How to upgrade your HTC Rom or apply a Hotfix

So you're sat down and you have the latest hotfix or rom on your desktop and you're itching to use the new feature it contains. But how do you get the rom onto your htc phone? What do you do then? Help is at hand.

 

Before you do anything you need to ensure you have the ability to synchronise your device with your pc or mac. To do this you must have either

 

Active Sync

 

or

 

Windows Mobile Device Center

 

installed and configured on your pc. Mac users are not directly supported by HTC however we do know that Apple Mac users can instead use:

 

The MissingLink

 

You have the hotfix or the rom downloaded, and you have the abilility to move the files from your pc or mac to your device. What do you do now?

 

Installing an HTC Hotfix

 

For Hotfixes you need to move the file to the device then follow these steps:

  1. unplug the sync cable
  2. on the phone go to start->programs->file explorer
  3. locate the hotfix file in there
  4. execute the hotfix by clicking on it
  5. usually you will not have to restart the device, but it will tell you if you need to

It is worth noting that if a new ROM is applied that does not contain the hotfix you will need to re-apply the hotfix. Similarly if you hard reset the device you will have to re-apply the hotfix.

Installing an HTC Rom

 

For a ROM you have a slightly lengthier procedure. There are also some prerequisites, advice, and warnings you must take note of:

  • backup your device
  • ensure the device battery is at least on 50% (critical)
  • never unplug the device or turn off the computer while the update is being performed
  • close all running applications on the device
  • ensure you have 30 minutes of free time
  • do not press any buttons while the upgrade is occuring
  • you cannot receive or make any calls while the upgrade is occuring
  • ensure you really want this ROM as you cannot downgrade once you have performed an upgrade.

 

The Rom Installation Procedure:

  1. connect the device to the computer
  2. open  the upgrade file on the computer
  3. follow the Rom Update wizard

If something should go wrong your device will probably be stuck on a grey installation screen. In this case you will have to force your device to the boot loader screen by performing a soft reset while pressing the camera button. The boot loader screen is a three colour screen, when you see this you will be able to perform the Rom upgrade again.

 

Above all else, always ensure you have backed up your device before performing any sort of upgrade or Fix.