Database Users

First time installing a ROM

After researching for many weeks on how to root my Kindle Fire, I finally became a noob and rooted my first device. Thanks to all the awesome devs on this site to make that possible.
The next thing I want to do is start flashing some different ROMs to see what my Fire can really do.
After I flash a ROM, do I install data from a previous backup or do I have to start from scratch each time I install a new ROM?
If someone could help shed some light on switching between ROMs (I will be using TWRP) or point me to a thread that might cover this topic I would appreciate it very much. Thanks for your help.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App (XDA app keeps FC on my Fire after I log in!)

Depends on what data you are talking about.
General when switching between roms I follow a procedure.
1.Back up current apps with titanium backup.
2.Back up launcher settings with whichever launcher I'm using.
3.Boot into recovery.
4.Factory wipe - dalvik,cache,data,batt,rotation.
5.Flash rom.
6.Boot rom.
7.Restore apps from titanium.
8.Restore launcher settings.
Hope this helps!

Thanks! I am backing up my apps and system data with TB right now.
So is the backup I do within TWRP a ROM backup that has nothing to do with apps or data?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

I always backup in TWRP first. Wipe cache before and after installing rom.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda premium

KnappyRoot said:
So is the backup I do within TWRP a ROM backup that has nothing to do with apps or data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, that's why you need to backup with TB

Just trying to jump into this same world, what happens with all of your books and applications from Amazon when you switch. Does Amazon still push your books to your Kindle.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk

MikeGolfW said:
Just trying to jump into this same world, what happens with all of your books and applications from Amazon when you switch. Does Amazon still push your books to your Kindle.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can still access your books through the Kindle app and all apps I've downloaded when on stock ROM have worked on my CM7 build

BluesHawk said:
you can still access your books through the Kindle app and all apps I've downloaded when on stock ROM have worked on my CM7 build
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank-you BluesHawk, I took the first step last night and installed TWRP along with Burritto. Now we'll see how long it takes me to be brave enough for the next step.

MikeGolfW said:
Thank-you BluesHawk, I took the first step last night and installed TWRP along with Burritto. Now we'll see how long it takes me to be brave enough for the next step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. When you install market make sure to expand it with this build.prop editing guide

BluesHawk said:
Correct, that's why you need to backup with TB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually TWRP has Ann option to backup data, and I have used it. Never needed TB myself

I just started using TB because it can reliably/easily move apps to SD - freed up LOTS of device memory. Though Apps2SD ran on my rooted stock Fire, it wouldn't give me the option to move them.. In fact, when installing and running Apps2SD, it never requested superuser rights.

I believe I have all the files in the right place to install CM7 barebones. I was wondering, if I wanted to go back to my stock rooted ROM if it was just as easy as installing the backup I created with TWRP. Guess I could unroot and remove TWRP and start from scratch but I am hoping not to go that route.
I think bob posted this same question in another thread but I thought I would ask here too to see if we could get more answers.
Thanks for all your help.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

would never ever flash the original stock rom (besides if returning the kf) cause you loose fff,twrp and root
furthermore there is a higher risk to brick
would instead recommend to flash one of the prerooted stock roms if you want to go back to stock:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=22393194&postcount=20

I am still a little confused. What is the purpose of doing a backup within TWRP?
I just want to be prepared before I install my first ROM.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

KnappyRoot said:
I am still a little confused. What is the purpose of doing a backup within TWRP?
I just want to be prepared before I install my first ROM.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to get back to your previous state in case something goes wrong

Is there a stock (ROM) root method that will not require me to reset all my settings?

I'm sorry if this has been posted already, but searching on my phone for this answer has been less than ideal, so I've resorted to making a post. I'm hoping someone can link me to a thread that has this available.
I'm looking to root my phone, but I've already got it setup the way I like and I really don't want to go through the hassle of getting everything all ironed out again. So here is what I'm looking for:
1. Root the phone while remaining with the stock N4 ROM.
2. Don't need to "reformat" my phone or start from scratch.
3. Just to clarify 2, I want to keep the phone the way it is now, but just gain root access so I can take advantage of some apps that require it such as the Sixaxxis app for the PS3 controller and Titanium Backup.
4. Still will receive OTA updates without breaking root.
As of now I have no desire to go after any custom ROMs until I find some added functionality that I really see being useful that also doesn't break other features of my phone. So I'm really waiting on development to mature a bit more for this device before even considering something custom.
Thanks to anyone who can offer some help.

1. Root the phone while remaining with the stock N4 ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting doesn't touch your ROM, so you're still in stock.
2. Don't need to "reformat" my phone or start from scratch.
3. Just to clarify 2, I want to keep the phone the way it is now, but just gain root access so I can take advantage of some apps that require it such as the Sixaxxis app for the PS3 controller and Titanium Backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most, if not all, rooting methods have boot-loader unlocking as a prerequisite.
Unlocking boot-loader will wipe your phone. There is no alternative.
On the bright side, you can make a backup of your system, unlock boot-loader, restore your system, then root the phone.
4. Still will receive OTA updates without breaking root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you don't flash customer recovery, you're fine.

What are my backup alternatives then to keep all those settings? I've only ever rooted one device before and I thought Titanium Backup (which requires root) was one of the only backup methods for this sort of thing? Or is there something I'm missing?

there is one backup that the app has a picture of one of those hula hoops use for saving people from drowning...

My backup pro.
I'd try this way. Backup whole ROM in custom recovery and if needed restore via app extractor (found on market)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

The guide stickied in this section is relevant to your interests.
Adb backup...
Unlock.
Restore...and it'll be like you never touched anything.

MattSkeet said:
My backup pro.
I'd try this way. Backup whole ROM in custom recovery and if needed restore via app extractor (found on market)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly is he going to backup the ROM in custom recovery.. if he is still bootloader locked?
ADB backup will backup your settings without being rooted.

OK thanks, I'll give that a try.

[Q] Rooting Nexus 7

Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.

The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
2) Inorder to flash a kernel you need to root first.
3) You could use a toolkit to unlock and root( either nexus 7 toolkit or wugs') or if you want to unlock and root manually you can use adb, which is just a few commands for a nexus. Both are easy, the only hard part is making sure you have the correct drivers.
Hope i helped and good luck!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium

You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, that really sucks. What all can i save? App permissions, any of that?
I was just looking around and noticed there are some Apps that save data/info, the ones i saw were Carbon and TWRP. Would i be able to save my app stuff that way?

TWRP is a custom recovery which you can use AFTER unlock and root and i have never used carbon so i wouldnt know.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium

I don't own a tablet, but I am a beta tester for a few projects here, I have to wipe all data, but the cool thing is after the first initial wipe, you never have to worry about that again.
A backup of your non-rooted device, I would say do your best with titanium backup, need an easier program? Try go backup pro or Clickfree backup.
Then try to restore. If it fails, retry.. I got that a lot, most game data saved is usually stored in /mnt/sdcard/Android/data or /mnt/sdcard/Android/obb
You can store that info on an external SD, using directory bind, you can find it on here, very good app if your phone/tablet sucks because its internal storage is 3.75gb. my dual partitioned and mounted 64gb sdcard works wonderfully, my games get 16gb to themselves.
Anyway to stay on topic, I want this, but also looking at an Asus, and a Samsung galaxy tab 2
:-MiniHazard-: sgh-i927 glide
CWM 6.0.1.2
CM 10.1 JB - thanks thegreatergood
LiteKernel-jb-20130121 - just until bugfix

First of all, TWRP can only be used after unlocking boot loader and unlocking wipes all data
I also unlocked boot loader after 2 months when I have many apps, so it is simple you copy all the data to your PC and you can do a backup of your apk's by sending them to a Bluetooth device by the help of a app ( Bluetooth file transfer) , you unlock the boot loader and send all apks back either by Bluetooth or by using stick mount when you are rooted , and restore all data,
Flashing a kernel requires to root first
You can either root by using root toolkit or by using adb fastboot method manually
Here is the link to a post of mine for rooting nexus 7 by adb fast boot method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Good luck,if you are unable to root or having any problem,reply and I will look into it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

flash kernel and root are two different things.
after unlocking the boot loader, you can flash anything you want, including an already rooted system image.

The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you read the FAQs which concern your N7 grouper, if not I invite you to go to read this FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions - ASUS GOOGLE NEXUS 7 – GROUPER & TILAPIA (WiFi & 3G)

What is the best (easy) way to root on Android 4.2.2?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

^^chaos67731
Here is the link to my post for rooting nexus 7 4.2.2 or any other nexus device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Root but stock

I've always rooted and flashed roms on my phones. Everything from the sweaty palmed s-offing of my Desire to the simple fastboot commands on my Galaxy Nexus. I've then always gone on to flash roms at least weekly.
I'm about to buy a Nexus 10 and feel like leaving it stock but rooting it to be able to use stuff like Ti backup etc. Is this as straightforward as the GNex - fastboot unlock and fastboot flash su.zip?
I want to still have OTA updates though, does this mean I need to keep the stock recovery and is there a 'root keeper' app?
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex

GrenW said:
I've always rooted and flashed roms on my phones. Everything from the sweaty palmed s-offing of my Desire to the simple fastboot commands on my Galaxy Nexus. I've then always gone on to flash roms at least weekly.
I'm about to buy a Nexus 10 and feel like leaving it stock but rooting it to be able to use stuff like Ti backup etc. Is this as straightforward as the GNex - fastboot unlock and fastboot flash su.zip?
I want to still have OTA updates though, does this mean I need to keep the stock recovery and is there a 'root keeper' app?
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are different methods, but if you want to stay on stock, use superboot method. You just need to install a drivers on your pc, and double click a file. You don't need to be unlocked or anything. Search for Nexus 10 superboot on the search button.
Btw I recommend you, if you still don't have the nexus 10 and plan to flash roms, you should use wugs toolkit. Root, unlock, install twrp (custom touch recovery) and in case any day you want to flash a rom, you won't need to unlock and lose your data. Just make a backup and you're ready to go.
Superboot: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003938
Wug Toolkit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2015467
If you want to still have otas, then just use superboot, you don't need to keep the stock recovery but to avoid problems keep it. Just make sure before use ota, you haven't changed any file in the folder /system. For example if you place the aosp browser in /system/apps, put the original files on there, flash the ota, and then put the aosp browser files again. And yes, on the google play there's root keeper and it can be used on nexus 10.

Thanks. I should have the drivers set up on my pc unless I need Nexus 10 specific ones. This was the biggest pita lat time.
Doesn't installing a custom recovery stop OTAs working?
Things is, you're right. I know I'll probably end up flashing a custom rom in the end.
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex

GrenW said:
Thanks. I should have the drivers set up on my pc unless I need Nexus 10 specific ones. This was the biggest pita lat time.
Doesn't installing a custom recovery stop OTAs working?
Things is, you're right. I know I'll probably end up flashing a custom rom in the end.
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope it doesn't. Once the ota shows up, and reboots to recovery, if you have a custom one, it asks if you wanna keep it.

Thanks. All I know is on the Galaxy Nexus the OTA can fail if it detects a non-standard recovery.
Maybe its a CWM thing?

Need a guinea pig/tester for a small project

I just need a tester for a small idea i have for installing twrp recovery and 2nd bootloader in a safer manner than usual. The other manners are pretty safe but i figured this seemed really safe because its so simplistic in nature. I don't know whether i will continue this project depending on the results of the test, but basically i thought why not make a 2nd init/bootstrapped twrp that runs a ota update on a zip file that just installs everything for you with a conveniently placed zip file with asserts that it checks for then deletes itself. My first test is just for a 2012 kfhd 7" that either has no 2nd bootloader + twrp and a fastboot cable handy to restore in case this soft bricks it or one with a version of twrp already installed that it higher than 2.6.0.0. I don't wanna post the actual file because i don't want accidental bricks. Chances are based on how this works it will probably brick the first time around because i have not messed with the hijack scripts to mount everything properly yet, but this was taken from another omap based device so if it doesn't work i don't think it will take too much tweaking, but the initial binary it tries to run may cause some havok. I can assure you this should be easy to restore from in twrp by simply renaming a system file, otherwise without a copy of twrp already installed you will have to restore with kffa. I need the kindle that this is being tested on to also be on a rooted amazon os, not another rom. I have no idea if twrp will work with amazon's stock kernel so this should be interesting. post back if you are interested.
If you are wondering why i didn't decide to test this on my own first its simply because i don't feel like having to wipe my entire data partition and restore the data from my pc just to clear selinux xattribs off my data partition so that amazon's kernel will not throw a fit.
So overview for those that don't want to read that big paragraph:
Requirements:
-Running Amazon OS with root
-Have a way to recover from brick (2nd bootloader + twrp or flash back with kffa/srt) - twrp preferred but plz have a never version than 2.6.0.0 installed.
-Have busybox installed

stunts513 said:
I just need a tester for a small idea i have for installing twrp recovery and 2nd bootloader in a safer manner than usual. The other manners are pretty safe but i figured this seemed really safe because its so simplistic in nature. I don't know whether i will continue this project depending on the results of the test, but basically i thought why not make a 2nd init/bootstrapped twrp that runs a ota update on a zip file that just installs everything for you with a conveniently placed zip file with asserts that it checks for then deletes itself. My first test is just for a 2012 kfhd 7" that either has no 2nd bootloader + twrp and a fastboot cable handy to restore in case this soft bricks it or one with a version of twrp already installed that it higher than 2.6.0.0. I don't wanna post the actual file because i don't want accidental bricks. Chances are based on how this works it will probably brick the first time around because i have not messed with the hijack scripts to mount everything properly yet, but this was taken from another omap based device so if it doesn't work i don't think it will take too much tweaking, but the initial binary it tries to run may cause some havok. I can assure you this should be easy to restore from in twrp by simply renaming a system file, otherwise without a copy of twrp already installed you will have to restore with kffa. I need the kindle that this is being tested on to also be on a rooted amazon os, not another rom. I have no idea if twrp will work with amazon's stock kernel so this should be interesting. post back if you are interested.
If you are wondering why i didn't decide to test this on my own first its simply because i don't feel like having to wipe my entire data partition and restore the data from my pc just to clear selinux xattribs off my data partition so that amazon's kernel will not throw a fit.
So overview for those that don't want to read that big paragraph:
Requirements:
-Running Amazon OS with root
-Have a way to recover from brick (2nd bootloader + twrp or flash back with kffa/srt) - twrp preferred but plz have a never version than 2.6.0.0 installed.
-Have busybox installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I can get my Kindle back up and running, I'll have a go at it for you. But that's a pretty big if right now.
Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk, somewhere in the time vortex

Ok thanks, kinda surprised no one has offered before you. This had over 100 views. I guess not too many people are using amazon os that are willing to risk a softbrick. Hopefully this will work I think it is a bit safer than the other methods for beginners that don't want to risk anything.
Tapatalk is annoying me to no end lately... Had to type this message again because quick reply is being glitchy.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk

I could also volunteer. I have an extra Kindle fire 7" Hd. It is rooted and running 7.4.8. I have my trusty fastboot cable and I already have system images for a quick restore.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

The safest method is to "fastboot -i 0x1949 flash bootloader oldbootloader.bin" then "fastboot -i 0x1949 reboot" (assuming you're using the cable and it auto-kicks you into bootloader mode again) "fastboot -i 0x1949 flash recovery twrp.img" and finally "fastboot -i 0x1949 oem recovery"
Edit: This is a more complex version of Hashcode's method, posted on the cm11 installation instructions page.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Yea but the thing about that method is sometimes people have bad downloads and don't check for md5sums(not to mention tons of people always having driver issues). If everything is in a signed zip file then if the signature verification fails its about the same as a bad md5sum, not to mention I can add a md5sum comparison in the update-tools script. I was just wanting to make a one click bootloader install option that comes from an apk, kinda like fire flash but simpler.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk

So you're suggesting using an OpenRecoveryScript to flash twrp, the old bootloader, and apply the stack override file to allow for that "2nd boot loader" hack?
Theoretically, that should work, but Amazon might have put restrictions on the recovery to only allow Amazon-signed zip files so that something like this couldn't happen.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I thought only Amazon's recovery would have issues with the signature, even if tarp does I can just disable the signature check and use the update-script to check the md5sum before flashing.
Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk

stunts513 said:
I thought only Amazon's recovery would have issues with the signature, even if tarp does I can just disable the signature check and use the update-script to check the md5sum before flashing.
Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If TWRP is required, doesn't that make this pointless, because you need the 2nd bootloader hack to make twrp work in the first place? Or perhaps I'm just misunderstanding...
EDIT: when I have the time, I'll see if I can manage to recover from my weird semi-brick and if so, I'll revert to stock and help you test.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Thanks, and what I,m saying is you run twrp through 2nd init. I have done it on my phone before, has the same hardware as a kf1 with twice as much ram. I have not seen tarp implemented in this manner before though, only cwm, that's another reason I wanted to test this idea.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk

stunts513 said:
Thanks, and what I,m saying is you run twrp through 2nd init. I have done it on my phone before, has the same hardware as a kf1 with twice as much ram. I have not seen tarp implemented in this manner before though, only cwm, that's another reason I wanted to test this idea.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh. You mean a FakeFlash? That's when you flash a zip that actually just overlays a second recovery. Ex. Flashing a TWRP FakeFlash would allow you to use TWRP from the stock recovery without replacing the installed recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

r3pwn said:
Oh. You mean a FakeFlash? That's when you flash a zip that actually just overlays a second recovery. Ex. Flashing a TWRP FakeFlash would allow you to use TWRP from the stock recovery without replacing the installed recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That kinda sounds like it, for a more detailed explanation, this is what i'm basing it off of: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2095825
I believe thats the right link. Had to search for it so it might not be but i think it is.

stunts513 said:
That kinda sounds like it, for a more detailed explanation, this is what i'm basing it off of: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2095825
I believe thats the right link. Had to search for it so it might not be but i think it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kindle's back up and running, I'll test it.
>>>Sent from my homebuilt TARDIS running Android 4.4... or maybe it's a Kindle Fire HD running Cyanogenmod 11<<<

Ok I'll upload it tomorrow. I was just checking my notifications. On a side note I left my kindle in the car and woke and woke up and realized it, having to use my phone to check messages because I will cause a domino reaction if I open the front door... it starts with dogs waking up...
Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk

Sorry I haven't uploaded it yet, i will upload it when I have a chance, my weekend has been chaotic because I've been having to prepare for the job I am starting training for tomorrow. I have been meaning to do it but I hit another snag when I finally got some time to myself I told Ubuntu to upgrade to 14.04 and then unity surprised me and now apparently can't set the window buttons to right so I feel like i'm using a mac which I do not like at all so I decided to use mate since its pretty much what mynfavorite Ubuntu distribution had 10.04lts) so I have been spending the better part of the day reconfiguring it so it was more so like Ubuntu 10.04's theme but I modernized it a bit. Still not done with the theme yet but it is much much better. I think I'm going to attempt to add transparency to the theme. Just realized how off topic i went. Anyways I will see about uploading it tomorrow after I get off of work.
Sent from my Amazon Tate using Tapatalk