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.
Related
I have an unrooted hero I have had since launch day. I am now thinking about rooting my hero with use of the latest Sprint leak. my understanding is if you update to the leak of even the official builld whenever that may come out, it will close all current rooting holes available. I guess that doesn't mean in the future there won't be other possibilities. do these new build give the same sense of stability as the official roms because we can now use an official 2.1 kernal?
so from what I have been reading there appears to be only one Rom that is based on the current 2.1 leak and that is flipz Rom? I have a few questions or statements before I do anything to my phone. one, will this help get rid of the lag when typing? two, I need to make sure Bluetooth is still going to work as I have a home phone that I connect my cell to when I enter the door. if I decided to flash back to the official release, is that possible?
dbldown768 said:
I have an unrooted hero I have had since launch day. I am now thinking about rooting my hero with use of the latest Sprint leak. my understanding is if you update to the leak of even the official builld whenever that may come out, it will close all current rooting holes available. I guess that doesn't mean in the future there won't be other possibilities. do these new build give the same sense of stability as the official roms because we can now use an official 2.1 kernal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of right now; many people are cautious about testing the latest 2.1 leak; because of the concerns you expressed earlier -- having your phone unrooted by the 2.1 leak when you flash the new update. So, with that said; the current 2.1 ROM's are all pretty stable. This new leak, however probably is as well, but again... I don't know whose all tested it, for fear of loosing root access.
dbldown768 said:
so from what I have been reading there appears to be only one Rom that is based on the current 2.1 leak and that is flipz Rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Damageless ROM's are also based on the latest Sprint leaks. All ROM's you see should tell which ROM they are based off of. Almost all 2.1 ROM's are currently built from any of the Damageless ROM's -- just read the front page of the ROM you're looking into.
dbldown768 said:
I have a few questions or statements before I do anything to my phone. one, will this help get rid of the lag when typing? two, I need to make sure Bluetooth is still going to work as I have a home phone that I connect my cell to when I enter the door. if I decided to flash back to the official release, is that possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Possibly. The lag problem is relative to the person/device. Not everyone experiences this problem. However, turning off "Vibrate when typing" apparently helps with the lag issues. YMMV.
2. Please see first post I made.
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm investigating the best way of rooting my phone. I see there are a few ways listed on the wiki, but then i just ran across Fresh Kitchen (http://geekfor.me/new-release/fresh-kitchen-105)? This is suppose to root your phone for you? Is this a stable way of rooting or should i just use the command line mehods? Also, i have read that you should do a nandroid backup of your phone? Not sure if fresh is doing this for you? The other thing i should mention is that i just have a stock microSD card, so I dont plan on using app2sd, i dont think this is a problem correct?
I also see people load their roms using their microSD card and just putting some update.zip file on there. Is this the standard procedure once you root your phone and get a rom loaded?
Actually, Fresh 2.1, and 2.1.1 are the only ones as of right based off of the newest leak (signed with release keys rather then test), Damageless and Treve are currently working on improving DCUpdater, DConfig, and building a new ROM from the release-keys build.
As far as how to root, I recommend the command line method. While the auto-root methods are nice, actually doing it yourself will give you some experience with things you're gonna be using.
Yes, loading the update.zip to the root of the SDCard is the standard way to flash.
No, not using Apps2SD is not a problem, most people use it because they have a faster SDCard, which gives better performance when loading apps.
A Nandroid backup is something that you will do before you flash any update.zip (At least you're supposed to). It's basically an "Image" of your phone exactly how it was the point in time that you made it, so if you flash something and everything goes horribly wrong, you can restore said nandroid, and it will be like it never happened. (The exceptions are flashing a radio and screwing with the PRL/PRI, nandroid doesn't touch those.)
dbldown768 said:
Thanks for the quick reply. I'm investigating the best way of rooting my phone. I see there are a few ways listed on the wiki, but then i just ran across Fresh Kitchen (http://geekfor.me/new-release/fresh-kitchen-105)? This is suppose to root your phone for you? Is this a stable way of rooting or should i just use the command line mehods? Also, i have read that you should do a nandroid backup of your phone? Not sure if fresh is doing this for you? The other thing i should mention is that i just have a stock microSD card, so I dont plan on using app2sd, i dont think this is a problem correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fresh's kitchen will allow you root your phone and yes it's stable. However, it's best you try doing it via ADB commands, as there will come a time when you'll want to create things for the community and wished you had prior experience using it. I recommend you trying to root via this tutorial HERE If you follow the directions, you shouldn't have any problems whatsoever.
Stock card is perfectly fine; you're able to use Apps2sd, but don't have to.
dbldown768 said:
I also see people load their roms using their microSD card and just putting some update.zip file on there. Is this the standard procedure once you root your phone and get a rom loaded?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To try out different ROM's -- the process is to download the file (which is a update.zip file in itself), but has been renamed to match the name of the ROM. All you have to do is; copy to your sd card, boot into recovery, flash ROM from the sd card, reboot.
abcdfv said:
Actually, Fresh 2.1, and 2.1.1 are the only ones as of right based off of the newest leak (signed with release keys rather then test), Damageless and Treve are currently working on improving DCUpdater, DConfig, and building a new ROM from the release-keys build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's your real answer. Thanks.
I'm having a hard time understanding why i would need the flash recover image in this tutorial (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=583291)? I understand i would want to do a backup of the current phones state, but why would i flash anything before actually making this backup? Maybe i'm not understanding the process correctly, but i just want to get "su" ability and then do the nandroid backup? Is the nandroid backup an app i use?
Nandroid is built into the recovery image you're flashing. Before flashing the recovery image, there is no way for you to nandroid.
thanks! after watching the youtube video posting that mad more sense. So i know there is a chance of bricking your phone during all of this, where does that chance increase? Is it during the flashing of the customs roms, not so much the rooting process?
It is safe to say once the "official" 2.1 android comes out there will always be a custom rom based on it? meaning that if chosen by developers here there could be a build off the "official" 2.1 with the only difference is the rooted user is still allowed? I know that most dev are going to change the build in someway to "improve" on what the official build is done.
The only proven way to brick this phone is by flashing a GSM radio, or by having a failed RUU. I've never heard of anyone getting a "true" brick from rooting/flashing ROMs.
Yes, once the official build is released, all ROMs from then on are most likely going to be based of off it.
Ok, stupid question. I just followed the guide to rooting my phone, doing the nandroid backup and copying the backup to my pc. There are a lot of guide to root, but how to you actually flash the custom rom? I saw something about holding down the 'home' button when starting up? Does this bring you to the recovery image again? Do the roms have to be named something specifically?
Place the ROM in the root of your sdcard, and boot into recovery by holding Home+Power. From then select the "Flash update.zip" option and it will show all of the .zip files in the root of your sdcard. Just pick which one you want to flash.
great! thanks for all the help.
ok, so i decided to load damage's sprint leak that would still give me root access, well it doesnt boot. just goes to the "sprint now" screen and reboots over and over again? any ideas?
Did you wipe data and Dalvik?
Anytime you go from one ROM version to another (1.5 to 2.1, 2.1 to 1.6, 1.6 to 1.5, etc etc) you have to wipe, or if there's major changes between rom versions.
what do you wipe the data? i just picked the flash from zip file from sd card?
In recovery there's a catagory for wipe. Wipe data and Dalvik, then reflash and you'll be fine.
cool. thanks. trying that now.
so everything is working now. So i know one of the main benefits of having a rooted is phone is wifi teathering. Are apps like this in the market place or only on here?
There's Easytether and PDAnet. I haven't tried Easytether, since last I've heard it's x86 only, but PDAnet was a horrible experience. I just flashed an Eris based ROM, broke my PRI, and it enabled the built in USB tethering.
dbldown768 said:
so everything is working now. So i know one of the main benefits of having a rooted is phone is wifi teathering. Are apps like this in the market place or only on here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to market and download barcode scanner
open up barcode scanner and go here and then just point the camera at the qr code and it'll download to your phone.
remember to check 'unknown sources' > setting > applications
wifitether 1.6. works flawlessly on either fresh or damageless latest 2.1
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.
So, I've read a lot about it, found a method I liked (used the visionary permroot from the Unlockr.com), and now I have successfully Permarooted and have S=Off on my MT4G.
Now what?
[Q. 1.]I know that seems dumb, but what is the FIRST thing I should do once I have root access? Should I set up the ADB through the Android SDK? Should I get CW3 to do a Nandroid backup? I know how to do those things, I just don't know which one I should do first.
[Q. 2.]Ultimately, I want to upgrade to custom ROM, preferably a Gingerbread port. Unfortunately, I've read that most of the ports have buggy wifi among other things, so here's another question, anyone know a good Stock mySense ROM with some extras like overclocking and such?
[Q. 3.] Although I'm very clear on what S=Off and Root access are, what they do, and why I want them, they steps beyond that are foggy. I'm not sure what the difference between a kernel and a ROM is or whether I need one or both to do what I want to do (see Q2). I also don't know/understand what flashing is/does. I'm not expecting anyone to explain all that in here (unless you want to), but could you point me to some resources where I can learn what those things are so I understand what the hell I'm doing?
corruptsmurf said:
So, I've read a lot about it, found a method I liked (used the visionary permroot from the Unlockr.com), and now I have successfully Permarooted and have S=Off on my MT4G.
Now what?
[Q. 1.]I know that seems dumb, but what is the FIRST thing I should do once I have root access? Should I set up the ADB through the Android SDK? Should I get CW3 to do a Nandroid backup? I know how to do those things, I just don't know which one I should do first.
[Q. 2.]Ultimately, I want to upgrade to custom ROM, preferably a Gingerbread port. Unfortunately, I've read that most of the ports have buggy wifi among other things, so here's another question, anyone know a good Stock mySense ROM with some extras like overclocking and such?
[Q. 3.] Although I'm very clear on what S=Off and Root access are, what they do, and why I want them, they steps beyond that are foggy. I'm not sure what the difference between a kernel and a ROM is or whether I need one or both to do what I want to do (see Q2). I also don't know/understand what flashing is/does. I'm not expecting anyone to explain all that in here (unless you want to), but could you point me to some resources where I can learn what those things are so I understand what the hell I'm doing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I say flash a new recovery image (CWM 3.0.0.6) and make a full backup. I also copy my backups to my PC because it's happened to me before that the one on the sd card gets damaged and can't be restored from (aborts because of md5 checksum mismatch). I do recommend the android SDK and ADB because they can be quite handy. Also, while you're still on the stock kernel, you might consider doing the gfree stuff to unlock your SIM and get universal CID. You run it exactly the same way you did the root.sh in theunlockr.com method - easy as cake.
2. I don't know about any sense roms, so I'll let others suggest those. I honestly think you should drop Sense and go with CyanogenMod, but to each his own.
3. Try the XDA Wiki, link up at the top. I'll bet there's tons of stuff there that will make for great bedtime reading. Since you mentioned a few things specifically, I'll throw some stuff at you:
The ROM is all the system files that compose your phone's operating system. Flashing is the process of installing any sort of firmware image (a rom, a recovery image, etc). Basically, you're writing files to the system. As you probably know, this is usually done via CWM recovery. It can also be done through fastboot if you have the engineering bootloader and the android SDK.
The kernel is the central component of most operating systems. It is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. Every ROM has a kernel. When you flash a rom, the kernel files will be flashed with it. You can flash another kernel afterwards to replace the one already in the ROM, provided that it's compatible with the ROM.
jdkoren said:
1. I say flash a new recovery image (CWM 3.0.0.6) and make a full backup. I also copy my backups to my PC because it's happened to me before that the one on the sd card gets damaged and can't be restored from (aborts because of md5 checksum mismatch). I do recommend the android SDK and ADB because they can be quite handy. Also, while you're still on the stock kernel, you might consider doing the gfree stuff to unlock your SIM and get universal CID. You run it exactly the same way you did the root.sh in theunlockr.com method - easy as cake.
2. I don't know about any sense roms, so I'll let others suggest those. I honestly think you should drop Sense and go with CyanogenMod, but to each his own.
3. Try the XDA Wiki, link up at the top. I'll bet there's tons of stuff there that will make for great bedtime reading. Since you mentioned a few things specifically, I'll throw some stuff at you:
The ROM is all the system files that compose your phone's operating system. Flashing is the process of installing any sort of firmware image (a rom, a recovery image, etc). Basically, you're writing files to the system. As you probably know, this is usually done via CWM recovery. It can also be done through fastboot if you have the engineering bootloader and the android SDK.
The kernel is the central component of most operating systems. It is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. Every ROM has a kernel. When you flash a rom, the kernel files will be flashed with it. You can flash another kernel afterwards to replace the one already in the ROM, provided that it's compatible with the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info; yesterday I got my ADB working and today I'm going to use gfree to get radio S=Off, Super CID, and Unlocked SIM. After that, I'll probably do a backup, then get the engineering bootloader, then do another backup. After making copies of all pertinent files, I'll THINK about upgrading my kernel or ROM haha.
I haven't been around for a while and could not quickly get up to date despite going through thread after thread here. I would appreciate some advice and clarification.
First, you guys are saying that GB won't be available for Vibrant, but this article clearly states that it is already available:
“update news! the android 2.3 gingerbread update for the samsung galaxy S vibrant is good to go. connect to samsung kies to hook it up.”
Could you please clarify? The problem is that I downloaded Keys 2.0, but my phone, which is 2.1 and rooted (nothing else done, no roms, etc), is not being recognized. Keys says that my phone isn't supported.
Could you guys please clarify what is really going on in terms of 2.3? Also, how can I get the update? Assuming that the article is false, many here say that 2.3 roms are battery hogs and it looks like I would have to update to 2.2 and then root it. If so, I'd appreciate a link to a pure 2.2 to be installed via Odin. Reading all these threads doesn't convince me that getting a rom, a modem, or a kernel really does that much to improve our phones.
Thanks!
Thats for the Bell/ Virgin Mobile Vibrant theres a difference ya know...
I thought that the phone is the same so it wouldn't matter or perhaps the devs could use it to create a better ROM. If not, I guess the situation is even worse because Samsung actually released the update for Vibrant but T-mobile is refusing to allow users to have it! Clusterf*ck. Steve Jobs was right about android when he talked about market fractionization last year. Oh well.
Ok, well given the bad news, I would appreciate some help from those of you who have flashed your phones to hell and back. I know there are different ROMs etc with different features. I don't use my phone heavily. Actually, the main feature I care about is 1.Good GPS and 2.Good battery life. I go on long cycling trips and my phone is the only thing I use to track my stats (sometimes five hours or longer).
Based on this info, could you guys tell me if upgrading to Android 2.2 be good enough or do any of the ROMs, kernels, and modems provide a clear advantage over stock 2.2? If so, could you recommend a few? Right now my phone is in a very bad shape - the GPS is often dying in mountains and the battery doesn't last much. At this point I have to upgrade just to clean up my phone, especially since it's not clear if/when 2.3 will be released. I am hoping that at least 2.2 should be very stable by now.
only thing in common is the name and the fact that they are both Galaxy S series phones, the canadian bell Vibrant is different hardware then our Vibrant.
I'd say go with something stable such as Bionix 1.3.1 or Trigger 3.2. If you wanna go with 2.2.1 go with a Darky ROM's port or Bi- Winning 3. All good ROMS I'd recommended. Regardless that's what I prefer pperhaps just play around with all types of ROM's you may like something else its not for me to decide.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
i would suggest cm7 if u like gb its almost fully functitioning except gps is weak
Would you guys say that you have seen significant performance improvements (~30% or more) of ROMs over rooted stock 2.2? If so, have you also seen significant improvements by adding a kernel and/or a modem?
I know that it's not supposed to be too hard to flash and find out for myself, but I have never flashed anything and evaluating all the different combos can be quiet time consuming. Given that I work and study so much I barely have enough time to date, I was hoping that I could get some succinct advice that will cut my Android pains in half. I have read the thread about different modems and know that something like KB5 is a pretty good modem (still have no idea what it is or where do you get it and how you flash it); however, that thread missed one key comparison - the actual performance and battery improvement of a given modem (and even a kernel) over stock 2.2/2.3 or even over a ROM like Bionix. I'd appreciate any info/links regarding this.
Thanks.
Stop writing walls of text for no reason ... kernel will make your phone faster, particularly if you enable voodoo lagfix (helluvah lot faster >30% over stock)... modem will not make it faster but may make your data connection faster and battery last longer as well as morr signal ... look for the modem page for dl link....
Now go flash a rom!! All the roms here are amazing and huge improvements over stock, as are the kernels. Suggestions??? Print out all the names, put em on notecards and throw a dart... flash whatever you hit.
Sent from a cell tower to the XDA server to you.
Bell vibrant is completely different from ours ... the 2.3 for them is no help to us.. lol were not lying to you
Sent from a cell tower to the XDA server to you.
None of the Gingerbread roms are anywhere near where some of the Froyo roms are.
Team Whiskey Bionix 1.3.1 is the best I've used. NextGen V2 isnt' bad either. I just tried Simply Honey 5 RC1 and CM7 nightly #84. Out of the 4 roms I just listed, I flashed back to Bionix 1.3.1. It has the best speed and is the most stable I've ever used.
If you don't have the time to read about flashing your phone, I would suggest you either not do it or pay someone to do it for you. Set aside 2-3 hours if you want it done properly otherwise say goodbye to your phone.
I am in SoCal too and wouldn't mind paying someone to do it for me. The problem is then a whole other set of headaches: how do you trust someone to get hold of your private info? What about doing a good job? Arranging a pickup/dropoff, etc, etc. Also have no idea how much people charge for this service. Expensive enough and it might just be worth it to get a new phone, especially after I sell the Vibrant. Maybe that's what many of us need to do.
Im sure you can find someone nearby thatll do it as a favor and let you watch... problem solved
Sent from a cell tower to the XDA server to you.
I would never pay anyone to flash anything for me. Its a simple process.
To figure out what ROM's go good with what Modem I would go to this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=959088 and a good kernel would be Bali or SuperDragonModz both great.
Excelsius said:
I am in SoCal too and wouldn't mind paying someone to do it for me. The problem is then a whole other set of headaches: how do you trust someone to get hold of your private info? What about doing a good job? Arranging a pickup/dropoff, etc, etc. Also have no idea how much people charge for this service. Expensive enough and it might just be worth it to get a new phone, especially after I sell the Vibrant. Maybe that's what many of us need to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend listening to some of the other folks in the thread and flash bionix 1.3.1. The stock kernel is fine, as is the modem it ships with. Battery life will be as good as just about anything else.
If you really want to flash a custom kernel, go with Bali 1.8.8. Battery life will be similar, but that kernel has some additional features like voodoo sound, which uses the audio hardware more effectively. If that doesn't seem like something you care about I wouldn't worry about it.
The only catch is that you will need to flash bionix through CWM recovery, there are no prepackaged odin files that I am aware of. There are numerous threads to help you getting CWM installed, just check out the stickies.
Don't pay anyone, if your still not comfortable flashing anything, but you still really want to, PM me and I'll help you through it.
Thank you so much for the more precise advice. That's exactly what I needed. It's not that I want to upgrade, but rather that I have to because my phone has become unstable. It freezes almost every time I open Voice or Maps, among other problems.
So I will get the Bionix 1.3.1 and worry about Bali 1.8.8 at a later time. I came across this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=925400
Is it the guide for CWM? My phone is rooted (ODIN) and has paid version of Root Explorer and BusyBox. I was wondering if I still have to install SuperOneClick or if my root is fine already.
By the way, I'd appreciate a link to some guides that you guys have used to install your Bionix. I read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732458, but the CWM and Rom Manager points are moot. Like I don't know if installing Rom Manager already includes CWM with it. Here are the steps:
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!
If this is it, then I'll just do it (after I do a nandroid backup, which will hopefully backup all my paid applications).
I'm in SoCal, running Cyanogen7 nightly 81. (Android 2.3)
I am running Bali, and did both the hardware GPS fix, and the software GPS fix using the terminal scripting.
I get around 10-12 locks, accuracy tends to be in the 12-14 foot range, so the GPS works flawlessly.
I've been a lurker on these forums for a LONG time now, but decided to register and post to kinda give back. In this case, to someone looking to fix up their Vibrant.
If you're interested, PM me. I work for Microsoft, and you're welcome to stop by and I'll show you everything I've done. (Yes, I have an Android phone, and a WP7 phone, both of which I love) If you like what you see, (You will) I'll set your phone up as my way of kinda returning all of the favors other users on this site have done for me, even though they didn't know it.
Excelsius said:
Thank you so much for the more precise advice. That's exactly what I needed. It's not that I want to upgrade, but rather that I have to because my phone has become unstable. It freezes almost every time I open Voice or Maps, among other problems.
So I will get the Bionix 1.3.1 and worry about Bali 1.8.8 at a later time. I came across this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=925400
Is it the guide for CWM? My phone is rooted (ODIN) and has paid version of Root Explorer and BusyBox. I was wondering if I still have to install SuperOneClick or if my root is fine already.
By the way, I'd appreciate a link to some guides that you guys have used to install your Bionix. I read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732458, but the CWM and Rom Manager points are moot. Like I don't know if installing Rom Manager already includes CWM with it. Here are the steps:
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!
If this is it, then I'll just do it (after I do a nandroid backup, which will hopefully backup all my paid applications).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you already have ROM manager, and have "Flashed Recovery" then you have Clockwork Mod. At this point, should be able follow the Bionix instructions after the CWM point.
Nandroid backs up EVERYTHING, including the Android OS version you are running. If you want to back up just your apps, use Titanium Backup, the premium version lets you do a "One touch" batch restore of all user apps. One thing to remember about Titanium: do NOT back up system data. Easiest rule of thumb for it, "Menu--> Batch--> backup all user apps" then let it do it's thing. flash your ROM, then go into Titanium (Almost positive the free version is part of Bionix) "Menu--> Batch--> Restore missing apps with data" If you have the premium version, you can restore them all with no further input, if you have the free version, you will have to accept and install each app as you go, but they all come back with your saved data.
If you are going to do a FULL wipe (Format storage so the phone is empty) first connect to USB Storage, and move your "Titanium Backup" folder from the root of your internal SD card to your PC. Then, before you run titanium for the first time after wiping, reverse the process. Apps are back.
Excelsius said:
Thank you so much for the more precise advice. That's exactly what I needed. It's not that I want to upgrade, but rather that I have to because my phone has become unstable. It freezes almost every time I open Voice or Maps, among other problems.
So I will get the Bionix 1.3.1 and worry about Bali 1.8.8 at a later time. I came across this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=925400
Is it the guide for CWM? My phone is rooted (ODIN) and has paid version of Root Explorer and BusyBox. I was wondering if I still have to install SuperOneClick or if my root is fine already.
By the way, I'd appreciate a link to some guides that you guys have used to install your Bionix. I read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=732458, but the CWM and Rom Manager points are moot. Like I don't know if installing Rom Manager already includes CWM with it. Here are the steps:
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!
If this is it, then I'll just do it (after I do a nandroid backup, which will hopefully backup all my paid applications).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The steps you listed are correct. You also of course need to have downloaded the bionix 1.3.1 zip file and placed it somewhere on your SD card (I make a ROMS folder on mine). As the instructions noted, you'll have to do reinstall packages twice (ie you do it once and the phone reboots into recovery and it looks like nothing happened, you do it again and go immediately to CWR recovery where you can select "install ROM from SD" or similar). From this point on you won't have to worry about CWR recovery, it will always be there. As StarGazer mentioned, when you flash this it will wipe your phones settings and all the apps (but not the SD card). There are a variety of backup apps that can help restore them, but I usually don't mind starting fresh once in a while, especially if your contacts are stored on Google.
Finally, once the bionix finishes flashing and the phone reboots for the first time, expect to hear a voice start talking to you about backing up partitions, estimated times, etc. This is the "voodoo lagfix" being applied, which is converting internal phone partitions from the Samsung RFS to ext4, which noticeably reduces lag on the phone when opening apps and so forth. Good luck
Thank you for your help, everyone. I was able to dedicate a few hours and just take care of it since it didn't feel right to waste someone else's time. Please note that I haven't PMed anyone and if there are readers here who are technologically challenged, perhaps they can take my place and get help from some of the generous people who offered help here.
I currently have Bionix 1.3.1, Bali 1.8.8, and KB5.
To give back to the community, I wanted to post benchmarks. I have some amazing results:
Android 2.1 (everything stock, rooted) - Quadrant benchmark 852 (average of 2 tests)
Bionix 1.3.1 (with stock kernel) - 1504 (average of 3 tests). That's a 43% improvement! Now this is likely due to Android 2.2 rather than Bionix. It's definitely worth going from 2.1 to 2.2.
Bionix 1.3.1 + Bali 1.8.8 (after adding the kernel) - 1852 (average of 3 tests). That's 19% more than stock 2.2 and 54% more than 2.1! This isn't 30%+ improvement that some people here think kernels provide, but ~20% is still not bad, considering that battery life is also very important.
Now as far as the KB5 modem goes, I saw no improvements using GPS Test and Speed Test. My GPS is still at about 50ft accuracy and internet speed is 6000x2300kbps. The real test will come during my 60 mile ride on Saturday.
Right now I am only hoping that the battery will last at least as long or more than on 2.1, despite the kernel.
Question: before flashing with Bionix I had applied the software GPS fix to my phone a year ago. Do I have to do it again or does Bionix already include the software tweak?
Once again, thanks everyone.
P.S: My clock on the phone is off by two minutes from the atomic clock. I noticed that the "Autoupdate" of date and time message doesn't appear when I start the phone. Is there a time syncing issue with Bionix?
Hi!
I'm new here but I've been searching and reading for a while about how to flash a ROM in my A500.
I've already rooted it, but the battery doesn't run as long as it did when it wasn't rooted so I thought about flashing a ROM.
Here's my doubt, I don't use ir for very special purposes, I just use it for browsing on the Internet and such things like this. In your opinion, installing a ROM would be the solution? If so, which one would you recommend me to flash? I've readed about Thor one but I'm not quite sure about it.
Moreover, I've been reading how to flash a ROM but the most I read, the worst it is. Depending on where I read it says something different. So, on the whole, can somebody link me to a good tutorial which I could follow? I've just rooted it, but I've done nothing about the bootloader or the recovery.
Thanks to everybody.
eherranzr said:
Hi!
I'm new here but I've been searching and reading for a while about how to flash a ROM in my A500.
I've already rooted it, but the battery doesn't run as long as it did when it wasn't rooted so I thought about flashing a ROM.
Here's my doubt, I don't use ir for very special purposes, I just use it for browsing on the Internet and such things like this. In your opinion, installing a ROM would be the solution? If so, which one would you recommend me to flash? I've readed about Thor one but I'm not quite sure about it.
Moreover, I've been reading how to flash a ROM but the most I read, the worst it is. Depending on where I read it says something different. So, on the whole, can somebody link me to a good tutorial which I could follow? I've just rooted it, but I've done nothing about the bootloader or the recovery.
Thanks to everybody.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting the tab has nothing to do with your battery life. All it does, is allow you access to the protected system of the OS. If you have no need to "experiment" with custom ROMs, and don't like to mess around with things, then it's probably best if you left it alone. If not done properly, installing new bootloaders and Recovery images can lead to a lot of time consuming problems. Just read the Q&A threads about "bricked" devices. Although Dev's try to make things as easy and trouble free as they can, problems can and do happen.
As with your battery, Take a look at Settings/Apps/Running. See how many you have running. It's possible you have some apps that are running when they don't need to. Also apps you downloaded (FB apps, Social networking, News apps etc). These apps do "synchs" and "updates" and too many of them, and also widgets, can use a lot of battery. If possible, set the synch or update period to a longer time. Instead of 5 minutes for a FB update, set it to 30. You would be surprised how much this helps.
MD
Moscow Desire said:
Rooting the tab has nothing to do with your battery life. All it does, is allow you access to the protected system of the OS. If you have no need to "experiment" with custom ROMs, and don't like to mess around with things, then it's probably best if you left it alone. If not done properly, installing new bootloaders and Recovery images can lead to a lot of time consuming problems. Just read the Q&A threads about "bricked" devices. Although Dev's try to make things as easy and trouble free as they can, problems can and do happen.
As with your battery, Take a look at Settings/Apps/Running. See how many you have running. It's possible you have some apps that are running when they don't need to. Also apps you downloaded (FB apps, Social networking, News apps etc). These apps do "synchs" and "updates" and too many of them, and also widgets, can use a lot of battery. If possible, set the synch or update period to a longer time. Instead of 5 minutes for a FB update, set it to 30. You would be surprised how much this helps.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that nothing was changed after the rooting (except the installation of Whatsapp) and after this, the battery life is, moreless, half of the original was. I've been looking in the task killer and there are plenty of apps which are auto-executed, and even if I kill them, they are still running. So my idea is to install a ROM like the Thor one, with no apps installed by default by Acer and this should make the battery last longer.
Now, what I'm not sure is what is the exact process. Correct me if I'm mistaked. What I should do first is to unlock the bootloader, shouldn't I? (Any tuto?) After this, I should install the Acer Recovery Installer app which would help me to install the recovery and after this I have to copy the .zip file to the SD card and, from the recovery menu, flash it. Is everything correct?
Thanks to everybody.
EDIT: I've already read somewhere else a ver "easy" step by step tuto. It only consists of installing an app called ROM Manager. From it install the recovery ClockworkMod and, from the recovery ClockworkMod, flash the ROM. Will this tuto work for the Iconia A500?
eherranzr said:
The problem is that nothing was changed after the rooting (except the installation of Whatsapp) and after this, the battery life is, moreless, half of the original was. I've been looking in the task killer and there are plenty of apps which are auto-executed, and even if I kill them, they are still running. So my idea is to install a ROM like the Thor one, with no apps installed by default by Acer and this should make the battery last longer.
Now, what I'm not sure is what is the exact process. Correct me if I'm mistaked. What I should do first is to unlock the bootloader, shouldn't I? (Any tuto?) After this, I should install the Acer Recovery Installer app which would help me to install the recovery and after this I have to copy the .zip file to the SD card and, from the recovery menu, flash it. Is everything correct?
Thanks to everybody.
EDIT: I've already read somewhere else a ver "easy" step by step tuto. It only consists of installing an app called ROM Manager. From it install the recovery ClockworkMod and, from the recovery ClockworkMod, flash the ROM. Will this tuto work for the Iconia A500?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO NOT INSTALL OR USE ROM MANAGER. You will brick your tablet. That app,is made for phones, and phones only.
What you need to do, is go to Civato's thread on how to install the unlocked Bootloader & Recovery
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425
It's best to download a custom rom.zip to your ext Sd card first, that way after doing bootloader and recovery, you can install the new rom.
As always, follow all instructions, and read them many times till you understand what you're doing. If you have a question, ask the question in the correct thread (bootloader questions in the bootloader thread, rom install questions in the Rom thread, etc)
Good Luck
MD