Database Users

[Q] Which ROM Do you suggest?

I'm looking to upgrade my phone to a custom ROM, but I'm not sure which one is the best for my needs. This is what I am looking for:
Fyro Update
Increased Phone Speed
Increased Battery Support
Adblock for browser and apps
Also, how do I flash my ROM? I have the drivers to connect my phone to my computer, and that's about as far as I got. Secondly, will I lose my apps and their data? I already have my contacts and SMS backed up.
Thanks guys
jt

As a shameless plug - I whole-heartedly recommend SyndicateROM. It'll fulfill three of your four features already (including ad blocking in apps and the browser), and when the OFFICIAL, FINAL (ACS prides itself on stability and feature-completeness) Froyo release is out, it will be updated right away!

That's actually the one I was looking at. Is there instructions on how to flash your ROM? Will I lose my apps and their data?

After rooting you'll need Clockwork Recovery mod(CWM). Look for a Dev who has created a root with a CWM install (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770388).
1. Follow steps to root and install CWM.
2. Download a ROM and put it on your SDcard (Start with ones that have been around for a while and have been tested quite a bit. Avoid Froyo ones till you feel comfortable with CWM and Odin {if you ever use it}).
3. Reboot into CWM, BACKUP everything (this is key for your data to come back), wipe x3 (including cache)
4. Install ROM from SDcard(reboot, may take a few minutes to load for the first time)
5. Reboot into CWM, and advance restore (DATA only). reboot
6. Enjoy with all your data.
Hope this helps

Epic Experience + Phoenix is the best battery life I've had on any ROM.
Performance feels like stock, which is to say, this phone is really fast just as is and I don't think its screaming for better performance out of the box. Its not like it feels sluggish like the Evo does.

All these devs do great work! You can't go wrong with any of these roms. This belongs in the General Discussions section!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Streamline8 said:
After rooting you'll need Clockwork Recovery mod(CWM). Look for a Dev who has created a root with a CWM install (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770388).
1. Follow steps to root and install CWM.
2. Download a ROM and put it on your SDcard (Start with ones that have been around for a while and have been tested quite a bit. Avoid Froyo ones till you feel comfortable with CWM and Odin {if you ever use it}).
3. Reboot into CWM, BACKUP everything (this is key for your data to come back), wipe x3 (including cache)
4. Install ROM from SDcard(reboot, may take a few minutes to load for the first time)
5. Reboot into CWM, and advance restore (DATA only). reboot
6. Enjoy with all your data.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hoping you can help me a little further;
1) Done successfully
2) Done
3) How do I boot into CWM? I installed Titanium back up, and ROM manager - not sure if that's needed or not
Thanks guys
PS, sorry for posting in the wrong section

tuttjs said:
Hoping you can help me a little further;
1) Done successfully
2) Done
3) How do I boot into CWM? I installed Titanium back up, and ROM manager - not sure if that's needed or not
Thanks guys
PS, sorry for posting in the wrong section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
camera button, down volume and power on.

I suggest you try them all and figure out what you like or don't like. Also try out the ODIN program so when you accidentally bork your phone you will know how to fix it right away.

Got it. I assume this is backing up to my SD card. Do I not wipe my SD card?
Thanks, this should be the last question!

tuttjs said:
Got it. I assume this is backing up to my SD card. Do I not wipe my SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way you will wipe your SD card is if you partition it for A2SD support. The factory reset wipes all your data and might be a good idea if you are going from one rom/kernel to another. CWM backs up to your SD card. I have about 6 backups and can restore several different roms if I want. If you try all the roms out and make backups of all them it will be easy to go back to what you want.
A program called ROM Manager will make it easy to rename your backups.

[GUIDE] Install CyanogenMod 7 on the SGS i9000 (and live to tell the tale)

OK, the CM7 ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S i9000 has now hit the CM7 Mainstream and has matured in leaps and bounds over the last few weeks. The installation method has therefore ALSO matured by leaps and bounds.
However, there has been a downside to all that advancement...namely that there are lots and lots of incorrect install procedures floating around out there and even more misunderstandings as to what/how/when/why you install CM7 on your SGS i9000.
Therefore, this is intended to be the definitive guide about how to install CyanogenMod 7 (or CyanogenMod 7.1 if you are a stickler for such things since that is the most recent stable version but for the purposes of this guide it is STILL CM7) on the i9000 right here, right NOW. As things change, the first post of this thread will be updated.
If you have any questions/comments about the CM7 install procedure, post them here.
If you have any questions/comments about CM7's features, capabilities, battery life or anything OTHER THAN installing it...look HERE or HERE.
Before we do anything....make sure of the following:
* Your phone is fully charged.
* You have confirmed you can get into download/recovery with the three button method.
* You have used Titanium Backup to backup your apps (yes, there may be some factory defaulting happening soon).
* You have taken a Nandroid backup via Clockwork Mod, just in case the early steps go south.
* You have used a third party program to back up your SMS messages (if so desired)
* You have made your peace with your loved ones and said all your goodbyes...maybe left a nice note or something.
Remember, this will be one of the most harrowing, horrific experiences of your life. Grown men have been known to gnaw off their own legs during this procedure, unable to face the deepening horror their feeble minds cannot hope to comprehend.
Are you SURE you want to install CM7?
Very, VERY SURE?
OK, its your funeral, I am just here for the open bar.
OK, here we go....
FIRST STEP!!!!! THE PRE-INSTALLATION TANGO!!!!
Boy are you lucky to be doing this now. Recently CM7 was improved so that it works just fine with either Froyo or Gingerbread Bootloaders. It used to be that when you installed CM7 with Gingerbread bootloaders, a puppy died in agony. Now, the cuddly little puppies are safe thanks to the hard work of the CM7 Devs.
However, if for some strange reason you have still have Eclair installed currently, smash your head repeatedly against a wall for being such a stinking Luddite. Once you wake up, update to Froyo or Gingerbread and then come back and start this again. Plenty of threads on XDA will help you do that. Go read one and flash froyo or gingerbread via ODIN, we'll wait right here with the car running.
Don't know how to use ODIN? Not sure about all those little checkboxes? Befuddled by those driver thingies? Unsure how to click on the links above while using a Commodore64? Well, we won't wait in the car THAT long. If this is the case then you absolutely shouldn't be flashing CM7 yet my poor lost child, educate yourself for awhile and then come back, or just buy a used iPhone.
OK, still with me? ONWARDS.
SECOND STEP!!!!! THE NITTY GRITTY DETAILS, AKA THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM!!!!!
Here is the point where you need to do all sorts of things that you may have already done.
If you have already done them, GOOD, you are very, very clever and ahead of the game. Give yourself a gold star.
If you don't know how to do any of these things, then you shouldn't be here yet. Go search for things you don't understand in the general and Q&A forums for the i9000 and when you feel you are better grounded in the arcane mysteries of flashing custom ROMS, come back and we will have a joyous reunion and try this again.
OK, so what do you do in STEP TWO?
* Doublecheck that you can indeed get into Download Mode using Vol Down+PWR+Home, and into Recovery with Vol Up+PWR+Home. If not, go away and search XDA for a way to fix that.
* Root your phone.
* Confirm you have Clockwork Mod recovery running. If not, use Odin to flash this Speedmod kernel if you are on Froyo. If you are on Gingerbread flash the TalonDev kernel using the v2.2 tar (yes I know the TalonDev kernel has lagfix automatically enabled, but as your file system will be grabbed and ripped out still beating and then replaced with a better one by the CM7 Installer, it really doesn't matter). There are two different versions of the v2.2 tar available but don't panic. Use TalonDEV-0.2.2R2-I9000-1200-JVP.tar first...if that doesn't work for you, try TalonDEV-0.2.2R2-I9000-JVP.tar. One of the two should work for you. (Thanks to chan1628 for testing them the hard way)
* Install ROM Manager (I STRONGLY suggest you buy the Premium version if possible to make flashing Nightlies easier. It is quite cheap with a lot of great features and is one of the core apps you will use on your phone from here on in...plus Koush deserves your support).
* Take another nandroid backup (even if you took one already) and confirm your Titanium Backup is up to date (and includes a backup of ROM Manager).
* Confirm that you are rooted.
* Backup your contacts to either Exchange, Gmail or your SIM card.
* Write down your correct APNs and your IMEI, just in case.
* Take a backup of your efs folder and save it somewhere.
* Post a note on your monitor reminding yourself to breathe.
* Say goodbye to your Samsung apps like Snap2Go and Daily Briefing, they won't work with CM7.
* Pour yourself a stiff drink
Confused? Not sure how to root your phone or worried about voiding your warranty? Really curious about what these APN things and where can you find them? Hoping to sync your phone with iTunes once CM7 is installed? Then go away, do some searching, get up to speed and I will see you later. I mean it...avaunt ye. Scram. Exeunt with all due alacrity. Happy reading.
Also, if you are getting errors concerning CWM, or cannot get into CWM3 Recovery, then search XDA (or the comments to this thread) for a solution. I cannot help you. I am not an expert on Clockwork Mod, I am just here to get CM7 running for you, or kill you and steal your girlfriend in the attempt. Clockwork Mod is YOUR lookout.
Still here? Did all that? CWM Recovery working properly? Crossed all your i's and dotted your t's? Forward then. Things get REALLY BAD from here on in. Whatever happens next, I am truly, truly sorry.
THIRD STEP!!!!!! THE COMPLEX, AGONIZING EXPERIENCE OF FLASHING THE ROM ITSELF!!!
Are you sure you are ready for this? Are you quite, QUITE sure?
It is not too late to turn back....and if you do no one will think less of you. I promise.
Positive you are where you want to be?
Brave, brave darling. Take my hand and lets do this then....there are two possible methods to use now that you are at the Third Step..Method the First uses the ROM Manager and is by far the simpler of the two. However if the ROM Manager doesn't work for you or if you have a sudden premonition of flaming disaster about it....don't cry. Man up and go to the manual method listed after Method the First, known quite coincidentally as Method the Second.
Method the First!
Open ROM Manager from your App Drawer.
Select Flash ClockworkMod Recovery.
When it asks you what phone you are using, scroll down until you find Galaxy S MTD and select it (Galaxy S is what CM7 calls the i9000 series...CM7 is weird that way).
When it asks what version to use, select CMW3.
By the way, if ROM Manager tries to argue with you during this process, or tells you your phone may not be supported, ignore it and click OK or Continue or whatever it takes. It just worries over what you may be about to do to yourself.
Confirm that under Flash ClockworkMod Recovery it now reads Current Recovery: ClockworkMod 3.x.x.x. This means that now you should be able to see CyanogenMod zips and nightlies (if you have ROM Manager Premium) in ROM Manager. Hoorah!
Now, the moment of truth arrives...select Download ROM.
Next close your little eyes tightly and select CyanogenMod or CyanogenMod Nightlies (if you see that one). Either one will do.
Down the road, you will use the CyanogenMod Nightlies files to update...assuming you survive the next 15 minutes. However when installing you can use the single file in the CyanogenMod folder (there for Free users) or the latest Nightly in the CyanogenMod Nightlies folder...same difference.
So click the file of your choice and stand back...well, not too far back because there is more stuff you have to do.
If/when you are asked if you wish to reinstall Google Apps, it is highly recommended that you do so, so check the little box. This saves many headaches and potential fc's down the line.
When you are asked what you wish to do to prepare for the new ROM, you can choose to do another Nandroid Backup, Clear Data and Cache (wiping the device) and/or Clear the Data Cache. No need for another Nandroid backup, but select the other two and hit OK.
Now let the ROM Manager make some magic. It will take a couple minutes but likely not nearly as long as you expect, so go out and make tea or paint the Sistine Chapel or something.
While you are gone your device will do all the wiping and installing, back up your efs folder and apply the new file system you will need. You will NOT need to apply any lagfix or mess about with tweaks or whatnot....CM7 does it all for you and no other options are possible....so don't ask.
Method the Second!
If for whatever reason you are having trouble working with ROM Manager in the previous method and are therefore stuck, you can do the following to flash CM7 manually.....but if you have a weak heart or tend to get squeamish...I implore you to look away.
Download this most recent version of CM7 from http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?type=nightly&device=galaxysmtd
Then download the most recent set of Google Apps from http://goo-inside.me/gapps
Place both on your SD card.
Go into Recovery using the handy-dandy Three Button Skidoo (NOT by using the command "Reboot to Recovery" found in ROM Manager...you have been warned).
Do a Factory Reset (wiping data so if you forgot to backup your apps before....whoops)
Wipe the Dalvik and Cache (just in case).
Select Install Zip from SD Card and flash first the CM7 zip, and then the gapps zip. No need to reboot in between. Finally fix permissions.
NOTE: If you are one of those people who have done some research and have also downloaded one of the CM7 custom kernels which you wish to flash as part of your install (if you haven't don't worry about it, I don't recommend using a custom kernel before you have spent some time with the stock kernel, but some people think they are 1337)...make certain you flash the Nightly BEFORE the custom kernel, otherwise you will totally confuse the installer and very bad things will happen which will require you to flash back to a Samsung ROM using ODIN and start all over again.
Once everything has completed, THEN reboot into CM7 (HOO-RAH) and continue to the Fourth Step. Hurry, hurry, scroll back up....
GO!!!
Oh, WAIT A MINUTE....When you have done all the stuff in the Fourth Step, do this too...go to ROM Manager, and select Flash ClockworkMod Recovery. ID your phone as Galaxy S MTD when it asks and select CWM3...it will tell you that your phone is not supported or some such but have it install it anyway. What the heck does it know. Doing so will ensure you can find your the Nightly updates using ROM Manager Premium in the future.
OK, now go on to the Fourth Step...really this time...
GO! GO!
FOURTH STEP!!!!! STEP OUT INTO THE LIGHT AND BREATHE THE FREE AIR
That's it, you are done. Throw back that drink now...or if you don't want it, I'll take it.
Your phone will show the CM7 SGS splash screen for a bit, then the CM7 boot animation for a while longer (spin, spin, spin)...and then you will be in CyanogenMod 7.
If you find that the boot animation never seems to end, or keeps restarting...DON'T PANIC. This happens to some people when flashing CM7 for the first time. Just go to recovery and flash the Nightly again, you should be fine. If you used ROM Manager the first time, the nightly will be in the ROM Manager folder on your SD card.
Where is all the pain, the agony, the brain bending complexity reducing scholars to madness that I warned you about?
OK, I lied...but I had to make sure you were serious.
Now restore your apps (remember that is best to do fresh from the Market, but if you use TB then be sure to reinstall just the APP, not APP + DATA, and NO SYSTEM APPS) and put all your contacts and email addresses back and so on.
Also, remember that your external SD card is now located in the /emmc directory. Why? Because that is how it is in CM7, so cope. It really is NOT that tough to get used to. However, if you want to have some kicks, go into the CM7 Dev thread and ask where your external_sd card has gone a few times to watch people go berzerk yelling at you. Fun, fun, fun.
From here on in, you can install nightly updates to stay on the bleeding edge of CyanogenMod, as well as to allow yourself to experience the terror of waiting for that boot animation to stop again and again and again. You can look at the Nightly Wiki for instructions on different flashing strategies.
You may also install custom kernels and alternate modems via Recovery if you wish, but be sure that they are CM7 compatible. The ones you used back on Samsung ROMs won't work for you any more.
Carry on, and enjoy your new ROM.
As always, if this procedure bricked anything or gave your dog syphilis, it isn't my fault. By God, I WARNED you. If you liked it, or it worked out well for you, feel free to click Thanks and heap praise in the comments.
Finally, all due honour and thanks to the incredible Devs and Maintainers of TeamHacksung and the SGSTEAM listed below. Find their profiles and donate to them, they have earned it.
* codeworkx - http://twitter.com/codeworkx
* atinm - http://twitter.com/atinm
* coolya - http://twitter.com/coolya

Great guide, just want to make a quick addition...
rschenck said:
OK, so what do you do in STEP TWO?
* Root your phone.
* Confirm you have Clockwork Mod recovery running. If not, flash the Speedmod kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't complete this step during my exciting first install of CM7
If anyone has trouble getting Clockworkmod Recovery running, and you can't manage to flash a new kernel using Odin/heimdall please read:
[RECOVERY] 3e Recovery Modded w/ No Verification

I just skimmed through it but wouldn't this require you to buy rom manager premium?

runedrune said:
I just skimmed through it but wouldn't this require you to buy rom manager premium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. The premium version is only required to download nightlies directly through the app. Download them manually, then point rom manager at the zip on your sdcard & install.

Yay! First thanker! Nice guide too.

runedrune said:
I just skimmed through it but wouldn't this require you to buy rom manager premium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not the install, that is free as far as I know. Installing nightlies via ROM Manager needs Premium. Plus I suggested people buy Premium anyway.

sambwel said:
No. The premium version is only required to download nightlies directly through the app. Download them manually, then point rom manager at the zip on your sdcard & install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. The instructions tell you to use rom manager to download CM7. Just thinking that http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=galaxysmtd should be included too for those that can't buy rom manager.
But anyway great guide rschenck. Hopefully it'll save us from unnecessary questions.

runedrune said:
I just skimmed through it but wouldn't this require you to buy rom manager premium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yepp true story!
IF you want to download roms and stuff from Rom manager you do have to have premium.

I have no plans to install yet (still waiting for the stable release) but really this guide has no boring part. Very informative and easy to follow. Just wanna say thanks for this guide. KUDOS!

Nice tutorial man. I want to instal cm7 and this tutorial is very helpfull. Hope this topic get sticky :d

upgrading to latest
just to clarify, I'm (thanks to you!) on v11 due to some people suggesting me that version over v14. After reading some I would like to flash the new experimental build (v15?) in order to do so I:
1) charge it up
2) do a nandroid backup /done
3) wipe data/factory reset + wipe cache in CMW /not sure about this, I've read some diferent post about what to wipe. Some said that when upgrading only cache + dalvik will do just fine. This is the main issue.
4) flash the v15 (update-cm-7-05282011-NIGHTLY-GalaxyS-signed.zip) through CMW
+ all that other stuff like preparing myself for long agonizing experience and stuff
thanks in advance!

James.q said:
just to clarify, I'm (thanks to you!) on v11 due to some people suggesting me that version over v14. After reading some I would like to flash the new experimental build (v15?) in order to do so I:
1) charge it up
2) do a nandroid backup /done
3) wipe data/factory reset + wipe cache in CMW /not sure about this, I've read some diferent post about what to wipe. Some said that when upgrading only cache + dalvik will do just fine. This is the main issue.
4) flash the v15 (update-cm-7-05282011-NIGHTLY-GalaxyS-signed.zip) through CMW
+ all that other stuff like preparing myself for long agonizing experience and stuff
thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are quite correct...when upgrading all you need to do is wipe dalvik cache. You can also take a nandroid backup if you wish to be extra careful but there is no need to wipe data for an upgrade.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

rschenck said:
You are quite correct...when upgrading all you need to do is wipe dalvik cache. You can also take a nandroid backup if you wish to be extra careful but there is no need to wipe data for an upgrade.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! .. so is it just wipe cache or both wipe cache + wipe dalvik cache in advanced menu? I get confused with that

James.q said:
thanks! .. so is it just wipe cache or both wipe cache + wipe dalvik cache in advanced menu? I get confused with that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wipe cache is in the main cwm menu, wipe dalvik is in advanced...and you can wipe them both.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App

Thanks mate, you made my day! I haven't laughed so hard in a while ...

James.q said:
thanks! .. so is it just wipe cache or both wipe cache + wipe dalvik cache in advanced menu? I get confused with that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you should do both

A few small edits and clarifications added...

Good job on this guide.
You kids gave it easy. Back in my day, we had to flash our phones in Morse code.
Sent via XDA Premium app on my GT-I9000 running CM7 (GB 2.3.4)

bump...and if anyone who has used this guide has feedback or suggestions, please comment with them.

How come when i go to download rom i cannot see cyanogen mod there?
I did buy the rom manager

[Q] New to Iconia - Where to Start?

Howdy XDA!
So I'm not new to Android but new to Android tablets.
Having said that, I browsed through the development forum but with so many threads and just starting to read; it's hard to tell where to start.
So if you're into rooting to get more out of your iconia... where do you recommend starting?
I know people will probably rip on me for this thread and whatnot, but anyway... just looking for some initial thoughts...
Thanks guys!
***Updating with info provided by cfrock and links added by me***
1 - IconiaRoot - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138228
2 - install AcerRecoveryInstaller from the marketplace - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14818316&postcount=109
3 - install ClockworkMod with AcerRecoveryInstaller
3a - YES, make a backup copy of recovery.img
4 - complete a full backup with ClockworkMod
4a - copy backups off-tablet (including recovery.img from step 3a) (get drivers here - http://www.acer.co.uk/ac/en/GB/content/drivers drill through options to choose a500 then drivers then 3.0 version )
5- Go wild! Install ROMs, cure cancer, save the world
6 - A challenger appears! (new official OTA update and I want it!)
OR
666 – I totally ruined everything! Oh the blood everywhere!
7 - restore full backup from step 4 with ClockworkMod
!!! - Do I clear caches and format everything before doing this, as with a fresh ROM?
8 - restore recovery.img from step 3a with AcerRecoveryInstaller
9 - unroot with IconiaRoot
10 - OTA update!
OR
10 – whew! Let’s try that again.
11 - lather, rinse, repeat.
11a - be satisfied.

I would hope that people wouldn't flame on a question thread. What I did is root with iconia root. Then install cwm recovery using acer Recovery and finally pick a good rom to flash. I tried the xoom rom first but didn't like the stability so I went to honeyvilain. Basically go the the development page 1 and everything is probably there. Good luck.

Welcome!!
The above post is a good start. I tried most of the Roms I really liked the galaxy one but some reason
Everytime used a custom rom. My market would have issues downloading free apps it would say
Error processing purchase and would refuse the download. Now am back to stock hopefully I can figure
Out what the issue is tried searching but no luck and won't ask the question cause ill get flamed for whatever
reason lol
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

I'm also new to android tablets but if you want to root you will need iconia root found on these forums with different versions working for different builds. I've not loaded a custom rom but I hear good things about the Minimalist Acer rom, supposed to be really speedy without all the bloatware.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App

As stated above, the first app you should get is "Acer Recovery Tool". From it, install "Clockwork Recovery Mod" to make an initial backup of your system before doing anything else. That way if you screw the pooch (pardon my french), you'll have a plan "B" to get you back where you started. Then you can start playing around with modded ROMs. Make sure you do a clean wipe and format before installing any ROMs. The most efficient way is as follows:
Before installing:
Boot into CWM
1/wipe cache
2/wipe data/factory reset
Advanced Menu:
3/wipe dalvik
4/wipe battery stat
Mount and Storage Menu
5/format (system, data, cache )... leave SD card alone.
install the zip ( new rom ) file !
Once done installing... repeat steps #1 - #4 only ( this is to assured that you are cleaned 110% in regard to the NEW rom that you have just installed )
DO NOT DO THE STEP #5 AFTER THE INSTALLATION !
Reboot system into initial Android greeting screen.
It may be considered by some to be a bit of "overkill", be be assured you won't get a lot of the "bugs" that many get after an install using this method. Thanks to Unicornkaz for the directions.
Once you've played around with custom roms, you may want to flash to the most current Stock ROM to compare how they are against Acer's lastest release found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176632
I hope this helps?

The above post is 110% pure winsauce
I have always installed new roms via the above proceduce, and have never even come close to breaking a sweat when it comes to flashing a new rom. Make backups, keep backups somewhere safe and off tablet, I got lucky and got a nice 32gb microSD card as a birthday present and I keep my backups there, as well as on my desktop PC just for good measure.
Just take it slow, and don't do anything until you have read the directions and follow them step by step. If in doubt ask questions, XDA is full of epic nice people that would be happy to help you!

Torisen said:
I'm also new to android tablets but if you want to root you will need iconia root found on these forums with different versions working for different builds. I've not loaded a custom rom but I hear good things about the Minimalist Acer rom, supposed to be really speedy without all the bloatware.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always kinda do that yourself - get Titanium Backup or Root toolbox, you can backup any Acer installed apk and then delete it - just take it slow and don't remove anything if in doubt. You can then move the backup. Apk files off the tablet and reclaim the space - just keep that backup safe if you are running stock and want any future OTA updates to work - you will need to restore all of them before letting the update run

ieee_raider said:
Howdy XDA!
So I'm not new to Android but new to Android tablets.
Having said that, I browsed through the development forum but with so many threads and just starting to read; it's hard to tell where to start.
So if you're into rooting to get more out of your iconia... where do you recommend starting?
I know people will probably rip on me for this thread and whatnot, but anyway... just looking for some initial thoughts...
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take your time, don't rush into anything, read read read (most of the questions about things that can go wrong have been asked and answered so you can save yourself a lot of time waiting for an answer by checking if your question has already been asked), and most of all, enjoy your new toy!
FWIW, I've tried most of the custom ROMs and found them all, in one way or another, wanting. That's not to disparage the ROMs or all the hard work the devs do on addressing issues and building the ROMs in the first place. It's just that, for my particular wants, stock ROM suits me better. I *have*, however, installed RichardTrip's custom kernel as it's the closest thing to stock kernel with an overclocking option, and works just fine with stock ROMs.

Alright so I had read about not installing 3.1 roms over stock 3.0 or some incompatibilities... any issue there?
Any watchouts I should be aware of?
I know with my old Moment, there were some builds that weren't compatible with each other... so just wondering.
Thanks again guys!

backup
Backup! Backup Backup Backup Backup Backup Backup Backup.then save it several places.lean about the boot loader and the work around.then have fun with your tab.learn learn.situation you don't make the mistakes many have done for you to get this device on the right track.
Hug the Developers and give a shout out to all the tablet brickers.that posted information for development
awesome work guys/ladies tech women are hot oops did I say that giggles

ieee_raider said:
Alright so I had read about not installing 3.1 roms over stock 3.0 or some incompatibilities... any issue there?
Any watchouts I should be aware of?
I know with my old Moment, there were some builds that weren't compatible with each other... so just wondering.
Thanks again guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should not be the case so long as you're doing complete wipes. I think you may be confusing the 'incompatibility' regarding radios on android phones. Going from 1 rom to another shouldn't matter as long as its been wiped.

erica_renee said:
Backup! Backup Backup Backup Backup Backup Backup Backup.then save it several places.lean about the boot loader and the work around.then have fun with your tab.learn learn.situation you don't make the mistakes many have done for you to get this device on the right track.
Hug the Developers and give a shout out to all the tablet brickers.that posted information for development
awesome work guys/ladies tech women are hot oops did I say that giggles
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for both backup and tech ladies - both make the world a better place

cfrock said:
This should not be the case so long as you're doing complete wipes. I think you may be confusing the 'incompatibility' regarding radios on android phones. Going from 1 rom to another shouldn't matter as long as its been wiped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And another +1 to this. Before flashing a rom I first factory reset, clear cache, battery, and davik - then flash rom and clear everything again. Using this process I have never had problems bouncing around from one rom to the other. Backup first, and get that backup file somewhere safe (read: off tablet or at least on the microSD)

As a corollary to the original topic, I have a question about undoing custom ROM installations. Here's how I understand the process for installing ROMs and returning to stock, but I haven't done it yet because I'm not 100% certain about the steps after #6 below:
1 - IconiaRoot
2 - install AcerRecoveryInstaller from the marketplace
3 - install ClockworkMod with AcerRecoveryInstaller
3a - YES, make a backup copy of recovery.img
4 - complete a full backup with ClockworkMod
4a - copy backups off-tablet (including recovery.img from step 3a)
5- Go wild! Install ROMs, cure cancer, save the world
6 - A challenger appears! (new official OTA update and I want it!)
OR
666 – I totally ruined everything! Oh the blood everywhere!
7 - restore full backup from step 4 with ClockworkMod
!!! - Do I clear caches and format everything before doing this, as with a fresh ROM?
8 - restore recovery.img from step 3a with AcerRecoveryInstaller
9 - unroot with IconiaRoot
10 - OTA update!
OR
10 – whew! Let’s try that again.
11 - lather, rinse, repeat.
11a - be satisfied.
Am I missing something critical? I feel like I must be.

Guys one question....how safe is the data on the tablet...(not external sd cards)...when flashing a rom for the first time...?
Sent from my XT720 using XDA App

I always, always, always wipe before any flashing;back to stock or otherwise (on my EVO as my Tab is just a few days old, rooted but running stock rom). It can't hurt and really only takes a few seconds. Helps to lessen bugs on new flashed rom.
Merovian said:
As a corollary to the original topic, I have a question about undoing custom ROM installations. Here's how I understand the process for installing ROMs and returning to stock, but I haven't done it yet because I'm not 100% certain about the steps after #6 below:
1 - IconiaRoot
2 - install AcerRecoveryInstaller from the marketplace
3 - install ClockworkMod with AcerRecoveryInstaller
3a - YES, make a backup copy of recovery.img
4 - complete a full backup with ClockworkMod
4a - copy backups off-tablet (including recovery.img from step 3a)
5- Go wild! Install ROMs, cure cancer, save the world
6 - A challenger appears! (new official OTA update and I want it!)
OR
666 – I totally ruined everything! Oh the blood everywhere!
7 - restore full backup from step 4 with ClockworkMod
!!! - Do I clear caches and format everything before doing this, as with a fresh ROM?
8 - restore recovery.img from step 3a with AcerRecoveryInstaller
9 - unroot with IconiaRoot
10 - OTA update!
OR
10 – whew! Let’s try that again.
11 - lather, rinse, repeat.
11a - be satisfied.
Am I missing something critical? I feel like I must be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

vari9 said:
Guys one question....how safe is the data on the tablet...(not external sd cards)...when flashing a rom for the first time...?
Sent from my XT720 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only safe if you do an entire backup first with CWM.

Updated OP to include tips from replies

Newbie needs help/info

I have a T-Mo G2 and want to keep my Froyo image to reinstall later if I cannot get theGingerbread to work right. I want to make an image file that will restore the phone to exactly how it is now. I have tried all kinds of stuff, but am not able to make the "img" file so that I ca do a restore when booting...
Can someone point me to what I need to install to do this, and if possible some directions on what/how to create the "img" or restore file ?
I would be most appreciative, as I had to reverse everything from the OTA of Gingerbread, since too many apps didn't work, ESPECIALLY the GPS!
My current Froyo is a temp-root system.
Thank you all!
Aloha. .

I would do full root via the wiki, and then install 4EXT (the full one that's like $2) - it will keep your old stuff straight

Ditto on previous reply
Root your G2
Backup all your apps with using Titanium backup
Get Clockwork mod ROM manger or 4ext ( I prefer 4ext) and backup your stock rom. You can download new ROM CM7 for first ROM.
If you don't like the ROM you can restore your stock ROM with CWM or 4ext at anytime.

I have a theory that Ti Backup or any backing up of apps is a bad plan. I know you can do it no problem, and that it is a great time saver, but I have a strong feeling that this ultimately results in an unstable phone with mysterious force closes etc.
Even though it's a real pain, I think you are always better off reinstalling your apps from scratch after changing to a new ROM and wiping caches.

WTF? said:
I have a theory that Ti Backup or any backing up of apps is a bad plan. I know you can do it no problem, and that it is a great time saver, but I have a strong feeling that this ultimately results in an unstable phone with mysterious force closes etc.
Even though it's a real pain, I think you are always better off reinstalling your apps from scratch after changing to a new ROM and wiping caches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I have had zero problems with TB personally.
2. Without it your app data is gone.
3. Triple wipe, takes a few extra minutes and makes a world of a difference.
4. Do not restore system data!
5. Check md5 sums BEFORE doing anything!!!!
6. Make sure you have a recent nandroid backup and you'll be fine either way.
7. triple wipe before flashing anything including nandroids. Preferably with different wipes aka factory reset, superwipe+ ext4, then recovery wipe!
Just my 2 cents, it's saved my a$$ more then a few times...

[Q] need help flashing please?

Im sure this question has been answered somewhere but i can't seem to find it. I was wondering if some one could give me detailed instructions on how to flash roms on my DROID x. Im running android 2.3.3 and system version 4.5.605. I have rom manager with cwm recovery flashed and paid for the d2bootstrap app.i also rooted with petes one click moto root. Im just having extremely difficult time figuring out how to flash roms. Id appreciate any help?

First things First.
You said you have CWM flashed.
Good.
Make sure you have 2-3 gigabytes of free space on your SD card.
Boot into that via Rom Manager and make a "nandroid backup" as you'll hear them called.
[Simply labeled Backup]
Now Select Reboot.
Open Contacts>Settings>Export To SD (or something similar).
Install This
https://market.android.com/details?id=jp.eguchi.android.bookmarkbackup&feature=search_result
And backup your browser bookmarks.
Next install this.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup&hl=en
(The Pro Key makes this process...faster...but not any different.)
Open it up and Options>Batch>Backup all User Applications
Now...Find the ROM you'd like to try.
http://rootzwiki.com/forum/16-droid-x-developer-forum/
I'd Suggest Liberty 3 if you're wanting a semi-stock experience with good battery life and decent customization.
MIUI if you want a SUPER pretty experience...with superb customization.
Or
CM7 if you want Great customization + AOSP (How Android feels STOCK).
*Use RevNumbers pinned in the CyanogenMod Forum for CM7
The download you find will be a .zip.
Put this on your SD card...
And boot into CWM.
I always do a factory Reset Here.
And then...
Navigate to Install Zip From SD...
Find it...
Install it.
Congratulations!
You're now running a Custom ROM!
You can now import your contacts...
Sign into your google account and reinstall Titanium and that Browser Backup app...
And use Titanium Backup to restore your Applications (Most people Say NOT to restore Data with this, as it may cause Force Closes...however...if you do...You can always Factory Reset from CWM and Reinstall the Zip if you have problems. Data = Saves for your Games...how Facebook Remembers your Password...stuff like that.)
And that other application should restore your browser bookmarks.
If any of this process leaves you with a broken phone...
And you somehow messed up...
Or would simply like to return to where you were...
You can use CWM's "Restore" option to restore your backup...
Or if you can't boot into CWM...
You'll SBF
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/331-guide-flashing-droid-x-sbf/
Re-root...
And restore.

man i really appreciate you taking time to explan all that to me. it worked FLAWLESSY!! im finally rooted and flashing custom roms with no problems thanks to your answer. so thanks man

No problem at all man.
The hardest part of flashing your first rom is finding out how to do so.
I wish there was a simple guide out there stickied in every forum, as I know I could have used one...would have saved me a couple sbfs...and I'm sure I'm not alone on that.