Database Users

Root Access, Can't Uninstall Bloatware

So I'm rooted on my Evo and as far as I can tell I've flashed the stock rom that should allow me to uninstall the bloatware, however, I dont see any uninstall options for that crap like facebook.
Anything I'm doing wrong?
I followed this guide to root and flash. I've tested my root using the "Terminal Emulator" and typing "su" and it returned a "#"
Thanks XDA, I love most of you

You know you need to uninstall from your computer using adb
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

I've installed Android Debug Bridge but I was under the impression that rooting my phone would allow me to do things on my phone, such as install and uninstall what I want.
Could you explain the process more or send me to a link that does?

If you want to do it in android you either need console program or a file manager. Root explorer us the best one and easiest. Looks just like a typical explorer, tap the rw/ro button for read only or read write and delete away.
You have to have completed the second part of unlocking nand. Otherwise your only option is using a computer and adb in recovery.

They dont make this easy do they? I would have figured Android to be very open for things like this, I'm starting to feel like I have to "jailbreak" again, only this time it's to remove crap.
This seems like so much work to get rid of facebook and sprint tv.

It took me 10 minutes total including the file downloads. Its a one time thing and there is a learning curve with any new platform.

Aridon, is there a free explorer you'd recommend? I dont mind buying software, just want to make sure I'm not mistaken before I buy something that is worthless to me.

You get a trial on any purchased software in android. After its installed if you go backto market and pull it up again there will be a refund option. So no risk. I think its for 24 hours.
As for a free one I'm not sure when I first started messing around with android I bought it because people said it was the best. I don't have any regrets.
Just remember to tap the top button for rw. Long press brings up options. Menu had an option for multiple file select and other goodies. its very powerful.

Aridon, thanks for everything, just 1 more question. I bought it, and the program is slick. I went to /system/app and deleted facebook, is that all I need to do?
Cause I still see it in the menu
I may have done a bad thing, my phone just reset itself.... I need a trainer to be with me at all times.

So after that restart, the files I thought I deleted are back.

Yes just go into system/app, make sure it says rw up top which means read write access, then select the file, general an .apk and .odex and delete. Not all files have both and some roms don't have any .odex files.
I'll be up for another 30 min or so and I'll keep an eye on this thread in case you have any questions.

Ok that means the second part where you unlocked nand wasn't done correctly. Make sure you go slow, download the files again because they are different and watch for errors.
The only hiccup I had was when I copied the new recovery and other files to my sd and tried to adb push it gave me some kind of can't find file error. I had to reboot and it was fine. It send after the boot I could go back in and adb the files it must have been some kind if a refresh error on the sd while in recovery.
Edit. I'm responding on my evo and in bed so excuse errors.

Go to sleep, I'll resume this thread tomorrow if I'm still having trouble. You Sir, are a life saver. This is why XDA is THE FORUM for anything mobile.

Good night then.
I know it can be a bit of a pain to do this but I promise you it will be worth it. Things have only just started and the custom roms are already awesome. Once we get the source code things are going to be insane over here.

Got it! Everything is working well. However, now my voice mail says it can not download messages.... Rebooted and it's all good.
Facebook and Twitter Free! Also, no more Sprint crap.
Life is good, again.

Another terminal substitute is Android Commander, out is naturally a file explorer that allows transfer and deletion off whatever you want. This program runs in your pc.
As Was mentioned above, root explorer is the easiest way.

Aridon said:
If you want to do it in android you either need console program or a file manager. Root explorer us the best one and easiest. Looks just like a typical explorer, tap the rw/ro button for read only or read write and delete away.
You have to have completed the second part of unlocking nand. Otherwise your only option is using a computer and adb in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So with Android - one simply deletes the application rather than un-installing it? That doesn't cause problems with the system thinking the application still exists somewhere?

DrawnToScale said:
So with Android - one simply deletes the application rather than un-installing it? That doesn't cause problems with the system thinking the application still exists somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on where it is installed. /system/apps do not allow you to just uninstall you have to delete it. One this is done its gone. Obviously if you delete phone.apk you are going to have issues or if you delete a process that is running you may get a force close but for the most part unless you delete an app like people or dialer you are fine. After the single force close everything works properly.
Some custom roms moved programs to /data/app which allows them to be removed the other way.

[Q] what are the advantages and disadvantages of rooting and are there any risks?

Could somebody please tell me what the advantages and disadvantages of rooting the flipside are, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, are there any risks??
Will I be able to take of all of these ATT apps?
Will I be able to move my apps from the phones memory to the SD card?
Can the phone be unrooted?
Will all of my apps still work?
What is the best route to root? I have the z4root.
I am much indebted to anyone who will answer these questions. Thanks.

z4root will work fine, it's nice an easy to use. Rooting won't give you an easy way to move apps to the sd card, but you can remove the AT&T (and other system) apps. You can either do it by hand, or with any number of apps on the market. I prefer titanium backup, personally. All of your existing apps will work, there's no change there.
The only real disadvantage is that you'll have the power to screw up your phone. You can potentially screw up bad enough that you'll need to reflash the stock .sbf file. Generally, this takes some real screwing around, but just thought I'd point it out.

Thank u for your thourough answer. What do you mean by screw it up. How could I do that and how do i avoid it. Are you saying by virtue of the fact that i'm rooting that i'll screw it up, or it's something that i may do afterwards that may do it? Thanks.
also, are there any other advantages to rooting other than taking off the apps?

The act of rooting itself shouldn't screw anything up, but having root means you could possibly do something later that would. Generally, you'd have to be messing with stuff you have no business messing with. With root, you can remount the system directory as read/write, and then end up deleting or modifying a file that won't let the phone boot, which means you'd need to reflash. Stay away from the command line if you don't know what you're doing, and don't grant root access to apps you don't trust, and you're reasonably safe.
Other than removing system apps, like the AT&T garbage, you can also backup and restore apps and their data, which is great for if you need to reflash, if you switch phones, etc. There's not a TON of stuff that requires root, but honestly, removing the AT&T junk is definitely a good reason to root, the phone feels much faster after scrapping a lot of the blur and AT&T stuff.

I'm assuming then that any android/att/Motorola updates will not be problem either? BTW, do you if and when Motorola will bupdating the flipside to 2.2? Thanks.

There shouldn't be any problem updating with an official update if/when we get one, but you'll need to re-root and remove the AT&T stuff again. There's no word on when we'll get 2.2, but I'd assume we'll get it at some point.

Ok. I just rooted! Yeah, it worked! But i cannot figue out how to delete the att bloatware. I go into the apps manager and click on one of the att apps, and there is still no option to uninstall; only to clear the cache. Also, I downloaded the titanium and I cannot figure out how to do it from there either. Plus, I still had to sideload the titanium which i tbought that i would not have to do once i rooted.

mordechai said:
Plus, I still had to sideload the titanium which i tbought that i would not have to do once i rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to enable Unknown Sources before you can install non-Market apps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=867637
This is also an example of how you can mess up your phone by having root access.

That is part of the problem that i do not have that option in two.one. that is why i had to sideload all of those programs. are you saying that i screwed up my phone. i tried clicking on the link but this googlw ad comes up and i cant get past it.

Ok, i got through to the link. But the guy seems pretty shaky as to whether you should follow his instructions. Is this legit or what?

Maybe one of you guys can help. I'm new to alot of this but my last droid x was rooted and it was great I used z4root worked perfectly. But now I have a new X and a z4root apk. On my laptop, now what? Last rooted X, I was fortunate enough to catch z4root on the market, like a day before they updated. HELP!!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

There are instructions in another post in this forum on how to enable Non-Market Apps, also known as Unknown Sources. With Titanium Backup, make sure that you grant it root permissions when it asks, and that it says something like this on the overview:
Root access: OK (BusyBox 1.17.2 from system)
HyperShell (FAST!): YES
Fast/Auto app install: Yes (using HyperShell)
SQLite: YES (SQLite 3.7.2 included)
Then just click on Backup/Restore at the top, and you'll get a list of all your apps. If you don't have backup/restore at the top, your sd card isn't mounted on the phone, unplug your usb cable and hit Menu > More > Reload application.
From Backup/Restore, you get a huge list of all the apps on your phone. Just scroll down to the AT&T stuff, tap them, and click uninstall in the top-right corner. If you're not sure if you want to uninstall something, because it might belong to something important, click Freeze instead. Freezing will stop the app from running, and stop it from showing up in your tray, but you can easily unfreeze it to restore it if it turns out it was important.
Here's the list of stuff I have frozen/uninstalled:
AdService 1.0
all of the "AT&T" apps
all of the "com.motorola" apps
Data Manager and Data Manager Service
Help Center
Home (I use ADWLauncher, don't remove this if you don't already have an alternative launcher installed)
MediaSync
Mobile Video
all of the "MotoBlur" apps
My Uploads
Phone Portal
Quick Contact
Social Messaging, Social Messaging Service, Social Networking, and Social Status
Sticky Note
Video Editor Lite
Vlingo Voice
Weather 2.1
WHERE
Work Contacts
Mobile Banking
Magic Smoke Wallpapers
Kodak Perfect Touch
AT&T Address Book
Quickoffice
YPmobile
As for enabling unknown sources, it's a bit of a pain, you'll need to be comfortable with a command line to do replace the files, and comfortable with a hex editor if you want to edit your own instead of reusing someone else's files. I managed to screw up my phone in the process and had to completely reflash and start over, it wasn't fun.
His instructions do work, but his .sh file doesn't work, you'll need to paste the commands one by one into your command prompt. I preferred to edit my own files, so I wouldn't have the same market ID, and that's just slightly more complex. I can help you through it either way though, just make a post over in that thread if you're having problems.
bubba90744 said:
Maybe one of you guys can help. I'm new to alot of this but my last droid x was rooted and it was great I used z4root worked perfectly. But now I have a new X and a z4root apk. On my laptop, now what? Last rooted X, I was fortunate enough to catch z4root on the market, like a day before they updated. HELP!!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just need to get z4root installed on your phone, it should be pretty straightforward. The Droid X shouldn't be blocking non-market apps, so just download it from your phone and run the .apk to install.

So do I hook my phone up to my laptop, and put the apk. on my sd?
Or download the apk. directly to my phone from the site?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

I found the link, but the directions are too complicated for my novice understanding of technology. It looks like I am stuck. I don't want to try what he's saying and take any chances. Are there any other alternatives? Or do you have any other suggestions as to how to make the most of the space that I do have with the att bloatware, because I am constantly running out of room. It is a strange phenomenon that I don't understand, that when I turn on the phone it will have around 40mb to play with, and after a few hours it is down to 16 and then 10, and then before I know it, the phone is telling me that my memory is full. So then I reset and it's back to ~40 again. Do you have an explanation? Thanks.

[Guide] Rooting Samsung Galaxy Pro b7510

Congratulations! for all those who have purchased the latest Android handset named Samsung Galaxy Pro as this handset is not only among the ones which comes at an affordable smart price but also comes along with many features which are worth smart and well said by someone about this phone “future beyond”. So, assuming that you are new to the Android and some of you might have just upgraded their handsets from Nokia, Sony Ericsson or may be any other from Non Android phone. So here in this article we will be looking on how you can unlock your Samsung Galaxy Pro handset so that you can make the most out of it.
Since Android being the most open source, you can customize the way you want it. But before customizing he device you will have to root the device so that you can reach out the techniques with which you will be able to unlock the device to a whole new level of opportunities as you can install the latest third party ROMs like Cyanogen for Galaxy Pro or even some other ROMs which are different yet hold high level of customizability with better sorts of visual experience.
So, before proceeding to root the Samsung Galaxy Pro, you will have to make sure that you follow the pre requisites to root the device which are mentioned below and then you can proceed towards the rooting of device by following the instructions which are mentioned below. There are basically two methods to root the device which are with the help of the Z4 Root and another method is by using the Super One click Root. So, in the due course of this article we will check out both the methods that are rooting with the help of Z4 Root as well as the Super One click Root.
Please note that rooting voids the warranty of the phone, though the warranty can be reclaimed once you un root the device. Please note that un rooting the device is possible by using the Super One click method which is discussed in the due course of this article. And also, we take no responsibility for your device and we should not be held responsible for any manner in part or in whole and proceed for the tutorial to root solely at your risk. Its an unlikely even that you may brick your phone if you follow the instructions which are mentioned below.
Pre Root Instructions:
Warranty will get void once you root Samsung Galaxy Pro, though warranty can be claimed once you un root your device.
In an unlikely event you may lose all the data which is present in your Samsung Galaxy Pro, so it’s recommended to create a backup of all the data like call log, messages, applications, music, videos and other data which is present in the phone, so that you can restore the same once the rooting process is completed.
Ensure that you have the installed the latest framework in your computer or also you can install the latest version of KIES which is dubbed as KIES 2 so as to ensure that all the required drivers are installed successfully.
It’s very important to maintain a minimum battery power of 50% so as to facilitate the smoother rooting process or else there is a high possibility that your device may end up turning completely off in the process of rooting.
Since the process of rooting will be taking place, all the APN settings with which you access the Internet will be wiped off completely, so ensure that you have noted all the required settings for accessing the internet so that you can configure them again back once the device gets rooted. Also, additionally ensure that you have also backed up the MMS Settings and other settings as in an unlikely event sometimes you may end up losing all the 3G Settings as well as the APN or MMS settings in the process of Rooting the device.
Last but not the least follow the below mentioned instructions carefully so as to save your phone from being turned into an expensive paper weight.
Procedure to Root Samsung Galaxy Pro using Z4 Root:
First up, download the Z4 Root application from here in your computer and after that you will have to extract the same. Its highly recommended to not to download this zip file of Z4 Root from your phone as it’s a password protected file which cannot be extracted most of the time in your Android phone.
So, once you extract the Z4 Root APK file, you will have to transfer the same into your phone by connecting your phone with the computer by connecting using the USB cable. Please note that place this file in the path of \sd card and not into any other folder or else you may face it difficult to find the same.
After copying the file, from your phone just open the same so that the application gets installed successfully in your phone after which you just need to open the same after which you will see the screen as shown below.
Now, as soon as the installation of Z4 Root is completed, you will have to tap on the application to open the same after which you will see two options that is temporary root and another one will be the Permanent Root. From this, you will have to tap on the “Permanent Root” after which the device will be rooted in seconds. Do, note that while the process is running don’t interrupt its processes or else you will have to repeat the rooting process, and also its not recommended to choose the temporary root as if you do the temporary root then the device will get un rooted just by a simple restart as shown in the below screen shot.
Now, after choosing the option from the two, the process of rooting the device will be processed after which you will see that the phone will be restarted, please note that if you choose the temporary root option then the device will be restarted to fix the rooting in your phone. It’s always recommended to use the Permanent root as if you opt for the temporary root, then the device will be un rooted as soon as you restart the device. Please note that as soon as the rooting process is successful, you will see that the “Superuser” icon will be created in your application which is in the skull shaped. So, there you go you have now successfully rooted your phone and you are ready to customize the phone the way you want it.
Just in case if you are unable to see the Super user icon then it means that the device hasn’t been rooted and you will have to root the device again by following the above instructions from the start. Despite repeating the above process if you are still unable to root your phone then you will have to follow the below procedure to root your phone.
Procedure to Root Samsung Galaxy Pro using Super Click:
So, the second method with which you can root your Samsung Galaxy Pro is by using the Super One Click Root which we will see in the due course of this article. Unlike the Z4 Root which you will have to shift the APK file in your phone and then you had to open the same in your phone to start the rooting process, this is one of the hassle free methods which can be controlled straight from your computer. This method of rooting is much simpler than the ons which are available like HRoot or any such tools for rooting which may be confusing at times to the users who are new to Android.
Next up, before proceeding you will have to install the Java SDK, not just Runtime but the full SDK which you can download from here which also supports framework which is required to run the Android SDK. It’s very important to install this SDK is that to root the device the computer will be requiring the drivers so that you can easily root the phone using the Super One click.
For using this software application, first you will have to download the PC version of Super One Click software and then you will have to install the same.Please note that while extracting the downloaded zip file of the Super One. After extraction, you will have to click on the file which is named as Super One Click Root as shown in the below screen shot.
After installing, you need to first set your device in the USB debugging mode and in this process make sure that you don’t mount the SD Card or else whole data will get lost or even some major issue can arise.
After this open the installed Super One click software and then you will have to connect the USB cable to your phone and computer, if you are unable to get it run then you can try in the recovery mode. Make sure that all the drivers all installed through your PC suites of your respective Android phones. That’s it, after connecting, all you need to do is to just select the option which you wish to perform and that’s it you have now successfully finished rooting, shell rooting, un rooting as well as allowing Non Market apps (requires rooting) very easily all in just one click.
Please note that you will have to reconfigure the APN settings after updating the firmware to access the data services and the Internet services as all the Internet APN settings will be reset. You will have to contact your Service provider which is Verizon Wireless to get more info on the APN Settings. Not to forget also configure the MMS Settings. Do let us know if you face any issues while rooting the device as we will see to it that the issues are solved. Just in case if the rooting process is interrupted in the middle then you just need to re follow the whole procedure from the start to root your Samsung Galaxy Pro phone.

Hey, there is easiest way...
One Click Root works perfectly (for me) on Galaxy Pro, also when it's S-Locked

sekhargreen said:
Congratulations! for all those who have purchased the latest Android handset named Samsung Galaxy Pro as this handset is not only among the ones which comes at an affordable smart price but also comes along with many features which are worth smart and well said by someone about this phone “future beyond”. So, assuming that you are new to the Android and some of you might have just upgraded their handsets from Nokia, Sony Ericsson or may be any other from Non Android phone. So here in this article we will be looking on how you can unlock your Samsung Galaxy Pro handset so that you can make the most out of it.
Since Android being the most open source, you can customize the way you want it. But before customizing he device you will have to root the device so that you can reach out the techniques with which you will be able to unlock the device to a whole new level of opportunities as you can install the latest third party ROMs like Cyanogen for Galaxy Pro or even some other ROMs which are different yet hold high level of customizability with better sorts of visual experience.
So, before proceeding to root the Samsung Galaxy Pro, you will have to make sure that you follow the pre requisites to root the device which are mentioned below and then you can proceed towards the rooting of device by following the instructions which are mentioned below. There are basically two methods to root the device which are with the help of the Z4 Root and another method is by using the Super One click Root. So, in the due course of this article we will check out both the methods that are rooting with the help of Z4 Root as well as the Super One click Root.
Please note that rooting voids the warranty of the phone, though the warranty can be reclaimed once you un root the device. Please note that un rooting the device is possible by using the Super One click method which is discussed in the due course of this article. And also, we take no responsibility for your device and we should not be held responsible for any manner in part or in whole and proceed for the tutorial to root solely at your risk. Its an unlikely even that you may brick your phone if you follow the instructions which are mentioned below.
Pre Root Instructions:
Warranty will get void once you root Samsung Galaxy Pro, though warranty can be claimed once you un root your device.
In an unlikely event you may lose all the data which is present in your Samsung Galaxy Pro, so it’s recommended to create a backup of all the data like call log, messages, applications, music, videos and other data which is present in the phone, so that you can restore the same once the rooting process is completed.
Ensure that you have the installed the latest framework in your computer or also you can install the latest version of KIES which is dubbed as KIES 2 so as to ensure that all the required drivers are installed successfully.
It’s very important to maintain a minimum battery power of 50% so as to facilitate the smoother rooting process or else there is a high possibility that your device may end up turning completely off in the process of rooting.
Since the process of rooting will be taking place, all the APN settings with which you access the Internet will be wiped off completely, so ensure that you have noted all the required settings for accessing the internet so that you can configure them again back once the device gets rooted. Also, additionally ensure that you have also backed up the MMS Settings and other settings as in an unlikely event sometimes you may end up losing all the 3G Settings as well as the APN or MMS settings in the process of Rooting the device.
Last but not the least follow the below mentioned instructions carefully so as to save your phone from being turned into an expensive paper weight.
Procedure to Root Samsung Galaxy Pro using Z4 Root:
First up, download the Z4 Root application from here in your computer and after that you will have to extract the same. Its highly recommended to not to download this zip file of Z4 Root from your phone as it’s a password protected file which cannot be extracted most of the time in your Android phone.
So, once you extract the Z4 Root APK file, you will have to transfer the same into your phone by connecting your phone with the computer by connecting using the USB cable. Please note that place this file in the path of \sd card and not into any other folder or else you may face it difficult to find the same.
After copying the file, from your phone just open the same so that the application gets installed successfully in your phone after which you just need to open the same after which you will see the screen as shown below.
Now, as soon as the installation of Z4 Root is completed, you will have to tap on the application to open the same after which you will see two options that is temporary root and another one will be the Permanent Root. From this, you will have to tap on the “Permanent Root” after which the device will be rooted in seconds. Do, note that while the process is running don’t interrupt its processes or else you will have to repeat the rooting process, and also its not recommended to choose the temporary root as if you do the temporary root then the device will get un rooted just by a simple restart as shown in the below screen shot.
Now, after choosing the option from the two, the process of rooting the device will be processed after which you will see that the phone will be restarted, please note that if you choose the temporary root option then the device will be restarted to fix the rooting in your phone. It’s always recommended to use the Permanent root as if you opt for the temporary root, then the device will be un rooted as soon as you restart the device. Please note that as soon as the rooting process is successful, you will see that the “Superuser” icon will be created in your application which is in the skull shaped. So, there you go you have now successfully rooted your phone and you are ready to customize the phone the way you want it.
Just in case if you are unable to see the Super user icon then it means that the device hasn’t been rooted and you will have to root the device again by following the above instructions from the start. Despite repeating the above process if you are still unable to root your phone then you will have to follow the below procedure to root your phone.
Procedure to Root Samsung Galaxy Pro using Super Click:
So, the second method with which you can root your Samsung Galaxy Pro is by using the Super One Click Root which we will see in the due course of this article. Unlike the Z4 Root which you will have to shift the APK file in your phone and then you had to open the same in your phone to start the rooting process, this is one of the hassle free methods which can be controlled straight from your computer. This method of rooting is much simpler than the ons which are available like HRoot or any such tools for rooting which may be confusing at times to the users who are new to Android.
Next up, before proceeding you will have to install the Java SDK, not just Runtime but the full SDK which you can download from here which also supports framework which is required to run the Android SDK. It’s very important to install this SDK is that to root the device the computer will be requiring the drivers so that you can easily root the phone using the Super One click.
For using this software application, first you will have to download the PC version of Super One Click software and then you will have to install the same.Please note that while extracting the downloaded zip file of the Super One. After extraction, you will have to click on the file which is named as Super One Click Root as shown in the below screen shot.
After installing, you need to first set your device in the USB debugging mode and in this process make sure that you don’t mount the SD Card or else whole data will get lost or even some major issue can arise.
After this open the installed Super One click software and then you will have to connect the USB cable to your phone and computer, if you are unable to get it run then you can try in the recovery mode. Make sure that all the drivers all installed through your PC suites of your respective Android phones. That’s it, after connecting, all you need to do is to just select the option which you wish to perform and that’s it you have now successfully finished rooting, shell rooting, un rooting as well as allowing Non Market apps (requires rooting) very easily all in just one click.
Please note that you will have to reconfigure the APN settings after updating the firmware to access the data services and the Internet services as all the Internet APN settings will be reset. You will have to contact your Service provider which is Verizon Wireless to get more info on the APN Settings. Not to forget also configure the MMS Settings. Do let us know if you face any issues while rooting the device as we will see to it that the issues are solved. Just in case if the rooting process is interrupted in the middle then you just need to re follow the whole procedure from the start to root your Samsung Galaxy Pro phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear friend, i have one that was bad flashed. now it don't turn on, don't get recovery mode or download mode. i did try micro usb 301 KOm micro usb method but nothing.
what can i do?

[Q] Rooted/Custom Rom'd AT&T S4, now for some very basic questions!

I recently rooted/installed CleanROM for my S4, but now I have some basic questions regarding what actually happened in the process and how I could improve it. (First smartphone, first Android).
1. Is flashing the exact equivalent of installing a kernel/ROM/app in a recovery like TeamWin that is zipped in an SD card? All I did was select my zipped file and install--the guide says to use GooManager but I never used it. Also, does updating TWRP, kernel, or ROM (same application/kernel/ROM, but newer version) require that you delete the old ZIP, copy over the new ZIP, then install it? Is there a cleaner method (I feel that since we have to wipe to prevent old files from interfering with new ROM that maybe parts of the old version of a ROM may be redundant or may interfere with the new ROM?
2. Is there a way I can save the phone settings when dealing with one ROM and transferring these settings to another ROM? I really don't want to spend 20 minutes to go through all the settings and change it to my liking every time I install a new ROM.
3. With TWRP I could backup the entire ROM and also be able to install that backup ROM if I don't like the new ROM installed? What does Titanium Backup offer in regards to this aside from backing up app data and the ability freeze/uninstall system apps?
4. Does Titanium Backup leave any residual files? I see other apps designed to uninstall system apps and Titanium Backup seems like an all-in-one jack of all trades.
5. I thought I wiped everything and to me, that sounds like reformatting the entire drive. I only wiped system, boot, and data though (good enough for ROMs, according to what I've read). I was surprised when I saw my videos that I had already backed up to my PC accessible on the phone. Should I just wipe literally everything (I assume it would be cleaner) like cache, preload, EFS, modem, recovery, etc.? Will wiping literally everything be like reformatting my phone (since my phone was not reformatted because my personal videos was still there when I installed my custom ROM? If I were to install completely different ROMs cleanly and wanted to keep my personal files, I would only need to wipe system, data, and boot?
4. Do I have to use CASUAL again to install an updated TWRP?
5. Does backing up a ROM also backup its root? I'm going to assume this is a dumb question and the answer is no. I'm also guessing I have to block OTA updates from AT&T to ensure I keep my root. How would I go about doing this? Also, would my phone be "safe" if I stick to my ROM (no updates or anything) for 4+ years? I'm asking this as an extreme case because I feel like I'm missing out on AT&T security updates that could protect my phone and also I don't think the developer my ROM (CleanROM) will do frequent updates).
6. I had problems with my computer not being able to recognize my phone and my SD card in the phone after I wiped everything and before I installed a ROM. I literally had to take the SD card from the phone and use an SD card reader to transfer my custom ROM/loki then put it back into the phone. Was I missing a driver?
7. What are some must-have apps a newly rooted user would want?
8. I read that you only need 1 EFS backup and you don't need to back it up every time you are going to install a custom ROM. Can I get a confirmation?
9. What does Goo Manager do and would I want it?
10. Is it essential that I keep up to date with news about my custom ROM/phone to ensure my phone is secured?
**Not Root/ROM related--Is swiping an app away from the Recent Apps List (long-press home button) the equivalent of killing an app? I use the Recent Apps List often but I don't want to go about swiping apps away if means it is killing it, since I read that killing apps are bad and actually drains battery life. Also, is there a mod that lets you access the Recent Apps List by long-pressing the menu one? I only see a mod that kills the app if you long-press it.
Also, any ROMs you guys can recommend me that is like CleanROM? It has to be TW-based because I use multi-windows. Basically, I want a stable, popular (popular ones tend to be more frequently updated, which is important because there are often bugs in custom ROMs), and optimized/debloated ROM (as debloated as possible, I rather use my own large list of apps than pre-installed ones). I was looking at GoldenEye but I'm not sure.
Thanks. I'm hoping for many responses as I have more questions to ask but not a lot of free time (I will check back on this thread every several hours until there are no more responses on the thread.

Hey there! Here is my take on at least some of your questions. I am not a super pro, but I will try not to give you any wrong info.
1. The zip files that are still out on your SD card are just the install files for whatever you are flashing. They won't be cleaned up automatically and you will need to delete them yourself if you want them gone. That being said I would recommend leaving the previous version's zip out there in case you need to back out of the new version.
2. If by phone settings you mean all of the settings in the various option menus baked into the ROM it is best to redo those when switching between ROMs. Many ROMs add and take away options and add whole new option sections so you will want to go through those and set things to your liking. Another option is to use a launcher like Nova Launcher that lets you back up its settings and restore them which is a big chunk of the things I change when going to a new ROM. Some people may have a different opinion on this one.
3. Yes if you make a backup in a recovery like TWRP and then restore from it it will be like you never flashed the other ROM. Titanium backup does what you say and also can backup individual Apps themselves and restore them.
4. Once you have a recovery installed you should not have to go through the hoops you went through to get it there to update it. Check the thread for the recovery for upgrade instructions.
5. Your SD card will not be wiped when you wipe system or data. There is also the internal "sdcard" that if I recall is not wiped when you do a standard wipe which will keep things like pics and videos between flashes.
6. So you were trying to access the phone storage/SD card while it was in recovery? I have never had much luck with that. I always just make sure I have all of the files I will need to install the new ROM moved over before I wipe it. That being said if you have the right driver it might be possible.
7. Titanium Backup, a file explorer that can leverage Root access like Root Explorer, maybe something like Greenify (I think it takes Root). Other than that check out the thread in the Apps/Themes subforum where people list their top 5 apps.
8. Pass (but I think what you heard/read is right)
9. Goo Manager can let you know if there is updated version of your ROM or what other ROMs are available for your device and download them. It can also be used to install a recovery. Personally I don't use it and just check ROM threads for updates if the ROM doesn't offer OTA updates.
10. I rarely see mention of security fixes/features in custom ROMs so I don't think you need to stay on top of threads for that reason. With that said, if security is crazy super important to you then a custom ROM might not be your best bet. Even though source code is available for most if not all of them that doesn't mean someone has gone through the code looking for security flaws (or even malicious code).
11. You can test this yourself. Go into the "Apps" section of the options and look at what Apps are running then swipe one away and check again. Personally I would go ahead and swipe away Apps as needed since that is a core Android feature. I haven't seen a mod for what you are asking.
12. The other two TW-based ROMs I have used are Goldeneye and Alpha. Both are good, but I am using Alpha now due to its higher degree of customization. Goldeneye hasn't been updated in a month or so, Alpha is being updated regularly at the moment.
---------- Post added at 08:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 PM ----------
Here is the link to the thread where people list out their top 5 apps!

Nice post, very good help...serious...

Incredibly helpful, thanks. I will post more questions if I have here, kind of busy at the moment.

Question:
What is the best way to detect whether a third-party app has a keylogger? I read from an article that it is incredibly easy for someone to put a keylogger on an app. Is Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus capable/overkill for this job? Also, I was worried that Avast may actually be bad because it would deteriorate (wear and tear on the SSD of the phone) through all the scannings? Or am I completely wrong? If I am wrong, I'm guessing it's because an antivirus only reads your files and therefore does not wear down a SSD (I'm not even sure if this is right).

mindstormer said:
Question:
What is the best way to detect whether a third-party app has a keylogger? I read from an article that it is incredibly easy for someone to put a keylogger on an app. Is Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus capable/overkill for this job? Also, I was worried that Avast may actually be bad because it would deteriorate (wear and tear on the SSD of the phone) through all the scannings? Or am I completely wrong? If I am wrong, I'm guessing it's because an antivirus only reads your files and therefore does not wear down a SSD (I'm not even sure if this is right).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can read a SSD all day long, that doesn't wear it out. Writing to a SSD will cause wear, not reading. I'm thinking that most antivirus apps can find that kind of stuff, but don't download from unknown sources or those you don't trust. Even Google Play has some shady stuff. I would recommend researching an app on Google if you have any doubts about it. I'm sure it can be done, but I really doubt any of your friends know how to reprogram one of your apps to have a keylogger, plus I wouldn't let them use my phone in the first place.
To answer your questions:
1. Antivirus doesn't wear anything out, it just puts load on your system.
2. Most antivirus apps should detect apps like the ones your talking about.

agent929 said:
You can read a SSD all day long, that doesn't wear it out. Writing to a SSD will cause wear, not reading. I'm thinking that most antivirus apps can find that kind of stuff, but don't download from unknown sources or those you don't trust. Even Google Play has some shady stuff. I would recommend researching an app on Google if you have any doubts about it. I'm sure it can be done, but I really doubt any of your friends know how to reprogram one of your apps to have a keylogger, plus I wouldn't let them use my phone in the first place.
To answer your questions:
1. Antivirus doesn't wear anything out, it just puts load on your system.
2. Most antivirus apps should detect apps like the ones your talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation.
Another question for anyone:
Clean Master found the folder of an app that I installed on a precious ROM, so I not wipe the device cleanly. I though wiping system, boot, and data was enough--what was I missing, or should I have checked everything to be wiped on TeamWin Recovery?

Are you sure its not coming from your SD card?
Sent from miPhone using XDA Premium HD app

Reverting from Calendar 5.0 to 201404014

This is cobbled together from various sources online. Thanks to the respective authors.
Please read the ENTIRE guide before starting. Also please familiarize yourself with the 'adb' tool and make sure you have the proper USB drivers for your phone installed (Something like this might work). I will not be held responsible if you brick your phone or anything like that. In fact, I won't be held responsible for ANYTHING, Haha!
Go into the play store. Browse your way to your currently installed calendar. DISABLE AUTO-UPDATE.
Otherwise all your hard work will be for nothing when Google overwrites what you've already done.
Go in to Settings -> Security -> Unknown sources.
You must allow installation of software from unknown sources, otherwise the installation won't be accepted. You can disable this again once you are done, if you wish.
Download the old Calendar APK to your computer (http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/calendar/calendar-201404014-apk/)
Get root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/orig-development/n4-cf-auto-root-t2025274)
If you don't already have root/oem unlock YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOUR DATA.
Install Titanium Backup (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup)
This requires root, which is what we needed to do in the previous step.
Use Titanium Backup to uninstall Calendar 5.0
If you want to protect yourself, use Titanium Backup to make a backup of Calendar 5.0 in case things get ****ed up
If anybody knows of a different way of installing a system app, please let me know. It would be nice if this was possible "rootless"
Reboot
Install the old calendar apk using adb
Open cmd.exe (or equivalent).
Find where you either have your existing adb tools
Issue the command "
Code:
adb install com.google.android.calendar-201404014-201404014-minAPI15.apk
"
In my case, this looked like it hung. After about a minute, I did Ctrl+c to get out of it.
Thinking it had failed, I tried again, only to be told that the application was already installed (Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_ALREADY_EXISTS]).
Moments later, I was greeted with a calendar notification in the old calendar style. When I clicked it, I was taken to the old calendar.
Thus, it works.
Keep in mind that this is a bit of a hack. I'm writing these steps down as I remember them, rather than as a fully researched guide.

If you're not using lollipop, there's a chance you can simply "uninstall upgrades" to the calendar in the app store, instead of rooting+titanium+uninstall.

Great! I just did it with success following your steps exactly. Thank you!
I'm wondering though if I could have just used Nexus Root Toolkit (used to root) to backup and uninstall Calendar 5 rather than Titanium? I did use it (NRT) to install the apk with no issues, it indicated success and I assumed a reboot was needed. So good to have it back, thanks again!
nexus 4, 5.0.1, rooted stock rom
p.s. I was able to uninstall Calendar 5 updates via settings on my lollipop but it only left me with a Disable button (no uninstall). I think Titanium, or the likes, is needed to uninstall system apps.

Dude+ said:
Great! I just did it with success following your steps exactly. Thank you!
I'm wondering though if I could have just used Nexus Root Toolkit (used to root) to backup and uninstall Calendar 5 rather than Titanium? I did use it (NRT) to install the apk with no issues, it indicated success and I assumed a reboot was needed. So good to have it back, thanks again!
nexus 4, 5.0.1, rooted stock rom
p.s. I was able to uninstall Calendar 5 updates via settings on my lollipop but it only left me with a Disable button (no uninstall). I think Titanium, or the likes, is needed to uninstall system apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can use any method you can think of to uninstall the existing calendar. That's really the tricky part. Side-loading the new one is relatively simple.

jevring said:
I think you can use any method you can think of to uninstall the existing calendar. That's really the tricky part. Side-loading the new one is relatively simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your article was the only one i found that detailed "how to", so deviating from it was out. A revisit to NRT didn't give me the affirmation I needed to validate my thought of using tools other than what you specified. I'm green but am progressing.
Perhaps it would be privy of you to include a pointer or two to highlight that it needn't be Titanium but rather any tool with similar abilities. Maybe even mention a couple popular ones you know of.
Thanks and Happy New Year.

Dude+ said:
Your article was the only one i found that detailed "how to", so deviating from it was out. A revisit to NRT didn't give me the affirmation I needed to validate my thought of using tools other than what you specified. I'm green but am progressing.
Perhaps it would be privy of you to include a pointer or two to highlight that it needn't be Titanium but rather any tool with similar abilities. Maybe even mention a couple popular ones you know of.
Thanks and Happy New Year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't actually know of any other approaches, personally. I did mention that it might be easier in my second post. I can imagine that you could simply "uninstall updates" provided you started with an android version before lollipop. I'm not 100% sure that would work, however, as then "adb install" might complain that the application was still installed.