Talk me into rooting my Hero

[Hitt]

I love my Hero but I am looking to get more out of it but I am not sure about rooting. I vaguely understand what rooting is and it seems pretty difficult for someone like me who doesn't have a lot of understanding of the subject. If someone could take their time to explain rooting to me I would really appreciate it. What is the best ROM to use?

 

[srkmagnus]

Here is a good faq with regards to rooting: http://forum.androidcentral.com/hac...ed-questions-concerns-about-rooting-here.html

With regards to the ROM, it's all up to personal preference. Try the ROMs here and the ones on XDA for the Hero. Since you will be rooting, you will want to create a Nandroid backup of the phone in a freshly rooted state and flash away. Remember you can flash any Sprint Hero ROM and revert back to a backup at any time.

I'm using Cyanogen 6 (Froyo) by Darchstar. It's good and stable. If you like sense, then you'll want to try any ROM based off the Sprint 2.1 release.

**Edit**
Once rooted you'll have access to much of the phones inner workings for modification (if you plan on learning to develop). There are other good apps which require root access, such as Wireless Tether.

 

[Hitt]

Thank you!

Is there any step by step instructions to root? How do I create a Nandroid backup? How to run Cyanogen? I've seen Cyanogen mentioned everywhere..

Will it work on a CDMA Hero?

 

[beezy]

Thank you!

Is there any step by step instructions to root? How do I create a Nandroid backup? How to run Cyanogen? I've seen Cyanogen mentioned everywhere..

Will it work on a CDMA Hero?

Which version of android is on your phone android 1.5 or 2.1 if it's 1.5 then the guide is stickied at the top of the forum(by gbhil) if you have 2.1 there a thread around here.( http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc-hero-roms-hacks/15229-guide-rooting-2-1-a.html ) to root 2.1.
Nadroid backups can only be made once you have root and a custom recovery(the guides will root and put a custom recovery on there).
As for Cyanogen yes it will work on the hero.It's the same process as flashing anyother rom.When you find a rom read the whole first post almost all developers tell you how to flash their rom.

 

[Hitt]

Firmware 2.1 Update 1
Software 2.31.651.7

 

[beezy]

Firmware 2.1 Update 1
Software 2.31.651.7

I see your updated to the most recent.Im not sure if the guide to rooting the old 2.1 would work.Might have to wait and see if someone roots the new ota.Im sure someone know around here if theres away to root it.

 

[nfinitefx]

Firmware 2.1 Update 1
Software 2.31.651.7

well as you are up to the latest release you will need to run the 2.27.651.5 ruu to downgrade you current firmware. at this point you can then root and load a custom rom.
There are many roms to pick from even a stock rooted 2.31.651.7 if you want to stay stock but with root access.

Go to this link and you will find everything you need to downgrade and root.

 

[aquaboy1976]

Rooting and then flashing CM6 allowed me to get a lot more battery life!