Database Users

Need some Solid advice

Hi All
I got my international version SGS2 about 3 weeks ago. I am very happy with how its holding up currently but am trying to get the best battery life out of my phone. Coming from a Wave that lasted me 5 days without a problem I am trying to get something close to that.
I have a low to med usage pattern and it will most likely not change in the near future. I bought myself the Origianl Extended Battery 2000mAh and putting it through its paces now and currently on my 1st cycle.
Here is where I need the solid advice...
I am on the Original XFA firmware Android 2.3.3
1. I need to know if I can revert everything back to the original firmware when I need it and remove the root as well?
2. Can someone provide me with the Original FW as I have checked Check Fus and it cant even find the one installed on my phone?
3. Are the benefits of later Android versions really that much better or will I experience much the same as I am experiencing now on the Stock FW?
4. What are the real benefits of rooting and how does it affect my phone?
5. What Kernel should I flash if I decide to root my device as there are hundreds out there with no real explanation of the difference?
These are just some of my concerns and even though 2 days of reading XDA provided some idea into some of these things the explanations was very vague and not really helpfull in understanding what the actual benefits would be
If anyone could assist me I would be very grateful.

Hello, so.. i realize my english isnt perfect, im sorry:
1. When you root, you will have Clockworkmod recovery. This recovery allows you to do a nandroid backup, this backup can be used when you want, to restore the phone with a perfect mirror image of when you created the backup. Ofc it requires a rooted phone, this means it will mirror your 2.3.3 firmware, with root.
2. Intratech link to official firmwares: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
This firmwares are originals, this mean the phone is going back to the original status as when you bought it (no root, no cwm). This will not remove the Download mode Counter that is incresed by 1 everytime you flash a custom firmware/kernel (rooting increases it).
3. Yes, the benefits can be noticed by a lot more smooth interface, faster browser, and some other small things. Specially if you are experiencing the "yellow left side screen" from the 2.3.5 it got fixed.
4. This is a good question, if you ask it, means you are quite happy with your actual situation and dont feel the need of rooting.
The real benefits are to be able to flash custom roms or kernels, that usually give more speed and gadgets compared to the stock firmware. This also allow you to use themes, to change partially or totally the aspect of your phone.
Some games dosnt work (not optimized for the S2) but with chainfire 3d (requires root) you can run almost every game for android).
5. You must start with CF-Root (easiest way) for root, this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Install latest Samsung Kies to get latest samsung mobile usb drivers, but be 100% sure to kill kies process tree (from task manager) before flash with odin, kies dosnt like odin and blocks it at some point, resulting in a chance to semi brick the phone.
Carefull follow the instructions on the post and in 20-30 seconds you done.
After you obtained root, all the kernels for the S2 can be used, most populars are speedmod and siyah (im on this last) due the great stabilty/speed.
As last note, please be sure 100% you want/need to root:
Rooting void your warranty, ofc you can buy a usb jig to reset the counter and have again your warranty.
Be sure you understand rooting is not 100% safe, nor is any rom/kernel that you will flash.
Nowdays is really hard to brick a phone, but a really small chance to brick is always here, specially if you are not 100% sure on what you are doing.

@rembrandtlnx
Thanks a lot. You have been more helpful than reading XDA for 2 days solidly trying to find out what to do.
At the current moment I don't really see any benefit in rooting. My phone is not presenting with any of the battery draining bugs some users are finding so I am not sure if updating the firmware would be that helpful.
I don't use my phone for a gaming station so I don't play games on it.

toxicdust said:
@rembrandtlnx
Thanks a lot. You have been more helpful than reading XDA for 2 days solidly trying to find out what to do.
At the current moment I don't really see any benefit in rooting. My phone is not presenting with any of the battery draining bugs some users are finding so I am not sure if updating the firmware would be that helpful.
I don't use my phone for a gaming station so I don't play games on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed if you are happy on the actual rom for you rooting dosnt make a big difference. I rooted both mines mainly to have the Miui, i always wanted it but my old poor phone wasnt supported.
Anyway, feel free to ask in future if you change your mind
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

rembrandtlnx said:
Indeed if you are happy on the actual rom for you rooting dosnt make a big difference. I rooted both mines mainly to have the Miui, i always wanted it but my old poor phone wasnt supported.
Anyway, feel free to ask in future if you change your mind
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have another few questions
1. Reading your links I noticed I don't need to root to flash original firmwares to my phone. If I do flash a original firmware to my phone using Odin does my counter increase and will i have that annoying ! at boot up?
2. Is there some way to retain the CSC while flashing?
3. If I flash with just 1 .tar file it would seem to contain all 3 segments PDA, Phone and CSC or would it just replace the PDA and keep the Phone and CSC in tact?
What my aim is that I want to update my Android as I go along but don't want to drop my CSC and I prefer having the compatibility with my provider as it makes it easier and more compatible with the network especially for international dialling.

want your GS2 as close as possible to stock with PHENOMENAL battery life? READ THIS!

This is my first post on xda, but don´t underestimate me because of that. In fact, I´ve been following all the GS2 sections and read ALL the tutorials since i got my phone a couple of months ago. Never needed to open an account here to do all the customizations on my phone; This should tell a lot about the completeness of this forum (i.e. SEARCH, there´s a 95% chance that your question is already answered in some thread).
In fact i´m baffled by the amount of people that appears to be unhappy with their phones, doing lots of changes in kernels, roms, themes, etc., looking to improve performance, battery life, fanciness or only for the sake of change. In my experience, you won´t get a "life changing" improvement in GS2 only by a software change. As official firmwares get more and more advanced, their performance delta in contrast with custom firmware gets smaller. The only two areas where the gap is still big lies on eye candy and usability. Moreover, with Ice Cream Sandwich knocking at the door, there´s no additional functionality coming from newer Gingerbread firmware versions.
The customization I have done involves kernel and rom, and prioritize stability and energy comsumption over up to date firmware (as i said in the last paragraph, ICS is not ready yet and latter gingerbread versions doesn´t bring anything new). With that, I could achieve a battery life of 3+ days with average use; For demonstration, i´ve just checked my phone and it shows 2 days and 15 hours with 60% charge. Naturally I am not a heavy user, and the phone is deep sleeping on average 80% of the time, but here on the forum is generally assumed that a drain of 1%/hour is very good mark, so i guess this combo provides excellent battery life (0,6%/hour). I can testify it´s rock solid as well - I´ve been using it for almost a month without any FCs or reboots. And this scheme doesn´t involve underclocking at all, so don´t worry about performance.
Unfortunately (at least for the "spooners") this guide won´t have any images, just links to the respective threads - I´m assuming you do want to learn and read to get your information. The main purpose of this guide is to point a safe/fast/easy way of doing all the stuff, avoiding the need to read all the tutorials and choose the best route among many roads that lead to the same place in the end. The target reader is the complete beginner, who has a desire to learn and unlock his phone in a safe way. Naturally i am not responsible if you blow up your phone or something like that while following this guide; I´ve followed this and it works on my phone, that´s all i can say. I will describe here exactly what i did, step by step, since i opened that damned box
So without further ado, this is it:
1) Getting root
1.1) Install the samsung drivers and software (KIES) on your computer ( http://www.samsung.com/ae/support/d...d_mdl_name=GT-I9100/M16&srchword=Galaxy+S+II# )
1.2) Download the zergrush exploit (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321582). If needed (and you will), read the zergrush guide on the respective thread. Warning: There´s a chance that your phone firmware is already patched, so this exploit won´t work.
1.2.1) IF AND ONLY IF zergush doesn´t work on your phone, you will have to use Odin to flash CF-Root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399). Read the thread.
2) Backup
2.0) Although you can do all the flashing with Odin, i must assume i´m a lazy person, so i bought Mobile Odin from Android Market. It simplifies A LOT the process of flashing things on the GS2, and as a bonus it doesn´t change the rom counter on the phone! (Read this : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1347899)
2.1) It´s an excellent idea to download CF-Root kernel for your kernel version and flash it (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399 - read the thread to know how to find your kernel version), then enter clockworkmod recovery and do a backup of your internal card (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1118693).
2.2) After getting root, install Titanium Backup (from android store) and backup everything you need on the phone. Backup the efs folder as well (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308546).
2.3) Store all backups you made in a safe place (that means away from your phone). Pray to the Android gods with faith, and you will never have to use them.
3) Customization
3.1) Download firmware version KK2 (http://www.multiupload.com/PBBE9HBXTS). Flash it, then enter CWM and clean cache and Dalvik. After that, you will lose root, all your customizations and all installed software. PS: Here in Brazil the last firmware version is 2.3.4, so this version still brings many improvements. If you already have a newer version on your phone, keep it.
3.2) Download CF-Root kernel for KK2 (see step 2.1). Flash it on your phone to get root back.
3.3) Install Titanium Backup again and use the backup you did on step 2.2 to get all your software back, including Mobile Odin if you bought it.
3.4) Download Ninphetamine kernel version 2.1.3 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1179814) and flash it.
3.5) Install voltage control (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829731) and use it to do the following settings:
* General - don´t change anything
* Voltages : 200 mhz / 850 mv ; 500 mhz / 850 mv ; 800 mhz / 950 mv ; 1000 mhz / 1050 mv ; 1200 mhz / 1150 mv
3.6) Download Bloat Freezer from android market and use it to freeze all stuff you don´t want. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1069924)
And it´s done. You can continue from where i stopped, installing jkay mod for eye candy and more functionality (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154278), trying a custom firmware like Cyanogen, changing your kernel or doing God knows what. If you read all the stuff i´ve linked, i´m sure you can go on with your own legs from now on. The phone is yours to mess with!

You root with Zergush then you root with CF root then you flash firmware and wipe CF root then CF root again
Why not flash KK2 then cwm and root .
Or even just flash CWM root and do a nandroid backup then flash KK2 .
jje

Well, i just reproduced step by step what i did to customize my phone from the moment i opened the box. I was really afraid of changing the internal ROM counter, and was afraid as well of using odin, so i opted to use zergrush and buy mobile odin, and i still think that is the easiest and most secure way for the complete noob to customize his phone.
You are part right, because the KK2 firmware will not change the rom counter, but you must use odin to flash it. Mobile odin is easier, but if the reader is okay with using odin, in fact he will pass over many steps of the guide.
And when you say "You root with Zergush then you root with CF root", that´s not true. In fact, i recommend using zergrush and ONLY if it doesnt work you should use CF-Root instead.

b_sal said:
This is my first post on xda, but don´t underestimate me because of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try and give you the benefit of the doubt then.
b_sal said:
The customization I have done involves kernel and rom, and prioritize stability and energy comsumption over up to date firmware (as i said in the last paragraph, ICS is not ready yet and latter gingerbread versions doesn´t bring anything new). With that, I could achieve a battery life of 3+ days with average use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, I shouldn't have bothered.
Your post is written in such a way that it might fool an idiot into thinking you know what you're talking about, but it's pretty clear you don't. Let's see some of the things I took issue with in your post.
There's no such thing as "average use".
You recommend an old ROM.
Your "tutorial" involves several unnecessary, repeated steps (root, then flash a rooted kernel, then flash another rooted kernel ad infinitum?)
Your customisations are nothing more than undervolting which is specific to your device and some rather vague freeze stuff you don't want statement.
You finish the post by saying you can flash a different, AOSP based ROM, after all of the spam before it, negating everything.
Overall, good job.

JJEgan said:
You root with Zergush then you root with CF root then you flash firmware and wipe CF root then CF root again
Why not flash KK2 then cwm and root .
Or even just flash CWM root and do a nandroid backup then flash KK2 .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His kinda defying the point of his root method.

Ignoring the repetitions, the post's still very useful. I'm on a 2.3.4 ROM as well and the OP's right about the minimal delta improvements of gingerbread updates.

Okay, i think you are not getting the objectives of the post:
1) it reproduces exactly what a noob (me) did to unlock his phone.
2) I never said i know every single way of rooting the phone, and didn´t made this post to prove anything.
3) it´s not exactly meant for the senior members, or at least, the senior members should filter from the post only the info they judge is valid for them.
4) it´s very clear in the post that i´m prioritizing stability and battery life over firmware versions. So i guess you bashed before reading the part i say that.
5) i really did that in the good intention of helping newbies to find their way, reading the links i "spammed" on the guide. But I may be hurting more than helping, who knows? If so, sorry, i´ll get back to reading, i don´t really mind writing guides at all.

b_sal said:
Okay, i think you are not getting the objectives of the post:
1) it reproduces exactly what a noob (me) did to unlock his phone.
2) I never said i know every single way of rooting the phone, and didn´t made this post to prove anything.
3) it´s not exactly meant for the senior members, or at least, the senior members should filter from the post only the info they judge is valid for them.
4) it´s very clear in the post that i´m prioritizing stability and battery life over firmware versions. So i guess you bashed before reading the part i say that.
5) i really did that in the good intention of helping newbies to find their way, reading the links i "spammed" on the guide. But I may be hurting more than helping, who knows? If so, sorry, i´ll get back to reading, i don´t really mind writing guides at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my friend by all means you have put all your information nicely organized and nicely put. you do have good intentions and please carry on doing what you are doing. but you need to re-evaluate what you have written because you might get people getting confused by what you are guiding them through. and plus they are already stickies regarding guides and the threads in development that helps people on how to root phones.
Give you one example you say to people the guide on how to zergrush exploit. and then you ask them do download a cf-root for something else. can not go through the whole thread. but you are asking people to re root twice with two different methods. hence why people above are pointing out to you...anyway good luck and hope you get the feedback you are looking for from this thread

Suarez7 said:
my friend by all means you have put all your information nicely organized and nicely put. you do have good intentions and please carry on doing what you are doing. but you need to re-evaluate what you have written because you might get people getting confused by what you are guiding them through. and plus they are already stickies regarding guides and the threads in development that helps people on how to root phones.
Give you one example you say to people the guide on how to zergrush exploit. and then you ask them do download a cf-root for something else. can not go through the whole thread. but you are asking people to re root twice with two different methods. hence why people above are pointing out to you...anyway good luck and hope you get the feedback you are looking for from this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that´s a good feedback on the post. I know there is a lot of guides on xda, and that´s a lot of information. Because of that, i had to read lots of tutorials, filter many of them saying mostly the same things, and assembling all the parts together in the end. So i thought of writing something that would unify all that, to make easier to the beginner and to avoid people having to read all the guides, like i had to do. I don´t feel the urge to do something perfect on my first post, but i fully acknowledge the need to edit the post and add more information about discarding some steps and adding alternative ways to get to the result. But in the end, i´m sure someone who follows it will as it is now won´t have any problems and will get the battery life i´m telling.

Download Ninphetamine kernel
your joking right, no doubt it was a good kernel at the time but it's old hat now technology advances everyday and there are far better kernels on here now that will offer much better battery life,etc,etc
I'm not knocking your post but most on here would know all of this already, noobs will just keep posting duplicate questions regardless of how many times they have already been answered previously.

oinkylicious said:
Let's see some of the things I took issue with in your post.
There's no such thing as "average use".
You recommend an old ROM.
Your "tutorial" involves several unnecessary, repeated steps (root, then flash a rooted kernel, then flash another rooted kernel ad infinitum?)
Your customisations are nothing more than undervolting which is specific to your device and some rather vague freeze stuff you don't want statement.
You finish the post by saying you can flash a different, AOSP based ROM, after all of the spam before it, negating everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the post can be improved, so i´m taking your suggestions as well:
1) Okay, i think that expression can be changed.
2) I haven´t found any evidence of KK5 and latter improving battery life, that´s why i recommend KK2.
3) Like i said before, I was worried about the rom counter issue, and didn´t know i was going to flash an official firmware. I guess that if you want to install a custom firmware without incrementing the counter you must do what i did. If that´s not true, please let me know and i will change that.
4) Many people are using this same voltages on the forums without issues, and i just told what settings i use. Many beginners have this curiosity about what settings "everybody" is using.
5) In the end everybody is free to do whatever they want. If they read all the links and felt confidence about doing anything else, then the guide´s job is done in the same way.

jonny68 said:
Download Ninphetamine kernel
your joking right, no doubt it was a good kernel at the time but it's old hat now technology advances everyday and there are far better kernels on here now that will offer much better battery life,etc,etc
I'm not knocking your post but most on here would know all of this already, noobs will just keep posting duplicate questions regardless of how many times they have already been answered previously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may call me an heretic or whatever, but i really don´t see the point of, say, Siyah kernel launching a new version every couple days. I´m using Ninphetamine and it does everything my phone can do. A mobile phone is not (yet) the same thing as a desktop computer, so it doesnt need kernels updated that fast. I ask in all my noobiness : What the newer kernels can do that this kernel can´t?

b_sal said:
4) Many people are using this same voltages on the forums without issues, and i just told what settings i use. Many beginners have this curiosity about what settings "everybody" is using.
5) In the end everybody is free to do whatever they want. If they read all the links and felt confidence about doing anything else, then the guide´s job is done in the same way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're still missing the point a bit. The name of your thread is "want your GS2 as close as possible to stock with PHENOMENAL battery life? READ THIS!"
The thread doesn't really address anything relating to battery life (such as wakelocks, misbehaving applications, screen brightness, signal strength). Voltage modifications which work for you may not work for someone else and the battery savings are negligible. You also don't mention the risks involved.
Then, since you've pulled me up on me taking issue with you saying to flash CM7, I'll repeat. Your thread title is "want your GS2 as close as possible to stock with PHENOMENAL battery life? READ THIS!" CM7 is about as far from stock as you can get. Also, telling people to flash a custom kernel (Ninphetamine) and saying it's "as close as possible to stock" is pretty absurd.

jonny68 said:
Download Ninphetamine kernel
your joking right, no doubt it was a good kernel at the time but it's old hat now technology advances everyday and there are far better kernels on here now that will offer much better battery life,etc,etc
I'm not knocking your post but most on here would know all of this already, noobs will just keep posting duplicate questions regardless of how many times they have already been answered previously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the best kernels of all time. If it's not broken why fix it.
O/T I think we miss Harce. Post 5 was awesome most newb posts are post 5 material.
Look at VillainRom, see what base it is using, and why it's also a popular rom.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

oinkylicious said:
I think you're still missing the point a bit. The name of your thread is "want your GS2 as close as possible to stock with PHENOMENAL battery life? READ THIS!"
The thread doesn't really address anything relating to battery life (such as wakelocks, misbehaving applications, screen brightness, signal strength). Voltage modifications which work for you may not work for someone else and the battery savings are negligible. You also don't mention the risks involved.
Then, since you've pulled me up on me taking issue with you saying to flash CM7, I'll repeat. Your thread title is "want your GS2 as close as possible to stock with PHENOMENAL battery life? READ THIS!" CM7 is about as far from stock as you can get. Also, telling people to flash a custom kernel (Ninphetamine) and saying it's "as close as possible to stock" is pretty absurd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you´ve commented only about items 4 and 5, should i assume that you have nothing to say about items 1-3? I´m looking forward to read your opinion about that too.
You are damn right about item 4. For the sake of completeness i should warn about the risks of messing with voltages and the other topics you mentioned. You may not believe, but i really don´t see this thing as "my post" anymore. I guess we could improve on it and make it good , even if just for a person or two.
About item 5, i must disagree a little. Well, i say "as close as possible to stock" and not "stock". If i don´t change anything, so it´s stock, right? What you would define as "close to stock" then?
And the guide ended before the CM part - What I recommend is installing the KK2 firmware + ninphetamine + voltage settings, nothing else. I only left open the possibility of any customizations the reader wants to do, i´m not saying CM7 or jkay installation is a "must do".

b_sal said:
Since you´ve commented only about items 4 and 5, should i assume that you have nothing to say about items 1-3? I´m looking forward to read your opinion about that too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
b_sal said:
1) Okay, i think that expression can be changed.
2) I haven´t found any evidence of KK5 and latter improving battery life, that´s why i recommend KK2.
3) Like i said before, I was worried about the rom counter issue, and didn´t know i was going to flash an official firmware. I guess that if you want to install a custom firmware without incrementing the counter you must do what i did. If that´s not true, please let me know and i will change that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really respond to 1). 2) I still disagree with, there's no reason to stick to an old version, especially one which is not supported by the latest version of the JKay mod (which you later recommend). Therefore, in my opinion it makes more sense to recommend XWKL1. 3). The process to get what you wanted was zergrush followed by flashing Ninphetamine (with mobile Odin/other app to avoid counter increase). None of the other kernel flashing was necessary.
b_sal said:
About item 5, i must disagree a little. Well, i say "as close as possible to stock" and not "stock". If i don´t change anything, so it´s stock, right? What you would define as "close to stock" then?
And i the guide ended before that. I only left open the possibility of any customizations the reader wants to do, i´m not saying CM7 or jkay installation is a "must do".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing any custom kernel, especially one which describes itself as "Now with 100% less Samsungyness" in the thread title is deviating a lot from stock. I would define "close to stock" in that regard as CF-Root.

b_sal said:
You may call me an heretic or whatever, but i really don´t see the point of, say, Siyah kernel launching a new version every couple days. I´m using Ninphetamine and it does everything my phone can do. A mobile phone is not (yet) the same thing as a desktop computer, so it doesnt need kernels updated that fast. I ask in all my noobiness : What the newer kernels can do that this kernel can´t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to agree with you which is why i don't bother with Siyah anymore i just stick to Speedmod which is pretty much proven as having the best battery life out of all the current kernels available.
What the newer kernels can do that this kernel can´t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well Siyah at this stage of development probably has many more features, Speedmod offers the best battery life which is good for me

[UPDATED] [17/06/12] Rooting, Recovery, Custom ROMs and Troubleshoot!

Okay, so I read many new threads daily regarding how to root, about custom ROMs and everything so I thought I would just start this thread where we all could share what all we know. Something like FAQs for SGN. Without further delay, let's start.
1. What is rooting? Is it dangerous?
A. “Rooting” your device means obtaining “superuser” rights and permissions to your Android phone. When rooted, the user can run various apps that require root permissions to run and also, it allows the user to install custom ROMs or to flash various kernels, overclocking or underclocking the device etc.
Rooting is NOT dangerous. There are guides available here on XDA on how to root and they are pretty easy, straightforward and risk free.
The only disadvantage of rooting is that it voids your warranty but you can easily unroot your phone to get the warranty back.
2. How to root?
A. Pretty easy! Dr Ketan has created this very very simple guide on how to root. You can find it here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1329360
Don't forget to thank him!
Easiest method in my opinion is to flash a pre rooted stock ROM through PC Odin.
3. How do I unroot?
It's mentioned in the guide above.
4. What is recovery?
A. Recovery refers to the dedicated, bootable partition that has the recovery console installed. A combination of key presses will boot your phone to recovery, where you can find tools to help repair (recover) your installation as well as install official OS updates. Now because Android is open and has the recovery source code available, building a customized version with more and different options is relatively easy as well.
5. ClockWorkMod Recovery??? How do I install it?
A. CWM, as it is generally called, is a custom recovery for Android. It offers many more options than those offered by the stock recovery and it's generally used to flash custom ROMs.
Installing CWM on your phone is dead simple. Again, thanks to Dr Ketan for his awesome guide. Here you go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1329360
6. What is a custom ROM?
A. A custom ROM is a fully standalone version of the OS, including the kernel (which makes everything run), apps, services, etc - everything you need to operate the device, except it's customized by someone in some way.
Since Android is open source, developers are free to pick up the stock ROMs and modify them the way they like. As simple as that!
7. So how do I decide which is the best custom ROM?
A. There in no best custom ROM as such. Different ROMs have different advantages and disadvantages. Some give you incredible speed, some give you battery, some are better looking and so on. You have to decide what works best for you.
8. Do I really need to install a custom ROM or is stock good enough?
A. Ask yourself! Personally, I feel stock is crap. Also, there are many ROMs that offer stock experience whilst removing everything that makes the stock ROM crap.
9. Can I brick my phone while installing custom ROMs?
A. Yes and no. While it's pretty hard to actually brick a phone, it's possible. Use the CORRECT files and follow the steps as mentioned by the developer. But, as I said, it's highly unlikely that you'll end up with a bricked phone.
10. Okay, so I am ready to install a custom ROM. I know the risks and everything. How do I install it?
A. First of all, you need your phone to be rooted and you also need to have a recovery, like CWM. Now, different ROMs have difference installation procedures so I advice you to just read their respective threads thoroughly, know more about the ROM, decide if it's good enough and follow what the developer says. Use the CORRECT files.
Also, whatever you do, make sure you make backups of your current system through CWM. If ever something goes wrong, these backups will help you restore to your previous system.
Go on, it should all be easy!
Edit: Do not make Nandroid backups in CWM when on LPY, LPF, i9220 repack or other unsafe kernels. There's a very high risk of bricking your phone. Read the stickies!
11. What is Overclocking/Underclocking?
A. Simply put, overclocking is the process of increasing the clock frequency of your phone's processor. Underclocking is decreasing the frequency. It basically makes the processor run faster/slower according to what you set it for.
12. Risks of OC?
A.
Overclocking reduces the lifespan of the hardware of your phone.
It's possible to incurr permanent damage to the phone's compenets by OC.
Overclocking voids the warranty of your phone, but rooting has already done that!
13. Should I overclock?
A. Personally I think there is no use of OC except to fry off your processor and get higher quadrant score (which doesn't mean anything really!). With all these phones with fast processors, OC is less necessary.
14. How to overclock?
A. You need a kernel that supports overclocking. Like franco's kernel supports OC I think. Then you need an application (like SetCPU, No Frills CPU etc) to OC your device. Sometimes, OC options are built into a custom ROM as well.
15. I've had enough of rooting and custom ROMs. I need to go back. What do I do?
A. The easiest way to go back to stock ROM is to just simply flash any of the unrooted stock ROMs through PC Odin. As simple as that. Refer to Dr Ketan's guide for this.
16. What is an unsafe kernel?
A. Most stock ICS kernels are affected by the emmc bug, popularly known as the brick bug. The official CM9 kernels and some new other kernels are although free from this.
17. F***! I am on an unsafe kernel. What to do?
A. You should actually firstly know what not to do and than what to do. DO NOT wipe data in CWM, DO NOT factory reset your phone through either recovery or the Settings Menu and DO NOT delete big files from your internal or maybe even external memory. This heavy R/W operations triggers the brick bug and most often leaves the phone as useful as a paperweight.
Now, what should you be doing? If you're not gonna do any of the above, you're most probably as safe as those on a safe kernel. If you wanna get rid of this emmc bug altogether, you have to firstly go back to GB, use PC Odin method as stated above and then flash any of the new ROMs with safe kernels, read the dev section.
18. I wiped my data previously on an unsafe kernel and now my phone wouldn't boot up. I tried going back to stock GB with the PC Odin method but I'm stuck at "factoryfys.img". OMG! I can't even breathe now.. HELP!!!!
A. Superbrick. Yes, that's the word. Unfortunately, your phone is now bricked and only Samsung could help you now. Or if you're comfortable you can read and watch the DIY guides to replace the affected parts (motherboard).
So, this is all what I could think of at the moment. If you have any more Q&A that could help others, do add them!
Hope this helps..

Good one bro! It should help most of the folks out there! And quench many repeated questions

Thanks man!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

sujal said:
Thanks man!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its better to hit the thanks button than posting a post of thanks LOL
Cheers!! Enjoy your Note!!

Like that!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

By the way, I was wondering if the moderators could make this thread a sticky. Possible?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

Just Arrived
I am a burnt newbie. I tried to install a ROM from RootGalaxyNote that seemed perfect. A week later, after getting it back from MobileTechVideo and a full JTAG repair, I laid back on everything. Then I ran across Philz. Love what this guy does. Rooted the kernel MobileTech installed, and installed the Rom I'm using now, SweetROM V2.5. Hope this posts as I am 7 away from being able to talk to the"Big Boys".

Choosing a Kernal for your phone
I looked through PhilZ-cwm6 - Safe Stock Based Kernel but couldn't find anything that matches my kernal version. I honestly do not know where to ask so I hope you don't mind me asking you for your help. What kernal version do I download if this is my phone details:
Model number:
GT-N7000
Android version:
4.1.2
Baseband version:
N7000WELSA
Kernel version:
3.0.31-906371
[email protected]#3
SMP PREEMPT Mon Feb 18 15:19:46 KST 2013
Build number:
JZO54K.N7000UBLSF

You can try the XXLSA or XXLT4.

Helpful info on ICS, GB, Bricks, Flashing etc... ! Trying to Sum Up !

I am writing this because I know nobody has the time to go through all the threads.
People don't use the SEARCH button (there is no alternative to that..neither my rant here)
So tried to sum up all that I can here. Do let know below in comments if anything else is to be added or removed.​I urge everyone to go through this complete post and I am sure you will find something interesting or something worth for you. If not then I am sorry for your 5 mins wasted !!
For all the members who are about to get their hands dirty or are already in the dirty waters! Welcome!
Just make yourself double sure that you are here and you are comfortable about playing with your device. Be okay with bricking it (yeah had to say this because whining and pointing fingers at others is not acceptable here)
Please avoid asking questions about rooting and stock roms in a particular rom thread. Let there be talk about that rom development and not rooting.
You want to root your device. Here you go – Rooting Guide by Dr Ketan
You want stock Roms – Here you go – Stock Roms by Dr Ketan again
You want Stock Prerooted Roms – Here you go – Stock Odex Prerooted Roms by Bodivas
PS - If you are using the Prerooted Stock Roms from the above link then after PC ODIN flash of the stock rom of your choice just download the corresponding CF Root Kernel (i.e. if you flashed LC1 Rom, download LC1 CF-Root kernel) and flash it through Mobile Odin to inject CWMR. Done.
You want all the Safe kernels - Here you go - [ICS][GB] Kernel Repository
So you are now rooted. Now as per Samsung your warranty is now void. Congrats. Remember you only did it and you only wanted it. So cheers!! Pour yourself and me a beer
Now go flash any GB custom rom you like choosing from here – GT N7000 Development Thread
Okay remember to read the changelog and the Features. Don’t crib for the features that are not included. You don’t like the rom and features move on. Don’t curse the developer for it.
Very Famous Example- asking for touchwiz features like SMemo, SPen gestures in APOKP/AOSP roms. Blasts on your way. Better reading about them here by Chasmodo - Flash ICS and Survive
Who wants GB now. All wants the cool IceCream!
Okay so WAIT.
Now remember there are much serious repercussions in getting to ICS than doing all the above stuff with GB.
Here this is to be read very first – Hard Bricking Kernels Public Announcement by Entropy
NEVER perform any sort of WIPE or FACTORY RESET when on Stock ICS Kernel/Rom (rooted or non-rooted)
DO NOT try to go to any CM9 or CM10 based rom from the Samsung ICS rom/kernel. Sure shot BRICK.(those who haven't got bricked by doing this consider your self lucky...huh) Best way is to - Go to GB > root > then flash any CM9 based rom.​
Only These roms are termed completely safe till now and are build on safe kernels till the time Samsung doesn’t release the source code and we have plethora of kernels like in GB.(will keep adding to the list)
CM9 Nightlies
Asylum ICS
MIUI
ParanoidAndroid
HALF-ILLUSION
All other ROMs that are based on the CM9 source.(info about it in the OP of each ROM thread...must read always)
The stock ICS roms which are on custom kernels like Franco / Speedmod etc which have MMC_CAP_ERASE command disabled.
There are many ROMs in the dev section which are based on LPY kernel. They too work perfect but still have the volatility and the warnings applied as the LPY is not that safe. So flash on your own risk and don't pester the Devs of those roms about question of safety and security. Read the above Public Announcement and decide which way you want to go!
Now some more info. Always before doing any of the flashing
Check your current kernel from
Settings > About Phone > Kernel Version .
Do NOT flash from the following kernels:
i9220ZCLP1
i9220ZCLP5
i9220ZCLP6
N7000XXLPY
Some most asked questions.
Q1 –Man m already on one of these kernels. Now waaahhhat?
Don’t panic. If you are on the rom which includes any of these kernels then refrain from flashing anything in the CWM. If the rom you are on presently is good for you just be there and don’t go on experimenting on the unsafe kernels. Wait for the stable safe kernls to come out.
Or
Switch to any of the above safe roms.
Before going to any of the safe roms go back to stock GB. Use PC Odin.
Here we have another complication. Check this thread. LPY to GB via PC Odin = super brick? This might be the fix of these Superbricks - Here
Now best way is always PC odin. And it still is unless your EMMC is not already damaged by using the wipe function . Check Here Above case happened to some users but most of the users whent back successfully. Now always remember to use PC odin when you have installed all the drivers. If you use Windows 7 PC then always check for the Online Searching for Drivers in the notification bar on your PC. This should be stopped or completed before doing any PC odin activity.
IMP - You can use Mobile Odin. But make sure first that the rom you are on and using the Mobile Odin that is having complete root by pasting any file in the root folder which is /system (use any file explorer with root privileges)
Once on GB, root it. If you going for the Pre Rooted Stock Roms remember you will have to inject the CWM using the CF Root zip from Chainfire’s thread for any subsequent flashing you want to do or use Mobile Odin (remember to check complete root status before using it)
Q2 - I am already on CM9 or Asylum or MIUI can I try the stock ICS German release?
Sure you can try but with no CWM. It sucks so recommendation is don’t try. Be on the safe roms and wait. And I bet they are much better and smoother than the stock. There are some cases of bricks with LPY having root when flashing in CWM or doing intensive I/O tasks.
There is no reported harm to flash ics without cf root(stock kernel + root no cwm) Check the Official ICS Flashing guide by Dr ketan again (Man this guy helps the Note community a lot )
Q3 – Man I am on GB and it sucks. I want ICS.
GB doesn’t suck in this case. At least you have your device working. If you are not comfortable enough with all the cautions and thin lines to tread its better to stay on GB a little longer. If you daring enough go tread on the lines of ICS but don’t cry over the brick you might achieve if you are not careful enough.
Q4 – I cant paste into /system folder nor can change DPI.
You have lost root. Kindly PC ODIN (only and only PC Odin) back to GB and then get it rooted (or flash pre rooted rom then inject CWM or use mobile odin now after flashing the pre rooted rom) and then flash the ICS rom of your choice (better stick to the safe ones…if not your wish)
Q5 – Am Senior Member I Know my way in and out and daring enough to tinker. All Warnings Applied
So you don’t want the Odin back to GB. Well then you have the Abyss Note 4.2 Kernel with Redpill Touch recovery. You are on any unsafe kernel ICS Rom and you want to go to safe rom then do one last CWM flash of Abyss kernel reboot recovery and then flash the safe roms. This keeps your root intact. You can even acieve root though this if you have lost it. Just flash Abyss 4.2 go to GB. Check root there and then flash the ICS rom. No need of repack. If any of this gets struck or brick then you know your way out already…..you told that in the question. My little guide here. Link for Abyss 4.2 Kernel in the guide.
Q6 - Most asked in the rom threads – I want the LP5 and LP6 modems. Here please.
Q7 - I want to go to LPF or whatever stock kernel ICS. And is it safe?
PLEASE dont go that route. Better stay on GB or root it and flash any of the CM9 kernel based rom. Please humble request!! :angel: Ask why in the comments if you don't get it by reading all the info in this post.
Q8 - The ICS source code is out. Where are the new kernels?
Yeah the SGN ICS sources are out. Check HERE
Wait for the developers to wield their magic and you will have the awesome kernels out for you in no time! Patience is the key
Q9 - I seriously want the safe CM9 kernel. Where is it?
Search for it in the CM9 thread. But i know many of you wont do that. So just to make this OP a lil more lengthy and one stop kind of shop m attaching the file below. Thanks Xplodwild. Flash the extracted zImage using mobile odin. Its a safe kernel so you can use its CWM anytime you want.I cant say with what all roms it will work. Might break some features in some roms so flash at your OWN RISK.
Q10 - What about the new ICS kernels??
Well the safest kernel CM9 is attached and the other one by Entropy's DAFUQ kernel got updated too. Franco and Speedmod kernels are build on the latest ICS Sources and have the formatting of MMC is blocked. So you are safe from damaged MMC bricking bug but not sure about the any other bricking bug on that as two users (AFAIK) reported bricks in the Franco kernel thread.
Also look for as Entropy told here - "install CPUSpy and make sure you don't see "se.infra" anywhere - that's the buildhost of Samsung's own kernels which are dangerous"
Be safe, Play safe. Check their change-logs...what works and what not and where and what roms you can install them on!
Q11 - I want to jump off from the unsafe kernels. How ???
A quick guide from Chasmodo - Here And lil Info about Mobile Odin Here
Q12 - Brick! Brick Brick!! What Man everywhere i read this on ICS!! Why is it so happening??
Well, as very well explained by Entropy -
"We now know there are three things that are ALL needed for this to happen:
1) A recovery (can be the recovery itself OR it can be the update-binary in a ZIP you flash!) that performs ERASE commands in addition to formatting. (GB recoveries and update-binaries don't do this, ICS ones do)
2) A kernel that allows those ERASE attempts to actually go through. (Disabling MMC_CAP_ERASE prevents this.)
3) Buggy eMMC firmware
Basically:
In Gingerbread, condition 1 was not met (However, this isn't guaranteed - if a Gingerbread ROM developer happens to accidentally grab an ICS update-binary in his installation ZIP, this COULD brick!)
In I9100 ICS releases, condition 2 was not met due to MMC_CAP_ERASE being removed
Condition 3 is true for nearly every GT-I9100, SGH-I777, SPH-D710, and GT-N7000 ever sold."
So got it ? Wanna get your minds more widen with the knowledge on this aspect - Visit HERE
Q13 - Got Brickbug ???
CHECK HERE - Thanks Chainfire
Q14 - I want to have CM10 on my rom!! How to??
Check on what kernel you are on. Any Stock ICS kernel or any kernel based on stock ICS sources then go PC odin back to GB (just read the above conditions on wiping and factory restoring first). Now get root on your GB. Install a CM9 based rom and after that install CM10 rom. For people being extra adventurous you can use the CM9 safe kernel to switch between roms. :angel: And never forget doing full wipe before coming to CM10
Don’t use any repacks now please. LP1 is a NO NO ! And don’t even think about the other one!
To Devs – If you find this guide or rant useful then please link in your OP. Thanks for your great work and time you invest you us. You are providing all this awesomeness free of cost. Hats off to you all !!
Respect them people. Or read this - Show your Support, Don't Whine by toxicthunder
To All Members – If you find this useful kindly hit the thanks button. And remember to read OP of each rom thread!!
Happy Flashing and Enjoy your Notes !​I would like to quote+edit from toxicthunder post.
If something goes wrong, cry yourself a river.
But then don't forget to build a bridge and get over it.​
A highly recommended and awesome and handy extension for you all (Thanks Toxicthunder)
*Galaxy Note Toxic Toolbar* - Check it out
Lastly thanks to Chainfire , Entropy512 , Xplodwild , Dr Ketan , Original_Ganjaman , Chasmodo , Antiochasylum , Matius44 , Tremerone , Toxicthunder , Androidindian , Geo.Samuel for all the help and support you guys have provided to me and the community.
And just in case you thought this have helped you save your precious time and device and you have some pennies to spare , Then you are most welcome to​​donate here This will encourage me more ​

Reserved for some future addons
For Mac Users - read Heimdall instead of PC Odin

Thanks for this it will be very use full to many who choose to take the time to read fine work thanks

Will be linking this in my OP.
As long as people READ it, very very good info.

Looks great brother!
.....like Anti said....hopefully people will READ it and understand. It's pretty crystal clear if you ask me.

Good summary!

Impeccable. Must read for every user.
If I had my way, this post should flash on each and every user's screen before he clicks on the "Post Quick Reply" button.
Many thanks for this!!

A good summary of our current and somewhat unfortunate ICS situation.

So the new LPF firmware/kernel is it safe? Because I saw some members wipe etc. and say it works fine except it doesnt restore. but is it safe from bricks?

androidindian said:
So the new LPF firmware/kernel is it safe? Because I saw some members wipe etc. and say it works fine except it doesnt restore. but is it safe from bricks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's early days yet. Be patient and we'll see.

Good one dawg!!
But if everybody had an habit of reading.............

Great work mate, added to the sticky list

Thanks Friends for all the support!! Yeah the only effort one has to do is to read. I made an effort to bring as many things as possible under one thread/OP. If not 100 threads then at least read this one. Yeah it still has so many threads linked but at least most of the info that is strewn in many threads i have tried to catch up here with direct linking. Will keep updating as new things keep popping. The first on the list being the LPF. Update in a couple of hours
Hope it helps all !!
Ah...and thanks OG for the sticky

Awesome thread.... for the awesome phone
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

Great thread.
With so much information flowing these days, it's hard to keep track of what's going on.
Also, I had no idea that going back to GB from LPY may hard brick.. **** this.

Very well written post mate might recommend you as an editor trainee under the supeevision of our guru chas
Seriously though, very helpful thread and I really wish more and more members read it first.. Congrats on the sticky, well deserved
Cheers mate

Nice and concise.... Much appreciated
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

I found this threat very usefull..thanks mate
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

First off GREAT POST ABHISAHARA!!! A thanks is coming your way . Soooo..... after reading your initial post, the the LPY to GB via PC Odin = super brick? thread, and THEN the how to revert back to gb from lpy ics View Single Post thread. I have a "decent" grasp on where I'm at. I was one of the gunslingers that jumped on board the LPY on day 1. I was on rooted (GB or ICS Repack, can't remember honestly) and installed LPY Stock unrooted via PC odin. It did NOT wipe all my data so i'm assuming that means I did not do a full wipe (seems like a good thing from what I read), I really would feel better if I got off of this and went back to GB. I understand if my phone works fine I should sit tight, but I do deal with large movie files on a reg basis. The steps are where it gets grainy.
What I plan to do:
1: Connect via pc odin and flash only the abyss kernel 4.2
2. Connect and flash the 3 file Rooted GB rom
3. Finally wipe everything
Could someone just tell me if a: I am being flat out stupid and should really stick with what I got, or b: let me know if what I plan to do is a best course of action for taking this plunge. Thanks in advance guys!!!

A very nice piece of work that should be read by every member.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA

How to install CM9 -- brick proof -- guaranteed :)

Galaxy Note N7000.
Was running stock ICS-ROM Samsung.
Always wanted to install and use a custom ROM but was always afraid of BRICKS..
But yesterday ended up being sucessfully running CM9.
Steps I undertook were as follows:
1. Installed Samsung Kies.
2. Check for update from Samsung Kies and updated Kies.
3. Connected my phone to Kies and checked if Kies detected the phone properly.
After sucess, exit Kies.
4. Downloaded PC Odin from this link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=815370&stc=1&d=1323799721
password:samfirmware.com
5. Download pre rooted GingerBread ROM
SGN_XX_OXA_KJ1_FACTORYFS.zip (thx dr.ketan)
http://d-h.st/HJM
6. Run PC odin
7. Reboot Note in download mode
vol. down+home+power buttons
8. Connect Download mode note to PC
9. PC odin ID:COM turns yellow:
(ALL THE BEST NOW)
10. In PC ODIN
Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time ---> Ticked
Others --> Unticked
10. Click PDA and select the SGN_XX_OXA_KJ1_FACTORYFS.zip you had downloaded.
Click start.
Wait for 10minutes.
Your phone will restart.
11. WOW..!!! now ur on a GB Rom
And its a safe kernel
Now you can play around
Plus already rooted
12. Now to get this GB Rom working
go to recovery mode (vol up + home + power)
clean dalvik cache and wipe data and factory reset
13. Time to install CM9
14. Download
CM9 latest nightly:
http://get.cm/?device=n7000
Googleapps:
http://goo.im/gapps/gapps-ics-20120429-signed.zip
15. Copy these 2 files in the internal SD card anywhere (do not rename)
16. Reboot into recovery mode:
vol up + home + power
17. Flash the 2 files from where you saved them:
"install zip from sd card" option in recovery mode
now flash cm9 file
then flash gapps file
18. DO A DATA WIPE / FACTORY RESET
19. Reboot
And wow..
Enter the world of custom ROMS
[[[to switch to another ROM, follow steps 1 to 17, and after that flash the ROM of your choice]]]

Steps 6 and 9
it shud be PC Odin Not Mobile

sorry dr. ketan
my mistake
corrected
thanks

So...
So i have galaxy note gt n700 purchased in germany and brickbug app said that i have dangeros ...something something.... I mean i have mmc bug which will make my phone in paperpress if i mess up. Question is: does step by step guide is safe for my mmc bug? Can i safely follow it and not ruin my phone, because i think i have a bad warranty.

dr.ketan said:
Steps 6 and 9
it shud be PC Odin Not Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noticed that u are very experienced contributor, so mybe u can answer on my question, does the step by step guide is safe for galaxt note with brickbug? I realy want to flash, but i want to do it if i am on the safe side

Latvianization said:
So i have galaxy note gt n700 purchased in germany and brickbug app said that i have dangeros ...something something.... I mean i have mmc bug which will make my phone in paperpress if i mess up. Question is: does step by step guide is safe for my mmc bug? Can i safely follow it and not ruin my phone, because i think i have a bad warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can follow this guide safely. Actually, this is the best guide I've seen so far, I wish I had this one the moment I wanted to start messing around with my phone because I spent more than 48 hours total reading and reading and getting more confused each time.
So go ahead and do it.
And thank you to the OP for putting this up.
Sent from a GNote, hell yeah!

SirRhor said:
Yes, you can follow this guide safely. Actually, this is the best guide I've seen so far, I wish I had this one the moment I wanted to start messing around with my phone because I spent more than 48 hours total reading and reading and getting more confused each time.
So go ahead and do it.
And thank you to the OP for putting this up.
Sent from a GNote, hell yeah!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the last one, probably silly question, what CM9 rom is this? Will i have GB or ICS? And if thats GB where can i find safe ICS rom?

Before Galaxy Note, I used to rock HTC Wildfire and didn't wanted to mess around with custom roms because it was just low-end device. Third-party launchers did the job for me when it comes to customization.
When I bought Galaxy Note, I was looking forward to flashing Cyanogenmod or maybe something different (I like Paranoid Android rom and the hybrid mode). I was very disappointed to see that there is a brick bug.
Even though I'm a IT engineer and I have been using computers since Commodore 64, I don't have experience in flashing custom roms so this post is very useful if it's the best way to do it.
Do I have to flash different stock GB before rooting, because I have XXLA6 kernel (baseband: xxla4) and I believe that this version is not directly rootable? Correct me if i'm wrong?
What is the best way to return from custom rom (ie. CM9) to stock GB?
In fact, I've been reading for a good amount of time today but there is just too much information, so sorry for the noobish questions.

I installed rom before 2 days and had similar doubts.
Just want to share what problem I faced :
The mobile should be in ON state when rooting CF I was doing it in OFF download mode

Latvianization said:
And the last one, probably silly question, what CM9 rom is this? Will i have GB or ICS? And if thats GB where can i find safe ICS rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CyanogenMod 9 is based on ICS, CM7 is based on Gingerbread. There wasn't a CM8 because Google never released the source code for Honeycomb.
And what you need is a safe kernel, because the kernel is what sends a erase command to a chip inside the phone and that's when you brick it (I think). That happens when you do a factory reset.
Now, what I always do when I want to change ROMS is to use AbbysNote 4.2 as a safe GB kernel so I can then flash the ROM/Kernel of my choice.
You can find it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1362424&highlight=abyssnote
So let's say you want to go from CM9 to LiquidSmooth (or pretty much any other), which is the one I use now:
You go to CWM recovery, from there you flash AbyssNote.
Once the flashing is completed, you DO NOT exit CWM, instead you go to "Advanced" and then "Reboot to Recovery" so the phone will restart but it will go directly to CWM again, but now with AbyssNote installed.
AbyssNote has a TOUCH based recovery, so it is easier to use. Don't use the physical power and volume buttons to navigate.
From there you can safely do a factory reset, format cache, format Dalvik, flash a new ROM and Kernel.
AbyssNote will then disappear because it will be overwritten by the new Kernel of your choice. So every time I want to change to a new ROM, I repeat the steps above I haven't had any problems whatsoever.
I hope I'm right with my technicalities, but the procedures the OP and I describe are safe to try as long you follow the exact instructions, so before you try anything, read and re-read and you will be just fine.
---------- Post added at 12:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:34 PM ----------
tribalkg said:
Before Galaxy Note, I used to rock HTC Wildfire and didn't wanted to mess around with custom roms because it was just low-end device. Third-party launchers did the job for me when it comes to customization.
When I bought Galaxy Note, I was looking forward to flashing Cyanogenmod or maybe something different (I like Paranoid Android rom and the hybrid mode). I was very disappointed to see that there is a brick bug.
Even though I'm a IT engineer and I have been using computers since Commodore 64, I don't have experience in flashing custom roms so this post is very useful if it's the best way to do it.
Do I have to flash different stock GB before rooting, because I have XXLA6 kernel (baseband: xxla4) and I believe that this version is not directly rootable? Correct me if i'm wrong?
What is the best way to return from custom rom (ie. CM9) to stock GB?
In fact, I've been reading for a good amount of time today but there is just too much information, so sorry for the noobish questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the thread you need to read: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1329360

Thanks for the useful information and for putting to rest some of my safety concerns.
Now you've wetted my appetite and I have to give it a go soon.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Thanks for this great guide! I haven't gotten my Note yet as I just ordered it yesterday but I have been lurking around the forums already and trying to understand how flashing roms and kernels works around here. Like someone already said before some of the guides / threads are 'a little' confusing for newcomers. I was really confused with the brick bug that people were writing about. This thread clarified things a lot for me and I believe it will help many more Note-newbies!
So, new Note community member reporting to duty here! :highfive: It's gonna be pretty neat upgrade considering from what phone I come from. Well, the Huawei at least was great step stone to android world gotta admit. I just got somewhat bored with the not so great custom scene.

SirRhor said:
This is the thread you need to read: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1329360
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe me, I know about that thread.
One more question for you. Does flashing abyss kernel bring yellow triangle and raise binary counter? I've heard on one of Zedomax's channels on youtube that he recommends flashing this kernel whenever you need to move from one ROM to another.
Cheers mate!

tribalkg said:
Believe me, I know about that thread.
One more question for you. Does flashing abyss kernel bring yellow triangle and raise binary counter? I've heard on one of Zedomax's channels on youtube that he recommends flashing this kernel whenever you need to move from one ROM to another.
Cheers mate!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont worry about AbyssNote, is safe in both respects. That's the one I always use to do anything that is flashing related.
If, for some reason, you start seeing that dreaded triangle at boot, you can use TriangleAway from Chainfire on Google Play.
Sent from a GNote, hell yeah!

Thanks bro, I appreciate the effort to answer these noobish questions.
I will stay on CM9 (and CM10 when it comes) as long as is stable to use it as a daily driver. I don't like the TW interface and I don't need all that S-Pen stuff and pressure sensitivity. Apps from the Play Store are enough for me (Papyrus for example) so there's no need to stay on stock rom.

tribalkg said:
Thanks bro, I appreciate the effort to answer these noobish questions.
I will stay on CM9 (and CM10 when it comes) as long as is stable to use it as a daily driver. I don't like the TW interface and I don't need all that S-Pen stuff and pressure sensitivity. Apps from the Play Store are enough for me (Papyrus for example) so there's no need to stay on stock rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont worry, I'm glad I can help you.
You can try Marker and Jotter as well, they work well.
Sent from a GNote, hell yeah!

thanks
thanks for the guide.

I have the brickbug firmware also. So am I correct in assuming that if I follow these directions and flash a different GB rom that I will be okay?
Will flashing this India GB rom change my kernel to a more stable one?
And if I flash this India GB rom will it be able to update to ICS through Kies or OTA?
I'm not new to flashing as I used to rom my EVO a lot... I just haven't done it in about a year and this brickbug mess has me standoff-ish.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

maddog2727 said:
I have the brickbug firmware also. So am I correct in assuming that if I follow these directions and flash a different GB rom that I will be okay?
Will flashing this India GB rom change my kernel to a more stable one?
And if I flash this India GB rom will it be able to update to ICS through Kies or OTA?
I'm not new to flashing as I used to rom my EVO a lot... I just haven't done it in about a year and this brickbug mess has me standoff-ish.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on GB already, you just have to root the ROM and flash CWM because the brick bug is present only on ICS kernels. 99% sure.
There are some GB Stock ROMs that you cannot root directly, so it depends.
OTA updates from Samsung to ICS I'm not sure, you should ask someone else. When I got my Note it already had ICS, so I never did an OTA update. I don't use Kies at all.
I was very weary at first too, but with the instructions above you will be fine.
Sent from a GNote, hell yeah!

I've followed the guide from OP and now I'm rockin' CM9! No problems at all.
My content on the internal memory was intact (apps data, games data, etc), it's all there and I've flashed Indian ROM and then CM9. Have I made a mistake or what?