So I created this guide for a buddy at school and thought I would expand on it and share it.
First off you are going to need some files, you can download them strait to your phone or use a computer and transfer them to you sdcard.
The first thing I suggest to download is maderstcok - OTA 2.3.340 update.zip in case you run into problems and need to return to stock.
It can be found here: maderstcok - OTA 2.3.340 update.zip
Another way to do this is on your computer using RSD Lite and the current SBF file, If you brick your phone this can be a life saver.
RSD Lite 4.8: TBH announces Froyo System SBF and RSDLite 4.8
SBF: Full 2.3.340 Official sbf
Note: If using RSD Lite you will also need the usb drivers, RSD should install them but if for some reason they are not working right they can easily be found on Motorola's website.
Note: Both of these are great to have for when an update comes out because you must return to stock before you can install the OTA update. This can also be done by creating a backup after rooting, all you need to do then is restore the backup and unroot with z4root. Also if you chose to remove or freeze any bloatware you will need to restore them to their original state before you can apply the OTA.
Now that you have a way to fix any problem that may arise we can start the real fun.
The first thing you will need is z4root
z4root: [APP] z4root - xda-developers
Next you will need Droid X Bootstrapper (Only necessary if you intend to flash a custom Rom)
Droid X Bootstrapper: My Brain Hurts: Droid X Recovery (and Droid 2 too!)
And finally you will need a Rom if you so choose, Here are 3 popular Roms
ApeX 1.4.1: http://forum.androidcentral.com/mot...-droid-2-refinement-ease-use-2-22-2011-a.html
Liberty 1.5: http://forum.androidcentral.com/mot...an-one-giant-leap-liberty-1-5-2-2-2011-a.html
DarkSlide V4: DarkSlide V4 - .340 ROM - Style, Quadrant, Linpack Champ - Droid Forum - Verizon Droid & the Motorola Droid Forum
Note:Do not unzip the Rom after downloading.
These Roms seem to be the most popular, I won't suggest any of them because while I have used them and am currently running one of them, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so only you can chose which is best for you. Plus part of the fun is trying out different Roms!
Now you have almost everything needed to turn your stock X into your own personal power house, but before you start I highly suggest that you have an almost full charge, if not a full charge, in case any problems arise. This is because, while unlikely, if you do some how brick your phone it will not charge until you reinstall the software. There are ways to charge it should this arise but by having a full charge you can avoid these unpleasantries.
So with all that said lets get started rooting your phone!
Step one: Locate/Copy/Move the files necessary to sdcard
If you downloaded the files strait to your phone they can be found in the download folder, this is not a problem but it may be easier if you move them to the root of the sdcard, this can be done with the stock or 3rd party file manager. I suggest using Super Manager which can be found on the Android market (it seems to be the most full featured, free file manager out there).
Super manager: https://market.android.com/details?id=gpc.myweb.hinet.net.TaskManager&feature=search_result
If you downloaded the files on the computer simply Copy them to the sdcard.
You should have on your sdcard:
z4root
And if you want to flash a custom Rom:
Droid X bootstrapper
The Rom of your choosing
Step two: Uninstall lookout (If you use it, just temporary to root)
Step three: Go to Settings > Applications > Enable "Unknown Sources"
Step four: Install z4root from sdcard Using the stock or 3rd part File manager
Here is a video showing the z4root method http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC8v2SZXpw8
Thanks Cyber Warrior for posting it!
Step five: Open and Run z4root, May need to run more than once, will reboot once done
You are now rooted and can enjoy, wireless tether, under/overclocking, and other applications that require root like, Titanium Backup. You may also reinstall Lookout at this point.
Note: While I said Droid X Bootstrapper is only necessary if you intend to flash a custom Rom, It may be in you best interest to install it and Rom Manager so that you can create a backup in case you decide to further customize your device later on down the road.
The following steps only pertain to persons wishing to install a custom rom
Step six: Download "Rom Manager" from market, open it and flash recovery
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.koushikdutta.rommanager&feature=search_result
Step seven: Install DX Bootstrapper
Step eight: Open Bootstrapper, Bootstrap, Reboot recovery
In recovery
Here is a video of the installation process in recovery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQByUmKCCc4
Thanks again to Cyber Warrior for posting it!
Note: This video is for the Droid 2, some of the step shown are not necessary and or different but the video is a good reference nonetheless.
To navigate use the volume up and down keys to scroll and the camera button to select, the Back button will return you to the previous menu.
Step nine: Create Backup
Backup and Restore > Backup
Step ten: Wipe data/Factory Reset
Step eleven: Install zip from sdcard
Choose zip from sdcard > locate and select your Rom of choice
Step twelve: Once finished press the back button and select: Reboot system now
Your phone will reboot, now with whatever custom flavor you have chosen, Enjoy!
Thanks to everyone in the Android Community that has provided us with the ability to do this, I would list them all but to be honest I couldn't tell you who they all are, but thanks none the less!
First off you are going to need some files, you can download them strait to your phone or use a computer and transfer them to you sdcard.
The first thing I suggest to download is maderstcok - OTA 2.3.340 update.zip in case you run into problems and need to return to stock.
It can be found here: maderstcok - OTA 2.3.340 update.zip
Another way to do this is on your computer using RSD Lite and the current SBF file, If you brick your phone this can be a life saver.
RSD Lite 4.8: TBH announces Froyo System SBF and RSDLite 4.8
SBF: Full 2.3.340 Official sbf
Note: If using RSD Lite you will also need the usb drivers, RSD should install them but if for some reason they are not working right they can easily be found on Motorola's website.
Note: Both of these are great to have for when an update comes out because you must return to stock before you can install the OTA update. This can also be done by creating a backup after rooting, all you need to do then is restore the backup and unroot with z4root. Also if you chose to remove or freeze any bloatware you will need to restore them to their original state before you can apply the OTA.
Now that you have a way to fix any problem that may arise we can start the real fun.
The first thing you will need is z4root
z4root: [APP] z4root - xda-developers
Next you will need Droid X Bootstrapper (Only necessary if you intend to flash a custom Rom)
Droid X Bootstrapper: My Brain Hurts: Droid X Recovery (and Droid 2 too!)
And finally you will need a Rom if you so choose, Here are 3 popular Roms
ApeX 1.4.1: http://forum.androidcentral.com/mot...-droid-2-refinement-ease-use-2-22-2011-a.html
Liberty 1.5: http://forum.androidcentral.com/mot...an-one-giant-leap-liberty-1-5-2-2-2011-a.html
DarkSlide V4: DarkSlide V4 - .340 ROM - Style, Quadrant, Linpack Champ - Droid Forum - Verizon Droid & the Motorola Droid Forum
Note:Do not unzip the Rom after downloading.
These Roms seem to be the most popular, I won't suggest any of them because while I have used them and am currently running one of them, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so only you can chose which is best for you. Plus part of the fun is trying out different Roms!
Now you have almost everything needed to turn your stock X into your own personal power house, but before you start I highly suggest that you have an almost full charge, if not a full charge, in case any problems arise. This is because, while unlikely, if you do some how brick your phone it will not charge until you reinstall the software. There are ways to charge it should this arise but by having a full charge you can avoid these unpleasantries.
So with all that said lets get started rooting your phone!
Step one: Locate/Copy/Move the files necessary to sdcard
If you downloaded the files strait to your phone they can be found in the download folder, this is not a problem but it may be easier if you move them to the root of the sdcard, this can be done with the stock or 3rd party file manager. I suggest using Super Manager which can be found on the Android market (it seems to be the most full featured, free file manager out there).
Super manager: https://market.android.com/details?id=gpc.myweb.hinet.net.TaskManager&feature=search_result
If you downloaded the files on the computer simply Copy them to the sdcard.
You should have on your sdcard:
z4root
And if you want to flash a custom Rom:
Droid X bootstrapper
The Rom of your choosing
Step two: Uninstall lookout (If you use it, just temporary to root)
Step three: Go to Settings > Applications > Enable "Unknown Sources"
Step four: Install z4root from sdcard Using the stock or 3rd part File manager
Here is a video showing the z4root method http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC8v2SZXpw8
Thanks Cyber Warrior for posting it!
Step five: Open and Run z4root, May need to run more than once, will reboot once done
You are now rooted and can enjoy, wireless tether, under/overclocking, and other applications that require root like, Titanium Backup. You may also reinstall Lookout at this point.
Note: While I said Droid X Bootstrapper is only necessary if you intend to flash a custom Rom, It may be in you best interest to install it and Rom Manager so that you can create a backup in case you decide to further customize your device later on down the road.
The following steps only pertain to persons wishing to install a custom rom
Step six: Download "Rom Manager" from market, open it and flash recovery
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.koushikdutta.rommanager&feature=search_result
Step seven: Install DX Bootstrapper
Step eight: Open Bootstrapper, Bootstrap, Reboot recovery
In recovery
Here is a video of the installation process in recovery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQByUmKCCc4
Thanks again to Cyber Warrior for posting it!
Note: This video is for the Droid 2, some of the step shown are not necessary and or different but the video is a good reference nonetheless.
To navigate use the volume up and down keys to scroll and the camera button to select, the Back button will return you to the previous menu.
Step nine: Create Backup
Backup and Restore > Backup
Step ten: Wipe data/Factory Reset
Step eleven: Install zip from sdcard
Choose zip from sdcard > locate and select your Rom of choice
Step twelve: Once finished press the back button and select: Reboot system now
Your phone will reboot, now with whatever custom flavor you have chosen, Enjoy!
Thanks to everyone in the Android Community that has provided us with the ability to do this, I would list them all but to be honest I couldn't tell you who they all are, but thanks none the less!
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