Complete this at your own risk. This is NOT an Official Sprint/HTC release.

Android 2.1 brings the HTC Hero:

• Faster and more responsive.
• Built-in VPN.
• Bluetooth software enhanced.
• Slide function to answer a call.
• SMS voice input
• Accepts unsigned emails now.

Make sure you backup you current information before proceeding.

File Requirement:
HTC Hero Android 2.1 pre-release ROM.
http://www.dreamingisdigital.com/android/android-files/category/2-htc-hero-on-sprint.html?download=4%3Adamagecontrolv20r32_2

How to Install on the HTC Hero

1. Download the Android 2.1 ROM listed above.
2. Rename the ROM to update.zip
3. Now plug your Hero into the computer and mount the SDCard
4. Copy the update.zip to the root directory of the SDCard
5. Unplug the phone and power it down.
6. Power the phone back in recovery mode.To power up in Recovery Mode, holding down Home and Power buttons and Keep holding them until you see some text written in green.
7. In the Recovery Mode, select “Wipe” and then select Wipe data partition.
8. Once the wipe is completed, go to “Flash update image” and select Apply sdcard:update.zip
9. Confirm the installation and then sit back and watch while the ROM is being installed/loaded.
10. When completed, reboot the phone. Your new ROM should be up and running now!
    Note: The first reboot may take time, so be with patience. Even the first startup and the phone will be a bit slow, but should get fine in a few minutes.
    Note2: I do not own a Hero so I am not sure if this works. Please confirm if you are able to get this ROM installation method to work.