Rooting - pitfalls?

[CaroGB]

So, very helpful information here about rooting and getting rid of T-Mobile USA. Getting ready to do this, but I would greatly appreciate, being a "one burned/twice shy" type person, to know what I have to prepare for when I root (beyond the assistance here already).

If easier to just link me up to a resource to read through, I will welcome the steer.

1) what are the applications inherent in HTC that I will keep? In other words, can I still use my phone once I root or is there some or lots of programming I need to download to restore capability.

2) are there any "must haves" that I have to address once I root - things like anti-hacking/virus/worm programmes, contact/phone list capabilities, wifi or network enablers, and so forth.

3) do I need to back up my SIM in some way to keep photos or contacts before I root?

4) similar to point (1) above, what programmes will be lost that T-Mobile would have added on or enhanced so that I can choose what to replace (with non-T-Mobile branding or amendments) or decide to not worry about having?

My apologies if this is terribly naive but I'm not a programming type of person, but I can follow instructions and learn as much as I can!

 

[211]

The short answer is, if you root and install Revolution HD ROM your phone will look and feel exactly how it is now. Nothing changes other than the removal of Tmobile bloatware and improved performance.
If you flash a different rom, the "stock" look and feel will be replaced with whatever style the new rom has; e.g. miui roms tend to look and feel like an iPhone.
Other than that, regardless of rom, you will still maintain the basic functionality of the phone; phone, text, web, etc. just a different look and feel (and usually better performance... I say "usually")

1)If you flash with Revolution HD you will not loose anything other than the TMobile garbage. Nothing else required on your part unless you want to customize using marketplace replacement apps.

2)Not really. Unless you want virus protection. I personally don't use it. As with anything, be sure to back up your contacts first. Wifi, network, phone etc remain intact.

3)Yes/No. Yes... because it's not a bad idea to back up your photos/videos/music etc, contacts "YES" for sure (that will get wiped). No... because the flashing process does not write to the part of your SD card you photos are on. Again, it's always good practice to back up anything you don't want to loose.

4)This is entierly up to you. Regardless of what ROM you flash, you will loose all of the TMobile bull$h!t. For the majority of the people that flash an alt rom, this is a desired affect. It's a beneficial trade off. Assuming you're flashing with RevHD, the phone runs much smoother and battery life more than quadruples.
There is nothing that the Stock rom had that I miss (including the TMob crap), well I kinda miss the Visual Voice mail but I think you can get that back.

Here's the bottom line...
Run a Titanium backup before you flash. This will backup all your apps and settings.
Run a Nandroid backup before you flash. This will backup your entire phone in its "STOCK" configuration.

Titanium= easily restores the apps and settings to your new rom so if you have custom contacts apps or a custom dialer, you get all that back pretty seamlessly

Nandroid= if you don't like your new rom restore it back to stock.

You have nothing to loose really. If you don't like it, change it back.

 

[spoggle]

It kind of sounds like your primary interest is in leaving T-Mobile, in which case all you really need to do is unlock the phone - which I think should leave warranty in effect, where rooting it will void it. Also, rooting is not the same as unlocking.

 

[CaroGB]

Thank you so much for very clear, helpful info that has allayed some of my concerns/worries about being left with a useless or vulnerable phone if I change it without knowing enough to undertake the task!