Tuesday, January 15, 2013

HTC Desire HD - Root and Install Custom ROM

This tutorial is on how to root and install custom ROM on HTC DHD.

 WARNING : Do it at your own risk!

Basically, grab a copy of Advanced Ace Hack Kit, make sure you read all the instruction and your phone meet the requirements. 

Let's prepare your phone for root :
  • Plugin your phone to your computer's USB
  • Make sure the mode is set to Charge only.
  • Turn on USB debugging: Menu -> Settings ->Applications -> Development -> Check USB Debugging
  • Check your SD card is good and not corrupted.
Let's root :
  • Download the AAHK and make sure you read all the instructions very carefully.
  • Read effen-manual.html which is located in the root folder).
  • Run (as Administrator) hack-ace.cmd 
  • Enter passkey located at /tools/txt/CAJUN.TXT
  • Change the flash method to hbootPD98IMG
  • Choose 1 and enter
  • Now wait and watch as fun begins... :) AAHK screenshot
If you are using Android 2.3.5 on your DHD then you need to perform about steps two times. First to downgrade to 2.3.3 and than real root.  

Now it's time to download and install custom ROM.

After the rooting is complete, you should now have a fully working rooted Android phone. Next it's time to install a custom ROM. This is easy.

Download ROM Manager from Play Store.  Open the app and choose Flash ClockworkMod Recovery the first thing you do.
ROM Manager

There are many cool ROMs available for HTC DHD. Download your favorite and rename as update.zip. 
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1539423 is one of the best and worth trying...
In ROM Manager, choose Install ROM from SD Card, tap update. It is always good idea to Backup Existing ROM, Wipe Data and Cache, Wipe Dalvik Cache and proceed.