I've considered rooting and installing a custom ROM dozens of times ever since I got my Droid X back in August and I've finally decided I'm just going to do it, but i just want to double check a few things before I root my phone and install Fission:
1. I know that rooting voids your warranty, but if I have problems with my phone and I end up needing repairs, can I just unroot my phone back to stock and still have my phone be covered under the warranty?
2. Will my phone be secure rooted with a custom ROM? I don't want people having access to my personal info contact data, and my passwords.
3. If I Overclock to say 1.2 or 1.3 Ghz with ULV, will I have stability problems with demanding 3D games or other demanding apps?
4. After I root and install my Custom Rom, will I need to reactivate my phone or need to re-add my phone contacts/apps?
5. Will Z4Root work on system version 2.3.340?
I have unrooted and exchanged under warranty with no problems. Your phone will be just as secure. 1.2-1.3 are very stable on my phone. If you do have to reactivate it's as easy as dialing *228 and following the prompts. If your contacts are "google" contacts they'll return to your phonebook. Your apps from the market shall return without a problem. And yes, z4root will work with your system version.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
I am having difficulty rooting my droid x. I am an android noob, but am a pretty savvy user. I used z4 (permanant) and it says it has been rooted when i launch the app. However i see no appreciable difference in access. My terminal still shows a $ prompt and i cannot uninstall verizons crapware. I used rage against the cage prior to z4 with similar results, but i was able to at least get temporary su access and install the bootstrap recovery and perform a system level backup. It reverted to user access after rebooting. Please help.
Superuser confirmation
alright, if you want super user privileges in terminal type "su", then once you hit enter, you get "#" instead of "$" To test if you have root access, first check app drawer for "Superuser" if its there, open an app that requires it, (wifi teather, root explorer, rom manager to name a few) you should get a pop up similar to this
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=1&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0&biw=888&bih=638
that would be a diffinitive confirmation that you have superuser permissions.
The way I remove verizons crap once rooted, is to use root explorer, go to system/app and find the .apk files you want to remove. There are lists around the forums what is safe to remove. I highly recommend simply renaming the files. For example, the 3g hotspot app is called mynet.apk, so I would just rename it to mynet.bak, or mynet.apk.bak, really anything that lets you know what it is, but removes the .apk extension.
Ok, I have confirmed su access, but am unable to rename any of the offending .apk's. I am simply told that the operation was unsuccessful. I have tried a couple of different file managers, as well as trying from a terminal, still no luck. I like 2.2.1 alright, but if i can't control what apps are running on my phone with root access, I may want another ROM. Any suggestions are appreciated, aswell as any links to a rom installer that is pc-less.
I usually rename apk's from Root Explorer, just prefer the graphical interface, so I can't really help you on the terminal process.
Rom manager is "pc-less" although most roms are posted in forums first it is often the easiest route, also lets you make backups and restore. There are a few posts around on how to install a rom you might want to read first. Also, you should find the thread for the rom before you flash it, in favor of size and speed, some developers go down to bare minimum and may remove something you need/want.
I have not used it, but I hear Titanium Backup allows you to "Freeze" apps, so that is a possible route also.
2.2.1 is not exclusive to people running official vzw builds, many of the roms on the forum (and rom manager) are running 2.2.1, so you will not be taking a step back to an earlier release.
SharkBaitDave said:
I usually rename apk's from Root Explorer, just prefer the graphical interface, so I can't really help you on the terminal process.
Rom manager is "pc-less" although most roms are posted in forums first it is often the easiest route, also lets you make backups and restore. There are a few posts around on how to install a rom you might want to read first. Also, you should find the thread for the rom before you flash it, in favor of size and speed, some developers go down to bare minimum and may remove something you need/want.
I have not used it, but I hear Titanium Backup allows you to "Freeze" apps, so that is a possible route also.
2.2.1 is not exclusive to people running official vzw builds, many of the roms on the forum (and rom manager) are running 2.2.1, so you will not be taking a step back to an earlier release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are trying to rename apps in the /system/app portion of the OS, you will need to mount /system as RW first.
from terminal: mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
After it has been mounted read-write, you should be able to rename...
to remount as read-only: mount -o ro,remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
zwade01 said:
I have unrooted and exchanged under warranty with no problems. Your phone will be just as secure. 1.2-1.3 are very stable on my phone. If you do have to reactivate it's as easy as dialing *228 and following the prompts. If your contacts are "google" contacts they'll return to your phonebook. Your apps from the market shall return without a problem. And yes, z4root will work with your system version.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response. Just out of curiosity, did you (or anyone else for that matter) have to reactivate your phone after rooting and installing a custom ROM? I'd rather not have to re-activate my phone every time I want to update a ROM or change to a different ROM.
Thank all of you for the great info. Here's what I've learned after a day of rooting and romming: titanium freezes apps only in the paid version, z4 was the most user friendly app for rooting noobs, milestone overclock works well if you have the patience to lock up your phone several times finding the right settings, and I'm digging apeX 1.3.1. Thx to everyone for your help, i will definately be checking here frequently. One last question: where might i find a side by side comparo of roms with things like features and memory footprint, etc.? Or am I asking for too much. Im not scared of the search button, but i will defer to the more experienced of you. Thanks again.
galaga4991 said:
Thank you for your response. Just out of curiosity, did you (or anyone else for that matter) have to reactivate your phone after rooting and installing a custom ROM? I'd rather not have to re-activate my phone every time I want to update a ROM or change to a different ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used rom manager to load apeX 1.3.1 and did not need to #228. I did not clear the user data or cache, but I do not know if that affected my results or not. Your mileage may vary.
stpvapor said:
Thank all of you for the great info. Here's what I've learned after a day of rooting and romming: titanium freezes apps only in the paid version, z4 was the most user friendly app for rooting noobs, milestone overclock works well if you have the patience to lock up your phone several times finding the right settings, and I'm digging apeX 1.3.1. Thx to everyone for your help, i will definately be checking here frequently. One last question: where might i find a side by side comparo of roms with things like features and memory footprint, etc.? Or am I asking for too much. Im not scared of the search button, but i will defer to the more experienced of you. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know that anyone has really done a side by side per say. Since you say you are apeX, then if you are looking for more ROM's that contain blur features, then I would recommend looking into ZapX Bazinga, or Fusion (from the same creator as Fission, but just with blur). I have not worked with any of the Blur ROM's so far...
If you are looking for ROM's that do not have blur, then the big ones are Liberty, Fission 2.5.7, GummyJar 2.5, and Rubix Focused 1.9.5. Liberty is the big one right now, because it just came out and combines the great talents of Kejar31 and Jrummy. Most others I believe are using Fission. All are great choices, as the dev's do some AMAZING work.
Each has their owns unique feel...so I woudl recommend just digging through each thread for their respective ROM's as they usually include what components are built into each ROM on the original post of each thread.
Hope this helps somewhat =)
another ROM to try is DarkSlide. It comes in both flavors, Blurred & Blurless. It's fast, stable & well supported. You only have to re-activate if you wind up bricking your phone & have to flash an SBF. My advice it to spend the $$ on DroidXBootstrapper (available in the market) to make a nandroid backup prior to flashing your new ROM. This way you have a base to go back to in the event you run into problems, or want to try multiple ROMS. One other suggestion is to rename each backup into something that will let you know what the backup actually is, like StockROMBU or the like.
Related
Well I finally got my G1 and dont have to use my Wing anymore. I got the unlimited G1 plan so im all set with that. Ive been lookin on the Development forums about rooting, and everything, but is it really worth it? There seems like theres alot I gotta do, and everything is getting updated fast, should I root my G1?
no, you should hack your Wing, now that you dont "need" it. Or go root, it just requires a little reading and some understanding of what you read. I am a noobenstein with android but I got it to work and have a few themes installed. The only thing you might not like is that OTA (over the air) updates wont work, so if they release cupcake wyou will prolly be waiting for it from here.
I have modded my Wing, but im going to get rid of it. That is my main concern with Rooting my G1, is the OTA updates
If you have no interest in themes or development theres no point in getting root and voiding the warranty. I would just play with the phone for a while and get used to it and then later decide whether here or not you want to root it.
you say you are concerned about OTA updates. What exactly are you concerned about?
rsfaze said:
you say you are concerned about OTA updates. What exactly are you concerned about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question, but what I will be concerned about will depend on what is updated ota, but im sure what I use on my rooted G1 will be bettr than what is updated ota.
Ya rooting is easy. As I remember you from the Herald forums. Also with a rooted phone you can install a Jesus Freak Modded version of OTA updates. Finally as said before when an OTA update comes out Tmo-GooG don't just drop it on every market they "roll it out" so chances are you can probably get it here and flashed well before your "market area" is pushing the updates on to the G1s
diabolical28 said:
...of OTA updates. Finally as said before when an OTA update comes out Tmo-GooG don't just drop it on every market they "roll it out" so chances are you can probably get it here and flashed well before your "market area" is pushing the updates on to the G1s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a big plus to me
I was undecided too - here's what swung it -
1 - Task Manager for root - this app in the market allows you to actually close apps that are running constantly in the background - it saves a LOT of battery and (to me it seems) makes the stuff you do run after a lot faster. Not to be confused with Power Manager, which can change display settings and stuff, but can't close any apps down.
2 - You can move the Market Cache (which grows like a mo fo) and the Browser Cache (Again with the growing) to your SD card quite easily using the terminal thingy. (Plus other Caches, but those are the two that made most difference for me )
I'm a total noob to Android and linux, but if you follow the clear instructions on here, it doesn't seem that hard and mostly is salvagable - Nothing too scary that can't be recovered from.
Daisy xxx
Current Benefits of Root
1. Multi-Touch Browser - Ipod like pinch/unpinch to zoom
2. Recovery from Bootloader (Think of it kind of like Windows F8 Safe mode)
3. Back-up from boot loader
4. Use of Task Manager (Root Only) - Shut Down Apps
5. Auto Rotate
6. Themes (Currently maybe 10-15 Themes, Check 'em out)
7. Cache to SD Card (Saves alot of Phone memory for application use)
8. Install to SD Card (Better than just cache-ing) Cons: little more tricky than cache-ing to SD Card, but not much, if you have gotten this far, then you can do it.
9. Install Debian (For true hacks that know how to use Linux)
10. Mod your Start up screens.
All of these things are just for starters. The Cupcake, IF and WHEN it comes out, will surely be hacked (Probably faster than you will get it over the air). All these things will likely be added or improved upon in future updates.
I definitely recommend thoroughly reading these forums, and then start small.
Good luck on your decision.
Ok, ive been convinced, looks like I will root my G1. But it seems like there are different ways to do it? What are the differences with these ways?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442480
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=443797
http://www.webnetta.com/2009/01/02/t-mobile-g1-rc30-to-jfv13/
Also would I need to Hard SPL?
Ways to do it.
Basically all of the "ways" are the same. The differences are just whether your a Windows/Linux/Mac user.
You can Push stuff to your phone using USB. Its much like using the command line in DOS (C Prompt C:\). I prefer to just copy the files over and use the Astro Application (Available on Market). It lets you use the file system like Windows Explorer. You can copy and paste back and forth. The push sytem is a little safer to start in case you have any problems, but if you follow instructions exactly it shouldn't be a problem. There are even Video Tutorials and if you have any questions there is always someone here that can help.
As for HardSPL, yes you will end up with a SPL which is either Hard SPL RC30 ver. 1.41 Mod (Recommended version) , or Engineering MOD which is the version on the DEV phone, or the G1 Original SPL. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=455860
Basically its like this, you will revert back to the original RC29 Software version where the Root Loophole was before T-Mobile Closed it. Using Dreamng.ing you will then download Terminal Emulator from the Market. Type in Telnetd, you will then have Root. Then you will upgrade to JF ver. 1.41, No need to go through 1.31. Then you will be at the most recent Mod update.
From there you can just browse this website for all the tips and tricks associated with a rooted G1.
Hope this helps for starters.
Video for Moding.
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f28/video-on-how-to-mod-jailbreak-get-root-from-g1-11598/
It sounds like you know what you're doing, but I'll offer my advice. Previous to the Android I'd flashed roms to a few WinMo devices. The first time is always the most nerve racking, but after that you see how easy it is and it's addictive.
Before I rooted and went to JF's 1.41 firmware I read all the modding threads that had instructions.. they're all pretty much the same thing, just said different ways. I wound up using the ones found here:
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=Quick_Root (skip to "Downgrade to RC29")
Just make sure you have everything downloaded beforehand.
The only snag I ran into was that I couldn't get from RC29 to JFv1.41 the first few times, I kept getting a error saying that a file wasn't found in the update.zip file. Once I installed HardSPL this went away and everything has been peachy since.
The main reasons why I wanted root was custom boot splash screens and the Root Task Manager. Enabling auto-rotation is cool, but I find it anoying sometimes when viewing the device when I'm laying on my bed (it constantly switching on me!)
Thanks for all the help everyone, I read that I had to upgrade to JF v1.31 before going to JF v1.41 otherwise I will need to wipe, what will wiping do? Im guessing delete everything?
AsaSpades said:
Thanks for all the help everyone, I read that I had to upgrade to JF v1.31 before going to JF v1.41 otherwise I will need to wipe, what will wiping do? Im guessing delete everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will get rid of your apps and data... however, there's an app in the market called MyBackup. The icon is a flotation ring. If you really don't want to re-install your apps you can use it to back everything up --- but really it's not THAT much of a hassle to install apps as you want to use them. I used it to back up my contacts, home screen icons, my bookmarks and my SMS messages.
A few things to remember about MyBackup:
If you restore your homescreen icons before you install the corresponding programs, you'll have a bunch of broken icons ... not earth shatter, but you'll be all "uhg, ****" afterwards.
Do not restore your google contacts using MyBackup. You will get duplicates on your phone that will then get passed on to your google account. If you do this (don't do this, trust me) do not remove the dupes using the phone -- remove them via google on the website itself. If you use the phone to do it you will no longer be able to sync contacts and you'll have to wipe all over again to fix it. It's much easier to just sycn your contacts to google anyway.
nolageek said:
Yes, it will get rid of your apps and data... however, there's an app in the market called MyBackup. The icon is a flotation ring. If you really don't want to re-install your apps you can use it to back everything up --- but really it's not THAT much of a hassle to install apps as you want to use them. I used it to back up my contacts, home screen icons, my bookmarks and my SMS messages.
A few things to remember about MyBackup:
If you restore your homescreen icons before you install the corresponding programs, you'll have a bunch of broken icons ... not earth shatter, but you'll be all "uhg, ****" afterwards.
Do not restore your google contacts using MyBackup. You will get duplicates on your phone that will then get passed on to your google account. If you do this (don't do this, trust me) do not remove the dupes using the phone -- remove them via google on the website itself. If you use the phone to do it you will no longer be able to sync contacts and you'll have to wipe all over again to fix it. It's much easier to just sycn your contacts to google anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, ill get to it now.
Can also use mybackup to backup system settings which is a time saver as well. Take your time on root steps and download everything before you get going. As far as root goes i wouldnt hesitate, you can always go back if needed.
Thanks every1, I have successfully rooted my G1, with no errors at all.
AsaSpades said:
Thanks every1, I have successfully rooted my G1, with no errors at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good deal man have fun!
Hey guys.
So, I just got my Magic and im frustrated that I cant dl apps from market that cost money. Sadly im living in scandinavia making it not possible for me to do so.
Now I've been reading about ROoting and trying to understand what it is and wich purpose it fullfiles.
I'd appriciate a link to a "General questions regarding rooting" or something similar so I can read up and maybe, just maybe root my device without bricking it.
I've searched but nothin, read the wiki about rooting but that just explained HOW to root and not which functions it brought with the device actually being rooted.
I'd appriciate some REAL infomation and not "lol nub go google" because I have and I havent found anything yet.
The help is appriciated and I will donate some money for those that make things clear to me
Swedish guide
gagg3 said:
Hey guys.
So, I just got my Magic and im frustrated that I cant dl apps from market that cost money. Sadly im living in scandinavia making it not possible for me to do so.
Now I've been reading about ROoting and trying to understand what it is and wich purpose it fullfiles.
I'd appriciate a link to a "General questions regarding rooting" or something similar so I can read up and maybe, just maybe root my device without bricking it.
I've searched but nothin, read the wiki about rooting but that just explained HOW to root and not which functions it brought with the device actually being rooted.
I'd appriciate some REAL infomation and not "lol nub go google" because I have and I havent found anything yet.
The help is appriciated and I will donate some money for those that make things clear to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here i found a swedish guide, it's not finished tho and i've not tried this
http://www.swedroid.se/wiki/index.php?title=Så_här_rootar/flashar_du_din_Magic
robocik said:
Here i found a swedish guide, it's not finished tho and i've not tried this
http://www.swedroid.se/wiki/index.php?title=Så_här_rootar/flashar_du_din_Magic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, as stated I dont need a "how to root your magic" I need explantion of the rooting status, why, what does it do, pro/cons? etc.
Thanks anyways
gagg3 said:
Thanks, as stated I dont need a "how to root your magic" I need explantion of the rooting status, why, what does it do, pro/cons? etc.
Thanks anyways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, misunderstandig there...
This thing with root, i think that is like with my ubuntu linux, when you login as root or superuser, you, as it stays here "has all rights or permissions (to all files and programs) in all modes", so it has it's advantage but can be dangerous when you do something stupid.
i'm not sure if it's the same for android, but it is linux under the hood after all.
Hope it helped a little bit.
I'm sure there were a few threads early on in the Dream forum about why people should bother rooting - the benefits and such. Might be worth a specific search in there for threads like Why should I bother rooting or what are the benefits of having root? etc.
Here's how I understand it -
Seems to me Root was more important on the Dream, because it meant you could do stuff like putting a different ROM on with extras like Soft Keyboard and Latitude, and also move stuff like caches to SD Card, and more recently, move apps themselves to SD Card. This was damned near essential, due to the much smaller space on the handset for apps etc (In my experience it was about 75MB after a wipe - tiny) and the fact that the Market Cache wasn't easily clearable. Without Root, you couldn't alter those annoying things even if you had the knowhow, because you were "locked out" of changing the main ROM. So Root allowed you the freedom to modify stuff.
Other things you can do if you have root include ADB push stuff, so you can alter small parts of the system folder to suit you - like adding languages or keyboards or modified boot images etc. You can do Nandroid back ups of your whole system including installed apps, so that you can restore the apps after a wipe, or backup a ROM that works so that you can go back to it if you load one that doesn't work. Also you can install custom themes to make your fone look less generic. I believe there are ways to get tethering to work (Using the modem/internet access on the device/fone to link up via bluetooth with a laptop or netbook and surf as if you have a USB Dongle.
Some of the reasons I rooted my G1 are mute now or don't apply to the Magic
eg - More space on the magic for apps so I don't need to make more room by putting caches on SD or moving apps to SD
Cupcake update has soft keyboard anyway, and latitude
Also we now seem to be able to clear the caches for most apps via the Apps Manager, so stuff like Market and Browser doesn't grow with use and get out of hand.
Home app replacements are far more stable and are great for having different themes so no need to alter the main themes using root.
So, I haven't rooted my Ion/Magic as yet. If and when theres a really stable ROM without gliches I might go for it, but no real need for me as of yet so not gonna mess. I'm sure other folks can give you more reasons to either go for root, or leave it as it is.
Dayzee xx
Dayzee said:
I'm sure there were a few threads early on in the Dream forum about why people should bother rooting - the benefits and such. Might be worth a specific search in there for threads like Why should I bother rooting or what are the benefits of having root? etc.
Here's how I understand it -
Seems to me Root was more important on the Dream, because it meant you could do stuff like putting a different ROM on with extras like Soft Keyboard and Latitude, and also move stuff like caches to SD Card, and more recently, move apps themselves to SD Card. This was damned near essential, due to the much smaller space on the handset for apps etc (In my experience it was about 75MB after a wipe - tiny) and the fact that the Market Cache wasn't easily clearable. Without Root, you couldn't alter those annoying things even if you had the knowhow, because you were "locked out" of changing the main ROM. So Root allowed you the freedom to modify stuff.
Other things you can do if you have root include ADB push stuff, so you can alter small parts of the system folder to suit you - like adding languages or keyboards or modified boot images etc. You can do Nandroid back ups of your whole system including installed apps, so that you can restore the apps after a wipe, or backup a ROM that works so that you can go back to it if you load one that doesn't work. Also you can install custom themes to make your fone look less generic. I believe there are ways to get tethering to work (Using the modem/internet access on the device/fone to link up via bluetooth with a laptop or netbook and surf as if you have a USB Dongle.
Some of the reasons I rooted my G1 are mute now or don't apply to the Magic
eg - More space on the magic for apps so I don't need to make more room by putting caches on SD or moving apps to SD
Cupcake update has soft keyboard anyway, and latitude
Also we now seem to be able to clear the caches for most apps via the Apps Manager, so stuff like Market and Browser doesn't grow with use and get out of hand.
Home app replacements are far more stable and are great for having different themes so no need to alter the main themes using root.
So, I haven't rooted my Ion/Magic as yet. If and when theres a really stable ROM without gliches I might go for it, but no real need for me as of yet so not gonna mess. I'm sure other folks can give you more reasons to either go for root, or leave it as it is.
Dayzee xx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS Alot dayzee, that cleared things up.
Much appriciated!!!
First time smartphone owner and first experience with android, so forgive my basic questions.
1) Can one view the important operating system directories, like System, without rooting? If so, how? And can you get write access?
2) What is the difference between firmware and baseband? Can they be updated independently? Can they be updated without rooting?
3) What is the general term for software like TouchWiz? Can you replace it without rooting? What happens to is when you install a different type?
Thanks in advance for your help.
to answer your first question, you can download an app called astro file manager from the market that will give you access to the directories you want, but i don't think you can have write access without root, but i could be wrong
second, not sure what the difference between firmware and baseband. pretty sure you need root to update the firmware though since there hasn't been an official release.
lastly, i think the term you're looking for is 'launcher'...you can download alternative launchers from the market. ADW launcher and Launcher Pro are probably the most popular. you can have them installed without actually replacing the Touchwiz launcher, but you won't have access to the Samsung widgets. you can also download an app called 'home switcher' to switch between the different launchers you have installed.
hope this helps. and, anyone feel free to correct me if i'm wrong
Thanks for the reply.
I have Astro File Manager, but I can't see the System dir. Any idea what I might need to do?
Are Launcher and Home Switcher Synonymous?
Home Switcher is an app that lets you move from LauncherPro, ADW and TouchWiz more easily.
DLarva said:
Thanks for the reply.
I have Astro File Manager, but I can't see the System dir. Any idea what I might need to do?
Are Launcher and Home Switcher Synonymous?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be able to see the System dir without rooting. You might as well root if you want access to the System dir. I've had the G1, the Nexus One, the MyTouch Slide, and now the Vibrant and this phone is by far the easiest to root so far AND its reversible just in case you need to un-root to send it in for repairs or warranty claim. You can learn how to root here in xda but here's a link with step-by-step instructions.
http://tinyurl.com/2arangz
Thanks for the replies, this is clearing up a lot of things in my head. I'll be sure to check out that link. I was hoping to hold of rooting until we got froyo, but I'm guessing that won't be for a while.
DLarva said:
Thanks for the replies, this is clearing up a lot of things in my head. I'll be sure to check out that link. I was hoping to hold of rooting until we got froyo, but I'm guessing that won't be for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm hearing Sept for froyo for us but if you root and keep the stock rom like I'm doing you should get the OTA update for froyo when they decide to send it out.
Hi folks,
I want to be able to uninstall all the bloatware that my DHD came with so I guess I need to root it. However in this regard I don't need a perm root? As I don't need to change the UI etc, just remove a bunch of unecessary apps.
I've tried using the rooting guide here but as an anroid newb the instuctions are too vague for me to follow and my attempts to infer what the authors mean have resulted in failure (no brick tho! ).
So, I have visionary and supersuer both installed and I tried the temp root and perm root function in visionary (which is granted supersuer permissions from the superuser app in the process) but when I go back to "manage applications" the uninstall button for all the bloatware apps is still greyed out.
Any ideas?
EDIT: Typing "su" in terminal emulator results in "#" so that appears to be working correctly. But still no go on uninstalling the apps. I don't care about not getting updates over the air as I value having greater control over my device more. Besides, I can always flash it manually.
dccxviii said:
Hi folks,
I want to be able to uninstall all the bloatware that my DHD came with so I guess I need to root it. However in this regard I don't need a perm root? As I don't need to change the UI etc, just remove a bunch of unecessary apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello 718 ,
I've read something about uninstall unwanted applications
in the adb description "Using ADB.pdf" and "How to install adb.pdf".
Hope it helps you, I'm in the searching and reading phase of owning
the HTC DHD (some weeks ago - and android newbee) -
it's a jungle of information here on xda-developers
WBR peschi
Use titanium backup or root explorer.
sent from my dhd
Thanks for the replies.
So far i've started using titanium backup as it seems easier to use then having to install adb shell. Although I installed that as well and start learning some basic commands.
For now, titanium seems to be the answer to my issue as it allowing me to uninstall a whole heap of useless apps. But I think in the next few days of tinkering i'm gonna come to the conclusion that I want even greater control. Which seems to indicate falshing an entirely defferent rom to HTC sense. Although the keyboard on the sense UI is second to none IMO but smoething tells me that there's a .apk file out there with that in it
So, I've rooted my Desire HD with VISIONary+ and mounted /system as r/w using that "Mount system r/w" app from market, to move some of the stock apps from the Desire HD (and to hopefully solve that Facebook for Android problem I described in another thread). I used Root Explorer to move the apps to a folder on the SD card, turned the phone off and back on, and the apps were back?
Is this because I haven't done that "S-Off" thing, does the quick boot option need to be disabled (even though I turned the phone off entirely) or something else, in order to keep the apps that I moved, from respawning in /system/app?
Thanks in advance (and sorry for borrowing your thread, OP).
I don't think i've got s-off (whatever that means lol) and I was able to uninstall the crapware using titanium backup. My process was somewhat convoluted but I guess it boiled down to 2 things. Visionary and Superuser apps.
Now I don't think my phone is completely rooted because when I go to the default "manage applications" list in the stock UI the uninstall button for the crapware system apps is still greyed out. But for when I run titanium backup, it gets granted superuser acces from the superuser app and is then able to uninstall all the bloatware.
I would like to know of a sure fire way whether my phone is completely rooted or not though. Namely because I think I want to start using completely different roms.
I temprooted using visionary+ then opened titanium back up to uninstall unwanted apps. But which are safe to remove? I want to get rid of Facebook, Friendstream and a few others but Titanium warns me they are system components and my phone may not work after uninstalling them....
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I got rid of all of that (twitter, myspace etc rubbish). Even some native htc ones that I know are ancilliary. You just have to use a bit of logic as to what might require what. Crap like friend stream or whatever wuold most likey rely on such apps. But since I uninstalled that too... you get the idea
I was gonna get rid of sound hound as well but it's actually kinda useful. One of the few apps I left on it from the factory.
EDIT: I've also been using titanium to backup more usefull HTC system apps so that when I do eventually move to a new rom, i can just install them later. Things like the HTC clock, office apps, calender, messaging etc are superior to stock android equivalents.
WTF...
I had to remove my sim card for something and when I reinserted it and turned on the phone all the apps I 'removed' were back as if nothing ever happened!
Did I miss something because I don't remember reading anywhere that that would happen if you rebooted your phone!
Agrrrr...I need some help >.<
If your DHD does not have S-OFF after every reboot it will restore everything you removed.
Ahh, thnaks for that. I've used the S-off radio tool to disable the security now. Hopefully those rubbish apps will stay away (tested with reboot and it seems so). However, now that i've rooted my phone and switched to S-off I am still curious as to why system apps are still unable to be uninstalled through the in-built android app manager.
Also, I attempted to use the clockworkrecovery mod to install new ROMS and so wanted to backup my current ROM install before trying new ones but the phone just goes to a black screen with a pic of a mobile phone with a red exclamation point in a triangle.
...unless of course after all this it STILL isn't rooted. In which case I think I might start looking seriously at the Nexus. *sigh*
The built-in app manager will not let you remove system apps regardless of being rooted. Install Titanium Backup from the market. This will remove it.
Download ROM Manager from the market, and "Flash Recovery" again, some users have issues with it working first time.
That did the trick! Thanks very much
One last question then, if I flash a new ROM e.g. cyanogenMOD, will that completely replace HTC sense and thus allow me to use the built in app manager to remove apps because...there won't be anymore 'system' apps?
andyharney said:
If your DHD does not have S-OFF after every reboot it will restore everything you removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have root + Radio S-Off but every restart the phone causes my default Smart Keyboard deactive. Do you have any idea about that, is it spesific for an app or a general problem?
I am asking because I did not do ENG S-Off I have done only Radio S-Off.
With S-ON every reboot will result in ANY change to the system being restored, You make system changes permanent you need S-OFF.
As for your keyboard being disabled, not sure about that. Installing & using an additional keyboard shouldn't make any system changes.
dccxviii said:
That did the trick! Thanks very much
One last question then, if I flash a new ROM e.g. cyanogenMOD, will that completely replace HTC sense and thus allow me to use the built in app manager to remove apps because...there won't be anymore 'system' apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even on CM system apps cannot be uninstalled through the Android App Manager. It's the way its designed, why would the system allow you to remove the "Android System" or "Dialer". Imagine the chaos if you uninstalled something you actually needed and Android let you do it.
You need to use 3rd Party apps (Titanium Backup) to do this, or ADB
still scared
so after rooting my HD what ARE the apps which are safe to remove?
Mat Buenaluz said:
so after rooting my HD what ARE the apps which are safe to remove?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you ever want to make use of ota updates (eg to improve camera performance) then none of the 'bloatware' apps are safe to remove as removing them will prevent the ota update installing.
Sent from my HTC HD so may contain typos, bugs and, if the battery lasts, pearls of....(battery 0%)
As the tittle says getting control over your DHD, so this might be the right thread, allthough might be off topic to op's post...
Anyway my last device was a N900 and that was fully rooted with no permission limits. I've learned that the rooted DHD has some limits and i've run into one. On the N900 i used the terminal for allmost anything, flashing, copying, installing, removing etc. and would like to do so here on the DHD. My problem is that i'm trying to flash the kernel/zImage through terminal emulater but get this error - failed with error: -1. -
Any help would be great
Sorry to go off topic...
You cannot flash a kernel using terminal emulator. If you want to flash manually, get android sdk and use fastboot.exe in platform-tools to flash.
1. Reboot your device while holding vol-, it will go to bootloader
2. Select fastboot in bootloader
3. In your PC, type: "fastboot.exe flash zimage c:\any_folder\zImage"
4. Type: "fastboot.exe reboot"
After that you have to remount your DHD's system to rw state: "mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mmcblk0p25 /system", and manually push wifi module to /system/lib/modules/ using adb. If you do not do that, your wifi does not work. You need ENG S-OFF.
Could somebody please tell me what the advantages and disadvantages of rooting the flipside are, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, are there any risks??
Will I be able to take of all of these ATT apps?
Will I be able to move my apps from the phones memory to the SD card?
Can the phone be unrooted?
Will all of my apps still work?
What is the best route to root? I have the z4root.
I am much indebted to anyone who will answer these questions. Thanks.
z4root will work fine, it's nice an easy to use. Rooting won't give you an easy way to move apps to the sd card, but you can remove the AT&T (and other system) apps. You can either do it by hand, or with any number of apps on the market. I prefer titanium backup, personally. All of your existing apps will work, there's no change there.
The only real disadvantage is that you'll have the power to screw up your phone. You can potentially screw up bad enough that you'll need to reflash the stock .sbf file. Generally, this takes some real screwing around, but just thought I'd point it out.
Thank u for your thourough answer. What do you mean by screw it up. How could I do that and how do i avoid it. Are you saying by virtue of the fact that i'm rooting that i'll screw it up, or it's something that i may do afterwards that may do it? Thanks.
also, are there any other advantages to rooting other than taking off the apps?
The act of rooting itself shouldn't screw anything up, but having root means you could possibly do something later that would. Generally, you'd have to be messing with stuff you have no business messing with. With root, you can remount the system directory as read/write, and then end up deleting or modifying a file that won't let the phone boot, which means you'd need to reflash. Stay away from the command line if you don't know what you're doing, and don't grant root access to apps you don't trust, and you're reasonably safe.
Other than removing system apps, like the AT&T garbage, you can also backup and restore apps and their data, which is great for if you need to reflash, if you switch phones, etc. There's not a TON of stuff that requires root, but honestly, removing the AT&T junk is definitely a good reason to root, the phone feels much faster after scrapping a lot of the blur and AT&T stuff.
I'm assuming then that any android/att/Motorola updates will not be problem either? BTW, do you if and when Motorola will bupdating the flipside to 2.2? Thanks.
There shouldn't be any problem updating with an official update if/when we get one, but you'll need to re-root and remove the AT&T stuff again. There's no word on when we'll get 2.2, but I'd assume we'll get it at some point.
Ok. I just rooted! Yeah, it worked! But i cannot figue out how to delete the att bloatware. I go into the apps manager and click on one of the att apps, and there is still no option to uninstall; only to clear the cache. Also, I downloaded the titanium and I cannot figure out how to do it from there either. Plus, I still had to sideload the titanium which i tbought that i would not have to do once i rooted.
mordechai said:
Plus, I still had to sideload the titanium which i tbought that i would not have to do once i rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to enable Unknown Sources before you can install non-Market apps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=867637
This is also an example of how you can mess up your phone by having root access.
That is part of the problem that i do not have that option in two.one. that is why i had to sideload all of those programs. are you saying that i screwed up my phone. i tried clicking on the link but this googlw ad comes up and i cant get past it.
Ok, i got through to the link. But the guy seems pretty shaky as to whether you should follow his instructions. Is this legit or what?
Maybe one of you guys can help. I'm new to alot of this but my last droid x was rooted and it was great I used z4root worked perfectly. But now I have a new X and a z4root apk. On my laptop, now what? Last rooted X, I was fortunate enough to catch z4root on the market, like a day before they updated. HELP!!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
There are instructions in another post in this forum on how to enable Non-Market Apps, also known as Unknown Sources. With Titanium Backup, make sure that you grant it root permissions when it asks, and that it says something like this on the overview:
Root access: OK (BusyBox 1.17.2 from system)
HyperShell (FAST!): YES
Fast/Auto app install: Yes (using HyperShell)
SQLite: YES (SQLite 3.7.2 included)
Then just click on Backup/Restore at the top, and you'll get a list of all your apps. If you don't have backup/restore at the top, your sd card isn't mounted on the phone, unplug your usb cable and hit Menu > More > Reload application.
From Backup/Restore, you get a huge list of all the apps on your phone. Just scroll down to the AT&T stuff, tap them, and click uninstall in the top-right corner. If you're not sure if you want to uninstall something, because it might belong to something important, click Freeze instead. Freezing will stop the app from running, and stop it from showing up in your tray, but you can easily unfreeze it to restore it if it turns out it was important.
Here's the list of stuff I have frozen/uninstalled:
AdService 1.0
all of the "AT&T" apps
all of the "com.motorola" apps
Data Manager and Data Manager Service
Help Center
Home (I use ADWLauncher, don't remove this if you don't already have an alternative launcher installed)
MediaSync
Mobile Video
all of the "MotoBlur" apps
My Uploads
Phone Portal
Quick Contact
Social Messaging, Social Messaging Service, Social Networking, and Social Status
Sticky Note
Video Editor Lite
Vlingo Voice
Weather 2.1
WHERE
Work Contacts
Mobile Banking
Magic Smoke Wallpapers
Kodak Perfect Touch
AT&T Address Book
Quickoffice
YPmobile
As for enabling unknown sources, it's a bit of a pain, you'll need to be comfortable with a command line to do replace the files, and comfortable with a hex editor if you want to edit your own instead of reusing someone else's files. I managed to screw up my phone in the process and had to completely reflash and start over, it wasn't fun.
His instructions do work, but his .sh file doesn't work, you'll need to paste the commands one by one into your command prompt. I preferred to edit my own files, so I wouldn't have the same market ID, and that's just slightly more complex. I can help you through it either way though, just make a post over in that thread if you're having problems.
bubba90744 said:
Maybe one of you guys can help. I'm new to alot of this but my last droid x was rooted and it was great I used z4root worked perfectly. But now I have a new X and a z4root apk. On my laptop, now what? Last rooted X, I was fortunate enough to catch z4root on the market, like a day before they updated. HELP!!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need to get z4root installed on your phone, it should be pretty straightforward. The Droid X shouldn't be blocking non-market apps, so just download it from your phone and run the .apk to install.
So do I hook my phone up to my laptop, and put the apk. on my sd?
Or download the apk. directly to my phone from the site?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I found the link, but the directions are too complicated for my novice understanding of technology. It looks like I am stuck. I don't want to try what he's saying and take any chances. Are there any other alternatives? Or do you have any other suggestions as to how to make the most of the space that I do have with the att bloatware, because I am constantly running out of room. It is a strange phenomenon that I don't understand, that when I turn on the phone it will have around 40mb to play with, and after a few hours it is down to 16 and then 10, and then before I know it, the phone is telling me that my memory is full. So then I reset and it's back to ~40 again. Do you have an explanation? Thanks.