I decided to do some extensive research on the following questions and while some were answered, most weren't.
For those of you who may or may not remember the good ol' days with the htc hero..where one click roots were common. Apps like z4root plunged me into the fantastic world of rooting. Now rooting is much more difficult, as I have come to determine with other sources. I am eligible for an upgrade and am going to get the HTC Evo 4G LTE. I would like to root it but keep the original stock rom as it has all these awesome features that come along with it. Unfortunately I heard that you can't get OTA software updates while rooted. I don't know if this means it just won't allow me to do it or if it'll brick my phone trying. This is an issue I haven't come across before as I had the HTC hero and it no longer received software updates. I did however see that some people said developers offer these updates with some additional features right out of the box. Does that mean people will be having sense roms perfected so to speak when the OTA software updates come out? Because that then leaves me with the question of having to unroot my phone. On another note z4root claims to be able to unroot phones instantly no matter how you rooted it. I really do want to root it because I'd like to take advantage of the apparent good features of sense...while deleting that annoying bloatware and having wifi tether. Until that EVO then gets to a point of dinasaur speed..at which I am fully ready to jump into Cyanogenmod. They have truly won me over. So just wondering if this is possible. Please feel free to correct any noob mistakes or wrong information as I am learning and need to continue to do so. Oh and last thing...if it's true that developers will be taking sense roms and adding stuff into it so people like me can have those new updates with root still..where would I go about finding such updates? Websites..etc. Thank you!
If you want to root it you can do it through HTC or go for s-off depending on your hboot.
Either way after an ota comes out there will be the updated stock from posted here if you want to get the updates. With HTC dev to unlock you get relocked if you take the ota's.
S-off you never want to take ota's as it may change your hboot and you may lose your ability for s-off in the future.
Also check out the stickies at the top of the forums for info on rooting the evo lte.
Naters
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda app-developers app
islandjat said:
I decided to do some extensive research on the following questions and while some were answered, most weren't.
For those of you who may or may not remember the good ol' days with the htc hero..where one click roots were common. Apps like z4root plunged me into the fantastic world of rooting. Now rooting is much more difficult, as I have come to determine with other sources. I am eligible for an upgrade and am going to get the HTC Evo 4G LTE. I would like to root it but keep the original stock rom as it has all these awesome features that come along with it. Unfortunately I heard that you can't get OTA software updates while rooted. I don't know if this means it just won't allow me to do it or if it'll brick my phone trying. This is an issue I haven't come across before as I had the HTC hero and it no longer received software updates. I did however see that some people said developers offer these updates with some additional features right out of the box. Does that mean people will be having sense roms perfected so to speak when the OTA software updates come out? Because that then leaves me with the question of having to unroot my phone. On another note z4root claims to be able to unroot phones instantly no matter how you rooted it. I really do want to root it because I'd like to take advantage of the apparent good features of sense...while deleting that annoying bloatware and having wifi tether. Until that EVO then gets to a point of dinasaur speed..at which I am fully ready to jump into Cyanogenmod. They have truly won me over. So just wondering if this is possible. Please feel free to correct any noob mistakes or wrong information as I am learning and need to continue to do so. Oh and last thing...if it's true that developers will be taking sense roms and adding stuff into it so people like me can have those new updates with root still..where would I go about finding such updates? Websites..etc. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lot of different questions compacted into that large paragraph. Not clear on which questions you want answered and in what priority. I'll do my best to throw out some answers.
First, comparing the EVO LTE to the Hero will result in a bit of confusion. If z4root worked on the Hero, then the Hero did not have write protected internal memory. In the world of security, otherwise known as methods to prevent root access, internal memory write protection is one of the more complicated methods used on modern cell phones. Due to the complexity of the internal memory write protection, there are very few people and groups capable of reverse engineering and bypassing this security, which is why there aren't very many tools, usually only one or two. Prior to this internal memory write protection, back in the z4root days, methods of gaining root access were much simpler.
Now, to the modern day HTC devices with the internal memory locked down. HTC offers and official tool, after many users requested, that allows *most* of the internal memory to be unlocked and root access gained. There are some 3rd party methods of internally unlocking the memory, but these are rare due to the required complexity.
In regards to applying OTA updates, other than the internal memory locking controlled by the bootloader, as mentioned above, OTA updates have charged relatively little to the days of the Hero. All OTA updates remove root access, but in a very simple manner by changing permissions. This can easily be restored. On the other hand, HTC OTA updates sometimes will update the bootloader, which can have the impact of relocking the internal memory, or patching a 3rd party memory unlock solution.
All frustrations with gaining root access should be directed at the carrier and manufacturer as they have intentionally devoted time and labor to developing these methods and they are the only parties with the power to directly change the process.
Hope that information helps fill in a few gaps on the changes that have occurred from the Hero to the EVO LTE in regards to root access/security!
Wow you guys are fast I think e everything was answered. But now I have two new ones. So I can root it through HTC..could you please explain how I would go about doing this? Do I just send it to them asking them to root it? And as for the updating without having to unroot it developers will post like SENSE with additional out of the box stuff here I just gotta find it .
THANKS!!!
islandjat said:
Wow you guys are fast I think e everything was answered. But now I have two new ones. So I can root it through HTC..could you please explain how I would go about doing this? Do I just send it to them asking them to root it? And as for the updating without having to unroot it developers will post like SENSE with additional out of the box stuff here I just gotta find it .
THANKS!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
htcdev.com
Go there and you can use the tool to unlock. As previous user posted, it allows most, NOT all, of the internal storage/memory/partitions to be written to.
You will void your warranty with HTC doing this though, however, most sprint stores from what I have read, don't know that you used the tool to unlock unless they specifically check for it in the HBOOT.
If you are on the 1.13 software, then, you can use the LazyPanda method to root and obtain full S-OFF (all paritions unlocked). If on 1.22, your only option at this point is to use the official HTC dev unlock method.
If you are on 1.15 use this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1690919
Its HTC dev unlock and all completely automated. It will unlock your phone, put on a custom recovery, and root teh stock ROM
If you have 1.13 run lazy landa to S-OFF
Thanks guys will do!
Related
I have always been one to keep my OS and apps up-to-date, even using custom ROMs on my pre-Android, Windows Mobile devices. Right now I have the latest official ROM installed, but would like to apply/install some of the nifty things rooted phones can eg. SetCPU, Titanium Backup, etc. Now here's the newbie/naive question. Why doesn't the Android OS come pre-rooted? If we want to mess around with our phones and potentially turn them into expensive paperweights then that should be our decision. To me, going root seems to be a choice tricky to go to and difficult to return from, and one that disallows future "official" updates. Damned if I do... damned if I don't syndrome. Do the benefits so greatly outnumber the (perceived) risks?
My Hero, and the XDA app, made this post possible.
It doesn't come pre-rooted because of the security breaches that would allow. Think about it...
Get universal androot and you can use most of the programs you mentioned. Really simple. Click root and you have root - click unroot and you have a non rooted phone. Couldn't be simpler. You've been reading those out of date guides again
Even from a Custom ROM it's really easy to return. I don't know where you've got your information from but its incorrect or outdated XD
It's about the money.
Who would upgrade to a new handset when their existing one will receive perpetual updates from the community?
Again, new to Android so security breeches are unknown to me. I fairly regularly modded my WM phone (also HTC) but guess I am wary of the negative responses I read every so often. I am sure though that once I start on this platform there will be no stopping me. Regardless, even something as 'simple' as rooting elicits a number of "oh, I bricked my phone" statements. Mostly, I guess, I am looking for that (maybe not so) gentle push to get me going. Thanks for the responses all the same.
My Hero, and the XDA app, made this post possible.
O no - the security breaches are not android specific! If you have root (administrator) access on ANY system it is a security hazard. If someone somehow got access to the system they would also have full admin rights and therefore the ability to do what they like. It doesn't matter whether its Windows 7, Windows phone, PalmPre, Blackberry, iPhone - the reason phones don't come with root access is because it would make that phone a target for hackers. Also most people (like yourself) clearly don't understand what root access means. AFAIK there have been no major android security breaches - its meant to be one of the most secure platforms but it is at least partly because root access is not allowed by standard that it is so secure. For this reason modding your WM phone is just as risky (if not more) as doing it on Android - just no-one mentions the security aspects of it.
Rant over. Hopefully you understand a little bit more about what you're doing when you get root access now. In order to do so and start tinkering with your system there is a guide here for you: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=645253
btdag said:
It doesn't come pre-rooted because of the security breaches that would allow. Think about it...
Get universal androot and you can use most of the programs you mentioned. Really simple. Click root and you have root - click unroot and you have a non rooted phone. Couldn't be simpler. You've been reading those out of date guides again
Even from a Custom ROM it's really easy to return. I don't know where you've got your information from but its incorrect or outdated XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? How? Did I miss this comming out.......oh yes I see it's in the Nexus section which I dont go near cos I have a Hero...however Thanks for the pointer
Oddly enough I did administrate a UNIX network years ago, and not that long ago a Windows 2000 server environment. Stupidly I am now realising the similarities and connections. A light just went on... of course, root. Unix prided itself on security, and a superuser (like I was) is king. "Rooting" (the word) used here just didn't seem the same. But what you are also saying is that the phones can be compromised from external sources, like any network? And/or via malicious software granted root access?
My Hero, and the XDA app, made this post possible.
Android has it's own user account control system in the form of the superuser prompt.
But it's easy to bypass If you're clever, although with universal androot, everyone should be careful what they do on non rooted handsets too.
So I'm new to the whole Android scene and rooting and such. So what are the most common things to do when you root it? And also since HTC is releasing the ICS update soon should I wait until after it comes out to root it? I'm coming from an iPhone so I'm still have limited knowledge in this but do have experience modding a bunch of devices.
Thanks.
Dr.Strangelove. said:
So I'm new to the whole Android scene and rooting and such. So what are the most common things to do when you root it? And also since HTC is releasing the ICS update soon should I wait until after it comes out to root it? I'm coming from an iPhone so I'm still have limited knowledge in this but do have experience modding a bunch of devices.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of now the only real advantage of rooting is is removing the bloatware.
You can also backup, restore and experiment with custom roms (very limited number to date however) that give you a few other minor options such as the wifi calling that HTC pulled right after the release of the device.
So far we are not able to overclock or anything like that because HTC hasn't released the kernel source yet.
Be aware that you void your warranty by rooting according to the htcdev site. You'll get the notice when you unlock your bootloader.
By the way... odds are that we'll have ICS way before HTC releases the update to our phones. So if you do decide to root you will probably have ICS months before the official update is released. You can literally go around and show everyone the new update weeks before they get it themselves. Kind of a cool feeling.
Binary100100 said:
As of now the only real advantage of rooting is is removing the bloatware.
You can also backup, restore and experiment with custom roms (very limited number to date however) that give you a few other minor options such as the wifi calling that HTC pulled right after the release of the device.
So far we are not able to overclock or anything like that because HTC hasn't released the kernel source yet.
Be aware that you void your warranty by rooting according to the htcdev site. You'll get the notice when you unlock your bootloader.
By the way... odds are that we'll have ICS way before HTC releases the update to our phones. So if you do decide to root you will probably have ICS months before the official update is released. You can literally go around and show everyone the new update weeks before they get it themselves. Kind of a cool feeling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all that info. It's good to know that I can backup and restore and experiment with custom roms. I heard about bricking your phone and was afraid to mess around with it because of that. I liked on the iPhone how if you messed up you could just restore it and start over. And just to clarify rooting unlocks the bootloader right? Or is that something different?
Thanks.
there is no way to brick your phone right now becuase htc only allows you certian access that wont brick it you can restore if things go bad
It looks like HTC has unlocked all Android bootloaders[/URL] from smartphones launched after September 2011. I have just received the Amaze about a week ago.
Unfortunately I can't post the link since I don't have enough posts. But if you go to tmonews you will see the link and information HTC has posted. HTC has on there site :
All HTC Android devices launched after September 2011 are unlockable. The website will be updated accordingly to reflect this in the coming weeks. We continue to work on models launched prior to September 2011, please check back often for the status of older devices.
Please correct me if I am wrong and need more clarification on this feature that HTC is giving us - Am I correct to believe this feature will root your phone. I will take it as yes as this is what I am to gather from reading. So with this root that HTC is allowing - buy question is:
The last time I rooted a phone was believe it or not - the myTouch 3g - the original. So its been a while. I would like a new rom on this new Amaze. There are many out there, but I am not familiar with reliability and there is just so many rome- its confusing. Can someone please tell me which rom would be the way to go for the Amaze 4G. The options I would like would be simple like the wifi hotspot, wifi calling, good memory etc etc....basically the rom that comes with the phone is fine in my book, but it doesn't allow for hot spot due to the cost, and thats basically my biggest problem.
So any help would be appreciated.
Peace
sfowler39 said:
It looks like HTC has unlocked all Android bootloaders[/URL] from smartphones launched after September 2011. I have just received the Amaze about a week ago.
Unfortunately I can't post the link since I don't have enough posts. But if you go to tmonews you will see the link and information HTC has posted. HTC has on there site :
All HTC Android devices launched after September 2011 are unlockable. The website will be updated accordingly to reflect this in the coming weeks. We continue to work on models launched prior to September 2011, please check back often for the status of older devices.
Please correct me if I am wrong and need more clarification on this feature that HTC is giving us - Am I correct to believe this feature will root your phone. I will take it as yes as this is what I am to gather from reading. So with this root that HTC is allowing - buy question is:
The last time I rooted a phone was believe it or not - the myTouch 3g - the original. So its been a while. I would like a new rom on this new Amaze. There are many out there, but I am not familiar with reliability and there is just so many rome- its confusing. Can someone please tell me which rom would be the way to go for the Amaze 4G. The options I would like would be simple like the wifi hotspot, wifi calling, good memory etc etc....basically the rom that comes with the phone is fine in my book, but it doesn't allow for hot spot due to the cost, and thats basically my biggest problem.
So any help would be appreciated.
Peace
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking your bootloader does not give you root by itself.
You can obtain root but flashing a custom recovery by fastboot (which you should be familiar with coming from another HTC device) then flashing a custom rom from the recovery. However it's important to note that you must unlock your bootloader to fastboot flash anything. Also this device is very much different than the MT3G device. This device is much easier to root (provided you already unlocked your bootloader) but we cannot flash kernels by custom recovery, can't update radios, etc until we get s-off. Regarding S-OFf... doesn't look like it'll happen anytime soom.
Crazy... This phone is awesome. Would think people would be on it like stink on $hit. Wish I could do it.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Thanks, Binary - well at least this clears things up for me. Now I have to decide...errr...thanks again and take care.
I want to root only to remove some built-in apps including HTCLinkifydispatcher.apk.
However, I don't want to deal with any issues related to: having 3rd party apps running on a rooted device that also handles my money money, receiving any OTA updates, and warranty eligibility.
<< If my above assumptions of potential issues are wrong, please correct me ! >>
I know rooting is just getting underway and that I need to wait patiently wait for the unroot process as well, but I'm curious if my following plan makes sense:
1. Root phone
2. Remove apps I don't want
3. Unroot phone
4. OTA updates come as needed. If a major OTA update adds back a removed app I dont want, repeat steps (1-3) as needed once the community has had a chance to root/unroot the OTA update
Whoops just realized that this might be better for Q+A forum, so feel free to move the topic there.
I just froze the above apk with TB. The usual open with dialogue did not come up. I think it's going to take alot more than just getting rid of the htc apk's to return that type of functionality.
gpz1100 said:
I just froze the above apk with TB. The usual open with dialogue did not come up. I think it's going to take alot more than just getting rid of the htc apk's to return that type of functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I see, good to know going in before I make the plunge and get this phone. I hope the situation improves (maybe HTC can really improve the preset linking capabilities) because from the threads I've seen so far quite a few linkable objects just don't work or redirect to the wrong thing (especially linkable objects the HTC linker app doesn't know about).
I'm hopeful CM will have something mostly functional before the year's end or sooner. While some prefer aosp, I really want an OS that has no HTC apk's in it . For the longest time I didn't want to switch from sense. After some prodding from another member here, I saw the light. While it took more time to get cm configured to my liking, eventually it was perfect. Everything worked (99%), and there was no bloat at all.
Since I asked a lot of question on this forum I would like to share the answers with everybody and maybe help them.
NOTE: Please don't post any replys as I want to keep the post clean and room for updates, send me a PM if you have and idea or any fails that I made in this post, if this post helped you don't post hit just the thanks button. Cheers.
Current list of questions with answers(will be updated):
Why would I want to root my phone?
Is rooting worth the trouble?
Is rooting illegal?
Will I have any customer support?
Is it dangerous?
Isn't rooting a complex and difficult process?
Will I still receive operating system updates from my carrier?
Application updates?
What if I want to un-root my phone?
Do I run the risk of bricking my phone?
Could my phone overheat and explode?
Why would I want to root my phone?
Everything in a Linux system is a file, or is treated as a file. Since Android runs on top of Linux, it acts the same way. Most of the files you will need to access or change are available to you without having elevated permissions. "Most" being the key term here. When you want to do things that affect or change the core software of your device -- like updating the version of Android on your phone, or adding a nice piece of software from another device -- you'll have to do it as root. Dream and Magic users have been running Eclair on their phones for a good while now, and it’s because they have rooted their device. Rooting also gives you access to some handy software that you couldn’t use otherwise. Things like a complete system backup or ad blocking software require you to root your device. Don’t root your phone just for the sake of rooting your phone, but if you come across something you feel you could use or would like to have, then consider it. You'll find that the open source community is usually pretty helpful and encouraging new people to do new things is common. And when you get to the point where you can lend a hand to the new folks, pay it forward.
Is rooting worth the trouble?
The answer is a resounding yes. The phone is faster than it has ever been, the battery lasts longer, and have all kinds of new features, including free wireless tethering and notification-bar widgets. Rooting your phone is generally a fairly quick process, though the complexity depends on your specific situation. Once you're rooted your handset, you can begin installing apps (many directly from Android Market) that will take advantage of your handset's new capabilities. Installing custom ROMs (replacement operating systems) built by hackers is a longer, more involved process , and generally involves your wiping all the data from your phone, but even that is worthwhile.
Is rooting illegal?
Nope. You bought the phone, it's your equipment, you own it, and you can do what you want with it. No one is going to come and get you, and your service provider will not cancel your contract. In fact, the U.S. federal government recognized the legality of rooting a phone in July 2010.
What you will do, however, is void the warranty on your device. If you don't want to live without a warranty, rooting isn't for you. Personally, I finally decided to take the plunge when I realized that the potential benefits outweighed the potential consequences. My phone was becoming slow and buggy, with lots of force-closes, and I was just about eligible for an upgrade anyway.
Will I have any customer support?
Rooting can be daunting because there is no toll-free number you can call for help, and no governing body to which you can turn for definitive answers. But the collective process of rooting phones and creating custom ROMs has engendered cool and supportive communities. The user-generated forums out there contain a staggering amount of information; the CyanogenMod forum has offered answers to almost all of my questions, as has the XDA Developers forum, but you can find many more. No matter your question, the forums most likely already have threads that can answer it. If you really can't find anything, you can always start a new thread to ask your question. If you think you've really mucked things up and you need immediate help, many IRC chat channels specialize in support for rooters. (Download an IRC client on your computer and head to irc.freenode.net, where the channels #android and #android-root are particularly helpful.)
Is it dangerous?
It can be, It might, and Yes. By not allowing access to the superuser account, the manufacturer and your carrier have basically protected you from doing things that change the system and make it unusable. All it takes is one wrong keystroke to turn your shiny new Android phone into a plastic and metal brick with no connection. Most times this is recoverable, but not always. You have to decide how capable you feel you are, and how well written the instructions you’ve found seem to be. Nobody will blame you if you decide against the risk, especially your cell carrier. All major carriers and manufacturers plainly state that altering or using unapproved software voids your warranty, and rooting falls into that category. While that seems a bit harsh, they need to be able to support the products they sell. For that to happen, they need to know exactly what’s running and what it’s doing.
Apps that run as root need a little further consideration. You need to have a level of trust in the person who wrote the app first and foremost. Does the developer have other software available? Do the user comments (for Market apps) have anything that raises a red flag? Do the requested permissions seem a little odd? These are all questions you need to think about before you allow something to run as root. For a further level of security, think about installing an application that warns you anytime something tries to run as root. SuperUser Whitelist is a great little app that does exactly that. If you decide to go on and root, ask users with the same device as you for a link to a version of SuperUser Whitelist that works with your firmware. Once installed, anytime something wants to run as root, the app intercepts and asks if you would like to allow it. You’re given the choice to accept, decline, or grant the app in question full privileges each time it runs.
One last thing to touch on here. Many custom ROMs include some sort of SSH server. This can be a wonderful tool, or it can get you in hot water. This is what caused the whole “Rick-Roll” episode with the latest iPhone jailbreak. The server sits and waits for an outside connection, and if that connection provides the right password full control of the device is turned over. In the case of the iPhone, users never bothered to change the default SSH password for root. A clever (or devious) group of users simply scanned for servers listening on the correct port, then attempted to sign in as root with the default password. Lesson learned, but this is easy to prevent. Ask other users of the ROM or firmware you’re thinking of flashing if there is a server listening, and if so how to disable it or change the default password.
Isn't rooting a complex and difficult process?
Yes and no. It really depends on what model of phone you have. On many phones (such as the Nexus One, Motorola Defy, or EVO 4G) the process is incredibly easy: You can download an app such as Simple Root, Universal 1-Click, or Z4root that will safely root your phone with a single click. Those apps are no longer available from the Android Market, but you can find them online with a simple search and install them onto an SD Card.
It is important to note that different approaches will work for different phones. For example, Z4root will work on many Android phones, but it won't work on most HTC models. Some rooting apps will work on an early build of Android 2.2 (Froyo), but will not work on later builds (though more and more apps are being released for that now). Rooting is phone/OS specific, so make sure to check that the root tool you're considering is compatible with your phone. For other models, rooting may take much more work. You might be required to connect the phone to your computer and enter some lines of code in a terminal utility.
Fortunately, more and more root apps do not require you to hook up your computer and get in that deep. Do some research as to what is required for your setup, read some step-by-step guides, and be honest with yourself about how comfortable you would be trying to follow the directions. If it feels like you'd be in over your head, it's probably best to avoid rooting.
Note that generally rooting is even tougher to do if you use a Mac, as most of the software for doing this sort of thing is written for Windows or Linux.
Will I still receive operating system updates from my carrier?
Maybe. More than likely if you’ve just rooted your phone so you could have access to the full file system and haven’t drastically changed things, the phone will still pass your carrier's checks and upgrade. If you’ve delved deeper and really customized your device, count on not being able to upgrade. Carrier updates were designed to work with the original software, so they need to be sure that’s what the phone is running. Again, this is for your own good. T-Mobile or Verizon can’t offer technical support for things they haven’t trained their technicians on, and if you flash a carrier approved update over custom software it’s probably not going to work.
The good news is that failing the checks the carrier does during an update won’t cause any damage to your phone. The update will just quit and you’ll be back where you started. Then you can decide if you would like to un-root and upgrade or take another path. The worst case scenario is that the phone passes the carriers checks, updates, and then things get broken. That’s pretty unlikely, but possible. If that would happen, you won’t be alone. Everyone in your situation will scramble to their favorite Android user forum and hopefully a work around can be found.
Note - a carrier update may also break the ability to root the device and a new method will need to be found. Any discussion of upgrading and root needs this mentioned as well. Most folks who root and decide to install a custom ROM wait for the ROM developer to provide an update that includes any bug fixes or new capabilities of the carrier update.
Application updates?
Yes. While it’s not being used, the program that allows permissions to be upgraded just sits and does nothing. Normal applications won’t even be aware it’s there, and applications that use it expect it to be there. Application updates, whether they are from the Market or other third parties will still install as normal.
What if I want to un-root my phone?
It depends on the model of your phone. Some are ridiculously easy to revert, some not so much. This is the most important question you can ask before you dive in and root your phone. Usually the website you found the method to root your phone will also have a discussion about un-rooting and going back to stock firmware. Take the time to find and read this information so you’re aware of just how difficult it’s going to be to go back. Pay close attention and create backups when recommended while you’re rooting your phone, as these may be needed to go back. I’ve not heard of any device that can’t be restored to factory firmware provided the original was backed up properly as recommended during the rooting process. The most important thing to always remember is to ask for help. If you do find yourself stuck without a backup or a working phone and need to roll back, ask for advice. Our forums are full of fine folks from all walks of life, and the majority are more than happy to help. There’s a good chance you’re not the first person in that situation and a solution has already been worked up!
Do I run the risk of bricking my phone?
This is one of the Internet's favorite bogeymen. "Bricking" is the idea that if you try to tinker with root access, you'll mess something up so it becomes completely unusable, and you'll essentially turn your phone into a paperweight. While that's certainly not outside the realm of possibility, the good news is that Android phones are generally very hard to brick. Yes, even the Droid X, which was purported to be the "unrootable" phone, has been safely rooted for quite some time (Z4root reportedly works with the Droid X).
If you do get caught in a boot loop, you may have to connect your phone to your computer and rewrite some code, but if you are patient and willing to do some more reading, you will almost always be able to find a way to at least restore your phone to its original state (read more on where that help comes from in the next section).
A common mistake that actually will lead to a bricked phone is running out of battery power in the middle of trying to install a custom ROM. The operating system only half installs, and that really is tough to fix. So always make sure that your battery is full before you install a new OS or ROM.
Also, just because a phone is rootable does not mean you can install any custom ROM you want. Differerent ROMs will work for different phones. Even the extremely popular CyanogenMod works for many phones, but certainly not all, so do plenty of research to make sure your phone is supported before trying to install a custom ROM.
Could my phone overheat and explode?
One of the major incentives to root your phone is the ability to overclock your processor to gain more speed (or underclock it to extend battery life). My phone has gotten considerably faster because of overclocking. When you overclock your processor, though, it will get hotter. If you try to push your phone too far and you don't set any fail-safes (a maximum allowable temperature in the overclocking utility), then you could burn out your processor. However, it is very easy to set safety thresholds to ensure that you don't do that.
SetCPU, the most popular app for overclocking or underclocking, allows you to set up various profiles.
Reading the rooting forums will give you plenty of advice on how far you can push your specific device and maintain stability. It pays to do some experimentation: Different phones behave differently, even if they're the same model.
Sources: androidcentral.com, pcworld.com
Useful threads:
[TUTORIAL] Unlocking, rooting, custom roms installing, going back to stock
[INDEX] HTC Desire X (protou) - Everything Desire X is here!
Reserved.