How to Gain Root or Superuser Access on Most HTC Phones

I have a friend at work that just got an EVO 3D by Sprint. He really likes the phone, but wanted to be able to get Root access to it. He didn't want to tinker with trying to find a way to root it, so he brought it to me. Here's how I rooted the EVO 3D. This process will also work with almost any HTC phone.

First I want to give a quick definition of "rooting". Basically when you root an android device (phone, tablet, etc), it gives you access to the root directory. Once you have this access (also known as super user access) you can delete any system file you want. This includes any 'bloatware' or software pre-installed by the manufacturer that they won't readily allow you to uninstall. If you delete the wrong file, though, it will render your device useless. This is one of the main reasons most android devices aren't sold with root access enabled.

**DISCLAIMER**
I cannot be held responsible for any issues that arise from rooting (or attempting to root) your phone. This information is for education purposes only!

Enough with the jibber jabber...Let's get down to rooting!

I found a few walkthroughs online for rooting an EVO (for a list, go here)
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If you want to back up your apps first, start with step 1. If you don't care about your apps and their data (most apps will be automatically downloaded from the Android Market after a restore). The only reason to back them up is in the event that something goes wrong with your phone and the rooting method doesn't work. (or your phone stops working)

To backup your apps, we will need to get temporary root access and then install and run Titanium Backup.

To get this mythical temporary root access, we will first need to download and install the HTC EVO drivers. These drivers can be found here.

Make sure your phone is not connected to your computer, and then install the driver software.
On your phone go to menu > applications > development and verify that 'usb debugging' is checked.
Download and extract this file. It is the program that will allow you to have temporary root access for your phone.
Double click on the Run_ME_Fr3vo_ROOT.bat file that was extracted from the zipped file.
While it says "waiting for device" in the window that pops up, plug in your phone. Make sure once it is plugged in that the USB mode is set to external drive/SD rather than charging only.
Once all of the devices have been installed, the temporary root software will kick into action.
After it is finished, unplug your phone and go to the Android Market. Search for "Titanium Backup" and install the Titanium Backup root app.
Once installed, run the program and then press your menu button. Press batch, and press the run button next to "Backup all user apps". This will backup all of the apps you have previously downloaded (not including the apps that came with your phone).

Once you have backed up all of your apps, we need to uninstall the temporary root to be able to install a more permanent root.To uninstall the permanent root, follow these steps:

Press the menu button and go to settings > sd and phone storage.
Press factory reset data.
Press reset phone.
Press erase everything.

Your phone will restart and will delete all data from the phone (apps, contacts, etc) Note: This will not erase anything from the SD card. All pictures, ringtones, etc will be saved.

We are now ready to gain a permanent root. To do this we are going to use the Revolutionary Exploit and the Android SDK. The Android SDK can be found here, and the Revolutionary Exploit can be found here. Also download the TWRP Recovery from here. Rename the file to PG58IMG.zip, and then copy it to your sd card on your phone. Don't put it in any folders. Just put it into the main folder of the card.

Here are the steps to root your phone:

If you haven't already, install the Android SDK.
Plug your phone into the computer, and then go to the Revolutionary Exploit site (http://revolutionary.io/). Leave this page open, as we will need to use it in a minute.
Extract the zip file to its own folder and then run the program (revolutionary.exe).
At the top of the window it will tell you the type of phone that is connected, as well as the HBOOT version and the Serial number. Take these three pieces of information over to the Revolutionary website and enter them into this form:
When you fill this form out, click on 'Generate Key' and it will give you a beta Serial number. Go back to the Revolutionary exploit screen and enter the serial number in the space provided and press enter.
The phone will reboot a couple of times, and eventually the black Revolutionary screen will go away.

If you now look at the top of your phone's display it should say unlocked and S-Off at the top.

Now we need to update your phone with the new recovery software.

If you are still in the HBOOT screen (the one that Revolutionary left us at), press the volume down button until power down is highlighted. Then press the power button to turn off the phone.
Once the phone is powered down, remove the battery for 10-15 seconds.
put in the battery and the back cover. Press and hold the volume down button and at the same time press and hold the power button. This should boot the phone back into the HBOOT screen.
HBOOT should pop up asking if you want to install the update. Choose yes, and it will install the recovery software for you.
Once this is done, press the power button to restart the phone, and wait for it to boot up.
Run through the setup process and you will be taken back to your home screen.
We need to delete the PG58IMG.zip file, so plug your phone into your computer and delete it.
As long as the phone is plugged into your computer, download this superuser app and copy it to the location you previously had the PG58IMG.zip file.
Pull the battery again, and then go into the HBOOT screen (holding down power and volume down after putting the battery back in). Press volume down until recovery is highlighted, and then press the power button. This will load the recovery program.
Once you are in the recovery program, press volume down and select to install a zip (by pressing the power button)
On the next screen go down to 'Choose a zip to flash' and press the power button.
On this next screen press the volume down button and select the superuser file we previously copied to the phone. Select it by pressing the power button again and it should install the super user file. This app will allow you to get super user permissions in the android operating system.