Rooting an Android phone allows Android users to boost their handset's performance, install non-approved applications and otherwise modify their phone to their liking. Inexperienced users, however, are likely to "brick" their phones (make them useless by modifying them incorrectly) if they try the rooting procedure without following proper instructions. Great care should be taken when rooting an Android phone, as it generally voids the phone's warranty.
Instructions
1. Charge your phone--preferably overnight so that the battery is at 100% capacity.
2. Change the settings to allow installation of non-Market applications. Go to Settings > Applications and choose "Unknown sources." The green check mark should light up.
3. Open your browser and go to the Cyanogen Recovery Flasher mirror site (Resources, below.) Download the file and open it, then click "Backup Recovery Image" and "Flash Cyanogen Recovery 1.4" in sequence.
4. Power your phone down. Then reboot into recovery mode by holding down the "Home" and "Power" keys simultaneously. Your phone is now rooted.
5. Install a custom ROM of your choice by downloading it to your SIM card and applying it via the instructions above.
Tags: Cyanogen Recovery