Root [Guide] Root Desire S with hboot 2.0 and S-ON

[Guru82]

Sorry, This thread became a victim of change;
THE GUIDE WAS CUT OFF and has now been restored from a word doc on my drive. It ain't fancy like it used to be though

Warning! Using HTCdev:

Even after wiping and flashing a fresh RUU, the bootloader will display "*** RELOCKED ***". HTC will know that you had unlocked the bootloader. When sending for warrenty, you may be charged because of this. Read the warnings when using HTCdev for more info.
It is not true root, as we are not gaining S-OFF which allows access to low level portions of the system.
* We have to flash a ROMs boot.img using USB and SDK. Modded Recovery is not given that access with the bootloader unlocked.

Detailed Root HTC Desire S using HTCdev, Superuser and ClockWorkMod Recovery. Install a custom ROM.
Tested devices, prior to mod:
-1- GB, Factory loaded RUU;
* hboot 2.00.0002 and S-ON
* Android 2.3.5, HTC Sense 3.0. Software/Build 2.15.832.5, Kernel 2.6.35.10, Baseband 20.4801.30.0822U_3822.10.08.04_M
-2- ICS, RUU_SAGA_ICS_35_S_HTC_Europe_14.01.401.2_Radio_20. 76.30.0835_3831.19.00.110_release_275068_signed, Tested with TWRP 2.2.2.0 Recovery;
* hboot 2.02.0002 and S-ON
* Android 4.0.4, HTC Sense 3.6. Software/Build 14.01.401.2 [710RD], Kernel 3.0.16, Baseband 20.76.30.0835U_3831.19.00.110

Index:
Notes
Tips
Downloads that are used within guide
1. Prerequisites. Download and setups
2. Unlock Bootloader
3. ClockWorkMod Recovery
4. Push some files to your SD card
5. Superuser
6. Root with CM7
7. Setup apps
97. Unroot / Full Wipe and Restore
98. How to downgrade with RUU
99. How to create a GoldCard without phone


Notes:
! Pretty much all guides say it, and so... you should create a GoldCard before doing anything : [Guide] How to create a Goldcard it can save your life!
! Backup any phone data; pics and music you wish to keep, to your PC before proceeding.
! First take note of your software details ('Settings' » 'About phone' » 'Software information') and hboot version and status ('Power off' » 'Volume Down + Power').
! Have your battery charged to at least 30%. I try for 100%
! Avoid pulling your battery, unless absolutely required. Find 'POWER DOWN' within the FASTBOOT section of hboot, and 'power off' in CWM 'RECOVERY' or 'Power Off' in the 'Reboot' sub-menu of TWRP2
+ You don't need a SIM card inserted.
+ I'm now using TWRP2 Recovery in replacement of ClockWorkMod Recovery. Will be trying 4EXT Recovery also. If you decide to use a Recovery other than CWM, use some initiative on navigating the menu of your chosen Recovery while following CWM Recovery details.

Tips:
@ PC = Personal Computer
@ MP = Mobile Phone
! MP: Enable USB debugging:
GB [2.3.x] ('Settings' » 'Applications' » 'Development' » 'USB debugging')
ICS [4.0.x] ('Settings' > 'Developer options' > 'USB debugging')
! MP: Disable Fastboot ('Settings' » 'Power' » 'Fastboot') for the following...
* BOOTLOADER = Phone is off, 'Volume Down + Power'
<OR> 'BOOTLOADER' while in Fastboot mode
<OR> Possible option while in Modded Recovery
* FASTBOOT = Phone is off, 'Volume Down + Power' » 'FASTBOOT'
* RECOVERY = Phone is off, 'Volume Down + Power' » 'RECOVERY'

Downloads that are used within guide:
1. Superuser (http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager/developers/saga?name=HTC Desire S | Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip)
<OR> SuperSU (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053 | CWM-SuperSU-v0.96.zip)
2. ClockWorkMod Recovery (http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager | recovery-clockwork-5.0.2.0-saga.img)
<OR> TWRP2 Recovery (http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/68 | openrecovery-twrp-2.2.2.0-saga.img)
<OR> 4EXT Recovery (www.4ext.net/ddl/saga/recovery.zip | recovery.zip)
3. CM7 ROM & Google Apps; You can download and use any ROM built for Desire S, but I'll be using CyanogenMod as an example.
-3A- ROM (http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=saga | cm-7.2.0-saga.zip)
-3B- Google Apps;
Gingerbread [2.3.x] ROMs (http://goo.im/gapps/ | gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip) * CM7 is 2.3.7 Gingerbread
<OR> Ice Cream Sandwich [4.0.x] ROMs (gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip)
<OR> Jelly Bean [4.1.x] ROMs (gapps-jb-20120726-signed.zip)

1. Prerequisites. Download and setups:
1-1. PC: Temporarily Disable any Antivirus programs actively monitoring your PC, prevent possible error/false positives
1-2. PC: Download and Install Android SDK (http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html) to "C:\Android". Install Platform-tools with SDK Manager
1-3. PC: Download and Install HTC Sync (http://www.htc.com/www/help/)

Optional setup of ADB Platform-Tools...



<Option> Setup platform-tools for future ease of use (not required)...
1-a1. PC: Search box, type; cmd, right-click on 'cmd.exe' and 'Run as Administrator'
1-a2. PC: Then
Code:

setx path /m "%PATH%;C:\Android\platform-tools"

1-a3. PC: Then restart 'cmd.exe' and
Code:

adb

to see if it worked. Should display adb help information


2. Unlock Bootloader:
2-1. PC/MP: Go to http://htcdev.com/bootloader/ | Not listed? All Other Supported Models, follow the HTCdev steps

How to Re-Unlock...



<OR> If you have used htcdev.com before and have "Unlock_code.bin" file for your individual phone...
2-a1. MP: 'FASTBOOT' & USB (Fastboot USB)
2-a2. PC: Put "Unlock_code.bin" into your Platform-tools folder (C:\Android\platform-tools), 'shift + right-click' platform-tools folder and 'Open command window here'
2-a3. PC: Then
Code:

fastboot flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin


2-a4. MP: Volume buttons to highlight your choice, and the Power button to make your selection.
2-a5. MP: Fastboot and USB debugging will return to default, so you will need to disable Fastboot and enable USB debugging again (see Tips)


How to Re-Lock...



<Info> How to re-lock (not default lock)...
2-b1. MP: 'FASTBOOT' & USB (Fastboot USB)
2-b2. PC: Then
Code:

fastboot oem lock



3. ClockWorkMod Recovery:
3-1. MP: 'FASTBOOT' & USB (Fastboot USB)
3-2. PC: Put "recovery-clockwork-5.0.2.0-saga.img" into your Platform-tools folder (C:\Android\platform-tools), 'shift + right-click' the folder and 'Open command window here'
3-3. PC: Then
Code:

fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-5.0.2.0-saga.img

<OR> For TWRP2 Recovery users...
Code:

fastboot flash recovery openrecovery-twrp-2.2.2.0-saga.img


<OR> For 4EXT Recovery users, extract the recovery.img from the zip and...
Code:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


+ If you wish to backup current ROM...
3-a1. MP: 'RECOVERY'
3-a2. MP: Select 'backup and restore'
3-a3. MP: Select 'backup'

4. Push some files to your SD card:
There are multiple ways to get files onto your SD card.
My preferred method is to mount the SD card with ClockWorkMod Recovery;
4-1. MP: 'RECOVERY' & USB » 'mounts and storage' » 'mount /sdcard' » 'mount USB storage'
4-2. PC: Copy these files to your SD card; "Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip", "cm-7.2.0-saga.zip" and "gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip" (that's SU, your ROM and Google Apps)
4-3. MP: Unmount the storage when done
Optional methods of placing files on SD card...




<OR> Using SD card reader; put those files mentioned above, onto the SD card
<OR> Using ADB with USB debugging enabled...
4-a1. PC: Put the files, mentioned above, into the platform-tools folder (C:\Android\platform-tools), 'shift + right-click' the folder and 'Open command window here'
4-a2. PC: Send Superuser zip;
Code:

adb push Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip /sdcard/

Send ROM zip;
Code:

adb push cm-7.2.0-saga.zip /sdcard/

and Send Google Apps zip;
Code:

adb push gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip /sdcard/



5. Superuser:
5-1. MP: 'RECOVERY'
5-2. MP: Select 'install zip from sdcard'
5-3. MP: Then Select 'choose zip from sdcard'
5-4. MP: Then Select 'Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip'
<OR> 'CWM-SuperSU-v0.96.zip'
5-5. MP: Then Select 'Yes - install Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip' to confirm
5-6. MP: Then 'power off'

! STOP HERE IF YOU JUST WANT SUPERUSER ACCESS. This allows a good deal of modification. You can remove system apps (or branded crap bloatware) with Root App Delete or Titanium Backup (or similar app). (e.g. Send FM Radio to recycle (backup), if you never carry headphones anyway. If all goes good, you can delete it fully from the recycle (backup).

6. Root with CM7:
You can choose your own ROM (http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager/ or Google for others), you don't have to use CM7
! Complete step 5 (Superuser) again if you wipe/clear your data/cache/system between boots
6-1. MP: 'RECOVERY'
6-2. MP: 'wipe data/factory reset'
6-3. MP: 'wipe cache partition'
6-4. MP: 'advanced' » 'Wipe Dalvik Cache' » '++Go Back++'
6-5. MP: 'install zip from sdcard'
6-6. MP: 'choose zip from sdcard', do the ROM zip first, and then step 6-6 again using Google Apps zip
6-7. MP: Then 'power off'
6-8. MP: 'FASTBOOT' & USB (Fastboot USB)
6-9. PC: Extract boot.img from ROM "cm-7.2.0-saga.zip"
6-10. PC: Put "boot.img" into your Platform-tools folder (C:\Android\platform-tools), 'shift + right-click' platform-tools folder and 'Open command window here'
6-11. PC: Then
Code:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


6-12. MP: 'POWER DOWN' and start your phone normally. You should now have a custom ROM installed that boots

7. Setup apps:
7-1. MP: Sign in, or create, a Google Account to get Play Store (market)
7-2. MP: 'Play Store' » search "Superuser". Update Superuser [ChainsDD] <OR> SuperSU [Chainfire], if that came with your ROM
7-3. MP: 'Play Store' » search "ClockWorkMod" <OR> Your recovery used. Update/install if available
7-4. MP: For those using CWM; 'ROM Manager' » 'Flash ClockWorkMod Recovery', to enable Install ROM from SD Card feature
7-5. MP: 'Play Store' » search "Root App Delete" [TopDev] <OR> "Titanium Backup" [Titanium Track]. You can use either of these apps to recycle/freeze and remove system apps

97. Unroot / Full Wipe and Restore:
97-1. MP: 'RECOVERY'
97-2. MP: 'wipe data/factory reset'
97-3. MP: 'wipe cache partition'
97-4. MP: 'advanced' » 'Wipe Dalvik Cache' » '++Go Back++' & 'power off'
97-5. PC: Re-lock your bootloader; 'FASTBOOT' & USB (Fastboot USB)
Code:

fastboot oem lock

* Ignore "FAILED (status read failed (No such file or directory))"
97-6. PC: At http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1002506, follow the filefactory link. Search the list for your original Software/Build version, download and run your RUU with the phone still in Fastboot USB mode
* Give the RUU some time to flash. When first booted and you unlock the screen, give a possible white HTC screen a bit of time as the first run setup wizard starts

RUU notes:

GoldCard allows another region and branding (e.g. HTC_Europe)
misc_version (/w Superuser) allows a lower build (e.g. _2.10.401.9_Radio...)


98. How to downgrade with RUU:
! Complete the Unroot detailed above, flashing with the RUU that you last used, or one matching your brand and build (if build not available, use newer build). Don't use a modded ROM while doing the following...
* On it's own, the following allows a RUU of same carrier (e.g. Vodafone) and region (e.g. UK), but of lower version. If you need to change to another region or go unbranded see [Guide] How to create a Goldcard. You can combine the use of a GoldCard and misc_version method outlined here, to achieve any combination of region, branding and build.
98-1. PC/MP: Unlock Bootloader with HTCdev, see step 2
98-2. MP: Flash Recovery, see step 3
98-3. MP: Install Superuser, see step 5 (and 4)
98-4. MP: Start phone normally and ensure USB debugging is enabled (see Tips)
98-5. PC: Download "misc_version_universal.zip" (https://github.com/downloads/hyuh/misc_version_universal/misc_version_universal.zip) and extract "misc_version" file to the platform-tools folder (C:\Android\platform-tools), 'shift + right-click' the folder and 'Open command window here'
Code:

adb push misc_version /data/local/tmp/

then
Code:

adb shell

* Should say $, at text cursor (not Superuser)
then
Code:

su

* Should change to #, at text cursor (Superuser)
then
Code:

chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/misc_version

then, change the 1.00.000.0 to the build of RUU you wish to downgrade (e.g. RUU_Saga_S_HKCSL_CHT_2.15.832.5_Radio...)
Code:

/data/local/tmp/misc_version -s 1.00.000.0

then
Code:

exit

and
Code:

exit


98-6. PC/MP: Power off', 'FASTBOOT' & USB, Re-Lock your bootloader (step 2) and now run your RUU in Fastboot USB mode

99. How to create a GoldCard without phone:
! THIS DOES NOT WORK WITH USB CARD READER. You need either a laptop SD card reader with micro SD adapter, or directly connected PCI-based SD Card slot on your PC.
* May be handy if your phone is stuck at bootloader and you don't have another android device to create the GoldCard as instructed at [Guide] How to create a Goldcard
99-1. PC: Download ReadCID.zip (http://jo0ls-dotnet-stuff.blogspot.com/2008/12/read-secure-digital-sd-card-serial.html), extract "ReadCID.exe" to a happy place
99-2. PC: Download HxD Hex Editor (http://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/), extract the "setup.exe" and install the program
99-3. PC: Full Format (FAT32, Default allocation size, no Volume label) your 2GB SD card (not quick format) using an SD card reader
99-4. PC: 'Right-click' & 'Run as administrator' the "ReadCID.exe". Copy and paste the CID number to (psas.revskills.de/?q=goldcard)
99-5. PC: Download your "goldcard.img" file from psas.revskills.de
99-6. PC: Start HxD Hex Editor, click on Extras, Open disk and select your SD card
99-7. PC: Click on Extras, Open disk image and select goldcard.img
99-8. PC: Open the second tab (goldcard.img) and then Edit » Select all
99-9. PC: Open the first tab (microsd), Select lines 1-170 and then Edit » Paste write
99-10. PC: Click on Save and your GoldCard should be good to go
* Now you can download a RUU, put the SD card in phone and flash while in Fastboot USB mode. Either keep the card for future use, or full format with your card reader to use as normal. You can put whatever you want on a GoldCard and it will remain gold until you full format it.

--- additional stuff, my personal apps etc...
Battery tips:
1. Don't use live wallpapers constantly. Sure, show them off to friends, but go back to a static wallpaper when your done.
2. Avoid using high levels of display brightness. Auto is generally good, and anything at or under 50% is tonnes better than anything over 50% brightness.
3. Ignore the wipe battery stats options and just ignore it.
4. Recharge your battery when you can. Try for 30% or below, but I don't think it really matters.
5. Don't use Task Killers to kill apps continuously like a resource crazed mad man, instead you can use them for monitoring purposes only.




A. Apps & Games (entirely freeware):
! APPLICATION | ! GAME | * Don't/can't block with firewall
AdAway [Dominik Schürmann] (block ads and scan for adware) *
Adobe Air [Adobe Systems] (some app may need it) *
Adobe Reader [Adobe Systems] (read pdf files) *
Advanced Task Killer [ReChild] (make a good ignore list, don't kill everything. use it for monitoring)
Angry Birds [Rovio Mobile Ltd.]
App 2 SD [Sam Lu] (move apps to SD card real easy)
avast! Mobile Security [AVAST Software] (simply awesome AV, Anti-Theft & Firewall) *
Barcode Scanner [ZXing Team]
Battery Widget [Elvison] (handy if you don't have (can't get) the HTC widget)
Blast Monkeys [Yobonja]
Bubble Blast 2 [Magma Mobile]
Cooking Conversions [MAKE Products] (measurement conversions handy)
Cool Tool - system stats [deviantstudio] (can use to see battery mA draw, amongst other useful reads)
CPU Memory Monitor [Pavel Ugo] (list running processes by CPU usage)
Custom Locale [inKa] (change language beyond default listing)
Dictionary.com *
Dolphin Browser (my favorite browser) *
Drag Racing [Creative]
Dropbox [Dropbox, Inc.] *
Easy Uninstaller [INFOLIFE] (could be useful in removing multiple apps)
Elixir 2 [Tamás Barta] (system tool, full of features)
ES File Explorer [EStrongs] (ES Image viewer is very useful)
ES Task Manager [EStrongs] (clear cache and check system settings)
Facebook *
Gmail [Google] *
Google Drive *
Google Earth *
Google Goggles *
Google Play Books *
Google Translate *
GPS Essentials [mictale.com] (need direction? compass)
Line Runner [Djinnworks]
Maps [Google] *
Moon Chaser [Reverie]
Mouse [Magma]
My Tracks [Google] *
My Xbox LIVE [Microsoft] (xbox live official app) *
No-frills CPU Control [SINÉO] (useful for solidifying CPU frequency for testing/benchmarking)
Pool Master Pro [TerranDroid]
Root App Delete [TopDev] (allows freeze and/or remove system apps using superuser)
Sky Map [Sky Map Devs] *
SpeedCar [OoO]
SpeedMoto [OoO]
Speedtest.net [Ookla] (test network connection) *
Storage Analyser [LeveloKment] (whats using your storage)
Street View on Google Maps [Google] *
SuperSU [Chainfire] (superuser replacement, recommended by the masses)
Temple Run [Imangi]
Total Commander [C. Ghisler] (preferred file explorer)
Tuner - gStrings [cohortor.org] (tune your guitar with android power)
Virtual Table Tennis 3D [Clapfoot]
Voice Search [Google] *
Wifi Analyzer [farproc] (scan the neighborhood and find a good channel)
Words With Friends [Zynga] *
XE Currency [XE.com] *
YouTube [Google] *
Zedge [Zedge] (wallpapers and ringtones galore) *
Zombie Dash [Italy Games]

B. Part time apps:
AnTuTu Benchmark [ANTUTU]
aSpotCat [Sam Lu] (list app permissions. avast! can show this too)
CF-Bench [Chainfire] (benchmark)
Fast discharge [TAKETAKE] (handy to discharge battery if required)
NenaMark1 [Nena Innovation AB] (benchmark)
NenaMark2 [Nena Innovation AB] (benchmark)
Quadrant Standard Edition [Aurora] (benchmark)

C. Replaced apps:
Antivirus Free [AVG Mobilation] (replaced with avast! Mobile Security) *

D. Decommissioned apps
Bunny Shooter [Best Cool...] (detected as adware by AdAway) *
Cartoon Wars [GAMEVIL Inc.] (detected as adware by AdAway) *

E. System Apps removed from stock ROM, my personal preference (If you use it, keep it... obviously):

Flickr
FM Radio
FM Radio (plugin/wallpaper/theme)
Peep
Picasa Web Albums
QXDM2SD
Thai Keyboard
Trends Widget
Twitter
Twitter Widget
Watch
Watch Widget
ZingKey

 

[Guru82]

25th August 2012: Thread created. Added Unroot (untested).
26th August 2012: Tested Unroot and modified instructions.
30th August 2012: All guide methods verified to work with GB 2.3.5.
31st August 2012: Downgrade ICS 2.02.0002 to GB 2.00.0002 Successful
1st August 2012: All guide methods verified to work with ICS 4.0.4.
6th May 2013: Updated guide to use SuperSU and 4EXT Recovery. Now personally using
PAC-man v22.0.1 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1672537). Seems awesome enough.PAC-man includes it's own superuser and doesn't require any other superuser app to function

See anything you think is wrong in the guide? Please, fill me in

Done:
* CM7 (GB 2.3.7 ROM); Very fast bootup. Much faster than stock 2.3.5, and faster than custom ICS ROMS I've tried to date.
* Successfully Unrooted with my backup, after CM7
* Successful ICS 4.0.3 ROM; Virtuous Quattro RC3 (Android 4.0.3 Desire S [RipKid])... love it!... but camera very buggy (useless)
* Successful ICS 4.0.3 ROM with HTC Sense 4.0; Fallout Evolution V4.4.0. This one seems fairly solid. Has all the HTC bells n' whistles. Seems to be battery hungry, but that's just an assumption.
* Successful ICS 4.0.4 ROM; Vanilla ICE v2.0. Like this using Apex Launcher. Doesn't include HTC Sense, but that can be a good thing. With both compiled and downloaded camera apps, photos work but video fails to function. Don't appreciate compiled DX Battery Saver. Have to remove Adobe Air, Adobe Reader and others to be able to upgrade their versions via Play Store.
* Tried CWM Recovery Touch. Cant power off at menu to flash boot.img in fastboot mode
* Successful RUU update from "RUU_Saga_S_HKCSL_CHT_2.15.832.5_Radio_20.4801.30.0822U_3822.10.08.04_M_release_229399_signed.exe "to "RUU_SAGA_ICS_35_S_HTC_Europe_14.01.401.2_Radio_20.76.30.0835_3831.19.00.110_release_275068_signed". SIM remained unlocked
+ hboot 2.02.0002 and S-ON
+ Android 4.0.4, HTC Sense 3.6. Software/Build 14.01.401.2 [710RD], Kernel 3.0.16, Baseband 20.76.30.0835U_3831.19.00.110
* Successfully downgrade RUU_SAGA_ICS_35_S_HTC_Europe_14.01.401.2_Radio_20.76.30.0835_3831.19.00.110_release_275068_signed to RUU_Saga_S_HKCSL_CHT_2.15.832.5_Radio_20.4801.30.0822U_3822.10.08.04_M_release_229399_signed
(in the guide under Unroot section)
* PACman ROM = Very good

I gotta thank all the mod devs who make this possible. Thanks a bunch mod and app devs.

I've put lots of time into modding my phone and a lot of time into creating this guide throughout the process. Please comment on it and let me know if you find any form of malpractice. Thanks

 

[mustafaalbakri]

Thank you, you are a life saver.
I tried your method for going back from ics to gingerbird and it works fine

 

[Guru82]

Thank you, you are a life saver.
I tried your method for going back from ics to gingerbird and it works fine

Very happy it worked for you.
I can't gloat about the creation of the method, it is a circulated method, but I can gloat about my presentation

Personally, I've settled for "RUU_SAGA_ICS_35_S_HTC_Europe_14.01.401.2_Radio_20. 76.30.0835_3831.19.00.110_release_275068_signed" with the bootloader unlocked, 4EXT Recovery flashed and SuperSU installed. This has allowed me to remove the things I don't use with Root App Delete;

• Dropbox
• Flickr
• FM Radio
• FM Radio (plugin/wallpaper/theme)
• Peep
• Picasa Web Albums
• QXDM2SD
• Thai Keyboard
• Trends Widget
• Twitter
• Twitter Widget
• Watch
• Watch Widget

I changed the language to English (Australia) from English (United States) using MoreLocale 2. Then removed MoreLocale 2 as not needed once the settings in place. Can always install it again.
Chose not to use Live Wallpaper.
... Sorry, I carry on a bit here, about live wallpapers
Desire S Live Wallpaper Battery Consumption, using CM7 default Live Wallpaper:
* This assumes a constant power draw, does not consider more power draw that would exist within normal usage. A base read was made with the Cool Tool - system stats on CM7, home screen with only Fancy Widgets Clock. All results should be taken as theoretical assumption.
There is around 40-50mA power draw using CM7 default Live Wallpaper. Under normal condition battery draw may be around 130-140mA without it. Our standard battery is 1450 mAh.
(mAh / mA = hr)
Solid Wallpaper: 1450/135 = 10.741 hours
Live Wallpaper: 1450/180 = 8.056 hours
Solid vs Live: 10.741-8.056 = 2.685 hour, Solid non-live wallpaper wins
That's around 25% more power usage!

If I was to stare at my live wallpaper until it went flat, the wallpaper would have used around one quarter (25%) of my battery. Under normal conditions, when I'm not appreciating the wonders of my Live Wallpaper, it sits in dormant memory and doesn't use CPU cycles, it doesn't consume power. So we could do a little more theoretical theatrics and say; hey, It ain't all that bad... but it eats when it's awake

 

[ronly2008]

Guru82,

Your guide is absolutely brilliant, really appreciate the efforts you have gone through to put this step by step information together.

I was successfully able to downgrade my Desire S from android 4.0.4 (laggy and crashing) to 2.3.5.

 

[benbracha]

Thanks, this is just a great guide!! Very detailed and easy to understand.

Unfortunately I have a problem which I cannot solve, even after downgrading my ICS which I had for about 3 weeks to Gingerbread using your guide..
Bottom line - my phone keeps rebooting itself after showing the HTC logo.
(After your Guide I could see the CM7 ROM starts to upload for few seconds, getting to main screen, and then phone reboots).

Here is the full details:

I have my HTC Desire S for about 6 month and it worked fine. About three weeks ago I installed the official ICS upgrade for this phone. The phone was rooted (by me) so I re-locked it in order to apply the update.

A week ago, while in visiting in Rome, I tried to open my phone after the flight and it started a reboot loop. After a while it somehow recovered, and from the HTC recovery log I saw there was some "radio failure".
During the last week it would reboot from time to time, and I thought I would check it out when coming back home.

Now, trying to open it after the flight home - it won't even get beyond the HTC logo, just stuck in endless reboot loop.
And after downgrading to Gingerbread - same thing.


Here is what I see at the HBOOT screen, hope it helps:
*** UNLOCKED ***
SAGA PVT SHIP S-ON RL
HBOOT-2.02.0002
RADIO-3831. 19.00.110
eMMC-boot
Jul 31 2012, 15:41:32

PLZ HELP!!

Thanks

 

[benbracha]

Ok, It took me some time to and several posts... but I was able to re-install the ICS RUU and it seems that PROBLEM SOLVED!
Phone has started, I could play with it a bit... and no reboots yet.

Let's see if it keeps like that for several hours / days... I hope it is not an hardware problem and only software...

Thanks!

 

[baddyp]

Just wanted to say thanks for putting this guide together - it was very helpful and I followed it without any problems to root my Desire S running ICS 4.0.4.

 

[ru4me]

can i applied same method with android 4.0.4 ICS updated phone

 

[ermalkoci]

First of all thank you very much for the info, nothing else worked for me to re-flash the phone and install CWM recovery. Now I still need some info, since I'm failing at rooting my phone. I already have installed CWM recovery 5.0.2.0. Just a question, Is step nr. 5 "superuser" rooting the phone? why does it say that installin superSU requires "root"? How can I root if I don't have rooting access? Sorry for the dumb question but I'm really confused?! Thanks again!

 

[Dark Arus]

Hello,
Thanks you very much for this guide, it seems a lot easier to follow than others.

I only want super user access to remove bloatware and unnecessary ODEX files.
I take it I only need to go up to part 5?

I am currently using:
HTC Desire S
HBOOT: 2.02.0002
Android ver: 4.0.4
S-ON

Will this method work for me?
Also, as I am not changing my ROM, will I lose any data or settings?

Thanks
Arus

 

[maxpower101]

Hi

Really need your help

I have followed your guide Root Desire S with hboot 2.0 and S-ON and when i have completed step 6 and power back up my phone is just stuck on the white screen with htc logo. I have reverted back to my original rom but really want to use a custom one. Any ideas as to what i'm doing wrong

HTC Desire S with RUU_SAGA_ICS_35_S_HTC_EU_14.01.401.2_20.76.30.0835_3831.19.00.110_275068 installed
SAGA PVT SHIP S-ON RL
HBOOT- 2.02.0002


I have fllowed all the steps and at step 6 I'm flashing JellyTime-CM10.1-R06.1-BLINDNDUMB
Now this rom automatically does a full wipe of cache and dalvik cache etc before it installs the rom. Do i have to complete step 5 again (superuser) before i do step 6-8 to flash boot img ?

Any help would be fantastic

 

[The Saint]

Hi!

Great great guide. Thx.
Got a couple of questions, do...
Unfortunately HTCDEV ICS for desire S has bugs... like link clicks on SMS and other stuff, from what i have read, possible to slve but only with s-off and rooted phone.

It is not possible just to install a WWE rru like "RUU_Saga_S_HTC_Europe_2.10.401.9_Radio_20.4801.30 . 0822U_3822.10.08.04_M_release_234765_signed" with the a goldcard inserted on the phone? If what it is needed is just to unbrand the phone, without having root or other stuff... or is it need to Hboot S-OFF unlock from HTCDEV?
From fastboot i got CID = VODAPD18 which it means Vodafone Portugal. Is it possible to run above RRU + goldcard with no / little risk of bricking ? To install ruu with godcard i need to to put it on fastboot mode? What about possible future OTA updatesm still possible to have it after generic rru install?
please advise.

Thx. again.
The Saint

Edit:

 

[Guru82]

Hi,

I've updated the guide as I jumped on the PACman ROM bandwagon. Oh boy what a nice looking ROM Still testing, but so far very impressed. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1672537
PACman took awhile at first boot as do most ROMs while the wizard prepares his magic.

ru4me

can i applied same method with android 4.0.4 ICS updated phone

-> Absolutely

ermalkoci

First of all thank you very much for the info, nothing else worked for  me to re-flash the phone and install CWM recovery. Now I still need some  info, since I'm failing at rooting my phone. I already have installed  CWM recovery 5.0.2.0. Just a question, Is step nr. 5 "superuser" rooting  the phone? why does it say that installin superSU requires "root"? How  can I root if I don't have rooting access? Sorry for the dumb question  but I'm really confused?! Thanks again!

-> No problem. Well is there?
For stock official RUU's: Unlocked Bootloader > Recovery > SuperSU
For custom ROM's: Unlocked Bootloader > Recovery > Wipe system > install Superuser > install ROM > install APPS > flash ROM's boot.img
Hope I haven't missed anything

Dark Arus -> Yes, just don't wipe anything. Should be able to Unlocked Bootloader > Recovery > SuperSU and enjoy

maxpower101 -> Yes try the superuser again. Full wipe it yourself anyway. Sorry not much else I can suggest... Try PACman

The Saint -> I really wish I could assist, but I can't as I have not experience. Just try it after you backup

Sorry all for the late replies.

Regards,
Andrew

 

[ekants]

What a wonderful and simplified article.....Thanks a Ton Mate!!God Bless You

 

[Mossikukulas]

Is the guide gone or am I missing something?

 

[Kaat72]

Is the guide gone or am I missing something?

Have you read this thread? What are you looking for?

 

[Mossikukulas]

Well yes..
I think so at least.
I started reading #1 from guru82 and I was getting very excited and saw the index so I started the reading the first item there which is Notes and it ends in :
! First take note of your software details ('Settings'

which seems like an unfinished sentence and I can't see the rest of the guide

 

[Kaat72]

I suggest you send a PM to (or in terminology of this new site : start a conversation with) the thread starter.

 

[Mossikukulas]

Ok will do thanks