[GUIDE] Complete Tutorial for the Beginners and Others

nodeffect · Jul 26, 2011

HTC Desire S Tutorials/Guides

Reviews:
1. GSMArena: http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire_s-review-590.php
2. Engadget: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/htc-desire-s-review/
3. Slashgear: http://www.slashgear.com/htc-desire-s-review-28142921/
4. Techradar: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mo...s-930920/review
5. Phonearena: http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/HTC-Desire-S-Review_id2702

Specifications: (From http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire_s-3776.php)

Code:

[B]General:[/B]   2G Network  GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
[B]3G Network:   [/B]HSDPA 900 / 2100
[B]Announced:[/B]   2011, February
[B]Status: [/B]  Available. Released 2011, March
[B]Size Dimensions:[/B]   115 x 59.8 x 11.6 mm
[B]Weight:[/B]   130 g
[B]Display Type:[/B]   S-LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
[B]Size:[/B]   480 x 800 pixels, 3.7 inches
- Gorilla Glass display
- Multi-touch input method
- Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate
- Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
- HTC Sense UI
- Touch-sensitive controls
[B]Sound Alert types:[/B]   Vibration, MP3, WAV ringtones
[B]Loudspeaker:[/B]   Yes
[B]3.5mm jack:[/B]   Yes, check quality
[B]Memory Phonebook:   [/B]Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
[B]Call records:[/B]   Practically unlimited
[B]Internal:[/B]   1.1 GB ROM, 768 MB RAM
[B]Card slot:[/B]   microSD, up to 32GB, buy memory
[B]Data GPRS:[/B]   Up to 114 kbps[B]
EDGE:[/B]   Up to 560 kbps[B]
3G:[/B]   HSDPA, 14.4 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps[B]
WLAN:[/B]   Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
[B]Bluetooth:[/B]   Yes, v2.1 with A2DP, EDR
[B]Infrared port:[/B]   No[B]
USB:[/B]   Yes, microUSB v2.0
[B]Camera:[/B]   Primary     5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash, check quality
[B]Features:[/B]   Geo-tagging, touch-focus, image stabilization
[B]Video:[/B]   Yes, 720p@30fps, check quality
[B]Secondary:[/B]   Yes, VGA
[B]Features:[/B]   
[B]OS:[/B]  Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread)
[B]CPU: [/B]  1 GHz Scorpion processor, Adreno 205 GPU, Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon
[B]Messaging: [/B]  SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM
[B]Browser:[/B]   HTML
[B]Radio:[/B]  Stereo FM radio with RDS
[B]Games:[/B]   Yes
[B]Colors:[/B]   Black, Red
[B]GPS: [/B]  Yes, with A-GPS support
[B]Java:[/B]   Yes, via Java MIDP emulator
- SNS integration
- Digital compass
- Dedicated search key
- Google Search, Maps, Gmail
- YouTube, Google Talk, Picasa integration
- MP3/AAC+/WAV/WMA player
- DivX/XviD/MP4/H.263/H.264/WMV player
- Organizer
- Document viewer
- Voice memo/dial/commands
- Predictive text input
[B]Battery:[/B]   Standard battery, Li-Ion 1450 mAh
[B]Stand-by:[/B]  Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 455 h (3G)
[B]Talk time: [/B] Up to 9 h 50 min (2G) / Up to 7 h 10 min (3G)

HTC Desire S Guide for Newcomers to Android:
This guide will guide you throughout your Desire S phone. What's the best app to use it on your phone, some tweaks and more!
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1097538

Android Versions/History:
The version history of the Android operating system began with the release of version 1.0 in September 2008. Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. Android has seen a number of updates since its original release. These updates to the base operating system typically fix bugs and add new features. Generally, each version is developed under a code name based on a dessert item. The code names are in alphabetical order (Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, and the future version, Ice Cream Sandwich).
Source/More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_version_history

Roms/radios/fixes/mods/recoveries and everything related to development:
Please refer to this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1146601

The Basics of Unix/Linux command / ADB Shell:
Both guides below explains and teaches the basics of using ADB shell commands which is very useful for those who wants to learn more.
Link1: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1160222
Link2: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=517874

How To: Backup or Restore via Nandroid
Nandroid allows you to create a complete system image of your device and stores it to the SD Card on your phone. Making one is very simple but there are a few prerequisites.
1. A rooted Android phone
2. A custom recovery that supports Nandroid (ie: Amon_RA, ClockworkMod, Etc.)
3. A MicroSD card that has enough space for a system image.
A complete image can range from 75-400 MB.
Please follow this link for instructions: http://xdaforums.com/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_backup_or_recover_via_Nandroid

How To: Check if your phone is S-OFF or S-ON and your HBOOT version
1. Disable Fast Boot. (Setting > Power > uncheck Fast Boot)
2. Turn off your phone.
3. Turn on your phone by pressing the power button and volume down button together.
4. You will see a white screen with "S-OFF" or "S-ON" and your hboot version on top of the screen.
NOTE: If your phone is S-ON, you won't be able to root or flash custom ROMs to your phone. To make it S-OFF, follow the guide below.

How To: S-Off your device with Revolutionary: S-OFF & Recovery Tool (For HBOOT 0.98.0000, 0.98.0002)
Unrevoked and Alpharev present: Revolutionary Tool
Please also read the documentation page for this tool: http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/revolutionary
Does Revolutionary give me root? No. You will need to flash this zipfile from recovery. (It's better to just skip this.)
S-OFF your phone using Ubuntu:
1. Download Ubuntu 11.04 from the Ubuntu site.
2. Burn image onto DVD/CD or create a USB Stick (I suggest creating USB stick since it loads faster, for me). (Follow instructions provided at the website to create a bootable CD or a USB Stick).
3. Reboot computer. Allow Bootup popup menu (usually F8?).
4. Select DVD/CD-drive or USB Stick to boot Ubuntu.
5. Wait a bit for things to load. Choose "Try Ubuntu".
6. Now, Ubuntu should load up successfully. (see screenshot)
7. Connect phone to your computer and make sure that Debugging Mode is enabled on your phone. Download the tool from http://revolutionary.io/ for Linux (Firefox included with Ubuntu). Keep that browser window open.
8. Extract the downloaded file and put it into the root directory (in Ubuntu, that's Ubuntu/Ubuntu, if I recall correctly).
9. Search for the Terminal (Windows key pops up the search, I think; otherwise, it's the icon on the top left corner of your screen), run Terminal.
10. Type in "sudo ./revolutionary" at Terminal.
11. It'll provide a key. Go back to the browser window where you downloaded Revolutionary tool - there's a form to fill out. Type in the key. It'll generate a second key. Type that key into the Terminal.
12. Make sure it says that everything is successful. It'll ask if you want to flash Clockwork. Type in "Y".
13. Once it shows success, reboot phone.

S-OFF your phone using Windows:
1. Download Revolutionary tool for Windows from http://revolutionary.io/ (Keep the browser open)
2. Extract the zip file to a new folder.
3. Connect phone to your computer and make sure that Debugging Mode is enabled on your phone.
4. Open the new folder and right click on "revolutionary.exe" and select run as administrator.
5. Follow steps from Step 11 above.
WARNING: S-OFF your device will void your phone's warranty. You will need to turn it back to S-ON for warranty. (I don't have a guide to make it back to S-ON right now, so do it as you wish).

How to: S-OFF (Video)

How to: Restore stock ROM and S-On after S-Off
You phone needs warranty? You might need your device back to S-ON mode. Try following this guide to make it S-ON, http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1187231. I'm not sure if this works 100% all the time because I personally haven't tried this one yet. If this guide works for you, congratulations, if not, try asking around this forum.

How to: Root your device
1. You can achieve root by using Gingerbreak. Follow this link and guide: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1044765
2. Or, by using SuperOneClick *recommended* (ROOT ALMOST ALL ANDROID DEVICES): http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=803682
3. Or, you can flash this zipfile from recovery (Source: http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/revolutionary).
(You can skip this if you're about to flash a custom ROM since custom ROM are pre-rooted. Unless you want to keep your original ROM, use this to root your device.)

Custom ROMS:
Custom roms can be found in this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1146601 or head to the development section.
(Most of these ROMs are pre-rooted, which means that you don't need to root your phone after flashing one of the custom ROM.)

How To: Flash Custom ROMs using Recovery (Method 1)
(You can use your default recovery from Revolutionary tool but I recommend using http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1377745)
1. Copy your custom ROM "zip" file to your SD card (Root directory).
2. Turn off your phone.
3. Turn on your phone by holding the power button and the volume down button together.
4. Once you see the white screen, choose "Recovery"
5. Make a full wipe/format and clear all cache.
6. Choose "install from sdcard/zip file" and then choose your Custom ROM zip file from your SD card to flash your Custom ROM.
Optional: If you want to use 4EXTRecovery, just flash it like you are flashing your custom ROM(Step 6). Just do it before you flash your new ROM.

How To: Flash Custom ROMs using ROM Manager (Method 2)
(This method might be easier for flashing ROM updates or add-ons)
1. Go to ROM Manager (You can install this software from the Android Market.)
2. If you want to use 4EXTRecovery, please follow steps below, and if you're not using 4EXTRecovery, please skip to step 6)
3. Press your phone's option's button and choose Manual Flash Override.
4. Press OK and choose your phone model.
5. Choose ClockworkMod 3.x (After these steps, your ROM Manager won't ask you to flash new recovery again when flashing new a ROM)
6. Reboot into Recovery and make a full wipe/format and clear all cache then reboot.
7. Now, from your ROM Manager, choose Install ROM from SD Card.
Note: Flashing ROMs can be vary, some custom ROMs may require you to flash some of their own file first. Eg, The LBC Mod ROM requires you to flash "WIPE zip file" before flashing the ROM. Read their instructions carefully to know more.
NOTE: I am not responsible for any faulty or bricked devices after S-OFF or flashing new ROMs. Do it at your own risk.

How To: Flash a ROM in a "Perfect" Way (Method 3 - Recommended)
A great guide from vampire36 for people who encounter the following problems:
1. The ROM you flashed gets stuck on HTC screen (bootloop) while the same ROM works right for others
2. You get the same kernel and radio yet you find your cell to have more battery drain than others
3. Finally some strange force closes and restarts but works perfect for others
So this is basically one of the most perfect way to flash a custom ROM and is a way to help people who face such issues.
Please head to : http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1257731 to see full instructions and discussions.

How To: Flash Custom ROM (Video)

How to: Flash Radios
1. Download your Radio zip package.
2. Copy your Radio zip package to your SDcard root directory and rename it to PG88IMG.zip.
3. Turn off your phone and turn it back on by pressing volume down and power button together (You need to turn off fastboot under phone settings > power options).
4. Once you're in hboot, the bootloader will ask you if you want to install radio.img, just press yes. (Volume up means "YES", and volume down means "NO")
5. Once the radio flashing is complete press your power button once to reboot device. Done!
Note: You must delete your Radio zip package or rename it to something else when booting your phone after flashing new radio image since the bootloader will always try to flash if a PG88IMG.zip file is on your SDcard.
- Method 2 check here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1178001

How to: Root, install EXT4 recovery and custom ROM on HBOOT 2.00.0002
For device with S-ON and a new HBOOT version 2.00.0002. Some ROMs may require you to flash "boot.img" if you're using this method (not needed if you S-OFF your device using "revolutionary" and has older HBOOT), check the ROM thread for info and guidelines.
Please follow this guide: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1525100 (Thanks to: n0elite)

How to: Upgrade to new HBOOT version 2.00.2002 / Downgrade to old HBOOT
This is my own guide, I did this on my own phone and it works. This guide is according to those guides made by others(link below), I just made it even more simplified.
1. Download 2.00.2002 hboot.img from http://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1288640&d=1346184448 (Thanks to Thantos)
2. Copy the downloaded hboot.img to the root of your SD-Card.
3. Reboot into recovery mode.
4. Do a backup of your ROM using nandroid backup in recovery. (Optional, just in case something goes wrong, but I did not do this.)
5. When your phone is in recovery mode state, open up your command prompt (type cmd in run) in windows and type the following commands.
- adb devices
- adb shell
- su
6. You should now see the sign "#" at your command prompt. Now, backup your hboot by typing, "dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18 of=/sdcard/backup.img" without quotes.
7. Now, flash your new hboot by entering this "dd if=/sdcard/hboot.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18" without the quotes.
8. Your phone should now have the latest hboot. If you reboot to your boot loader, you should see something like this.
*** LOCKED ***
SAGA PVT ENG S-OFF RL
HBOOT-2.00.2002 (PG8810000)
9. Reboot your phone into recovery mode again and "Wipe cache and delvik cache" then restart your phone if you already have a ROM installed or you could flash a new ROM but make sure you make a full format instead.

Others:
Use this guide at your own risks. I have not tested this method yet. Link here:http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1236890
Simplified version here (Better version): http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=18122984&postcount=237

How to: Downgrade to old HBOOT from HBOOT version 2.00.2002 :
Follow this guide: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1318919. Thanks to Skanob.
Another one here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1399331. Thanks to mtothearkus
And here if above method doesn't work for you (for recent 2.15.x versions): http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1443636. Thanks to shadi22.
Note: Check all guides and decide which suits you best.

[Archived] How to: DOWNGRADE Desire S with S-ON (Reason being archived: Guide not needed since revolutionary is able to S-Off HBOOT version 0.98.0002. Unless you really want to, follow guide below.)
To downgrade from HBOOT version from 0.98.0002 to version 0.98.0000: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1078497 (Credits to: newrad67)
Warning! I don't recommend this to users who are new to Android since there is a possibility of bricking your device. I will not be responsible if this happens.
NOTE: You may also check sonikz procedure (http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13780422&postcount=4). I think his procedure is faster. You may use which one is easier for you to follow.

How to: Create/Modify/Porting ROMs
You can try using dsixda's HTC Android Kitchen tool. This tool is only for:
1. Those who are brand new to creating custom ROMs and want an easy place to start learning.
2. Those who just want to modify shipped ROMs or someone else's custom ROMs to their liking.
3. Those who are confused by all those scripts and complex commands required for building and extracting.
Please head to: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=5626292 for more details and download for this tool.
Note from the developer: This is NOT a tool to automatically turn you into a full-fledged ROM developer. ROM development normally involves work from the ground up and involves time, research and patience. I am just giving the tools to help the average person get things done quickly from an existing base.
- For porting sense to other sense devices tutorial: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1222746
- Here's a new guide from proxuser on how to port ROMs to desire S: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1563857

Extras:
How to: Fix Broken Screen: Follow this link to replace Desire S screen: http://www.techradar.com/news/phone.../how-to-fix-a-broken-touchscreen-1114324#null
How To: Install Sony's New PlayStation Mobile For Android On Any Rooted Device: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1919574
PSP Emulator For Android V 0.4: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1970933
How To: Make your Android lag-free: (Seeder 1.1 entropy generator to provide significant lag reduction) http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1987032
How to: Run Ubuntu within Android on Desire S: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1256949 (credits to zacthespack)
Android Partitions Explained: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/android-partitions-explained-boot-system-recovery-data-cache-misc/
All About SD-Cards: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1947560

FAQs:
1. What's S-OFF and S-ON?
- In a nutshell, S-OFF means that the NAND portion of the device is unlocked and can be written to. The default setting for HTC’s devices is S-ON, which means that neither can you access certain areas of the system nor can you guarantee a permanent root. (Source: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...on-htc-android-phones-with-unrevoked-forever/)
(NOTE: S-OFF is not ROOT, S-OFF your device does not mean that your device is Rooted. They are totally two different things.)

2. How can I backup all my apps and apps' data files before flashing a new ROM and wiping all my datas?
- You will need to root your device first using Gingerbreak(see above). And then, install Titanium Backup and use that to backup all your apps and your apps' data files.

3. I have WiFi death grip/Wifi signal drops when I hold my phone in certain ways.
- There are no 100% right fixes yet for this issue but give it a look here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1175646

4. Is it possible to install 4EXTRecovery/Flashing ROMs/ROOT on Desire S with S-ON?
- No, it is not possible. You must/need "S-OFF" to customize your device.

5. I've just received this system update OTA - 1.47.61.1 or later. If I install it, will I loose my S-OFF and root?
- Yes, you will lose both S-OFF and root once you update because it will update the hboot to 0.98.0002. However, you can try following this guide http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=16110608&postcount=5 to update the OTA but not the hboot. Check this one out also http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1190992 and http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1194488 to S-OFF and root if you have updated the OTA.

6. How will I brick my device? and how to prevent it?
- Follow this thread to find out : http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1226849

7. What is a "Stock ROM" ?
- Stock ROM is basically one that comes straight from HTC with no amendments and probably the one that your phone came with out of the box! -ben_pyett

Useful Information for newcomers to Android:

Android Terms, Slang & Definitions: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1466228
CPU Governors explained: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1663809
[REF]Terminology for the newbies: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1394458
[GUIDE]Easy and simple adb and fastboot setup for newbies(Windows Only): http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1272595

Final Notes:
Any Problems or Questions? Please ask around the forum or read the FAQ first, it usually helps. Thanks to those people who has contributed to this thread. Enjoy your phone!
Click the "Thanks" button if you find this thread useful!

WARNING: Please follow those steps carefully, it usually works if you do it properly. However, I am not responsible for any faulty or bricked devices. Do it at your own risk.

csakthikumar · Jul 26, 2011

include hboot downgrade guide also.

Include the guide to downgrade hboot from version 0.98.0002 to 0.98.0000
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1078497

ben_pyett · Jul 26, 2011

this is very useful but try not to replicate what is in the INDEX sticky thread.

I suggest that you request that this thread is listed in that thread so that its easy to find

Nice

Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

kartikk · Jul 26, 2011

i think this should be made a sticky in the general section
most new comers don't check the development section

ben_pyett · Jul 26, 2011

kartkk said:
i think this should be made a sticky in the general section
most new comers don't check the development section

I agree, general would be a better place for this thread.

In which case PM the moderator, smokestack76

Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

kartikk · Jul 26, 2011

ben_pyett said:
I agree, general would be a better place for this thread.

In which case PM the moderator, smokestack76

Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App

i made a request

nodeffect · Jul 26, 2011

Thanks guys, I will get more stuffs to add here soon... thanks for the downgrading hboot guide suggestion, I will look into that and add it in later...I hope this thread could help out those who are still new, who need more info...

once again, thanks a lot... if you have anymore suggestions or any corrections that I need to make, please tell me.

kartikk · Jul 26, 2011

nodeffect said:
Thanks guys, I will get more stuffs to add here soon... thanks for the downgrading hboot guide suggestion, I will look into that and add it in later...I hope this thread could help out those who are still new, who need more info...

once again, thanks a lot... if you have anymore suggestions or any corrections that I need to make, please tell me.

i think you should remove the specs(it makes the guide look complicated & big) & give a link to gsmarena or htc site

superkid · Jul 26, 2011

I actually like that you added the specs

The only thing you should do is to keep it updated.. thats all

Thanks

tigris666 · Jul 27, 2011

Can you please note in the downgrade HBOOT section that RUU 1.46 or greater can not be downgraded as yet, since gingerbreak does not work on these RUUs. Would save a lot of people asking why they can't downgrade.

nodeffect · Jul 27, 2011

Thanks for the support guys. I've added some new guides today. If I made some mistakes and need corrections on those guides, please do inform me. I'm always here to improve it. Thanks!

tigris666 said:
Can you please note in the downgrade HBOOT section that RUU 1.46 or greater can not be downgraded as yet, since gingerbreak does not work on these RUUs. Would save a lot of people asking why they can't downgrade.

Thanks! Added!

nodeffect · Jul 27, 2011

*remove this please. sorry for double post*

kartikk · Jul 29, 2011

can you add how to install custom recovery & how to perform a nandroid backup to the guide?

juergen_90 · Jul 29, 2011

You should also link the downgrade method in post 4 by sonikz. I think it's the easiest and recommended way to do this...

greets

b3by · Jul 29, 2011

Brilliant. Good job man, very useful

nodeffect · Jul 30, 2011

juergen_90 said:
You should also link the downgrade method in post 4 by sonikz. I think it's the easiest and recommended way to do this...

greets

yes, I did include the link, please check again

thanks

p.s. added a new guide to do nandroid backup and restore. Also another FAQ about s-off and root for the new OTA update.
btw, did I miss something? the http://alpharev.nl/x/beta/ is not working anymore.. it gives me 404 error...

kartikk · Jul 30, 2011

nodeffect said:
yes, I did include the link, please check again thanks

p.s. added a new guide to do nandroid backup and restore. Also another FAQ about s-off and root for the new OTA update.
btw, did I miss something? the http://alpharev.nl/x/beta/ is not working anymore.. it gives me 404 error...

new site
& now hboot 0.98.0002 is supported no need to downgrade anymore

b3by · Jul 30, 2011

This morning I red about Revolutionary: a collaboration between unrevoked and alpharev.
Maybe you can add it to your post

http://revolutionary.io/

mr.boonet · Jul 31, 2011

I tried the alpharex, but i always get failed t oget root in step 2

Hboot : 0.98.0002, rom stock version 1.47.401.4, android 2.3.3 any thoughts?

cheers

nodeffect · Aug 1, 2011

mr.boonet said:
I tried the alpharex, but i always get failed t oget root in step 2

Hboot : 0.98.0002, rom stock version 1.47.401.4, android 2.3.3 any thoughts?

cheers

Try using the new revolutionary tool, I've updated the guide(please look back at first post). Hope this helps.

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