How we rooted and downgraded the HTC Wildfire / Buzz from Android 2.2.1 to 2.1...Then installed Gingerbread.

Yesterday was a very long day. We managed to source an XTC Clip for use on one of our HTC Wildfires. The process of downgrading didn't involve many steps however it was pretty complicated. We documented what we did in order to help others, hope it helps!

How we rooted and downgraded the HTC Wildfire / Buzz from Android 2.2.1 to 2.1...Then installed Gingerbread.


Standard Disclaimer applies - This method worked for us but it may (probably not) permanently brick your phone. We bricked this Wildfire about 6 or 7 times and its still standing but yeah...I digress.

We made a little video explaining how to downgrade, watch that first and if you get stuck read each step below.

1) You have to source an XTC Clip. I know its a ball ache but many phone stores carry them. You can always buy one online and try and split the cost with other users needing the same thing. This will set the S-Lock on your phone to off (S-Off) a by product of this method will also fully unlock the phone to all network providers and countries.

2) Download an RUU rom. This is an original stock rom. Make sure its pre 2.2! Personally I downloaded "RUU_Buzz_HTC_WWE_1.14.405.2_R_Radio_13.45.55.24_3.35.15.31_release_130814_signed" from Shipped Roms - http://bit.ly/ai2rY2 - This rom is an unbranded English rom that works in all countries.

3) Plug your phone into the PC and set it to "Charge through USB". Open your RUU rom .exe. Follow the on screen instructions and then let it install.

4) Once your phone has the stock 2.1 (or whatever you installed) rom on, Root it using unrEVOked. Basically, you just open unrEVOked and plug your phone in. Be sure to install the phone drivers from here http://bit.ly/a2DcCv if your on Windows! - If you get an error at any time, Email adam@gadget-reviews.me and I can send you a link to an experimental version of unrEVOked. 

5) unrEVOked will install a rom manager (Clockwork mod recovery) to the "recovery" sector on your phone. It will boot up on its own but if you need it (you defiantly will) turn the phone off - then hold the volume down button and turn it on. Once loaded wait about 10 seconds, then use the volume keys to navigate to "Recovery" - tap power to select the option.

6) Install what you like! Personally I installed Gingerbread by way of Cyanogenmod 7- I recommend you install this first of all as I can help you out with it.

How to install Cyanogenmod 7 (ANY BUILD!)

Download the newest nightly build, or the more stable RC1 from here - http://bit.ly/dIHDyC. Update: This method works with any build!

Restart your phone into the recovery manager. Go to partitions menu and click "mount USB storage" - power won't select this time, you have to push the navigation stick in to select an option.

Place the .zip folder onto the sd card root. DO NOT unzip - The world will explode or something if you do. Whilst your there also place this file on the root http://bit.ly/gHkNty

Click unmount and go back to the main menu (by tapping the power button).

Click wipe data/factory reset - Let it run.

Click wipe cache partition - Let it run.

Click "install zip from sdc".

Click "choose zip from sdcard"

Click "update-cm-7.0.0.0-RC1" or whatever you named your Cyanogenmod rom. May take a minute to install.

Go back to the "choose zip from sdcard" menu. Click HCDR.Kernel_v4.1". Let it install.

Go to the main menu. Click Reboot.

The first Cyanogenmod boot will take a while, as long as the logo is spinning round you have nothing to worry about.

If you get stuck at all during any of this then I would recommend going to this site http://bit.ly/dbzLS9 - It's an IRC chatroom with some of the most Android knowledgeable people I have ever met - They sorted me out so many times.

XDA Developers was also a port of call of mine, many users also have advanced Android knowledge - http://bit.ly/bDPO6m

Welcome to the custom rom club! Leave us a comment to let us know how you got on.