Rooting and Unrooting for dummies

I know instructions have been posted all over for this stuff. I am not very tech advanced but I just wanted to let everyone know I successfully rooted and unrooted my phone following the videos and written guides i am linking below

ROOT
    http://www.thedroiddemos.com/2010/09/20/how-to-root-the-htc-thunderbolt-4g-with-unrevoked-3-21-video-walkthrough/
(Mod note: Once completing steps 1-13 in the link above (written directions), it just kind of leaves you hanging. After you complete step 13, reboot your phone and you will then be ready for the next section.)

UNROOT
    http://www.thedroiddemos.com/2010/09/10/how-to-unroot-the-thunderbolt-in-2-steps/

Those 2 guides along with the help of people at htcthunderbolt4g.com enabled me (someone who really knows nothing about this stuff) to root and unroot my phone easily with no damage to my phone.


p.s. backup everything, the unroot method pretty much does a factory reset, all downloaded apps are gone, contacts, etc. but the sd card is intact. so backup everything to sd card.

 also you should probably remove the pcimg and unrevokedson zip files after you are done. i did this but i dont know if it is mandantory

Yes.

So I have a quick question....or favor perhaps.  i have been doing my homework on this stuff for the past few days and I seem to have most of the lingo down, I think. What I am looking for is not really instructions, but more like the order of operations. i.e.- I assume it would be best to pick out a kernel and rom before getting started, Im probably gonna go with Fresh as I have seen good reviews for it.

1. Does any kernel work with any rom?

2. Should I have the kernel and rom zip files on my p.c. before I start, or can I do that as I go thru the rooting process? Or do I do this from the browser on my phone??

3.Do I backup my phone before even starting the root process? Will astro or my backup pro do this for me, and should I use more than one backup just to be on the safe side?

4. I curious about the over/under clocking of the processor, which rom kernel combo do you guys think is the best for better battery and/or better performance.

Sorry if these have been answered, I have searched threads and watched many of the videos on you tube etc. (they mostly show doing the root itself, kind of like showing you how to cook the meal, but not giving the ingredients) I guess what I am trying to ask is what do I need to do BEFORE starting the root process. I dont wanna do all this only to find out I missed something that was before step 1.

Thanks for the quick answer!! But about my contacts and apps I have in my phone now; do I back them up before, or do I just have to kinda of start over or just save them to the sd card?? contacts I assume I can just sync via gmail???

So.....

1. Root

2. Flash a rom and kernel???

3. Recovery

4. Enjoy the bad-assery?

Is that the right order?

Following the above posted unroot method
http://www.thedroiddemos.com/2010/09/10/how-to-unroot-the-thunderbolt-in-2-steps/
worked flawlessly for me. Followed the directions to a T and had zero issues.
Djrez makes some very great informative videos. Hats off to him!

hey i need jus a lil bit of help please. though the videos are great and simple, it did not state where to download a reflashing app. can anyone give me any advice? thanks in advance

well in the 2nd video after you make sure that  you turn the debugging on @ about the 2min mark it mentions opening the reflashing app but it doesnt state if this will automatically pop up or if i need to download it, or where to find it.


edit: it does metion downloading the reflashing app it jus doesnt specify where from