Database Users

[GUIDE] The Easiest Guide on Earth for Flashing ROMs on to your SGS i9000

The Easiest Guide on Earth for Flashing ROMs on to your SGS i9000
I dont really post all that much here, actually this is my first post but I love all the work everyone is doing here and wanted to be helpful in some way.
My contribution are in thousands in porn boards, so bear with me if I sound off topic or horny.
Here it is.
If you mess this up:
1. You probably need to stop jerking off and give it another try.
2. I am not responsible for any damages, even if it was my posts on other boards on which you were jerking off.
DISCLAIMER:
I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN ANY OF THIS. I HAVENT DEVELOPED ANY OF THIS, SO THANKS TO THOSE DRUNK HIGH PROGRAMMERS (LOVE Y'ALL). THROUGH THIS GUIDE ONE BLIND PERSON IS TRYING TO GUIDE MANY BLIND PEOPLE (BUT THIS SHOULD WORK)
I learnt this after bricking my phone. Thanks to this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=814091
Before you start, remember:
1. If the phone is doing something, dont interrupt, fiddle or turn it off - its rude. (oh and it will f*** you up big time)
2. Dont EVER EVER EVER open any zip / tar file unless this guide has told you to. If you do, delete that file and redownload it.
3. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step
Device:
SAMSUNG GALAXY S i9000 sold in ASIA (the tiny continent next to europe)
Running on JP6 Firmware, 2.2 Froyo STOCK - not rooted / modded.
ROM
The ROM used in this guide is by Darkyy (Amazing developer and architect, bad at making guides )
Its called "Darky's v8.0 Gingerbread Edition"
DOWNLOADS TO DO BEFORE STARTING:
Download the following files and keep em ready. Dont get confused reading all the names, its actually very simple.
FILES:
0. Z4 One click root setup file for your phone (Attached)
1. Samsung USB drivers (this is 32 bit one, google 64 bit)
**ttp:// drivers . softpedia.com/get/MOBILES/Samsung/Samsung-Galaxy-S-USB-Driver-for-Windows-x86 . shtml
2. Darkyy's ROM (i.e. the main image file) - **ttp://www . multiupload . com/SHPR3TXLYB
3. ROM manager application for your phone (available in market)
STEPS:
0. Fire up your phone and go to Settings > Applications > "Unknown sources" must be checked / ON, if it isnt, turn it on. Then, scroll down in the same menu and go to Development > USB Debugging and make sure it is also checked / ON.
1. Extract on your PC and then copy the contents of "z4root.1.3.0.zip" to your phone and run it using a file manager ("Astro file manager" - install from Market / gay "My files" which is pre-installed on your phone by gay Samsung)
2. It will ask your permission to proceed with installation, press next and wait for it to say "Successfully installed". Then press "Close". Then go to the application and run it. It will give you two options - 1. Temporary root or 2. Permanent root. Select PERMANENT ROOT.
- now the phone will start to act funny and turn off without warning, reminding you of your wife. It will then restart and act a little more funny before starting up as normal again. -
3. Connect your phone to the PC, copy the ROM (which is the 200mb zip file) on the phone memory (not your external SD card). Also, install "Samsung USB drivers.exe" (Not needed if you have gay "Kies" already installed. )
4. Install "ROM Manager" from Market.
5. Now run the ROM manager and select first "Flash ClockWorkMod Recovery", it will be the first option from the top. Select "SAMSUNG GALAXY I9000" from the menu that follows. It will begin downloading a file.
- look for a download progress bar just below the notification bar at the top. If the download freezes for some reason, feel free to exit and re do the same process. -
6. In this same application there will be an option "Install ROM from SD card", select this option, it will show you your internal memory, now scroll down to the copied 200mb zip file and select it. Click yes / whatever to make it proceed.
- The phone will restart, go through some matrix command prompt ****e that will eventually start you up to a new animation, it will take around 5 mins for that animation to go away. Voila! - Your phone is running on Custom software! -
This guide will work for many ROMs you get off the interent, just dont be a **** - download only custom / original fw that is actually made for your phone (SGS i9000).
You will read a lot about OCLF / One click lag fix / Lag fixes - DO NOT INSTALL THEM. Darky's ROM comes preinstalled with it. To activate Lag Fix on your newly installed ROM, you will need to restart your phone in recovery mode, use the volume rocker keys to navigate to "VOODOO lag fix" after the phone restarts, and enable it from there. And then reboot using the same console. Then a creepy voice will tell you that your phone will self destruct in 2 mins, wait... wait... and done! After 4-5 mins the phone will boot up normally.
Another thing - If you brick your phone, follow this video
www . youtube . com/ watch?v=D0aoabVtPJ8
its as easy as monkey see, monkey do. Trust me, I did it in 10 minutes.
Enjoy. And thank me if you like the pics I post. (You pervert )

Looks good.
Maybe you can consider adding an FAQ or a guide for those who think they have "bricked" their phones (e.g. re-flashing stock firmware and so forth).
Anyway, good guide, looks simple enough to follow for newbies.

splish2010 said:
Looks good.
Maybe you can consider adding an FAQ or a guide for those who think they have "bricked" their phones (e.g. re-flashing stock firmware and so forth).
Anyway, good guide, looks simple enough to follow for newbies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually want to know how one does it. I dont know how to reflash stock fw, or where to download it from etc.
Darkyy's ROM is addictive. Very addictive. I dont think I'll go to another stock version of SGS, ever.

reflux21 said:
I actually want to know how one does it. I dont know how to reflash stock fw, or where to download it from etc.
Darkyy's ROM is addictive. Very addictive. I dont think I'll go to another stock version of SGS, ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is very addictive indeed, I love it! There's firmware all over the place, essentially all you need to do is pick up an older official firmware such as XXJPM and flash it via Odin in Download mode again. If users seem to experience that problem maybe I'll hook you up with a little guide.

I'm just wondering why do you use Z24 root and then use another root method after? why not just use CF root. For users still on 2.1 they can just put clockkworkMod update.zip on there phone and load up recovery 2e , flash update.zip then flash Darky's from there. You also only linked to the JP5 CF root when there are multiple versions ;p not everyone is running JP5.
Another way to if your already on 2.2/2.2.1 is to just flash Speedmod with odin and then just use CWM from there since its built into the kernel.
Not saying your method will not work just seems longer then it has to be ;p.

Samdroid_G_S said:
I'm just wondering why do you use Z24 root and then use another root method after? why not just use CF root. For users still on 2.1 they can just put SlockworkMod update.zip on there phone and load up recovery 2e , flash update.zip then flash darky's from there.
Another way to if your already on 2.2/2.2.1 is to just flash Speedmod with odin and then just use CWM from there since its built into the kernel.
Not saying your method will not work just seems longer then it has to be ;p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
7.5, jpy, k12k bm 500hz.

splish2010 said:
It is very addictive indeed, I love it! There's firmware all over the place, essentially all you need to do is pick up an older official firmware such as XXJPM and flash it via Odin in Download mode again. If users seem to experience that problem maybe I'll hook you up with a little guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samdroid_G_S said:
I'm just wondering why do you use Z24 root and then use another root method after? why not just use CF root. For users still on 2.1 they can just put SlockworkMod update.zip on there phone and load up recovery 2e , flash update.zip then flash darky's from there.
Another way to if your already on 2.2/2.2.1 is to just flash Speedmod with odin and then just use CWM from there since its built into the kernel.
Not saying your method will not work just seems longer then it has to be ;p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did all this, so I didnt want to change anything, and btw, I didnt understand a word of that line except darky's.
If you think this works, then Im going to let it remain unaltered. Lets the asses do the extra work. Serves em right

reflux21 said:
I did all this, so I didnt want to change anything, and btw, I didnt understand a word of that line except darky's.
If you think this works, then Im going to let it remain unaltered. Lets the asses do the extra work. Serves em right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was saying if the user is already on 2.1 (eclair) firmware, then this means they already have recovery 2e, recovery 2 e is what is needed to get CWM working. From there they could just skip the CF-Root just install Z24 Root and Rom manager and install Darky's from there and skip the whole Odin step. Or they could Just download CWM and install it in recovery 2e as a Update.zip, then use CWM recovery to install Darky's.
If your on 2.2/2.2.1 (froyo) then you can just flash Speedmod with Odin install Rom manger and install Darky's or just boot into Recovery once you have speedmod installed and install Darky's from there using Update from SD.

Samdroid_G_S said:
I was saying if the user is already on 2.1 (eclair) firmware, then this means they already have recovery 2e, recovery 2 e is what is needed to get CWM working. From there they could just skip the CF-Root just install Z24 Root and Rom manager and install Darky's from there and skip the whole Odin step. Or they could Just download CWM and install it in recovery 2e as a Update.zip, then use CWM recovery to install Darky's.
If your on 2.2/2.2.1 (froyo) then you can just flash Speedmod with Odin install Rom manger and install Darky's or just boot into Recovery once you have speedmod installed and install Darky's from there using Update from SD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir... I kinda understand what you're saying now... So will redo the above texts in some time...
I kinda had a doubt I was rooting twice, but expected someone to point that out if it was the case

reflux21 said:
Yes sir... I kinda understand what you're saying now... So will redo the above texts in some time...
I kinda had a doubt I was rooting twice, but expected someone to point that out if it was the case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your guide you are rooting your phone twice, Once with Z4 root then again using odin and flashing CF "ROOT".

Redone!
Thanks for the guidance!
Now if someone can make it sticky...

This guide seems so simple to use. I feel like im missing something. Right now im rooted on JL2 i9000m. I installed ROM Manager earlier today and flashed Clockworkmod from the menu. The next step really is only downloading darky's rom and adding it to my SD then Flash from sd? seems way to simple
or guides have like 38 steps!

BottleB said:
This guide seems so simple to use. I feel like im missing something. Right now im rooted on JL2 i9000m. I installed ROM Manager earlier today and flashed Clockworkmod from the menu. The next step really is only downloading darky's rom and adding it to my SD then Flash from sd? seems way to simple
or guides have like 38 steps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your next step would be flashing a kernel that has 2e recoveryand cwm such as hardcores kernel if you have not already done so if you have then use cwm to install Darky's rom.
This guide will only work if your coming from a 2.1 rom. JL2 is a 2.2 rom that has 3e recovery you need 2e recovery for cwm to work like I said Hardcores kernel will get you that, once you have cwm just put Darky's rom on your sd, load up cwm recovery and install darkys from there.
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.

Samdroid_G_S said:
Your next step would be flashing a kernel that has 2e recovery and cwm if you have not already done so then use cwm to install Darky's rom.
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2e kernel is flashed using odin right? and do any of the stock firmwares have this (2e)? making this odin free as possible

BottleB said:
2e kernel is flashed using odin right? and do any of the stock firmwares have this (2e)? making this odin free as possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but your on JL2 witch has the .sbl (secondary boot loader) update so flashing back to jh2 or another 2.1 firmware will not work unless its a full rom with the sbl included. This is why I recomend using odin and just flashing hardcores kernel then you can use rom manager or cwm to install darky's from there. Installing hardcoes kernel you will still keep all your current apps nothing will change except the kernel.
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.

this guide is not that clear and easy as it should be, sorry.
needs review ...

Samdroid_G_S said:
Yes but your on JL2 witch has the .sbl (secondary boot loader) update so flashing back to jh2 or another 2.1 firmware will not work unless its a full rom with the sbl included. This is why I recomend using odin and just flashing hardcores kernel then you can use rom manager or cwm to install darky's from there. Installing hardcoes kernel you will still keep all your current apps nothing will change except the kernel.
Sent from my I9000m using XDA's app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a bunch dude!
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App

Galaxy Tab on 3 Network UK - Can it be flashed with custom rom?

Hi there,
I'm very much a noob to flashing, but i have read many guides, i'm just unclear to whether my Tab which in 3 Network can be flashed? would love a custom rom
Hope to hear from you soon
Many thanks

Yes, mine's on 3 and running Roto's JMI V2 without a problem

hi there, thats great!
sorry to be a pain! i have rooted my tab using z4root, may i ask what i should do now? do i need to download clockworkmod? or do anythin specific?

okay, i have no idea what i'm doing now, i'm download overcome rom 1.20, to flash the rom i will need clockworkmod recovery? how do i install that?

i also have downloaded Roto's JMI V2, should i just copy it to SD card, rebot to recovery and update? bare in mind havent got clockworkmod installed? HELP completely lost

how do i get clockwork mod on my galaxy tab????

By not pestering the forum for a start
Go get Paul's CWM kernel from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=925760
That will install CWM and convert your filesystem to ext4. Then you can flash ROM's to your hearts content

Topic reported, it's becoming a real pain to find topics like this in the Development forum seriously...

TheGrammarFreak said:
By not pestering the forum for a start
Go get Paul's CWM kernel from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=925760
That will install CWM and convert your filesystem to ext4. Then you can flash ROM's to your hearts content
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that...as odin doesnt work for i.e doesnt connect, so i use heimdall-frontend which does connect...i boot in to download mode...send Kernal above, reboot, and it stays at boot screen, so i have to resend another kernal for it to work again but no CWM STILL

its is impossible to put clockwork mod on this tab, or a custom rom i'm sure of it..nothing seems to work

memaxt said:
its is impossible to put clockwork mod on this tab, or a custom rom i'm sure of it..nothing seems to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presume you've not flashed anything prior to this? i.e. you don't have locked bootloaders which would prevent you flashing a new kernel? You can install this tool to check. Many people here have flashed a replacement kernel (I highly recommend modaco) that contains CWM without any issues, so you may want to explain carefully and in more detail the steps you're taking - how you're flashing, and what responses you get back.

First off i want to say sorry for constant posting! & annoyance, i shall now STOP! yay..learnt my lesson
Anywho i have FINALLY managed to Root / Flash a custom rom to my Tab on the 3 netowrk using Odin..the problem i had was with my USB port as it would only connect using the main USB ports on the back of the computer, anywho many appologies and thanks!!

FAQS/Guide/Additional Info For Rooting S2 - High level summary

I rooted my S2 a few days back... there is a lot of info in the forums but spread all over the place and it took quite a long time to find the specific answers to some of the questions i had. Thus I've done a short form guide to help anyone looking to root and give them a bit of extended background and *hopefully* reduce all the copy threads/posts in the forum.
NB/ I'm no android expert. Please don't flame if something i've said is wrong. Let me know/PM me and I'll change it. This is only meant to be high level info!
1. What is rooting?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_(Android_OS)
2. What are the warranty implications?
Warranty is void BUT you can return the phone back to *stock* (standard manufacturer ship state) so, as long as you don't bone anything in the root process you can get still get warranty returns.
3. What is [recovery]/[kernel]/[rom]?
Your samsung device memory is separated into different partitions to load different parts of the software to make you device work.
http://www.villainrom.co.uk/vBwiki/index.php/Glossary_of_Android_Terms
Typically you have the kernel partition which tells the device what to load on power on), you have the system partition where your ROM (main operating system is loaded) and you have the recovery partition which allows a user to access and write to the system partition (i.e. load custom roms).
Only difference on the galaxy s2 is that the kernel partition and recovery partition linked. What this means for you is that if you change the kernel, you also change the recovery.
4. What is stock [kernel][firmware]?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
Essentially the stock kernel is the original Samsung kernel shipped on the device (split into many different variants subject to location, sub model, carrier, date etc...) and firmware essentially is the kernel with the Samsung Rom.
5. My current kernel is KG*|KF*...n, can i install any other stock kernel? What are all the different stock kernels? Can I install one over mine?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
Yes you can use any Kernel from any country as long as it is for SGS2 with the correct hardware
Check the models are the same.
6. What's the difference between Cf-Root and Clockworkmod and which do i want?
CF-Root is simply a customised version of the clockwordmod recovery. It still functions the same but cf-root has it's own app for making direct recovery calls from within android as CF-root doesn't function with Rom manager, where pure clockworkmod recovery does work with rom manager.
As far as I'm concerned, it's a question of whether you want to use Rom manager really?
7. How do I root the samsung galaxy S2?
All I will say is..ENSURE KIES IS NOT RUNNING IN SYSTEM TRAY OR TASK MANAGER. KILL THE WHOLE PROCESSS TREE IF YOU FIND IT BEFORE DOING ANY ROOTING!
CF-Root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Clockworkmod http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1118693
N00b guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126522
You can also use the root toolbox method for some stock firmwares without having to flash the recovery:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1319653
8. What is superoneclick and what is odin? Where do i get them?
Odin is a flash utility to allow you to push a kernel to your phone from your pc.
Superoneclick is a flash app that will root your phone from your pc.
If you don't want to use superoneclick then simply flash an unsecured kernel (i.e. CF-Root) using Odin and you'll get root already.
Look in the kernel posts and you'll find latest versions there.
9. Can i still get OTA (over the air) updates to my stock rom eventhough I've rooted?
you can update via Kies and root again. Kies wont detect if your phone is rooted or not as long as you are on Stock firmware.
10. How do i get back to stock (as if nothing has ever happened to the phone/factory ship)?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
Flashing a full stock rom and kernel (firmware) using odin will remove everything.
11. What is this yellow exclamation mark and how do I get round it?
Whenever you access the download mode, and write a new kernel, your phone will know you've changed the kernel. The exclamation mark is simply a flag for samsung to easily know whether you've messed with the kernel on returns. You can easily get rid of it by using a jig OR re-flashing the stock kernel following an initial root...then re-flashing the zimage from the CWM image. - Jig is far easier and quicker though.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14283369&postcount=2
12. What is the custom binary download counter and how can I restore it?
A counter living in the kernel to record the number of times you've changed the kernel. Only way to remove it is to get a usb jig...
13. What is a jig and what does it do?
it's a little usb plugin from ebay then puts the phone into download mode (even if you bricked a kernel update) resets the kernel counter and removes the yellow exclamation mark.
Simply boot off the phone. Plug it in. The screen will say something like 'Erasing boot information'...then unplug it and re-boot. Very simple.
A jig is a cheap and essential piece of hardware that everyone rooting should invest in!
14. What is download mode and what is recovery mode and how do I access them?
Recovery > enter recovery with the key combination of Vol Up + Home + Power
Download > Accessible on all phones, regardless of kernel via Vol Down + Home +
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134290
15. What is deodexed|Odexed?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16461907&postcount=2
http://www.villainrom.co.uk/vBwiki/index.php/Glossary_of_Android_Terms
16. Once rooted I can install custom roms, but can I overwrite the kernel?
Yes, so long as the kernel is compatible with the hardware and in some cases the rom.
17. I've rooted and put CF-Root XWKF(...n)...But I want to put a different kernel on and still have the CWM recovery?
Simply flash the CF-Root over the current CF-Root. However if you are updating a major version (i.e. CWM 4 to CWM 5) just check on CF-Root's thread first.
18. I've pwned my device? What do I do now?
Get a jig to put back into download mode and then flash the original stock firmware.
19. My device is sim locked and/or full of carrier apps? How can I get rid?
To get rid of carrier branding and apps simply flash a different firmware/rom that isn't branded from a carrier. See questions 4 and 5 above for lists of the different stock firmwares.
To get rid of the sim lock you have two options:
1. Root and then use one of the apps from market place (mixed success across the boards); or,
2. Extract some data from your phone in hex code and try and calculate the unlock code yourself.
I bought mine sim free so not done any of this but a quick scan of the forums turned up these two posts which may be useful.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1207513&referrerid=2648941
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1064978&referrerid=2648941
20. What is a 'cooked' rom?
Cooked roms are just roms that someone has made based on the stock rom with slight high level changes. They are different from developed roms such as Cyanogen or Villainrom which receive significant low level modifications and developments.
Check out the Rom kitchen project which when released in stable version will allow you to build your own rom on the fly and select all the apps etc.. you want in it: brilliant example of the benefits of Android!
http://www.romkitchen.org/beta/index.php
21. What is CSC and how do i change my ROM CSC?
CSC = consumer software customisation. The file contains the software packages specific to that region, carrier branding and also APN settings for data connection, SMS, MMS etc...
Three ways to change it (NB it will wipe your device!):
1. Flash a multiCSC ROM and that use CSC Select from Market;
2. Flash a multiCSC ROM and type *#272*Device IMEI# into the dial pad and selecting the csc of your choice;
3. Flash a ROM using ODIN, then flash the desired CSC separately using ODIN.
22. Do you just install Rom over an existing?
Some people do and 9 times out of 10 it works, however I personally boot into recovery, wipe all data/factory reset and wipe Davlik cache > then power off > boot into download mode and install the new rom as above. Best way to ensure a 100% clean install.
23. What is the best way to go from Android 2.x to Android 4.x (Ice Cream Sandwich)?
I struggled trying to get Titanium to quickly and efficiently migrate my data (I'm sure it's very possible but I didn't have the time nor inclination to work around it) therefore I just restored my apps data after manually installing the apps from the marketplace. Once you have a stable working phone on ICS future titanium backup/restores are easy as normal.
24. Titanium Backup? What's the difference in app colour?
Menu => Legend;
Green = App - with data that you should backup;
White = App - should be fine to backup;
Red = System app/service - Wouldn't backup as typically installed by default.
Other tools apps that will be helpful are Titanium Backup (from Android Marketplace https://market.android.com/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup&hl=en) and also get a Dropbox account (for free) from Free 2GB Cloud Storage from Dropbox as Titanium can sync to Dropbox.
25. Anything else of note?
Other tools apps that will be helpful are Titanium Backup (from Android Marketplace https://market.android.com/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup&hl=en) and also get a Dropbox account (for free) from Free 2GB Cloud Storage from Dropbox as Titanium can sync to Dropbox.
Also slightly linked, if every you want a good UK based hosting for blogs/web/dev - I couldn't recommend TsoHost enough. They are the best hosting company I've ever worked with! Unlimited sql databases and PHP setting modification! If you want 10% off all hosting packages use the code 'wibbsy' at checkout!

Would not this be better in the General section .As a sticky even though noobs dont read stickies .
Witness a very similar Guide posted long time .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
jje

I welcome suggestions on how to move it and or make it sticky?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

wibbsy said:
I welcome suggestions on how to move it and or make it sticky?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PM a Mod.
jje

This was exactly what I was looking for - thanks for this! I got my Galaxy S2 about 3 hours ago and now it's all rooted and awesome thanks to this guide.

You have been great help thnx man .
---------- Post added at 05:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:59 AM ----------
Can you post a step by step guide as how to debrand the S2 ?
it will be very much appreciated.

Debranding is easy... just flash a rom that isn't branded. See q. 19.

New to xda. Thanks to threadstarter, really useful information for newbies like me.

great info there . keep up the good work.

thank you very much

Thanks
Just like to say thanks for this appreciate you taking the time to write this.
Nice one

I want to flash back to stock firmware, but after download from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278, instead of PDA, CSC and MODEM files, there were several image files (Power ISO). What to do with them? I desperately need to download stock firmware with MSR - CSC... Any help would be so appreciated!

Thanks. I think it is nice to have all the info in one post. Makes life easier.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

thanks for the info!

Thanks dude for the very useful info.

Thanks for the info. Nice to have it all in one place.

i get its. thanks for guide

Thanks! Makes much sense!

Thanks for the summary! This have helped a lot for newcomers like me

+1. Very helpful.

Samsung Recovery Mode is useless! Grr

hiya, well i am new to the forums been learning a lot and found out a lot of weird things about this phone.
Yesterday downgraded wifes HTC Wildfire HBOOTs, Firmware, Rooted it, and Installed ClockWorkMod and cygenMod7
so i am fairly confident when it comes to using recovery mod so decided to try and see what i can do on my galaxy 3
--
i have my stock ROM (rooted) and just how i like it, the only thing i want to be-able to do now is just put ClockWorkMod
on my phone, so if anything goes wrong i can just restore via the bootloader.
Read a lot today and decided the best way to go is to just flash the kernel that includes CWM
and the install method for this i read was to boot into recovery and install the kernel from the SD card.
On booting into the recovery (power home volume up/down together) there is an option that says
"Apply SDcard update.zip"
do i rename the kernel to update.zip? or will it see the kernel file?.
i did try clicking this update.zip just to see what it would say but it give me this message.
---
Finding Update Package
E: can't mount /dev/block/mmcblk0 (or null)
(no such file or directory)
E: Can't mount SDCARD:Update.zip installation Aborted
----
Now is there something i am missing? does this mean i cannot flash the kernel to another one
Grrr all i want is to just get clockworkmod recovery on this phone nothing else and its just seeming impossible
does this now mean i have to use ODIN the magical Mystical Tool that everyone knows about but doesn't have a clue where it come from?
or is there some other way to get this kernel onto this phone
i don't want to try the other options wipe data factory reset to see if the options are in there?
Sorry if this sounds dumb just i have no clue what this Apply sdcard:update.zip is or meant to be for
and if thats not how to update the kernel i don't see any other options to install a file from the SD card!
it's frustating now any help advice would be great even if someone could explain more about what this option does?

GraphiX2004 said:
hiya, well i am new to the forums been learning a lot and found out a lot of weird things about this phone.
Yesterday downgraded wifes HTC Wildfire HBOOTs, Firmware, Rooted it, and Installed ClockWorkMod and cygenMod7
so i am fairly confident when it comes to using recovery mod so decided to try and see what i can do on my galaxy 3
--
i have my stock ROM (rooted) and just how i like it, the only thing i want to be-able to do now is just put ClockWorkMod
on my phone, so if anything goes wrong i can just restore via the bootloader.
Read a lot today and decided the best way to go is to just flash the kernel that includes CWM
and the install method for this i read was to boot into recovery and install the kernel from the SD card.
On booting into the recovery (power home volume up/down together) there is an option that says
"Apply SDcard update.zip"
do i rename the kernel to update.zip? or will it see the kernel file?.
i did try clicking this update.zip just to see what it would say but it give me this message.
---
Finding Update Package
E: can't mount /dev/block/mmcblk0 (or null)
(no such file or directory)
E: Can't mount SDCARD:Update.zip installation Aborted
----
Now is there something i am missing? does this mean i cannot flash the kernel to another one
Grrr all i want is to just get clockworkmod recovery on this phone nothing else and its just seeming impossible
does this now mean i have to use ODIN the magical Mystical Tool that everyone knows about but doesn't have a clue where it come from?
or is there some other way to get this kernel onto this phone
i don't want to try the other options wipe data factory reset to see if the options are in there?
Sorry if this sounds dumb just i have no clue what this Apply sdcard:update.zip is or meant to be for
and if thats not how to update the kernel i don't see any other options to install a file from the SD card!
it's frustating now any help advice would be great even if someone could explain more about what this option does?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to use odin

Download the G3MOD kernel and flash it via Odin. Search on this forum and you'll find Odin as well as the ops file for our phone and a guide on how to use odin.
Click thanks if I helped.

stubborn_d0nkey said:
You have to use odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
saying oh you'll have to use odin isn't really helpful
something like explaining any fatal flaws when using odin that you might know about would be helpful.
example do i tick protect ops? when flashing the kernel? or is that just for ROMS
some really in depth information would be really helpful and grateful not only to me but anyone else who's looking to do this.

You're over complicating it. There is a guide on how to use Odin on our forum so read that. You flash a kernel the same way you flash a ROM and there's not much risk. Yes you do protect ops. The process of flashing takes approximately 5-10 seconds for a kernel then your phone reboots. Just relax and do it. After you've done it once you'll be able to do it a million times.
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1372414 << here is the tutorial.
Click thanks if I helped.

GraphiX2004 said:
saying oh you'll have to use odin isn't really helpful
something like explaining any fatal flaws when using odin that you might know about would be helpful.
example do i tick protect ops? when flashing the kernel? or is that just for ROMS
some really in depth information would be really helpful and grateful not only to me but anyone else who's looking to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well you could easily have just read the sticky topics explaining all the different things about our phone including how to flash using Odin.
Sent from my GT-I5800 using xda app-developers app

GraphiX2004 said:
saying oh you'll have to use odin isn't really helpful
something like explaining any fatal flaws when using odin that you might know about would be helpful.
example do i tick protect ops? when flashing the kernel? or is that just for ROMS
some really in depth information would be really helpful and grateful not only to me but anyone else who's looking to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"You have to use odin" pretty much answered all of your questions since it did answer one and made all the rest irrelevant. You wrote all that text and all those questions yet you couldn't have written three little words ("If so, how?") after asking if you needed to use odin? You never made it seem as though you would need help if the answer was that you had to use odin, so dont shame me if I chose not to waste words when answering your post, which I did do. If I wasn't helpful the reason isn't because I was cheap on words, its because your post didn't require anything more than what I wrote (even if you did).

no worries thanks anyway 12 hours it was driving me nuts trying to just simply get clockworkmod on this phone.
in the end i decided to opt for a popular rom here (which will be donating after this post) the guys rom does everything i needed.
i made a post about odin 117 views but not a reply.. since this thread seems to be a little active
in simplyfied terms where on earth does this odin come from? everyone knows about it uses it but who makes it?
is there an official downloads page, their must be something otherwise how would people know when newer versions come out?
again donkey sorry i snarked, yes i looked into the guide it was great! followed everything and i now have a lovely G3Mod rom installed.

GraphiX2004 said:
no worries thanks anyway 12 hours it was driving me nuts trying to just simply get clockworkmod on this phone.
in the end i decided to opt for a popular rom here (which will be donating after this post) the guys rom does everything i needed.
i made a post about odin 117 views but not a reply.. since this thread seems to be a little active
in simplyfied terms where on earth does this odin come from? everyone knows about it uses it but who makes it?
is there an official downloads page, their must be something otherwise how would people know when newer versions come out?
again donkey sorry i snarked, yes i looked into the guide it was great! followed everything and i now have a lovely G3Mod rom installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung made it, however there is no official download page since it is leaked software. It probably not intended for the general public, but I dont think Samsung minds that it gets out. AFAIK samsung uses it/used it internally.
No problem about the snarking, I understand what its like to be a noob, every has been a noob, but I do know what its like to be a person who tries to help noobs.

How to install custom rom/recovery for Acer a500?

I just rooted my Acer iconia tab a500. I am on the official ics 4.0.3. Can anyone provide step by step guide how to install custom rom for this tablet? Also which custom rom that you recommended? I thanks
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Please, me too. I just bought mine too and is rooted, but my cell phones were much easier than the tablets. Either that or I just don't have the patients anymore. Maybe a dummies way to install custom rooms on a500? Lol.
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

fe1ixs said:
I just rooted my Acer iconia tab a500. I am on the official ics 4.0.3. Can anyone provide step by step guide how to install custom rom for this tablet? Also which custom rom that you recommended? I thanks
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
slayinu said:
Please, me too. I just bought mine too and is rooted, but my cell phones were much easier than the tablets. Either that or I just don't have the patients anymore. Maybe a dummies way to install custom rooms on a500? Lol.
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guys welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the acer tab!!!!
Things are very different with this device, whats 'normal' for other android devices is not 'normal' for our tab!!!!
So first of all, dont try installing cwm or a rom the 'normal-this-is-the-way-I-did--it-on-myphone', you will end up with a brick!!!
2nd, you both have working systems at present, so we'll try to keep it that way.
Open up a file explorer and navigate to this:
/sys/firmware/fuse/acer_cpuid
One of the first things that are different is this: acer_cpuid
It should look something like this:
288424344009597 - now u need to add a 'zero' to the front:
0288424344009597 - this is your cpuid, back it up in multiple places if need be, just dont ever lose it - IF anything 'goes wrong' at any time you will NEED this number to save your tab from eternal brickdom!!
3rd once you do get your 'cpuid' go to the 'sbk generator' here.
This generates your 'sbk' or secure boot key and will give you something like this:
0x93588800 0x33CE8901 0x0BED6D03 0x30737899.....
OK then, now you have your cpuid/sbk you can start thinkning about what rom you want to install on your tab.......
Read the OP(Original Post) of your desired rom. This will tell you EVERYTHING you need in order to flash it - remembering always that 'Acer' does not do things the 'normal' way!!!!!!
Most of the custom ICS/JB roms on here all require the 'patched / unlocked bootloader'... In fact, even installing a custom recovery, cwm, twrp or public recovery, for the first time....will require the BL to be 'patched' first....and yes, even flashing this is not done the 'normal' way....tho the process can be complicated there are PLENTY of guides and auto tools to make it easier for you....
The 'patched bootloader flash' will also include a 'custom recovery' too, and you can choose from 3-4 options....amazing but i'd advise to use cwm 1.7.3, until u get up and running, after that you can go crazy flashing anything you like!!
So basically there are 5 main steps to getting a custom rom installed.
1. Install the Acer Drivers and the android_sdk drivers
2. Get your cpuid and generate your 'sbk'
3. Your desired rom is on your external sd card
4. Put your tab in 'apx mode' which allows u access to download mode
5. Install the patched v8 bootloader/recovery - either manually using nvFlash or using the auto tools.
Personally I prefer the manual nvFlash method, if you get an error it will at least give you an error message...the auto tools will just get 'stuck'
Check the 'bootloader' thread OP for a guide to manual nvFlash and the patched bootloader package here
There is also a step-by-step in my sig!!!
If you want to use the auto tools then apxFlash tool, or afterOTA tool you can find both in the 'bootloader' thread. And a step by step for apxflash tool also in my sig....or this excellent one here by user jdgM3NT4L here...
please be sure to read these posts very carefully and if there is something you do not understand then please dont hesitate to ask , there are plenty on here who will help you thru the process....AND its easier to offer help at this point rather than trying to do so when you've bricked it.....
As far as roms are concerned, you cant go past 'civato's FLEX roms' very stable and no issues i'm on cm10 and havent had a problem with it.....Of course it depends on what you require but I'd start with one of the flex ones.
Most peeps here have no trouble with this process, those that do, usually try things the 'normal' way, then find out they need their cpuid/sbk to get out of trouble and of course they dont have it....this makes things most difficult.... there are a few tabs with motherboard issues that have needed to be sent to acer....other than that, he only other issue you may have are driver related, check out the cpuid thread for anything driver related and lots of other background info too....theres also a zip file there that has a mini-sdk kit, to save u downloading the full android-sdk....
i think thats all i can think of at the moment, sorry for the long post and all the caps and bold text - just trying to save you alot of unnecessary grief...
Good luck with it all and remember....in this forum things are not 'normal' :laugh::laugh:

Wow, a lot of stuff to do just to flash a from huh. Lol
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

Lol, as always preparation determines the success of the final outcome....and yeah with the tab 95% of yr time and energy is spent preparing!!! The actual flashing process takes only a few minutes...
Of course u could revert to hc 3.1 where everything is 'normal' i.e. one click root, flash cwm, flash rom, done....
Gosh, even hc 3.2 was locked down and unrootable....
So in the grand scheme for us to even be able to have stable ICS roms, let alone cm10 on the a50x.is.purely down to those wonderfully clever devs we have here..who were never gonna let a.locked bl, get in their way..
OK its complex I'll admit, but stock ICS is c**p and the lives of our tabs extended past wot Acer ever thought....and guys like gersma and.blackthund3r have built auto tools to make things easier
Anyways, its.well worth the
effort and is actually alot simpler to do than it is to describe how to do it...think of.trying to explain how to ride a bike and writing all those steps out....much easier to help them thru it by just getting them on the darn thing and doing it....dontcha think??
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah, I hear ya loud and clear. I wouldn't mind goin back to stock 3.1 , I kinda liked the hc. Ohwell
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 07:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:21 PM ----------
But as soon as I get home on my PC I'll start trying out this method. Hopefully I don't end up with a paper weight. Lol. Thank you very much for your response on this subject.
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

Well, I could give u a a d/l link for 3.1 if u really do wanna go back....but I think gersma's afterOTA tool can do it too, tho I've Neva used it for that so can't really comment....
Oh, one other thing, you'll wanna back up all yr personal stuff, music, photo's and wot not especially going from one build to another, and most of the custom ROMs require a complete wipe and format of yr data partition too before install, just so u know!!
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah ,I'll take the link, I liked it better than 4.0.3 is it an original , or a rooted
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

slayinu said:
Yeah ,I'll take the link, I liked it better than 4.0.3 is it an original , or a rooted
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its factory stock but easy to root and get cwm installed, will have to w8 till i get home 2nyt to upload....
oh there myt be one in blackthund3rs stock rom thread in dev forum...i think
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

wow dibb, thank you so much for a helpful response!! Really enlightened me about how far off I was about the update process (compared to updating phones) and yet close enough to what I had to go thru for the Viewsonic GTab.
I'm currently on stock 4.0.3 rooted for A500. I have obtained my cpuid and SBK. When I go to recovery mode, I see a droid with triangle and exclamation mark. I tried flashing twrp but I still saw the same droid. I now know that I need to flash a different bootloader with recovery included.
My question is that if I flash the new bootloader which will allow me to put a custom recovery, during that process will my current ROM be removed or wiped out? If so, what do you recommend for backing up the app in the current stock ROM? Titanium Backup? BTW, I don't have an external SD card; all I'm using is the internal 8GB
Thank you for your help!!

def need external SD , it will help out alot
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app

artbybart said:
wow data, thank you so much for a helpful response!! Really enlightened me about how far off I was about the update process (compared to updating phones) and yet close enough to what I had to go thru for the Viewsonic GTab.
I'm currently on stock 4.0.3 rooted for A500. I have obtained my cpuid and SBK. When I go to recovery mode, I see a droid with triangle and exclamation mark. I tried flashing twrp but I still saw the same droid. I now know that I need to flash a different bootloader with recovery included.
My question is that if I flash the new bootloader which will allow me to put a custom recovery, during that process will my current ROM be removed or wiped out? If so, what do you recommend for backing up the app in the current stock ROM? Titanium Backup? BTW, I don't have an external SD card; all I'm using is the internal 8GB
Thank you for your help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes u need the v8 bootloader to get a recovery installed...
Always check the original post of the rom you install for special instructions regarding bootloaders.....this applies to all custom Roms even stock pre rooted ones.
Yup TB to back up yr apps and data - dont restore immediately...make sure everything is stable first.
If u dont have an ext. SD card, the EUU method doesn't require one, and as slayinu said, it would make it easier if u had one especially for the update.zip methid

Im sorry...
I have the a500 running ota 4.0.3....well from the official app. I have it rooted and running superuser yet I downloaded the Acer recovery installer app from the market and get the recovery verified failed message when booting into any custom recovery and the dead android with the exclamation mark....I know I need a patched or an unlocked boot loader but I cannot find one I downloaded the afterota but it doesn't do anything on my computer...idk what to do the frustration is gonna make me break this thing and just go buy a newer tab running jb ....help please!

famousnerd1 said:
I have the a500 running ota 4.0.3....well from the official app. I have it rooted and running superuser yet I downloaded the Acer recovery installer app from the market and get the recovery verified failed message when booting into any custom recovery and the dead android with the exclamation mark....I know I need a patched or an unlocked boot loader but I cannot find one I downloaded the afterota but it doesn't do anything on my computer...idk what to do the frustration is gonna make me break this thing and just go buy a newer tab running job....help please!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems weird afterota "doesn't do anything"...did you install the drivers?? Did it give u yr cpuid/sbk you cannot do anything without this AND if u muck things up its the only thing that will get u unbricked? Are u using a micro USB cable? Do u have USB debug enabled?
If u go to the root guide in my sig you'll find d.load links and all the guides to help u install the v8....take special note of the boot.p file u need to rename or delete in /system....
For more info on getting yr cpuid/sbk see the cpuid guide in my SIG or the sticky in dev forum...
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

obviously..
I'm too dumb to figure this out...idk how to get my cpuid none of the ways in your "where's my cpuid"guide worked.I don't want to stay stuck on ota 4.0.3 but apparently I have to..thanks for your time and your advice,unfortunately I wasn't able to use it properly.

Well, it seems it's not just you being dumb ...
I tried the same - original OTA 4.0.3 and rooted my A500. Now tried to use the 'AfterOTA'-Tools, but getting stuck in step 3 of 4 (maybe i just need to insert a SD-Card in the Tab?).
Just got no idea, what to do now - the only thing i know is: before flashing, i need a open bootloader, but i've got no idea how to do that. The Guide linked in this posts: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 is just confusing me more and more
After a reading a few times, it seems to me, that MY next step should be:
"Automated flashing tool" (STEP 5= Going into APX mode see Q&A or use A500 manager)
-1-Reboot your tablet and make sure on your tablet: "Settings" -> "Applications" -> "Development" -> "USB debugging" switch on.
[...]
-It will ask if you are ready (click yes if you are)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it correct, that THIS will help me to patch/open the bootloader?
Or do i just have to follow this as a next step to create a patched bootloader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25891744&postcount=44 ?

voodoo441 said:
Well, it seems it's not just you being dumb ...
I tried the same - original OTA 4.0.3 and rooted my A500. Now tried to use the 'AfterOTA'-Tools, but getting stuck in step 3 of 4 (maybe i just need to insert a SD-Card in the Tab?).
Just got no idea, what to do now - the only thing i know is: before flashing, i need a open bootloader, but i've got no idea how to do that. The Guide linked in this posts: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622425 is just confusing me more and more
After a reading a few times, it seems to me, that MY next step should be:
"Automated flashing tool" (STEP 5= Going into APX mode see Q&A or use A500 manager)
Is it correct, that THIS will help me to patch/open the bootloader?
Or do i just have to follow this as a next step to create a patched bootloader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25891744&postcount=44 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi voodoo, no, neither of you are being dumb!!! It CAN be a complicated procedure, we try to make our guides 'simple' but theres ALOT that can go wrong
Yes the last link you posted will flash the patched bootloader!!!
- but basically this is what SHOULD happen
Note: The only way to get a custom ICS rom on your tab is with the v8 bootloader by skrilx_cz. This must be flashed via nvFlash/apx mode.
Note:The only way to install a custom recovery like cwm or twrp etc is with v8 bootloader.
Note: You cannot use Acer Recovery Installer unless you have the v8 installed.
Note: Rom Manager does not support our Acer Tabs...please don't use it to flash 'anything'!!
OK heres an overall view of the process:
1. Install Acer and adb/fastboot drivers
2. Retrieve your CPUID...
3. ...and use it to generate your SBK
4. Download your ICS or JB rom and copy to your sd card (internal or external)
5. Enter apx mode to begin the flash!!! or use apxFlash tool
5. Use balckthund3rs apxFlash tool and follow the instructions: hint: dump and save your bct!!!
5. If using civato's manual nvFlash method - Put your tab in apx mode and run the .bat file
5. AfterOTA Tool is only for those tabs which have OTA'ed to ICS!!!
The main issues you will have with the actual flashing process itself is a partitioning error or a bct error - and both of these are easily fixed...UNLESS your tab in one of the few with a hardware fault which only a new motherboard can remedy
Once you get the big white "PASS" on your tab, boot straight to your new custom recovery, do the FULL WIPES and flash your new rom....DONE!!!

Well ... i now used AfterOTA - but not in a virtual machine - now just natively installed on my macbook via bootcamp (windows). Worked. I now have a V8-Bootloader (the tab shows me this when iam booting it up).
Whats the next step to flash a new ROM? Iam ready to do that? Or is there any other step needed by now?
Regards, Tom
Edit:
I now just tried flashing a custom rom - so i copied the *.zip to my USB-Stick (FAT32) - because i read, i can use an USB-Stick as an micro-sd card.
Tried booting into recovery-kernel - worked for me, but the only thing i can see: a lying android with an red sign ("!").
Did i something wrong?

Oh dear....if u had a stock rom on there then its overwritten
your newly flashed recovery....you need to delete or rename
the "boot.p file" in /system..then reflash the v8...
The very next step should be to enter recovery and flash your
desired rom....

So, it now just works everything.
Used Acer Recovery-Manager to re-flash the recovery - worked fine for me.
But: i tried several 4.1 and 4.2-ROMS ... is it correct, that there's no Google Marketplace anymore on 4.1 and 4.2?