[TUTORIAL] How to S-OFF your HTC Desire

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AndroidGX

AndroidGX

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Jun 24, 2010
3,339
9,091
★ Montpellier ★
Hi there !

Many people here want to be S-OFF on their HTC Desire but don't know how to be, this thread is for you !

Credits goes to all AlphaRev developpers.


What is S-OFF ?
(Quotes from original AlphaRev website)
HTC implemented security on their newer generation phones. This flag, called @secuflag, controls whether your phone has
it's NAND or flash unlocked. Most noticeably, S-ON (security on) will read-lock your /system and /recovery partition, to name a few. Also, secuflag controls whether zip files being flashed through recovery or fastboot, are signed by HTC.

The now notorious S-OFF (security off) will disable this NAND security.
Since we are unable to access the Radio NVRAM itself (where secuflag is stored), we turned our attention to HBOOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse


For more informations about AlphaRev S-OFF, read the OFFICIAL Thread HERE.

There is many solutions to install S-OFF, this tutorial will show you few methods.
TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK ! I'am not responsible of bricked phone, for more help try the OFFICIAL Thread.


PREREQUISITES :

  • a ROOTed HTC Desire ROM with debugging option enabled on it.
  • a computer running Windows XP/Vista/Seven (32 or 64 bits), Linux, or Emulation via WMware etc.
  • a computer which can boot USB devices (for USB method only)
  • a branded USB Key 32Mb or more (for USB method) or a CD to burn (for CD method).



EASIEST method so far seems to be now by "Revolutionary" method.
Please check this out before trying solutions below (they are manual and maybe outdated, because I don't have the time keep updated this topic, moreover I don't own anymore a HTC Desire).



STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES :



.: USB METHOD :.

  1. Be sure to Nandroid backup your device from recovery (just in case).
  2. Download the latest Universal USB Installer or UnetBootin.
  3. Download ISO Reflash Utility from AlphaRev website.
  4. Install the software of your choice.
  5. Open it, and select your USB device and your AlphaRev ISO freshly downloaded.
  6. Create your bootable USB key.
  7. Reboot your computer and boot on the USB key you freshly created.
  8. Press any key to accept the disclamer.
  9. Once you are in your ROM, plug your Desire with the USB cable on your computer.
  10. /!\ DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING TILL YOU GET THE FINISH MESSAGE AT STEP 3 /!\

(Some users reports it can take over 1 hour. Passed this time, pull out the battery and reboot your phone).


The USB key method worked 100% for me, I personally installed my S-OFF exactly like that on my Desire.



.: CD METHOD :. (by jshields)

Clic HERE


.: VirtualBox METHOD :. (by Stewge)

Clic HERE


.: VMWare METHOD :. (by -V-O-Y-A-G-E-R-)

Clic HERE




Congratulations ! you are done ! :D:cool:






Note : If for some unknown reasons you cannot access your Recovery anymore, it's normal, you must flash your Recovery using "fastboot" (SDK Android Kit must be installed on your running computer).
You have the choice between flashing a custom recovery like ClockWork one or put the original one but I sugger you the custom one which gives you much many more features :cool:


How to flash your recovery using ClockWork's image :

  1. Download Clockworkmod 2.5.0.7 recovery image from official AlphaRev thread for bravo.
  2. Move the file into "C:\android-sdk-windows\tools" (default sdk android folder's installation).
  3. Verify MD5 checksum of the image with a freeware like HashCalc or something (IMPORTANT !).
  4. Go to the main menu of your AlphaRev HBOOT (turn on your device with return button pressed).
  5. Go to "FASTBOOT" mode.
  6. Go to your computer and open a new terminal (Administrator privileges required if Windows Vista or 7).
  7. Enter exactly this (without ") : "fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-2.5.0.7-bravo.img".

Now you will have a ClockWork Recovery image installed and working :)

Note 2 : If your device freeze on boot logo, apply your Nandroid backup that your did before S-OFF.. that should do the trick.




If one day you want to S-ON your phone again, just reflash an original RUU rom !


Need supports ? all kind of questions must be posted on this thread directly. Be sure to read the whole thread (or at least 5 latest pages) before asking any question.
If you enjoy this guide, don't forget to rate it
rating_5.png
stars, and clicking the
thanksq.png
button (right below) is always appreciated to keep this thread maintained ;)


LIKE MY WORK ?
OFFER ME A

!​
​
 
Last edited:
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jshields

jshields

Senior Member
Apr 6, 2009
80
13
Chester
Or CD version
1.download Alpha Rev.iso
2.burn .iso image to CD using a iso burning software eg. Power ISO
3.boot from CD eg. Hold F12 at boot
4.press the Legendary enter

TIPS connect USB when the CD has booted ;)

Any problems just pm me :)

Sent from my HTC Desire s-off
 
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Audioboxer

Audioboxer

Senior Member
Aug 24, 2010
3,035
670
jshields said:
Or CD version
1.download Alpha Rev.iso
2.burn .iso image to CD using a iso burning software eg. Power ISO
3.boot from CD eg. Hold F12 at boot
4.press the Legendary enter

TIPS connect USB when the CD has booted ;)

Any problems just pm me :)

Sent from my HTC Desire s-off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yeah, I found it much easier to just burn to a rewrittable CD. F8 on bootup to load up my boot menu, then I selected my CD Rom.
 
zen15

zen15

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2010
180
17
Jakarta
nice tut, simple and very clearly...
oh don't forget to put in the first post for ppl who gets stuck at stage 3 (it happen to me) just to wait for about 30 minutes or more (don't know exactly how long, just for safety), and then pull out the battery and reboot the phone...
many ppl report it work....

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
 
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N

niaoRen

Member
Jun 18, 2010
26
1
I think I'm done with the flashing of the hboot from alpharev
But now my phone keeps rebooting to the fastboot screen.
I've tried removing the battery and rebooting again, reboot from fastboot, reboot from clockwork recovery... but i still cant boot up my rom.......
Anyone can shed me a light on what went wrong?
 
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DesirableHTC

DesirableHTC

Senior Member
Jul 4, 2010
879
33
Leeds
All options to apply S-off should be included, this is a 'how to', and this is not THE only way to do it, personally I found virtual box the easiest method for me. I just think that some other options should be made clear to people, maybe people that have used a different method could add their own ' how to' to this thread?

Great idea though to help people.

sent from my HTC Desire, powered by a SuperVillain using XDA App.
 
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B

bikerboi85

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2009
53
1
Sorry to noob it up here but what are the benefits of S-OFF. im guessing it means security. does this enable us to hack the kernal? as a user who doesnt do programming but likes to mod my phone alot what could i gain out of this?

thankyou in advance
 
TieT

TieT

Senior Member
Dec 10, 2008
183
0
eozen81 said:
Yeah sorry for newbies here but what is the benefits of this s-off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Maybe its a good thing to sum up the benefits on the first page, to stop these kind of questions and making it a 500 page topic where you cant find answers...

I know if you read the forum, or use google you can find all the info :p

Info from the http://alpharev.shadowchild.nl/ site

HTC implemented security on their newer generation phones. This flag, called @secuflag, controls whether your phone has
it's NAND or flash unlocked. Most noticeably, S-ON (security on) will read-lock your /system and /recovery partition, to name a few. Also, secuflag controls whether zip files being flashed through recovery or fastboot, are signed by HTC.

The now notorious S-OFF (security off) will disable this NAND security.
 
AndroidGX

AndroidGX

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Jun 24, 2010
3,339
9,091
★ Montpellier ★
Ok, many changes on the tutorial, hope you like it ;)
Tried to do as clear as possible, and add some features.

If any method to add please PM me, I will add it with your name directly from your post here.

Thanks! :cool:
 
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ionhide

ionhide

Senior Member
Oct 10, 2009
1,246
76
Odense
I have now read all the information i can find about S-OFF - Only advantage i can find is that you can change bootscreen.. What are the options if i choose to make S-OFF on my phone - What else can i change ? My phone is rooted, and i have flashed roms and kernels with S-ON - So you guys really need to show more advantages to this than what has already been written..
 
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AndroidGX

AndroidGX

Inactive Recognized Contributor
Jun 24, 2010
3,339
9,091
★ Montpellier ★
ionhide said:
I have now read all the information i can find about S-OFF - Only advantage i can find is that you can change bootscreen.. What are the options if i choose to make S-OFF on my phone - What else can i change ? My phone is rooted, and i have flashed roms and kernels with S-ON - So you guys really need to show more advantages to this than what has already been written..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse



You post in the wrong thread, go say that in the original S-OFF thread (gave in first post).
Here is just a help for people who want to install S-OFF feature on their Desire. Nothing else. ;)
 
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  • 45
    AndroidGX
    AndroidGX
    Hi there !

    Many people here want to be S-OFF on their HTC Desire but don't know how to be, this thread is for you !

    Credits goes to all AlphaRev developpers.


    What is S-OFF ?
    (Quotes from original AlphaRev website)
    HTC implemented security on their newer generation phones. This flag, called @secuflag, controls whether your phone has
    it's NAND or flash unlocked. Most noticeably, S-ON (security on) will read-lock your /system and /recovery partition, to name a few. Also, secuflag controls whether zip files being flashed through recovery or fastboot, are signed by HTC.

    The now notorious S-OFF (security off) will disable this NAND security.
    Since we are unable to access the Radio NVRAM itself (where secuflag is stored), we turned our attention to HBOOT.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse


    For more informations about AlphaRev S-OFF, read the OFFICIAL Thread HERE.

    There is many solutions to install S-OFF, this tutorial will show you few methods.
    TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK ! I'am not responsible of bricked phone, for more help try the OFFICIAL Thread.


    PREREQUISITES :

    • a ROOTed HTC Desire ROM with debugging option enabled on it.
    • a computer running Windows XP/Vista/Seven (32 or 64 bits), Linux, or Emulation via WMware etc.
    • a computer which can boot USB devices (for USB method only)
    • a branded USB Key 32Mb or more (for USB method) or a CD to burn (for CD method).



    EASIEST method so far seems to be now by "Revolutionary" method.
    Please check this out before trying solutions below (they are manual and maybe outdated, because I don't have the time keep updated this topic, moreover I don't own anymore a HTC Desire).



    STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES :



    .: USB METHOD :.

    1. Be sure to Nandroid backup your device from recovery (just in case).
    2. Download the latest Universal USB Installer or UnetBootin.
    3. Download ISO Reflash Utility from AlphaRev website.
    4. Install the software of your choice.
    5. Open it, and select your USB device and your AlphaRev ISO freshly downloaded.
    6. Create your bootable USB key.
    7. Reboot your computer and boot on the USB key you freshly created.
    8. Press any key to accept the disclamer.
    9. Once you are in your ROM, plug your Desire with the USB cable on your computer.
    10. /!\ DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING TILL YOU GET THE FINISH MESSAGE AT STEP 3 /!\

    (Some users reports it can take over 1 hour. Passed this time, pull out the battery and reboot your phone).


    The USB key method worked 100% for me, I personally installed my S-OFF exactly like that on my Desire.



    .: CD METHOD :. (by jshields)

    Clic HERE


    .: VirtualBox METHOD :. (by Stewge)

    Clic HERE


    .: VMWare METHOD :. (by -V-O-Y-A-G-E-R-)

    Clic HERE




    Congratulations ! you are done ! :D:cool:






    Note : If for some unknown reasons you cannot access your Recovery anymore, it's normal, you must flash your Recovery using "fastboot" (SDK Android Kit must be installed on your running computer).
    You have the choice between flashing a custom recovery like ClockWork one or put the original one but I sugger you the custom one which gives you much many more features :cool:


    How to flash your recovery using ClockWork's image :

    1. Download Clockworkmod 2.5.0.7 recovery image from official AlphaRev thread for bravo.
    2. Move the file into "C:\android-sdk-windows\tools" (default sdk android folder's installation).
    3. Verify MD5 checksum of the image with a freeware like HashCalc or something (IMPORTANT !).
    4. Go to the main menu of your AlphaRev HBOOT (turn on your device with return button pressed).
    5. Go to "FASTBOOT" mode.
    6. Go to your computer and open a new terminal (Administrator privileges required if Windows Vista or 7).
    7. Enter exactly this (without ") : "fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-2.5.0.7-bravo.img".

    Now you will have a ClockWork Recovery image installed and working :)

    Note 2 : If your device freeze on boot logo, apply your Nandroid backup that your did before S-OFF.. that should do the trick.




    If one day you want to S-ON your phone again, just reflash an original RUU rom !


    Need supports ? all kind of questions must be posted on this thread directly. Be sure to read the whole thread (or at least 5 latest pages) before asking any question.
    If you enjoy this guide, don't forget to rate it
    rating_5.png
    stars    , and clicking the
    thanksq.png
    button     (right below) is always appreciated to keep this thread maintained ;)


    LIKE MY WORK ?
    OFFER ME A

    !    ​
    ​
    View
    19
    Stewge
    Stewge
    Hasn't anyone figured out to use VirtualBox yet?

    So much easier: avoids crappy cd burning issues, MD5 mismatches from a poor burn, multi-platform, no system rebooting and you don't have to worry about whether your machine can actually boot the iso ;)

    Instructions:
    1. Download/Install Virtualbox Personal Use version(NOT the OSE edition, it doesn't ship with USB drivers)
    2. Create a NEW virtual without a harddrive.
    3. Run the virtual.
    4. On first run it will ask you to use an install medium. Find your alpharev ISO and use that.
    5. Wait for the virtual to boot to the first stage.
    6. Click the USB icon in the bottom right and select your phone.
    7. Follow the rest of the steps. BUT remember that every time the phone resets/reboots it is recognized as a different device so you will have to repeat step 6 each time. On the 3rd stage it takes about 5 minutes while it is "stuck" on the HTC screen. This is fine, give is a minute or 2 then and do step 6 again.
    8. Once you're done, let your phone boot to the S-OFF bootloader, and reboot your phone/go to recovery etc.
    9. The virtual should shutdown at this point.
    View
    10
    -V-O-Y-A-G-E-R-
    -V-O-Y-A-G-E-R-
    Perhaps the easiest way is running this through virtual machine.

    I used VMWare.

    .: VM METHOD :.

    1) Download ISO from AlphaRev
    2) Start VMWare or any other VM software that you have (Parallels Desktop, VirtualBox)
    3) Choose File -> New in VM software
    4) Locate AlphaRev.iso and choose to continue without the CD. I chose declaring this iso as Ubuntu.
    5) Attach/connect your phone to VM (in VMWare you do that by clicking corresponding USB icon in the bottom right corner)
    6) Press big Play button in the middle of the black VM screen
    7) Press any key to accept the disclamer.
    8) /!\ DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING TILL YOU GET THE FINISH MESSAGE AT STEP 3 /!\
    (Some users reports it can take over 30 mins so take your coffee break or KitKat)
    9) After a successful install you can delete this Linux virtual machine from your VM software.

    If you get stuck in the 3rd step wait for about 30 minutes or more, just to be on the safe side and then pull out the battery and reboot the phone.
    View
    6
    jshields
    jshields
    Or CD version
    1.download Alpha Rev.iso
    2.burn .iso image to CD using a iso burning software eg. Power ISO
    3.boot from CD eg. Hold F12 at boot
    4.press the Legendary enter

    TIPS connect USB when the CD has booted ;)

    Any problems just pm me :)

    Sent from my HTC Desire s-off
    View
    2
    AndroidGX
    AndroidGX
    I gonna change a bit the tutorial, and add the other solutions. Will do a link directly of posters with the solution he use, will be easier for me :D
    View

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