my very first post/thread on XDA so hello all
I have been told to visit this site if I need help so, here I am.
Okay so I have just signed up for a contract which includes the HTC Wildfire. I want to update it to 2.2 (comes with 2.1 if I'm not mistaken)
I have read up as much as I can but it all really means mumble jumble to me. Anyway I have been told (by a friend) that I must first root the 2.1 and then download the 2.2 and put it in a recovery file. It this correctt?
If so how do you root a phone? Do you just download a file and run it? Also what is the best one to use because I have been reading up and there seem to be an awful lot of different ones.
Now I need to update it to 2.2, how? Is it a case of downloading a file and running it on the phone or what?
Also does any of this void the warranty on the phone?
What are the advantages of going this whole rout rather than just pushing the update button and letting the phone update it's self to 2.2? (Is it just so you can download paid apps for free or is there more?)
Thanks in advance guys
Mikrouwel

if you don't know which version you get, it's a bit early to ask question, as if its a wildfire froyo with hboot ver. 1.01 you already updated. And can't root it as yet.
If it's a wildfire eclair with hboot ver 0.8 you root it and put on a special ruu img file that doesn't change the hboot 0.8 to 1.01.
But ofcource this you've would already have known if you had searched the forums.
Sorry to say so, this is also my first post on xda, but i've been able to read and search......

Firstly, it seems your basic concepts are all muddled. There's no method which you will use which allows you to install "Paid Apps for Free". I have no idea where you heard it, but, to do that, you don't need 2.2, or any special ROM.
Secondly, there are two methods to get 2.2:
1: The official route: This is the route which you think will allow you to download paid apps for free (i.e. by simply clicking update on the OTA Notification). Although nothing of that sort happens. Anyway, back on point, if you do this, you will officially get froyo 2.2, but, most of the features of froyo will be disabled (eg: JIT), and, you will not be able to root your phone, and, in this process, install root apps, custom ROM's etc.
2: The unofficial way - In this, you will have to root your phone and put a Custom ROM. The advantages are many fold - You can get a ROM to your own liking, which is fast and free of bloat, and, customize it exactly to your liking, apart from many additional features like true Apps2SD, Live Wallpapers, Ability to completely backup, overclock and underclock your phone etc. Further, you can even get Android 2.3.2 Gingerbread, if you wish
Obviously, now, it is upto you which method you take, but, if you want to learn to root and install Custom ROM's, refer this guide, and just read it completely:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=824396

Okay thanks very much
Mikrouwel

Noob question

Hi, i have a branded phone. It's brand is SFR which is from France. I'm in VietNam and i use this phone normally with other carriers here.
So HTC just released the 2.3.3 update. But from what i know, my phone does not receive the update directly from HTC but from SFR instead. If i want the update now. I have to unbrand it.
If i want to unbrand it, what should i do ? Root it then S-off and Eng-off , and install an unbranded ROM? where can i find a stock unbranded rom of HTC?
Also what's with the radio stuff, i seriously dont know anything about that, i'm afraid if i install new rom my phone may not work because it's different radio ?
Can someone please explain, i'm very new and very confused. Thanks!
Here's my phone information:
Android version:
2.2
Baseband version:
12.28b.60.140eU_26.03.02.26_M
Kernel version:
2.6.32.21 -gf3f553d
[email protected] #1
Thu Oct 28 13:24:11 CST 2010
Build number:
1.32.163.6 CL278359 release-key
Softwarenumber:
1.32.163.6

If you going to go to the effort of rooting etc. you may as well install a customised ROM (LeeDroid's if you want Sense, Cyanogen if you don't for example).
Radio is the software that controls network, bluetooth, GPS and Wifi. Read the radio threads in the development forum for more details.
Flashing a radio is the most dangerous thing you can do so do it last and read, read, read and understand before you do. Don't worry, you can install a ROM over the radio you have now.
All your questions about what to do and how are answered in the development forums.
[EDIT] Please ensure that it is clear from your thread subject what the question or issue is.
1. It will likely get you a quicker response.
2. It's just bad etiquette not to do so.

Hi. Thanks for the reply. i've read all the instruction in the android developement forum. I'm just confused about this radio stuff.
So basically my phone's radio is safe to install any ROM now? Is there any other way to unbrand my phone without installing a whole new ROM? or is there any way to grab the ROM from HTC and install it right now? Thanks very much !

If its pure HTC Sense your after, you can have the latest HTC Gingerbread with root.
You can find it HERE
Otherwise Android Revolution, CoreDroid, LeeDrOiD, et al are all good choices.

mrhahn98 said:
Hi. Thanks for the reply. i've read all the instruction in the android developement forum. I'm just confused about this radio stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The radio is probably the most confusing not helped by the fact that what works for one won't for another. It's a try and see thing.
mrhahn98 said:
So basically my phone's radio is safe to install any ROM now? Is there any other way to unbrand my phone without installing a whole new ROM? or is there any way to grab the ROM from HTC and install it right now? Thanks very much !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a rule yes. But different ROM's have different recommendations as to what radio should be used with them (not that we take notice!), the worst case is that you may get worse battery life or worse signal. Won't brick your phone by having a mis-match.
No, no other way as the branding is part of the ROM (and even then some branding might be left and you will have to change the splash screen / boot animation as well).
No, at the moment it is not available from HTC directly.

IMO it is worth the effort to root, S-off your phone.
Once done you have access to all varyities of the different roms.
They differ very much from each other concerning speed, smoothness ...
Try it out and you will be satisfied.
Here at xdadevelopers you'll find everything you need.

i used this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=961406
Keep in mind that its an inspire but really just t-mobile's name for a desire.
After you get that done you can download any rom and install it through clockworkmod.
With that one click you don't have to worry about radios and such unless the rom says you have to.

Hi, thank you all for the quick replies, i'm gonna try those stuff out !!!