FastbootRoot vs ROMTools

[OptimusPrimeV]

Hi guys, Im a noob and Ive got some noob questions, I apologize. Ive been reading the forum here nonstop for like a week but a couple things I havent been able to clarify myself. Im ready to root and decided It'd suite me best to flash the Harmonia Rom with Xionia Recovery. Here are my questions:

First ROMTools & FastbootRoot can I root with either of these (probably the latter hence the name..) or should I first root with Gingerbreak then use one of these programs to flash a custom recovery?
Second, with ROMTools I thought I read the Xionia Recovery came with it, will this automatically install this recovery?
And lastly, as far as returning everything back to stock if ever need be which of these programs would be best?
I appreciate any help here and I should also mention I have Optimus V w/Android 2.2.1 FRG83. Again thanks everyone, sorry bout the lame questions!

 

[yogi4]

I'm so glad you spent time and read a lot. I have no experience with fastbootroot. But I have used ROMTools and swear by it. It's easy, come's with the lg drivers and it will also root your phone. I do believe it comes with a recovery. When you flash your recovery to your phone (option 2) I do believe it reboots into recovery. MAKE A BACKUP!!! Before you do anything else!!! Go here for more info. Hope this helps and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[mmarz]

RomTools sends some predefined adb commands for you.
Fastbootroot sends some predefined fastboot commands for you.

Everything these tools do you can type out by hand. You are probably better off rooting with gingerbrick, and then using adb to install a custom recovery. Once you master commands of adb and fastboot, then use these tools to save you time.

For returning back to stock, fastboot will get you there no matter how badly you screw up. But the easiest way to get back to stock is to download the stock nandroid backup from here: http://forums.androidcentral.com/vi...58106-how-return-your-phone-stock-mostly.html
And restore it using your recovery.

 

[yogi4]

Oh, I also forgot to mention that it is recommended you use the Xionia_CWMA_12518.4_VM_Recovery.zip for the OV. You can find the recoveries here. Download it, unzip it into the ROMTools folder and rename it 'vrecovery'. If you decide to go this route.

 

[OptimusPrimeV]

Great, thanks for the info you guys. Im going to do as mmarz suggested but Im going to use gingerbreak to gain root, I considered doing that the longhand route and Im confident I could do it but I think for my first time I'll get some help from an automated way. Then I'll flash recovery through adb. I'll let you know how it goes!