Database Users

New User with HD2

Hi, I recently bought a T-mobile HD2, the unit isn't unlocked yet but I plan to unlock it and use it with AT&T, anyways I'm interested in running Android on the device. Would updating the HD2 from the HTC website which I believe is the official update website prohibit me in anyway from locking out Android or do anything negative in terms of customization of the HD2 unit?

I am running the updated rom 2.13 I am on t-mobile though and I am able to use android all day but once I restart it reverts back to WM. So I am not sure if this helps you...I was able to get everything running but the calls sounded robotic. I read I needed to flash to a new rom.

Poopmonkey said:
Hi, I recently bought a T-mobile HD2, the unit isn't unlocked yet but I plan to unlock it and use it with AT&T, anyways I'm interested in running Android on the device. Would updating the HD2 from the HTC website which I believe is the official update website prohibit me in anyway from locking out Android or do anything negative in terms of customization of the HD2 unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well first, if you have the T-Mobile version of the phone, you do NOT want to use an update from the HTC site, that's for the euro version of the phone. The upgraded stock rom that you can use is available on T-Mobile's support page for the HD2.
Now, flashing to the correct updated ROM will not prevent you from doing anything...you'll still be able to unlock it later, you can still run Android, and you can still do any customizations you want. It's just a newer version of the stock ROM that originally came on the phone.

Hey, thanks so much guys, I'll search for the T-mobile page. I'm glad you guys caught it before I bricked me phone.

BTW, I read that you the T-Mobile Version of the HD2 doesnt use radios. What exactly are radios? I know they mean like firmware versions but what is the term. Also, do you guys recommend flashing a different WM rom or just keep the stock one? I tried to read about Android on the HD2 but I need some user advice. Is Android now stable enough for everyday use on the HD2? Also, could you use applications on the HD2 Android Rom? Will they work as they should? Lastly, why didn't the developers develop a Android rom that you could flash so you didn't have to reboot into it after every Hard Reset?

Poopmonkey said:
BTW, I read that you the T-Mobile Version of the HD2 doesnt use radios. What exactly are radios? I know they mean like firmware versions but what is the term.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US HD2 certainly does use radios, it just uses different ones than the euro version...in fact, that's most of the reason the wrong ROM could brick your phone, because of radio incompatibility. As you said, the radios you see referred to here are the firmware packages used to control the hardware radios in the phone (voice, 3G/EDGE, GPS, WiFi, BT). When you flash a different radio, you're applying a different set of settings to the way all that functions.
Also, do you guys recommend flashing a different WM rom or just keep the stock one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's generally completely a matter of personal opinion, some people will tell you that using a custom ROM is so critical that if you don't your grandchildren will walk funny, etc....whereas I am doing just fine running the stock ROM and just manually tweaking and hacking it to my liking, part by part. However, if you're going to be running Android on it, there's evidence that having a custom ROM vs the stock will help with some of the known problems with the Android ports that are available.
I tried to read about Android on the HD2 but I need some user advice. Is Android now stable enough for everyday use on the HD2? Also, could you use applications on the HD2 Android Rom? Will they work as they should?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's several builds available, and all of the current ones are remarkably stable compared to the first attempts. But, I believe that that there's still not any that are absolutely 100% fully-functional...each has some minor drawback or caveat, like BT or 3G or the camera not working right, but usually that's the only issue(s). Also, it's been a couple of days since I checked on those, so they may have come even farther since then. One common drawback to all of them though is the heaaavvvy battery drain...but this is also being addressed as quickly as possible. And yes, in every build the apps and marketplace seem to be working just as they would on any factory android install.
Lastly, why didn't the developers develop a Android rom that you could flash so you didn't have to reboot into it after every Hard Reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems to have become the final frontier for Android on the HD2...the release of a fully stand-alone ROM. Trust me, they are working on that, there's tons of members here drooling and waiting for that exact thing. It requires a completely different method of loading Android into memory, so there's a lot more kinks to work out

sirphunkee said:
The US HD2 certainly does use radios, it just uses different ones than the euro version...in fact, that's most of the reason the wrong ROM could brick your phone, because of radio incompatibility. As you said, the radios you see referred to here are the firmware packages used to control the hardware radios in the phone (voice, 3G/EDGE, GPS, WiFi, BT). When you flash a different radio, you're applying a different set of settings to the way all that functions.
That's generally completely a matter of personal opinion, some people will tell you that using a custom ROM is so critical that if you don't your grandchildren will walk funny, etc....whereas I am doing just fine running the stock ROM and just manually tweaking and hacking it to my liking, part by part. However, if you're going to be running Android on it, there's evidence that having a custom ROM vs the stock will help with some of the known problems with the Android ports that are available.
There's several builds available, and all of the current ones are remarkably stable compared to the first attempts. But, I believe that that there's still not any that are absolutely 100% fully-functional...each has some minor drawback or caveat, like BT or 3G or the camera not working right, but usually that's the only issue(s). Also, it's been a couple of days since I checked on those, so they may have come even farther since then. One common drawback to all of them though is the heaaavvvy battery drain...but this is also being addressed as quickly as possible. And yes, in every build the apps and marketplace seem to be working just as they would on any factory android install.
That seems to have become the final frontier for Android on the HD2...the release of a fully stand-alone ROM. Trust me, they are working on that, there's tons of members here drooling and waiting for that exact thing. It requires a completely different method of loading Android into memory, so there's a lot more kinks to work out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thank you so much sirphunkee, you sir are a scholar with your detailed response. Anyways, I apologize but I am intrigued by your response and more questions evolve. Once my HD2 comes I assume it will have a older ROM version and a official T-Mobile Update will be available for me. Now, I'm just wondering would I need to worry about what radios I need or will that be taken care of for me.
Also, I'm still a little confused on the whole radio aspect. For example, in this picture located here:
hxxp://support.t-mobile.com/doc/images/tm54430/tm54430_06.gif
The image version is different one is 2.10.531.1 and the other 2.13.531.1. Are these the radio versions or is this like the ROM version. If so how do I find out what my Hd2s radio is? I mean before I flash a rom how do I find out the radio it contains? For example on your HD2, sirphunkee, in your signature, you have:
ROM: 2.10.531.1 (82076) WWE/5.2.21889 (Stock 6.5)
Sense: 2.5.2012
Radio: 2.08.50.08_2
So I assume that you don't have the latest stock ROM right? Also, what does the WWE mean in your ROM version. Would you recommend me updating my HD2 to the latest stock ROM or not?
Also, I read before you flash a phone you need to install HSPL3 on the phone. This is what I'm told is a bootloader. But then Im also told that usually this bootloader is paired with official or leaked roms so that each SPL matches the ROM, so if I need to flash a HSPL3 on my HD2 before I flash a custom ROM do I need to redo it everytime? I mean the HSPL3 is supposedly hard bootloader that survives a hard reset so it won't be wiped from the device until I overwrite it so does that mean I need reflash it everytime I get a new rom so it matches the ROM?
Anyways, sirphunkee, you mention tweaking the stock ROM, would you recommend BSB tweaks or something else because I read about it and users have discovered that they lose some functions after tweaking their phones. Also would I need to install this if I just plan to tweak the original/stock rom?
Furthermore, is Android on the HD2 currently run over/on top of the WM OS so could that be the cause of the heavy battery drain? Also, is the Android OS on the HD2 booted through an exploit in the firmware of the HD2? If so could this be patched? Just a personal opinion of everyone here do you believe that Android on the HD2 that is flashed onto the HD2's NAND itself will be possible/could this final frontier be achieved?
Again I would like to sincerely thank you for everyone's patience with me, especially sirphunkee. Thank you.

No problem!
Poopmonkey said:
Once my HD2 comes I assume it will have a older ROM version and a official T-Mobile Update will be available for me. Now, I'm just wondering would I need to worry about what radios I need or will that be taken care of for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the HD2's built or shipped in the past 2 months have the newer ROM on them, but even if yours doesn't then yes you can just go to the T-Mobile site and get the newer one.
Both of the stock ROM's have the radio(s) included, so you don't have to worry about it if you just stay with one of those ROM's. If you flash a custom ROM it (usually) won't have a radio included, it'll just use whatever radio was already on your phone (i.e. whatever one came with the stock ROM originally). You can flash to different radio versions....ONLY ones that are clearly labeled as being compatible with the US HD2...doesn't matter if you're running a stock or custom ROM, but it does require HSPL first before a radio can be flashed.
Also, I'm still a little confused on the whole radio aspect. For example, in this picture located here:
hxxp://support.t-mobile.com/doc/images/tm54430/tm54430_06.gif
The image version is different one is 2.10.531.1 and the other 2.13.531.1. Are these the radio versions or is this like the ROM version. If so how do I find out what my Hd2s radio is? I mean before I flash a rom how do I find out the radio it contains? For example on your HD2, sirphunkee, in your signature, you have:
ROM: 2.10.531.1 (82076) WWE/5.2.21889 (Stock 6.5)
Sense: 2.5.2012
Radio: 2.08.50.08_2
So I assume that you don't have the latest stock ROM right? Also, what does the WWE mean in your ROM version. Would you recommend me updating my HD2 to the latest stock ROM or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original stock T-Mobile US ROM (yes, the one I'm running currently) is 2.10.531.1 ("2.10" for short), and the newer one that's been released is 2.13...so that pic you linked there just shows the stock upgrade utility about to upgrade a ROM to the new version (with an included radio).
You can tell what ROM/Radio is on your phone by reading the little text that appears on the bottom of the screen during bootup, and you can also access that info through a settings option once the phone is running.
"WWE" = "WorldWide English"....just means that I have an english-based ROM. Other languages are available by applying ROM's specifically built for that language, but I honestly don't even know if any exist for the T-Mobile HD2, I think they're only available for the euro model.
Since it's very easy to flash the upgraded stock ROM, if your phone comes with the older one I would just suggest running that for a few days and see if it gives you any headaches....if so, then just go ahead and flash to the newer one. There's a number of threads in this section that discuss the differences in the stock ROM's, and the advantages/disadvantages of each. Regardless of which stock ROM you have, the process to flash to a custom ROM is the same either way (HSPL, etc).
Also, I read before you flash a phone you need to install HSPL3 on the phone. This is what I'm told is a bootloader. But then Im also told that usually this bootloader is paired with official or leaked roms so that each SPL matches the ROM, so if I need to flash a HSPL3 on my HD2 before I flash a custom ROM do I need to redo it everytime? I mean the HSPL3 is supposedly hard bootloader that survives a hard reset so it won't be wiped from the device until I overwrite it so does that mean I need reflash it everytime I get a new rom so it matches the ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPL is "permanent", in the sense that it remains on your phone until you manually flash a different HSPL (like flashing back to stock SPL should you need to return the phone for warranty reasons). Once you have HSPL (yes, a hard bootloader) on your phone (HSPL3 being the latest/best to use), you can flash all the different custom ROMs or radios that you want, without having to apply HSPL again.
Anyways, sirphunkee, you mention tweaking the stock ROM, would you recommend BSB tweaks or something else because I read about it and users have discovered that they lose some functions after tweaking their phones. Also would I need to install this if I just plan to tweak the original/stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There a bunch of different things you can to to tweak a stock ROM, or to futher tweak a custom one, and BsB is just a nice tight convenient collection of some of the more common ones. I use BsB and don't have any issues related to it, but I also skip a few of the settings in it ("tap time" for example) that have caused issues for other users. Besides BsB, I also use HD2Tweak, JWMD Icon Changer, CHT/CHTE, as well as a whole list of other stand-alone tweaks that come in the form of cab files, or manual registry hacks...some are related to performance or function, while some are strictly visual or style tweaks.
Furthermore, is Android on the HD2 currently run over/on top of the WM OS so could that be the cause of the heavy battery drain? Also, is the Android OS on the HD2 booted through an exploit in the firmware of the HD2? If so could this be patched? Just a personal opinion of everyone here do you believe that Android on the HD2 that is flashed onto the HD2's NAND itself will be possible/could this final frontier be achieved?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originially thought the same (that Android ran in parallel with WM and that was causing the batt drain), but from what I read it actually shuts down WM when it runs, so I guess that isn't the cause of the drain...but honestly I haven't been able to keep up with all the finer details of the Android porting that's going on. And yes, a version of Androd that will load straight to NAND at bootup is the final hurdle I was talking about, and that's exactly what a number of dev's are trying very hard to make happen....I suspect that a breakthrough in that is right around the corner, but I'm no dev so take that with a grain of salt!
Hope that helps! It will be a lot easier once you have the unit in-hand and can play with it yourself. Also be sure to look over this thread (if you haven't already): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=663845

Thank you again sirphunkee! Anyways I just got my hd2 and for the most part I like it. Though, I have a question, how can I backup my contacts so that after a new rom install I dont need to relink their facebook accounts again? Basically, I don't have the same names for my contacts, I only have first names so I have to redo it manually one by one and I want to use activesync to do it but it's telling me I need Outlook. Why do I need Outlook? Isn't that a stupid outdated email application? Also, how do you remove all the bloatware like blockbuster from the HD2? Is flashing a custom rom the only option?

Also, I noticed a problem that windows marketplace apps seem to not install. I try to install Skyfire and I see the progress bar and it goes to like 3/4 of the way and never goes past that.
An unrelated question I want to install HSPL3 I have a SPL 2.10.000 on my Stock 2.13 T-Mobile I'm wondering since in the instructions it tells me, that:
*YOU CAN NOW CHOOSE WHICH VERSION OF SPL OR HARDSPL YOU WANT TO FLASH TO YOUR PHONE*
*You can only select between SPL2.08.0000 or 2.08.HSPL. This is to avoid people with 1024LEO's installing an incompatable version and bricking their device*
What exactly am I suppose to pick? A SPL or HSPL? I mean I want to run Android but will this HSPL interfere with my stock ROM? Also, can someone give me like specific instructions on what I need to pick in the installer?

anyone have a idea? I'd like to experiment with android but i wanna make sure i have the right settings to i dontt have a brick in my hands after I'm done.

Poopmonkey said:
Also, I noticed a problem that windows marketplace apps seem to not install. I try to install Skyfire and I see the progress bar and it goes to like 3/4 of the way and never goes past that.
An unrelated question I want to install HSPL3 I have a SPL 2.10.000 on my Stock 2.13 T-Mobile I'm wondering since in the instructions it tells me, that:
*YOU CAN NOW CHOOSE WHICH VERSION OF SPL OR HARDSPL YOU WANT TO FLASH TO YOUR PHONE*
*You can only select between SPL2.08.0000 or 2.08.HSPL. This is to avoid people with 1024LEO's installing an incompatable version and bricking their device*
What exactly am I suppose to pick? A SPL or HSPL? I mean I want to run Android but will this HSPL interfere with my stock ROM? Also, can someone give me like specific instructions on what I need to pick in the installer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're just going to put android on the phone, you don't need to mess with H/SPL at all...you only need that if you're going to flash to a custom winmo ROM before putting Android on there.

sirphunkee said:
If you're just going to put android on the phone, you don't need to mess with H/SPL at all...you only need that if you're going to flash to a custom winmo ROM before putting Android on there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply once again sirphunkee, but it says in this thread that I need HSPL3 to get android to run stably.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732380
Also, don't you need HSPL3 to flash a custom ROM in the first place as described here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=653614

Poopmonkey said:
Thanks for your reply once again sirphunkee, but it says in this thread that I need HSPL3 to get android to run stably.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732380
Also, don't you need HSPL3 to flash a custom ROM in the first place as described here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=653614
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what that thread is saying is that having a custom ROM is what helps with the stability of Android, not just putting HSPL3 on there (unless that's buried in that thread somewhere that I missed...). But yes, putting a custom ROM on the phone would have the prerequisite of HSPL anyway.
I don't have a custom ROM or even HSPL on my HD2, and I'm currently using the Desire v5 build of Android on here. It seems to run very stable, but I haven't yet gotten a few things working on it (i.e. 3G)...I can't say if a custom ROM would make those things work, but I can say it doesn't ever crash or hang or seem to slow down at all.
I just wanted you to know that HSPL wasn't mandatory for you to be able to try out Android on your phone.

Ok thank you so much sirphunkee again. Anyways, I'm wondering if you know why my weather will not update now when I ask it to on a Wifi connection. I try to update it and just says that its a connection error. And also my windows marketplace app installs seem to stall on the 3/4 complete and they never finish. Could you perhaps help me with that?
Lastly, I was wondering would you be able to tell me if I wanted to put a custom ROM on my HD2 what setting do I need to put on my HD2 for a successful flash?

FIND THE "ANDROID ON HD2" THREAD everything is explained.

Is flashing a custom rom a good deal ?

Hey there,
im pretty happy with my phone, but sometime i feel like its some kinda bad to get apps for evey setting that htc did not provide in 2.2 (2.2.1 not available to me yet). Although i think enough "****" is running systemwise that noone needs.
So flashing to a custom rom seems to be an pretty easy thing if you
do it carefully and check all potential failure actions.
Will custom roms make the phone faster ?
To all that flashed yet: Do you regret it or is it like the best thing you can do ?
Do i lose any important functions of my phone ? Are the roms stable and working good actually ?
Thanks !

mydanny said:
Hey there,
im pretty happy with my phone, but sometime i feel like its some kinda bad to get apps for evey setting that htc did not provide in 2.2 (2.2.1 not available to me yet). Although i think enough "****" is running systemwise that noone needs.
So flashing to a custom rom seems to be an pretty easy thing if you
do it carefully and check all potential failure actions.
Will custom roms make the phone faster ?
To all that flashed yet: Do you regret it or is it like the best thing you can do ?
Do i lose any important functions of my phone ? Are the roms stable and working good actually ?
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having been running Custom Roms since I had my HTC Magic, I would heartly recommend them to most users, It's all about what you want from your phone though. If you are unhappy with all the bloatware installed and dislike sense it's an ideal way to streamline functionality, your DHD will, in most cases , run smoother than stock and should have at least comparable battery life. Currently I am running CM7 which gives me a stable gingerbread based rom, with a decent custom rom there should be no loss of functionality (even the FM radio works these days).

Custom ROMs are by and large an excellent way to keep your phone up to date whilst taking advantage of new features.
There is a risk of introducing new issues, but the support you get is a million times better than you'd get from the manufacturer, and new updates are usually a couple of times a week rather than a couple of times a year.
The main risk, I find (at least from my Windows Mobile days) is that some ROM developers tend to let things run away from them a bit and end up sandwiching so many new features and launchers and eye candy etc that it ends up slowing the phone down more than the stock ROM did.
So far I've not seen anything like that on recent Android devices, but with older handsets like the Hero there are some custom ROMs that are noticably slower than stock.
As long as you realise that there is a performance limit on your handset that will eventually be breached, then you will have a happy experience with custom ROMs.

Sounds promising. Really.
Im just irritated with the instructions.
My Desire HD is yet rooted.
But there is nothing about S-OFF or Radio OFF mentioned.
I remember most instructions with S-OFF and then Rom Manager or something.
But in this case - Whats the "Wipe" ? Normally means all stuff gets removed ?
Im missing detailled information, especially how installing the rom (via app ?)
and which version i need of my desire hd and more :/
Is this the safest way to flash it ?
And waht the hell means "vendor = ace" ?
Which vendor i "got" ? Im irritated or maybe i translate things bad from eng into ger
ps: guess i got it. htc ace was/is the codename for the desire hd device.

mydanny said:
Sounds promising. Really.
Im just irritated with the instructions.
My Desire HD is yet rooted.
But there is nothing about S-OFF or Radio OFF mentioned.
I remember most instructions with S-OFF and then Rom Manager or something.
But in this case - Whats the "Wipe" ? Normally means all stuff gets removed ?
Im missing detailled information, especially how installing the rom (via app ?)
and which version i need of my desire hd and more :/
Is this the safest way to flash it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience, the easiest way to get ENG S-OFF and Radio S-OFF would be to use jkoljo's excelent tools for S-OFF and Radio S-OFF. Here's a guide to flashing a new radio after you have done Radio S-OFF.
In the Radio S-OFF topic, there's also a small guide for flashing a new rom. If you need a more detailed one, you can find one here.
The next step is to find the rom that suits you the most, for example Android Revolution HD or LeeDroid. Download the ROM you like the most, then follow the aforementioned guide to flash it.
When you go from one rom to another, it's always reccomended to do a full wipe (unless it's just a rom update, then you don't always have to do it). In this case, it means that all your data and settings will be lost, except for the stuff you have on your SD card. You can use your Google-account to back up your apps and contacts and stuff, so do that if you feel you need it.
Hope this helps.

Other handy tools for data backup before migrating to a new rom are MyBackup Pro and of course, Titanium Backup.
Don't forget that contacts, market apps, and wi-fi passwords are synced to your google account by default, so no need for huge app backup files unless you have several apks from other sources..
The guides about S-OFF and Radio flashing posted above are detailed and relatively easy for anyone willing to experiment.
Just make sure that you check the instructions carefully, and double-check whatever you type in adb. The few minutes of making sure you're following instructions to the letter can save you hours of un-needed trouble and aggravation..
Also take note, different custom ROMs often recommend specific radios for maximum compatibility. This can make a significant difference in battery and wireless performance, specially with power hungry devices such as ours.
And above all, try different roms, see what you like best. Running the bleeding edge in Android can be as fun as it can be frustrating, so try to find the best suit for your phone and you, and enjoy it

So alright - I think i got it:
1. Root Device (Visionary)
2. Radio S-Off (Tool)
3. Radio Off (Tool)
4. Download a Radio.img (How can i find out which works best with the crom i want ?)
5. Use radio tool and reboot
6. Find a suitable custom rom
7. install and voila - there we go
Some questions that came up:
- Whats the "best" radio out there ? Is this as important as picking a good C-Rom ?
- HTC Sync preinstalls only means that i got it on my PC already, right ?
- And can all of those steps (except root) kill my device (=brick) or am i safe at the moment when Radio S-OFF and Eng S-OFF worked properly ?
- Nowhere is something about the VERSION i need ? So will a Desire HD 2.1, 2.2, 2.2.1 and 2.3 work with all the STEPS ?
Which custom rom is the best for me ? How can i compare all roms out ?
I only heard bout Android Rev HD, LeedDroid and CYMOD.
I want speed and i want a nice User Interface (but i guess i can reach that with ADW.Launcher.EX or Launch-Pro no matter how the Rom looks ?)
Thanks guys for all the answers already !
Would be so thankful if you can finish this with me.
PS: If i "brick" my device is there 100% no chance to unbrick it ?
Was possible with psp 2000 e.g. after some months. think so with desire hd too ?

1. In most cases, the developer of any given rom will reccomend a spesific radio to use with his/hers rom (like with LeeDroid or ARHD). Usually I'd just go for that radio, but as with so many other things in life, your mileage with a spesific radio may vary. While one user might report good signal strength and battery with one radio, another user might say the complete opposite. Anyway, stick to the radio reccomended by the ROM developer. I think that's the safest to do.
2. I've not even used HTC Sync since I bought my Desire HD, and I don't see the need to use it.
3. You're never 100% safe, but in my experience, once you're past the ENG/Radio S-OFF and your new radio is flashed, it's usually smooth sailing from there. But always remember that **** can happen, and you might be unlucky, so if you're unsure of something, read up on the subject as many times as you need for you to feel comfortable doing it.
4. As for what rom is best, that's really up to you I think. I've stuck to ARHD, and I find it fantastic, but you might like LeeDroid or CM7 better. Just look at screen shots, and try to figure out which one is most suited for you. And as you said, with AWD or LauncherPro, and the right wallpaper, any ROM can look beautiful
5. If your device is bricked, I don't know of any method of getting it back to life. All I can think of is send it to HTC, claim that it's dead, and hope for the best.

I flashed my first ROM yesterday just (leedroid 2.2.2). I havent really had much of a chance to explore the real benefits of it, but im already delighted that i did it. Just by being able to add custom themes, fonts and skins to get the phone looking much brighter and colourful. Also nice playing with overclocking the processor.
Took a bit of work to downgrade the software to get root, then a few problems getting s-off etc, but in the end it was all a good learning experience. Certainly dont regret doing it, just sort of regret that i put it off for so long. Looking forward to much playing about with different ROMS and customising them.
Just make sure you read the threads on here about rooting very carefully. And also read very carefull the instructions that come with each ROM. Leedroid recommended a radio that works best with his ROM, so i flashed that. Dont know if others do the same as i havent got round to trying any others yet.

Am i right that only with Radio S-OFF i will be also able to install custom roms,
but NO new radio versions ? Is the problem the compability (with croms) or is there any other reason for new radios than better connection/battery ?
Which users are fine with only Radio S-OFF ?
As i can read, RSPOFF is safer than ENGSOFF.
Also: the question about the VERSION is really making me moving.
Hope someone can explain me, why nowhere is mentioned something about it.
I remember 2.2.1 cant be rooted and 2.3 - so is this the explaination
(cause you cant go over step 1) ? or whats the point ?

mydanny said:
1. Root Device (Visionary)
2. Radio S-Off (Tool)
3. Radio Off (Tool)
4. Download a Radio.img (How can i find out which works best with the crom i want ?)
5. Use radio tool and reboot
6. Find a suitable custom rom
7. install and voila - there we go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you've done Radio S-OFF (not sure what your step 3 is - seems the same as 2) then I'd recommend installing ROM Manager from the Market and ensuring you have either ClockWorkMod 2.5.1.3 (up to Android 2.2) or 3.0.0.6 (android 2.3) installed. This then allows you do do all your Nandroid backups and System wipes that you will need to before you flash a new ROM.
- Whats the "best" radio out there ? Is this as important as picking a good C-Rom ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As said, there is technically no "Best" radio - but the dev of a ROM will recommend a decent compatible ROM. You are welcome to try others but you may notice weaker signal or degraded battery life.
- HTC Sync preinstalls only means that i got it on my PC already, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's useful for getting the right drivers on your computer - but probably not much else!
- And can all of those steps (except root) kill my device (=brick) or am i safe at the moment when Radio S-OFF and Eng S-OFF worked properly ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not "Safe" but at least much more likely to be able to recover. You can still permanently damage it - but doing so would be pretty hard work!
- Nowhere is something about the VERSION i need ? So will a Desire HD 2.1, 2.2, 2.2.1 and 2.3 work with all the STEPS ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally the steps are the same throughout...though you'd be hard-pressed to find a DHD ROM on 2.1!
Which custom rom is the best for me ? How can i compare all roms out ?
I only heard bout Android Rev HD, LeedDroid and CYMOD.
I want speed and i want a nice User Interface (but i guess i can reach that with ADW.Launcher.EX or Launch-Pro no matter how the Rom looks ?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read their respective threads and see what you like and don't like. That's what everyone else does. No ROM is "better" than the other.
PS: If i "brick" my device is there 100% no chance to unbrick it ?
Was possible with psp 2000 e.g. after some months. think so with desire hd too ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends how badly bricked it is! (see above)

To add the misstying under 2. or 3.
I meant:
2. Radio S-oFF
3. ENG S-Off.
What is ENG S-OFF in some easy words doing other than Radio ?
As i understood - without ENG S-oFF i cant install custom radio images, right ?
Means: New Roms, but maybe not the best compatible radios ?
Also: When installed Clockwork i can backup everything ?
Means a NANDROID backup i guess ?
I thought when i want to get back, i just need this Ruu Rom and
Set all Tools to S-ON ? So this Nandroid backup, whats that ? "Ruu" is the original rom and the "nandroid backup" is the system-backup/firmware/original radio.img?
Im just ab it irritated with all the words like rom, radio, firmware :/
Im so thankful for all the answers yet.
Never expected such useful answers, most forums full of guys that link
to other threads and do not really care. so until now - great work !

mydanny said:
Am i right that only with Radio S-OFF i will be also able to install custom roms,
but NO new radio versions ? Is the problem the compability (with croms) or is there any other reason for new radios than better connection/battery ?
Which users are fine with only Radio S-OFF ?
As i can read, RSPOFF is safer than ENGSOFF.
Also: the question about the VERSION is really making me moving.
Hope someone can explain me, why nowhere is mentioned something about it.
I remember 2.2.1 cant be rooted and 2.3 - so is this the explaination
(cause you cant go over step 1) ? or whats the point ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ENG S-OFF will allow you to flash rom's, Radio s-OFF will allow you to flash radio's as well (ENG S-off fools h-boot into believing it has radio s-off)
Radio S-OFF will not be reverted by flashing a new h-boot unlike ENG S-OFF.
Different rom's suit different people, seen as you are going to loose all your data falshing a custom rom, i would recommend flashing a couple and having a play around (leedroid and Coredroid etc have sense if that rock's your boat, Cyanogenmod is closer to vanilla android) as everyone has a different preference.
The Versioning of ROM's is a bit of a grey area all ROM's are based on an android release 2.1, 2.2.1, or even 2.3 etc but many have features ported to them from other release i.e stuff from 2.3 or even 2.4 may be present in a 2.1 based ROM so look for a rom with the features you desire rather than relying on the base. But some ROM's require different instructions for flashing i.e Gingerbread ROM's require clockwork recovery version 3.x this is due to different file systems used, to be safe make sure to read the first couple of entries in the ROM thread in the development section before flashing as it will list any special requirements or steps that need taking prior to flashing.

ghostofcain said:
ENG S-OFF will allow you to flash rom's, Radio s-OFF will allow you to flash radio's as well (ENG S-off fools h-boot into believing it has radio s-off)
Radio S-OFF will not be reverted by flashing a new h-boot unlike ENG S-OFF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe im just reading it wrong, but do you mean that Radio S-OFF has all the features that ENG S-OFF brings PLUS the radio flash option ?
Then why all the instructions say, i need both (ENG and Radio) ?
Generelly, you recommend only ENG S-OFF or will the most good Custom Roms not work that good with the original radio version from htc ?
And Gingerbread Roms need Clockwork 3.X - But Clockwork 3.X needs Desire HD with 2.3, as i got told above.
And i cant upgrad to this by using HTC Updater. I guess, i have to manually upgrade my original Firmware then, right ?

Complete guide in my sig (check out the dev forums, lots of them out there)
Radio s-off and eng s-off are 2 different things and you need both if you want to be able to flash a rom.
And yes, I love my custom rom more than I will ever love stock. Why? because it looks like the stock one but it's lightning fast and drains less battery. Oh, and I have better reception

mydanny said:
And Gingerbread Roms need Clockwork 3.X - But Clockwork 3.X needs Desire HD with 2.3, as i got told above.
And i cant upgrad to this by using HTC Updater. I guess, i have to manually upgrade my original Firmware then, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gingerbread roms need 3.X, but you don't need Gingerbread to install it. I have CWM 3.0.0.6 but am on a FroYo ROM. All down to my own personal choice!
Also, yes. a Nandroid backup is an exact copy of your ROM (not your radio). So all apps, settings etc will be exactly the same when you restore it. You can't do this without a clockworkmod recovery.
ROM Manager interfaces with CWM and allows you better management of your backups and also gives you an easy way to upgrade your recovery without having to mess around in a terminal emulator or command window.

The relationship between Kernel, Radio (Baseband) and a custom ROM? So in theory, can you mix and match different version and combination, but there seems to be proven combination that works better, is that correct?
Base on what I am reading, they are can contribute to a faster, more stable, and a more battery efficient phone system.

wid0w said:
Complete guide in my sig (check out the dev forums, lots of them out there)
Radio s-off and eng s-off are 2 different things and you need both if you want to be able to flash a rom.
And yes, I love my custom rom more than I will ever love stock. Why? because it looks like the stock one but it's lightning fast and drains less battery. Oh, and I have better reception
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice Guide. Has everything i need.
Why i need both ?
In case i dont need/want a new radio version and ONLY a new crom,
i dont need the Radio S-OFF. Cause you say i need both ? Why ?
Maybe gimme a short answer to that.
Will be thankful !

wid0w said:
Complete guide in my sig (check out the dev forums, lots of them out there)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For flashing under windows that is, the instructions here, whilst a little more complicated cater for all OS'es

ghostofcain said:
For flashing under windows that is, the instructions here, whilst a little more complicated cater for all OS'es
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link not working.
Whats that ? Another guide ?
Whats the differ ? Oo

Is radio flashing needed?

hello
my dhd is now rooted, Eng S-off and Radio S-OFF...
next thing should be flashing rom, but do i need to flash my radio as well? (going with revolution 3.0 rom if it matters?) - if radio flash is needed, how do i make sure i get the right radio for my dhd? there are 2 radios available to download on the revolution 3.0 rom thread
first time i am doing this so just want to make sure.
thank you

Getting DHD tomorrow.. I wanna know too!

Its not neccesasry but if a dev says a certain radio works better its worth flashing as it may help battery and speed of rom
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

As above, you don't have to but it's recommended for battery purposes etc.
If you have any problems with your ROM not performing properly, flash the radio is the first thing people will say to do!

You don't have to but sometimes trying different radios can improve signal and battery life.

Been out of the loop for a while, need ROM advice/suggestions

Sorry if this is asked a lot but I went back a month and didn't see anything like what I'm looking for.
Anyways, I haven't really been paying attention to xda and the magic ROM scene since I flashed CM6 quite a while back. In fact it says this is my first time logging in since September. But I want something different and fresh on my phone, so I'm looking for advice on a good ROM to try. I checked out the development section a bit and I don't recognize any of them, I'm not really sure where to start.
I'd prefer a 2.2 ROM, possibly 2.3 if it runs fast/stable. Mainly looking for speed over features. My phone is as follows:
Rogers HTC Magic 32A
1.33.2010 SPL
3.22.20.17 radio
Thanks a lot.

Ezgingerbread is a good 2.3 rom. I've been using it for months without many issues
Sent from my Gingerbread on Sapphire using XDA Premium App

First Sorry for my bad english...
I hardly recomend you to try Carz CM7.. but that one is for 6.35(new radio)32a so you have to do this changes first...
1. change to 1.76.2007 SPL
2. change 6.35 radio
3. choose you favorite recovery made for this radio.. (i radder ClockworkMod than Ra's) but if you used radio switcher 4.1 it will install u Ra's.
4. wipe all you can wipe
5. flash Rom.
6. flash gapps
7. Wipe Again (nobody sais so. but i always do i with greats results)
enjoy and comment.

Gingeryoshi 6.1
I'll throw my hat in the ring for GingerYoshi here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=932118
Since you have a 32a you'll have to flash a different kernel than the one that's included and if you have the fender or 1.2 you'll want to use the rattking kernel. The full list of kernels and devices is listed in the bug thread.
I've been running it for a few weeks and it's rebooted on me once (I was playing with overclock settings). It's fast and anything but bloated like CM. Much nicer running a rom that was designed for your hardware specs.

After root with custom rom - Still slow as snail.

Hi everyone,
I rooted my phone and flashed new rom (in settings it says VillainROM-V13).
My Hero is still buggy and laggy as hell. Well programs are running fine i think, but calling is pain in... After a hour or two after i don't call, when i try to do it... It hangs for a minute or two. I mean i see calling picture and everything looks fine, but, i cant hang my call, i don't hear anything. Or sometimes it hang the call by itself, and i need to recall 3 times after what i can hear toooooooooooooot!
Anyway, it seems that this is software problem.. I don't use any taskiller or any speedup software.
VillainRom didn't change my phone so much. Maybe 10% speedup.
What about thouse radios you people flash? Why do you do it? Maybe it could help me? What about warranty? And what, and how do you flash them?
What about roms.. Which rom is faster than this VillainRom with this stupid Sense, which is slow..?
Please help me someone.

Hi,
as often mentioned before: use one of the roms from elelinux, they are the best you can get for the hero in my opinion. Elelinux-7.1.0-Hero-v2.6 is a nice Gingerbread based rom, its getting real fast if you flash the optional las venturas kernel. Otherwise you could go for the speedmachine-rom, also from elelinux.
You always need a corresponding radio (maybe that has to to with your problems). The radio is flashed like the main rom (copy the radio to your sd-card, fire up recovery an flash the radio)
CU, Peter

The radios usually improve phone signal etc, and you probably won't do much harm if you flash one. Just don't turn off your phone during the process or let the battery run out.
How old is your phone? The warranty is probably expired but if it's rooted the warranty is invalid unless you flash an RUU to return it to stock. There's a guide on VillainROM on how to flash radio's.
You could try a Froyo/Gingerbread ROM like Elelinux or FroydVillain. Personally, I found VR13 the fastest Sense ROM. I'd say a Gingerbread ROM like Elelinux's is the fastest No-Sense ROM.

Ok, where I can get latest radios for GSM European HTC Hero?
And when I flash radio, do I need to wipe rom, or cache? Do I need to wipe anything at all?
What about kernel? When I flash ROM does it flash kernel also?

Latest Radio for the hero is 63.18.55.06SU_6.35.17.03
You can get it at villainrom.co.uk/forum/showthread.php/307-Gsm-Hero-Radio-Roms-Download-Links
You dont need to wipe rom or cache, the kernel remains untouched