How to root HTC Desire (Froyo 2.2) without putting in a custom ROM (flashing)?

Question

for research purposes I'd need to root a HTC Desire phone without flashing it. I did it already on the HTC Hero, where it was quite simple.

Basically all I would need is to get r/w access to the /system/app folder for copying my custom apk file there. Obviously this needs root access.

Is there a way to easily root the Desire without the need to completely flash and place a custom ROM on it?

Some details about the phone:

Thx for your help

See also: How to root a HTC Desire running official Android 2.3? — Izzy, Feb 6, 2013 at 17:19

Matt · Accepted Answer · 2010-12-16 15:50:14Z

3

Unrevoked 3 will root the HTC Desire without replacing the ROM, however it does reflash the recovery ROM: http://unrevoked.com/#desire

answered Dec 16, 2010 at 15:50

Matt

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What does it mean it does reflash the recovery ROM?
– Juri
Dec 17, 2010 at 9:31
Does Unrevoked 3 wipe the phone during the process? Will I require to install and use a backup app before I do the rooting?
– Alastair
Dec 17, 2010 at 10:37
@Alastair Yes, apparently it wipes the phone and installs Android v2.1-update1
– Juri
Dec 19, 2010 at 20:00
@Matt I got root access on my Desire, however also after successfully mounting /system with rw, when I copy an apk there, I get "cannot create /system/app/myapp.apk: not enough memory". Do you happen to know a possible solution to this? Booting in recovery and copying there just works fine...
– Juri
Dec 19, 2010 at 20:21
Sorry Juri, I'm stumped. Post it as a new question and hopefully some of the more savvy users will be able to help.
– Matt
Dec 19, 2010 at 20:27

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