How to manually install Android 2.0.1 and Root Your Motorola Droid

Courtesy of AllDroid via Dark Reading.

Want to get root access on your Motorola Droid device?  Then you’re in luck, thanks to an exploit on Android 2.0 and 2.01.

The first 8 steps below apply the Android 2.0.1 update to your Droid device.  This applies a number of bug fixes, including:

• Smooth Scrolling
• Better battery life
• Auto-focus will now work all the time

Note: Droidweb.com takes no responsibility for any damage done to your phone as a result of following these directions.  If something goes wrong, try one of the following forums:

• http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=597175
• http://alldroid.org/viewtopic.php?f=210&t=567

I have not tried this hack personally yet, but I do know of successful attempts to root the Droid.  Post any problems in one of the forums above or in the comments section below.

1. If you want the 2.0.1 update (I have no idea why you wouldn’t), update your phone to Android 2.0.1.  If your phone is already running 2.0.1, then skip to step 8.
2. Download the following file: http://alldroid.org/download/file.php?id=646
3. Rename the download update.zip
4. Copy update.zip to the root directory of the SDcard of your phone
5. Reboot your phone to recovery mode by holding down x while the phone turns on. Once you see the /!\ emblem, press the Volume Up and Camera buttons at the same time.
6. Select “Install update.zip”
7. Reboot your phone once process completes.
8. Download the following file: http://alldroid.org/download/file.php?id=659
9. Rename the download update.zip
10. Copy update.zip to the root directory of the phone’s SD card
11. Reboot your phone to recovery mode by holding down x while the phone turns on. Once you see the /!\ emblem, press the Volume Up and Camera buttons at the same time.
12. Install update.zip
13. Reboot your phone.

Thanks to Zinx Verituse at on Alldroid.org for these instructions.