Update 28/01/2011: Seems like there are many HTC WinMo device user still looking into the Android boot. I am sorry but the guide below is no longer valid since it is already one year old, and there are tons of update since then. I suggest you guys look into this thread in xda-developer instead:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732362
It seems that now the Android boot become easier. Check the thread out and don’t hesitate to share anything cool!
If you are PDA-phone fan, most likely you know the Google’s open source mobile operating system – Android. With the recent released Google Nexus One, Android operating system has become more popular in smartphone and it is expected to be more devices supporting Android, although it going to take some time (but it won’t be too long since Android is open source and free) if Android wanted to take Windows Mobile down.
I have a HTC Touch Diamond which still running it’s stock rom at Windows Mobile 6.1 although the wide variety of WinMo 6.5 available in XDA-Developer forum. You might wonder why I did not update the phone; I simply disappointed with Windows Mobile. Many of my friends agreed with me that Windows Mobile device doesn’t deliver what it has promised. And time for customizing and fixing problem(s) probably more than the practical usage of the device. Did I mentioned that the manufacturer of the smartphone will abandon a 1 year-old phone without letting them upgrade to the latest Windows Mobile, even with a chargeable cost? (Like my HTC Touch Diamond) Of course you can use the device without installing anything and run it in default available settings, but soon you will find that there are a lot of inadequacy in Windows Mobile. Heck, who is going to have a Windows Mobile device without installing some cool apps and games?
Since Android is open source and it is a cool operating system, it is not surprising that some group of experts are working on the porting of Android in Windows Mobile devices. Android that works on Windows Mobile devices has been released for testing for a couple of months already (although some crucial components still not working at the time of writing like GPS, Bluetooth, Camera etc.), but the released build of Android shows some very promising progress of replacing (completely) Windows Mobile, and there is even a flashable dual-boot rom for HTC Touch Diamond.
If you have the HTC Touch Diamond as well (and feel bored with Windows Mobile), I strongly suggested you to try out Android (XDANDROID) in our device. Although the lack of some important functions (as mentioned earlier), but for normal usage, it is has no problem to run (even though the short stand-by time issue is still there), and the most important one – it doesn’t not affect your installed Windows Mobile, you can always revert back to your Windows Mobile as you wished. Current release of XDANDROID is still not flashable (thus not affecting the Windows Mobile), and it will boot using an .exe file in your internal storage (not internal memory). Let’s get your phone ready if you wanted to try it in your HTC Touch Diamond!
What to download?
1) Download the latest build of Android core files (You can’t run Android without this)
I am running the XDANDROID.24.01.10 at the time of writing, which required to update the system.sqsh file (using the 25.01.10 system_core_readded.sqsh, then rename to system.sqsh). You can refer the xda-developer thread for it for more information about it.
2) (Optional) Download the latest zImage of Android
The core of Android has already included in the first step, so if you just want to try out, you may skip this step. The frequent updated zImage include some fixes and updated kernels that possibly fix some device-specific problems, but it can cause problem in booting up sometimes.’
3) Download Gen.Y DualBOOT: Dual boot solution for Windows Mobile devices with XDANDROID
In order to run a dual-boot configuration in HTC Touch Diamond, you must install Gen.Y DualBOOT in your phone internal memory (not the 4GB internal storage), so it can run the dual-boot configuration upon booting.
How to do it?
1) Disable your phone PIN code (It’s a must since it will be always wrong in Android)
2) Install Gen.Y DualBOOT (VGA, boot from Internal Storage) in your Windows Mobile (Must install in Internal Memory, not the 4GB internal storage)
3) Extract everything in the Android core to your internal storage root directory eg. the haret.exe must be at the root directory. Update the system.sqsh with the 25th Jan Build. In the STARTUP CONFIG folder, look for DIAMOND folder, copy the STARTUP.TXT to the root directory eg. haret.exe and STARTUP.TXT must be in root and same directory.
4) (Optional) If you downloaded the updated zImage, you will find two files in the archive: zImage.xxxxxxx and modules-2.6.27-xxxx-dddddddd.tar.gz. Find the zImage in your internal storage, rename it as zImage_old. Then rename the zImage.xxxxxxx you downloaded to zImage, then copy to the internal storage root directory. the modules file can be copied into the internal storage straight away without modifying anything.
5) You are almost there! Restart your phone. If everything ok, the dualBOOT screen like the above screenshot will appear and touch the Android logo to start booting up XDANDROID! If the screen doesn’t appear and it straight away boot into the Windows Mobile, try to check if the haret.exe is in the correct directory (root directory), since the dualBOOT look for haret.exe before running. And also check if dualBOOT is installed in internal memory (not 4GB internal storage).
6) Let it run all the loading texts, and it will eventually go into the colorful X loading screen. Wait until it fully loaded into Android!
Guides
1) Check the hardware keys guide that specific for HTC Touch Diamond.
2) In the Android core you have downloaded, you will find a folder named AndroidApps. Inside there are several folders, esepcially Games, Media and Other which contained several apps and games that you can run within the Android. If you want to try them, boot into WinMo again, move those .apk files to the AndroidApps folder eg. the same directory as REMOVE OR ADD APPS HERE note in the folder. You will find them in the menu in the next boot!
Editor’s Note
I am totally impressed for the smoothness of Android running on my HTC Touch Diamond, even the rom isn’t meant for this unsupported device. Battery time still a big issue for now, but for sure the XDANDROID team will fix them eventually. I can still live with the disabled components in my HTC Touch Diamond, but of course it will be great if everything in the phone works perfectly. I guess it’s time for me to say: Goodbye Windows Mobile, Welcome Android! For more information, visit the dedicated thread for XDANDROID in xda-developer.
Techie Talkz 
It doesn’t work for me, it never stops booting, it has been going for like 3 hours now, what should I do?
Hi Nexiso,
What do you mean by never stop booting? Does it hanged at the four-coloured logo during booting process? You might want to try to reset your phone to try booting into Android. Also check if you complete every steps I mentioned (though it might be outdated by now and I can’t verify it because I am no longer an owner of HTC Diamond). Most likely there is new build of Android.
Rgds,
Taylor
My camera doesn’t work… and the battery level keeps on fluctuating…
Hi John,
Yes, I believe those conditions are normal as they are still trying to polish the Android ROM for WinMO PDA. You might want to check updates from those contributor in xda-dev, the last I checked they only left camera; all other components work properly. Wait patiently, sooner or later they will be able to make the stable Android ROM for your HTC device.
Rgds,
Taylor
Hi John,
You might want to check the following link for the Android in PDA Q&A:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=627749
Rgds,
Taylor
Hi,
I get the error:
whenever i try to run android. I have an HTC DIamond and i have used XDANDROID.24.01.10
Can you help me??
Regards,
Neo
The error reported here:
info: task rpcrouter:15 blocked for more than 120 seconds
Hi Neo,
Do you get this error when Android is booting? I remember I have this problem before, changing the zimage to some stable build solves the problem. You can also try to restart for a few times, sometimes it might just boot up. Good luck.
Rgds,
Taylor
Hi Taylor,
I had copied all the data inside “Internal Storage\ANDROID” and when I executed Haret, I could see that it was not able to read ROOTFS. I later on copied all the files inside the ANDROID to folder directly inside the Internal Storage and then it started running. 🙂
I just have a doubt, is it that the ROOTFS file should be directly in the Internal Storage and not inside the ANDROID folder as in the prev. case? I know this is a stupid question but I had a doubt.
Just one more question: how can i import all the saved mobile numbers from my sim ino android?
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Neo
Hi Neo,
Yes, you are right. The whole thing is meant to be extracted to your root directory of your internal storage, it will not run in a folder since the path to run the haret and everything is preset. Glad finally you made it running. 🙂
Regarding the contact import, I am not quite sure whether the sim contact can be imported into the android, but I believe most of the enthusiast will suggest you sync it using Google contact services. Check the link below. Someone suggested a service called myFUNAMBOL as well, but I never use it before, and I can’t try it since I am no longer a HTC Diamond user.
Hope it helps.
http://superuser.com/questions/38753/how-do-i-transfer-numbers-contacts-from-windows-mobile-to-android
Rgds,
Taylor
Hi Taylor,
Thank you very much for the help extended.
Everything is working now. 🙂 🙂
Thanks once again.
Regards,
Neo
Hi Neo,
No problem mate. 🙂 Enjoy your Android!
Rgds,
Taylor
but wot if i wanted to unistall the andriod again?
Hi Khaled,
I am not sure about current updates since I have been away from the PDA for quite some time already. However, if the thing still remains the same, you will only need to remove those files associated with the Android, and you should be done.
Rgds,
Taylor
I didn’t have enough free space (I have 57mb free) on the root storage and this is a clean ‘formatted’ device.
Any advice?
Hi Jacques,
I suppose the files for the android only need to copy to the 4GB internal storage, instead of the root storage, certainly the root storage will not be enough for the powerful OS. Please check.
Rgds,
Taylor
Ok, I found another site with files that worked: http://sites.google.com/site/androidport/home
Using the standard Android 2.2 release from there and the startup app.
Just a quick update, it’s running, but the touchscreen isn’t working 😦
More experimenting or time to get a proper android phone 🙂
Hi ghost301,
Have 2 questions here:
1. My HTC Touch Diamond is unlocked and if I istall Android, will I be able to use mu custom SIM with it and won’t it destroy my SIM unlock at all?
2. If I wont to downgrade from WinMo 6.5 to WinMo 6.1 will this destroy my unlock or not?
I googled this but couldn’t find a good and clear answer to it.
And do you know if HTC Touch Diamond can be unlocked for free? 🙂
Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks a bunch!
Hi Hteti,
I suppose the Android is just a system booted from the memory, I don’t think it will affect the unlock on the phone. But please don’t take my word on it, I have no experience on sim unlock, so it is better if you can consult some experts in the xda-developer.
Rgds,
Taylor
Hey Ghost,
Will go to XDA and look in there.
I upgraded to WinMo 6.5 and it simply impossible to use it, the system is really lagging, and this is with just basic installs. With WinMo 6.1 it was much better. I don’t mean to say anything bad to Microsoft, but Android has way much better implementation.
Just wanted to speak out :).
Thanks a lot for your answer.
I have downloaded dual boot software but when I open it up, it says android missing. And I installed dual boot software in phone storage (not in 4gb internal storage), was it right to installed it in phone storage? Or should I install it in 4gb internal storage? Should I download android core files on HTC Touch Diamond ? But it’s too large – around 81. 8mb. Is there any smaller android core files for Diamond ? Please help to solve my problem soon if possible. Thanks in advanced.
Hi Tushar,
If the Android for Diamond works as before, yes, you are right to install the dual boot software to the phone memory. Then put all the android core files and folders to the 4GB internal storage main root, and most likely you will be able to boot up from the dual boot software.
Rgds,
Taylor
Very great job!
Only a question, how can I do to call one contact?
may seem like a stupid question, but when I click on a contact, nothing happens, even if I push the button to accept call =D
Hi Andrea,
I am not sure since I am not using an Android phone now, but there should be some gesture to activate the call function I guess?
Rgds,
Taylor
I don’t have enough space in my main intern space .. should i remove everything .. but i’m afraid that something bad will happen.
Hi,
Do you mean your phone internal storage (not the 4GB)? Don’t remove everything as it might brick your phone! However, if you talk about the 4GB internal storage, yes, you can remove everything since the phone doesn’t rely on it to run, but you will lost all the applications and games installed. The android doesn’t require to store in the small internal storage, it is stored in the 4GB internal storage. Hope you understand that.
Rgds,
Taylor
i know this is kind of late, but i need to know how to access the internal memory and not the 4g storage. when i plug in the usb cable the windows just shows the 4g storage rather than the internal memory. can u please help me on this ghost.
Hi azizul8,
Sorry for the late reply. I don’t think I can access the internal memory in my Windows PC if not mistaken, however, to run the Android, you don’t need to access the internal memory. All the ROM stuffs will be copied to the 4GB memory.
Rgds,
Taylor
Hey, i want to know the step by step process bcoz i am unable to run it. Pls help me guys, give me details on my email.
Hi Vishal Singh,
Do consider to take some time to read through the entire blogpost, plus the links that I have provided. Of course, my blogpost no longer an updated one, but you can find more information from the links, or from xda-developer forum. Hope it helps.
Rgds,
Taylor
k i understand but when i run haret it is giving me script error i have installed everything as mentioned above but nothing happens when i do soft reset i see the dual boot icon and when i click on the android nothing happens my phone start’s normally as before ….
Hi Vishal,
The guide I written will not work anymore I guess since there is tons of updates from xda-developer and I am no longer using HTC Diamond. I suggest you to look into this forum:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732362
It seems that now it is able to boot into Android by just installing a cab file in HTC WinMo devices. Make sure you read through the entire thread to know everything about it. Try it and let me know the outcome!
Rgds,
Taylor
hey,
i get stuck doing this. can u help me? do u have ym so i can ask directly to you? hee pleasee 🙂
Hi Farazatie,
May I suggest you look into this thread in xda-developer instead?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732362
My guide was written on the earlier last year, and over the year there are already tons of updates, and now they even booting up Android 2.2 (in the link I posted above). Check the thread out and see if it is able to help you in the dual boot configuration. 🙂
Rgds,
Taylor
hi taylor, i’ve installed everything n now im waiting for the booting process to complete. it tooks more than 15 mins now. is this normal? should i do something or just wait?
Hi Farazatie,
Do you install the one based on the link I provided? I would think it’s might be normal on the first boot, but if it takes more than half an hour, restart your phone and try again, sometimes it requires a few booting.
Anyway, I am not sure your purpose of installing the Android on your HTC device, but please be aware that Android is not fully usable on HTC devices, they are merely for testing purpose only. It may cause your device to overheat with no apparent reasons.
Good luck in your exploration!
Rgds,
Taylor
hi..i followed the link which you have given and installed the file and run the auto boot and it’s working but the touchscreen is not working can you help out with it it’s not at all working
Hi Vishal,
I am sorry but since I am no longer possessing a HTC Diamond, therefore I am not able to help out on this issue. May I suggest you to register yourself at xda-dev forum and post your issue there? There are tons of professionals in that forum which I believe they have the knowledge to help you in this issue.
Sorry again. Good luck!
Rgds,
Taylor
hi:-can you provide me a link to download android on my htc TOUCH GSM
Hi,
Check the link at the beginning of the post. The forum thread provides all the information you need, as well as the download link. Good luck!
Rgds,
Taylor
hey Taylor,
i’ve tried XDANDROID on the link u’ve given. and yes, it works. thank you! but there’s still some problems. i wanted to ask at the forum but it seems i’m not able to post there. =/ so can u help me?
the problem is, the phone cannot detect the sd card. and how to make the ringtone available? cuz it doesnt seem to detect sd card . i want to find a solution for that… that’s the only problem i’m having and i reaaaaallly need ur help on this. please and thanks 🙂
hey taylor,
sorry but i confused about the problem im having. htc touch diamond doesn’t have sd card right? then how can i solve the problem ? i pleasee help. 🙂
Hi Farazatie,
You can ask your question there once you register an account in the forum. I think they have some solutions for the undetected internal memory for HTC Touch Diamond.
Anyway, please be aware that XDANDROID is not made to be replaced the original WinMo, therefore you will facing some issue when using it as normal. If you prefer a stable environment for your phone, I would suggest you to stick with WinMo 6.5.
Hopefully your problem get solved. 🙂
Rgds,
Taylor
My phone (Diamond) is booting for ever loong, its not at all stoping. Left that for quiet sometime (2 hrs) but still no luck. Even tried couple of time after powering off/ on, paced the folder in the root (int mem 4gb). Tried creating a folder Android, under which i dumped the files but the booting keps going on.
Help required urgently….
Hi Sid,
You shouldn’t create a folder Android in your internal memory. Copy all the needed files in the root directory instead.
Anyway, have you look into the link I provided above? I think the entire thing is an installer now. This guide is *outdated*.
Rgds,
Taylor
Thanks Taylor for your quick response,
I managed to get a cab file after which its been extracted in my ph and its working fine now. Couple of issue:
1) I am unable to access my folders (says my memory card is unmounted), while trying to access music its says “Your ph soes not have an SD card”
2) Tried installing the dual boot (GenY) but seems to be not working (installed on ph memory). Plz let me know the exact file name as it contains 5 diff cab file and the steps (followed the above ones but no success)
My ph is HTC Diamond
Regards,
Sid
Hi Sid,
I believe there are solutions for the problem you mentioned, check the forum thread I provided above. I am sorry that I cannot provide you a direct solution to these problems as I am no longer possess a HTC Touch Diamond.
Good luck! 🙂
Rgds,
Taylor
Hello,
Thanks for the great and very simple instructions .. but I have one issue:
HTC Diamond internal storage is 80 MB and the system.ext2 file is 120 MB so how can I copy it to internal memory ?
Can I copy it to the 4 GB storage card instead ?
Thanks,
Wael
Hi Wael,
I am not sure what that file does but if it is meant for Diamond, I am pretty sure it is not meant to be store at the internal storage. Try move it to the 4GB internal storage.
Rgds,
Taylor
hi i have installed xdandroid in my htc phone but i still i can’t access in camera even sound for caller and notification sound of sms and biggest problem is that i can hear the voice of caller during call but other one can’t hear my voice, so do u have any idea plz mail me “shoaib_hamid96@yahoo.com”
Hi,
As mentioned before, xdandroid isn’t meant to fully replace the Windows Mobile OS in Diamond. So the problem you had is normal. If it’s your primary device, I would recommend you to revert back to Windows Mobile for intended usage.
Rgds,
Taylor
I know this will be weird… but i am a little scared on running this android on my device. but i also have a doubt . does the camera work while i’m on android?
or it doesn’t?
Hi,
If the phone is your primary device, I would advice you not to run Android on it as it is not designed for daily use on Diamond.
Rgds,
Taylor
Hey Guy how are you ?
i don`t know, how do it, it is my first time, that i try to format my celphone…
i have a htc diamond… and i would like to install the android… can you explain for me how i can do it ? thank you !
Hi Diego,
The instruction to install it is clearly stated in the forum thread that I provided in the post.
Anyway, I would like to warn you that it is not designed/meant for normal daily usage, so if it’s your primary phone, just stick with 6.1 or 6.5, and forget about Android on it. Buy an Android device if you prefer to use Android. You will spend less time fixing problem and have more time using the phone.
Rgds,
Taylor
hi
i have this htc touch diamond.. and i would like to install this android.. i have read your steps.. and i just cant follow on it.. i was able to download those files that are mentioned above.. i just copied and paste first the geny-dualboot in my memory.. i dont know if i paste it in the internal memory..i just opened my device.. i doubled clicked on removable disk for my device.. paste the xdandroid, systemcore, and geny dualboot..do you have some screen shots to follow through?? i hope you dont advise me to purchase other device that is running android os.. im not teckie.. but i hope i would be able to do this.. by your help..
thanks!
Hi Bry,
Unfortunately I already not using Touch Diamond, so I have no screenshots for you.
The thread in xda forum that I posted has a pretty clear instruction for installing the Android, probably you can double check on it?
Anyway, as I mentioned many times, it is NOT meant for daily use. For best daily use scenario, Windows Mobile is still the best for Touch Diamond.
Rgds,
Taylor
thanks for this. i only have 1 problem in , my touch daimond , this mobile always say battery
5%,10%,12% remaining. how can
I solve it. thanks again for make this tutorials..
Hi Raju,
I think this is pretty normal since HTC Touch Diamond isn’t design to run Android. It’s best to revert back to WM6 if you are using it as you daily mobile.
Rgds,
Taylor
i have htc diamond 2 but icant find my startup.txt
Hi,
This post is meant for HTC Diamond, not for Diamond 2 I am afraid. You can perhaps try search in xda-developer forum to see if there is similar mod for your device.
Rgds,
Taylor
hello when run gen-Y for android show this error:an error occurred on sub_main_bootandroid.
help me for
solve this error
Hi,
Unfortunately, I can’t help you on this as I didn’t have this problem before, and I don’t have the HTC Touch Diamond with me anymore. You can try to look for the answer at XDA-developer forum.
Rgds,
Taylor
i Installed it but the touch screen not working good and i can’t use it
Hi,
1.I want to update my HTC Touch mobile
2.If possible i want to upgrade its OS from windows to Android, with all application to work on it
Thanks
Lily
Hi,
Nope. I would suggest you to get a brand new Android device if you keen on using Android.
Rgds,
Taylor
How to Disable your phone PIN code ?
Hi,
I can’t really recall how but if your phone doesn’t require PIN code on the start (I mean in WinMo), then it is disabled.
Rgds,
Taylor
Hi,
I am having HTC Touch, need to convert to Android OS, how can I, Can I Wipe Window OS in HTC Touch and totaly used Andriod?
Awaiting your reply.
regards,
Vipul Panchal
Hi,
I would suggest you to stick with Windows Mobile for HTC Touch. Android is not built for it and it’s not for daily use. If you really want to use an Android device, I would suggest you to get one.
Rgds,
Taylor