Database Users

★★★ guide - tips - tricks ★★★

THIS THREAD HAS A LOT THAT IS OUT OF DATE. ANYTHING DEALING WITH GOING BACK TO STOCK OR 2.1/2.2 SHOULD BE QUESTIONED. I HAVE LITTLE INTEREST IN MAINTAINING THIS SINCE IT IS NO LONGER A STICKY/NOT VIEWED AS MUCH. PM ME IF YOU NEED HELP WITH SOMETHING.
EDIT: I am not longer updating this. CHECK HERE FOR UPDATES, if any.
WANT TO HELP ME FOR CREATING THIS POST?
It would be so helpful if as a token of thanks you used MY DROPBOX REFERRAL. By using this, we both get an additional 250 MBs.
I want to thank everyone who has done this so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see my other thread I created to try and be more noob-friendly towards rooting and flashing. It includes videos and two methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be found by clicking here.
CHANGE-LOG
Change-Log is now in post #3, but here is a link for convenience. I know a lot of you wanted this at the top... best I could do and still look how I like it.
DISCLAIMER: I am giving shared information. You are the one messing with your phone. While everything on here has been tested by me, that does not mean that you have not done something incorrectly or something has changed since this was written. You are responsible for your phone and your actions. I did not invent crying babies or 180 degree coffee. Do not sue me.
XDA member cvibe88 made some very good videos to show the whole process. I believe by watching these and reading this sticky you should have everything you need to root, backup, flash and restore. I still encourage reading all of Post 1 & 2.
Here is a link to his post with his videos!
ROOT TOPICS
HOW TO ROOT
I used TO provide instructions. Now, I prefer you read my other GUIDE FOR NOOBS. No offense, but if you are asking, this thread is better for you.
HOW TO GET INTO RECOVERY
I hold my phone horizontal when powered off.
Both thumbs on the volume rocker.
Press and hold power and volume buttons.
When the Vibrant logo comes up, release power, keep holding the volume rocker.
** some phones are hardware locked. This means you can possibly not get into either Download Mode (used for ODIN) or stock recovery (used to root and get to clockwork recovery the first time). Those who got the JI6 OTA (over the air) update had this fixed. Some people upgraded from JFD to JI6 by other methods and may still be hardware locked. There is a fix for this listed below, just in case ** I reitterate, most people are NOT HWL.
HOW TO GET INTO DOWNLOAD MODE
* Read the noob guide if you are asking why you would need this *
On PC, open ODIN
Connect USB to PC (not phone)
Pull Battery on phone and replace it
Press and hold in both volume buttons
Connect USB to phone, wait at least 3 seconds (still holding volume)
Release when you see the Yellow Triangle
IF I ROOT, WILL I GET OTA UPDATES?
Yes. Rooting will not prevent this, unless you flash a custom ROM that will block receiving the OTA update. Typically, accepting an OTA will make you lose root. Some upgrading to JI6 state they didn't lose root, I did (using ODIN), but gaining root back is so easy.
Got Root? YOU NEED A CUSTOM RECOVERY!
Big props to XDA user Koush for his amazing Rom Manager App. In short, this lets you create system backups for those "oops" moments. It also gives you a directory of ROMs for easy downloading and flashing. Yeah, it is that cool. Please see his post for instructions. After successfully installing, be sure a make a Nandroid Backup of your system before flashing any rom's (see below).
Installation instructions:
1.Download ROM Manager from the Market.
2.Flash Recovery.
3.Choose Vibrant as your phone.
4.Accept the Superuser prompt.
5.On the very FIRST boot of Clockwork, you may need to manually select "reinstall packages" if Clockwork does not start. You should only ever have to do this once. It will be automatic from then on.
6.Watch the backup go!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* Note, do not use the Partition option as this will partition the INTERNAL SD card, yikes *
If you were one of the unlucky ones who DID do this by mistake, you can read this thread to save the day. Thanks farrisizdaman
Free:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Premium ($3.99):
HOW TO MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP *ALWAYS BACKUP BEFORE YOU FLASH A NEW ROM
1 - Open Rom Manager
2 - Click on Flash Clockwork Recovery (you can skip this if you have already flashed the recovery before)
3 - Click on "Reboot Into Recovery"
4 - At the prompt, click "ok" to reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery
5 - If this is your first time, you may be at the stock recovery on the Vibrant. Thats normal. Click on "reinstall packages" (ALSO: Volume up and down navigate, and power is used to select an item).
6 - Now, you are at ClockworkMod's Recovery. Scroll down (volume down), to "backup and restore" and select it (power button).
7 - Click on "backup." It will run it's course. After it finishes just reboot.
8 - You now have something you can always fall back on in case you F up. Thank Koush and all the testers.
* alternative method: Open Rom Manager and navigate to the backup/restore section, and just follow the prompts. I like to rename my backups (date/build/etc). **
HOW TO RESTORE A BACKUP
Follow the steps from above, but select "Restore" instead. They will be sorted by date YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
** alternative method: Open Rom Manager and navigate to the backup/restore section, and just follow the prompts. **
HOW TO FLASH A CUSTOM ROM
We have some amazing developers for the Vibrant. You REALLY need to try the custom ROMs for our phone that already exist. Here are two of the more popular ones:
** Please note there are always new ROMs coming out, these are just the ones I currently love. Check the Development section often (and don't ask questions there) **
The ROMs listed are only the Eclair versions. There are now Froyo builds available and they are all very tasty (I've tried 3, and they were all very solid builds that could be a daily driver, no FC's). Check the Development section or the site of your favorite developer (likely Eugene or Team Whiskey).
Bionix - #teamwhiskey has made this baby stable and fast. I personally OC with JACs kernel using SetCPU (200/1200/conservative/no profiles/no set on boot). I can say this made my phone so, so much better. Always make a backup so you can revert. If you flash a oc/uv kernel please note a nandroid backup does not restore the stock kernel. I have links in this thread for it, if needed.
Bionix Fusion - sombionix & #teamwhiskey have upped themselves from Bionix with this puppy in my opinion. They removed the TouchWiz and substitued LauncherPro in it's place. I am running this now, and will not switch from it. I think if you can live without TW, you will agree.
Frankin-Twiz Final - by Eugene373. This is another amazing developer/ROM. You are going to have to read about or flash both to decide which you prefer. Eugene seems to maintain multiple ROMs so it might be best to search the Development section for your preferred flavor. Same sentiments here that I said for Bionix.
STEPS TO FLASH A CUSTOM ROM:
- READ THE FIRST POST FROM THE DEVELOPER AND/OR THE CHANGELOG/INSTRUCTIONS
- Download the ROM to your PC (or directly to your phone if you have a good connection). I have done both, straight to the phone is nice because you can just move the file to your internal root /scdard and then flash it (quick method).. I also like downloading to my pc and check the MD5 before mounting my phone and moving it to /sdcard (safe method). Your choice.
** Rom Manager has a new Web Connect where from your PC you can download the file direct to Rom Manager if the developer supports it **
- If you use Rom Manager/Clockwork Recovery there are two methods to actually flash the ROM, again, your choice here:
Method 1: Use Rom Manager (make sure you have flashed clockwork recovery before proceeding, this is not needed if you already have CWR). Select to "Install ROM from SD Card" and the select the .zip file that is the new ROM which should be on your internal root sdcard/. You will then get a prompt where you can check to wipe data (not needed in my opinion as most ROMs do this automatically) and a check box to create a backup (always do this). One reason I like Method 1 best is because it makes renaming your backups easy (I typically rename so I know what the backup is). The system will then reboot into clockwork recovery, start the backup and when that is done automatically flash the ROM. All you need to do is reboot once it is done and BAM, new fast/stable ROM.
Method 2: (The manual way) Once the rom is at the root of sdcard/ use Rom Manager to reboot into clockwork recovery. Create a nandroid backup and then select to install a .zip.. select the rom, let it run its course and reboot.
DID YOU F'UP AND NEED TO GET BACK TO STOCK?
Well, thanks to XDA User justanothercrowd we have a Nandroid Backup to get you back to how the Vibrant shipped (and rooted of course). Hopefully you don't need it, but thank him after reading his post just in case you do!
** Please note this was prior to JI6. If you want stock JI6 search the development section or look in their sticky **
You should also check this thread by almyz125!
DID YOU F'UP AND THINK YOUR PHONE IS BRICKED? MAKE A JIG
jigga-what?
If you can get into download mode you are not bricked. If you are NOT able to get into download mode (but you can see something other than a black screen) that THIS THREAD WILL SAVE YOU PHONE!!!
HOW TO UN-ROOT *ie, sending your phone in for warranty work
The following code can be keyed in Terminal Emulator (could also be done in ADB or deleting the files using Root Explorer). If you do use Terminal, change the keyboard to the stock Android KB prior to opening Terminal. Apparently the backspace on swype does not work in Terminal. Each line should be entered separately. bahnburner gave the instructions in this thread, which you should review first.
su
rm -r /system/app/Superuser.apk
rm -r /system/xbin/busybox
rm -r /system/bin/su
reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* Alternate Method *
TGA_Gunnman in this thread created a one click root/unroot program. Thank him for his effort.
HOW TO CHECK A MD5SUM
Download HashTab. Install. Download your file. Right click on it. Click on Properties and then go to your new "file hashes" tab. Verify this matches the MD5Sum of the file you downloaded before installing/flashing.
THINGS TO DO WITH ROOT
FLASH A NEW MODEM
New modems can increase signal and data speeds. Here is an incredible list of each. Pay notice to the version of android you are running. CLICK HERE FOR MODEMS
TRY A CUSTOM BOOTUP ANIMATION
tonicacid posted both a great guide for making animations and some killer ones ready to be flashed. Before you read his post, a couple of things to know when changing bootup animations:
1 - almost all custom roms are going to allow this due to the kernel they use, but you may want to double check first.
2 - there are different ways of installing different bootups... some need to be flashed in CWR (like roms and themes) and some you simply take the file and move it to the appropriate folder, typically system/media and replace the bootanimation.zip file in that folder.
3 - follow the advice of the person posting the bootanimation.
Here is a link to tonicacid's thread. I personally am using the Bullet one on Axura 2.1 and I love it.
ALTERNATE BOOTUPS
Now, these may be a bit "too much" for some and they may prefer others like the ones in this thread.
There are plenty of bootups... try the theme section, development section and the Android Theme section.
TRY A NEW KERNEL!
** These are often updated, check the Development Section **
** Please verify what version of android these kernels are for, this list is not updated often **
PLEASE NOTE THAT IF GOING TO STOCK, YOU NEED TO FLASH THE STOCK KERNEL. IF YOU ARE ON FROYO, THE ECLAIR OC KERNELS WILL NOT WORK (CURRENTLY ANYWAY).
JAC has an amazing kernel, and it's super easy to install. Visit his thread. Download it, move it to /sdcard root, go to (in my case) clockwork recovery and install it. Be sure and follow his instructions in case something changes. There are many ROMs to choose from, this is just ONE example of a good kernel that I used when I was on an Eclair build.
Reboot and download SetCPU (there are alternatives, but this is what I know and trust). You can then overclock the processor to 1.2GHz. I am noticing great battery life and my linpack scores (I'm not a fan of benchmarks) jumped from low 8's to 9.6. Quadrant also jumped up to around 950 if I recall correctly. I do not use any lag fixes or anything, just updated the kernel.
If you want to go back to the stock kernel (please note this may not be the current stock kernel - depends on what build you are on), it can be found here. As always, perform a nandroid backup just in case. Nobody on here is responsible for your actions.
Also, I should point out that JAC was nice enough to provide a script, so you can overclock without using an app like SetCPU. Your choice. Be sure and thank him for his hard work. It really is a great kernel.
Eugene373 I believe currently has the best 2.2 kernel, CLICK HERE FOR SUPER I/O KERNEL
SetCPU ($2):
WANT THE STOCK ANDROID LAUNCHER FROM THE NEXUS ONE?
Grab the Launcher2.apk file attached below. Move it to system/app and press home. There, stock android. I have to say the 3d launcher is very nice. I still prefer LauncherPro (my fav).
View attachment launcher2.apk MD5 8804735190DEC0F2F42DEDF0DAB8A261
TRY THE CAPTIVATE CAMERA, ON YOUR VIBRANT ** thanks to chaoscentral for creating the flashable .zip **
Thanks to mikey98277 and his post here you can easily flash the Captivate Camera on your Vibrant. I have played with both and it's a matter of preference, but I think most agree the Captivate is a easier/cooler UI. ALSO, it sorts pictures in the correct order!!
REPLACE THE TW CALENDAR WITH STOCK ANDROID CALENDAR
I was not a fan of the TW calendar. I downloaded CM 5.0.8 and took the calendar from his rom and replaced it. Here is a great guide. Note, I use an app called quick boot for fast reboots! The Calendar and CalendarProvider .apk's are attached below.
* After using it, I noticed there is a white bar across the top of the month. I still prefer the stock calendar, but there is your warning. If anyone finds a fix, please let me know! *
View attachment Calendar.apk MD5 4EA76AAFD2911388A9E8DB12490A055B
View attachment CalendarProvider.apk MD5 A750B4D4964581D830F45A08B1A4CE34
USE THE GALAXY I9000 BOOTUP / SHUTDOWN ANIMATIONS & SOUND
** This was used when I had Eclair, not certain this will work for newer builds? Check the thread **
rko did an awesome job with these flashable bootup/shutdown animations (place them on the /sdcard (internal memory) NOT sdcard/sd (external). Be sure and thank him for his work!
CONTROL YOUR STARTUP (PLUS MORE)
I only know and use Autostarts (found here).
Download it. Install it. GO TO MENU > SETTINGS > APPLICATIONS > (can't recall the next menu name at the moment) AND ENABLE USB DEBUGGING (it will not work otherwise). Open Autostarts.
Go to the options and hide all of the system apps (no point in messing with those). After that, simply control what market/3rd party apps should be running given the task identified by Startup. You will be surprised what apps appear, for no good reason. Obviously if you are sending a text message you do not want to disable an app like handcent, so use common sense here. Any questions or issues, I would suggest emailing the developer or posting a question in the App section (perhaps there is already a designated Startup thread to ask this question, hint hint).
Autostarts (Approx $1):
RESTORE SETTINGS AFTER WIPING YOUR PHONE *If changing from one ROM to another, be courteous, and wipe.
XDA user SykesAT reminded me that Titanium Backup is a great app for restoring after wiping your system. I do not use it, so I asked him to do a small write up. He obliged, and here it is:
Backup Your Apps and System setting with Titanium Backup
It can backup/restore:
* All the applications you have installed, including protected ones,
* All the data and settings of these applications,
* Most (or all) of your phone's settings and data. (incl. SMS, bookmarks, call log, calendar, launcher, WiFi, etc)
* Market links when restoring apps.
* NOTE: It will not backup the system applications from your ROM. Only their settings will be backed up.
Titanium Backup is available from the market (free version only) or you can DL from the dev's site. There is a premium (donate) version with more features. Please see the Dev's site for more details, instructions and FAQs. Here is a link to his site!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup:
** chichu_9 had a GREAT post with more information/instructions/guides from TB's site, check his post here **
Update, I broke down and got the paid version. It is amazing. It runs MUCH faster and restoring your apps + data could not be simpler. Most Vibrant ROMs will wipe your data (ie apps), so this is a GREAT way to restore your phone back quickly.
Ti Backup (Free):
Ti Backup (Paid Approx $5.81 currently, it's worth it IMO):
DELETE THE BLOAT!
Download Root Explorer (i'm not associated with) and go to System/App to remove a lot of the bloatware that came on the phone. I strongly encourage researching what can & can NOT be removed. ALWAYS make a backup. Alternatively, you can use Titanium Backup (free) to uninstall the apps (I only know Root Explorer, it never fails me). Remember, I am not responsible. It will be some time before we have a custom ROM that removes this crap for us.
Here is a list of apps I recently used to remove a lot of bloat (I kept AllShare and ThinkOffice). After you backup, delete, go to settings > Applications > Menu > Filter > Show All and delete the leftovers from the apps, little traces left behind.
In that thread I also saw you can delete data_tmo/games (73MB) if you do not play/deleted The Sims.
Here is a list from the JFD builds (most of these are seen in future versions):
First off all the Standard Apps:
AccountAndSync.apk/odex -> The app in the drawer, not the settings.
AddToHome.apk/odex
AudioPostcard.apk/odex
Avatar.apk/odex -> The app that launches Avatar in the video player.
BuddiesNow.apk/odex
Dlna.apk/odex [Allshare]
FlashPlugin.apk/odex
GoGo.apk/odex
Infoalarm.apk/odex [Daily Briefing]
KindleStub.apk/odex
Layer-samsung.apk/odex
MediaHub.apk/odex
Memo.apk/odex
Mini Diary.apk/odex
MobiTV.apk/odex
MyAccountStub_4-5-10.apk/odex
Myfiles.apk/odex
Sims3_Samsung_Embed_Launcher.apk/odex
slackerradio.apk/odex
Swype-Tips.apk/odex
Telenav.apk/odex
thinkdroid.apk/odex [ThinkFree Office]
vvm-signed.apk/odex -> T-Mobile Visual Voicemail [can be re-downloaded from the market. for some reason that version is the preferred one.]
VoiceRecorder.apk/odex
VoceDialer.apk/odex
Writeandgo.apk/odex
TouchwizWidgets:
Day.apk/odex
DualClock.apk/odex
SamsungWidget_Calenderclock.apk/odex
SamsungWidget_Feedandupdate.apk/odex
SamsungWidget_stockclock.apk/odex
SamsungWidget_Weatherclock.apk/odex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
** If you are having issues with Root Explorer not being able to delete files (not mounting), the please see my post to see if this helps. If it does not, please let me know in the thread. **
TAKE SCREEN SHOTS!
If you have root, the easiest way is to download shootme or drocap2 from the market. You can also use the Android SDK, but I'm going to keep is basic here. Once you have your pic, upload it for all of the community to see!
Shootme:
DISABLE ADS WITHIN APPS! ** On Froyo it seems on websites it creates a URL with the android logo, odd but the ad is blocked nonetheless **
Download AdFree from the market... check for updates and voila, most, if not all apps should be ad-free. Ads help the developers. If you care, rather than block them, try clicking them to support.
AdFree:
HOW TO TETHER ** most custom ROMs and FROYO likely already include this **
There are apps like Barnacle and Wireless Tether, but I would now recommend the Tether app that came with the Galaxy (that was removed by a lot of the carriers). Ibingham was kind enough to post the .apk (JI6 Build click here) (JFD Build click here) and I can tell you it works perfectly. Please note the app is not in the app drawer (his first post has everything you need to know).
Thanks to chui101 for notifying me of the updated version for JI6 builds.
STOP THE BOOTUP / SHUTDOWN AUDIO NOTIFICATIONS!
This thread has it covered: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731059
I deleted these two files using Root Explorer (referenced below) and can attest it works perfectly.
The i9000 Galaxy bootup/shutdown animation/sounds were listed above if you want a new look.
Thanks to XDA Member PhilSlater I know that the File locations are:
Bootup: system/etc/PowerOn.wav
Shutdown: system/media/audio/ui/Shutdown_128.ogg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So Zaduma does not feel insulted here is an alternate method. You can see his post here.

Continued from post #1
VIBRANT TOPICS
ARE YOU HARDWARE LOCKED? ** Please note this is for JI6, if you are running froyo do not do this **
untermensch has a fix for those who are HWL'd that seems VERY effective. I always heard some who updated from JFD to JI6 had the HWL fixed automatically, but that was not the case for everyone. It appears those who updated OTA got the fix, but most who did ODIN or Kies did NOT get the HWL issue fixed.
Please see his excellent thread by clicking here. Hope this helps.
If you are using froyo, I imagine you could revert back to JI6 and flash this to fix the HWL.
HOW TO USE ODIN
I have the steps listed below (from when JI6 was leaked). For those who prefer a video, this video seems to do a good job of showing it.
TIPS FOR BATTERY LIFE
I have not tried this, but BruceElliot had a great post on his suggestions to improve battery life. You can read it here. I will try and add more as you guys report them to me.
GPS FIX THAT WORKED WONDERS FOR ME!
I have never had an issue with GPS until I flashed ODIN JI6. I could be outside 45 minutes and never get a lock... stock JI6, Eugene's or sombionix's ROMs.. nada. I was PM'd by kdf2833 about a GPS fix for the JI6 (no clue if it works for JFD, I would assume so). He told me to go read THIS POST from digatltoddy. Below is the post if you do not want to leave the thread:
You'll need to get into LBSTestMode by entering *#3214789650# from the dialer. Press Delete GPS Data, this will get rid of the bad GPS information that is probably still stored in your phone. Go to Application Settings and set the Start Mode to 'Cold Start'. Reboot your phone and go outside, run an app like GPS Test and let it lock onto as many birds as it can, once you get a good number (at least 5), go back into your LBSTestMode --> Application Settings and set the Start Mode back to 'Hot Start', reboot and all should be merry.
I had major issues w/ my GPS and was able to put this together with the help of various posts and a deeper understanding of how GPS on these phones actually works. Hope this helps!
Also, it's probably best to run the GPS Test application while you are driving around, let it lock onto as many birds as it can (I'd say let it run for a few minutes, I was able to get 9 the first time) before setting it back to 'Hot Start'. This way it will keep these birds in the list and allow you for a faster lock afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
** If this works for you too, and boy did it for me, please thank digitaltoddy and let me know in this thread - good or bad so I know **
EASY WAY TO GET THE JI6 UPDATE ** Huge thanks to VICosPhi, youneek, samfirmware.com, rhcp0112345,Viralblack and the3dman **
I went back to the stock kernel from JACs oc/uv kernel using this zip file (flash it in in clockwork recovery). I then downloaded this .zip from VICosPhi. and followed the following steps (given by youneek):
** please note that I was on the stock ROM (with alot of mods). If you are running a custom ROM, you may need to go back to stock (I do not know, n/a to me), which would wipe your data.... if you are stock (JFD) however, you will retain all of your settings/data when you update to JI6.
Those who want to go back to stock the file is included in the zip and youneek laid out all the steps in his thread. Below are the steps for people who are stock already (JFD) **
Step 1.) Open Odin.exe and plug a usb cable to your computer that will connect to your phone (do not plug it in to the phone yet, just the computer)
Step 2.) *Added this: Power off your phone before trying to get into download mode, and then....*
Hold down both volume buttons at the same time and while holding them down plug the usb into your phone. You should see a COM message show up in Odin.
Step 3.) Leave all check boxes the way they are. Do NOT check the repartition box.
Step 4.) Click the PIT button and select the 512.pit file
Step 5.) Click the PDA button and select T959UVJI6.tar and then click Start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone will reboot. It will take about 10 minutes at the Galaxy screen, this is normal.
VICosPhi:
[ People with hardware locked vibrants, make sure you have the drivers installed for vibrant on your PC and then connect your phone to pc with USB debugging turned on and open adb and type "adb reboot download"]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
** I lost root. I followed these steps again. I have clockwork recovery which you have to keep the update.zip in /sdcard.... well, to root, the file must be named update.zip and in /sdcard, so I renamed the CWR one "cwrupdate.zip"... when my root and reboot was done I went back and renamed the cwrupdate.zip back to update.zip (afterr I deleted the update.zip file that was used to root). This all may not be necessary, but it worked for me.
I rebooted in clockwork recovery (remember to reinstall packages for this update.zip at the stock recovery to get to CWR) and made a nandroid of stock JI6 so I have this fresh root to come back to. ALWAYS MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP!
QUICKLY REBOOT YOUR PHONE
Sometimes you need to reboot your phone. kizer & Gad13 informed me that you can press and hold the power button for 8-10 seconds and it will reboot. I also use an app called Quick Boot that works very well. Quick Boot does require root access. I have a shortcut on my LauncherPro dock, one press and I can reboot.
BUTTONS - Tap vs. Long Press (LP) Taken from www.androidcentral.com:
Home: Returns to the main home screen. If at the home screen, another tap gives a preview of all home screens.
(LP) = See your most recently used apps (GREAT for multitasking). On JI6 (update from Oct 2010) you also can see the Task Manager.
Back: Takes you back a level in an app, or back a page in a browser, etc.
(LP) = In your browser, quickly access bookmarks, history and most-visited sites. Thanks, Snapdragon0503! (EDIT: odd, doesn't seem to work for me now)
Menu: Tap this for additional options in an application, or from the home screens.
(LP) = Make the keyboard appear.
Search: Brings up the search function. Could be search within an app, Google search, or universal search of contacts, bookmarks, apps, etc. that are in the phone.
(LP) = Launches voice search.
WANT A NEW LOOK? CHANGE YOUR FONT!
In settings, go to sound and display. Change the "Font Style" is like 8th from the bottom. There are a few freebies, and about 50 for a dollar in the market. If you want to see more available, click on "Get Fonts Online." This will direct you to the Market.
I changed my system to helvetica, and I was amazed at the level it changed the phone.
EDIT: I used to have a thread linked here with 100's of free fonts, but some broke the rules and posted paid fonts so the thread was closed. If anyone starts the initiative to post more free ones, please let me know so I can add a link, thanks!
CHANGE THE DOCK BUTTONS ON TOUCHWIZ!
Open the app drawer, menu, edit, change to customizable. With the app drawer open now, press menu and edit again. You can now replace the two app docks in the middle (dialer and app drawer can't be replaced).
DELETE APPS FROM THE LAUNCHER OF TOUCHWIZ
Open the launcher, menu > view type, change to customizable. Now press Menu again and select Edit. All of the non-system apps will have a red subtraction logo. Thanks to XDA user erikrios and his post for this gem!
QUICKLY ADJUST YOUR BRIGHTNESS
Move your finger left to right across the notification bar. You probably need to cut off auto-brightness though. thanks to soklean (neat!)
NEED TO COPY AND PASTE?
If at a site, and you need to copy some text... click Menu > Select Text > Drag your finger over the text you need to copy. When you release your finger, the selected text is copied to your clipboard. Long press and paste when ready. I agree this is not perfect, but some of us may not even know you could do it. Froyo is coming soon, and with it the ability to easily copy/paste within gmail.
HOW TO CONTROL + F USING THE ANDROID BROWSER
Android makes this very easy when using their browser as well. Simply press Menu when in the browser, go to More, then select "Find on Page." You can then enter the keyword you are looking for and use the directional arrows (to the left of the word) to move from one entry to the next.
CHANGE THE HAPTIC VIBRATION INTENSITY
Love this feature. I often find haptic feedback is too much. To adjust the intensity, from the home screen: Menu > Settings > Sound and Display > Vibration Intensity. As you slide the bar it gives you an idea of the intensity.
TAP CONTACT IMAGE FOR MORE OPTIONS
XDA user jkang29 reminded me of another thing I took for granted. When you are in Contacts, click on the image of the contact for MANY options on how to contact/share with that particular contact. Thanks jkang29!
WANT TO DISABLE SD CARD NOTIFICATIONS?
To cut off the sound, from the home screen: Menu > Settings > Sound and Display > SD Card Notifications. You can uncheck this and never hear that sound again.
CAMERA / VIDEO SECTION
WANT TO ADD THE FRONT FACING CAMERA TO YOUR VIBRANT?
Thanks to siirial and Eugene's ROM you can actually have a working FFC on the Vibrant. It takes a little modification, and you will need to be running a custom ROM from Eugene (Root Needed), but if you want a FFC, this is an awesome mod. I have not done this myself, but please see his thread for everything you need to know (how to get the camera, how to mod the phone, and you can find a link to Eugene's rom).
* If someone can create a video for this mod, please let me know so I can post it for everyone. * Thanks to MTC44 for the suggestion.
PHOTOS IN THE DARK? WANT A PANORAMIC?
You can put the Camera in Night Mode and it will take amazingly good photos in a dark situation. I tried this for the first time at a concert recently. I was amazed. Pull out the tab on the left of the camera screen, go to settings and change Scene Mode to Night. Do some test shots to compare for yourself!
Also, I tried out Panoramic shots for the first time in Alaska. I was amazed at how simple/easy this was. Just like before, just go the settings and change the mode. Then just pan left to right. You can press the camera button again to stop the panoramic... I believe it can take up to 8 shots.
LOCK THE SCREEN WHILE VIEWING VIDEOS OR USING THE CAMERA
XDA user timekillerj just made a thread pointing out how to do this. It was new to me, and a nice feature. Simple press the power button and your screen is locked - helpful so you do not skip a scene by accident. You can see his thread here.
HOW DO YOU ZOOM IN?
XDA user antonio91282 pointed out that you can zoom in by pressing the volume rocker while using the camera. It goes from 1-4x.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RECODING VIDEO TO SD VS. INTERNAL MEMORY ** No noticable difference **
XDA user wphend00 asked if there were differences between recording video to the SD vs. Internal memory. Here is my post with links to the videos so you can see for yourself. Here is a link to the entire thread so you can see discussion about it, if any.
APP TOPICS
DOWNLOAD NOT SHOWING UP, MAKING YOU REBOOT?
I did not notice this on Eclair, but with the froyo builds most of the time my downloads (especially pictures) do not show in the Gallery unless I do a reboot. IF this was a problem on Eclair I just went to SD Card & Phone Storage an unmounted and mounted my internal memory. Froyo has taken this function away apparently.
I found that this app ScanMedia works like a charm (no permission needed)
COMPARISONS OF THE HOME REPLACEMENT APPS ** AS OF OCT 2010 **
I tried to write a synopsis of the apps that can replace TouchWiz. Please see this thread here and let me know if I missed anything. I strongly encourage new users to try these apps. I prefer LauncherPro - it just seems snappy.
INSTALL THE 2.2 MARKET ON YOUR 2.1 DEVICE ** I had hiccups, just flash a froyo ROM in my opinion **
Paul (a genius for rooting android devices) made a tweet a couple of weeks ago about how to install the 2.2 market on 2.1 devices. You can see his thread here.
XDA user JWhipple made a post with the .apk file and it's really been catching on. You can find his post and the file to download here.
Do not delete your existing market (vending.apk from system/apps) or move it. Just simply download the .apk file from the linked thread, and then open it up with a file manager. It may ask you to install or upgrade, click that, and then accept the prompt about a system app. Voi'la, you have one of the better features of 2.2 Froyo on your phone now.
** Please note this is just the updated market, you will not be able to install Flash on our Vibrants till we have Froyo OS **
Huge thanks to Paul, Liam Haynes and JWhipple. I have done this and everything seems to be working perfectly.
WANT SWYPE WITH VOICE INPUT? ** This may be irrelevant with JI6 rolling out OTA now **
Jr33 made a thread with a version of swype that has the voice input button. It works very well. Just download and install with clockwork recovery. You can find it here. If after installing it you would like to theme it, head over to this thread started by hoey2011. I have done both of these mods, and love it.
WANT THE NFL APP FROM VERIZON?
Mr_Creeper_98 made a post for the updated NFL app that Tnpapadakos posted. This is a must have app if you like the NFL. You can find the post here.
WHERE ARE APPS LOCATED?
System Apps:
system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market Apps:
data/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market Apps (Private):
data/app-private
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded Apps (using browser):
sdcard/download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* If you download an app using the browser, you can use Root Explorer to move the app to data/app so the apps are stored on the 1.9GB partition the system uses. Once moved you can click on it to install it.
TRY A HOME REPLACEMENT (ADW or LauncherPro) ** See my guide above for some Home Replacement options **
Go to the market and download either - both are free. Gravis86 started a good thread debating which is better, located here.
ADW:
LP:
This my LP setup on my Vibrant (OLD, much cooler looking now, ha). Notice the docks (these are also scrollable & there are 5 per each desktop screen you have). The Live Wallpaper is Aquarium.
XDA user afive720 had a nice post on how to revert back to TouchWiz (without uninstalling). You can read the thread here for more information.
WHAT WEATHER APP IS THAT?
It is Beautiful Widgets, found here.
BW is approximately $1.92:
WANT TO USE ALLSHARE: PC > PHONE AND VICE/VERSA?
I found this thread to be extremely helpful. I ended up using Windows Media Player and it was too easy. Great app.
XDA User BritCrit has also given some really good information in this thread you may also want to review.
USE AWESOME DROP TO MOVE FILES IF NO CABLES
If you are ever in a bind, or just being lazy you can use this app to move files from a PC to your phone. No hassle, no account setup and it is free. Just go to this site: http://labs.dashwire.com/drop and then enter the 4 digit code when you open the app on your phone. Drag whatever files to the browser on your PC, and voila, it will instantly start showing up on your phone.
REDUCE A PICTURES SIZE BEFORE SHARING IT?
Paul O'Brien tweeted about an app, Image Shrink Lite, that lets you adjust the size and then select the method you want to share (twitter, messenger, gmail, etc). I mention this only because a lot of people get frustrated when they take a pic and try and send it out, but gmail hangs on it (and it eventually ends up a draft email) because it is too large to send timely. Re-size the pics before you email them and you will not have this Fail.
Image Shrink Lite:
METAMORPH - Theme Your Phone!
junkdruggler has a great thread on everything metamorph. Please check it out here and thank him! Metamorph is great for theming your phone, but it can break your market requiring you to login again. I prefer to theme with .zip files flashed in recovery.
MetaMorph Donate ($1):
Free:
** Use Metamorph to theme Swype or your Notification Bar ** (these are old links, there may be better/cooler ones now, search)
Themed Swype - Huge props to hoey2011
Themed Notification Bar (Evo) - Huge props to bahnburner
*ALTERNATIVELY* YOU COULD FLASH THIS .ZIP AND NOT USE METAMORPH (This is what I am currently running, it is spectacular!!).
CONTACTS / DIALER TOPICS
HOW TO ADD UNWANTED CALLS TO REJECT
I was recently being spammed. About 20 calls a day (ANNOYING). After you get an unwanted call, go to the Call Log, long press on the number and then add it to the Reject List. Next time the number calls you will just get a pop-up letting you know.
EDIT YOUR CONTACTS (BIG IMPROVEMENT IMHO)
Please read my guide located here. It was moved to save space. This really cleans up the phone, so I encourage giving it a try!
FIND YOUR CONTACTS FASTER!
When you load Contacts, you will notice the far right has the alphabet running top to bottom. Good news, by simply pressing on the letter you will automatically jump down, instantly.
SMART DIALER!
Pull up your dialer and just start typing the number (or letters will work too, thanks sl0play) out. It filters down your contacts as you type each new digit/letter. Likely, after the area code and first 1 or 2 digits after should be enough. There will be a drop down on the right and a number above it (the # of possible contacts based off what you input). Just press the contact, and the press CALL, genius.
SLIDE CONTACT PIC TO TEXT/CALL
denny_1986 mentioned in this post, that by sliding the contact picture to the left you are sent to the messenger app (with the "to" field completed). If you slide the contact pic to the right, you call the default phone number. Works in both Contacts and Messenger.
KEYBOARD TOPICS
TRY A NEW KEYBOARD!
To switch... simply long press anywhere that you would normally input text (a text message or the search widget). "input method" will pop up, click on this. Now choose the KB you want to try out. If one is not showing up, go to Menu > Settings > Locale and Text and make sure it’s there & checked.
NEED A TRACKBALL? ** Other KB's can/may do this too, you can search this thread for how, I prefer Swype **
In swype, move from the "swype tips" button to the "sym" key. Voila, directional buttons appear + other goodies (see pic).
MISC. GUIDES
HOW TO RECONDITION YOUR BATTERY
If your battery seems to drain fast, or if you are changing roms, you might want to try the following to help your battery. Master posted the following instructions (this assumes you have root and clockwork recovery):
1.) Drain your battery to the point it shuts off on it's own..
2.) Plug it in & let it charge over night (While it is still off)
3.) Launch into ClockWork Recovery by holding the "VOL UP", "VOL DOWN", & "Power" release those buttons after you see the second Vibrant screen.
4.) Press "reinstall packages" (It should take you to the Clockwork Mod Recovery screen, If it didn't then press "reinstall packages' again)
5.) Go to "advanced"
6.) Press "Wipe Battery Stats"
7.) Reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
** I drain my battery to as low as it will go, but not all the way. I also charge it for only about an extra hour max, once it's fully charged. **
HOW TO MOUNT PHONE TO PC
XDA user DaMaDo reminded me Android does not auto-mount like some other phones on the market. When most of us connect the phone, the USB drivers are automatic (use the cable that came with your phone!). If not, there is a guide below to assist. For now, let's assume all is well on the first connection of the Vibrant to the PC. When you connect you will likely get a popup on the PC about installing drivers, great.
Okay, go to the phone's notification bar and pull it down. You will see USB Connected. Click on this, & then click on "Mount."
Shortly after, your computer should pop up automatically TWO devices, the "/SDCARD" (Internal Memory) and "SDCARD/SD" (SD Card). If not, go to My Computer and find the drives you just mounted to the PC.
NEPHRON'S GUIDE FOR ADB, etc (taken from the G1 forums)
This guide helped me a ton. I realize some things may be different, but I could not think of a better starting point. Please read this thread. You should attempt ADB, it's very nice to have.
CONVERT VIDEO FILES ON YOUR PC FOR YOUR PHONE
XDA user TGA_Gunnman did an excellent job putting a thread together for how to convert videos using HandBrake (get it here) and then moving them to your phone. Be sure and thank him if his how to helped you!
HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL A NEW SD CARD
XDA user techspy posted this question and I had recently done it so I responded. Like always, I'm certain there are people on here who know how to do this better/easier, but this works and is nothing difficult. Here is my post with instructions, and here is the thread for discussion.
HOW TO HIDE FOLDERS
achild made a great post with the instructions. Thank him for his effort on this post!
MISC. QUESTIONS
MY PHONE NUMBER DOES NOT SHOW UNDER SETTINGS?
It has happened to me on the G1, and I recently saw a Vibrant user post this. smerff has an excellent post with what you need to do!
WHAT ARE THOSE FUNKY BARCODES?
These are QR Codes. Download Barcode Scanner from the market. Scan any of these codes I linked. You will be sent to the app in the market. Download, enjoy.
NOTICE LAG? ** I do not use lag fixes so this may be old, please search the development section before creating a thread **
I do not encourage this, but some will want to play with it. There is a great thread on tweaks that can be done to speed up the Galaxy.
I personally think custom ROMs and oc/uv kernels knock out almost any of this issue. If you are stock/non-rooted.. please try a root/custom ROM setup before you give up on the Vibrant. Our developers are amazing.
DOUBLE NOTIFICATIONS?
If you are using a 3rd party app, you may be getting double notifications. For example, I use Handcent for texting (you should try it). First thing you need to do is open the stock Messenger app, go menu > Settings and disable notifications. This is basic, but sometimes it's easy to overlook.
SHOULD I USE A TASK KILLER?
Absolutely not. You have the best OS and one of the best spec'd phones ever. You would be doing more harm than good. If you do have one, uninstall, reboot and let me know what you think! If you have a bad app that is causing you issues, uninstall it, rather than installing a TK.
In addition, even Google at Google I/O 2010 addressed app developers and asked them to no longer include "quit" or "close" as options within their apps. I think Andronica (another great android site) summed it up well with their article, found here.
XDA user iunlock created a thread with some good debate based off this sticky. You can read all the thoughts by clicking here. In short, the overwhelming majority agreed and some have commented on seeing an increase in performance after deleting their task killers.
HOW TO DO A FACTORY RESET!
Rarely should you need to do this (I've never done one), but if you want to, simply press menu and go to settings. Scroll down to Privacy. In there is the option to perform a Factory Reset.
NEED HELP INSTALLING THE DRIVERS ON YOUR PC?
TGAGunnMan started a great thread with links for the drivers. You can view it here.
courtmagician also has a good thread discussing issues with USB Debugging as well. I would suggest reading this thread also.
THREE (3) LIGHTS/SENSORS - SURE THERE IS NO NOTIFICATION LED?
Yeap. I asked myself when I noticed there were 3 items. Two are used for the proximity sensor, the other is the light sensor.
Big props to XDA user gravis86 for answering my query so fast, see his post here.

CHANGE-LOG
01.13.11
- Removed link to 100s of free fonts since the thread was deleted (thank you to theotherguy)
01.05.11
- Added cvibe88's videos to the top of the sticky
12.12.10
- Link to Eugene's Super IO kernel
- Link to all of the modems for the Vibrant (thanks scrizz)
12.08.10
- Change the bootup animation
12.05.10
- Make a JIG - save your "bricked" phone
12.03.10
- Deleted how to flash a radio as it was not applicable to our phone (we have a MUCH easier process)
- Clarificatoin on a few things - HWL phone/rooting
- I'll try and add more during my work day.
11.29.10
- Link added to the Intro for noob friendly guide (Includes videos)
11.16.100
- Added the app ScanMedia to App Topics (useful when pics/ringtones/etc do not show after download)
- Deleted some stuff for space needed
- Added larger headings for the sections
11.13.100
- Added a fix for Hardware Locked phones - let us know if this does/does not work.
- Added at the top of the thread how to go from Froyo BACK to Eclair if wanted.
- Removed the old HWL fix I had... it actually was the same thing, but I like my new wording better, ha.
- Deleted the "how to enter safe mode" recommendation given to me
- Moved how to send calls to the Phone/Dialer section.
11.12.10
- Added farrisizdamans thread for those who MISTAKENLY (dont do it!) used the Partition feature in Rom Manager.
- More housekeeping. If you guys see things that need to be updated, PLEASE let me know. This has become more of a task with Froyo rolling out and multiple kernels.
11.11.10
- I went and tried to update/clarify a LOT of the material.
- Added how to send calls to a Reject List (Spam/telemarketers) - Vibrant Topics
- Moved Vibrant Topics to the top of post 2.
- As always, let me know how to improve and what to add.
11.10.10
- Added a video of how to use ODIN (not my video, random find on youtube). Its in Vibrant Topics, post 2.
- Probably going to update to 2.2 tonight... may try and post that later if people are interested.
11.1.10
- BruceElliots post on improving battery life (Vibrant Topics)
- chaoscentral gets credit for the Captivate camera previosly posted (my bust)
10.27.10
- How to enter Safe Mode (Vibrant Topics) - thank you so much patriot1973 for the PM/thread.
10.21.10
- JI6 GPS Fix. I used to pick on people complaining about GPS till I did this. Blew me away. (Vibrant Topics)
- Moved how to install JI6 to Vibrant Topics
- Added steps to take if Root Explorer is not able to mount/delete system files (Delete the Bloat post)
- Added more information on how to use Titanium Backup
10.14.10
- How to flash a custom ROM (Root Topics)
- A fix for hardware locked Vibrants (Vibrant Topics - post 2) Thanks Chui101 and untermensch)
10.13.10
- Comparisons of the Home Replacements (App Topics)
10.12.10
- Updated instructions for Rom Manager
- Updated a lot of posts for JI6 (please PM me if you catch something that needs updating)
- chio101 notified me of the JI6 Mobile AP (Wireless Tethering)
- I flashed Bionix 1.7 tonight with JACs oc kernel. I'll post thoughts later today. I encourage you to try it also!
10.11.10
- How to install the 2.2 Froyo Market on our 2.1 Device (root not needed so it's under App Topics)
10.08.10
- How to flash JI6 (be sure and go back to stock kernel if needed - this is also in the sticky - ctrl+f for "kernel")
- How to recondition your battery (Misc Guides - post 2)
- Task Manager by LP'ing HOME - thanks kuhan
10.08.10
- Added how to install the front facing camera (FFC) thanks to siirial (Camera section - post 2)
- Added panoramic shots to the camera section also. Will try and post an example from Alaska later.
- Updated the OTA/Root topic. It appears many did not lose root with the OTA update. Awesome to hear.
10.07.10
- Added JAC's kernel for oc/uv (Things to do with root)
- Added a link to the NFL app (App Topics)
- Added a link to Swype with Voice Input (App Topics)
9.13.10
- Flashable .zip GPS fix (huge thank you to frankencat) - Root users only
9.3.10
- Trying to get the format done
- Added how to reboot (long press power - thank you kizer and Gad13)
- Added a line about the stock android calendar not being perfect.
9.1.10
- Added the stock calendar .apk's needed to replace crap TW calendar.
- Added how to have a true stock android launcher, with the .apk attached.
- Noted the Captivate camera sorts pics in the correct order (make sure you aren't looking at your old Vibrant folders).
- Added a link to jonnybuenos theme (no metamorph needed) and gave a pic of my setup.
- Added link to list of all ROMs (thanks to almyz125)
- Please PM me suggestion and give feedback on what you want.
8.31.10
- Added how to change fonts (big kudos to those guys!!!)
- Added what to do if your phone # does not show under your settings (rare this would happen, but it does). Misc Q. section.
- Added list of bloat apps that can be removed. (high demand).
- Replace the TW calendar with the calendar from Cyanogens ROM
8.25.10
- Added how to install the Captivate camera on the Vibrant (Things to do with Root section)
- Added the "Will I receive an OTA update if I root" question to the top (this should have been here already, my bad.)
- Added how to get into Stock Recovery (seen a lot of posts on this recently. Hope there is no issue with new phones).
8.23.10
- Removed Barnacle as the suggested Tether app.
- Added the Tether app that came with the Intl Galaxy (removed by carriers).
- Clarified that the Intl Galaxy flashable zips are for the bootup and shutdown (I love them).
- Clarified that in the dialer pressing letters filters results too, not just numbers (thanks sl0play)
- How to put the Camera in Night Mode (amazing photos in the dark, I was impressed. I hate flash photos anyway!).
- Added zaduma's alternate method for removing the startup/shutdown sounds (since he whined so much, haha, jk). Thanks for posting it man.
- Moved the Disabling startup/shutdown sounds under "Things to do With Root" from "Vibrant Topics."
8.15.10
- Added to the App Topics section - how to theme swype and notification bar (both can revert to stock)
- Under Things to do With Root - Use the i9000 boot animation/sound instead (no more pink box)
8.9.10
- Slide contact picture to text/call (thanks denny_1986)
8.8.10
- How to check an MD5Sum (verify the integrity of a downloaded file)
- How to PROPERLY update your radio (please note this is for future reference, as there are no known updated radios)
- How to hide folders (thanks achild)

good job .....

nice.. I want helvetica.
Which weather/clock widget is that? Beautiful widgets?
oh and how did you get rid of those ugly numberd dots which let u select homecreens.

Thanks. Good call about the widget, that is asked a lot when an image is posted, so I added it too. The change in font was awesome. Didn't expect it to have such an impact.

sigeltek said:
nice.. I want helvetica.
Which weather/clock widget is that? Beautiful widgets?
oh and how did you get rid of those ugly numberd dots which let u select homecreens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it looks like Beautiful Widgets.. just select the Beautiful Home Smaller instead of Beautiful home and it'll appear like that on the screenshot. And those numbered dots are apart of the launcher alternatives, there are settings in there to get rid of them or customize.

BUMP
ive read many of these tips but only after hrs of reading.....nice to have them in one place
oh include the GPS fix...that sh*t was great

^ thank you. I was trying to hold off in the gps fix just because not everyone has an issue (our has not noticed) and some in that thread were still not getting it fixed. I'm confident the next update from Samsung will address this. please let me know other things that should be included though!

awesome thanks for this post, very informative

I had no idea about the swipe on the task bar to change the brightness. Thats nice.

great idea and thread

Maybe add (for rooted phones) the app lag fix, or at least a link to it?
Great list! This should be a sticky.
My phone is just so...VIBRANT

Great thread,i actually pm'd the mod asking about a faq and I did start one on my computer, but you beat me to posting it, and you have pretty much everything I documented. Great job!
Sent from my Samsung Vibrant with Swype!

Awesome man, appreciate that. There will always be room for more, let me know if I need to add to it! Feels good to be able to do something (albeit very little) for XDA, as much as they did for my g1.

How about something telling people how to use Metamorph, or a direct link to the Metamorph thread. Since we have two themes using it.
How to reboot phone into recovery or download mode.
How to use Odin, or what Odin is.
just some ideas.

Nice, will work on those this morning.

Okay, I have added some new items. I like some of the suggestions, and if they are not added it's probably because I am not comfortable enough with the subject to feel I should be teaching. I would love for others to help chime in... I'll add them to the list and do my best to make sure everyone gets credit for what they add to the list (some people care about this).

OP,
grear thread.
One addition
removing startup/shutdown audio files
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731059&highlight=shutdown

^ appreciate that man. I actually already have that included. I was debating on adding the removal of the startup/shutdown boot animations too.... i guess it could not hurt, but will be irrelevant once we have a custom ROM.

[Q] Dexter mod ?

Hi I am a newbie I did everything the instructions told me to do but when I put the sd card in my a7 it said bad can't open file what did I do wrong I wiped the a7 I clean the cache I cant figure out what I did wrong I even formatted my micro sd card please help me

SD card had to be formatted as Fat32 not NTFS...
Regards

how do i format it like that

opening update package
i tired it again and it says can't open/sdcard/update.zip(bad)

Geekylj said:
i tired it again and it says can't open/sdcard/update.zip(bad)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update. with a cap U name of file. It will not work.

Geekylj said:
i tired it again and it says can't open/sdcard/update.zip(bad)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, downloads for Dexter's mods have historically been buggy for many users. The file you download (through 1.3) should be around 100MB. The exact size varies between versions. If the above suggestions don't work for you, try downloading the file again.
If you still have issues with the downloaded file, other users have found download success by using a browser download plugin called flashgot. It only works with Firefox and Thunderbird though.
http://flashgot.net/

I had an issue with the download with similar results to yours. My download was only about 63K whem it should of been a little over 100MB.
I had to start down loading the 1.2 update, that would start to download the whole 1.2 file. I'd cancel the download then download 1.3. For some reason after that it downloaded the complete 1.3 update file and I was able do the update.
So, check your downloaded file size and see if that's you issue. Also make sure you rename it Update with a capitol "U".

how long does the download take? i followed the instructions and my screen went to a picture of an android? and a box and stayed that way.

mattduck said:
how long does the download take? i followed the instructions and my screen went to a picture of an android? and a box and stayed that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you boot into recovery (1. by turning off the unit, then power it on by holding the power button for a second, release, and then hold again until the recovery menu pops up), or did you use the settings menu to run the Update file (2. Open Settings > About device > System updates > Update device)?
If you did option 1, the soft keys on the side of the tablet allow you to navigate from the image you reference (android robot & box):
Search Key = Up
Back Key = Down
Home Key = Menu
Menu Key = Select
When you see the robot, press the Home key to take you to the update menu. Navigate the menu to clear your cache. After the cache wipe is complete, select the option to install Update.zip. Give it about 10min to run through the update, and it should reboot. If it reboots into an Elocity Logo loop, long press the power key until it shuts down. Your next boot should take you into a properly functioning tablet. Depending on the version of the OS you currently have installed, the update may retain your current apps and settings.
I haven't tried option 2 in a while, but it should do everything for you automatically - but it will probably factory reset the tablet and you'll lose any previously installed apps.

thanks. Did not know this when i posted found out byaccident when wipinfg off fingerprints. Wish they sent directions with the A7.

mattduck said:
thanks. Did not know this when i posted found out byaccident when wipinfg off fingerprints. Wish they sent directions with the A7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NP. Did exactly the same thing back in December.

if you have not solved your issue I believe I had simular problem. the file when you download is already a .zip file. So when you rename it just rename it "Update"

Another newbie here with a question.
My new A7 is due to be delivered tomorrow.
From what I have gathered so far from this board is that the Dexter Mod allows you to get apps from google marketplace, correct?
I am not sure which version of firmware will come on the A7 but I am going to assume that it will not be the latest one released in February.
My question is should I do the firmware update first, and then download and install the Dexter Mod?
Thanks in advance.

rharrad said:
Another newbie here with a question.
My new A7 is due to be delivered tomorrow.
From what I have gathered so far from this board is that the Dexter Mod allows you to get apps from google marketplace, correct?
I am not sure which version of firmware will come on the A7 but I am going to assume that it will not be the latest one released in February.
My question is should I do the firmware update first, and then download and install the Dexter Mod?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dexter's mods have all been based on firmware updates from Elocity. He has kindly added market functionality and fixed a few bugs. I don't see any value in updating with Elocity's firmware prior to installing Dexter's latest.

As the other poster said there is no need for the elocity 7 update but if I were youI would keep it handy. I had a problem with the mod and had to reset the device with the old firmware. Also it seems a weird problem with android reading the file as when reading in astro the upddate.zip looked like update.zip.zip. w
Wierd.
So you just write update i dont even capitalize it.
Also want to add as newbie to andrid as well and it makes a huge difference in performance too. Think it is fast now when you put the mod it seemed to increase overall performance for me which I did not expect.
Good luck
Rob

robbbzilla said:
As the other poster said there is no need for the elocity 7 update but if I were youI would keep it handy. I had a problem with the mod and had to reset the device with the old firmware. Also it seems a weird problem with android reading the file as when reading in astro the upddate.zip looked like update.zip.zip. w
Wierd.
So you just write update i dont even capitalize it.
Also want to add as newbie to andrid as well and it makes a huge difference in performance too. Think it is fast now when you put the mod it seemed to increase overall performance for me which I did not expect.
Good luck
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not an android problem. That is what happens when windows explorer is set to hide known file extensions and people dont think when remaming things.

Please do not insult people because we lack knowledge which is why we are here to figure out what is going on. I had no idea windows explorer was set to hide file extensions. I never set it that way nor was i ever told before now. Now that I know i can do something but I was thinking, maybe i do not know what i am doing but you could offer help without making me feel like an idiot.
Rob

robbbzilla said:
Please do not insult people because we lack knowledge which is why we are here to figure out what is going on. I had no idea windows explorer was set to hide file extensions. I never set it that way nor was i ever told before now. Now that I know i can do something but I was thinking, maybe i do not know what i am doing but you could offer help without making me feel like an idiot.
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it is not OK for me to point out an obvious mistake (seriously, this one is like calling grass purple). BUT it is perfectly fine for you to assume that it is a "problem with android" and disseminate misinformation like its your job.
Yup, I am obviously in the wrong.

It is obvious to you. I made a mistake and never said I was an expert and pointed that out in my response by saying I was a newbie too and this was what happened to me and my best guess was what I said. I never said I knew it was an andriod glitch but because I had no other idea until someone like you with more knowledge chimmed in.
All I am saying is you could have corrected me as a newbie with a sense of friendship and not superiority. I was sharing my experience to help someone else. That is all I want to do. I am no expert and am learning as I go.
I have seen others in linux forums when i started with that with the tone. Maybe it seems like thecolor of grass to you but is not so obvious to others. If I sounded like I was telling people mis information then I apologize. That was not my intention.
It is up to you how you treat others and if it feels like the right thing then that is your right. Just understand that some of us are not out to show we are smarter than anyone else and are just trying to help even when we make wrong assumptions.
Thanks for correcting me and setting the record straight.
Rob

rename teh update - update- DONOT PUT THE ZIP PART.
i had the same problem. i noticed the elocity update did not use the zip in the update name.

How To: EB13 Froyo Download/Install and OTA!

- It has already been confirmed several times, the 2 files are EXACTLY the same (OTA and the 91.14mb file from samsung)
- Performing the update this way did not destroy any of my data, texts, applications, contacts, etc. Everything was exactly the same, except for the new version of Android. You must have a stock phone or the update most likely will not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Force OTA"
UPDATE:: IF you cannot for whatever reason load the file to your SD Card, gmail yourself the link (below) and download it using Dolphin HD browser. I just confirmed it works on my phone, however, it does not work with the stock browser. Check the market for Dolphin HD, it's free. Client mode is set to desktop, which is under settings once in Dolphin HD. I was able to download the update.zip to the phone rather quickly over 4G Other browsers may work, I prefer that one though. Doesn't hurt to try. The stock one will not save the file, though will navigate to it.
As I first posted yesterday, there are [now 3] ways of downloading and installing the new EB13 Froyo release. If you have a Windows PC, there is a new utility that Samsung has released to flash the phone via PC. I personally couldn't get it to run on my Win 7 x64 laptop due to the enlarged font I run on my high-res laptop screen. Additionally, the 200MB file will wipe your phone completely clean. If you have a "trouble free" factory install of the current 2.1.1, the update method contained here is your best bet. Trouble free meaning that only bugs of the software are present. If you have issues above and beyond that of all other eclair users, you may want to completely wipe your phone.
The easiest and fastest method is to visit Samsung's Sprint Epic download page here http://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/SPH-D700ZKASPR and click the "Software" link (Manuals is the default landing page) and download the 91.14MB File labeled as for MAC OS. You will notice the much larger windows download (200MB) which is not needed, and may not work.
After you download the zip file, copy it over to your SD Card in your phone by either hooking it up and mounting it as you would normally do to copy files to your phone, or as I did, place the Micro SD card into an adapter and insert it into your computer. Copy the .zip file you downloaded onto the SD card; do not place it into any directory.
With your phone powered off, insert the SD Card back into the phone and replace the battery cover. Now, while holding both volume up and volume down rocker buttons (yes, you can push both at the same time), hold the camera button down as well and then press and hold the power on key. You will hold all 4 buttons on the phone until it boots into the flash menu.
Use the volume down button to scroll to..
"Apply SDcard: Update.Zip"
Push the Home key on the bottom of the phone and the update will commence.
Once it's complete, the phone may reboot into the menu again, at which time you select "Reboot" and hit the home key again.
The phone may reboot a few more times after it's first boot, and it may take a few minutes to fully get up and running. If it acts strange for a few minutes, this is normal.
Performing the update this way did not destroy any of my data, texts, applications, contacts, etc. Everything was exactly the same, except for the new version of Android. You must have a stock phone or the update most likely will not work. No ROMS, etc may be installed for the update to work. Before doing the update, go through your applications and uninstall anything you don't want / use.
You may also wait for the OTA update, but it will take a while to download, use up your battery, and you have to wait longer. It has already been confirmed several times, the 2 files are EXACTLY the same (OTA and the 91.14mb file from samsung) DO NOT waste time using a link to another file, there is no point and only risk in obtaining the file from somewhere else.
Before I began, I copied things off of my SD card that I wanted and performed a format on it. If you have apps installed on the SD Card, and you choose to do this, you may need to reinstall them. Once the update was complete, I copied the directories and files back to the SD Card.
(STICKY worthy!) No other post has this info immediately at hand.

Bump. I am seeing new posts answered by this.......

i don't know

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=963652
It's already been done...

Eh, it's not as concise, and also not borrowed. This is the easy, "don't do anything but update my OS" method. NOTHING is needed except the ability to load the Update.zip to the SD Card.

NoSoMo said:
Eh, it's not as concise, and also not borrowed. This is the easy, "don't do anything but update my OS" method. NOTHING is needed except the ability to load the Update.zip to the SD Card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I think Whosdaman's version is much more concise. Perhaps you meant yours is more convoluted or wordy? But hey, potato, tomato, right?

NoSoMo said:
Eh, it's not as concise, and also not borrowed. This is the easy, "don't do anything but update my OS" method. NOTHING is needed except the ability to load the Update.zip to the SD Card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know what the word concise means? And what does borrowed mean? Cause you do know I am the one who wrote the article for BriefMobile.com
And thank you to the post above me

Whosdaman said:
Do you know what the word concise means? And what does borrowed mean? Cause you do know I am the one who wrote the article for BriefMobile.com
And thank you to the post above me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. And I'm guessing he was referring to how you linked to Briefmobile and outside files?

NoSoMo said:
Perhaps you should read the steps and not just do a character count? Personally I wouldn't subject the information on my phone to a that of a file that someone put on a download site.
- Get update file
- Place on SD Card
- Boot phone in flash mode and begin
Odin not required
Absolutely, sure it's full of other info, but it's info that's been asked numerous times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough about not wanting to DL something that you can't verify the source... On a positive note, those three steps are exceptionally concise!

Does this work on DK28 Froyo? Probably not, eh?

I am on all stock and have clockwork installed. I tried to do the update like you said here, but it aborts the install and says no error message. I downloaded from the link you provided. It says E:Error in /sdcard/update.zip
Firmware version-2.1-update1
Build Number-SPH-D700 ECLAIR.DI18
So is there something I am doing wrong?

mynewepic10 said:
I am on all stock and have clockwork installed. I tried to do the update like you said here, but it aborts the install and says no error message. I downloaded from the link you provided. It says E:Error in /sdcard/update.zip
Firmware version-2.1-update1
Build Number-SPH-D700 ECLAIR.DI18
So is there something I am doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has been answered in one of those posts with several hundred replies (if I had the answer on-hand, I would post it). I kept the Epic stock to avoid any issues, so my update was rather simple. A few people have already had to reload their phones a couple of times before everything worked out.
nonzenze said:
Does this work on DK28 Froyo? Probably not, eh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DK28 wasn't official. The latest official release is DI18 - 2.1.1. This updates STOCK 2.1.1 ONLY.
I didn't care to fool with the phone originally due to not knowing the exact release date of froyo. It has been way over due, but I honestly didn't have any reason to mod. Froyo has enhanced the phone, but honestly doesn't provide anything new that would change the way I already use the device. GPS is faster to acquire in google maps, but in GPS Test, it was always fairly instant. It's also reports more accurate, reports being key, it wasn't ever off but by 20 feet anyway, which is about all you can expect on 3D accuracy.

I used the .exe file from Samsung website to flash my phone and works like a champ.
Now some minor quirks with Froyo but will address them in different threads.
Thanks for the help!!
Dakrk

Updated the post, you can download the file directly to the phone. Send yourself the link via gmail....and read the first post of this thread.....

This update worked flawlessly didn't lose any of my settings or anything, Thank you so much!

D623 said:
This update worked flawlessly didn't lose any of my settings or anything, Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it

Doesn't work on DK28

Thank you for the clear instructions
I appreciated all the details in your instructions.
I downloaded to a blank xtra SD as you did and it all went very smoothly the first time.
Data, everything is retained.
Thank YOU.

up it goes

Thank you,i got bored waiting for ota.
Sent from Maxwell's shoe.

Any official site for OEM ROMs?

Hi.
I cant to find any trustworthy source for downloading OEM ROMs. Could anyone help me with it? When I google it I found http://rootmygalaxy.net/download-install-stock-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-s7-sm-g930f/ which points to sammobile.com which asks money for premium download and non-paid download takes forever.
Then I also found http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-G935F which seems legit - even the domain name is samsung-updates but for some reason it points to suspicious sites such as http://rapidgator.net or https://alfafile.net/ which also have very long (4 hours) download time for non-premium members.
Other thing is also that since those ROMs dont come from samsung's website I dont even know if I can trust them or not. Could anyone help me with getting trustworthy OEM ROM?
Edit: one more question: I have G935F. What makes G930F ROM different?

sysctl said:
Hi.
I cant to find any trustworthy source for downloading OEM ROMs. Could anyone help me with it? When I google it I found http://rootmygalaxy.net/download-install-stock-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-s7-sm-g930f/ which points to sammobile.com which asks money for premium download and non-paid download takes forever.
Then I also found http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-G935F which seems legit - even the domain name is samsung-updates but for some reason it points to suspicious sites such as http://rapidgator.net or https://alfafile.net/ which also have very long (4 hours) download time for non-premium members.
Other thing is also that since those ROMs dont come from samsung's website I dont even know if I can trust them or not. Could anyone help me with getting trustworthy OEM ROM?
Edit: one more question: I have G935F. What makes G930F ROM different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO NOT flash a G930F ROM on your phone. Only G935F ones.
G935F is the S7 Edge.
G930F is the flat S7 (non-edge) model.
As for a reliable source of firmwares, see here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/tool-samfirm-samsung-firmware-t2988647

Kies
I would suggest using kies
Just download the programme
Put ur phone in download mode and connect it to pc
In kies > tools > firmware upgrade and initialization
Then u have to enter device id and then serial no which can be found in device settings
It will download and install the correct and latest firmware for ur device

Updato works for me

Tsar3000's Android File Host page has pretty much a crap ton of firmware available. Scroll to the bottom to find G935F/T/W8 variants, just pick yours, download and flash through Odin!

stinka318 said:
Updato works for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Kies doesn't work on the S7 you need to use smart switch.

http://samsung-updates.ru/
Note : download in android device or linux pc. Windows pc downloads some creepy 2MB downloaders.

Well my actual intent is to get exact same OEM android ROM running on my PC, so that I could playwith different stuff and see what happens. So the idea would be to have it running in qemu and then only do tweaks to my phone that doesnt break android that is running on qemu. Like for example if removing some bloatware causes it not to boot anymore, then it would become evident in qemu I think, and then I would know better waht I can and cant do with my real phone.

sysctl said:
Well my actual intent is to get exact same OEM android ROM running on my PC, so that I could playwith different stuff and see what happens. So the idea would be to have it running in qemu and then only do tweaks to my phone that doesnt break android that is running on qemu. Like for example if removing some bloatware causes it not to boot anymore, then it would become evident in qemu I think, and then I would know better waht I can and cant do with my real phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download BK package disabler Pro from the playstore, it will tell you what is safe to disable / remove ie bloatware etc and whats not.
3 lists are available in the app, installed, bloatware and system, even item in the system menu some items can be disabled, its pretty obvious what can be immediately disabled in the system menu like CNN News etc, some other things take a bit more study, although the app will advise you don't touch anything in there, it didn't stop me.

Tnx.
Having a virtual machine of that ROM would let learn me much more. This app thing was just one example. With VM I could try out other ideas as well.

edit: delete this

I always use Sammobile, I do not wanna pay so downloading a firmware takes around 3 hours.

[NST/G] FBReader "My personal catalog" and sync--cacerts update

cacerts.bks file updated 12-6-20
On May 30, 2020 another certificate in our ancient cacerts.bks file expired. This was one of the certificates used by FBReader to sync with a Google Drive directory of your designation (see books.fbreader.org). I'm assuming at this point that it was the critical certificate in the link because not long ago it was possible to work around login issues as described in my earlier post here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/nook-touch/general/setting-sync-fbreader-t3957311
I was contacted by another XDA member about this issue and noticed in a logcat that the certificate had expired. I have never had any luck updating certificates, despite the description of the process by XDA member @tshoulihane. It took many a year for the basics to penetrate my thick skull and I finally decided to look at it again. I will prepare a post on this topic in a bit so the information won't die with me
Meanwhile, I have updated both certificates in a cacerts file I extracted from a Honeycomb ROM and have been using on all my NST devices. It also includes the updated Amazon certificate so the Kindle app still functions. It contains many more certificates than the file that came with the NST (some expired). At least now I see a way forward.
To update your file, download the zip below and extract the cacerts.bks file. Transfer to the SD card of your NST and then use a file manager with root privelages to copy it into /system/etc/security, overwriting the file that is already there. If you feel queasy about this, first rename the old cacerts.bks file to cacerts.bak, then move the new one in place. File permissions should be rw-r-r
Reboot.
No need for the workaround I wrote about in the earlier post now. I tried this with both Opera Mobile and Opera Mini, signed in on both browsers before starting. Opera Mini failed. Opera Mobile, with the appropriate settings for TLS 1.2 etc. as I have described in another post, balked a little but succeeded. And once you are signed in, you never need to go back to the browser (I think).
Here's what may happen:
1. You may sail through the sign-in process from FBReader (Network Library>FBReader book network) and see your file information appear. Done.
2. More likely than not you will get an "unable to establish a secure connection" or similar. This is a sadly common occurrence in Opera Mobile these days and has been roundly trounced on old Opera discussion boards. There appears to be no fix for it except to access the "Settings" window (from the "O" button). Then go to "Privacy" and then "Clear cache". Now back out of the Settings windows (Back button) and finally hit the "refresh" icon. Voila. This is a general "fix" for pages which don't want to load properly even though you have a valid certificate. I've tried running a script to delete the Opera cache before opening Opera but to no avail. Sometimes you are lucky (especially if you have not encountered any errors in a session before exiting), sometimes you are not. Like I say, once you get past this with FBReader, you should not need to go through it again. Just remember, you want to be signed in with your email, etc. on the Google homepage (the same account for your Google drive you set up with FBReader) before you go through all this.
I tested this with FW 1.2.2, but not 1.2.1

Hello!
Thanks a lot for this information, I was struggling with exactly this yesterday and came here to post this issue, but you already have a solution.
I installed Opera Mini v7.6.4 but couldn't connect to FBReader, so I tried to use the default browser and voilà. Now it's working again.
Thanks again, I really thought it was impossible to fix lol.
I haven't checked if kindle app is working, but it surely does.
Thank you!

How does one install or enable a file manager with root access? I've been googling for hours now and it's such a broad topic that I just can't for the life of me figure it out

xrupa said:
How does one install or enable a file manager with root access? I've been googling for hours now and it's such a broad topic that I just can't for the life of me figure it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your device is rooted, then you just need a "good" file manager. The version of ES File Explorer I use has an option for enabling root access. Attached.

Ah, that's the release version I have installed, I'll try and find the option, couldn't spot it earlier but that gives me hope
many thanks

Cheers, that's got me on a step or two, I think I just need to disable two step verification next as opera or the standard browser is repeatedly doing the 'failed connection' thing you mention at that stage, lightly infuriating, but at least I'm getting closer to getting my fbreader library back, many thanks!

xrupa said:
Cheers, that's got me on a step or two, I think I just need to disable two step verification next as opera or the standard browser is repeatedly doing the 'failed connection' thing you mention at that stage, lightly infuriating, but at least I'm getting closer to getting my fbreader library back, many thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock browser is useless. For Opera Mobile don't neglect to make the TLS 1.2 change and, of course, update cacerts.bks

Ah great thanks, I've found that TLS thread, I'll do that and hopefully that'll be it!
nice one @nmyshkin

OMG It's done, im back into the network library on my ancient nook!
thanks so much, months of trying allsorts, nice one, thank you!