Questions about rooting

[czonin]

So i got the 2.1 update yesterday but didnt really read up on rooting the phone until today. I found a guide on how to get back to 2.0.1 but it says that i will loose everything i currently have. I have a few questions that i hope u guys can help me with. If i loose everything is there a way to backup everything on the phone (contacts, apps - purchased and free) and put them back on after going back to 2.0.1? Next are there any guides you suggest to use on how to root my phone? Lastly, what ROM's do u guys recommend i use after rooting it?

[starscream]

contacts are linked to your google account so they wont be touched

use Titanium Backup from the market to backup everything else

id recommend either Ultimate Droid from blackdroid or Cyanogen from Koush...
both are awesome im still going back and fourth trying to settle on one..

Cyanogen i think is a little more stable and "noob" friendly

[alm0614]

I use Bugless Beast and love it! definitely give a few roms a try

[cupfulloflol]

So i got the 2.1 update yesterday but didnt really read up on rooting the phone until today. I found a guide on how to get back to 2.0.1 but it says that i will loose everything i currently have. I have a few questions that i hope u guys can help me with. If i loose everything is there a way to backup everything on the phone (contacts, apps - purchased and free) and put them back on after going back to 2.0.1? Next are there any guides you suggest to use on how to root my phone? Lastly, what ROM's do u guys recommend i use after rooting it?

To backup your apps you can use a backup program like MyBackup (I assume this doesn't require root) or Astro to back them up. Contacts sync with your gmail account. You can't use Titanium backup as mentioned, because it requires root to use. It is a pretty sweet app though once rooted.

As far as obtaining root there are two ways to go about it.

1. The shortcut way :
How to root ESE53 (for phone apps)

That way requires adb to be installed and setup ( [ HOW TO ] ADB AND WHY I LOVE ADB commands <3 ), but that is a shorter process.

2. The longer, but more documented way:
Unroot/Unbrick your phone using .sbf Use that to go back to 2.01 .
Then Complete How-To on How to Mod Your Phone (2.1 ROM, O/C, MM, Boot Animation, etc) to root, get a custom recovery, and install a ROM.

ROM it is all personal preference. Try one, try them all. I could tell you to try one ROM as it is the best, then the next person will come on and tell you a different one. They all have the same similar features, some have a little bit different stuff. Just look around, or just close your eyes and pick one. Each has their fans. If you don't like it, choose a different one. Pay attention to the directions on the ROM as all are a little different, especially if you are coming from a 2.01 ROM which you will be if you use the "longer" method.