Database Users

[Q] New member/ Droid Owner - I can has help!?

Ok so I picked up my Droid X about a month ago and haven't been able to put this thing down, I never thought about rooting it because it did everything I needed/wanted it to do, then one day I log into my car forum and all the OT guys are posting cool print screen's of their phones. I was intrigued, so I rooted my phone and have been trying to figure out a few things but I'm not really up on the terminology and/or logic behind doing certain things. I would greatly appreciate any help in regards to explaining the following:
1) Rooting - Takes off restrictions on the phone so that developer apps can be installed... Is there more to this or is that pretty much it?
2) Flashing - I see this term often but I'm not sure what it is exactly, I tried installing a theme once and the directions said to flash something somewhere and looked at it the same way my dog looks at me while I'm working out at home.. lol
3) ROM - !?
4) apk's - What are they, what do they do, and how do you install them!?
5) Installing themes - I'm thinking has to do with all of the above...
6) Locating and moving downloaded content...
7) How do all of these things tie together? I'm completely clueless as to what does what on the phone and would like to become as knowledgeable as I was when the iPhone first came out and I figured out how to jailbreak/unlock it...
As a reward for your time and effort I leave you Final Fantasy VII fan's with a cool wallpaper I found at work today.. Thanks for any/all input and again, your time is most appreciated!!

Initial GT3 said:
Ok so I picked up my Droid X about a month ago and haven't been able to put this thing down, I never thought about rooting it because it did everything I needed/wanted it to do, then one day I log into my car forum and all the OT guys are posting cool print screen's of their phones. I was intrigued, so I rooted my phone and have been trying to figure out a few things but I'm not really up on the terminology and/or logic behind doing certain things. I would greatly appreciate any help in regards to explaining the following:
1) Rooting - Takes off restrictions on the phone so that developer apps can be installed... Is there more to this or is that pretty much it?
2) Flashing - I see this term often but I'm not sure what it is exactly, I tried installing a theme once and the directions said to flash something somewhere and looked at it the same way my dog looks at me while I'm working out at home.. lol
3) ROM - !?
4) apk's - What are they, what do they do, and how do you install them!?
5) Installing themes - I'm thinking has to do with all of the above...
6) Locating and moving downloaded content...
7) How do all of these things tie together? I'm completely clueless as to what does what on the phone and would like to become as knowledgeable as I was when the iPhone first came out and I figured out how to jailbreak/unlock it...
As a reward for your time and effort I leave you Final Fantasy VII fan's with a cool wallpaper I found at work today.. Thanks for any/all input and again, your time is most appreciated!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off- that is a lot to bite off as an opener. lol. I have to get in a minute- plus I am a newb as well but here a couple of things...
1) You sound pretty on track. Root gives you access to more options with your phone. It also voids your warranty.
2) Flashing. A term used loosely. Normally it is used in conjunction with "flashing a rom". It simply means to install something (basically).
3) Rom. It is the image (not in the photo-graphical sense) that is embedded/burned on your phones hard drive with all the information of your operating system. For instance: you are on the stock 2.2 ota "rom". But you could "flash" the new "AOSP rom" that was just released. That means you would be removing the factory image that came on your phone and replacing it with a modified image. Theme's and .apk's -those are not "burned" into the phone. If you do a factory reset- those will be wiped. The rom image stays put. If you flash from 2.2 ota to AOSP and then did a factory reset- you would not return to the original state your phone came from Motorola bc that image is completely removed and replaced by the new image you flash. Instead you would return to a clean AOSP.
4) .apk's - .apk is simply the name of the file extension used for android applications. I came from Windows Mobile and they were called .cabs. So any app can be referred to as an .apk. You can download an apk from XDA, place it on your sdcard, tap the file, and i think you will be prompted with "do you want to install" (some where along those lines). There is a setting in the "Settings" that allows you to install 3rd party (non-market) .apk's.
5)Installing themes. This refers to modifying the images (and this time I do mean in the graphic sense) of certain .apk's and other whatchamajiggies. You can install a simple theme that just changes your lockscreen, or you can install a huge theme that changes almost every part of every image so the entire phone looks similar. Here is the tricky part about using themes- your phone has to be deodexed.
deodexed. When you get your phone all of the system files come with a few different parts to them. One of those parts is an odexed file. Apparently the theme building types do not like working with these files so they run this process called de-odexing in which all of the system files are somehow manipulated in a way where they no longer need their odex file. So you end up "de-odexed". There is a program called "xultimate 2.2" that enables regular folk like you and me to deodex our phones. I tried running it yesterday and it errored out on me. So I used another method that worked fine. There are some threads on here about deodexing- if you want themes you will have to do it.
6) locating and moving downloaded content. When you have root you can get Root Explorer from the market. I am sure there are other good file exploreres- but I can't speak to them- I use Root Explorer. As far as locating downloaded content- whenever I download something from my phone, it always (normally) goes to /sdcard/downloads. If it is not there, I guess you just do a search for it. If you want to move it- long press the item, copy, move.
And you will need to google "ADB" (android device bridge). Many of these activities will require the use of ADB. You plug in your phone through USB (make sure phone settings are set to "USB debugging") and... well there is just way to much on this one. Google this one and you will find a lot of stuff- or search it here on XDA
have a great weekend. got to go.

Step-by-step How-To root Froyo for newbs

OK, so I got my stock Dell streak unlocked Froyo last week and I wanted to unlock it. I read the various threads and it was a bit unclear what worked and what didn't. So here is how I did it for you peeps with new Streaks:
Note: this is for Windows only... (has been tested and works on basebands 315 and 318)
1) download and install the Windows drivers from here:
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Handheld/R288920.exe
2) download SuperOneClick 1.5.5 from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=437039&d=1289271263
3) extract SuperOneClick on your hard drive
4) put your Streak in USB debugging mode: Settings>Applications>Development>turn on USB Debugging
5) plug your Streak into the computer - do not mount the SD card
6) right click on SuperOneClick.exe and run as administrator
7) click "Root" and watch the progress and follow instructions.
8) if all went well, you can then find the SuperUser app on your Streak.
If this fails, there are a couple of things that can be done that will likely lead to success. One is to try the above procedure with the SD card taken out of the phone. The other option is to turn the phone off and start the root process as above. When the process gets to "Waiting on Device" then turn the phone on.
Hope this helps...

Would z4root be a lot easier and less time-consuming way than above post? I used z4root 1.2, and it works like a charm!

traithudo said:
Would z4root be a lot easier and less time-consuming way than above post? I used z4root 1.2, and it works like a charm!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never tried z4root because most of the posts I read said it didn't work for Froyo 2.2...
Glad there's another way to do it
Anyway, my point was to explain a step-by-step way for newbs like me.

Unfortunately zroot 1.3 does not work on my streak
AND I AM USING MAC, THX ANYWAY

I tried to download the SuperOneClick but my antivirus block it every time because there is a trojan virus

Hello daesdaemar,
Many thanks for your post. It's a good step by step reference. I am expecting my Dell factory shipped Froyo Red Streak to show up any time soon...
DO you have a list of tips and tricks / tweaks to configure, or install some basic but key apps to get your Dell Streak to optimal run state?
A list like this: Once you receive a factory shipped Froyo Streak, do this:
1. Root it (see daesdarmar's method)
2. Set up keyboard for Swype since it's the best option (or download and replace Swype with latest beta version optimized for Streak 5" screen)
3. Install App X and tweak these to speed up processor frequency
4. Install "Bloat Manager" to disable any un-necessary Dell apps etc
5.
6.
7. etc
I was searching around for a nice list of "To-dos" from anyone who recently received a factory installed Froyo Streak but I can't find a good list around and handy....
Let me know if you can help build one or share one ...
Thanks in advance.

me4tux said:
Hello daesdaemar,
Many thanks for your post. It's a good step by step reference. I am expecting my Dell factory shipped Froyo Red Streak to show up any time soon...
DO you have a list of tips and tricks / tweaks to configure, or install some basic but key apps to get your Dell Streak to optimal run state?
A list like this: Once you receive a factory shipped Froyo Streak, do this:
1. Root it (see daesdarmar's method)
2. Set up keyboard for Swype since it's the best option (or download and replace Swype with latest beta version optimized for Streak 5" screen)
3. Install App X and tweak these to speed up processor frequency
4. Install "Bloat Manager" to disable any un-necessary Dell apps etc
5.
6.
7. etc
I was searching around for a nice list of "To-dos" from anyone who recently received a factory installed Froyo Streak but I can't find a good list around and handy....
Let me know if you can help build one or share one ...
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...
I am a new Streaker, so I don't know that I'm the one to compile a list of essentials, but I did the following in the first day or so just to make it seem a bit better/more personal:
1) rooted
2) Titanium Back Up for freeze/uninstall bloatware
3) AstroFile and File Expert to serve as file managers and connect to my home network
4) QQPlayer to watch videos
5) JustPictures! for my photos
6) Multi Picture Live for wallpaper manipulations
7) Kindle and Aldiko readers
8) Dropbox
9) Extended Controls - nice widget
Trying to figure out if there is a better browser...
Just playing with it and having a good time

me4tux said:
. . . .
I was searching around for a nice list of "To-dos" from anyone who recently received a factory installed Froyo Streak but I can't find a good list around and handy....
. . . ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently got a carrier unlocked Streak with Android 2.2 from Dell. I received it with 2.2 on it. Here's what I've done so far:
1. Root it - see steps in OP
2. Install Titanium backup (paid) and freeze the apps I don't/won't use.
3. Install Root Explorer
4. Changed this line debug.sf.hw=0 to this debug.sf.hw=1 in build.prop. See this
5. I use SlideIt for my keyboard most of the time. I like it better than Swype and I had already paid for it with my old phone. I have been trying Thumb Keyboard for landcape and also have Better Keyboard..
6. I use LauncherPro (donation version) for my home app with just 3 screens.
What's bloat and what's useful is different depending on your needs.

Fantastic and very straight forward.
Thanks so much.

shinydesert said:
Fantastic and very straight forward.
Thanks so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you

@marvin02:
I would appreciate a step-by-step explanation of how to edit the build prop file with Root Explorer.
EDIT: I got it done!

daesdaemar said:
@marvin02:
I would appreciate a step-by-step explanation of how to edit the build prop file with Root Explorer.
EDIT: I got it done!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you figured it out.

works like a charm. now when i get my phone back(broke lcd, dont ask) i can play around with it some more

daesdaemar said:
Trying to figure out if there is a better browser...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used xScope, but the free Miren Browser really looks awesome. Fast, pretty, handy, I can't expect more from a Browser.

Thanks OP for the straightforward instructions ...
Now I have to wait until Rogers come out with the Froyo update !!

Not working
Hello,
I have a Dell Streak with Android 2.2, build 12821, Baseband version 318.
Nothing I have tried has worked to root this ^%$#@! thing! I have tried several versions of superoneclick and other options, but nothing is getting it done.
Has anyone successfully rooted this build version?
Pleeeeeaaasssse help!?!

Woohoo! Marvin02 clued me into this oddball solution:
Remove the SD card and run 1.5.5. It works!

spdivr said:
Woohoo! Marvin02 clued me into this oddball solution:
Remove the SD card and run 1.5.5. It works!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what worked for me on baseband 318, using a WinXP pro computer. May also work just by unmounting the SD Card in Menu->Settings->SD card & phone storage.
Even though I was not turning on USB storage when I connected the USB cable the computer was seeing the SD Card as a removable drive in Windows Explorer.

Hi, I cannot visit the following link:
1) download and install the Windows drivers from here:
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Handheld/R288920.exe
Please help, thanks!

londoneye said:
Hi, I cannot visit the following link:
1) download and install the Windows drivers from here:
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Handheld/R288920.exe
Please help, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about this Dell support page?

[Q] Uber n00b needs help updating Axura...

Hey guys - I'm new to this forum, but I figure if anyone can help me, someone here can.
So, my bro got ahold of my phone and rooted it and installed Axura 2.2.5.9.
Since there is a newer version, I would like to throw it on and work out a few glitches and get whatever tweaks were put there.
So, how do I go about updating this thing? If anyone has the time or the patience, I would love to hear this in layman's terms.
Like:
Step 1 - download 'this file'
Step 2 - Plug phone in and drag/drop to 'folder x' on 'internal/external sd'
Etc. I came from an iPhone and all the lingo is different - like jailbreaking vs rooting. And saying "flash" instead of "load" or ROM instead of OS.
I would just like to update, but I'd liek to not be confused by all the different slang.
Thanks, anyone, for putting your 2 cents in to help a brother out.

this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028
will answer all your questions

After you read the noob guide, feel free to PM me if you need clarification... I would also be curious to know if you think it could be improved. I wrote it trying to cater to the noob.

Just install download the rom you want on the sd (internal memory, dont save it in any folder) then boot into recovery (you should be able to do so by simply holding the power button for a second) now choose install zip from sd or sth like that and pick the rom file. The end.
Sent from my JPJPM V2 powered SGH-T959 using XDA App

full instructions easily available on the d4a site
click the link in my sig go down to vibrant section > roms> read the op
Its exactly like flashing any other rom, only difference being that you have an axuraXXXX.zip instead of ANYOTHERROM.zip
Cheers.

Just remember to backup your apps, since the new rom will wipe your phone.
To be safe, you may want to make a nandroid backup in CWR... always nice to have something to fall back on.
The guide has more detail like these steps, but yes, everyone is right in saying just download it and flash it. I think it's important to backup everything.

The Noob Guide is really well written. My problem now is I cant find the file to download!

A Rom you mean? You can find those in the development forum along with other tools you may need to run/flash it.
Here's a link just in case you don't know where that is
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=711

Yes, the ROM. I went to the daily bible thread and tried to click "Download" on the Axura subsection. It gave me an "Error 404 - file not found".

Just open one of the threads in the form link I just gave you and look for the ROM you wanted, then check the first post there for the download link.

I did that. That's when I get the Error 404.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=949372

They must have pulled that rom of the server or the host did that. Just go for another one, plenty of options out there and quite frankly Axura isn't exactly the most sought after roms around here.

Axura is truly in need of a 2.2.1 update, but seeing as though Master is happy with his Nexus, it will never be getting one. And quite frankly, Eugene's gingerclone roms, trigger, or any of the i9000 ports run much smoother to me.

Ding forget he has also gotten a thunderbolt, I thought about picking up dev on axura but I have no where near enough time to mess with it, but I agree axura is in dire need of an update to 2.2.1
This post Trigger'd by my Vibrant

THANKS GUYS
I just got Trigger and so far so good.
My only issue is that I couldnt figure out how to restore my apps in Ti. Looked like there were 0 files backed up. Oh well. One at a time.

[Q] Help anyone. Idiot Guide to rooting back to OS 1.6?

Hi, i have been looking through some of the rooting, flash threads on here and there is a bit too much information,lol.
Can anyone detail the basic steps, software required to roll my X10 back to the 1.6 OS?
I am still having connectivity issues when trying to use the handset in the car.
The vehicle manufactures website shows that the Xperia X10i is compatible with their factory fitted handsfree systems, but only on OS 1.6.
1. Download this and extract in any folder of your computer:megaupload.com/?d=HCWX4KO3 (The credits of this goes for its creators)
2. Open the folder that its named 1_firmware and in the fileDeviceID.txt copy yours, save and close. (This is the same as the one used on the flashtools of Bin4ry)
This is how you can get your DeviceID on Windows: (Again thanks tojimbo77)
2.1: Connect your phone to the computer on the USB port you are going to use to flash it.
2.2: Press start (or windows icon) and in the run box type regedit
2.3: Click edit>find, and type in Vid_0fce&Pid_adde. You should find "DeviceInstance". If that fails, make sure Match whole stringis un-ticked, and click find next or press f3, if that fails, tryUSB\VID_0FCE&PID_ADDE. Copy the last section of that, it should look something like "5&2888d0ff&0&1".
Note: It changes with every diffrent USB port you use....3. Download your Firmware, extract it and copy all the files on it to the 1_firmware folder. You don't have to erase anything from this folder, unless you got the message to replace a file.
4. Now run the RootX10a_v2.cmd and select step 1 and follow the instructions. If done correctly you will see a window that starts to write and write and write a lot of things. This process will take around 5 minutes, so be patient. (It is like if you were flashing your phone)
5. Turn your phone on and wait until you get the configuration screen.
6. Now connect the phone to the PC and run PC Companion or SEUS. If it shows that there is a new software for your phone, follow the instructions and update if you want.
7. Enjoy your phone on Android OS 1.6 or 2.1 with your operator
Thank you on anticipation to any help offered.
I have had a look here, but am not 100% if this is all that i need to do?
Sorry, not able to post the link, being a new user.
The one part that is not clear to me is where they say, "Open the folder that its named 1_firmware and in the fileDeviceID.txt copy yours, save and close"
What is it that im supposed to copy?

No.. no...
You need the flashtool and the 1.6 files..
I cant seem to find the 1.6 files...
Why do you need 1.6?

SE seem to have done something with the update 2.1 where the phones Bluetooth will connect to my vehicle, but only for about 40 seconds, then removes its self and then re attaches, then removes its self again and this goes on for the duration the handset is in the car with me.
The handset i have just now was a replacement for my original and came with the 2.1 OS already updated.
The original 1.6 OS that was on the phone connected to my vehicle and gave me phonebook access.
I have neither now hence why i wish to roll back to the software that is compatible with my vehicles system. 1.6 buildR1FA016 Kernel 2.6

Get your phone rooted, load Xrecovery.
and flash Wolfbreaks CM rom.
And watch the magic.

OmegaRED^ said:
Get your phone rooted, load Xrecovery.
and flash Wolfbreaks CM rom.
And watch the magic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the above, but can you break this into more simple instructions, links etc as this is way above me. I'm not totally useless, but i have never done anything like this, so it is all double dutch to me at this point in time,lol.

Download the flashtool from androxyde's thread then follow the instructions to flash the latest FW, then reboot your phone plug it in and press root on the flashtool and then reboot and install XRecovery and use it to install a custom ROM by following the directions in a ROM thread.
Just start by reading the Flashtool thread.
Sent From My *Super Fly X10*
If I (or anyone for that matter!) help you, dont be afraid to press THANKS!

CMoney87 said:
Download the flashtool from androxyde's thread then follow the instructions to flash the latest FW, then reboot your phone plug it in and press root on the flashtool and then reboot and install XRecovery and use it to install a custom ROM by following the directions in a ROM thread.
Just start by reading the Flashtool thread.
Sent From My *Super Fly X10*
If I (or anyone for that matter!) help you, dont be afraid to press THANKS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had a read at the flash tool thread and even more confused now, too much information and no understanding of what it all means.

I am looking for someone who can supply links to what i actually need to roll the phone back.
What software do i require.
Do i have to root the phone and if so, how do you do this?
I did say in the thread title an "Idiots Guide". Simple and straightforward instructions that a first timer can comprehend, similar to the text in my first post, bullet points?
Thanks.

Bonzo67 said:
I am looking for someone who can supply links to what i actually need to roll the phone back.
What software do i require.
Do i have to root the phone and if so, how do you do this?
I did say in the thread title an "Idiots Guide". Simple and straightforward instructions that a first timer can comprehend, similar to the text in my first post, bullet points?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude.. all the threads have the answers.
Read abit it won't kill you.

OmegaRED^ said:
Dude.. all the threads have the answers.
Read abit it won't kill you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did and it's version this and version that. So which version is it that i actually need without screwing up my phone?
Suppose i'm more looking for something along the lines of what you would get if you downloaded a torrent file, where everything is in the one folder, inc the instructions.
Anyway, hopefully problem is sorted, as i am ditching SE after 10 years of using their handsets and going to Samsung which is compatible with my vehicles factory fitted system.

Bonzo67 said:
I did and it's version this and version that. So which version is it that i actually need without screwing up my phone?
Suppose i'm more looking for something along the lines of what you would get if you downloaded a torrent file, where everything is in the one folder, inc the instructions.
Anyway, hopefully problem is sorted, as i am ditching SE after 10 years of using their handsets and going to Samsung which is compatible with my vehicles factory fitted system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1060703

How to make archos internet tablet 101 gen8 faster

I recently got this tablet from my uncle who was gonna throw it out and i said i could try to tweak it .After few days i did the best and made it awesome and cooler than before here i will give the instruction how to make it faster ...
Step 1:
http://www.archos.com/va/support/support_tech/updates_dev.html
from the link you have to download the firmware for your archos device.
you could install it simply by copying it to your device and running it.
step 2:
install a custom rom i choose urukdroid but there are lots of other like cm7 etc
https://code.google.com/p/urukdroid/
above is the link for urukdroid in the website you could follow the steps to install it
step 3:
from here i will explain only for urukdroid as i have not tried other roms
so for archos 101 it gen8 only
if you don't want to install it in SD card then just set it up internally in advanced option it can also be found in the same website
https://code.google.com/p/urukdroid/wiki/Installation
step 4:
after installing the rom you must download arctools(i have attached it) connect it to wifi and install the google market after this
cos without the market what they have given sucks...!!
step 5;
download apps like clean master to remove usless preinstalled apps
download Greenify to bloack unused apps this makes the device fast and saves battery (awesome app)
overclock the device from 1 to 1.1 ghz - https://code.google.com/p/urukdroid/wiki/UrukService_cpugovernor
swap ram memory - https://code.google.com/p/urukdroid/wiki/UrukService_compcache
use launchers which you like it makes the device faster but with over customization it makes the device slower
If you into gaming Chainfire3D could be used to play the games little faster -http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1087427
if you follow all the 5 steps your device is completely customized and faster than before
please follow the instruction carefully or else you might brick your device and i am not responsible for it.
For any queries PM me.
And if you find any better ways reply to this post about it.

Wow
Just about to bin mine if it didnt work my mede8ter app ( which thought would be only reason for keeping) but didnt so its in bin next to my desk then just by chance seen this...well done for sifting through sites trying to find info and links I gave up long time ago...thank you for this will tell you how I get on...:good:
Mmmmm cannot run market...force close..

THANK YOU!
Bought the tablet used for $25, but it was bricked. got it running on a normal stock ROM but i couldnt get the play store on it. Found this just a few minutes ago and tried it. Got it all working now, (with URUK) glad i found it made me happy. Now i can give the tablet to my mom for her mother's day present!

You are welcome I'm glad my tut has helped you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

Sorry for the really late reply , sometime the market app may force close continuously
you can try reinstalling it and if it doesn't clear the problem then do a complete reset and follow the procedure from first.

Boot issues
I've rebooted into og os, then was not able to get the boot menu, even though I was holding down the volume down button. Solution: 1. Power off device. 2. Remove sd card 3. Boot into Boot menu. 4. Insert sd card. 5. Boot into developer edition. :good: :good: :good: