How to root Alcatel OT-997D? I currently have an Alcatel OT-997D which has the MTK6577 chipset and runs ICS 4.04. I've looked mostly through threads at xda-devs and I've tried various root methods including: "root many android" - I get "mount access denied", "ICS/JB Universal root" - When trying to update in stock recovery the file fails verification, "MTK Droid root" - Reboots phone and backup/restore prompts appear but no results.

Does anyone know any other "universal" rooting methods or ones specific to my device?
Before you begin, I enabled developer mode and I'm not sure if it makes a difference but this is what worked for me so you might as well:

Open settings, click on About phone, scroll down to Build number and tap Build number seven times.

I tried many different methods on a similar alcatel phone with a mtk6582 and I also got error messages from various exploit methods. 

However, here are two methods that were successful.

iroot

Root is successful and uses a one click method. However, in order to gain file access, you must install "root file explorer" and which is a paid app. For me, paying for an app is not an option.

kingroot

Download and install kingroot. This one also uses a one click
 method and obtaining root is successful. This is the method I recommend as kingroot will allow you to allocate root permission to individual applications.

After installation and successful root, click the gear icon on the upper right hand corner of the main screen. If you need to, close the app and open it again to view the main screen.

Enable the option Enable Root authorization.

Then, under Root authorization setting, enable the first three options, Smart authorization, Backup Root permission, and Keep the Root upgraded.

For me, I set Authorization count down to 10 seconds and Default timeout to Allow just to get things working. Exit KingRoot.

Next, install ES file explorer and then open KingRoot. Go to Root Authorization and select Allow for ES File Explorer.

Open ES File Explorer and click the menu icon on the upper left hand corner of the screen. Scroll down and expand the Tools section of this menu and toggle the option ON for Root Explorer. Swipe the menu left to close the menu and a few more times to get to the files where you will have full root access to modify these files.

Additionally, KingRoot has the ability to Uninstall default apps and there is also Kingmaster which allows you to manage and restrict apps to obtain full performance of your device. 

However, Kingmaster is in Chinese. Most of the app restriction is obvious as red restricts the app and green allows.