[Desire General] ScottHW:
I am updating my Desire in order to gain Root access, and I want to document the process as completely as possible. Partially for my own benefit, and also so that others may learn from my experience and research. An awful lot of fantastic work has been done by many individuals, but as a novice, I've found some of the documentation lacking.

Also, I would really like help in double-checking my work.

I intend to update this post, to improve the details, but only for this specific process. Hopefully, quite soon I will shed my n00b restrictions and be able to add the links I describe. I won't be adding other Rooting methods here.

First, details about my phone. I bought a SIM-free, unbranded Desire at MediaMarkt (Berlin, Germany) on 2010-07-30. It cost €475, and I paid €120 for two years of very comprehensive insurance.

I use a prepaid plan from Fonic, with HSDPA data and "Targesflatrate".

At the time, I recorded the following:

(from Menu>Settings>About phone>Software Information)

Firmware version: 2.1-update1

Baseband version: 32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2

Kernel version: 2.6.23-0cb9f166 htc-kernel(a)and18-2 #1

Build number: 1.21.405.2 CL174215 release-keys

Software number: 1.21.405.2

Browser version: Webkit 3.1

(As a new user, I am apparently not allowed to use the "at symbol" in any way, so above in the Kernel version, I have shown (a) where it should be.)​

Lucky me, that very weekend HTC pushed the OTA Froyo 2.2 update. Joy! HD video and WiFi tethering!

And last week, I applied an additional OTA update of some nondescript improvements. Now, my phone reflects the following:

Android version:	2.2

Baseband version: 32.44.00.32U_5.09.05.30_2

Kernel version: 2.6.32.15-g6a358a9 htc-kernel(a)and18-2 #1

Build number: 2.10.405.2 CL226611 release-keys

Software number: 2.10.405.2

Browser version: Webkit 3.1​

Thru my reading, I've found that some bootloader specs might also be pertinent. I was unaware before, and so did not record this information for my phone Out Of The Box:

(Power the phone off, then load HBOOT by pressing and holding the Volume Down key + the Power key)

BRAVO PVT1 SHIP S-ON

HBOOT-0.93.00001

MICROP-031d

TOUCH PANEL-SYNT0101

RADIO-5.09.05.30_2

Aug 10, 2010, 17:52:18​

The rooting process in general, I see as

Backing up data

Unlocking the bootloader (S-OFF)

Flashing a custom Recovery image (ClockworkMod)

Gaining su ROOT privileges

Backing up system (Nandroid)

Update Radio

Flashing a Custom ROM (w- GApps)

Using ROOT privileges to run previously unavailable Apps, etc.

Tools are readily available to do this in mere minutes, as well as explanations and videos showing the process. I am moving slowly because I am meticulous about hopefully being able to UNDO any and all steps I take.

1) Backing up data

Without Root, this is a combination of manually copying of files...

Photos, voice recordings, GPS traces, Paint images

...and using Apps to help consolidate other information I would like to save in the unlikely event things don't work perfectly.

AppMonster, Call Logs Backup & Restore, SMS Backup & Restore

<links to Apps>

Unfortunately, useful apps like Titanium Backup require Root! Thus, unhelpful in backing up BEFORE rooting a phone.

Confusingly, the Cyanogen wiki actually recommends using Titanium as well as Backup For Root Users before rooting the phone.

<link to Cyanogen wiki>

2, 3, 4) Unlocking bootloader; Flashing custom recovery; Gaining su privileges

These are grouped together because I'll do them all at once using the fantastic tool put out by unrevoked, specifically, the most current v3.21.

<link to Wiki information>

TheUnLockr has some useful videos, including one showing this exact process

<link to video w- instructions>

Since I'm on a Windows machine, I need to install the HBOOT driver. Then, just run the Executable, and plug in the phone, wait, and click the FASTBOOT

I understand that this process does not inherently Wipe any data, and carries very limited risk of accidental loss.

These are the first steps I am MOST concerned about being able to Undo, should I ever choose to. At this point, I am going by what TheUnLockr has to say on the subject of UnRooting. Specifically, by using HTCSync, in combination with the appropriate RUU.

From the information above, I downloaded a copy of

RUU_Bravo_HTC_WWE_1.21.405.2_Radio_32.36.00.28U_4.06.00.02_2_release_126984_signed.exe

<link to RUU post>

This appears to be a perfect match for the specs of my phone when it was brand new. Then, I would assuredly be able to apply the OTA updates I have already done, should the need actually arise.

??? Will flashing with RUU restore the original RECOVERY image ???

??? Will bootloader be replaced with a different version ???

??? Will bootloader security be re-instituted (S-ON) ???

??? If bootloader is NOT locked, will I be able to do OTA updates ???

??? Will data be Wiped with this process ???

5, 6, 7) Nandroid backup, Flashing the radio, Flashing custom ROM

I intend to go with the popular Cyanogen, so these steps are described in detail on their recent forum post CyanogenMod-6 for Desire

<link>