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

Lost Email and other apps after installing a new ROM

Hi,
I am new to tablets so please bear with me
I downgraded my 3.2 A500 to 3.0.1, root it and than installed a custom ROM Thor 3.2.1 (v12) using Acer Recovery Installer.
1) I've noticed that Email (exchange + others) is gone and no way to put it back
2) Other previously installed apps like Acer Folders are gone too.
3) The tables is slower than before although people keep bragging about how fast this Rom is.
I've seen couple of posts saying that Email is lost because I didn't full wipe the tablet. What is full wipe? is it factory reset? is more than that? is a program that I have to run? I've also seen people talking about clear data + cache? What is this command?
Please advice how can I get a custom rooted ROM to be as close to the stock one?
At this point I should factory reset the tablet to get my email back or I have to start all over again?
Any idea in this myriad of terms an acronyms would be highly appreciated!

danix said:
Hi,
I am new to tablets so please bear with me
I downgraded my 3.2 A500 to 3.0.1, root it and than installed a custom ROM Thor 3.2.1 (v12) using Acer Recovery Installer.
1) I've noticed that Email (exchange + others) is gone and no way to put it back
2) Other previously installed apps like Acer Folders are gone too.
3) The tables is slower than before although people keep bragging about how fast this Rom is.
I've seen couple of posts saying that Email is lost because I didn't full wipe the tablet. What is full wipe? is it factory reset? is more than that? is a program that I have to run? I've also seen people talking about clear data + cache? What is this command?
Please advice how can I get a custom rooted ROM to be as close to the stock one?
At this point I should factory reset the tablet to get my email back or I have to start all over again?
Any idea in this myriad of terms an acronyms would be highly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you flash a new ROM, especially a custom ROM based on Asus, and not Acer (like the Thor ROM), you generally retain nothing after the flash, unless you'te merely upgrading from one version to the next.
Before flashing a new ROM with CWM, proper formats and wipes should be done to clean out all residuals of the previous ROMS.
Wipes menu
1) Wipe cache
2) Wipe Data, Factory reset
3) Wipe dalvik cache
4) Wipe battery stats
Mounts and storage menu
5) format system
6) format data
7) format cache
8) format flexrom
Install zip from sdcard
Choose zip file
Flash ROM
reapeat steps 1-4 (not 5-8!)
Reboot, and follow setup in your new ROM.
Some people will consider this redundant, and overkill, but rest assured that you'll not have half the problems that most people have after flashing a new ROM that don't do a proper wipe, and format.
Doing this by memory, will reboot, look at the menus again, and correct if I missed anything in a minute.
EDIT: Just rebooted into recovery, and checked. Method above is correct.
---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:35 AM ----------
If you want a ROM that is close to stock as possible, hit the DEV section of this forum and choose a Stock rooted 3.2 ROM.
---------- Post added at 11:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:47 AM ----------
As to your comment about the Thor ROM being slower. I found that while the transitions were much smoother, boot up lagged and was slower than others, and shutdown took longer as well.
On the plus side, I've never gotten GPS lock so quickly in my life, nor with as many sats as I did with the Thor ROM. I had a look through the ROM, and there are many more files and folders that are Asus specific related to the GPS hardware that Acer doesn't include, thus the horrid GPS performance on the A500.

Thanks a bunch!
Just couple of question: Given the fact that I am already in the situation of having Thor ROM what do I do now?
Or on the alternative given the situation, if I choose to install a rooted stock ROM will all come back to normal?
Note: I don not try to preserve the existent data, just to get the tablet back in a good working state.

danix said:
Thanks a bunch!
Just couple of question: Given the fact that I am already in the situation of having Thor ROM what do I do now?
Or on the alternative given the situation, if I choose to install a rooted stock ROM will all come back to normal?
Note: I don not try to preserve the existent data, just to get the tablet back in a good working state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do a complete wipe, format, and install a pre-rooted Stock 3.2 ROM if you want it as close to stock as possible. This is what you want if that's the case.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1290318

I didn't initially followed the instructions and I got a rooted stock ROM that seemed fine at the beginning until I've realized it doesn't have the Android Market app
However I've followed strictly the instructions and now I got it all working !!! Many thanks!

danix said:
I didn't initially followed the instructions and I got a rooted stock ROM that seemed fine at the beginning until I've realized it doesn't have the Android Market app
However I've followed strictly the instructions and now I got it all working !!! Many thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good job, glad it all worked out for you!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS POST!!
I had this problem on my rooted HTC Sensation and went mad. Rebooting, reflashing - you name it, did not work. This saved my life, and in case this happens again (dont count on it haha), i'm safe now. Thank you for posting this.
My first post on this forum goes to thanking you!

For all new to flashing make sure, you always study the directions, and do not attempt till you fully understand each step. Once you do a few flashes, it all will become easy. This is a good thread for the new comers.

[GUIDE] A Complete Noob's Guide to Rooting and Flashing Custom ROM's on the SGS3

A guy I know asked if I could let him know how to Root and Flash ROM's, so I did him a guide. It turned out to be a pretty comprehensive guide and I guessed others might find this useful too?
DISCLAIMER!!!!! This WILL void your warranty, so take that on-board, although you can de-root the phones and put them back to their shipped state theoretically. If your phone ends up a pretty brick, and Samsung aren't interested, that ISN'T my fault. THIS IS ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK! THIS GUIDE SHOULD BE ACCURATE, I HAVE READ IT OVER AND OVER, BUT READ THE COMMENTS BELOW TO CHECK FIRST. IT'S YOUR PHONE!!!!
First Some Handy App's:
ROM Manager has Custom ROM's that are popular and it can advise when new versions become available. It's a more automated way of flashing ROMs and good for new flashers! : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.rommanager&hl=en
Nova Launcher is an improved version of the Stock Jellybean launcher and allows you to backup your home screens, therefore you don't have to start from scratch everytime you flash a new ROM: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher&hl=en
Titanium Backup is a pretty (not entirely) essential app that backs up all your apps, and the data associated with them, i.e passwords, game save files, username. Basically the app will be frozen as it is when you leave it. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup&hl=en
ES File Explorer is a File Manager which also has the options in settings to allow it root access to the system files on your phone. This is handy as you will no doubt understand the more you use it. It can also display the MD5 of a ZIP file that you download. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore&hl=en This will backup your text and picture messages to your SD Card. Handy!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.CallLogBackupRestore&hl=en This will backup your Call Logs....if you are bothered.
Now down to the Nuts and Bolts! Let's Get Rooting and Flashing!
1) Root and Recovery Install:
You root your device following the instructions in this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703488 post. This gives you Superuser access to your phone and allows you to change the boot options of your phone. This will install Clockworkmod Recovery. Clockworkmod Recovery replaces the in-built recovery that the OEM installs and allows you more flexibility to alter your phone. If you struggle to get into Recovery, then there is a key-press combination that does it when you switch on your phone and there is also an app in the Play Market called "Reboot to Recovery" that will allow you to do it, but you need to understand how to get into Recovery from a cold start just in case you have issues. Most custom ROM's will have it on the shutdown menu of the phone anyway, and once you install a custom ROM and install ROM Manager, then you can access it there anyway. It sounds a bit daunting, but its really simple once you understand how Clockworkmod, or any other custom Recovery works. READ CHAINFIRE'S THREAD PROPERLY BEFORE YOU START - THEN READ IT AGAIN!
2) Titanium Backup & Nandroid:
You will hear people refer to Titanium Back-up's and Nandroids. This is basically a full back-up of your ROM. A Nandroid backs up the exact state of your ROM so you can restore it back if you ever have problems or just don't like the ROM you have flashed. The first thing you have to do when you have rooted your phone is do a Nandroid. In Clockworkmod you will see in the menu's "Backup and Restore". Back it up, this will place it either on your internal SD or the external Micro SD Card (you can choose, it's faster on your internal SD but the file will be large. Over 1GB+ isn't unusual as this will back up all your apps and everything associated with them.) Nandroid, nandroid, nandroid. Do it all the time. You can always delete them in Clockoworkmod or through a file manager - if you don't need them later. Nandroid, DO A NANDROID! Then, reboot into your stock ROM and DO A TITANIUM BACKUP! You can also backup your SMS and Call Logs, too. Don't get over excited and forget. DO A NANDROID and DO A TITANIUM BACKUP! You get the picture!?
3) Custom ROM files and other flashable files:
ROM's, RIL's and Radio's are generally mostly .ZIP files (Google them all and work out what they do! - YES DO THIS - IT IS ESSENTIAL) and are flashed in Clockworkmod Recovery by using the menu item "Install Zip from..." Don't try to uncompress them yourself or it won't work and most files come with a MD5 checksum code. This will verify the .ZIP file is perfect and not corrupted. ALWAYS check your MD5 before you flash. ROM Manager will do this automatically, but if you download a ROM from XDA the author will usually supply the MD5. If you download the ROM ZIP to your phone, ES File Explorer has a function to display the MD5. USE IT!
4) ROM Manager and Titanium Backup:
The two best apps for Android (in my opinion anyway), and you do NEED to buy them really, not essential, but they make your life much easier. ROM Manager has the most popular ROM's and will notify you about updates. The most popular and probably the best custom (or usually the most stable) ROMs are by Cyanogenmod (Google it) and CM9 is their Google Android AOSP (Android Open Source Project - Again Google it and understand it) based on Ice Cream Sandwich and CM10 is still in development, but is their new ROM based on Jellybean. Keep your titanium back ups up to date BEFORE you flash a new ROM then you can put the apps back on in the exact state you left them on the old ROM.
5) Kernels, Radios and RILs (Radio Interface Layer) and Firmware:
These can be flashed in Clockworkmod generally, are sometimes essential, and can improve the performance of you device, but be careful, flashing these can brick your device if it goes wrong or the download is corrupt in some way. Check the MD5 religiously and make sure your battery is full so your phone doesn't switch off mid way through. Kernels are usually OK, but firmware still scares me now. ALWAYS check that what ever you are flashing is for the INTERNATIONAL or UK SGS3 if that is the phone you are using. Do NOT flash another version, their hardware is different and it will brick your phone.....not sure....ask on XDA Developers, nobody will flame you for checking!
6) Gapps:
With most ROM's, you will need to flash the GAPPS.ZIP package to have it automatically restore your photos, contacts and wireless details. So don't forget to do this whenever you flash most custom ROMs. The Gapps ZIP contains important apps like the Google Maps, Play Store, Calendar, Contacts, Camera, Gallery (where you find the Picasa Pics from your PC), and will log your phone into Google, so it's pretty essential.
7) Some other tips.
A) Titanium! (I KNOW, BUT YOU WILL KICK YOURSELF IF YOU DON'T)
B) Nandroid! (I KNOW, BUT YOU WILL KICK YOURSELF IF YOU DON'T)
C) READ THE THREAD AND THE OP BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD A ROM AND FLASH IT.
D) READ ABOUT THE BUGS IN THE ROM AND DECIDE IF YOU WANT IT.
E) DON'T ASK DEV'S FOR ETA'S - YOU WILL BE GROWLED AT. THEY DO ALL THIS FOR FREE!
F) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T MOAN AT ME IF THIS BRICKS YOUR PHONE. THIS IS A GUIDE, IF ANYTHING IS INACCURATE THEN NO DOUBT SOMEONE WILL COMMENT BELOW, SO THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW TIP C! ABOVE!!!!
F) Always wipe your Cache and Dalvik Cache first, when you flash a new ROM.
G) Read the OP - Some phones need a full factory reset before you flash them. READ THE OP!!!!!
Good Luck. :good:

If you have time you should make it more detailed...i get what you say but some may want more info about what they're doing with their phone..
Any by the way!
It's called KERNEL!
Not KERNAL!
KERNAL:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KERNAL
KERNEL:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)

Moved to general, make sure you read the section rules for more information on where to place threads!

nfsmw_gr said:
If you have time you should make it more detailed...i get what you say but some may want more info about what they're doing with their phone..
Any by the way!
It's called KERNEL!
Not KERNAL!
KERNAL:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KERNAL
KERNEL:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha Ha, I'll correct it. I always get them mixed up.
If one of the mods make it a sticky then I'll spend a lot of time making it more detailed, but if it's just going to get lost in the ether, then there's probably little point. I would personally have killed for a guide like this 4 years ago when I started rooting and flashing, but I agree, it could be even more comprehensive and I certainly don't mind putting in the leg-work if it's helping people?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Comment .
One Rom Manager is known to give problems with some root if you read Chainfires thread .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
Nandroid does not backup everything No Modem No EFS
With most ROM's, you will need to flash the GAPPS.ZIP >>> Not true for stock based roms .
jje

JJEgan said:
Comment .
One Rom Manager is known to give problems with some root if you read Chainfires thread .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
Nandroid does not backup everything No Modem No EFS
With most ROM's, you will need to flash the GAPPS.ZIP >>> Not true for stock based roms .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll let some of these corrections mount up then do a big edit.
You are of course correct, stock ROMs and ones like MIUI don't need Gapps.
Didn't realise ROM Manager was an issue after the recent stability fixes recently, but I'll amend that.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

ManCityFC said:
Thanks, I'll let some of these corrections mount up then do a big edit.
You are of course correct, stock ROMs and ones like MIUI don't need Gapps.
Didn't realise ROM Manager was an issue after the recent stability fixes recently, but I'll amend that.
And yes, good point about Nandroids.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

ManCityFC said:
Didn't realise ROM Manager was an issue after the recent stability fixes recently, but I'll amend that.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be out of date with my comments . Its just long time SGS and Rom Manager problem posts .
jje

Can anyone else think of things that I could add to this guide?
I'm thinking of updating it with:
Terms that people ask about, (like the dreaded SOD)
Creating a section that explains about helping devs with positive feedback and how to generate a logcat.
General troubleshooting like clearing an app cache.
Need some inspiration though, what questions do we get asked over and over?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Some questions about Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and root/ROMs, etc.

Just got a GTab 2 7.0 a few days ago. A P3113, so only 8GB of storage, about half of which is the ROM and crap apps. I've rooted before (had a KF 1st gen when it came out), and just wondering about a few things with the GTab:
Right now, I don't mind the stock ROM so much. There are problem things that would be "nice to have", but right now, would like to generally stay as "stock" as possible. That being said, I'd still like to "de-crap" the ROM to free up some storage space, and I assume that might lead to it running a bit better, since so much seems to just pop-in while running other apps. So:
I know I need to root first, so my first question - how reliable is that? I'm on a Mac, but have access to a netbook running Win7, so could run Odin to "get things done". I'd hate to brick the thing, still having 51 weeks of warranty left. (I also understand that I might want to install something else to keep the flash count from showing it's been flashed).
Once root'ed, is it better to use one of the "de-crapped" ROMs floating around? And if so, which seems "best" (yeah, I know the moderators hate the "which is best" - I'm looking for stock - and STABLE)
Or, is it better to eliminate the apps myself? (Not sure if this is a wholesale "rm" to remove certain apps from a terminal app, using adb, or if they have some uninstallers embedded somewhere, or...) - so better to use one of the ROMs floating around?
Is the GTab 2 "stable", so even if you trash a ROM, you can still get into the ROM manager to restore a previously working, or stock, ROM?
I'll probably come up with a couple more questions, especially depending on the replies... TIA

Hi..
I can answer some of your questions. I hope that helps!
1- Rooting is easy and reliable. you may use "CF-Auto-Root" tool (search for it in XDA forum).
But you need to remember that rooting and custom ROMs void your warranty.
2- If you just need to free some storage space, you may use an app such as "Clean Master" to uninstall system apps and get rid of temp and junk files.
3- If you opt to use a custom ROM make sure it is very well supported and maintained.

aisais said:
Hi..
I can answer some of your questions. I hope that helps!
1- Rooting is easy and reliable. you may use "CF-Auto-Root" tool (search for it in XDA forum).
But you need to remember that rooting and custom ROMs void your warranty.
2- If you just need to free some storage space, you may use an app such as "Clean Master" to uninstall system apps and get rid of temp and junk files.
3- If you opt to use a custom ROM make sure it is very well supported and maintained.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - but prior to using Clean Master I assume I better either get a stock image to reload, or use CWM so I can make a backup of the ROM before messing something up?

tundrwd said:
Thanks - but prior to using Clean Master I assume I better either get a stock image to reload, or use CWM so I can make a backup of the ROM before messing something up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Taking a backup is always good thing to do. I suggest you try clean master to know how it works and what does it do.

aisais said:
Taking a backup is always good thing to do. I suggest you try clean master to know how it works and what does it do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - I plan to use Clean Master. Allows me to be selective about what I remove/move, instead of getting a ROM from someone and they removed the ONE THING I really wanted.

Ok, got it rooted and CWM installed.
HOWEVER, when I boot into CWM, I DON'T see an option to backup my ROM (I've used TWRP before on my KF, so the menu is different).
What I've got on my screen in CWM:
Android system recover <3e>
Volume up/down to move highlight;
power button to select.
reboot system now
apply update from ADB
apply update from external storage
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
apply update from cache​
That's it. Where's the option to do a ROM backup? Oh, used file P3113_SAMSUNG_RECOVERY_SUPERSU-0.96_BUSYBOX-1.20.2.tar.md5.zip Had CWM and Root all in one. I do have GT-P3113_ClockworkMod-Recovery_6.0.1.0.tar as well. Should I just go through procedure again to flash this CWM? Will it still retain SU?

nandroid backup ok to use? Seems it's just a wrapper for a backup script...

Ok - I'll reply to myself.
I don't know what was wrong with the CWM I installed via the aforementioned file (P3113_SAMSUNG_RECOVERY_SUPERSU-0.96_BUSYBOX-1.20.2.tar.md5.zip), but I went to the CWM site, D/L'ed the latest touch enabled CWM for the P3113 (6.0.2.3, I believe), and installed it over the existing recovery image on the device (I had to create my own .tar.md5 - easy with *nix).
Anyway, I now have access to the backup options by scrolling down. The image from P3113_SAMSUNG_RECOVERY_SUPERSU-0.96_BUSYBOX-1.20.2.tar.md5.zip, simply wouldn't scroll beyond what I listed earlier. Now can scroll down, make backups, etc.
Haven't tried yet to re-install the image I made with nandroid - I'm a bit leery of that - so I'll just get the stock 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile, and keep it around....

tundrwd said:
Ok - I'll reply to myself.
I don't know what was wrong with the CWM I installed via the aforementioned file (P3113_SAMSUNG_RECOVERY_SUPERSU-0.96_BUSYBOX-1.20.2.tar.md5.zip), but I went to the CWM site, D/L'ed the latest touch enabled CWM for the P3113 (6.0.2.3, I believe), and installed it over the existing recovery image on the device (I had to create my own .tar.md5 - easy with *nix).
Anyway, I now have access to the backup options by scrolling down. The image from P3113_SAMSUNG_RECOVERY_SUPERSU-0.96_BUSYBOX-1.20.2.tar.md5.zip, simply wouldn't scroll beyond what I listed earlier. Now can scroll down, make backups, etc.
Haven't tried yet to re-install the image I made with nandroid - I'm a bit leery of that - so I'll just get the stock 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile, and keep it around....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I did today, grabbed the stock image for a backup, rooted with Odin and CWM then flashed a CM based 4.3 ROM. Piece of cake.