Root Attempting first root

[Vorbis]

Howdy!

I got a grey OSF/ZTE Blade yesterday and I've unlocked it and setup my giffgaff sim card. It is currently running Orange bloatware Android 2.1-update1.

I downloaded and ran Ask Mr Pigfish who kindly informed me I have a GEN1 device. I also keyed in a code which informed me I have a TFT screen. The build number of the device is OUK_P729BV1.0.0B10.

For my first root experience I was going to keep the device as GEN1 and try Swedish Spring.

I read this guide:

22/May [GUIDE] How to Install a Custom ROM on the ZTE Blade [GEN1] - Android @ MoDaCo

Which said I need UniversalAndroot v1.6.1. When I click on the link it says:

Since Google patched the loop hole in 2.2.1, this app is no longer working for newer builds. For this reason the developer has stopped supporting the app. If you still want to use this, feel free to do so. It would not harm anything.
However if it doesn't root your phone, there are numerous other methods of rooting out there.

Should i still try this on my device? It suggests it will do no harm.

 

[El Presidente]

It should be fine, 2.2.1 is Froyo and you're running 2.1 (Eclair).

 

[Vorbis]

Oops. Brainfart!

Cheers El Presidente!

 

[El Presidente]

Haha.

How you getting on with it?

 

[Vorbis]

Just charging the battery and then I shall attempt it!

*gulps*

 

[El Presidente]

The flash? Are you all rooted etc or are you starting the whole thing?

 

[Vorbis]

Starting from the beginning. I've hit a problem already.

When I run Universal Androot and click root it says Your device is already rooted! When I click Root me please it gives the error:

Sorry!
The Application Universal Androot (process com.corner23.android.universalandroot) has stopped unexpectedly. Please try again.

The only option I have is to force close.

 

[El Presidente]

It gave the "your device is already rooted" error with me the first couple of times too. turn off, battery in and out, then try again.

If that fails, I think there are other ways to root.

 

[Vorbis]

No luck.

Have I missed a step?

I copied:

UniversalAndroot_1.6.1.apk
RecoveryManager_v0.36b.apk
Swedish_Spring_RLS5.zip
recovery-clockwork-3.0.2.8-blade-gen1.img

Into a folder called ROMS on my SD card. I installed ASTRO File Manager from the Market and checked the MD5 sum on the clockwork file and the SS ROM.

I installed UniversalAndroot_1.6.1.apk and RecoveryManager_v0.36b.apk using ASTRO File Manager. When I run UniversalAndroot I get the error I posted above.

 

[El Presidente]

Have you attempted to install recovery manager already? As far as I'm aware you need root to do that.

Regardless, I used Universal Androot linked here and had no issues. See if that makes a difference.

 

[Vorbis]

Woot your device is rooted!

 

[El Presidente]

Woot your device is rooted!

Good man!

With the stock ROM, it can "forget" it's rooted. If it does, it's just a case of rooting using the tool again.

Once the new ROM is installed though, it should be fine.

 

[Vorbis]

Okay now on:

Launch ZTE-Blade Recovery Manager from the App Drawer
Allow the ZTE-Blade Recovery Manager App to have Superuser Rights
Hit the Recovery tab.
Hit the MENU button on your device and choose Update Database
Choose Install Recovery
If you have more than one IMG file on the sdcard you will be presented with a list - choose recovery-clockwork-3.0.2.8-blade-gen1.img

I did this but it says:

Current installed Recovery:
Unrecognised

Time to worry?

 

[Vorbis]

Scratch that. Missed this bit:

Hit the MENU button on your device and choose Update Database

 

[Vorbis]

Backing up stock ROM now.

 

[El Presidente]

Nearly there.

You're safe once the back up is made. If anything goes wrong, you can always boot into recovery by holding volume down whilst powering the phone on and restore your back up.

 

[El Presidente]

First boot with the new ROM will take a bit longer than normal, 6-10 minutes is about right.

 

[Vorbis]

Up and running now - just setting up gmail etc. Cheers for the support El Presidente. You're a hero!

I'm glad you suggested I start with something simple. God knows what a mess I would have made of some of the more advanced stuff!

 

[El Presidente]

Happy to help I know the difference having a bit of moral support whilst you're doing your first ROM flash can have.

You've done the hard part, changing ROMS is now just a case of sticking the zip of the chosen ROM on the SD, booting into recovery and installing from there.

If you don't mind paying, there's a cool app called Titanium Backup available which can backup all your app and app data to the SD Card so you don't lose anything if you change ROMS a lot. There is also a free version if you want to try before you buy.

That being said, Swedish Spring is probably the best Froyo ROM out there so you might want to keep with it for a bit.

 

[Vorbis]

It made a real difference. Thanks fella!

I'm calling it a night now. I shall have a play in bed. Er with my OSF that is! *grin*

 

[El Presidente]

I'm calling it a night now. I shall have a play in bed. Er with my OSF that is! *grin*

Whatever you're playing with, I'm sure the other half will be delighted

 

[dannymur]

It made a real difference. Thanks fella!

I'm calling it a night now. I shall have a play in bed. Er with my OSF that is! *grin*

Enuff of that stuff round here

Can I recommend Launcher Pro...free from Market.

Also, replace Gallery with QuickPic

And, Camera App with lgCamera


You should also get Blade Buddy and Blade WiFi Fix, cos sometimes WiFi can be a pain in the butt on the Blade.

Have fun, and keep in touch here, good bunch a guys, ohhh and gals

 

[Vorbis]

Thanks for the app suggestions dannymur. I shall try them.

I seem to recall reading about an app addblocker once. Are they any good? Would be nice to play games without adds.

 

[El Presidente]

Thanks for the app suggestions dannymur. I shall try them.

I seem to recall reading about an app addblocker once. Are they any good? Would be nice to play games without adds.

I'm kinda in 2 opinions out them, Ads are annoying, but they keep a lot of apps free or cheap so I can generally put up with them.

I've an ad blocker installed on my Desire HD (it came with the custom ROM I installed) and sometimes, rather than no ad, I get a white box which can be more annoying. For the most part it's ok though. Here's a link to it

If you turn off WiFi & 3G whilst playing, that has the same effect.

 

[Vorbis]

I'm kinda in 2 opinions out them, Ads are annoying, but they keep a lot of apps free or cheap so I can generally put up with them.

This is true. I had Angry Birds in mind when made the request. I'd happily pay money for add free versions but as far as I know they are not available on Android?