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I have been reading this forum for some weeks now and wanted to thank you all for the great info here. I got my first Android phone (Vibrant) a few weeks ago.
I found out about rooting just yesterday. Since I really don't want to spend a lot of time troubleshooting the phone, I had a few questions to figure out whether I should root or not:
Will rooting my phone be overall worth it? Will I have to troubleshoot it a lot as a result? It works well now.
How will the updates work in the future? For example, I won't have to worry about Android 2.2 because it will be included in Cyanogen? Will my phone notify me when it's time to update?
This one is important: are there any instructions that tell me how to backup my current phone so that I can restore it to the original condition in case something happens?
Is Cyanogen accepted to be the best for rooting?
Will all my applications become uninstalled? Will anything else change besides my access level? I read some conflicting into on this.
Can you think of any disadvantages to rooting (other than possible voiding of warranty if you can't hide it)?
Do you guys have a list in this forum as to which applications are bloatware and should be removed (and are safe to remove)? I don't know anything about Android, so I have no idea
And finally, is there a thread/list where all the most important/useful applications that should be installed after rooting are listed? I know titanium backup is one. I couldn't understand what BusyBox does. So a list with explanations would be great.
I haven't liked the battery life of this phone and I am hoping that after removing all the bloatware from it that issue might be fixed as well. My phone starts with 160M+ memory. Even though I keep killing open applications, the performance keeps dropping over time until I can't get more memory beyond ~90M. This is when I have to shut down the phone and turn back on. Other than tethering, my main reason for rooting is 1.performance gain and 2.battery life extension.
Thanks for all the help. A lot of talented people on this forum.
There is no reason to not root this phone in my opinion. You can unroot it. You will get OTA updates using the stock ROM. Many of the recommended apps, guides, useful information is in the sticky at the top. Please read that, then ask any more detailed question you may have.
edit: when you root, there will be NO change to your apps/contacts/settings/etc.... you will reboot and be like "well, am I rooted?"... look for the superuser app in your app drawer, there? Good, you were successful.
Ok, you got an excellent thread there that pretty much answered all my questions! I will root my phone and get back here if I have any more questions, with a cleaned up list. Thanks.
will applying the RyanZA fix stop the OTA update?
A lot of people have this misconception that rooting means modifying their phone. Rooting by itself is not really modifying anything on your phone, all it does is give you super user privileges.
Think of your Mac or Windows PC, you have administrative accounts and you have user accounts. Admins can do anything, user accounts are typically limited.
When you have root access to your phone, you are the admin. You can access features that default account can't.
With that said, once you do have su you step into a whole new world with many different paths. You can can simply stay rooted and use apps that required root access and leave it at that.
Or you can dive into custom ROMs. This is where you step off the manufacturers intended path and follow community developed versions of the operating system.
Alternatively, in between those two extremes above you can do many things in between. You can stay with stock rom but have custom (modules or programs) APKs, or other modifications that change or expand on stock ROM.
Always keep in mind that once you choose to root, what happens to your device is your responsibility. Once again, your responsibility. If you are not willing to accept that, then stay non-rooted/stock and responsibility will be on Samsung to add/remove features, provide updates, fix bugs, etc.
Ok, so a few questions:
I bought Autostart and hid the system apps. Now what? I don't know what to disable from this list. There are applications, but they are listed under several categories. For example, "Application Removed." I have no idea what that category is for. Should I just worry about "After Startup"? Please elaborate.
You don't recommend AppKiller. Won't all those open applications just drain the battery? For example, if I have TeleNav open, how can I close it after I am done using it without AKiller?
There is an entire thread of various people posting various things, but I still would like to see just ONE combined list of all the "safe" bloatware to remove and "risky" ones. That thread did not help me at all since various people are reporting various things.
You recommend Root Explorer, which is kind of expensive. Is there any reason why I can't use the uninstall function of Titanium Backup? Is it any less thorough?
Where is the restart function?
How can I disable those annoying power down and power up sounds of the phone? Can this be done without lowering system volume?
Thanks!
Awesome, Glad to hear your root went well.
1. I bought Autostart and hid the system apps. Now what? I don't know what to disable from this list. There are applications, but they are listed under several categories. For example, "Application Removed." I have no idea what that category is for. Should I just worry about "After Startup"? Please elaborate.
I remove almost all non-system apps unless it is logical wht said app would need to function, aka, text received you would not want to block messanger/handcent..... if there is something you are questioning, just let me know.
2. You don't recommend AppKiller. Won't all those open applications just drain the battery? For example, if I have TeleNav open, how can I close it after I am done using it without AKiller?
Now that you have root, remove all of the bloatware and it will not be an issue. These run in the background and very likely are not using ANY of your resources.
3. There is an entire thread of various people posting various things, but I still would like to see just ONE combined list of all the "safe" bloatware to remove and "risky" ones. That thread did not help me at all since various people are reporting various things.
I used that thread because a lot of people posted the apps they removed. Almost all of them can be removed, if there is one you are questioning, let me know.
4. You recommend Root Explorer, which is kind of expensive. Is there any reason why I can't use the uninstall function of Titanium Backup? Is it any less thorough?
I mentioned in the sticky that I do not use TB. I know it allows you to remove apps, but Root Explorer does this and a lot more. For example..... #6
5. Where is the restart function?
Not sure I know what you mean? if you want a reboot option you can get Quick Boot from the market.
6. How can I disable those annoying power down and power up sounds of the phone? Can this be done without lowering system volume?
In the sticky I show where the files are located. With Root Explorer you can navigate to them and delete the files.
I agree with a lot on this thread. A master Guide for rooting/unrooting and usage should be made. The FAQ currently stickied is informative for the most part but it focuses on far too many things to be able to go into enough detail on each. Personally I would like a "All things root" guide or something sticked which is comprehensive and focuses JUST on that, with the most common root usage apps and things posted (including safe disabling or removal of bloat, backing up, flashing roms, etc.) so that people who have NO idea whatsoever and it is their first phone or something can just read that and feel at home. I may start working on one if no one else does it, we'll see.
}{Alienz}{ said:
so that people who have NO idea whatsoever and it is their first phone or something can just read that and feel at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say that if someone has no idea what they are doing, the last thing they should be attempting is flashing firmware on their phone.
The layer of obscurity and technical difficulty associated with rooting/modding is of benefit in terms of preventing people from doing things they should not be doing without sufficient knowledge base.
There is plenty of info here and online in general to start someone off if they are interested in learning about this in general.
IMHO, creating a trail of bread crumbs for someone who doesn't know what they are doing is more likely to hurt them or community in general rather than help them.
In my experience rooting your could be fun and a nightmare, if not done properly and, you have of time on you're you could become a rom switching addict cyanogen is currently available for the vibrant you can still root, but you will be on stock vibrant rom.till samsung release the source code so no froyo.and the rumor is that they won't release the source code.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
s15274n said:
Awesome, Glad to hear your root went well.
1. I bought Autostart and hid the system apps. Now what? I don't know what to disable from this list. There are applications, but they are listed under several categories. For example, "Application Removed." I have no idea what that category is for. Should I just worry about "After Startup"? Please elaborate.
I remove almost all non-system apps unless it is logical wht said app would need to function, aka, text received you would not want to block messanger/handcent..... if there is something you are questioning, just let me know.
2. You don't recommend AppKiller. Won't all those open applications just drain the battery? For example, if I have TeleNav open, how can I close it after I am done using it without AKiller?
Now that you have root, remove all of the bloatware and it will not be an issue. These run in the background and very likely are not using ANY of your resources.
3. There is an entire thread of various people posting various things, but I still would like to see just ONE combined list of all the "safe" bloatware to remove and "risky" ones. That thread did not help me at all since various people are reporting various things.
I used that thread because a lot of people posted the apps they removed. Almost all of them can be removed, if there is one you are questioning, let me know.
4. You recommend Root Explorer, which is kind of expensive. Is there any reason why I can't use the uninstall function of Titanium Backup? Is it any less thorough?
I mentioned in the sticky that I do not use TB. I know it allows you to remove apps, but Root Explorer does this and a lot more. For example..... #6
5. Where is the restart function?
Not sure I know what you mean? if you want a reboot option you can get Quick Boot from the market.
6. How can I disable those annoying power down and power up sounds of the phone? Can this be done without lowering system volume?
In the sticky I show where the files are located. With Root Explorer you can navigate to them and delete the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. What I don't understand is that the category says "New Outgoing Call" and GVoice beneath it. So I should NOT disable it, right? Because it has nothing to do with startup? But if so, then almost every other category has nothing to do with startup either. It is only the first listing that says "After Startup" and it misses A LOT of applications that do start up, like TeleNav. I don't even see TeleNav anywhere in that list. Same is true for "Email," Gallery," "Voice Dialer," and a bunch of other apps that I don't want to start on startup. I don't see any way of killing these other than by ATKiller. Am I missing something here?
2. See the problem is this: right now I have Telenav and I use it sometimes. However, I don't want it to run just whenever. So if I don't want to uninstall it, isn't my only solution ATKiller? There are other programs like this. And I can't disable them from the Autostart menu either since they're not there (Filtered out System files).
3. That site does not list what each of the bloatware does. For example, I am not sure I want to remove Account and Sync because I might need it for my bills. Same thing with "MyFiles." I don't even know what "vvm" is.
4. I am not able to tether the phone. I already tried Barnacle and it said "Running..." after I disabled supplicant, used channel 6, and disable ad-hoc. Then I tried this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=739147&highlight=tether, but I am still not able to connect. My laptop detects the phone as "computer-to-computer network," but when I click connect, it keeps trying to connect and then doesn't. I am not sure where to go from here.
Thanks.
One more thing I still don't know: how are the updates going to work from now on? Whenever an Android update comes out, like 2.1update or Froyo, do I have to come here and do everything manually? Or is there a way from within the phone to find out with one click? I am assuming whatever update is available for the phone will also be available for custom download (otherwise I could unroot, update, reroot?).
Thanks.
By the way, I also agree about a complete guide. It's not that it will enable the clueless to mess up their phone, but rather the opposite - it will allow the clueless to become cluefull. Such a guide would be very helpful. Meanwhile I am having to jump from thread to thread and then to Google trying to find out about this or that. That's not to say that the guide available isn't very helpful already.
I've already contacted a few people about starting said guide. I have not got much feedback from people willing to help....
^ you've asked a lot man... I can try and answer some, but you need to keep doing some reading. I feel like I've offered up a lot as is.
Just b/c you have root, does not mean you will not receive the OTA updates. If Froyo is released, you can update from the phone, you will lose root though. Most of us, will wait for the developers to have a stock froyo + root that we can flash.
why use telenav? I am not familiar.. just curious why not use google nav?
autostarts, just b/c you have it set to not start an app on boot, does not mean when you click the icon to open it will cause an issue. Really not that big of a deal. If you notice an issue, just set the app back to enabled.
Do not use a task killer.
The thread I linked has plenty of information for what you can remove from the phone, with instructions.... same for the barnacle tether app. If you want, download Wireless Tether, google it... the source code is on google.
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list
androidaddict23 said:
In my experience rooting your could be fun and a nightmare, if not done properly and, you have of time on you're you could become a rom switching addict cyanogen is currently available for the vibrant you can still root, but you will be on stock vibrant rom.till samsung release the source code so no froyo.and the rumor is that they won't release the source code.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogen is not yet available for the Vibrant. It will soon.
Froyo-cooked ROMS are already out for the Vibrant (alas with some bugs) so I don't think there's a reason to think Cyanogen won't be on Froyo.
Also: Never having done a root/rom flash does not make someone stupid or signify they should never try it. It just means they should READ some documentation and be technically up to the challenge before they do. I don't think having a clear guide on most of the process will hurt anyone who is coming into this but doesn't yet know all the details and steps of what to do.
Excelsius said:
Ok, you got an excellent thread there that pretty much answered all my questions! I will root my phone and get back here if I have any more questions, with a cleaned up list. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
glad the root went well for you. I am wanting to root my phone too, but not sure which root method is easiest and best.
Which root method did you use?
I had a mytouch rooted before the Vibrant, but they are way different and I dont want to screw up
s15274n said:
I've already contacted a few people about starting said guide. I have not got much feedback from people willing to help....
^ you've asked a lot man... I can try and answer some, but you need to keep doing some reading. I feel like I've offered up a lot as is.
Just b/c you have root, does not mean you will not receive the OTA updates. If Froyo is released, you can update from the phone, you will lose root though. Most of us, will wait for the developers to have a stock froyo + root that we can flash.
why use telenav? I am not familiar.. just curious why not use google nav?
autostarts, just b/c you have it set to not start an app on boot, does not mean when you click the icon to open it will cause an issue. Really not that big of a deal. If you notice an issue, just set the app back to enabled.
Do not use a task killer.
The thread I linked has plenty of information for what you can remove from the phone, with instructions.... same for the barnacle tether app. If you want, download Wireless Tether, google it... the source code is on google.
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate all your answers. I don't mean to say that anyone else can't answer as well. I am still unclear on several things I asked and would appreciate if someone could chime in, at least about the exact procedures for using autostart and the reasoning behind not using the task killer. I am new to Android, but I am pretty good at computers, including building them. So when I am learning about doing this or that, I would like to know about the reasoning behind that. I am sure that all of the questions I ask here I can find out on my own, but I was hoping that I could utilize the purpose of the forum and learn something from the veterans rather than reinventing the wheel myself.
I am using Telenav because I have a one month free trial. I discovered Google Nav just yesterday. I just want to compare them myself, even though it is unlikely I will pay $10/month in either case. But remember that Telenav is just one of the applications causing issues.
Thanks for all the answers. Please don't feel pressured to answer all the things I might ask. If I don't get enough answers, I'll just do a quick thread search and if that's not fruitful, I'll create a specific thread for autostart usage.
androidaddict23 said:
till samsung release the source code so no froyo.and the rumor is that they won't release the source code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't this illegal? I thought the whole point of Android was opensource and under the GPL License, they are required to post the full source code, right? Or I could just be way off base here.
kboater said:
glad the root went well for you. I am wanting to root my phone too, but not sure which root method is easiest and best.
Which root method did you use?
I had a mytouch rooted before the Vibrant, but they are way different and I dont want to screw up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the first procedure recommended in the sticky: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7150299&postcount=1
I am not sure why it said that you have to restart several times. Here are some clarifications on the steps there that I think were not too clear:
1. When you connect your device, you need to pull down the message area, click on the USB, and only then you will see the option to MOUNT your phone. I had to experiment to figure this out.
2. The guide doesn't say, but if your USB debugging mode is on, I would disable it, just to be safe: Settings (this is that leftmost button on your phone when you're at your desktop)-->Applications-->Development-->USB debugging (uncheck). This might be unnecessary, but I did it just to be safe.
3. When you are copying the Update.zip file into your phone, make sure you check the size of the folder. It must be your internal storage - it will be 12GB+ and will have your system files. If you have trouble identifying this, simply remove your SD card!
4. When you are restarting the phone, make sure you press the volume button in the MIDDLE so that it is entirely pressed (up and down). While holding it, press and hold the power. Do not let go of the volume button until your enter the recovery menu.
Anyway, that's what I did and rooted from the first time without any issues.
t0phux said:
Isn't this illegal? I thought the whole point of Android was opensource and under the GPL License, they are required to post the full source code, right? Or I could just be way off base here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could be that Samsung has modified the code for their own phones making the code their property, while the "regular" 2.2 (unmodified) would be available to everyone. I could be wrong, but I think this how it would work.
Excelsius said:
I used the first procedure recommended in the sticky: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7150299&postcount=1
I am not sure why it said that you have to restart several times. Here are some clarifications on the steps there that I think were not too clear:
1. When you connect your device, you need to pull down the message area, click on the USB, and only then you will see the option to MOUNT your phone. I had to experiment to figure this out.
2. The guide doesn't say, but if your USB debugging mode is on, I would disable it, just to be safe: Settings (this is that leftmost button on your phone when you're at your desktop)-->Applications-->Development-->USB debugging (uncheck). This might be unnecessary, but I did it just to be safe.
3. When you are copying the Update.zip file into your phone, make sure you check the size of the folder. It must be your internal storage - it will be 12GB+ and will have your system files. If you have trouble identifying this, simply remove your SD card!
4. When you are restarting the phone, make sure you press the volume button in the MIDDLE so that it is entirely pressed (up and down). While holding it, press and hold the power. Do not let go of the volume button until your enter the recovery menu.
Anyway, that's what I did and rooted from the first time without any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks
10 char
Hi, I have been searching but could not find a related thread.
I'm using the NY Times for Android app on my rooted Nook Touch, but touch scrolling simply doesn't work. It'd be wonderful if I could use the hardware buttons to scroll up and down, but it does not work.
Does anybody know of a way I an coax the hardware buttons to initiate a scroll in the NY Time app or any other app where they don't natively work on a rooted Nook?
Thanks!
I haven't done this yet myself (I'm gonna!) but you should be able recode your hardware buttons using info from this theard.
Edit: In fact this has been put in the new Nooters here and here and here. I just have not updated to 1.1 yet cuz I'm lazy. Once you do just go into the NookTouchTools and you can change the hardware buttons as you want.
Thanks; I gather that somewhere (everywhere?) in those three links is the answer to my question, though they all assume a certain level of pre-existing knowledge about this whole rooting process, and I can't follow along.
Essentially, I now have two nooks:
a)Mine. It still has the 1.0.0 and I rooted it many months ago, and it has the aforementioned issue with not being able to scroll within my NY Times app.
b)My mom's. Bought a week ago, has 1.1.0. From the factory; not rooted yet.
I want them both to be rooted, ideally with the most current version of the rooting that enables me to scroll around in my NY Times app.
Do all 3 links you posted provide the same rooting, just different installation methods, or are they different end-products?
Can you suggest a method (or two methods, one for each device)?
Thanks a million; if this works, I'm a happy camper.
Jon
I suggest you my method use the X files for the Xorzone's mods that with the app NookTouchTools have the ability to remap buttons.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1346748
I get that you want me to use your method.
Maybe I'd do that, but...
-Would this work on both of my Nooks (in particular the one that is already rooted)?
-Without a translation into "layman" or an easy set of instructions for:
"use the X files for the Xorzone's mods"
it does not seem like the best way for me to go!
Jon
jbr950 said:
I get that you want me to use your method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't got much interesit on you using my method, I'm not paid for this...... just trying to help , but read the latest posts (2 or 3 pages) on each thread to make your mind.
jbr950 said:
Maybe I'd do that, but...
-Would this work on both of my Nooks (in particular the one that is already rooted)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again read the post, you just need to be on the 1.1 update. (Allthough I recommend a restore and reset, if you want to find out how to do it, search or go to the manual rooting thread on my sig, into uninstalling)
jbr950 said:
-Without a translation into "layman" or an easy set of instructions for:
"use the X files for the Xorzone's mods"
it does not seem like the best way for me to go!
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, search a bit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1289894
Then, whell.... this is written just behind that: "that with the app NookTouchTools have the ability to remap buttons"
Then, if someone gives you a thread, take a look at it at least if you dont look at the post which I pointed you, and find the step by step explanation easy with also the explanation of each type of file.
what can I say?
Cool; looks like it's one of the steps in the instructions. Thinking I'll give it a try next weekend on my mother's nook when I get home. I don't know what a usb vs wifi adb means, so i'll randomly go with wifi (that's the xw option).
Thanks-
jbr950 said:
Cool; looks like it's one of the steps in the instructions. Thinking I'll give it a try next weekend on my mother's nook when I get home. I don't know what a usb vs wifi adb means, so i'll randomly go with wifi (that's the xw option).
Thanks-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just the way to acces adb interface (if you dont need it, get the U zips, as on the W the adb is enabled all the time on the wifi connection, so it could, in theory, be a security issue).
http://www.unlockroot.com/guide.htm
Device list is here
http://www.unlockroot.com/unlockroot.php
HTC HTC Desire Z 2.3.7
have anyone tryied it yet?
Using this for rooting looks like a longshot to me...
Rooting through ADB is much much much safer.
Avira has detected 2 virus. i deleted it
moshafidi said:
Avira has detected 2 virus. i deleted it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft Security Essentials detected stuff too, seems like I'll brick my phone with this. So I think I'll just stick with gfree
wanted to try, but kaspersky also say "virus alarm"
Guys, you do realize that rooting exploits are technically viruses, right?
Superoneclick comes up as a virus on my home computer, yet everyone except HTC phone owners use it to gain root.
sino8r said:
Guys, you do realize that rooting exploits are technically viruses, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would rooting exploits on Linux/Android come up as viruses on Windows?
redpoint73 said:
Would rooting exploits on Linux/Android come up as viruses on Windows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This tool is downloaded to your computer, then you execute it and it's supposed root your android automatically. Yes, they do show up as viruses sometimes.
The question, is it legit? I have my doubts.
the4biddendonut said:
Superoneclick comes up as a virus on my home computer, yet everyone except HTC phone owners use it to gain root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did a bit of Googling around, just to find out more about why Superoneclick comes up as containing a virus sometimes.
The following gives some theories on why this happens.
http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/fwm9b/superoneclick_severe_virus_alert_in_windows/
So to answer my own question, it seems that the anti-virus programs may indeed be screening for exploits that don't actually affect Windows, but Linux. Whether this is the case with Unlock Root, or its actually spreading a Windows virus, who knows?
These are all very valid points, yes as with any rooting process, you could end up with a nice shiny brick but then again, "He who dares, Wins!"
However i am a at this having just about rooted my old milestone on the 8th attempt so i think i may leave this to someone else a little than me to try 1st!
No good
You know, there are ZERO decent guides, even I'm afraid to say, here on xda on how to successfully, easily and preferrably with a single click, root a Desire Z - and I've been desperate to do mine for a long time. The problem is a lot of the guides have dead links, hard to follow or half missing instructions.
Anyway.
This looked like deep joy, so I just installed it, ran it, changed to USB debug mode, hit "root" against my device and the upshot was that it looked like it went through the process, did a reboot, then still no root (checked with a root checker app and with Avast, trying to access Firewall mode which needs root).
I'm gutted, I thought I could finally make root happen without WAY too complex instructions.
Desire Z, GSM, 2.3.3 unbranded here if that helps anyone out.
adamchap said:
You know, there are ZERO decent guides, even I'm afraid to say, here on xda on how to successfully, easily and preferrably with a single click, root a Desire Z - and I've been desperate to do mine for a long time. The problem is a lot of the guides have dead links, hard to follow or half missing instructions.
Anyway.
This looked like deep joy, so I just installed it, ran it, changed to USB debug mode, hit "root" against my device and the upshot was that it looked like it went through the process, did a reboot, then still no root (checked with a root checker app and with Avast, trying to access Firewall mode which needs root).
I'm gutted, I thought I could finally make root happen without WAY too complex instructions.
Desire Z, GSM, 2.3.3 unbranded here if that helps anyone out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found it pretty easy following the main wiki. You need adb but it's easy if you do a little reading.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
adamchap said:
You know, there are ZERO decent guides, even I'm afraid to say, here on xda on how to successfully, easily and preferrably with a single click, root a Desire Z - and I've been desperate to do mine for a long time. The problem is a lot of the guides have dead links, hard to follow or half missing instructions.
Anyway.
This looked like deep joy, so I just installed it, ran it, changed to USB debug mode, hit "root" against my device and the upshot was that it looked like it went through the process, did a reboot, then still no root (checked with a root checker app and with Avast, trying to access Firewall mode which needs root).
I'm gutted, I thought I could finally make root happen without WAY too complex instructions.
Desire Z, GSM, 2.3.3 unbranded here if that helps anyone out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was really hard for me at first learning adb, but now it's pretty easy. I'm no expert, but I can follow directions. PM me if you need any help.
The main things that would concern me about this is that it took so long to be released, it's being told to us by some new person who's barely posted anything before, and even more concerning he never came to check back/talk about it :S
I just rooted a friend's EVO Shift which is really similar to the G2. It was a pain but if you follow the steps to the "t" you should be okay. The reason I meantioned it was because I rooted my G2 when it had stock Froyo on it and was easy as cake The problem which makes it difficult is downgrading to Froyo. Once you get past that part... its as easy as using Visionary apk and clicking a button. Its pretty safe inspite of what people think. I'm all for the one click root apps but it's better (and maybe required) to downgrade to Froyo first.
The REAL problem people have is learning adb. It's easy for us veterans but does seem difficult for most people and the command prompt can be intimidating. the only thing I can suggest is put the adb in a folder that you can remember and just copying and pasting commands. just make sure the spaces in the lines are right and its pretty safe.
About this root tool, yeah, I'd say its much safer to use a reputable method than something new.
and with the virus scanners basically calling all root related stuff viruses... there's no way to check for sure if its safe or not. That's why its probably best to go on reputation. The root exploits are what they say they are: an exploit like some viruses in that category. I recommend Avira virus app for windows because it will actually show you the particular virus in their library/database and it's definition and its use. Very handy app along with AVG. Well... good luck to all!
adamchap said:
You know, there are ZERO decent guides, even I'm afraid to say, here on xda on how to successfully, easily and preferrably with a single click, root a Desire Z - and I've been desperate to do mine for a long time. The problem is a lot of the guides have dead links, hard to follow or half missing instructions.
Anyway.
This looked like deep joy, so I just installed it, ran it, changed to USB debug mode, hit "root" against my device and the upshot was that it looked like it went through the process, did a reboot, then still no root (checked with a root checker app and with Avast, trying to access Firewall mode which needs root).
I'm gutted, I thought I could finally make root happen without WAY too complex instructions.
Desire Z, GSM, 2.3.3 unbranded here if that helps anyone out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wiki guide is the only one you need: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_Vision_.28G2.2FDZ.29_and_DHD
But it really doesn't sound like you want a guide, you want a one-click solution. This seems to be an increasing trend, as more of the masses get interested in rooting, but don't want to put forth any effort.
It would seem to me that having root, without an understanding of some of the basic terms, concepts, and tools, is a dangerous place to be. Modding your phone without some basic knowledge can get you in a real mess, without the tools to get you out of it.
Do yourself a favor, just start reading. Understand the guide, roll up your sleeves and do it. Its really not that hard. But it will take some time, as many of the terms, tools, procedures will be new to you. But you'll be better for it in the long run. HTC has a tendency to protect their devices from one-click root apps. So if you like HTC devices, you may as well get used to the fact that rooted is a process, and not one click. Plus, with any ROM flashing or other modding, things like ADB are good to know and be able to use, in case things go awry.
Anything in the guide that you don't understand can usually be answered by just using the XDA search function, or Googling around the net. If you make a halfway legit attempt to research the question yourself, and still don't get it, come back to the forums and ask, and somebody will help you.
Agree with Redpoint73.
A tool that does system manipulation on a remote platform isn't a virus on the platform it's run, so programs that manipulate your windows host file perform actions similar to what some viruses do. Open an ADB and push a few commands is NOT that so if your system warns, take that seriously! Even if I would love to have a SuperOneClick give me root on my HTZ Desire Z (work phone so I really shouldn't mess with it) I am NOT interested in touching something like this. Why would someone register a domain and make an entire homepage, rather than posting the code here, unless it was fishy?
I would be ready to bet that these guys can monitize on this in one way or another, so it *might* work as a root but rest assure that either the PC or the phone is contaminated when it's done.
The point of one-click rooting is just to get to the features I want that I've been locked out from... using a firewall app, using a backup app, maybe a quick flash of a ROM without operator bloatware in it - a couple of other features like that. I'm sure the majority of users such as me don't feel we should NEED to learn command sets and technical stuff that we don't need to, nor have the time in our lives to learn.
It's all about features and user experience for me - and I can't get to those features without root. I don't want to do anything complex, arcane or put nightlies on, but simply have a lighter ROM with a couple of more features, and that doesn't need anything more than a button marked "Root".
Cheers for all the input on this everyone.
Hello everybody
I have some doubts regarding what I have just done.
I have had a kindle keyboard for a few years and was very pleased with it. Unfortunately it broke and I had to think about a replacement.
I always had a good opinion of the nook e-reader and found out that the new kindles were having a lot of problems. After reading a few reviews on internet, I also discovered this forum and got very excited about having a rooted nook and its possibilities. So I ordered a nook Simple Touch Glowlight and I rooted it two days ago with nookmanager.
I didn't install google market so I still haven't added any app nor done anything else that I would not be able to do with a nook that is not rooted. So far, the only good thing that I get from my rooted nook is the back button that appeared on the top. But I don't really like the ReLaunch interface so I stopped to think and asked myself why did I root my nook. I initially just wanted to replace my dead kindle. I don't want a tablet. I just want a e-reader with a powerful battery. What I want is:
- Be able to lock my nook with a password as with my old kindle
- Have a back button (not back as previous page on a book. Back as to take me to whatever screen I was in before)
- Be able to read in landscape
Can I achieve that without rooting ? If I can, I will happily revert my nook back to its stock condition.
If I need to have it rooted to achieve the above features, is there any rooting method lighter and less intrusive than nookmanager? Would it be enough to enable adb by following this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2122046 ? (I mean do I only need to have adb to achieve the 3 features I want ? )
Many thanks in advance.
Yes, Step one learn to use search this forum button.
MRXIII said:
Hello everybody
- Be able to lock my nook with a password as with my old kindle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Lock Screen
MRXIII said:
- Have a back button (not back as previous page on a book. Back as to take me to whatever screen I was in before)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You can already do this. Go to relaunch->applications (bottom middle)->Nook Mod Manager->Assign Keys. Personally I bind top left to back and bottom left to menu. right top and bottom to next/prev page.
MRXIII said:
- Be able to read in landscape
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but only on a non-stock reader. I recommend installing cool reader, set display mode to fast update 7.
Install this to do so. Use nook mod manager to bind to a key. Personally I have a it mapped to a button on the quick menu and long press top left.
MRXIII said:
Can I achieve that without rooting ? If I can, I will happily revert my nook back to its stock condition.
If I need to have it rooted to achieve the above features, is there any rooting method lighter and less intrusive than nookmanager? Would it be enough to enable adb by following this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2122046 ? (I mean do I only need to have adb to achieve the 3 features I want ? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Relaunch is just a launcher you don't have to use it.
Benefits of rooting allows you to have a simple ebook reader that does what you mentioned above plus a lot more. You will have to spend a bit of time reading etc how to do it.
regards
Crispy
Stock reader can kind of do landscape.
Just remove the portrait only from AndroidManifest.xml
If it starts in landscape, it will be in landscape.
(Ok, this isn't convenient, you'd have to sign it with the system signature
and you have to kill it to switch orientations.)
A bit of modding would make it truly work.
The problem is, I didn't find the landscape mode compelling enough to bother.
Hi Renate, Crispy
Thank you for your replies.
I did search on the forum, that's why I posted on the Locking screen thread before creating my post, but I got confused
So, just to be clarify, I can have lock screen and back button in a non-rooted nook if I enable adb (following the tutorial made by Renate) and install Nook Mod Manager ? Is that correct or I didn't get it correctly?
Thank you
People get a bit confused talking about "rooted".
Rooted just means having root user access to a device.
It's taken on connotations in the public mind of having Google Play and the kitchen sink installed on it.
It doesn't have to mean that.
To alter most things on the Nook requires you to have root access.
To make the "n" button or the side buttons do different things you must modify software on the Nook.
You have to have root access to do that, but you could disable it afterwards.
There is no point in that because no matter what you have a modified Nook.
Renate NST said:
People get a bit confused talking about "rooted".
Rooted just means having root user access to a device.
It's taken on connotations in the public mind of having Google Play and the kitchen sink installed on it.
It doesn't have to mean that.
To alter most things on the Nook requires you to have root access.
To make the "n" button or the side buttons do different things you must modify software on the Nook.
You have to have root access to do that, but you could disable it afterwards.
There is no point in that because no matter what you have a modified Nook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Renate.
I had never had an android device before (Don't even know what kitchen sink is) but my aim would be to achieve Lock screen and back button (I have both now) with minimal rooting.
So could I do what is listed below ?
1) Remove NookManager with all the extra things installed, and put back the backup I took
2) Then perform the minimal root explained here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2122046
3) Get the lock screen via ADB: C:>adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockPin
4) Install an app to re-assign the button's actions to get a back button (Is Nook Mod Manager an app on its own?)
Thank you
Renate NST said:
People get a bit confused talking about "rooted".
...
It's taken on connotations in the public mind of having Google Play and the kitchen sink installed on it.
It doesn't have to mean that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recall, you did the latter actually. That's why you had drilled a hole in it, right?
ApokrifX said:
I recall, you did the latter actually. That's why you had drilled a hole in it, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about the 4 steps I listed? Would they enable me to achieve what I want?
Thanks
MRXIII said:
How about the 4 steps I listed? Would they enable me to achieve what I want?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone?
Yes, to set the lock number, that am start will work fine.
To make one of the side keys a BACK key, look here:
http://nookdevs.com/Nook_Simple_Touch_assigning_hard_keys
Ok, so I got an old Nook Simple Touch. In part because they can be had for such a cheap price on eBay these days and in part because they're among the few eInk based devices that run on Android and can actually be unlocked and more done with them than the manufacturers intended (I've used an old Kindle and man I hate how locked down and generally useless they are.) Actually, I was hoping I could do some neat stuff like setup daydream with weather info and a clock and all on it while the screen was "off" but I guess I forgot that this is a relatively new thing and it looks like it's based on a really really old Android version? Either way, I'm so used to CyanogenMod and its relatively near to AOSP nature that this thing is feeling horribly limiting and unpleasant to use for me.
Anyway, I've been searching around for various guides and such. I've found tools for rooting and putting the Google Market (yeesh, I forgot they used to call it "Market" ages ago.) It seems I needed to update the system to 1.1 for this (I had bootloops until I did, so clearly you have to have the right system version.) It seems there is a newer version or two beyond this though, but I didn't see root tools (I'm still hoping I can do more with this that might require root access to actually do.) Should I be updating beyond that? Namely, are there tools to actually root and all if I do?
Also, in the meantime, I'm running into troubles with the plain and simple fact that neither Google Market nor Amazon's app store installed by these tools work which may not be fixable. The thread on here says to add an account through Youtube first, then go to gmail and manually refresh over and over until it eventually crashes. After probably 15 minutes of this my hands were too tired to continue though. I just don't think it's supposed to take 15 minutes though. When I start the market it doesn't crash like that guide mentions either. Is there any other way to fix this? Is there any point? Obviously the market app is quite old, so perhaps it's simply never going to work? Is there some alternative way to find stuff that actually works on the NST? I thought to do F-Droid, but even it requires a newer SDK version apparently (I'm getting kind of curious what version of Android its base corresponds to. Does it predate 2.2? If so I may be in trouble since I don't think any of the stuff I was hoping I could put on there will go lower than 2.2.)
For this matter, is there a better way I can do stuff like loading apps? I was hoping to at least have a file manager to be able to use do stuff, but they didn't include one. I'll probably have to track down an apk. For now I'm having to actually use the network adb (I installed the version of the tools that was supposed to do adb over USB, but it doesn't even show up as an adb device at all for me to even so much as install a driver, so I guess it's not doing adb over USB as it should. The network method seems to work, though I'm not a big fan of leaving it wide open like that on principle really, yet remembering to manually change it on and off is a pain too.)
I realize this is a really old device and probably it is very limited what I can really do with it, but I was hoping I could at least squeeze a bit of use out of it. In particular, I'm going to need a much better reading app even if I use it for its intended purpose only. When I looked it up I had thought it was a close enough to stock Android that I'd be able to load up most apps I guess and I didn't think it would be so hard to even get anything on it.
Whew!
OK, let's start with basics. You didn't say how you rooted it but if you're working from 1.1 you probably are not getting the best out of the device. 1.21 is the final stock version. If you can get your NST back to stock, I would recommend doing so. Considering what you seem to have done already probably the easiest way to go is to use the NookManager route. Go here. Follow the instructions. There is info there for adding a Gapps package after rooting. But first get yourself back to 1.21 stock. Once that's done you can either use the Search Market tool from the Gapps package, or find apps on your computer and have them show up on the NST via the PlayStore, or side-load apps from the SD card or via ADB (default on that is WiFi with NookManager--you can install the ADB Konnect app and it works fine). There are plenty of alternate readers that run on the NST. I happen to like the stock reader very much, but to each his/her own.
When all that's done, everything depends on what your expectations are and what you want from your NST. There are a variety of kernals out there as well as USB host/audio mods. Although the Android system is old and the display limits what you can do, there are many apps that run well on the device and I personally get a lot of use out of mine, even more now that I have audio. Check out what I've done (second post) and look at what others have done (in the same thread).
There's a lot of good info in this forum on modifications, apps that run well (and don't) and many tips and tricks.
I think I have most of what I need with that actually, yes. I didn't realize from the guides I initially found that you could root or install third party components with a > 1.1 system version. With that stuff I do have a semi-working Google Market now and can actually install a lot more stuff than I thought. I see also my favorite reader app not only works, but apparently knows I'm running it on a device with an eInk screen and defaults to having eInk adaptations turned on.
Is there any way it can do anything like what I had sort of envisioned before btw? Eg on the screen "off" mode have some sort of thing that shows weather or news or something that updates every so often? (Nevermind the clock thing, that's probably a bad idea. I was just wondering about dedicating it to being sort of something like a clock with it plugged in all the time. Now I think maybe I can stop using my tablet for reading and use this instead.)
Nazo said:
Is there any way it can do anything like what I had sort of envisioned before btw? Eg on the screen "off" mode have some sort of thing that shows weather or news or something that updates every so often? (Nevermind the clock thing, that's probably a bad idea. I was just wondering about dedicating it to being sort of something like a clock with it plugged in all the time. Now I think maybe I can stop using my tablet for reading and use this instead.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you are having CM lockscreen widget withdrawal
Actually that seems like a job for Tasker. But it would be potentially messy. You'd need to:
1. Clear image in custom screensaver folder
2. Turn on wi-fi
3. Open weather/whatever app to update info
4. Take screenshot and save to custom screensaver folder
5. Close app
6. Turn off wi-fi
At that point when the Nook goes to sleep the info will be displayed on the lock screen. The question is whether Tasker can wake up the Nook and repeat this at desired intervals when you're not using it.
Also, have a look here for something along the same lines. Maybe you'll get an idea.
Ironically on my phone and tablet I keep it really simple. It's just that the eInk screen of the Nook can essentially be "always on" so to speak without draining the battery like mad (since it would only actually need to wake up every half hour or so for a frequent update schedule.)
But, all that said, it just doesn't sound like this is really worth all the effort. I guess I'm actually more used to newer versions of Android mostly rather than CyanogenMod specifically as they just have more power in what these things can do. With the Nook -- even unlocked and opened up -- it really sounds like the amount of time and effort required to even remotely approach such a thing is orders of magnitude higher. Well, that's fine. I had initially thought that I might maybe just use it as some sort of really neat "smart clock" type thing (at $35-ish on eBay you won't find many clocks that could come close to doing what an Android device could theoretically do) but in the end I don't think this is really all that realistic and definitely not worth the effort. On the other hand, now that I'm able to get more stuff actually running on it and open up its capabilities more I'm thinking I could maybe use this thing for something more akin to its original intended purpose: reading. From time to time I want my tablet to be able to do a bit more and I think this can do pretty well everything I care about beyond the basic reading stuff, so maybe I can stop carrying my tablet around all the time. (And for stuff like music I have a dedicated multimedia phone courtesy of eBay that's much better off really.)