Database Users

[Q] So Much Information!!! Brains exploding! Assist!

When I found out that 2.2 wasnt coming out from this phone I decided that I would root the phone and load a 2.2 ROM, etc. etc. So I started researching all of these about 2 days ago... and for the past 2 days I have read so much information on this that I am now currently so mixed up and lost. There are soooo many different ROMs, different ways to do this, that, etc. I see some people do one thing that it works great, another person do the exact same thing and they havent the same luck.
Even when getting ready to just root the phone, I found an awesome post that had great information... but, then when I looked at it the post was from 7 months ago and in the N1 forums. So, I started to 2nd guess.
I suppose basically what Im in need of is possibly a normal/basic recommendation to get moving on this... Would a possible recommendation be to root the phone with the 1 click root being run through a file manager, then create a nandroid backup, then go with something popular like Cyanogen6 RC1? Its just that mod -seems- to be what a good bit of people have, and problems seem limited on it. But then again, ive read about 10 other ROMs that appear to be just as good, and people like just as well... so agian, this choice leaves me frozen as well.
Im just so overwhelmed with information ive just about frozen up... I think it need to bring it back to a basic simple plan to get moving on this. Everything I read in these forums sounds so awesome and just plain ole fun.... but like I said im currently frozen/lost. Please help if my request isnt too much...
Thanks! Any help with this will definitely melt this horrid ice!!!

Use this to root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=753910
Just do as it says and follow directions. I rooted both of my brother's phones this way. It works.
Then do as you were thinking: nandroid then install CM6 RC1. It will probably be your best bet for a solid 2.2 experience.

here's what I posted on my carriers facebook page. I kept things simple and to the point, and the point was to install 2.2 on a hero.
1. go to settings, applications and check allow installation from unknown sources.
2. install bar code scanner from the market if you don't have it.
3. scan the qr code from here: http://bit.ly/d1f0RN
4. download and install the app
5. open universal androot and click root
6. go to the market and download rom manager
7. open rom manager and click flash clockwork mod recovery
8. click backup current rom (you can always restore your backup later to go back to exactly how your phone was)
to load the rom after rooting:
1. download both the rom and google apps from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=755795
2. copy the zip files to your sd card
3. open rom manager and click install rom from sd card
4. choose the rom file you copied to the sd card and click add zip, then choose the google apps file you downloaded earlier. Click ok and choose backup current rom and wipe data.
5. Enjoy android 2.2 on your Hero!!
(be careful restoring stuff using mybackup, open source roms and htc roms don't store data the same way. applications are safe to restore but system settings can potentially break things requiring you to wipe and reload again)

Not because it is my root method, but I would actually recommend using my root method and following all of the steps. It has you flash a custom recovery and patched boot.img so you keep full root via adb.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=694572

CM6 is the ONLY 2.2 ROM for the Hero at this point. But know that it doesn't have much of the Sprint/CDMA or HTC SenseUI functionality and stuff that you're used to from your current phone....like updating Profile and PRL; Sprint Navigation/Football/Nascar/etc.; your Contacts, Dialer, Messaging, and some other menus will be a little different....that's just a few things off the top of my head.
So if you kinda LIKE the way your phone is now (except maybe for some lag/slowness), CM6 won't be a very similar ROM. But you won't know unless you try it out Just offering some helpful info. Good luck -- we're here to help.

I have not found a 2.2 FroYo that I like for the Hero, it's rooted and running Fresh 2.3.3
http://geekfor.me/new-release/fresh-hero-233/

Awesome... the community here is absolutely incredible. Although I am literally tryin my best to read the ****in manual, I continue to fear that im reading something too old or outdated, or that there is something newer (easier) that I should be doing instead. I did the rooting with the 1click which was so simple... I cant believe I even spent that much time on it.
Thinking next the nandroid/recovery image thing would be a breeze, but it appears to almost be the hardest step. I see on most posts that they always tend to mention Nandroid for backups - is there a particular reason that I should use that one? Some other ones appear to be easier, but not as interesting or fun. However, im fearfully coming across a lack of exact guides that explain the process.
I truly think that once I can get the recovery image done, and I can start trying out other ROMs and such... this will become too much fun. But again, im getting so mixed up by should i do this, that, or maybe this... or wait, is that too old of information?
Regardless, thanks for all the help!

Download ROM Manager from the Market. From ROM Manager you can flash ClockworkMod recovery or Flash Alternate Recovery (I prefer this option RA Recovery) there is a newer relase but this works fine.
You can then reboot and go into recovery, back up your system as it is right now, that way you can always go back to the basic root version that you have right now. That my friend is a Nandriod back up. now you can install a ROM of your choice, once it is installed and functioning the way you like make a Nandriod back up of it, that way you always have a good platform to start from if anything isn't playing nice.

saltyclams said:
When I found out that 2.2 wasnt coming out from this phone I decided that I would root the phone and load a 2.2 ROM, etc. etc. So I started researching all of these about 2 days ago... and for the past 2 days I have read so much information on this that I am now currently so mixed up and lost. There are soooo many different ROMs, different ways to do this, that, etc. I see some people do one thing that it works great, another person do the exact same thing and they havent the same luck.
Even when getting ready to just root the phone, I found an awesome post that had great information... but, then when I looked at it the post was from 7 months ago and in the N1 forums. So, I started to 2nd guess.
I suppose basically what Im in need of is possibly a normal/basic recommendation to get moving on this... Would a possible recommendation be to root the phone with the 1 click root being run through a file manager, then create a nandroid backup, then go with something popular like Cyanogen6 RC1? Its just that mod -seems- to be what a good bit of people have, and problems seem limited on it. But then again, ive read about 10 other ROMs that appear to be just as good, and people like just as well... so agian, this choice leaves me frozen as well.
Im just so overwhelmed with information ive just about frozen up... I think it need to bring it back to a basic simple plan to get moving on this. Everything I read in these forums sounds so awesome and just plain ole fun.... but like I said im currently frozen/lost. Please help if my request isnt too much...
Thanks! Any help with this will definitely melt this horrid ice!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know exactly what you mean. I've rooted my Hero the day the universal 1 click came out,but as yet have been reading everything I can on which new Rom to install first.
I went out and bought a new 16 gig sd card for more storage as well. I've been trying to read up on how and what is the best way to do all of the various partitions on it cause some say to just have a ext 2 partition,and others say have a ext3/4 partitions on it.Unfortunately I haven't found a easy way to make this happen except by using the FroydVillain 1.4.3 rom and I don't know if it will work with a cdma Sprint Hero or not yet.
I love the phone,and want to upgrade it to the best stable over clocked rom that will allow me to use it for everyday usage,but it doesn't look like it is going to easy as rooting the damn thing was. Seems to me that you need to be a programmer in Linux to make it work the best
I hate posting a bunch of neewb questions about it but I guess I will
Mac

Awesome! Okay perfect... it worked perfect! I know have CyanogenMod running - yeah, it def different. Seems like it will take some time to get used too. Esp since its so far from SenseUI off the bat... err well, just the way that it handles things and such.
I will definitely give it a fair shot before I even try out some other ones... but I def want to try to use one of those Fresh Roms as well.
Thanks a ton for all the help! Most appreciated!

[Q] Definitions

I have been lurking around here for a while (Yes another noob) and have been thinking of rooting and flashing my phone to DJ05 from this page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=869990
However, before I do I hoped some of the more experience guy/gals maybe able to enlighten me a bit.
The Radio is basically what it sounds like right. Cell/data service, GPS, wifi, and ect?
The kernal is the os under the gui?
The rom is the GUI?
I looked at the stickes and the wikki and I am a bit confused.
First I need to root my phone with the one button flash instructions on the stickes.
Then what.
What do you use back up?
Can I back up games?
Is there a simple step by step instructions that start how to put phone in the right mode?
What do install on computer to flash?
Will this also get rid of all the bloatware?
Basically where to start step by step including what programs to use?
Like I said I'm a complete noob, and apprciate any and all help.
Thx
Scott

In the developement section there are stickies. They will get you from stock to rooted to romed.
There us an app called z4root which is a 1click rooting system and far better then the adb program imo.
After that you want to flash cwm.tar also coverd in the stickies.
Get familiar with odin. Remember pda button is your friend.
After you have rooted , make a back up through rom manager....
Sigh...... Its 4am my puppy woke me up. Someone else can take over lol. Pm me if you need assistance over the phone I can walk you through the whole process if need be.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

This is your one-stop shop for all your questions

Is there a wiki project affiliated with xda? I would like to organize everything I know about bricking and fixing these things, organized with hyperlinks. A lot of times I don't know the most efficient solution, but that could be refined.
It would be nice if I could see a question here and simply point to section 12a.13 of a comprehensive guide, concisely written (not necessarily my strong-suit I admit) with brief jargon and a complete glossary.
Swyped w/ XDA App. When in doubt, mumble.

Anubis9000 said:
I have been lurking around here for a while (Yes another noob) and have been thinking of rooting and flashing my phone to DJ05 from this page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=869990
However, before I do I hoped some of the more experience guy/gals maybe able to enlighten me a bit.
The Radio is basically what it sounds like right. Cell/data service, GPS, wifi, and ect?
The kernal is the os under the gui?
The rom is the GUI?
I looked at the stickes and the wikki and I am a bit confused.
First I need to root my phone with the one button flash instructions on the stickes.
Then what.
What do you use back up?
Can I back up games?
Is there a simple step by step instructions that start how to put phone in the right mode?
What do install on computer to flash?
Will this also get rid of all the bloatware?
Basically where to start step by step including what programs to use?
Like I said I'm a complete noob, and apprciate any and all help.
Thx
Scott
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The radio/modem/baseband is basically what you say, yes. It lives on it's own partition.
The kernel is the OS.
Afaik ROM is a general term, and can include any combination of kernel, ui changes, and system apps.
You mau root with a one button app like z4root. However manual roots don't take long, and ensure that you have working samsung drivers, and a working adb environment, and at least a basic knowledge of how your phone can be modified in a shell if everything goes FUBAR on you. It is just nice to be prepared, and to know how to at least root (and unroot) your phone if the one clicks hang or stop working.
Avoid even considering a voodoo install until you a) have installed a clean rom like super clean or blackhole and configured it with adw or launcher pro b) replaced the kernel if you found it too slow or replaced the modem. c) still notice lag (specifically during disk writes - ex you stream a ton of rss feeds and email constantly) that is intolerable to you. d) you have bricked and fixed your phone on at least two different ways already and are prepared to take full responsibility for whatever crashes happen and for data lost. Ie. You are a newcomer, you should probably just stay away, non voodoo kernels are quite smooth -i have always been satisfied.
Titanium backup pro does a wonderful job of restoring your most important apps. I recommend not backing up every item / system data. It is just easier for me to stay lightweight. It also gives you the ability to freeze/delete bloatware.
Rom manager and accompanying cwr gives you a way to backup almost everything. It is CRITICAL to do this backup before doing any odin flashes or installing any ROMs for the first time.
Yes you can backup games.
I am not 100% clear on modes.
* if your phone is working and you installed adb on your computer like you should have -simply type 'adb reboot download' or 'adb reboot recovery' EASY! (what I do)
* download - Hold volume down button while your phone is turning on until you see the yellow warning sign. (get it? Down for download). You use this mode for heimdall/odin
* recovery - hold volume up & down buttons while turning on phone. If you get a battery icon instead, unplug the phone or the battery. This is basic stock recovery, not CWR.
Heimdall or odin for flashing. Always use pda button. Put on android SDK and set your path variables too. And of course install samsung drivers for your phone!
Where to start? Read the first post of every sticky in this forum, particularly in development.
Don't post to development.
Swyped w/ XDA App. When in doubt, mumble.

Thanks for all the help. I have read some of the stickes. I will read the rest. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Very new and complete noob

Hi all.
I have a Samsung Vibrant that's still on 2.1. I want to get into rooting and running custom ROMs, but my first attempt failed miserably. I had only rooted the phone and played with a little bit of overclocking for a couple of days when I received an OTA update announcement. Not thinking about it, I accepted it. After that, I got stuck on the "Vibrant" startup screen during the reboot. I took the phone and flashed it back to stock using the method most use (ODIN?). Anyway, even back to stock it would get stuck in a loop of running the media scanner during startup...needless to say I had to get a new phone.
My point is that I want to get my phone more personalized but I'm a bit stand-off-ish because of my prior experience. There is a ton of terminology I'm not familiar with at all...the most I can do with a computer is turn it on and use it.
Is there a place I can go that's an entry level course in rooting and the terminology associated with it? Thanks.

Check my signature. Noob guide. If something is not answered please pm me so I can add it.
I would not use kies to get 2.2.

What is "kies?" Also, I've been reading through (obviously there's a lot of reading to do) but I have another question that relates to my previous experimentation with rooting:
Is there ANY way to do a full back up of my phone now so that if I ever have to go back to stock using ODIN I can go back to how my phone is now? The last time I tried I could not find the same software I had before and a few things had been changed...basically like it wasn't a true stock file.

OK, so you are nooBie
Here are a list of things you are going need if you want to update your phone to 2.2
1. If you do not know what you are doing (which is the case) then, read
member-s15274n Noobie guide in the Bible. This will get you up to speed on the knowledge necessary to modify the phone.
2. If you decide to do the factory (from tmobile/samsung) update, then read on that process. I personally do not recommend updating that way.
3. If you update via some of the excellent roms in the Dev section (which I recommend) then read up on them Master's Axura, Jellette's Einherjar rom and Team Whiskey's Roms are all excellent and there are others YOU NEED TO READ UP ON THESE,
4. If you go with a custom rom Then you need The following programs/patches:
A. Odin 1.7 (this installs on the computer)
B. Oneclick root. (Go to unlockr.com) they have a video easy to follow and have the links for this.
C. Clockwork (Rom Manager) free installs on the phone
D. Titanium Backup (installs o nthe phone)
E. Original 959JFD 2.1 stock ROM (in case you f#ck-up) you can odin back
F. The Custom rom of your choice.
That is all you need, read up and once you get going you will maybe have questions..... Ask in the Q & A we all here welcome a new person to the forum and help them.

BMRbrnSNRbrd said:
What is "kies?" Also, I've been reading through (obviously there's a lot of reading to do) but I have another question that relates to my previous experimentation with rooting:
Is there ANY way to do a full back up of my phone now so that if I ever have to go back to stock using ODIN I can go back to how my phone is now? The last time I tried I could not find the same software I had before and a few things had been changed...basically like it wasn't a true stock file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Kies is an official program that syncs your phone to your PC. This includes downloading and installing official OS updates to your phone.
A NANDroid backup can backup everything except the kernel. When you restore this backup your phone will go back to the state it was in when you backed it up.
Remember to always read a lot before doing anything.
I'm kinda new too. I personally chose Team Whiskey's ROMs. Their guide and s15274n's Noob Guide helped me a lot. Have fun!

Thanks for the information.

Ok, now I really feel like a noob....I am to the phone rooting idea, but not to forums...but I cannot for the life of me find the Developers section...

Vibrant > vibrant android development

[Q] Need with picking a ROM and more

Okay, so I've been reading for a couple days now, and I know the exact process that I want to take to Permaroot my MT4G and get S=Off, and I understand very clearly what those terms mean and why I want them.
Once I started looking into what to do beyond that, I got really, really confused.
If someone could refer me to somewhere so I can read more, I would really appreciate it.
For starters, I don't understand what flashing is. I also don't know what pushing files via the adb is. I don't know what the difference between a ROM and a kernel is.
^^^^All of those would be helpful
I guess I'm just confused about what to do now. Should I now set up the SDK on my PC and configure the ADB? Or should I flash Clockworkmod and do a nandroid backup? Neither?
Once I've done that, should I find a kernel, a ROM, or both? I know I want Gingerbread, I want OC capability, and I it stripped down (missing bloat), but I also want stability and for things like WiFi to work. On top of all of those questions I posted above, does anyone have any recommendation for a ROM/kernel like that?
Sorry about all the questions, and thanks.

corruptsmurf said:
Okay, so I've been reading for a couple days now, and I know the exact process that I want to take to Permaroot my MT4G and get S=Off, and I understand very clearly what those terms mean and why I want them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that i a good start. Good to see some reading before the jump in feet first.
corruptsmurf said:
Once I started looking into what to do beyond that, I got really, really confused.
If someone could refer me to somewhere so I can read more, I would really appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why we're here.
corruptsmurf said:
For starters, I don't understand what flashing is. I also don't know what pushing files via the adb is. I don't know what the difference between a ROM and a kernel is.
^^^^All of those would be helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edited: added Later
ADB is a commander center/protocol (if you will) that allows you to control your phone via a PC/Mac/Linux. You can push files which would be taking the file and "pushing" to the phone. Or "pulling" files from the phone and putting them on the computer. It's simply as it states, pushing and pulling the files.
To see what a Kernel is read This.
A ROM is the phones physical Operating system. Similar to what Window, Mac or Linux world be.
corruptsmurf said:
I guess I'm just confused about what to do now. Should I now set up the SDK on my PC and configure the ADB? Or should I flash Clockworkmod and do a nandroid backup? Neither?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you can flash Clockwork Mod you need to root your phone and turn s=off. For one of the methods, - before you can start you need to set up the ADB (Android Debug Bridge). See my signature for the quickest and most painless way to get that set up. You will also need VISIONary.apk. A quick Google Search will find it for you. Link
corruptsmurf said:
Once I've done that, should I find a kernel, a ROM, or both? I know I want Gingerbread, I want OC capability, and I it stripped down (missing bloat), but I also want stability and for things like WiFi to work. On top of all of those questions I posted above, does anyone have any recommendation for a ROM/kernel like that?
Sorry about all the questions, and thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a 2.3 based ROM you will need to flash Recovery image 3.0.0.6, link can be found in my signature, and hit up the development section to read reviews on different ROMs. I personally like the plain AOSP look so that leave Cyanogen(mod). But i know TeamRoyal has put together some newer ROMs that i haven't tampered with yet.

I do everything on my phone through CWM (clockworkmod) or terminal emulator, so there's no need for a PC, unless to download the files and transfer them to my SDcard, as I don't understand adb. Anyways, I'm gonna explain this very short and sweet cuz I was once in your shoes, and remember how much I had to read to understand something That could've been explained so simply.
Think of it this way. You're building the software version of a car. Now, if the whole car is the ROM, then the engine is what would be the kernel. And flashing would then be another word for installing , Now, a toyota with a ferrari engine, would be a custom ROM. While a toyota with a ferrari engine and BMW insignias all over it would then be a custom themed ROM.
**Remember, you can never install a car on something, but you can always install something in a car**
Ex. You can never flash a ROM on a kernel, but you can always flash a kernel on a ROM.
Anyways, first off, you will need CWM recovery to flash. Get it from the market. In the app itself, flash (this is the "flash" in the app) recovery 3.0.0.6. This will flash (this flash is not in the app) anything; any ROM, any kernel, etc. as long as its a FLASHABLE ZIP.
To boot into the recovery (the place you do flashing), hold both volume down and power buttons down as you either turn on or restart your phone. The screen you see is the bootloader. Choose recovery using the volume buttons, and use the power button to select it.
Going to flash a new ROM? Do a factory reset (in recovery), wipe cache (in recovery), and wipe delvik cache (this is in advance in recovery). Then install zip. Its pretty straight forward from there.
Going to flash an updated ROM, skip factory reset (as this deletes all data on your phone) and do the rest.
After you've flashed the ROM, you can now flash the kernel.
Note that, kernels are ROM specific. Read what kinds of ROM's the kernel is for before you flash it.
There, easy as pie, yeah? Hope that helped.
I recommend cyanogenmod 7 (Gingerbread based ROM) with faux's kernel (Gingerbread based kernel)
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

corruptsmurf said:
Okay, so I've been reading for a couple days now, and I know the exact process that I want to take to Permaroot my MT4G and get S=Off, and I understand very clearly what those terms mean and why I want them.
Once I started looking into what to do beyond that, I got really, really confused.
If someone could refer me to somewhere so I can read more, I would really appreciate it.
For starters, I don't understand what flashing is. I also don't know what pushing files via the adb is. I don't know what the difference between a ROM and a kernel is.
^^^^All of those would be helpful
I guess I'm just confused about what to do now. Should I now set up the SDK on my PC and configure the ADB? Or should I flash Clockworkmod and do a nandroid backup? Neither?
Once I've done that, should I find a kernel, a ROM, or both? I know I want Gingerbread, I want OC capability, and I it stripped down (missing bloat), but I also want stability and for things like WiFi to work. On top of all of those questions I posted above, does anyone have any recommendation for a ROM/kernel like that?
Sorry about all the questions, and thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neidlinger's got your back.
1. Glad you're reading before doing. What a welcome change of pace!
2. Flashing is the process of installing new software. We "flash" it to the phone's memory.
3. ADB is using a computer to control the phone via command-prompt from DOS. Push is a command which sends a file from your computer to your phone. Do a search, there are lots of good guides on ADB. TrueBlueDrew made one just recently that I highly recommend.
Here's Drew's thread. Don't forget to hit his thanks button! - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928370
4. Start with Clockwork Recovery and a nandroid backup. That's good practice. CWR2 is compatible with Froyo (2.2) ROMs. CWR3 is compatible with Gingerbread (2.3) ROMs. CWR 3.0.0.6 is compatible with BOTH. Very convenient.
5. I say start with CM7. It's extremely stable, even though it's still in development. A ROM is a complete OS replacement for the phone. ROMs contain kernels, which control the most basic hardware, such as processor. If you flash a custom kernel on your stock ROM, you can overclock it more. You can also flash custom kernels on top of custom ROMs for different battery life, clock speed, etc.
To be honest I don't even bother with custom kernels since this phone is so damn fast out of the box I really don't see the point.
QUICK TIPS FOR CM7 - On your first boot, let it sit for 5-10 mins before setting up. There are background processes running and interrupting can harm stability. BEFORE you sign into google for the first time, after it's finished sitting, reboot. This will clear out any wifi glitches and give you smooth sailing.
Have fun!

BTW, I think most ROM's have a kernel already built in. People install custom kernels because they can have fixes for bugs, help with battery life, overclocked frequencies, no lags, etc. Otherwise, you can just flash the ROM, and if you're satisfied with the kernel its running on, then obviously you'll have no need to flash a custom kernel.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

Uchennadi said:
BTW, I think most ROM's have a kernel already built in. People install custom kernels because they can have fixes for bugs, help with battery life, overclocked frequencies, no lags, etc. Otherwise, you can just flash the ROM, and if you're satisfied with the kernel its running on, then obviously you'll have no need to flash a custom kernel.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty much spot on. The developers have included kernels that they feel make the OS preform at it's peak. and most of them will allow for overclocking. However on some of them you may need to use a program called "setCPU" to adjust the frequencies. Cyanogen(mod) will have this built into the ROM natively. However most of the veterans will not promote running your phone in an over clocked status 100% of the time. most of us leave the phone at 1Ghz or slower. There are physical reasons, ie the constant expansion and contract of the chip isn't good for the mother board.
If i were you i'd stick with the Stock Kernel and leave it running as it. That way the developer can adjust their ROM, if you use an 3rd party kernel they aren't familiar with the coding so it's not going to act correct.
I'm not putting down what the kernel coders do, they do an awesome job. but for a n3wb i'd leave well enough alone.

Many questions.

I have an iconia tab getting shipped to me as of this post. I fairly knowledgeable about rooting and roms ( have done many roms and recovery from my cell phone).
I am sorry if some was explained on different threads, figured I would just ask them all here.
Since I haven't messed with the os at all, is there a lot of advantages from stock os to custom os?
Is there any reason to create a ext partition on sd.?
Is custom recovery installed easy, hopefully not uninstall to easy.?
Is there anyways to get data from Titanium backup on the tablet.
I am sure I may have a few more questions when I receive the tablet.
Any help on these questions would be great.
Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk

All your questions are answered in the forums. You'll get your answers MUCH faster if you follow the rules and actually search before asking.
To be helpful, I'll give you ONE of the answers.
Custom recovery is very easy to install IF you don't have a 3.2.1 ROM preinstalled. If you have this version, you can still install but it's a more complex process. Read the guides in the development section and DO NOT attempt to use ROM manager or a generic CWM.

if you root you can use drivemount to be able to use external hd's formatted in ntfs. Which is the reason I rooted.

1. There's no general answer, as it depends on the ROM you use (some are more-or-less stock, others aren't even based on Acer stock)
2. I haven't had any reason to do anything like that, as I keep basically only my apps (with their data) and my linux chroot on the internal memory... Other than that, search the forum for instructions on how to switch internal <-> external memory (just a config hack, nothing spectacular and completely reversible)
3. It used to be almost ridiculously easy, but a recent update made it more complex. Details are in the forum (and partly in FloatingFatMan's post above).
4. As Titanium backup even runs fine on ICS, you'd expect it to work on HC... which it does.

FloatingFatMan said:
All your questions are answered in the forums. You'll get your answers MUCH faster if you follow the rules and actually search before asking.
.
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I did do a some searches already , and found a lot of information. The people here are always helpful so I thought instead of just asking one question that I didn't know the answer to I would ask all of them I had.
To be honest I do love loading roms and enjoy the phone rooted atm, but a tablet is much more expensive device and want to try to avoid any conflicts with roms (There are so many I do not know where to start).
Here is my plans on the tablet atm.
Root it, load custom recovery (Clockwork?)
Doing a Nandroid backup of stock rom.
Loading Titanium backup and possibly transfering some data from the phone SD to acer sd, such as psx roms, and other misc stuff.
will look into different roms and see what works for my needs and hopefully avoid the rom cycle that I see with phone roms ,( Seems 3 month and support drops and different projects happen).
Plan on trying stock rom a little rooted before going into custom roms.
This is my current plan, but if anyone else has some suggestions that would be great.

FloatingFatMan said:
Custom recovery is very easy to install IF you don't have a 3.2.1 ROM preinstalled.
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No, actually its still really easy you just have an extra step.
download the 3.0 downgrade
place it on sd card root directory
reboot holding volume down and power
?????
profit!
after that, just run iconiaroot and acer recovery installer (install both before downgrading) and you're golden, root with CWM. flash a rooted 3.2.1 stock or custom, its that easy.
you are right about one thing though, you can easily find the answer to every question in this thread on these forums.
edit- also, TC, i've found the most stable and functional roms to be stock. i ran a few customs (the best of which was flexstriker) but always found stock to run better and be the most stable, both the rooted 3.2.1 a500 rom and the rooted 3.2.1 a200 port have been great for me. you can go custom if you want, I'm just putting in my two cents.