Ok, we know the HTC Sprint Hero is rooted, can flash custom roms, nandroid backups, etc
HOWEVER do not I repeat do not try to return it to stock by flashing the Sprint RUU 1.56 to the device for some reason some of the units (the ones that say *With Google on the back) will not take this update and can possible be bricked because the RUU will not overwrite the RADIO.IMG correctly and will cause the phone to restart and only display the HTC Logo

The good thing is that this is in what they call fastboot mode it can still used

connect the phone to your computer
open command prompt and navigate to your Android\Tools folder

type the command
fastboot devices


check to make sure you device is be discovered

now send the command

fastboot oem boot


this will cause the phone to reboot using the NAND Flash memory

now it will need to be reactivated rooted etc you can still use it completely however if you do turn your device off you will need to resend this command everytime.

So at least you have a phone back as long as you dont turn it off.