1)can some one give me a link to the most easiest and current way to root? ((Ive looked every where and im not even sure what i am to look for)) Also i am fully updated.
2)after i root,,,can i keep the phone basically the way it is meaning stock and sense?really just want to root as to get rid of all the bloatware and possibly over clock it.
3)Is there away to back up the phone pre-root in case i dont like root and wish to return to stock?
Any help in these matters would be greatly appreciated.
So, here's my $0.02 worth:
1) The easiest is not the best. If you want to root your phone, you need to learn how to use ADB. It's not difficult. You will need it at some point in the future. Here's a link to root your Thunderbolt > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=996616
Here's a noob's guide to ADB >http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=532719
2) Yes you can.
3) I'm not sure, but here is a link that will return your phone to stock > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1009423
Plus one on learning adb its way easier than youd think. i always tried to use the one click methods and whatnot but i finally had to in adb and it was way easier. no worry about something wrong with the auto root. also try mybackup app from the market. i used it to backup everything initially then use titanium bacckup after you root since its way better
Advice on rooting flashing Thunderbolt?
Hi all,
I am so frustrated With my Moto atrix 4g and the fact that it has a locked boot loader with the new 2.3.4 stock rom....I have a real simple question;
If I obtain a Thunderbolt, does Verizon force HTC to keep anything locked or make the Thunderbolt difficult to root, unlock boot loader and ultimately flash non-stock roms from XDA ?
If it is like past HTC phones then it should be a rom flasher's dream, correct? It is able to be unlocked and i can flash roms from this wonderful forum?
Please advise....much appreciated.
maddie01 said:
Hi all,
I am so frustrated With my Moto atrix 4g and the fact that it has a locked boot loader with the new 2.3.4 stock rom....I have a real simple question;
If I obtain a Thunderbolt, does Verizon force HTC to keep anything locked or make the Thunderbolt difficult to root, unlock boot loader and ultimately flash non-stock roms from XDA ?
If it is like past HTC phones then it should be a rom flasher's dream, correct? It is able to be unlocked and i can flash roms from this wonderful forum?
Please advise....much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro, really, take just 2 minutes to look around! There's a root guide right at the top of the dev forum!
To the OP: learning ADB and some basic Linux commands will become more useful than you know. Like quickly and easily checking an md5 without some stupid app or a computer. Plus, jcase is very easy to find and very helpful if there's a problem. I really can't endorse doing it the jcase way enough.
***LOCKED*** On Bootloader
Hello All,
First of all thanks for the awesome easy guide !!
This is the first time I am rooting my HTC Tbolt and have had an issue to start with.
Used the instructions in the link below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1401959
After I download the 2.11.605.5 downgrade zip, I rename it, put in on the SD Card and go to HBOOT and it installs the downgrade just fine.
But at the end of this process, when I try to get the MR4 Radio onto the SD Card and install it, it simply does not happen. HBoot checks for the file, finds it, but nothing happens. I have renamed in properly and followed instructions to the dot.
I also noticed a ***LOCKED*** right on top of the screen and I think this could be an issue.
Can I go ahead and proceed with the Revolutionary Root Technique ? Would this be possible at this point ?
Is there anyway I can get Flash the MR4 Radio before I actually root ?
Also, would I be able to flash the MR4 Radio onto my device after Rooting ?
Any help is much appreciated !
Thanks in advance !
Cheers !
So here's my goal, to leave everything stock, with only root (su installed), so I can install a Verizon locked app, su, and perhaps busybox (I installed Terminal Emulator, but virutally no commands available).
1. Why use the one-click method over the method? As I understand it, the just unlocks the bootloader, so I'd need to install a custom recovery, to be able to flash an unsigned zip (su). I'd like to keep the stock recovery. Perhaps the process is to flash custom recovery, su, then restore stock recovery?
2. After I get root, will future OTA updates work? I'd like to not break that functionality.
3. It would be nice if would also allow you to just get root on your phone without dealing with the bootloader.
I've rooted and flashed my old Cliq, and it's nice having root when I need it. I also wanted to play around with setting the button led backlight levels, which via the command line requires root.
wrong section man
Well, perhaps I mis-understood the sections. Seems any questions having to do with roms/rooting go in this section.
Either way, questions still stands, and it seems your the resident expert for this phone.
Forgot to add, from all the other threads I've read, it seems there is/was some confusion as to whether or not the method would all you to flash a new kernel, not that I currently want to do that.
Edit: Since this is apparently in the wrong section, can one of the mods move it?
Edit 2: Thanks Binary100100 for moving this thread to the correct section.
oryan_dunn said:
Well, perhaps I mis-understood the sections. Seems any questions having to do with roms/rooting go in this section.
Either way, questions still stands, and it seems your the resident expert for this phone.
Forgot to add, from all the other threads I've read, it seems there is/was some confusion as to whether or not the method would all you to flash a new kernel, not that I currently want to do that.
Edit: Since this is apparently in the wrong section, can one of the mods move it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can flash kernels it is harder what else you need to know
How do I backup the stock recovery?
If I unlock the bootloader, do I need to flash a custom recovery to move forward? Or does unlocking the bootloader allow me to flash unsigned zips?
yes and its hard to backup stock recovery i got a backup all ready
So with an unlocked bootloader, I won't need a custom recovery? Just trying to learn, as it's a bit different than my Cliq.
you do need custom recovery sorry man i cant do much more explaing so busy butother people help you and look around read root threads etc
Well, thanks for the help so far.
If any one else is reading this thread, these are the questions I still have:
1. How do I backup the stock recovery? I know once I load a custom recovery, I will be able to backup the stock ROM.
2. Disregarding any warranty issues, why choose the method or the One-Click method?
3. Once unlocked/rooted, will DRM content still work? Will the Movies section in the Android Market still be available? It's not on my Cliq with CyanogenMod 7.
4. Once unlocked/rooted, will OTA updates apply correctly? Was anyone rooted on 1.36.531.5 and have the 1.36.531.6 update apply correctly?
5. Does the method wipe the device?
Thanks,
Ryan
oryan_dunn said:
Well, thanks for the help so far.
If any one else is reading this thread, these are the questions I still have:
1. How do I backup the stock recovery? I know once I load a custom recovery, I will be able to backup the stock ROM.
2. Disregarding any warranty issues, why choose the method or the One-Click method?
3. Once unlocked/rooted, will DRM content still work? Will the Movies section in the Android Market still be available? It's not on my Cliq with CyanogenMod 7.
4. Once unlocked/rooted, will OTA updates apply correctly? Was anyone rooted on 1.36.531.5 and have the 1.36.531.6 update apply correctly?
5. Does the method wipe the device?
Thanks,
Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. There is no need to backup the stock recovery. Once you flash a custom recovery there will never be a need to go back to stock. If for whatever reason you do want stock then just flash an ruu and you'll go completely back to stock.
2. You MUST use the method to get the unlock_code.bin file to unlock your bootloader before you even attempt to get root access. Once you have your bootloader unlocked you can make changes to the root of your device. With it locked you can only obtain a partial root which will reset itself after a reboot. For example, if you obtain a temporary root and remove a system app (like boatware), or two, or ten (whatever) then reboot they will re-appear. So you MUST have either s-off (not going to happen until an exploit is found and really isn't needed) or an unlocked bootloader. Once you receive the file from HTC then follow the included instructions to unlock your device. NOTE: You will lose all of your data when you unlock your bootloader so back it up first! After your bootloader is unlocked you can obtain root by one of two methods.
a) 1-Click root script.
This simply pushes an app called SuperUser.apk to the /system partition and a su binary file to the /system/bin directory which gives us root. Then download ClorckworkMod app from Market and install the custom recovery. From the app you can select "reboot to recovery" and install your custom roms.
b) Placing a custom recovery in a form of a PH85IMG.zip on the root of your external sdcard and boot into the bootloader. Then update the recovery.
Now with all of that being said I want to make something clear. The unlock method does NOT allow you to use the device for other carriers! You would still require the T-Mobile SIM to use the device.
3. Having root does have some disadvantages. Some roms may effect the ability to watch DRM movies, watch movies from Market, etc. Depends on your rom though. Check with the developer. ALWAYS make a nandroid backup prior to flashing any rom! That way if you don't like what you flashed you can always revert.
4. Okay... well I stand corrected.... this is the ONLY real reason to install the stock recovery. However installing an OTA update will cause you to lose root. Even with a custom recovery and a stock rom... if you receive a notice to install an update it will not work! The best alternative if you really really really want the update and lose all root then flash an RUU, do the update and hope that HTC didn't do anything to prevent you from getting root again. My best advice would be to wait for your favorite developer to update his/her rom with the update that you're trying to flash. That way you won't lose your data (shouldn't anyway) and no real risk of losing root.
With all that being said... I'm moving this to General because it's where all the Q&A's go.
Thanks for all the detailed info. I'd like root (installation of Superuser only) for the stock ROM. I don't plan on installing a custom ROM at this time. If I have an unlocked bootloader, how could HTC block root access? Couldn't I just flash an su zip? Ideally, I'd like to be able to swap recoveries out to apply the OTA updates. I kinda wish they had a code to just give me root access on the stock ROM.
I see the ruu thread, but am concerned about the source of the ROMs. Does HTC ever officially release a complete stock ROM?
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
oryan_dunn said:
Thanks for all the detailed info. I'd like root (installation of Superuser only) for the stock ROM. I don't plan on installing a custom ROM at this time. If I have an unlocked bootloader, how could HTC block root access? Couldn't I just flash an su zip? Ideally, I'd like to be able to swap recoveries out to apply the OTA updates. I kinda wish they had a code to just give me root access on the stock ROM.
I see the ruu thread, but am concerned about the source of the ROMs. Does HTC ever officially release a complete stock ROM?
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is all that you really need here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1324177
If you really want to be able to download and install system updates you will need the stock recovery in step 4.
oryan_dunn said:
Thanks for all the detailed info. I'd like root (installation of Superuser only) for the stock ROM. I don't plan on installing a custom ROM at this time. If I have an unlocked bootloader, how could HTC block root access? Couldn't I just flash an su zip? Ideally, I'd like to be able to swap recoveries out to apply the OTA updates. I kinda wish they had a code to just give me root access on the stock ROM.
I see the ruu thread, but am concerned about the source of the ROMs. Does HTC ever officially release a complete stock ROM?
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IDK but I read your questions in a very slow voice like mr. mackey in southpark or something
anyways, why are you so worried about getting OTA updates?
a developer will eventually root and deodex it anyways.
You say you want to keep stock rom, but why don't you try the Custom ROMs which are basically stock ROMs on steroids?
You do realize when you apply an OTA update you lose your root access and there is a possibility that it'll be harder to even have your device rooted in the future.
For example, the mt4g, everybody got happy and updated to the gingerbread OTA, but lost root and nobody found out how to exploit it until about a month later or so.. and that is only by downgrading which is a tedious process that many, who don't know how to use ADB, have troubles with.
I believe the OTA updates comes with new bootloaders and radios, not only the rom, so it will lock your bootloader. (I think) that's what it does to other devices. Who knows if htcdev will work on all bootloaders. just my two cents, if you want full control of your device, unlock bootloader and root it. You can get every OTA update through developers here.
Teo032 said:
IDK but I read your questions in a very slow voice like mr. mackey in southpark or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, hopefully I don't sound like that. I really appreciate all the step-by-step guides; but, unlike most people, I want to understand what I'm doing, not just run through the steps.
anyways, why are you so worried about getting OTA updates?
a developer will eventually root and deodex it anyways.
You say you want to keep stock rom, but why don't you try the Custom ROMs which are basically stock ROMs on steroids?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I don't really want to wipe my device at this time, so that probably rules out the HTC Dev method and installing a custom ROM. I asked about the source of the ROMs in the RUU thread, but if the stock recovery would flash them, then they'd obviously have been signed by HTC. If software is available via an official source, why would I download it from a forum? If I can get Ubuntu from Canonical, I wouldn't go download the ISO from an unofficial mirror (or if I did, I'd verify with the md5sum keys posted by Canonical).
Since I am really happy with my device as it is, and the ease of updating via OTA, I didn't want to give that up, just for the couple things I want to do with root access.
You do realize when you apply an OTA update you lose your root access and there is a possibility that it'll be harder to even have your device rooted in the future.
For example, the mt4g, everybody got happy and updated to the gingerbread OTA, but lost root and nobody found out how to exploit it until about a month later or so.. and that is only by downgrading which is a tedious process that many, who don't know how to use ADB, have troubles with.
I believe the OTA updates comes with new bootloaders and radios, not only the rom, so it will lock your bootloader. (I think) that's what it does to other devices. Who knows if htcdev will work on all bootloaders. just my two cents, if you want full control of your device, unlock bootloader and root it. You can get every OTA update through developers here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, unless these devices have backup/secondary bootloaders, I doubt and OTA update would flash a new one, as an error during that flash could brick the device. It would seem odd that HTC would promise to unlock bootloaders, give an OTA update that would not work with their site. I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, just seems unlikely. Was the MT4G unlock done via? If it was an exploit to gain root, then I'd understand why they'd loose root.
oryan_dunn said:
Hmm, unless these devices have backup/secondary bootloaders, I doubt and OTA update would flash a new one, as an error during that flash could brick the device. It would seem odd that HTC would promise to unlock bootloaders, give an OTA update that would not work with their site. I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, just seems unlikely. Was the MT4G unlock done via? If it was an exploit to gain root, then I'd understand why they'd loose root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC has updated their bootloaders via OTA on a few occasions. And we know that HTC and T-Mobile (along with other carriers) read these forums as well (shout out to HTC and our wireless carriers) so almost literally the day of an exploit is discovered and if HTC isn't happy with our findings what do you suppose they will do? They will almost always look for the safest way to update the bootloader and keep us from being able to use that exploit. Seeing that we still don't have S-OFF (and may never have it) they are obviously doing all they can to make it more and more difficult. That in itself is proof that they don't want us to have it. So would they push an OTA to keep us locked to S-ON if they can? You better believe it!
I can see them patching a hole that would get you S-OFF, but seems odd that they would take back an unlocked bootloader that they themselves unlocked.
I guess I'm ok with the offical unlock method without S-OFF, if the only things I can't do are flash a new bootloader, radio, or unlock the SIM. Did I miss anything there?
I don't get it, you say you want to use root on the stock roms, and now you're saying why bother downloading a stock ROM that is prerooted when you can download stock ROM that isn't rooted ota? What is the difference? You're going to want to root the ota updates and the developers are already providing it for you. it doesn't matter where you get it, you're gonna use some 3rd party exploit to root the ROM anyways.
You my friend seems to have a indecisive problem. I understand that you want to understand the process, but if you don't want anything to do with 3rd party developing you're in the wrong place. You're making your life very hard.
And i think that's about it about being s-on. It's more of the hardware functionality that is locked.
Think about it as a locked bios kinda... Lol
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Teo032 said:
I don't get it, you say you want to use root on the stock roms, and now you're saying why bother downloading a stock ROM that is prerooted when you can download stock ROM that isn't rooted ota? What is the difference? You're going to want to root the ota updates and the developers are already providing it for you. it doesn't matter where you get it, you're gonna use some 3rd party exploit to root the ROM anyways.
You my friend seems to have a indecisive problem. I understand that you want to understand the process, but if you don't want anything to do with 3rd party developing you're in the wrong place. You're making your life very hard.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't need to use an exploit to root the stock rom. I can unlock my bootloader direct from HTC, flash a new recovery, and then flash the superuser program. That was kinda my point in asking in the first place... why use an exploit (one-click), when an official route is available?
oryan_dunn said:
I don't need to use an exploit to root the stock rom. I can unlock my bootloader direct from HTC, flash a new recovery, and then flash the superuser program. That was kinda my point in asking in the first place... why use an exploit (one-click), when an official route is available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's considered official? It's basically the same thing..
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Teo032 said:
That's considered official? It's basically the same thing..
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yeah, you end up at the same place, except instead of using an exploit, I go to HTC to get an unlock code. I'd consider it official since I'd go through HTC to get the ball rolling.
So I have a friends TBolt here and its been upgraded to the newest 2.11.605.9 Gingerbread...
I've searched and searched and tried a number of methods with no luck on rooting this thing...anyone know of a way to do this?
Full Info
Android Verison
2.3.4
HTC
2.1
Software
2.11.605.9
PRI
1.41_002, 1.64_002
PRL
15098
ERI
5
Kernal
2.6.35.10-g89eb00a
baseband
1.48.00.0930w_3 0.01.78.0916w_3
I really hate to tell you this, as I was reluctant to do this as well, but you are going to have to downgrade the phone before you can use Revolutionary to get S-Off and attain root access(I'm doing it later tonight, after my phone is charged).
It's not as bad of a process as it seems, and you can back up almost everything on the phone. If set properly, the android market will start to restore your applications once you relink your accounts(data is not saved though, and there is no easy method of data extraction aside from ADB) however, anything on the SD card(outside of system files) will remain.
This guide will contain all you need to know to downgrade.
Then just follow any tutorial that explains how to use Revolutionary.io with the Thunderbolt, but you should be able to figure it out on your own, it's really simple.
EDIT:
I myself have just gone through the process and can confirm that rooting this device is very simple. I have downgraded, attained S-Off, flashed Clockwork Mod, and a custom rom. I am very pleased with how simple the overall process was. The part that took the longest was downloading the downgrade files, the rest was very quick.
It is a simple process to downgrade and root. Just follow the instructions at Revolutionary.io.
I am having some problems with my gps working right so maybe tomorrow I will restore to the downgrade and and see if that works.
Once you downgrade your phone it will try to upgrade so be prepared to postpone it.
yea i recently rooted my phone but unfortunately you will have to downgrade the firmware in order to rooted so you can use the S-off otherwise you cant root it with the current firmware yet.
I rooted my Thunderbolt this weekend without downgrading the firmware using Revolutionary. You first have to do some preliminary steps first.
I'd provide a link to the post on Android Forums but I don't have enough posts yet.
It's the first result I get when I search for "thunderbolt root" with Google.
Ok everyone. I like to think I am efficient enough to figure things out and such but I will honestly say I am having a major n00b moment with this one.
In the past, with my older Android phones (Droid 1 and Droid Razr) I was able to root and unroot the phones by following the instructions and ensure if I ever returned my device to Verizon, it gets unrooted and such.
however, now that I have the HTC Rezound from Verizon, I feel pretty stupid when it comes to the instructions I've found.
I gotten as far as unlocking the bootloader which appeared to be fairly simple, but there are just so many instructions out there on how to root the phone I cant make heads over heals on what to do.
Essentially I just want to be able to root and unroot the phone in the event I ever were to return it to Verizon for replacement. Can someone direct me to the proper way in doing this? I'd truly appreciate the help. Thank you all
storo1975 said:
Ok everyone. I like to think I am efficient enough to figure things out and such but I will honestly say I am having a major n00b moment with this one.
In the past, with my older Android phones (Droid 1 and Droid Razr) I was able to root and unroot the phones by following the instructions and ensure if I ever returned my device to Verizon, it gets unrooted and such.
however, now that I have the HTC Rezound from Verizon, I feel pretty stupid when it comes to the instructions I've found.
I gotten as far as unlocking the bootloader which appeared to be fairly simple, but there are just so many instructions out there on how to root the phone I cant make heads over heals on what to do.
Essentially I just want to be able to root and unroot the phone in the event I ever were to return it to Verizon for replacement. Can someone direct me to the proper way in doing this? I'd truly appreciate the help. Thank you all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you have unlocked the bootloader or gotten s-off, you just need to flash a recovery (Amon ra is linked in my sig) then flash a rom. All of the ROMS are pre-rooted. To revert to uprooted, all you need to do is run the GB RUU which can be found in the development section (or google)
AshtonTS said:
Once you have unlocked the bootloader or gotten s-off, you just need to flash a recovery (Amon ra is linked in my sig) then flash a rom. All of the ROMS are pre-rooted. To revert to uprooted, all you need to do is run the GB RUU which can be found in the development section (or google)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
am not sure if i ever had the change to thank you but thank you!
Hello. Thanks in advance for your time and advice.
I've got a brand new HTC One M8, AT&T, firmware says 4.4.2 with no available updates.
I want to create an initial backup. I'm a computer technician, and just dabbling in Android, and it's important for me to make a "clone" of my phone before I proceed to wreck things. (This is a replacement phone, the last one had a hardware issue... I swear... I managed to install ViperOne onto it, for a week before the screen faded to white and died.)
I assume I'll need root access to make a proper backup. I also assume I should use Nandroid. I've not used the app before, but I'm sure I can figure it out. As far as root goes, I previously used Hasoon2000's HTC One 2014 (M8) All-In-One Toolkit, which worked well, as far as I could tell. (It's a visual basic program with scripts to download drivers, register at htcdev, get token id, submit it, unlock bootloader, flash recovery, and lots of nice ADB commands. Is this a good option to use? I hear many people use S-Off, but I don't really see a need... ?
So, I assume I'll need a new token ID from HTC, as the previous one I got corresponds to the old, malfunctioning phone.
After it's unlocked, I'd use the toolkit to grant perm root. That would be a great place to be for now. I plan to wait until the 4.4.4 update is pushed, then worry about installing a new rom.
Am I on the right track?
For the AT&T version (and most the major US carrier versions) we are lucky enough to have RUUs. So really, no need to backup the stock configuration. If you like, grab the RUUs and save them to your computer so you have them ready if and when it is needed.
Nandroid isn't a specific app, its just a generic term for a backup made with recovery. The custom recovery is your choice: TWRP, Clockworkmod, Philz.
Just a personal opinion, I would actually strongly recommend against using the toolkit for a couple reasons: most importantly using the toolkit robs you of an important learning opportunity. Doing the steps "manually" is a key way to learning your way around fastboot/adb. Doing the steps manually isn't that hard, and shortcutting the process with the toolkit really doesn't gain you much. Another key issue, is the toolkit introduces an additional point of failure. In fact, I've seen folks have trouble doing some of the steps with the toolkit; where doing the steps "manually" worked without a hitch. And the toolkit hasn't been updated for a long time, and will install an obsolete version of TWRP recovery, which in itself can cause issues.
If you used the toolkit before, you can certainly use it again. This is likely the path of "least" resistance, the the "easy" way to do things. But I wouldn't necessarily call it the "best" way to do it. If you don't already know your way around adb, I would do the steps manually. Since you have a background in computers, you will probably even find the manual process more enjoyable.
Yes, you would need to unlock the bootloader again via HTCDev.com, as the unlock bin code in based on the phone's unique IMEI.
The process would be as simple as unlocking the bootloader using HTCDev.com (very easy, the website is self-explanatory). Use fastboot to install custom recovery. Then to gain root, just flash SU or SuperSU in recovery. If you need a step-by-step guide, there is an excellent one here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2799796
But also be aware that once the 4.4.4 OTA rolls out, you will need to return to stock recovery, and also restore any system files modifed by root, in order to install the OTA.
Thanks, redpoint73
Exactly the answer I was looking for. The guide looks great. Looks like there's a lot of useful information about reverting to stock, too. I guess I'll have a go at it now, as opposed to waiting for the update. Like you say, it's good to know things. Thanks much.
@redpoint73
Now I'm only asking cause I don't know everything. Couldn't those who have S-off just RUU the update once available instead of reverting to complete stock state(no root,no custom recovery, locked Bootlaoder)?
AT&T HTC ONE M8
jball said:
@redpoint73
Now I'm only asking cause I don't know everything. Couldn't those who have S-off just RUU the update once available instead of reverting to complete stock state(no root,no custom recovery, locked Bootlaoder)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. In fact S-off is not even required to run an RUU intended for your version (AT&T). If s-on, the added step of relocking the bootloader is all that is needed to run the RUU.
HTC seems to have gotten better about releasing the RUUs promptly. In fact, the previous (ill fated) 4.4.3 update saw the RUU and OTA roll out on the same day. Although this hasn't always been the case. On past devices, the RUUs were not released for weeks (sometimes longer) after the OTA started to roll out. And many folks don't want to wait that long.
Also, relocking the bootloader is not required to OTA, only to RUU.