Database Users

safe way for flashing rom?

Hello there,
I now am a happy owner of a HTC Prophet ( I bought it as an O2 XDA neo) for about two weeks.
The thing works fine, but I am interested in installing linux on it (that's the main reason why I registered at this site).
But because this little piece of hardware is quite expensive I have some concerns about flashing the rom. So I have to ask:
Is there a SAFE way to try a new/altered/old/linux rom on my Prophet;
e.g. if the newly installed rom isn't working/ I don't like it/ the flashing process crashed/... can I somehow get the original state(e.g. the O2 branded WM5) back on the machine?
I cannot afford to try something with this machine and afterwards I have to put it in a trashcan :-(
-regards,
traintop

There are no 'safe' way of doing it. Probably the safest way of doing it to let an experience person to flash it for you, still there are certain risks.
For your case, I don't think you should flash it yourself. BTW, there is linux ROM for Prophet?

If you want to deal with linux, you need to modify bootloader.
This is not safe. You may turn your device into brick quite easy.
If you want experementing with linux, then look on Nokia 770, it would be your choice. Linux is by default installed on Nokia 770. And you don't need to modify bootloader.
regards,
de fdp24

hanmin said:
BTW, there is linux ROM for Prophet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't found one yet; and I believe there aren't any. But if you want to try a compiled kernel on a PocketPC, I would think putting it into a ROM and flashing this one to your machine is the best way...
-I have to say I have experience in building linux on Intel-based PCs from scratch and I just wanted to know whether there is way of trying linux on my Prohpet in a way similar to the one used on your desktop (e.g. dual-booting).
But because storage-capacities (ROM) is quite tiny in comparison to desktop PCs (where another hard drive or at least a partition ist easily installed to switch between) I think you have to
backup your current state of the Prophet,
save it to your PC,
flash the new to-be-tested ROM on the Prophet,
reboot and try.
After testing you can flash back the "original" (in my situation: WM5) ROM, reboot and you're fine.
With this process I have no problems at all (although a bit time-expensive) if and only if the flashing of the Prophet can be done quite safely...
I have read a lot about linux on HTC devices and found out that the Prophet is nearly an exact copy of the Wizard, just without keyboard.
So how do the guys from the Wizard-Team do the testing of the newly compiled kernels and so on...
-If they would have to fear the end of their machine each time flashing the ROM I think they are either very brave men or they have good tools.
I think I will post my question in the wizard thread as well but thought to ask here first because they will probably say: I have no idea; I only have a wizard! ... :-(
-cu,
traintop
ps: after reading my post again I remember an old SUSE-distribution (I think it was 5.4) where you could install a little Programm on your Windows-partition.
When you started this programm it booted a linux kernel which in some way managed to get windows completely out of RAM and you could work with your linux-box as if it was booted with linux from the very beginning...
-perhaps this could also be a solution...

If you are not familiar with Linux - never try to play it with mobile devices. Just a good advice: use your desktop and let your handheld live as it born

HELP ! ROM Update to Android 2.0 / 2.1

Hey Guys at first sorry for my english i'm not good in it. And I'm a Android newbie I just gained a bit exerience with my Touch Diamond but it's broken now..okay but that's not the probleme....
If got a question:
After about 2 days of searching for an android 2.0 or 2.1 ROM I was a little bit confused of the diffrent news everybody was talking about. I'm root on my Hero. That was the first an last thing I made with my device.
1. Everybody is gonna talk about MoDaCo 3.0 but when I was trying to download his ROM my browser never got a request. Is the site down, where that ROM is hosted ?? Could someone give me a working link with this ROM ??
2. Is there a ROM with Android 2.0 or 2.1 outside or even not ??? And if yes are they working well ???
Would be nice if someone can help me =) thanks a lot.
Please answer soon if you know something about that =)
Greetz BassdoxXx

you can get modaco's roms at his website, www.modaco.com.
in the android development section there are some 2.0/1 roms, none of them works flawless, see for yourself if it fits your needs.

Thanks a lot for your fast answer. =)
The problem that i couldn't open the modaco page was my isp -.- i downloaded it at school

BassdoxXx said:
Thanks a lot for your fast answer. =)
The problem that i couldn't open the modaco page was my isp -.- i downloaded it at school
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? Does ISP's block that site? Lol, would never happened in Norway

there is a few 2.0+ roms out there for the hero.
most seem to be very usable now.
best sense ui would be lox/behnaam community release on 1.6.
http://htcpedia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1448
there are two aosp roms worth looking at.
lox aosp ( im using that on a daily basis)
http://htcpedia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1416
jnwhiteh aosp
http://htcpedia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1528

Hello all,
I am having very specific request when it comes to choosing a proper rom for install on to my hero.
I am blind. Stock roms are only running Android 1.5. More robust accessibility features are available starting with Android 1.6 and improving even more with Android 2.0.
So for sure I am forced to upgrade my hand set.
There are various roms, some of their authors have even disable google specific features so I know I can't install such a rom.
All the accessibility efforts are being lead by the google developers.
Most likely these accessibility tools won't be usefull to most of you but please can anyone recommend me a rom where market is working and where the following applications can be installed and used?
- eyesfree suite of applications,
- talkback - the google screen reader for android,
- tts service.
All possible help is already appreciated.

sorry for the double posting. I've accidentally posted twice and I am unable to remove the post.
Hope anybody can help me please.

pvdeejay said:
Hello all,
I am having very specific request when it comes to choosing a proper rom for install on to my hero.
I am blind. Stock roms are only running Android 1.5. More robust accessibility features are available starting with Android 1.6 and improving even more with Android 2.0.
So for sure I am forced to upgrade my hand set.
There are various roms, some of their authors have even disable google specific features so I know I can't install such a rom.
All the accessibility efforts are being lead by the google developers.
Most likely these accessibility tools won't be usefull to most of you but please can anyone recommend me a rom where market is working and where the following applications can be installed and used?
- eyesfree suite of applications,
- talkback - the google screen reader for android,
- tts service.
All possible help is already appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am on mcr3.0, i looked in the market, i can find 8 apps for eyesfree, tts is one of these. i didn't try to install one of these, but usually it works. the search for talkback returned nothing.
not that i want to be rude, but wouldn't you be better off with another phone if you are blind? i can not imagine a touchscreen only phone would be suitable for someone who is not able to see... especially because there are great devices out there that have a full qwerty keyboard, and come with android 2.0 out of the box... imho this would be a better solution.
again, the last thing i want to be is rude, but maybe this was your mistake: you posted in the htc hero section of this forum, the hero is a touch screen only device, including a virtual keyboard on the screen. it has only six buttons and a trackball, and two rocker buttons for the volume. just to make clear we are talking about the same device
if you are still up for the hero you could try the 2.1 rom from here: http://htcpedia.com/forum/showthread.php?p=30418&posted=1#post30418
best you try for yourself, it has some drawbacks, but maybe in areas you don't need (afaik syncing with exchange does not work for example, which wouldn't be a problem for me...). otherwise it might be worth to wait another week or two, we all are waiting unpatiently for the official eclair release from htc
keep asking if you need to know more, but maybe open a new thread, since your problems are very specific, and might drown between all the newbies question about "how to root my phone".

Hello,
Thanks for your reply and a great attitude.
Yes it may sound strange I have really got HTC Hero here. I know I'll be having problems with virtual keyboard but also I am afraid accessibility features of Android phones are not really such mastered one can use it daily. For example reading emails and content from the web browser is not yet possible. I just want to try how things work and I would also like to touch the virtual keyboard. If I can memorize computer keyboard and use it daily, typewriter keyboard, nokia mobile phone keyboard, then perhaps I might be able to make some use of this too.
I am sory but here are some more questions:
I haven't yet verified with some sighted friends but... is it possible my hero is running even older version of android like Android 1.5? I've based the assumption that it's most likelly running 1.5 because majority of the devices I was reading on the net are running it.
You've been triyng to locate eyes-free applications on the market but you were unable to find talkback. Are you sure you are running newer version of Android than 1.5?
Talkback is supposed to be installed with Android 1.6 andd 2.0 by default and you should be able to find it in the accessibility menu of your phone. I am not sure how well this applies to the custom roms.
Talkback requires google's accessibility api which is reported to be available on Android 1.6 upwards.
To tell you the full story first I've asked on the eyes-free google group whether some accessibility experts from there can help me but no one knowledgeable enough has replied to my query, so I'm trying my luck here then.
Oh I am really excited since I've got really well formed informative reply.
Thanks again
Edit:
Also, I've seen somewhere in the forums here this leaked HTC rom does not support the market. Has this been rectified already? You know if market does not work then most likelly I won't be able to install these applications I am tallking about.
Also you are mentioning possibility to wait a few weeks until HTC guys role out the official update for Hero. Wouldn't that break chances I will be able to root my device later?
Edit2:
Ooops, I should read better next time. Market works on this rom. The problem is paid apps can't be installed which is hopefully not a big issue for me since most of the accessibility enabled applications are free.
Which of the downloads from Hero 21 do I need?
63.18.55.06JU_6.35.09.26) or No Wipe Download. I will need a wipe I am sure but since this link says nowipe I am ehmmm. confused.

pvdeejay,
Unfortunately there is not an 'official' update for Android 1.6, 2.0 or 2.1 as of yet. There are rumours of one coming out soon, but nothing cast-iron yet.
You are correct in that the Hero runs 1.5. It does say it under Settings | About Phone (bottom item on list)| Firmware Version (bottom on list again), although without a working screen reader, there is probably little use in knowing how to find that.
If you did want to upgrade, I'm sure plenty of people could help find a ROM that would suit. The only issue with that is that you would need a rooted phone with a custom recovery image installed. Unfortunately, a lot of the procedures would not be easy for you, as the software that you might need to use to go through the procedure is probably not designed that well for accessibility tools. I don't know what kind of software you are using, but some of the instructions for making goldcards are quite complex, and involve editing some numbers in a 'table' which could be quite difficult for you, I would imagine.
I'm sure a friend would be able to help you out with making a goldcard/rooting if you did want to install a custom ROM (you'll probably be waiting a while otherwise ). They could even root their phone while doing yours (just share the goldcard between the devices).
Nonetheless, there is probably a ROM out there with little removed from it. I'll have a look just now, but you would need to have your phone rooted to do anything just now.

When it comes to rooting and installing custom recovery image. Do you thing the following instructions might work for me?
These instructions don't require a gold card:
- How to Root HTC Hero and Install Amon Ra Recovery Image
- How to install a custom rom on a HTC Hero

Hello,
Here are some numbers I've asked my friend to read from system -> about screen. The phone interface is in czech so I am unable to get some names translated to english, but I believe some of the geeks will understand these identifiers and might be able to help me what is best:
Code:
firmware: 1,5
63.118.55.O6U|6.35.04.25
2.6.27-a5504199
Build number: 1.76.405.6 146733 CL# 47214 release-keys
Software version: 1.0.0.A6288

pvdeejay,
to sum it up:
the hero definitly runs on android 1.5. there are no roms for older android versions, and a few homebrewn for newer versions, as we said already.
i searched for talkbalk on my 1.5 rom, so it is obvious that i couldn't find it...
about rooting of newer roms: it is just a matter of time, sooner or later there will be always methods of rooting a rom. what i meant by waiting is: wait until the official update is out, then wait a few more hours until the first rooted and customized rom is out

@pvdeejay,
I would have to agree with kendong2 that waiting for the official ROM is probably the best idea for you at the moment. There are no guarantees that an unofficial ROM would help, and it would be another user interface to try and learn.
@kendon,
I noticed he has the original, easily rooted version of the hero. IIRC, that is what I had on my G2 (and had the security unlocked bootloader out the box). If that's the case, would pvdeejay be able to 'fastboot boot' a full system img file for the purposes of testing it out to see if it meets the requirements.
The reason I ask is that I've only ever fastbooted my AmonRA recovery (I didn't flash it, because I never felt any need to). I'm guessing you could fastboot a full img, but I'm not sure about the practical issues of where it would be stored in memory...

Sorry guys originally I believed I am slowly getting into the matter and am begining to understand how flashing / rooting / upgrading home brew firmwares works on these phones.
After these 2 posts I feel like a total noob again.
Now again some very concrete questions:
What about these 2 guides I've posted links to?
Can I somehow got [Recovery] [13-Dec-2009] RA-hero-v1.5.2 installed so I will be able to do nandroid backup and then possibly flash some new roms?
Can I really brick my phone by trying to install amon ra?
Originally I thought the process works as follows:
1) get the custom recovery image installed (that's the amon ra in this case),
2) do a nandroid backup which will dump everything usefull on to the memory card,
3) backup and reformat the card,
4) download a rom, rename it to update.zip, put it onto the root folder of the cart, reboot the hero in recovery mode, do the wipe of the data partition, and run update,
5) reboot again and believe it's good.
Also some very significant bit is the thing you are all calling the radio. I am afraid I've not identified this bit thus it's missing in this summary.
Which files will I need to download if I decide to try Android 2.1 community edition 1.8? Are these files I've copied links to a few posts earlier both needed?
Can you please check this list, identify the things I am missing, and make suggestions and corrections why this may not work on my device based off of those number I tried to put down here?
Even if I won't be able to do this right now I'd be happy to get corrections as I can learn something new.
Of course I won't be doing all this on my own. I will ask my bro to read all the stuff to me and we'll do it according to your advices.
To give some bits about me and my computer skills, I believe I am a Windows power user, Basically I do also understand unix, I know what's bash how the files are arranged in a file system, can use command-line tools, telnet, ssh. I am working as a network administrator here so some background is there really.

Hi pvdeejay,
Answers to your questions here.
You can actually use fastboot to 'temporarily' load up the AmonRA recovery image into memory and run it from there. I do that on my phone, for the simple reason that I can't be bothered ) ) to flash the recovery. Once you get AmonRA running, the first thing you should do is make a Nandroid backup. It will be saved to your SD card, so then get the nandroid directory of your card and save it to your PC (just in case!)
So, here's how you'd go about this.
(Make sure you have the android sdk installed, and that adb and fastboot commands are working). USB cable should be plugged in throughout.
Before you begin, put the ROM you want (ie. Android 2.1 community edition 1.8) into the root of the microSD card (a .zip file).
Code:
adb devices
Should list your phone's serial number
Now turn off the phone, and turn it on with the back key held down (the one at the very bottom right of the device).
You should enter fastboot mode. Now type
Code:
fastboot devices
and you should see the serial number again.
Now type
Code:
fastboot boot AmonRA.img
where AmonRA.img is a file in your present working directory that is the filename of the latest custom recovery image. This does NOT flash your phone, it merely runs the image (pretty much as close as you get to risk free, other than sitting there with a tinfoil hat on )
See screenshot of the recovery image here:
http://www.sizzledcore.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/RA-hero-recovery-image-500x375.jpg
Make the Nandroid backup by choosing 'Nandroid Vx.x Backup' and waiting a while.
If your ROM needs a wipe first (most new ones do), select Wipe data/factory reset. You will lose all your user data on the device (but you've got a nandroid backup just in case)
You're now good to go. So choose "Apply sdcard:choose zip"
Now select the custom ROM zip file you downloaded. It doesn't even need to be called update.zip! Choose it from the list and push trackball.
Wait for the update.zip to go in. Do NOT turn off the device or pull the battery. First boot can take a very long time (upto 30 minutes). Just keep it plugged in via USB and wait...
As for radios, see http://android.modaco.com/content/h...-24-11-hero-roms-radios-in-update-zip-format/ and look at the section titled radios. The latest one is in bold. It is a .zip file as well, that you use these exact same instructions for to install (don't do the wipe or anything like that. Just install the .zip file)

anon2122 said:
@kendon,
I noticed he has the original, easily rooted version of the hero. IIRC, that is what I had on my G2 (and had the security unlocked bootloader out the box). If that's the case, would pvdeejay be able to 'fastboot boot' a full system img file for the purposes of testing it out to see if it meets the requirements.
The reason I ask is that I've only ever fastbooted my AmonRA recovery (I didn't flash it, because I never felt any need to). I'm guessing you could fastboot a full img, but I'm not sure about the practical issues of where it would be stored in memory...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is correct so far, i did the same, except i installed the recovery. i play a lot with my phone, the installed recovery image with the nandroid backup is the best i have ever seen for a phone...
@pvdeejay
you always write so much...
i try to answer everything:
the two guides you posted are good for your situation. i never tried flashrec, but from what i read it is safe to use. i installed my recovery image through fastboot, the guide is here: http://android.modaco.com/content/h...ng-the-patched-recovery-image-on-your-device/
i have no idea how this works out for you, but my honest suggestion would be that you have someone seeing assisting you, you CAN brick your phone, though it is not likely if you follow the instructions precisely. the process is not very time consuming at all, so you don't need to bother anyone for days of their time.
edit: and now i read your post to the end and saw that your brother will be helping you, so you are on the right track
once you have the recovery installed you can make nandroid backups, and i would suggest that you do this first thing after installing the recovery, better make a backup too much than one too less...
the 5 steps you described are correct, except there is no need to rename the zipfile anymore, you can select any .zip from your sdcard.
the radio part is the number that begins with 63.18.55.06, then comes two letters and then more numbers. as by now the version can be identified by the letters, with JU being the up-to-date one. in general you can say the newer the better, but you have to try for yourself. start with the newest one, if you have problems go back.

thanks this seems to be pretty doable plus I will easily be able to restore the current data backed using nandroid backup.
Which android SDK do I need the latest one?
The commands I need to type are supposed to be typed on the PC or on the phone? I assume on the PC but I just would like to ensure.
Hero21 1.8 community edition has a recommended radio listed in the first post. Is it necessary to install that one as well? What should I install first the actual rom or the radio? Do I need installing radio at all? Should i do the same with radio i.e. renaming it to update.zip and using amonra to install it?
Also will I be able to use this method even if I install another rom (running amonra without actually flashing it)?
Edit:
sorry guys did not realize renaming to update.zip is no longer needed.
Edit2:
is there an easy way on how to access sd card from windows? I can't just remove the card from phone and insert it into my laptop because I don't have the proper adapter. Previously my boss was using the hero and perhaps it would be nice to backup the sd card first.
Edit3:
uhmmm, installing android sdk is perhaps not as simple as it sounds.
I have just seen this article.
I am on a limited gprs internet connection, can you please suggest sdk features I won't need to save some download bandwith?

- you need only the adb binary (thats adb.exe for windows) from the sdk, the rest is not needed for this.
- install the radio from the 2.1community-rom-thread, it is the newest. install the radio first. DO NOT PULL THE BATTERY until the phone has rebooted completely. if you pull the battery during radio upgrade your phone will be dead. it takes a few minutes, do not panic!
- you can copy the contents of the sdcard via the usb-cable, plug it into your pc and pull down the notification bar...

Do I need to run SDK Setup.exe when I have downloaded android sdk for windows?
Or can I simply run that binary from the command-line without the installation?
Do I need any USB drivers so my phone can be recognized?

What is ROM flashing?

as the title suggests, what is ROM flashing?
Does it make the device run smooth? or any gud?
i am newbie here i looked around the forum and everone is talking about flashing ROM this and that.
i sound noob but yes i am about this whole flashing things.
lately i found my hd2 very laggy and slow, i have to reboot it every now and then.
can anyone help? please. thanks

In brief
the 'rom' is the whole system. Windows mobile, the pre installed programs, all the settings and tweaks that your operator includes, all of that is rolled up into one big file, and that file can be 'flashed' to your device. The first time it boots after a flash, the rom will automatically install itself onto the device, and it will be like the first time you started your phone. (Just like a hard reset would now you are already running)
Chefs can take all the various components and 'cook' their own roms, maybe leaving out some of the unused stuff (like co-pilot), maybe adding things that aren't in the original rom, plus tweaking the registry and the like for speed, stability, looks etcetera.
So, different roms give different results, some are super stable, some dont have sense, some are based on windows mobile 6.5.5, some 6.5.3, and others 6.5. There is pretty much a limitless ammount of differences, so don't bother asking ''whats the best rom?'' try some and pick what works for you.
Most rom threads have screenshots and descriptions to give you some idea what they are about, and you should ALWAYS read ALL the first post (and usually 2,d and 3rd too) in any rom thread before you flash.
EDIT - Once you flash a new rom, whenever you jard reset you will still get the new rom. Your original tmo instal is GONE.(However you can download it and flash it back, just like any other rom, so no worries)
Start reading HERE

[Q] Help!!!!!

Okay I have a really dumb question probably but I have a completely "stock" HTC Tilt 2 for AT&T. I have only downloaded the .NET 3.5, SciLor's GrooveMobile, and nothing else but a couple of themes from this website. I have heard about ROM flashing. I am a 16 year old kid who needed a new phone and wanted to be different from everyone and got the Tilt 2. I hate the freezing of my phone after Opera Internet usage. I hate the stupid touchflo 3D. Great idea and all but just annoying. I want a new layout overall though. I looked at the Leo ROM and I like that one. I just need an experts advice. I want to do this and be able to download most of the apps from my phone. I have internet access but it is limited due to the family. I like the Standard Reference Leo ROM interface. I want to know if I should do it......I mean will it screw me over huge or will it be a huge advantage? If someone could answer this cry for help ASAP it would be awesome!
thanks

Ok overall I just want to know if flashing the ROM of my Tilt 2 to a Leo ROM, is a good idea. Just that nothing else unless you can give me some instruction. That would be awesome but just a reply to the main question would be fine. Thank you.

Link the ROM you are talking about.
The stock Tilt2 ROM sucks big time. Almost any ROM on here will be faster, more stable, and more functional. If you don't like TouchFlo3D, just turn it off.

forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=591784
You have to add the http. Thats the link. You might have to copy and paste because I cannot due to the restriction by the site. I guess I have not been verified?

That ROM is for a different phone, the HTC HD2. You need to flash a ROM for the Rhodium/Touch Pro 2/Tilt2, or it won't work right (or might even brick your phone).
The ROMs you want are here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
And the Energy ROM (similar to the one you linked, but for the right phone) is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=562773

Okay thanks. Yeah I was on my phone and was reading this guideline that instructed how to flash the tilt 2 into the "cadillac of tilts" I dont know if this guy is legit... But if its not a big deal, what do you think I should do? And can I still change the themes or wallpapers or will I have to reflash again? Also do you know how long it takes to flash a phone?

tscyadi4 said:
Okay thanks. Yeah I was on my phone and was reading this guideline that instructed how to flash the tilt 2 into the "cadillac of tilts" I dont know if this guy is legit... But if its not a big deal, what do you think I should do? And can I still change the themes or wallpapers or will I have to reflash again? Also do you know how long it takes to flash a phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what a "cadilac of tilts" is tbh but follow this guide and you will be fine.
HOW TO FLASH A GSM ROM

Im not sure either his link is
tilt2.blownfuze.org

Energy ROM is what I use. Its faster, smoother, more stable than the (terrible) stock ATT ROM. Its not as lightweight (heavier on program memory usage) than some others. But I personally like the aesthetics and functionality.
I'm not sure if the reference version is right for you, if you don't like TouchFLO3D. The Energy reference version includes Sense 2.5, which is the updated version fo the TF3D interface. Although, everything runs faster and smoother on the Energy ROM versus stock, so you might find Sense more enjoyable without all the lag of the ATT ROM.
You might check out the Titanium version if you don't want TF3D/Sense.

Flashing a custom ROM is relatively easy. But be sure to read as much as you can before you start. These are a must read:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
And Task29 is optional, but highly recommended:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=649191
If you do the reading, and follow the instructions carefully, you will be fine. HardSPL only takes a couple minutes, and flashing the ROM itself takes a few minutes. It takes some time (few minutes) for your phone to reboot after you flash. Add in time to get the phone configured the way you like, reload the apps, etc., then the entire process may take you an hour or so. Maybe a bit more the first time, since you want to make sure you're doing it all correctly.
But trust me, its worth the time and effort.

tscyadi4 said:
And can I still change the themes or wallpapers or will I have to reflash again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change the wallpaper all you want. In fact its easier on the Energy ROM than stock (and more options). The ROM also comes with a variety of themes to choose from. Or you can change the theme with some of the cabs available on this website.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will delete all your data. So you will need to synch, backup your contacts, etc. (several different options for this). You are basically starting from scratch, except better.

One thing I have notice, the latest version of the Energy ROM (Sept. 29) seems to have more bugs than usual, due to his updating Cookies Home Tab from 1.5 to the 2.0 beta. Nothing that seems like a real dealbreaker, but some annoying things (like the album art on the music player showing the previous - not currrent - song played).
You may/may not want to hold off a bit to see if these kinks get worked out. NRG updates often (usually every 5-7 days). So some of these things might be fixed soon. In fact, it looks like new ROMs will be uploaded soon, maybe today. Read the last few pages of the Energy ROM thread for more details.
That said, even with a few bugs, the Energy ROM would still be a big improvement over the stock ROM. It fixes so many things, so much faster, and more functinal, that its still a net improvement by a long shot.

Yeah well thats alot of the information I was looking for so thank you! My next question is do I need to remove the memory card and sim card when I do this? also is this safe for my computer?

As you'll see in the n00b instructions, its advised to remove both the SIM and the SD card to avoid them from becoming formatted or otherwise damaged during the process.
And yes, its completely safe for your desktop computer.

ok so i did the hard spl and it worked i think it was just like a hard reset without deleting apps and messages but when i went to download the new rom to my computer hotfile was annoying and it came up as an unknown file type and i couldnt find it after i downloaded it could someone walk me through or help me! plllllleeeeeeeeeeeez

No, HardSPL is nothing like a hard reset. SPL only allows "official" ROMs released by your cell carrier to be flashed. HardSPL unlocks the SPL so you can flash any ROM.
What browser are you using to download the files? Depending on your browser, and how its defaulted, the files should be at My Documents\Downloads, or can be somewhere else altogether.
The files are zipped using a compression called 7zip, so you need to unpack them using the 7zip program. For some reason, the latest Energy files seem to only be unpackable with the latest 7zip version (I think the 9.17 beta, see link below), which has not been the case in the past. I've been able to unpack lots of previous builds using more common unzip programs like Winzip or WinRAR (which may or may not already be on your computer). I haven't personally downloaded or flashed the latest Energy ROM, but if you search the Energy ROM, there is a good amount of discussion on this issue.
http://www.7-zip.org/

ok so what your saying is i judt have to download the 7 zipbfolder and then it will work?

Yes, download the 7zip application (get the 9.17 beta .exe) and install it. Then it should unpack the archive automatically when you click on the .7z file.

Ok I downloaded the 7zip and tried to download the standard reference rom and it still said it was unknown. I installed 7zip. Do I need to save the rom to a certain folder or what?

Were you sure to get the latest 7zip version, the 9.17 beta?
Is the 7zip program giving you the error message, or Windows? If its just Windows telling you the file type is unknown, then right mouse click on the ROM file, and select "Open With", scroll down to "Choose Program" (if 7zip is not already given as an option) and choose 7zip.
You can also right click on the file, choose "Properties", under where it says "Opens with", click the "Change" button, and choose 7zip from there.

[Q] Why so much CW hate ?

Starting this thread again as my previous one was deleted during the board's transformation yesterday...but I think it's important to bring up the subject.
Coming from an older Android terminal (Htc Magic), I still don't understand how so few dev's out there are actually using ClockworkMod Recovery for their ROM. I know, a lot of you come from WM 6.5, where USB-Flash was the only way to go but now things have changed ! If you are fan enough of Android to be willing to flash it completely to the Nand, wiping WinMo6.5, then go with it and start flashing your ROMS the Android way. The CW way !
As a reminder, CW allows to :
- Flash your ROMS from the SD card. Imagine you want to flash a new ROM but have to leave for 2 days without a computer; it's not a problem ! Put it on the SD card and flash it later !
- Easily implement new kernels or updates. Doing so, dev's can propose completely clean build with the option to flash as many add-on's, updates, kernels or fixes you want. Look here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=810471. You can't make it easier.
- Partition your SD card with an ext partition the size you want without the need of a software or a linux-based iso. If you are a Windows user, that's a huge time saver !
- Back-up ans restore. That's a HUGE bonus. Want to flash a new ROM ? Back-up all your current ROM (5 minutes), then flash the new one. Don't like after all ? Restore your backup in 5 minutes...
- For me (and here, I'm not my saying it's always the case, just FOR ME), sd data transfer through CW is two times faster than through MAGLDR.
- Many more...
The same goes for EXT. Using data.img is outdated, it's another WinMo days leftover. Ext is actually mounted as an internal memory, allowing Sense Roms. And the apps installed there won't need to be reinstalled every updates...
It's tough for a Android user like myself to find a proper ROM/Zip with data2ext support these days. Pretty much MDJ, thank God for him. It seems that there a lot of ROMS to choose from but actually there isn't. Especially when the DAF to ZIP tool from the board doesn't work with all the DAF's releases (most of the time it's actually the releases that are not made right).
So please, be an Android user and make the step. It's like you found the door but are afraid to come in...
Just go and read the CW tutorial thread if you are unsure. I'll be willing to help also...