Unlock/Root/Flash Service (Ideal for non-techies)

cormie

So once again, partyatmygaff helped me out with my phone and getting froyo on it. He had already helped me out months ago to root my phone to get a much needed function on it that was essential to me using the phone and he also helped my friend unbrick his phone. Using a combination of MSN and http://www.teamviewer.com, the whole process is done quickly and with only very basic input required from the user. All the advanced stuff is taken care of by partyatmygaff.

Anyway, I was telling him he should start offering this as a service as I'm sure there are more like me who are a bit apprehensive about messing about with their phone and although I'm technical enough with things, I'd prefer not to have to spend hours researching how to do this and to just pop someone a few bob to get it over and done with successfully and as quickly as possible and partyatmygaff can do this.

It took us about 1.5 hours which included chit chat and me asking a lot of basic "just to be sure" questions. Letting him control my desktop over teamviewer was my biggest fear but it seemed safe enough and you don't even need to install the program, it can just run by itself and goes once you're done.

If anyone is interested I'm sure he'll see this thread but I just thought I'd put up a recommendation anyway because it's a great service!

When I said he should offer it as a service he wasn't decided on pricing so I think he still has to come up with a charging system but for the sake of saving yourself hours of research and frustration and not really knowing what you're doing and the security of knowing if anything goes wrong, you'll have somebody who knows android and these processes inside out, then it's worth it

Thanks again partyatmygaff, now running Froyo and everything seems perfectly stable and smooth

Keano

I'd agree cormie that he should start offering his services. He tried to help me root my phone and it was not successful at the time but he still went out his way to help .

Inquitus

If you can't root your phone yourself, that's a pretty compelling case to say you shouldn't root your phone.

Abelloid

Inquitus wrote: »

If you can't root your phone yourself, that's a pretty compelling case to say you shouldn't root your phone.

Rooting has become a buzz word, everybody wants to root but few know why..

Before 2.2 was widely available there were more reasons to make it attractive but not so much now - paid market access is now the only clear benefit to the average user.

thehomeofDob

and Juicedefender!!!

Mitch Connor

JustinOval wrote: »

Rooting has become a buzz word, everybody wants to root but few know why..

Before 2.2 was widely available there were more reasons to make it attractive but not so much now - paid market access is now the only clear benefit to the average user.

People on phones like the Hero (like me) would still see great benifit from rooting (which I still have not got round to doing, might do it this weekend)

cormie

I wouldn't agree with that really, initially, rooting was absolutely essential for me in order to use the phone the way I wanted to with my contacts. I only put my sim card into the phone 2 weeks after buying it as I was waiting on a solution to my problem in these 2 weeks and rooting was the only solution. Then when I got partyatmygaff to do the Froyo update, I made it perfectly clear that I wanted stability over everything else. Froyo was released about 2 months ago but I wanted to wait till any bugs were ironed out which I believe they have been now so I'm pretty confident I won't need to do any more with the phone, unless gingerbread bring some very attractive updates. I confirmed with partyatmygaff before we proceeded that if I do the update, that I won't have to keep reflashing with updated bug patches etc and now it's over and done with an I have full form and functionality with froyo

If there's even one other person in such a position and if this can help them get sorted then so be it

Besides froyo, rooting etc, I'm pretty sure he also knows how to unlock and do all other stuff to make your android phone as open as possible

Abelloid

cormie wrote: »

I wouldn't agree with that really, initially, rooting was absolutely essential for me in order to use the phone the way I wanted to with my contacts. I only put my sim card into the phone 2 weeks after buying it as I was waiting on a solution to my problem in these 2 weeks and rooting was the only solution. Then when I got partyatmygaff to do the Froyo update, I made it perfectly clear that I wanted stability over everything else. Froyo was released about 2 months ago but I wanted to wait till any bugs were ironed out which I believe they have been now so I'm pretty confident I won't need to do any more with the phone, unless gingerbread bring some very attractive updates. I confirmed with partyatmygaff before we proceeded that if I do the update, that I won't have to keep reflashing with updated bug patches etc and now it's over and done with an I have full form and functionality with froyo

If there's even one other person in such a position and if this can help them get sorted then so be it

Besides froyo, rooting etc, I'm pretty sure he also knows how to unlock and do all other stuff to make your android phone as open as possible

I remember that well, you had very definite reasons for doing it. My point is that now a lot of people want to to root their phones but aren't sure why, it doesn't unlock the secrets of the universe or anything, and with phones that have 2.2 available the reasons to root are very few.

Inquitus

JustinOval wrote: »

Rooting has become a buzz word, everybody wants to root but few know why..

Before 2.2 was widely available there were more reasons to make it attractive but not so much now - paid market access is now the only clear benefit to the average user.

There's plenty of reasons
1) Being able to put your PS3 in debug mode.
2) To run Froyo without Sense.
3) Access the paid Market.
4) Debrand your phone.
5) Unlock your phone.
6) Avail of any of the tweaked ROMs which add functionality to the Official HTC release.
7) Apps2SD+ which is infinitely better than Stock APPs2SD and doesn't mean any apps on SD are killed when you mount your SD Card.

cormie

Yeah to be honest I'm not sure of all the tech specs but if Froyo has all the cool stuff like wifi hotspot and that then for most rooting won't be necessary. If anyone needs that contact app group option thing though, it's pretty much the only way.

Maybe partyatmygaff could do up a list of prices anyway for a root, an unlock, a debrick etc Glad to say I'm pretty much sorted now anyway

Motjida

I have to agree with Inquitus here, if you're not technical enough to root your phone, maybe you shouldn't do it.

There are very few benefits to rooting really (for a normal user), and I can't think of a single one a non techie would find useful bar access to paid apps in the Market. And that one is hardly a reason to root, since every developer out there is aware of the shortcomings of the current Market app, and will offer different options of purchasing his or her apps anyway.

So, unless you know what you're doing, stay away from rooting.

Abelloid

Inquitus wrote: »

There's plenty of reasons
1) Being able to put your PS3 in debug mode.
2) To run Froyo without Sense.
3) Access the paid Market.
4) Debrand your phone.
5) Unlock your phone.
6) Avail of any of the tweaked ROMs which add functionality to the Official HTC release.
7) Apps2SD+ which is infinitely better than Stock APPs2SD and doesn't mean any apps on SD are killed when you mount your SD Card.

If you can't figure out how to root your phone, why do you want to put your PS3 in Debug mode?

cormie

If somebody has a branded, locked phone, then spending an hour online with partyatmygaff at a reasonable rate would open it up fully. I'm sure there's plenty of non-techie people who'd require an unlock and this is probably the best way to go about it

Inquitus

JustinOval wrote: »

If you can't figure out how to root your phone, why do you want to put your PS3 in Debug mode?

I am saying there are plenty of reasons still to root your phone, I am also saying if you can't do it yourself then you should leave well alone.

Abelloid

Inquitus wrote: »

I am saying there are plenty of reasons still to root your phone, I am also saying if you can't do it yourself then you should leave well alone.

I'm agreeing with you; there are plenty of reasons, but few for the 'non-techies'. :pac:

s_carnage

cormie wrote: »

If somebody has a branded, locked phone, then spending an hour online with partyatmygaff at a reasonable rate would open it up fully. I'm sure there's plenty of non-techie people who'd require an unlock and this is probably the best way to go about it

I think it is a great idea. I tried to unlock my phone at the weekend but there was one point where I had to download some software but for some reason it was asking for a username and password to download it and there was nowhere to register on site.
I for one would definitely be interested in this idea.

Chet T16

For me the fun part is the rooting, not necessarily what you can do when rooted. This is why pretty much every piece of electronics i own has been "hacked" TV, wii, ds, psp, phones etc. Even the firmware on the car satnav was modified

jimmycrackcorm

cormie wrote: »

If somebody has a branded, locked phone, then spending an hour online with partyatmygaff at a reasonable rate would open it up fully. I'm sure there's plenty of non-techie people who'd require an unlock and this is probably the best way to go about it

It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye or bricks their phone.

partyatmygaff

Cormie: My new PR Manager

Anyone who's interested can just send me a PM or make a post in this thread.

I also am familiar with the Galaxy S (Seeing as I own both phones ) so can work on that as well. If you want to ask me any questions or anything just give me a PM/Make a thread. More than happy to help, money or not

partyatmygaff

Inquitus wrote: »

There's plenty of reasons
1) Being able to put your PS3 in debug mode.
2) To run Froyo without Sense.
3) Access the paid Market.
4) Debrand your phone.
5) Unlock your phone.
6) Avail of any of the tweaked ROMs which add functionality to the Official HTC release.
7) Apps2SD+ which is infinitely better than Stock APPs2SD and doesn't mean any apps on SD are killed when you mount your SD Card.

Good list but need to make a few alterations for accuracy

1) Being able to put your PS3 in debug mode. - I was part of the project so I can vouch for that

2) To run Froyo without Sense
3) Access the paid Market.
4) Debrand your phone.
5) Unlock your phone. - Not possible by rooting or software means. SIMLOCK is a function stored in the phone's RADIO and can only be unlocked if you buy an unlocking code. (Holds for most but not all Android phones)
6) Avail of any of the tweaked ROMs which add functionality to the Official HTC release.
7) Apps2SD+ which is infinitely better than Stock APPs2SD and doesn't mean any apps on SD are killed when you mount your SD Card.

8) Being able to run a chrooted Linux distro like Ubuntu => Opens up a whole plethora of Linux ARM software and linux functions. Useful for techies and non-techies alike.

9) Being able to overclock and undervolt your phone (The Desire goes up to near 1.4GHz stable)

10) Custom kernels which improve battery life and add features like CIFS which allows you to mount Windows shares on your phone.

11) Get the latest updates to Android before HTC release an official OTA

12) Running root only apps like Titanium Backup or Metamorph

13) Running custom themes like BrightSilence

osnola ibax

There are some great advantages to rooting and for heavens sake any monkey who can follow instructions can do it, you don't need to be a techie. That term has really been devalued lately.

There are a million and one guides out there, if you are interested you will find them. Once gingerbread surfaces, there will be more value in rooting. As for custom roms, they are amazing IMO and have ongoing nightly support and updates with direct access to the developers. OpenDesire is a ruddy marvel.

Motjida

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Good list but need to make a few alterations for accuracy

5) Unlock your phone. - Not possible by rooting or software means. SIMLOCK is a function stored in the phone's RADIO and can only be unlocked if you buy an unlocking code. (Holds for most but not all Android phones)

Since you have an i9000, you should know the unlock codes for those are stored on the phone itself and thus it's possible to unlock it if you have root :pac:

Inquitus

Motjida wrote: »

Since you have an i9000, you should know the unlock codes for those are stored on the phone itself and thus it's possible to unlock it if you have root :pac:

Its good that you pointed that out for the sake of accuracy, so essentially PAMG's contribution was for the sake of inaccuracy I presume :pac:

partyatmygaff

Motjida wrote: »

Since you have an i9000, you should know the unlock codes for those are stored on the phone itself and thus it's possible to unlock it if you have root :pac:

Ahem... read "holds for most but not all phones"

Motjida

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Ahem... read "holds for most but not all phones"

So in essence your "contribution" was completely irrelevant and only served to flash your "I helped beta test the PS3 Debug project" badge?

partyatmygaff

Motjida wrote: »

So in essence your "contribution" was completely irrelevant and only served to flash your "I helped beta test the PS3 Debug project" badge?

Ok i'm going to make this very plain. You like the SGS, I don't. Stop stalking me throughout threads trying to find ways to make me look bad.

I added 5 extra points for rooting and I was part of the original few who started the PSFreedom Android port. Hardly a beta tester.

Inquitus

partyatmygaff wrote: »

trying to find ways to make me look bad.

That would assume people have to actually try, with your constant rants about the SGS, and your ill-informed thread on whether the Desire or the SGS had a better CPU, I'd suggest trying is not necessary.

Motjida

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Ok i'm going to make this very plain. You like the SGS, I don't. Stop stalking me throughout threads trying to find ways to make me look bad.

I added 5 extra points for rooting and I was part of the original few who started the PSFreedom Android port. Hardly a beta tester.

Yeah because it's clearly stalking when I'm suggesting people who aren't very technical maybe leave root well enough alone?

I think someone has too big an opinion of himself :pac:

partyatmygaff

Inquitus wrote: »

That would assume people have to actually try, with your constant rants about the SGS, and your ill-informed thread on whether the Desire or the SGS had a better CPU, I'd suggest trying is not necessary.

Constant rants? Not exactly. People ask for an opinion and I give them one. Did you see me start "I hate the SGS" thread or something?
And in case you've forgotten I proved the Desire's Snapdragon outperformed the Hummingbird in native code performance.

Motjida wrote: »

Yeah because it's clearly stalking when I'm suggesting people who aren't very technical maybe leave root well enough alone?

Rooting your phone isn't exactly rocket science and the benefits aren't exactly difficult to attain.

I think someone has too big an opinion of himself :pac:

neonman

Straight forward guide here for the HTC Hero.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=645253

Takes less than 30 mins

I've 2.2 running on my Hero now. (without sense)

partyatmygaff

People seem to have gotten the wrong impression off of this. I'm more than happy to help anyone root their phones or unbrick it e.t.c. as I always have. This thread is just if you'd like someone to do the entire process for you.

cormie

Not sure what happened here. I did want partyatmygaff to do the entire process. I don't like spending hours researching things like this that I'm only ever going to do once. Do bear in mind, that the very first time I rooted, partyatmygaff did it totally out of kindness and no "reward" was offered pre root. I asked every question I could, every little detail and linked the whole conversation here: http://www.vantasks.ie/xpdesireroot.html I posted him a spare desire silicone case and a HTC t-shirt as a thank you.

I wouldn't have been confident doing this alone and I like knowing if I need to know something, I can get a pretty solid solution from pamg.

So because I value the service, I proposed that he help me again and I told him I've no problem paying for his time and knowledge.

There's no need for this thread to be turned into anything other than a notice for people like me to be able to get their phone how they want it, without needing to know how to do it.

Before 2.2, there were even more reasons to root, I was already rooted and because I couldn't do a typical OTA upgrade to 2.2, I needed pamg knowledge on how to go about upgrading. I didn't want to do all the research so I just got pamg to do the whole thing.

If there's at least one other person out there who requires the same as I did, then this thread will serve purpose

Ghandee

Hi Guys (particulary partyatmygaff)

I have supposedly rooted my phone, using the one click method (on a glaxy s)
I downloaded the update zip file, transferred ot to the internal card, rebooted and selected the update zip file.
I have the little ninja icon on my apps (super user) but, according to the guys at one click, you should be able to type in the kletters su in Terminal emulator, and it should let you then enter some command lines. When I enter the command su I only get the message :not found

Also, I have downloaded a few apps, (screen shot for one) that when I go to use them, displays the message error on fb0, and also displays a message about the app only being available for rooted phones?


Any ideas, where I may have gone wrong?

Cheers in advance!

Gucky

osnola ibax

If there is a market out there for a start to finish root and flash then so be it. I just don't think its in anyway necessary. Just log onto xda developers and look at the stickied threads. Its step by step. A quick Google would land you there or modaco etc. There is a plethora of info out there.

cormie

osnola ivax wrote: »

If there is a market out there for a start to finish root and flash then so be it. I just don't think its in anyway necessary. Just log onto xda developers and look at the stickied threads. Its step by step. A quick Google would land you there or modaco etc. There is a plethora of info out there.

There's too much info in my opinion. Too many different mods, too many different roms, too many options to know which to go for. Rom ovens all that stuff, I don't have time to be reading up on all that. With partyatmygaff doing this, I can tell him exactly what I want my phone to do, what I don't want and he'll sort it for me within an hour for a reasonable rate and let me get on with what I have to do. To me, partyatmygaff is an expert at Desire/Android stuff, to get an expert sorting out your phone for you and making it exactly as the user wants within an hour is a pretty good service.

s_carnage

Totally agree with cormie here. partyatmygaff is a legend by the way. Finally got my phone rooted and flashed with LeeDroid and there is no way I would have got it done without his help. It's actually like having a new phone all over again!!
Thanka a million partyatmygaff

partyatmygaff

Gucky wrote: »

Hi Guys (particulary partyatmygaff)

I have supposedly rooted my phone, using the one click method (on a glaxy s)
I downloaded the update zip file, transferred ot to the internal card, rebooted and selected the update zip file.
I have the little ninja icon on my apps (super user) but, according to the guys at one click, you should be able to type in the kletters su in Terminal emulator, and it should let you then enter some command lines. When I enter the command su I only get the message :not found

Also, I have downloaded a few apps, (screen shot for one) that when I go to use them, displays the message error on fb0, and also displays a message about the app only being available for rooted phones?


Any ideas, where I may have gone wrong?

Cheers in advance!

Gucky

You've got superuser permissions installed but the actual su application that allows for root access seems to be missing. You could try reflashing the update.zip but personally I used this http://android.modaco.com/content/samsung-galaxy-s-s-modaco-com/314988/03-august-r2-xxjp3-froyo-pre-rooted-insecure-boot-clockworkmod-recovery-for-odin/

Download that and extract it. This is a rooted FroYo ROM with ClockWorkMod Recovery.
Just open up odin.exe and choose your PDA, Modem and CSC files as well as the PIT file that came in the package. Then restart your phone in download mode by holding down home, volume down and power, plug it in and push start.

leahcim

I think some folks here are being very harsh to partyatmygaff.

He seems like a very knowledgeable android user who is more than willing to help other people.

I dont agree with some of his opinions regarding SGS, but aren't we all entitled to our opinions.

The android forum is a better place for having people like partyatmygaff on board.

Ghandee

partyatmygaff wrote: »

You've got superuser permissions installed but the actual su application that allows for root access seems to be missing. You could try reflashing the update.zip but personally I used this http://android.modaco.com/content/samsung-galaxy-s-s-modaco-com/314988/03-august-r2-xxjp3-froyo-pre-rooted-insecure-boot-clockworkmod-recovery-for-odin/

Download that and extract it. This is a rooted FroYo ROM with ClockWorkMod Recovery.
Just open up odin.exe and choose your PDA, Modem and CSC files as well as the PIT file that came in the package. Then restart your phone in download mode by holding down home, volume down and power, plug it in and push start.

So, can I just be clear (sorry for being a noob)
I have opened the file as suggested by your self, do I just select the file modem pda etc (when I tick boxes it is asking me to select files on desktop etc) leave these blank?
And select the pit file that was in the origoinal package?

Cheers

partyatmygaff

Gucky wrote: »

So, can I just be clear (sorry for being a noob)
I have opened the file as suggested by your self, do I just select the file modem pda etc (when I tick boxes it is asking me to select files on desktop etc) leave these blank?
And select the pit file that was in the origoinal package?

Cheers

No you need to click the checkbox and choose the corresponding file i.e. PDA with PDA, CSC With CSC.

Ghandee

partyatmygaff wrote: »

No you need to click the checkbox and choose the corresponding file i.e. PDA with PDA, CSC With CSC.

Got it sorted mate!

Only prob I have now, lost all my 3G setting for mobile internet,mms etc!
Not to worried though as I can still access via wifi, and can get on to 3 Ireland customer care in the morning!

May I also add, your a legend, phone running like a dream mate!

5 stars!!!

daithi09

I've just started looking at the HTC desire today and didn't have an android before.. Anyway followed all the posts by PAMG and think he is an absolute genius, and his stalker an absolute dick that is trying to be smart. Now I didn't have a clue how much you could do with these phones until now but I am massively intrigued! I need a phone now(my one just broke) so I'm going try and get one tomorrow but apparently meteor are out of stock.. But from what I've read PAMG knows his stuff and if I have any probs that's where I'l be going, for a fee ofc.. Going to get researching but I'm sure I'l run into problems.. Sorry for my ignorance towards androids! I'l learn.

Dave147

PAMG is one of the few Android users on this forum whose posts I actually look out for, no offence to anyone else but there are alot of clueless users out there and it seems they are being helped by him, I know I couldn't be arsed!

Anything to promote the use of Android on boards should be encouraged not inhibited..


FREE PARTYATMYGAFF!

Ghandee

Moderators, if your reading this, pamg would be a perfect mod for the mobile forms (esp android) he certainly is no bull pooher, when it comes to knowing his stuff!

Disregard my earlier post about phone rooted, but no mobile internet access (phone started on data roaming by default) pamg had my phone rooted (correctly) now running 2.2, completely lag free, and its like having a brand new phone!

Partyatmygaff for moderator!

The Corinthian

As much as some of you want to have partyatmygaff's children, it is OT. Please return to the topic or get a room together - elsewhere. Only warning.

Ghandee

Uses his newly rooted android phone to search for rooms rented by the hour.........:D:D:D

Just tring to show our appreciation, thats all, sorry mods

sealgaire

partyatmygaff rooted my phone for me last night. If anybody needs help with doing this, I recommend you get in touch. He know his stuff!

brianw

i rooted my galaxy s recently in order to run the lag fix app. seemed to work well, but starting to notice a bit of lag again.

in order to avail of official 2.2 update whenever it comes, does the phone being rooted or not make any difference?

Ghandee

brianw wrote: »

i rooted my galaxy s recently in order to run the lag fix app. seemed to work well, but starting to notice a bit of lag again.

in order to avail of official 2.2 update whenever it comes, does the phone being rooted or not make any difference?

been wondering about this myself!
anyone shine any light on this? thanks to partyatmygaff, my phones also rooted, but curious as to wether or not froyo will update on a rooted machine?

partyatmygaff

brianw wrote: »

i rooted my galaxy s recently in order to run the lag fix app. seemed to work well, but starting to notice a bit of lag again.

in order to avail of official 2.2 update whenever it comes, does the phone being rooted or not make any difference?

Gucky wrote: »

been wondering about this myself!
anyone shine any light on this? thanks to partyatmygaff, my phones also rooted, but curious as to wether or not froyo will update on a rooted machine?

It won't really make any difference. You can flash your phone with any ROM rooted, unrooted FroYo or not through ODIN. All you'll miss is automatic OTA updates.

squire23

@partyatmygaff: Need to get my wife's Xperia X10 Mini Pro upgraded to at least 2.1. Is this possible? Checking out XDA there does appear to be a limited root process available but absloutely no custom ROM's