Root Root, Unlock Bootlader, and install Recovery Guide for HTC Desire 601 (Zara)

JWLawhorn said:

Finally managed to root my 601. For those of you who have already upgraded via the OTA to kitkat, you may find CMW or TWRP recoveries do not seem to be working (Previous posts where you are getting E:/can't mount, etc. etc. ) Apparently there was a change (partitions moved/renamed, permissions changed) that keeps those recoveries from working.

Had to find a tweaked TWRP version (2.7.1."1") that had been recoded for the upgrade. Found it over on "[RECOVERY][ZARA_CL][ZARA_UL] TWRP 2.7.1.0 Touch Recovery for KitKat Devices" thread at XDA Developers.

Once I flashed that, had no problem installing SuperSU or superuser package.

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Boffy828 said:

How do you install the SuperSU using this touch recovery system?

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ClockworkImpulse said:

Hello! Here is a guide to root your phone that walks you almost step by step through the process of unlocking your bootloader, flashing recovery, and obtaining root.

This works for both the Zara_CL and the Zara_UL as of Jan 2014.

DISCLAIMER!

I am in no way responsible for you breaking your phone if you mess up, this does void your warranty, so be warned, I'll help if something goes wrong, but it seems to work fine.

Step 1: Download those files, backup important files, get command prompt ready!

Part 1.
Download the Updated SU_Binary (You'll flash this in recovery), recovery.img (Philz-Touch Modified, Advanced CWM Recovery) and Android-SDK-Tools-Android-4.2.2 (Links Below) . Extract and move these files into a folder of your choice, except for Updated SU_Binary, put that on your sd card. Remember to backup any files that are on your internal storage, you will lose all of your data when the bootloader unlocks (it factory resets your phone in the process).
Part 2.
Open Command Prompt. Type in cmd in run or if using Windows 8 go to start and type in cmd. Remember where you extracted the Android-SDK-Tools-Android-4.2.2? Good! Change Directory to the files locations. I put mine into with all the files taken out of the Android-SDK-Tools folder. Type into command cd(path to folder). This is what it should look like.


Step 2: Get Developer Options Unlocked!

On your phone go to settings, to About, to about Software Information, then Tap your Build Number version 1.10(something) 7 times. Then you'll have Developer Options and enable USB debugging there.

Step 3: Time to Unlock that Bootloader!

Go to HTCdev - Unlock Bootloader. (You will need to make an account if you don't have one already). Select all other supported devices where you see -All Supported Devices-. Follow the instructions. You can download fastboot.exe from them, however the Android-SDK-Tools snapshot that I have on here has it already.
Congrats! Your bootloader should be unlocked after this!

Step 4: Flash That Recovery!

On your phone, go back to fastboot mode. (Power and Down Vol on phone), select fastboot. Back on your computer, cmd should still be open and cd-ed into the folder with your android tools and files. Type: and hit enter. Your recovery should be flashed on your phone.

Step 5: Get root on your stock rom!

Now this part is easy, hold power and vol down and select recovery. Your recovery will open. The recovery is touch enabled so go to Install Zip, then Choose zip from /storage/sdcard1. Find where you put your SuperSU file and install it. Reboot and you have a rooted rom. Download RootChecker and check just in case.

STEP 6: What now?

The kernel has write protection enabled, so at the moment we cannot delete any programs and debloat, however, if you are having issues with VirginEssentials you can install Aroma File Manager and use that to change the name of the apk (add .bak or something to the end and that should stop that program. OR, use titanium backup and freeze the application. All other root apps should be fine.

When the kernel source code is released, should be soon, I'll release a debloat version of the stock rom.

Links:
Recovery and SU_Binary
Android-SDK-Tools for Android 4.2.2

Final Notes!

There are two versions of the Desire 601, Zara_CL (CDMA version) and the Zara_UL (GSM version). When flashing anything (there are odexed versions of the applications out and about on XDA) make sure you flash the right one. Otherwise your phone will not work correctly, either it will not boot, or, the phone apk will continuously crash. Make sure you install the right version!

Edit: Added Picture as proof.

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