How To: Run Ubuntu on HTC HD2

Just a while ago HTC HD2 was successfully booted into Linux kernel. It was definitely a step forward to running full Linux and Android on the device. So the day is finally here. XDA guys have succeeded in running Ubuntu on HTC HD2. So here’s how you’d do that for yourself.

Please note that this not the touch supported Ubuntu. You’d have to use your phone as a netbook with a USB connected keyboard and mouse. Still not bad. So let’s go:

Prerequisites:

1. An HTC HD2 in working condition, obviously.
2. A flash storage card preferbly a fast card e.g class 4.
3. At least 2GB of free memory on the flash card.
4. A PC. You’d need that.

Downloads:

Download the latest Ubuntu build for HTC HD2 from this XDA thread. You’d find it under ‘Builds’ Heading. Save the file on your PC’s hard disk.

Installation:

1. Connect your SD card with your PC using any card reader.
2. Extract the .zip Ubuntu build you just downloaded from XDA.
3. Copy the contents of the extracted folder to your SD card’s main directory.
4.  Don’t forget to read ‘readme.txt’ contained within the extracted folder for additional instructions.
5. Place the SD card back into your HTC HD2.
6. Turn on your HD2, browse the SD card for the Ubuntu folder you placed there.
7. Within the Ubuntu folder, locate a file named ‘HaRET’. It is an executable file tap it and let it do the rest.
8. These are just ‘quick instructions’ to get you going. If you are a newbie, don’t forget to read and follow ‘readme.txt’ thoroughly (step 4).
9. Follow the instructions on this wiki to connect USB mouse and keyboard with your HTC HD2.

Roll Back:

If you are not happy with Ubuntu, there’s no need to worry. Just do a soft reset and your phone is back to WM 6.5. How’d you do that? Well, you’d find a tiny little red colored button under the battery cover. Press and hold it for a moment. You might need a needle to press it.

Enjoy and let us know about your experiences.

[XDA]