Need help recovering data from old HTC Desire 626s without factory reset
Trying to recover data from my old HTC Desire 626s (MetroPCS) and I’ve hit a wall.
Device info:
- HTC Desire 626s
- MetroPCS firmware
- product: htc_a32eul
- version-main: 2.17.1550.1
- bootloader locked
- OEM unlock disabled / KillSwitch enabled
What I’ve already done:
- Installed ADB/Fastboot drivers successfully
- Fastboot works (fastboot devices detects phone)
- Accessed hidden stock recovery
- Accessed ADB sideload mode
- Tried fastboot oem unlock
- Tried fastboot flashing unlock
- Tried unsigned ZIP methods from SD card
- Tried recovery ADB access (adb shell) but shell access is blocked
- Recovery rejects unsigned ZIPs with “signature verification failed”
Current issue:
I’m trying to recover/access the phone without factory resetting because I want the old data/photos on it. The lock is a pattern lock and I do NOT have USB debugging enabled from before.
Main question:
Does anyone know of:
- a known exploit for MetroPCS HTC Desire 626s firmware 2.17.1550.1
- a way to extract gesture.key
- a way to disable signature verification in stock recovery
- or any HTC/Qualcomm forensic method that still works on this model?
Not trying to steal a phone — this is my own old device from years ago. Just trying to recover data before wiping it.
Any help appreciated.