How To Install Ubuntu Linux on HTC HD2

HTC HD2, originally released with Windows, has become an increasingly popular handset for porting various operating systems. In the past, we have featured the installation of several operating systems on this device and this time, we will guide you through the process of installing Ubuntu Linux on your HD2.

For our previous coverage of different operating systems for the HTC HD2, please see:

• How To Install Android 2.2 Froyo On HTC HD2
• Install Android 2.3 Gingerbread on HTC HD2 with GingerHD2
• Dual Boot HTC HD2 Into Windows Mobile or Android At Startup
• Install Windows Phone 7 On HTC HD2

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution originally intended for desktops and laptops. However, those over at XDA-Developers forums have modded it for HD2’s exceptionally flexible hardware. It should be noted that this is an SD card-only boot up and leaves the internal memory of your phone untouched.

This build is reported to have the following features working and tested on the HD2:

• Kernel base htc-msm-2.6.32
• Improved touchscreen and keypad driver allow for decent navigation.
• Wi-Fi
• 3G (One touch operation)
• Vibration(One touch operation)
• USB drivers added for foreign devices
• Enlarged rootfilesystem size to 2GB
• Tweaked On Screen Keyboard & enlarged GUI components.
• Screen Rotation
• Some apps preinstalled such as Firefox Fennec with Kinetic Scrolling, Pidgin Instant Messaging etc.
• Easy installation of extra languages
• GUI for the gnome-player to have basic playback control of video playback.

Here is how to get Ubuntu up and running on your HTC HD2.

Disclaimer: Please follow this guide at your own risk. AddictiveTips will not be liable if your device gets damaged or bricked during the process.

Requirements:

• HTC HD2 Ubuntu Image (Download link no longer working; grab it with this (https://linuxtogo.org/~lgorris/hd2/hd2-ubuntu_0.2.zip.torrent) torrent or visit the forum thread linked below for mirrors)
• Radio ROM version 2.08 or above (upgrade necessary if you have a lower version; known working Radios are 2.10.50.08_2 and 2.12.50.02_2),
• >HaRET Executable,
• Startup Configuration file for HaRET(copy paste the contents here to startup.txt and place on your root)
• SD card with atleast 3GB of free space.

Procedure:

1. Extract the HD2 Ubuntu Image to the root directory of your SD card so that the ‘Ubuntu’ folder is directly on SD card root and not in any other folder.
2. Place the HaRET executable somewhere on your SD card.
3. Save any unsaved work that you might be carrying out on your Windows as next step will exit windows.
4. Run Haret.exe.

HaRET will now end Windows and boot you into Ubuntu! Try Ubuntu on your phone and experience using a desktop based operating system on your handheld device. Don’t forget to let us know how it turns out.

For any updates, issues and suggestions, please go to the XDA-Developers forum thread but before you ask for help there, do read up on the FAQs.

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Fahad Abdullah

A Robotics Engineer by profession, driven with a geek's urge to learn, to understand and to keep up with the rapidly changing technology all around us. I'm an Android enthusiast and hope to contribute what little I can to the Android world.

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