Database Users

[Q] Bootloader issues..

please help me...
my wildfire comes with android 2.1 then i updated it into froyo 2.2 "Official version" after i found that it can`t be rooted..i downgrade it again into 2.1
but now every time in enter HBOOT i found some msgs about missing PC49img is missing and if i tried to enter recovery it give me
E:failed to open Cache/recovery/command
help me please..

HBOOT 1.01 cannot be downgraded. Even though you may have downgraded Android 2.2.1 to Android 2.1, your HBOOT is updated, and remains intact even after the downgrade.
Sorry about it, but, it is entirely your fault. There are now atleast a thousand threads here which ask the same thing (how to root 2.2.1), or, also warn you not to update to 2.2.1 if you want to retain root ability. Now, you will have to join the queue till a solution comes. (Or find someone with an XTC Clip)
Anyhow, refer this thread, should serve as a progress report:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=959778

not to laugh at someone if your phone is rooted .v.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using XDA App

hoho20022222 said:
not to laugh at someone if your phone is rooted .v.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think 3xeno was being quite polite actually, there are ****loads of threads about 2.2 not being able to be rooted and also about ruu's and losing the ability to root.
i don't think it's laughing at someone that hasn't rooted phone, more being frustrated people don't search first.being either in forum or google, you can see for yourself how often new threads are started.
fair enough if you search and can't find an answer, but i would think it's getting to a point of forum etiquette. how can you expect people to take time to help, if you don't take the time to search?

is it ok to flash

ist ok tho flash
S-OFF/nand Unlock Hero CDMA (hboot) - OP "regaw_leinad
then this
S-OFF/eng-spl Hero CDMA (fastboot) - OP "darchstar"
whats the best root option

oostah said:
ist ok tho flash
S-OFF/nand Unlock Hero CDMA (hboot) - OP "regaw_leinad
then this
S-OFF/eng-spl Hero CDMA (fastboot) - OP "darchstar"
whats the best root option
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I did. But RUU may make odd things happen, a few users who did BOTH and then RUU'd lost s-off functions but still had s-off. So if you're going to do both just commit to never RUUing. If you want fastbooot commands you need darchs. Darchs is undone by RUU. If you are good with just HERCIMG.zips then regaws wil do, but will NOT be undone by RUU.

i know this is somewhat off topic.. but i love the title of this thread..
its like a feeling we all have at first.. we are a little embarrased after our first flash.. and ask ourselves "is it ok to flash??".. then we end up flashing everywhere and all of the time..
sorry oostah, i had to let that out..

pstevep said:
i know this is somewhat off topic.. but i love the title of this thread..
its like a feeling we all have at first.. we are a little embarrased after our first flash.. and ask ourselves "is it ok to flash??".. then we end up flashing everywhere and all of the time..
sorry oostah, i had to let that out..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol thats cool man. after bricking im just trying to be care full. and with the new things out i want the best way to get my hero rooted and s 0ff thanks for the reply

il Duce said:
That's what I did. But RUU may make odd things happen, a few users who did BOTH and then RUU'd lost s-off functions but still had s-off. So if you're going to do both just commit to never RUUing. If you want fastbooot commands you need darchs. Darchs is undone by RUU. If you are good with just HERCIMG.zips then regaws wil do, but will NOT be undone by RUU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
il duce you have some flashable splash screens i had the but cant find them. im surching the threads for them with no luck. can you point me in the right direction. the ones in your self help sticky dont have your slash screen.
edit i found the post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11590270&postcount=83

oostah said:
il duce you have some flashable splash screens i had the but cant find them. im surching the threads for them with no luck. can you point me in the right direction. the ones in your self help sticky dont have your slash screen.
edit i found the post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11590270&postcount=83
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oostah, I was sorry to read about your phone issues and I thought it was great how you didn't give up and got it solved.
The 1st time I went S-off, I only used Darch's Eng Spl. I RUU'd to try and solve my phones intermittent (Rom flashing) issues. So, I lost S-off obviously and used Regaw's to root and then decided to do Regaw's S-off (since I had the 1.47 bootloader now), then, I did Darch's as well even though I don't use fastboot commands often, but it's a nice option to have. I didn't know about the issues that Il Duce brought up (but he would know since he is so active on XDA). I know that there are many who have gone the same route to get S-off.
It has been a lifesaver for me when I lost my recovery some how. If you just want temporary s-off, you might just want to just do Darch's since Regaws is permanent at this point.
Good luck and Happy Flashing!

oostah said:
ist ok tho flash
S-OFF/nand Unlock Hero CDMA (hboot) - OP "regaw_leinad
then this
S-OFF/eng-spl Hero CDMA (fastboot) - OP "darchstar"
whats the best root option
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and to your original question, i only used darch's eng-spl, because i was wary of the same issues that il duce was mentioning (although i have no intentions of ruuing).. but i have read of others doing it that way and it works for them.. for me i only deal with the eng-spl, because if i ruu and reroot i dont mind reflashing it..

pstevep said:
and to your original question, i only used darch's eng-spl, because i was wary of the same issues that il duce was mentioning (although i have no intentions of ruuing).. but i have read of others doing it that way and it works for them.. for me i only deal with the eng-spl, because if i ruu and reroot i dont mind reflashing it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very true thanks for the help and info.

Drunkpilot said:
Oostah, I was sorry to read about your phone issues and I thought it was great how you didn't give up and got it solved.
The 1st time I went S-off, I only used Darch's Eng Spl. I RUU'd to try and solve my phones intermittent (Rom flashing) issues. So, I lost S-off obviously and used Regaw's to root and then decided to do Regaw's S-off (since I had the 1.47 bootloader now), then, I did Darch's as well even though I don't use fastboot commands often, but it's a nice option to have. I didn't know about the issues that Il Duce brought up (but he would know since he is so active on XDA). I know that there are many who have gone the same route to get S-off.
It has been a lifesaver for me when I lost my recovery some how. If you just want temporary s-off, you might just want to just do Darch's since Regaws is permanent at this point.
Good luck and Happy Flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when i got it back to recovery and the bootloader. i should have flashed a radio before trying to flash the s-off. the s-off and radio didnt play nice to gether. 95% sure that i could have got it back. but i no how now to get it back if any one gets in that state. HTC is going to replace it. its only 9 months old and HTC have a 1yr warranty. my phone new one should here any time now.

pstevep said:
and to your original question, i only used darch's eng-spl, because i was wary of the same issues that il duce was mentioning (although i have no intentions of ruuing).. but i have read of others doing it that way and it works for them.. for me i only deal with the eng-spl, because if i ruu and reroot i dont mind reflashing it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the more i think about it if was able to use fastboot commands i would have been up and running in no time.. thats way i was asking about doing both.

il Duce said:
That's what I did. But RUU may make odd things happen, a few users who did BOTH and then RUU'd lost s-off functions but still had s-off. So if you're going to do both just commit to never RUUing. If you want fastbooot commands you need darchs. Darchs is undone by RUU. If you are good with just HERCIMG.zips then regaws wil do, but will NOT be undone by RUU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Duce,pstevep,and oostah I had the same issues that Duce described but it was of no big concern ,because I'm on a different phone.But I've been trying to keep up with you guys over in the Mild_salsa thread and help.So before I got my new phone a I used regaws s-off and Darchs together ,evrything was groovy as they say.I when I get my new phone ,I unroot my hero and then I start to try to help with your mms issues over in the other thread.Lo and behold I can't flash any HECRIMG's from the bootloader,can't figure it out then I come upon this thread :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=971550
Seems when I put my 2GB card back in my hero and re-formatted it I didn't notice that it was set to formatt at FAT not FAT32. So I take it out today and re-formatt to FAT32 and (How does that chef from LA. say BAAMM!) my bootloader now recognizes the HERCIMG.zip.(I just tested it again took out my card formatted it to FAT booted into bootloader and it didnot recognize the HERCIMG,took it out reformatted it in FAT32 and BAAMM! lol it recognized ther HERCIMG.)
So as I'm not a wordsmith like Duce and pstevep I'll leave the helpin and splainin to them as they do a momentus job round here helpin others along with TK,User ,Kuyoko and many others,anyone left out was not intentional.
oostah glad you won your battle although it may not have turned out like you wanted,but ultimately you will have a Hot little Hero in your hands
Peace guys

FdxRider said:
Duce,pstevep,and oostah I had the same issues that Duce described but it was of no big concern ,because I'm on a different phone.But I've been trying to keep up with you guys over in the Mild_salsa thread and help.So before I got my new phone a I used regaws s-off and Darchs together ,evrything was groovy as they say.I when I get my new phone ,I unroot my hero and then I start to try to help with your mms issues over in the other thread.Lo and behold I can't flash any HECRIMG's from the bootloader,can't figure it out then I come upon this thread :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=971550
Seems when I put my 2GB card back in my hero and re-formatted it I didn't notice that it was set to formatt at FAT not FAT32. So I take it out today and re-formatt to FAT32 and (How does that chef from LA. say BAAMM!) my bootloader now recognizes the HERCIMG.zip.(I just tested it again took out my card formatted it to FAT booted into bootloader and it didnot recognize the HERCIMG,took it out reformatted it in FAT32 and BAAMM! lol it recognized ther HERCIMG.)
So as I'm not a wordsmith like Duce and pstevep I'll leave the helpin and splainin to them as they do a momentus job round here helpin others along with TK,User ,Kuyoko and many others,anyone left out was not intentional.
oostah glad you won your battle although it may not have turned out like you wanted,but ultimately you will have a Hot little Hero in your hands
Peace guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this good to know thanks for sharing man. i just wish i could have pulled that off. for others that may get in that kind bind. i have read all around the net of similar problems. that they never got fixed. but i did learn alot and hope to be able to help others if need.

"Main Version Older" Bootloader Error + How to Downgrade

A while ago I tried returning to stock by flashing the 2.2.1 PD15IMG, but I ended up getting a "Main Version Older" error in the bootloader. I later found out that the problem was that I still had the Gingerbread radio installed, which was incompatible with the older version of Froyo. As a result, my bootloader was stuck with S-ON but I still had root privileges. I searched for hours for a way to fix this, but I couldn't find any straight forward solution saying exactly what to do. It's really not that hard to fix, but I figured this would save people some time.
Main Version Older:
If you get this error, download the PD15IMG for "Official 2.3.4 Upgrade to stock 2.3.4 Rom (Unrooted)" found at the thread on the following link. This will unroot your phone and give you stock 2.3.4. Easy enough.
---> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1264704
Now after I returned to stock and got my replacement, I wanted to root my phone again. However, I never rooted from GB before so I had no idea what to do. I know it's been mentioned that there's a guide on how to downgrade in the newcomer's thread and someone posted the link below. When I got my replacement though, I didn't feel like a "newcomer" so naturally that wasn't the first place I looked. I know people might be upset cause there's already a guide stickied, but here's the guide I followed.
How to Downgrade:
---> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1178912
All credit of course goes to the OP of the respective threads.
A couple months ago when I had this problem, rather than posting what I did to fix it I just said anyone who needs help could PM me. I've gotten quite a few PM's over the last couple weeks, regarding both the "Main Version Older Error" and people having trouble downgrading. So here's everything I used, in one spot. I hope this helps save people some time by pointing them in the right direction.

Hey, thanks for posting this. Sometimes its nice to have a thread where you are pointed to the right place.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

So this is for the latest 2.3.4? I was going to try this:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/TMobile_myTouch_4G:_Full_Update_Guide
Does that not work?
I am comfortable with the instructions you linked except for the goldcard part if needed.

neidlinger's stickied thread in the general section actually points you to that downgrade through xda's wiki for htc glacier.
He also has a lot of other goodies that newcomers and what nots should check out.
Why don't people read stickies! lol

Teo032 said:
Why don't people read stickies! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That. Or Wiki...

sdc177 said:
So this is for the latest 2.3.4? I was going to try this:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/TMobile_myTouch_4G:_Full_Update_Guide
Does that not work?
I am comfortable with the instructions you linked except for the goldcard part if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not the method I used but I assume that should work too.
And sorry guys I understand this is kind of a repost, but it seems like there's a new thread every couple days with someone having trouble downgrading. And I haven't seen anything anywhere else about the "main version older" problem. I just figured this would be helpful to some people.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

jberg22 said:
Its not the method I used but I assume that should work too.
And sorry guys I understand this is kind of a repost, but it seems like there's a new thread every couple days with someone having trouble downgrading. And I haven't seen anything anywhere else about the "main version older" problem. I just figured this would be helpful to some people.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol no worries, it's just that people will ignore your thread too and post questions how to do it. It's just never ending. There will be people asking how do you root when there's a big sticky that gives you instructions.

Teo032 said:
Lol no worries, it's just that people will ignore your thread too and post questions how to do it. It's just never ending. There will be people asking how do you root when there's a big sticky that gives you instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol yeah, it's like they're blind or something
Sent from my HTC Glacier Sense 3.5 using xda premium

Teo032 said:
Lol no worries, it's just that people will ignore your thread too and post questions how to do it. It's just never ending. There will be people asking how do you root when there's a big sticky that gives you instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From an outsiders perspective, a lot of the information appears stale or does not seem very specific.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

Updated 10 char

Problem Rooting MyTouch 4G 2.3.4

ok so i did a search only found 1 thread and wasnt what i was really looking for...
inb4 noob thread/search....
i have rooted so many phones its crazy, the only phone to piss me off so much and have so much bull**** about it is the MyTouch 4G . All i want are these questions answered.
1. Can i root with 2.3.4 ? (heard theres a way, then ppl say its a virus =\)
2. If i have to downgrade can i reload 2.3.4 and stay rooted ?
3. only reason i want to root this phone at this time is because i want the new Google Apps i had the new market and **** before the OTA update... OTA update comes around and now i have the old one again. How can i get the new apps back ?
4. i want this on my phone is it possible from google now a glitchy rom ? http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-4.0-highlights.html
off topic wtf is with this downgrading **** ? iv never had to downgrade unless i was hacking a PSP or a PS2.

Wrong thread to be asking questions in...
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

Wrong section put it under q&a
flashing is a disease XDA is the cure.

FML hopefully an admin can move sorry for post in wrong spot. hopefully someone can help tho..

tutsuo said:
FML hopefully an admin can move sorry for post in wrong spot. hopefully someone can help tho..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know if I am allowed to post links to other websites but google CyanogenMod wiki for mytouch 4g and click on the full update guide and it will show you step by step how to downgrade and root the mytouch. Then you can flash any of the gingerbread roms you like. Make sure you follow the directions exactly or else you will brick your device. Also make sure the md5 sums match up for each file before you start the process.

Tazzaras said:
I dont know if I am allowed to post links to other websites but google CyanogenMod wiki for mytouch 4g and click on the full update guide and it will show you step by step how to downgrade and root the mytouch. Then you can flash any of the gingerbread roms you like. Make sure you follow the directions exactly or else you will brick your device. Also make sure the md5 sums match up for each file before you start the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol i was just looking at CyanogenM im really liking the android 4 OS, id like to put that on my phone. i think what i want to do is get the 2.3.4 back(if i cant get Android 4) and have it rooted

You downgrade to 2.2.1 use gfree to obtain s-off then flash clockworkmod recovery and then flash any rom you want. the software number (2.2.1 2.3.4 2.3.5 etc.) Changes with each rom. Now if you look closely 2 posts up you will see the beta 4.0.1 thread we have and above that the sticky where it shows how to downgrade and how to root after that, PLEASE read before searching and search before posting
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

tutsuo said:
ok so i did a search only found 1 thread and wasnt what i was really looking for...
inb4 noob thread/search....
i have rooted so many phones its crazy, the only phone to piss me off so much and have so much bull**** about it is the MyTouch 4G . All i want are these questions answered.
1. Can i root with 2.3.4 ? (heard theres a way, then ppl say its a virus =\)
2. If i have to downgrade can i reload 2.3.4 and stay rooted ?
3. only reason i want to root this phone at this time is because i want the new Google Apps i had the new market and **** before the OTA update... OTA update comes around and now i have the old one again. How can i get the new apps back ?
4. i want this on my phone is it possible from google now a glitchy rom ? http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-4.0-highlights.html
off topic wtf is with this downgrading **** ? iv never had to downgrade unless i was hacking a PSP or a PS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes, but it's only temp root and it's a long process
2. Yes, there is a stock GB rooted ROM on the dev page somewhere
3. Don't really understand your question
4. There is an ICS AOSP Beta. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1383629
Also, please post in the Q&A or General next time.
Thanks if I helped!

What the guy above me said. Here's a link for how to downgrade
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1178912
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

jberg22 said:
What the guy above me said. Here's a link for how to downgrade
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1178912
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i said **** it and just downgraded and have cyanogenmod7, i really want creamed but ima wait for a stable release
thanks guys

tutsuo said:
ok so i did a search only found 1 thread and wasnt what i was really looking for...
inb4 noob thread/search....
i have rooted so many phones its crazy, the only phone to piss me off so much and have so much bull**** about it is the MyTouch 4G . All i want are these questions answered.
1. Can i root with 2.3.4 ? (heard theres a way, then ppl say its a virus =\)
2. If i have to downgrade can i reload 2.3.4 and stay rooted ?
3. only reason i want to root this phone at this time is because i want the new Google Apps i had the new market and **** before the OTA update... OTA update comes around and now i have the old one again. How can i get the new apps back ?
4. i want this on my phone is it possible from google now a glitchy rom ? http://developer.android.com/sdk/android-4.0-highlights.html
off topic wtf is with this downgrading **** ? iv never had to downgrade unless i was hacking a PSP or a PS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search. Read.
Downgrade to 2.2.1, root, flash whatever rom you want. The thread is easy to find.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

Download now Android 4.4 KitKat Sense5.5 stock Ruu.exe files

Now you can download the latest stock Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 5.5 RUU.exe files on:
http://androidruu.com/?developer=M7
Greetz

There's already a specific thread for M7 RUU's.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428276

herwegan said:
There's already a specific thread for M7 RUU's.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428276
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But there are no Android 4.4 KitKat RUU.exe files on.

i've already told it crushalot, i'm sure he'll add them asap. further i've already provided the link you offer here in his thread, so no reason for another RUU thread

I have send them a message to about a week ago but there is no respons.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Justin2003 said:
I have send them a message to about a week ago but there is no respons.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link man. Some people get way to butt-hurt around here lol.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Thanks for link noticed that there is a ruu.exe for O2 UK do I still need to down grade hboot to use the .exe

You do not have to downgrade the hboot.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Justin2003 said:
I have send them a message to about a week ago but there is no respons.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
troby86 said:
Thanks for the link man. Some people get way to butt-hurt around here lol.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol man, it's not that i want to steal his "thanks" or something. i just think it's better to keep the forum clean and keep the equal stuff together in one thread, so it's better to find for everyone. and if there's already a specific and usualy well maintained thread for this topic. so i think it's best to just post the link there (@justin2003) and not open up a new thread (just to get attention/thanks or whatever the reason was).
people that are looking out for 4.19 RUUs will search in the RUU thread and find the link and thank you. and as soon as crushalot has some time to add it, he'll do it. that's it.

Until the RUU thread gets updated, this thread is fine.
I'm a little concerned with the community spirit shown here. @Justin2003 has done nothing wrong, by posting this, he even stated that he PM'd @crushalot but with no response.
..(just to get attention/thanks or whatever the reason was)..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a little concerning, just because someone posts something doesn't mean they're hunting for thanks (which are worthless, just look at mine ) or attention (this is the internet, who cares ).
Save the hate for the iPhone crowd.

Andy said:
Until the RUU thread gets updated, this thread is fine.
I'm a little concerned with the community spirit shown here. @Justin2003 has done nothing wrong, by posting this, he even stated that he PM'd @crushalot but with no response.
This is a little concerning, just because someone posts something doesn't mean they're hunting for thanks (which are worthless, just look at mine ) or attention (this is the internet, who cares ).
Save the hate for the iPhone crowd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to be concerned about! i just thought to do the right thing by indicating to keep the forum clean based on my own experiences with thread openings.. not all mods think the way you do but nvm, let's stop here.
Cheers

herwegan said:
lol man, it's not that i want to steal his "thanks" or something. i just think it's better to keep the forum clean and keep the equal stuff together in one thread, so it's better to find for everyone. and if there's already a specific and usualy well maintained thread for this topic. so i think it's best to just post the link there (@justin2003) and not open up a new thread (just to get attention/thanks or whatever the reason was).
people that are looking out for 4.19 RUUs will search in the RUU thread and find the link and thank you. and as soon as crushalot has some time to add it, he'll do it. that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at Bugsy Lawsons RUU thread...all download links are removed. I think, the thread can also be removed. It´s better to have one more chance for a download, if something like this happens again.

Sorry everyone, I can't dedicate nearly as much time to the threads I used too due to a new demanding job with no access to post during the day and more family duties in the evening.
I will work on downloading the updated RUU files and get them posted on my site and on the collection thread I started.
I am not purposely trying to ignore anyone, but I get at least 20 support request emails and 5-6 PM's per day and as I stated I just don't have the time to answer them all.
Thanks to Justin2003 for creating the thread with the links.

I do not need attentions or thanks but i know that there are a lot of people who wants back to stock without first s-off the phone to downgrade the hboot.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Thank you Justin, the official RUU helped me restoring the device in pseudo original state (still unlocked, with supercid and S-off ofcouse) but without having to mess with reconstructed, dumped and/or skeletonized ROMs.

Sorry for the noobish question but after reading through the myriad of "Help Me!" threads, I've gotten a bit confused on what can/can't be used with all the different security & lock states. If I'm S-OFF w/ unlocked bootloader, can I run the ruu.exe? Or am I better off waiting for a decrypted ruu.zip?
As far as I understand it, I believe I can pretty much run anything w/ S-OFF and it's up to me to make sure that what I run is compatible with my device, lest I risk bricking it. Is that an accurate assessment? Are there any avenues to restore that cannot or should not be used while S-OFF? Are there any that would require relocking the bootloader while S-OFF?

Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

sharksfan7 said:
Sorry for the noobish question but after reading through the myriad of "Help Me!" threads, I've gotten a bit confused on what can/can't be used with all the different security & lock states. If I'm S-OFF w/ unlocked bootloader, can I run the ruu.exe? Or am I better off waiting for a decrypted ruu.zip?
As far as I understand it, I believe I can pretty much run anything w/ S-OFF and it's up to me to make sure that what I run is compatible with my device, lest I risk bricking it. Is that an accurate assessment? Are there any avenues to restore that cannot or should not be used while S-OFF? Are there any that would require relocking the bootloader while S-OFF?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You understand correctly.
You can do anything. With great power comes great responsibility.
Occasionally an RUU won't work because your HBOOT is incompatible or your HTC drivers aren't current or your CID or MID is incompatible. Generally you can fix these things and try again.
The two most common things that brick phones are a failed HBOOT flash or trying to S-ON with a non-stock HBOOT.

Justin2003 said:
Now you can download the latest stock Android 4.4 KitKat with Sense 5.5 RUU.exe files on:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this link.
(downloading right now)
Sorry for the noob question but I'm facing a bug with my HTC One running 4.3, so I want to try 4.4.2.
My phone is rooted/unlocked and I've installed CWM recovery. All of which I want to keep !!
OTA 4.4.2 update would not install due to CWM recovery.
Will this .exe file allow me tu upgrade to 4.4.2 without the need to remove CWM recovery and SuperUser ?
Thanks for your help here.

Sounds like what you want can be accomplished by either reverting to a stock recovery and accepting the OTA before putting CWM back, or just flashing a 4.4.2 ROM in your custom recovery- either way this discussion probably doesn't belong in this thread.
Note flashing Kit Kat manually requires a compatible recovery and S-OFF, I believe.
The OTA should preserve your settings and data.
You may or may not be able to keep your settings and data intact if you go the manual route.
If you do an RUU you *definitely* won't be able to keep data:
Real, complete, signed RUU's from HTC rewrite everything. The erase your pictures, they install a stock recovery, they touch every partition.
(There are some firmware-only and other hybrid packages posted various places in this forum that behave like RUU's but are more selective in which partitions are touched.)
Merely flashing a ROM only really touches /system (it also touches /boot and /cache technically). Depending on how stable the result is, you may also choose to erase /data in a separate action.
To clear up a point about terminology, root access is something that is usually baked into the ROM you are flashing. RUU always leaves you with a stock, unooted ROM. Flashing almost any custom ROM automatically gives you root as a side benefit. Root is not the same as S-OFF.
Anyway, you probably don't need an RUU unless you get into serious trouble. Until then, you might want to ask for more help over in Q&A...
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app