Android: Root Your Device

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."