[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Stasi_leigh:
Unfortunatly, Im not permitted to enter links or paraphrase them in the forums just yet but I do hope I can still be of some assistance (someway)

You should check out some good reads at Androidforums in the All Things Root Section for the zte merit z990g also known as the Avail. In those rooms you will find two Bloggers by OUT OF IDEAS and STAYBOGGY or you can search android forums for the TouchNavRecovery, the DexMeritRootzip, the ICS icecream scamwhich, as well as the Steel Blue Rom. All are great and wonderful just not my "fit"

as for how I did it, These zip files are fairly simple. The guys made them basically fail proof (thank goodness or Idz been up a creek wirhout a paddle & probably bricked my z990g) I just downloaded, backed up phone and user data/apps/informion.

Downloaded all those files TouchNavRecovery, DexMeritRootzip, ICS Icecream scamwhich, and Blue Steel Rom (decided to make another

Root Checker Basic and SuperUser from playstore (just so I wouldnt have to later.)

Copy TouchNav to Sd card (cant be in a folder has to be zip file)

Renamed it update.zip

Boot from recovery by turning phone off and holding down the MENU, VOLUME UP & THE POWER BUTTON down all at once until phone boots back up showing the recovery menu.

Using volume button to control cursor, I choose CLEAR DATA

Then selected INSTALL ZIP FROM SD CARD.

let it install. Once complete REBOOT

Then when phone powers back up RENAME the file RECOVERY.

(Decided to make another backup here)

Step 2:

Copy DexMeritRoot.zip to Sd

Rename update.zip

Boot from recovery

Wipe data

Install update.zip

Reboot (should be rooted by now)

Renamed Z990g_root

Then simply followed those same steps to install the ROMS :)

Updates MUST be renamed update.zip or they wont install. (Not sure if this rule applies each time you install a new kernel, custom rom, etc or if it only applies to when you install from stock., to be safe I renamed each one update.zip before installing and made sure to rename them before I copied another to the sd cards root and renamed it to update.zip to avoid confusion)

Im also aware it may not of been required biut I backed up everything several times.

Before I rooted with all zip files and su as well as root checker basic downloaded prior to wiping any data.

AFTER the installment of update.zip for TouchNavRecovery

AFTER installing the DexMeritRoot.zip

AFTER installing ICS icecream scamwhich

AFTER installing the Blue Steel custom ROM

oh and AFTER I installed the stayboggy overclocked Kernel for my zte z990g.

As stated, currently Im unable to post links as per xda forum rules until I reach 10post I believe it is, but I hope to of been some help to those who are also new to rooting and seeking to explore the Zte Merit Z990g at its fullest possibilities.

Im currently seeking information on su commands and how to use Android terminal emulator :) If you should be intrested please check over at Androidforums for more tips as they are Noob user friendly and insightful as well :)

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any mishaps or misfortunes if any reader should attempt the above method of rooting their device or installing a custom rom mentioned in this thread. Please note that just because these methods worked for my device DOES NOT mean that it will work for others, therefore releasing myself and the xda forum from any liability should you attempt any above zip and brick your device. stones