Root [how-to] install kernels with S-ON h-boot 1.15+

[Rxpert83]

How to flash kernels with H-boot 1.15+​

With S-ON and H-boot 1.15, you have certain restrictions placed on you by HTC that those with prior H-boots did not have--the recovery cannot write to the boot partition. This is where kernels are installed. This can be a problem if you try to flash an AOSP ROM since they require an AOSP kernel to boot. It can also be an issue if you just want to run a custom kernel. Luckily, our developers have found many workaround to be able to flash kernels to your device.. This post is my attempt to summarize what is available to you.

If you are going from a sense ROM to an AOSP rom or the other way around the phone will not boot unless you flash the correct kernel. Also, if you are flashing a ROM that is a different base than the one you are currently on you will need to flash the kernel this way.


Option 1: Fastboot flashing a kernel (RECOMMENDED)

Spoiler

This looks long, buts its just the initial setup

If you aren't familiar with doing things from fastboot, chances are the first thing you are going to need to do is properly setup the folders to carry out the fastboot flash command. This setup is going to take the most time and after you have it all set up its very quick to do after that.

Setting up ADB:
1) Download the mini-SDK here and move it to something like C:\Android\platform-tools or as instructed here -
http://androidforums.com/faqs/443072-adb-guide-updated-2013-05-21-a.html#post5389081

It contains:
adb.exe - Windows adb utility
fastboot.exe - Windows fastboot utility
fastboot-windows.exe - Windows fastboot utility
AdbWinApi.dll - adb link library for Windows
AdbWinUsbApi.dll - adb link library for Windows

These files will be used to push the boot.img (contains the kernel) from a ROM to your phone via fastboot.

2) Download your ROM and open it, it will look like this:

3) Copy the boot.img from the ROM to the same folder as the mini SDK you've downloaded.

4)Plug your phone into the computer via USB and power the phone off. Then press volume down + Power to get to fastboot

5)Once there, we need to open up a command prompt in the location where your sdk-tools are. If you are in windows 7 you can just shift+right click to select "open command prompt from here"

If you don't have win 7 you can manually move to the file location with the command cd to change directory.

6)Once you are in the correct directory you just type in

fastboot flash boot boot.img

and hit enter

7)reboot

Option 2: Flash Image GUI (NOTE:Its an app, so it requires the phone to be booted)

Spoiler

Flash Image GUI is an app that enables you to flash .img's from within the app.

To install it simply download the apk from this thread here, place it on your sd card, navigate to it using a file manager program like ES file explorer or Root Explorer and hit install. You may have to change your settings to allow for non-market apps in order for it to install.

To use the app to install kernels, you open it up, click browse in order to navigate to the kernel you've place on your SD card, wipe dalvik cache & cache & click flash

There is a video made for the EVO 3D you can watch here:
Flash Image GUI / EVO3D / Flash Kernels with hboot 1.5!! *ROOT REQUIRED* - YouTube
As well as picture instructions you can follow here:
How to Install Kernel/ROM on HBOOT 1.50 for HTC Evo 3D! | HTC Evo 4G Hacks!

Option 3: HTC Dumlock TeamWin Projects - HTC Dumlock | TeamWin

Spoiler

Installation instructions quoted from TeamWin Projects - | TeamWin


Video instructions from users on the 3D
How To Install Roms Using Dumlock Evo 3D hboot 1.50 - YouTube
How To Restore A Nandroid Backup Using Dumlock Evo 3D Hboot 1.50 - YouTube

Option 4: Developer workarounds

Spoiler

There is an installer script made by XDA moderator Haus that when incorporated by the developer allows you to flash kernels normally from recovery.

This is not something the average user can incorporate him/herself, but more information can be found here:S-ON Kernel Installer - xda-developers

Be sure to read the OP of whatever you are downloading to check and see if this script is installed, it will save you a lot of time

 

[EarlyMon]

On a Mac -

The steps are exactly the same, just the mechanics of it changes.

For Mac instructions, please see - http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-lte-all-things-root/572162-how-get-full-root-mac.html

 

[Granite1]

Dood, this is awesome!!

Good write up.

I added this to the guide section of the Root guide proper.

 

[ocnbrze]

nice rx!!!!!!
i'm gonna link this in the dummies guide we have going.

 

[Rxpert83]

Dood, this is awesome!!

Good write up.

I added this to the guide section of the Root guide proper.

Saw that, appreciate it. I also added it at the top of the kernel list when I added the other kernels we have. I figured that would help catch people before flashing

 

[Blewis13]

I'm not well versed at rooting and kernels but will try to explain my problem. I followed option 1 from above. when i tried to reboot i get stuck on the screen that says htc quietly brilliant.
I am using the charmeleon rom. I found out that I can replace the boot.img from the charmeleon file in the adk directory on my laptop and then use the "fastboot boot boot.img" instruction in the command prompt and the system reboots perfectly.
My problem is anytime I try to reboot the phone i get stuck on the screen i mentioned above and need my laptop and have to repeat the command prompt thing.
Has anyone ran into this? Does anyone even now what I'm trying to say and know how to fix it?

 

[ocnbrze]

I'm not well versed at rooting and kernels but will try to explain my problem. I followed option 1 from above. when i tried to reboot i get stuck on the screen that says htc quietly brilliant.
I am using the charmeleon rom. I found out that I can replace the boot.img from the charmeleon file in the adk directory on my laptop and then use the "fastboot boot boot.img" instruction in the command prompt and the system reboots perfectly.
My problem is anytime I try to reboot the phone i get stuck on the screen i mentioned above and need my laptop and have to repeat the command prompt thing.
Has anyone ran into this? Does anyone even now what I'm trying to say and know how to fix it?

so are you saying that when you boot up you are stuck at the splashscreen (that is what the htc screen is called). and to get unstuck you have to enter the fastboot command to get it to work?

edit: ok so looks like you created a thread for this. i will post there my question. lets try and keep the conversation to one thread. it makes it easier to get help that way.

 

[laserbeak43]

Thanks for this guide. I used #1. What does it mean when you phone still doesn't get past the boot splash screen?

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserved.

F:\source\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools>fastboot flash boot boot.img
sending 'boot' (1976 KB)...
OKAY [  0.605s]
writing 'boot'...
OKAY [  0.886s]
finished. total time: 1.492s

F:\source\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools>

I've even Re-Flashed the ROM just to be safe. nothing. (update-cm-7.2.0-4FEB2012-VirginMobileMMSFIX)
I guess i should mention that i've wiped cache/dalvik/userdata aswell. Just pulled out the SD card to eliminate the possibility of that interfering too.

 

[Rxpert83]

Well what phone are you using? This guide was written for s-on EVO 4g LTE users in mind but the Rom you listed isn't one compatible

 

[laserbeak43]

Sorry, forgot to mention that I'm using the EVO 4G

 

[windsorclarenc]

The OP says you have to fastboot flash the kernel if going from AOSP to Sense or vice versa. But do you have to fastboot flash the kernel if going from one Sense ROM to another with a different Sense kernel?

 

[Rxpert83]

The OP says you have to fastboot flash the kernel if going from AOSP to Sense or vice versa. But do you have to fastboot flash the kernel if going from one Sense ROM to another with a different Sense kernel?

Yes, any kernel change requires fastboot flashing. Going from sense to sense will still boot up and work if you don't flash, but you won't have the kernel included in the Rom.

Also, when changing bases (due to OTA updates) make sure you fastboot flash it

 

[Rxpert83]

Sorry, forgot to mention that I'm using the EVO 4G

The original EVO 4g or the EVO v 4g (which is actually a rebranded EVO 3d)
Either way, id suggest starting a thread in your devices all thing root forum. I know we still have lots of helpful people over in the EVO 4g forums

 

[laserbeak43]

ok, thanks

 

[windsorclarenc]

Yes, any kernel change requires fastboot flashing. Going from sense to sense will still boot up and work if you don't flash, but you won't have the kernel included in the Rom.

Also, when changing bases (due to OTA updates) make sure you fastboot flash it

Ah yeah that makes sense. Cool beans, thanks a bunch.

 

[hb17]

Excellent guide! I appreciate the help.

 

[emerilnut]

What if I have a TWRP backup of the previous Sense ROM and I want to go back to it from CM10. Does the kernel have to be flashed back? So I can't just simply go to TWRP recovery and restore from backup?

(I'm here because my install of CM10 has not gone smoothly, and I'm using the directions to flash the kernel.)

 

[Rxpert83]

Good question!

Recovery can't write to boot, so your nandroid can't restore the kernel.

You'll have to fastboot flash it

 

[bstrizzy]

Hey guys for some reason I am still getting messed up start up on my cm 10 download. i did everything you did, via linux ubuntu, reflashed boot, then reinstalled cm 10 and still does not work. what else do I do? really dont want a brick phone

 

[Rxpert83]

Hey guys for some reason I am still getting messed up start up on my cm 10 download. i did everything you did, via linux ubuntu, reflashed boot, then reinstalled cm 10 and still does not work. what else do I do? really dont want a brick phone

Where did you download it from?

What did you wipe?

 

[juanaldo]

forget it! i got it!

I'm not well versed at rooting and kernels but will try to explain my problem. I followed option 1 from above. when i tried to reboot i get stuck on the screen that says htc quietly brilliant.
I am using the charmeleon rom. I found out that I can replace the boot.img from the charmeleon file in the adk directory on my laptop and then use the "fastboot boot boot.img" instruction in the command prompt and the system reboots perfectly.
My problem is anytime I try to reboot the phone i get stuck on the screen i mentioned above and need my laptop and have to repeat the command prompt thing.
Has anyone ran into this? Does anyone even now what I'm trying to say and know how to fix it?

I'm having this same problem on my evo lte... can some one please help?!

 

[Rxpert83]

forget it! i got it!


I'm having this same problem on my evo lte... can some one please help?!

Glad you got it.

Can you give some details on where you previously messed up so I can see if I need to make improvements on the guide?

 

[finalewiz]

Hey all - I have an EVO 4G LTE as well, trying to install CM10 (using TWRP 2.3.1)

S-On
Hboot 1.19

All appears to go well (loaded ROM, Gapps, boot.img), but when I boot, I get stuck on the CyanogenMod animation screen.

I was able to load MeanROM earlier, but kept running into Google Play and Gmail issues.

Anyone figure out the problem yet?

 

[emerilnut]

Hey all - I have an EVO 4G LTE as well, trying to install CM10 (using TWRP 2.3.1)

S-On
Hboot 1.19

All appears to go well (loaded ROM, Gapps, boot.img), but when I boot, I get stuck on the CyanogenMod animation screen.

I was able to load MeanROM earlier, but kept running into Google Play and Gmail issues.

Anyone figure out the problem yet?

Sounds like the only step you forgot was the one this thread is about. You need to manually flash the kernel (boot.img) using any one of the 4 methods above.

 

[finalewiz]

That's my point - I did that (using method 1 above). Still hanging on the boot animation.