Lately, I’ve been receiving allot of “Phone Almost Out Of Memory” messages on my Android 2.2.1. I was frequently having to delete text messages and clearing browser cache, etc. Interestingly (and suspiciously) enough, at this time I also became eligible for my “new-every-two” phone. I saw this as a perfect opportunity to do some rooting and other experimentations. After all, if I bricked the phone I would just get a new one. Here are the steps that I would advise before rooting:
1. PREPARE YOUR BRAIN:
- If you’ve never heard of rooting, Linux, .NET Framework, or “command line” then STOP NOW, STEP AWAY from your device, and continue no further.
2. PREPARE YOUR WINDOWS PC:
- Make sure you have at least .NET Framework 2.0 installed (I used Win7 with .NET 4.0.)
- Download the drivers for your Android device from the manufacturer’s website or, if available, the CD that came with your device.
- Download SuperOneClick via the developers blog. (I used v2.3.3.) If you prepare to do all the heavy-lifting instead of using a software solution then continue no further.
3. PREPARE YOUR ANDROID DEVICE:
- Back up your SD card.
- It is also advised that you back up your entire system by using Titanium Backup or similar software. I skipped this step. Like I mentioned, mine is an old phone that is headed to my graveyard of disassembled devices.
- Enable USB Debugging mode on your Android by navigating Android: Tap Menu > Settings > Applications > Development.
- Unmount your SD card: Tap Menu > “SD Card & Phone Storage” then “Unmount SD Card.”
4. ROOT IT
- Connect the device to your PC via USB.
- On your PC, navigate to and click on SuperOneClick.exe.
- Finally, the SuperOneClick software opens up and you then click “Root.”
You’ve done it. You can now get SuperUser access, uninstall bloat-ware, replace your ROM, or whatever your imagination desires. See “Un-installing Apps.”