Database Users

How to install Google Apps custom ?

Hi, I have this ROM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQvrEH74dgI, my question is how to install the google apps (2nd link). Thanks.

Boot into recovery (power on holding the Power and Volume Down button) and in the recovery screen, select "install zip from sd".
Select internal or external storage/sd and browse to the file, select it with the power button. It'll do its thing and after, I would clean the dalvik cache and reboot.
I assume you've got a custom recovery already installed, since you've got the custom rom already installed.

I did this
Before proceeding, please keep in mind that your handset will be wiped clean of all data so make a backup of your data. Also, the steps below require your handset to be rooted with a custom recovery installed. If your handset is not rooted, I’d recommend you not to flash this ROM since its not meant for amateurs.
Step 1: Download CM9 Alpha 4 for Epic 4G from here or here. Also download the supplementary Google Apps package from here.
Step 2: Boot into CWM Recovery, and select the ‘Wipe data/Factory Reset’ option. Then navigate to Mounts and Storage and select the ‘format /system’ option.
Step 3: After you have formatted all the partitions on your Epic 4G, select the ‘install zip from SD card’ option, and then select the CM9 Alpha 4 zip file. Once the CM9 file has been flashed, again select the ‘install zip from SD card’ option, and this time select the Google Apps zip file package.
When the flashing process is complete, simply reboot your phone and wait for it to boot into CM9. Keep in mind that the first boot might take sometime, so please be patient.
Do NOT restore your app data backup. Doing so can lead to instabilities, and other issues. Also, please don't complain about feature X or Y not working. The ROM is in Alpha for a particular reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But my phone is still stucked at its starting window for more than 20 minutes :?

My phone got stucked ! It stucks at the staring window, and doesnt want to load

define "starting window"

Like this, but instead of all the things it says, mine says just "Unlocked" in the upper left corner. I have tryed this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQvrEH74dgI (rom + gapps), and this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1302423 + this for the apps http://knowmydroid.com/blog/install-android-4-ice-cream-sandwich-cm9-on-samsung-epic-4g.

[Q] Help me in updating android 2.1 "Motorola Defy"

hi guys and thank you for this opportunity​*i am beginner in this stuff, i just want to update my android to higher and i'm confusin how to do it/is it safe/what's the right rom and method/...
*i was in other foroums but i got nothing, some guy told me you have to flash is SBF, and others said don't do it, and some say...i don know...
*i just want people with experience and that why did i get here caz i know this foroum is ALLexpertise.
i have Moto Defy i think it's "green leans" and:
----------------------------------
System version:
Blur_Version.2.51.1.MB525.Orange.en.FR
----------------------------------
Model number:
MB525
----------------------------------
Firmware:
2.1-update1
----------------------------------
Baseband version:
EPU93ST2_U_03.0A.01
----------------------------------
Kernel version:
2.6.29
[email protected] #1
----------------------------------
BPflex version:
USAJRDNEMARAB1B8ORAFR030.0R
----------------------------------
APflex version:
GAS_EMEA_USAJORDANORAFR_P028
----------------------------------
Build number:
JRDNEM_U3_2.51.1
----------------------------------
1- do i need to flash my phone "SBF or some like that"
2- what's the easy way to update my Android
THANK YU AGAIN​

I think in the first case.. you need root you android..
did u make it?

Its easy
mobilegeeky.c om /install-android-2-3-4-gingerbread-cyanogenmod-7-motorola-defy/
Helped me... All the best
remove the spaces

yes
ffbdm said:
I think in the first case.. you need root you android..
did u make it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
and...

hi
ffbdm said:
I think in the first case.. you need root you android..
did u make it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suji8t said:
mobilegeeky.c om /install-android-2-3-4-gingerbread-cyanogenmod-7-motorola-defy/
Helped me... All the best
remove the spaces
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi thank you
-did you try that and how was it
-do i need to flash my defy

Ok, first update to froyo (that's the 2.2 firmware). We are not going to flash a higher firmware directly (sbf) because otherwise you can't downgrade anymore if you need to claim warranty.
Go to setting > about > someting with version and look for check for update. If it didn't work/can't find it, no prob. Just download this sbf.
Read Here how to. Read it trough (also if you did manage to get service update).
Then root it (google super one click root).
Install 2nd init (google 2nt init defy xda).
Chose a rom (best options would be: CM7 => latest nightly from here or WIUI or picatchu something ....)
Most(exept Walters/Defy+ rom's) times the the update procedure is like stated in the guide in the OP of This. Just replace WIUI zip with the chosen rom.

thank you labsin
thanks a lot.
i did:
Setting>About phone>System update>check for system updates.
but the phone says:
Your device is up to date! No update necessary.
*is that means i don't need to update to froyo (that's the 2.2 firmware)?.
*and if i should to update to froyo2.2, Will i face some network problems because i'm living in Algeria?
thank you again!

No you won't have any network problems.
First download this sbf. It's an European deblured(so you don't have to register with motorola after you installed it as you're not going to stay there long).
How to flash sbf-file
- Download and install Motorola Defy driver
- Download and install RSD Lite
- Open RSD Lite
- Enter Bootloader Mode on you phone (Power+VolUp when phone is off)
- Connect phone to you PC (USB)
- Open RSD - Lite
- Flash new SBF (browse => earlier downloaded sbf)
Now your on froyo. You shouldn't have network issues here but it doesn't matter.
-Root the phone (super one click root)
-For CM7: Download latest nightly, kernel zip, Gapps (google market...) and put them on your sd-card (remember where)
1. Download 2ndinit 1.4.2
2. install 2ndinit (Important!:following the instructions)
3. Boot into bootmenu by pressing volume down when device flashes a blue led at bootup. Set default boot mode to 2nd init. (vol up/down and power for navigating)
4. Select Recovery/Stable Recovery. Choose "Wipe Data/Cache" option. Let finish.
5. Choose Install zip from SD Card, select CM7..... .zip and let it finish.
(for CM7: Do 6 again with the gapps zip and the CM7kernel.zip)
6. select "Wipe Cache" then go to Advanced and select "Wipe Dalvik Cache". Reboot Now!
7. After boot, set your prefered language in Settings menu

thank you
hi, thank you for all this help
-but after the SBF flash i don't have a network

Hi,
I am on IceCream - So not sure if its the same..
try settings->advanced->baseband switcher if you have it.

thanks
hi, thank you.
-but there isn't Algeria in "baseband switcher"

Lightis said:
Hi,
I am on IceCream - So not sure if its the same..
try settings->advanced->baseband switcher if you have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, and thank you but in "baseband switcher" there is no thing called Algeria
so what do you think

labsin said:
No you won't have any network problems.
First download this sbf. It's an European deblured(so you don't have to register with motorola after you installed it as you're not going to stay there long).
How to flash sbf-file
- Download and install Motorola Defy driver
- Download and install RSD Lite
- Open RSD Lite
- Enter Bootloader Mode on you phone (Power+VolUp when phone is off)
- Connect phone to you PC (USB)
- Open RSD - Lite
- Flash new SBF (browse => earlier downloaded sbf)
Now your on froyo. You shouldn't have network issues here but it doesn't matter.
-Root the phone (super one click root)
-For CM7: Download latest nightly, kernel zip, Gapps (google market...) and put them on your sd-card (remember where)
1. Download 2ndinit 1.4.2
2. install 2ndinit (Important!:following the instructions)
3. Boot into bootmenu by pressing volume down when device flashes a blue led at bootup. Set default boot mode to 2nd init. (vol up/down and power for navigating)
4. Select Recovery/Stable Recovery. Choose "Wipe Data/Cache" option. Let finish.
5. Choose Install zip from SD Card, select CM7..... .zip and let it finish.
(for CM7: Do 6 again with the gapps zip and the CM7kernel.zip)
6. select "Wipe Cache" then go to Advanced and select "Wipe Dalvik Cache". Reboot Now!
7. After boot, set your prefered language in Settings menu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you a lot, your help was great.
-should i have network problem on froyo that's you got me, or it's another thing
thanks again Mr. labsin

labsin said:
No you won't have any network problems.
First download this sbf. It's an European deblured(so you don't have to register with motorola after you installed it as you're not going to stay there long).
How to flash sbf-file
- Download and install Motorola Defy driver
- Download and install RSD Lite
- Open RSD Lite
- Enter Bootloader Mode on you phone (Power+VolUp when phone is off)
- Connect phone to you PC (USB)
- Open RSD - Lite
- Flash new SBF (browse => earlier downloaded sbf)
Now your on froyo. You shouldn't have network issues here but it doesn't matter.
-Root the phone (super one click root)
-For CM7: Download latest nightly, kernel zip, Gapps (google market...) and put them on your sd-card (remember where)
1. Download 2ndinit 1.4.2
2. install 2ndinit (Important!:following the instructions)
3. Boot into bootmenu by pressing volume down when device flashes a blue led at bootup. Set default boot mode to 2nd init. (vol up/down and power for navigating)
4. Select Recovery/Stable Recovery. Choose "Wipe Data/Cache" option. Let finish.
5. Choose Install zip from SD Card, select CM7..... .zip and let it finish.
(for CM7: Do 6 again with the gapps zip and the CM7kernel.zip)
6. select "Wipe Cache" then go to Advanced and select "Wipe Dalvik Cache". Reboot Now!
7. After boot, set your prefered language in Settings menu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you
but what did you mean "It's an European deblured(so you don't have to register with motorola after you installed it as you're not going to stay there long).
"
-i think i going to stay in SBF flash "do you have stable one /eg.gingerbread "

labsin said:
No you won't have any network problems.
First download this sbf. It's an European deblured(so you don't have to register with motorola after you installed it as you're not going to stay there long).
How to flash sbf-file
- Download and install Motorola Defy driver
- Download and install RSD Lite
- Open RSD Lite
- Enter Bootloader Mode on you phone (Power+VolUp when phone is off)
- Connect phone to you PC (USB)
- Open RSD - Lite
- Flash new SBF (browse => earlier downloaded sbf)
Now your on froyo. You shouldn't have network issues here but it doesn't matter.
-Root the phone (super one click root)
-For CM7: Download latest nightly, kernel zip, Gapps (google market...) and put them on your sd-card (remember where)
1. Download 2ndinit 1.4.2
2. install 2ndinit (Important!:following the instructions)
3. Boot into bootmenu by pressing volume down when device flashes a blue led at bootup. Set default boot mode to 2nd init. (vol up/down and power for navigating)
4. Select Recovery/Stable Recovery. Choose "Wipe Data/Cache" option. Let finish.
5. Choose Install zip from SD Card, select CM7..... .zip and let it finish.
(for CM7: Do 6 again with the gapps zip and the CM7kernel.zip)
6. select "Wipe Cache" then go to Advanced and select "Wipe Dalvik Cache". Reboot Now!
7. After boot, set your prefered language in Settings menu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you it's my honer to get help from you
*-i just want to tell you that i'am on android 2.2.2, can i go on?

thanks guys for every things now:
- Motorola defy
- CM7 "latest nightly" (04/03/2012) firmware 2.3.7
<works 100% no bugs for me>

[HOW TO] Install CM9/CM10 on GB 2.3.6 LATAM (R01 and R02 firmwares)

DISCLAIMER!!!
THIS TUTORIAL IS INTENDED FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FLASHED THE LATAM GINGERBREAD 2.3.6 VERSION WHICH ARE R01 AND R02, SUCH AS RETAIL LATAM, PERSONAL, CLARO, MOVISTAR AND VIVO
If you come from a different firmware this tutorial may not be entirely useful because the root method may vary and if you come from froyo you may need to use CH version for CM9, and flash a GB kernel for CM10... but that's not the point of this thread, go to the ROM's thread and READ the OP before asking dumb questions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROOT your phone (Check nicofff's method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1750277)
Download and install Droid2Bootstrap (see attachments or http://www.mediafire.com/?rbie0acs53rdfwc)
Download bootmenu1.1.0 and put it on your SD Card (see attachments or http://www.mediafire.com/?lh61gvslph4x4sv)
For CM9 download latest European GB Kernel version this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1623385 and latest ICS gapps from http://goo.im/gapps/ and put both zips on your SD Card
For CM10 download latest version from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1827801 and latest JB gapps from http://goo.im/gapps/ and put both zips on your SD Card
Open Droid2Bootstrap and grant it root permission
Hit "Bootstrap Recovery" You'll see a pop-up telling you "SUCCESS!"
Hit "Reboot Recovery" and your phone will reboot and enter on custom recovery
Select "Install zip from sd card" and then choose the bootmenu1.1.0.zip (use slider keyboard arrow keys to move, and "OK" button to select)
Reboot
When booting, the led will turn blue, press both volume buttons to enter bootmenu
In the bootmenu, go to "Recovery" > "Custom Recovery" (use volume buttons to move, power button to select)
In the custom recovery, select "Wipe data/factory reset" and "Wipe cache partition"
Go to "Advanced"
Select "Wipe Dalvik Cache" and "Wipe Battery Stats"
Go back and select "Install zip from sd card" and then choose the CyanogenMod zip file (CM9 or CM10)
Do the same for gapps: Choose gapps-ics-xxxxx.zip for CM9 and gapps-jb-xxxxx.zip for CM10
Reboot
Be happy
You should be booting into CyanogenMod now!
If your signal is not working try installing the MS2Toolbox (see attachments or http://www.mediafire.com/?k3h8vpcj6b2it0e) and then go to Baseband Switcher and choose your right band and then reboot, you might need to try more than once, but this tool will get your signal up
ALL CREDITS TO nicofff FOR THE ROOT METHOD, TO sfc3001 FOR THE CM9 ROM, AND TO tezet FOR THE CM10 ROM

Caesarivs said:
Well, now that it's possible to root this firmwares (check this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1750277) it's possible to try some custom roms on our MS2, in this particular case I'll make a little guide on how to install sfc3001's CM9:
ROOT your phone (Check nicofff's method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1750277)
Download and install Droid2Bootstrap (see attachments or http://www.mediafire.com/?rbie0acs53rdfwc)
Download bootmenu1.1.0 and put it on your SD Card (see attachments or http://www.mediafire.com/?lh61gvslph4x4sv)
Download CM9 and put it on your SD Card (download the latest version from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1623385)
Download Google Apps and put them on your SD Card (download the latest version from http://goo.im/gapps/)
Open Droid2Bootstrap and grant it root permission
Hit "Bootstrap Recovery" You'll see a pop-up telling you "SUCCESS!"
Hit "Reboot Recovery" and your phone will reboot and enter on custom recovery
Select "Install zip from sd card" and then choose the bootmenu1.1.0.zip (use slider keyboard arrow keys to move, and "OK" button to select)
Reboot
When booting, the led will turn blue, press both volume buttons to enter bootmenu
In the bootmenu, go to "Recovery" > "Custom Recovery" (use volume buttons to move, power button to select)
In the custom recovery, select "Install zip from sd card" and then choose the CM9 zip file
Do the same for gapps: "Install zip from sd card" > gapps.zip
Select "Wipe data/factory reset" and "Wipe cache partition"
Go to "Advanced"
Select "Wipe Dalvik Cache" and "Wipe Battery Stats"
Go back and reboot
You should be booting into ICS now!
If your signal is not working try installing the MS2Toolbox (see attachments or http://www.mediafire.com/?k3h8vpcj6b2it0e) and then go to Baseband Switcher and choose your right band and then reboot, you might need to try more than once, but this tool will get your signal up
ALL CREDITS TO nicofff FOR THE ROOT METHOD AND TO sfc3001 FOR THE CM9 ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good::good: good, and now, i am on cm9:good::good:

THANKS! It was really helpful as I find it a bit difficult to install a custom ROM after getting root following nicofff procedure. Don't know why, but installing a zip the usual way didn't work. Then I followed your instructions and it worked like a charm.

Thanks that was almost too easy
I was already rooted before but did not dare the Cyanomod mainly to their alpha (still?) status, but when I heard about the feature that volume rocking allows skipping to the next song, I knew that I was doomed !
EDIT: BTW found it very stable after 1 day of extensive trial. I am really impressed !

Love this :good::good::good:

Hi,
first of all, thanks for this howto!
I am however getting problems. Coming from Brazilian VIVO 2.3.6. I succesfully completed all steps, until I get to rebooting after installing the bootmenu file. When I do a normal reboot, my phone's just rebooting into VIVO. When I choose to reboot recovery then I get an triangle image. When I push both volume rockers, I'm getting in another recovery menu. When I apply CM9 update, it will not verify.. That is where I'm stuck. Am I doing something wrong here?
SOLVED:
When you've installed bootmenu 1.1.0, it is possible that it does not load the first reboot. Just let it reboot normally, than reboot again! Now it worked!
thanks!

This is great! :good:
Few days ago I was looking for something like this but just can't find.
I experimented myself and got CM9 working on my phone.
(Took quite a lot of time waiting booting)
Thank god i did not brick my phone.
This will be great helpful to those who would like to try CM9.

Quick question - does this work with UK stock kernel?
Or does this require a specific kernel.
(How do I check?)

regiment said:
Quick question - does this work with UK stock kernel?
Or does this require a specific kernel.
(How do I check?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works for european GB kernels, and specifically for latinamerican R01 and R02 GBkernels (which are based on the european GB kernel)
When you go to settings -> About phone, what does it say in Android Version?

Nice Tutorial
Nice Tutorial! Really easy to follow.

:good: Great posts, thanks to you and the makers of "PreInstalameEsta" I've my phone working with this rom , for new updates of the rom do you know if it's necessary to wipe dalvik and cache or factory reset, I just don't want to sync all my accounts again ..
Thanks.

kainlite said:
:good: Great posts, thanks to you and the makers of "PreInstalameEsta" I've my phone working with this rom , for new updates of the rom do you know if it's necessary to wipe dalvik and cache or factory reset, I just don't want to sync all my accounts again ..
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To update CMx roms from another version of the same branch (ie : a 7 to a 7, a 9 to a 9 and so on) you only need to :
- wipe cache partition
- wipe dalvik cache
- wipe battery stats (optional, it's just to get more accurate battery duration)

Ashareth said:
To update CMx roms from another version of the same branch (ie : a 7 to a 7, a 9 to a 9 and so on) you only need to :
- wipe cache partition
- wipe dalvik cache
- wipe battery stats (optional, it's just to get more accurate battery duration)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
K, great, thanks

it works! thx a lot !
wait.....where is market ??
EDIT 3: done, i have just reflashed the file (gapp ) in recovery mode

hi all....new problems here
when i open play store it says me: server error
i avoided the problem flashing the gapp file from april instead the last one, now i would ask...what is the differences between the two files ? have i less features or a less fluidity ?
i have another question: where is swype keyboard ? i cant find it in settings !

sminatore said:
hi all....new problems here
when i open play store it says me: server error
i avoided the problem flashing the gapp file from april instead the last one, now i would ask...what is the differences between the two files ? have i less features or a less fluidity ?
i have another question: where is swype keyboard ? i cant find it in settings !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any problems with latest ICS gapps, are you sure you flashed ICS gapps? Anyway you should always do at least wipe cache and dalvik cache, it's best if you do full wipes AFTER flashing gapps
Swype keyboard is not included in CM9... you can get it from beta.swype.com

Caesarivs said:
I haven't had any problems with latest ICS gapps, are you sure you flashed ICS gapps? Anyway you should always do at least wipe cache and dalvik cache, it's best if you do full wipes AFTER flashing gapps
Swype keyboard is not included in CM9... you can get it from beta.swype.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes yes im sure ....
ok thx for infos :good:

Caesarivs said:
This works for european GB kernels, and specifically for latinamerican R01 and R02 GBkernels (which are based on the european GB kernel)
When you go to settings -> About phone, what does it say in Android Version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently running Tezet's CM7 ROM 120221-1901-NIGHTLY (Android 2.3.7).
Still not sure what kernel is running!

regiment said:
I am currently running Tezet's CM7 ROM 120221-1901-NIGHTLY (Android 2.3.7).
Still not sure what kernel is running!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be on Froyo... because tezet's CM7 doesn't work on gingerbread, so if you want to try CM9 you must use Chinese version

In this case, can I follow the 1st post tuto ?
Caesarivs said:
You must be on Froyo... because tezet's CM7 doesn't work on gingerbread, so if you want to try CM9 you must use Chinese version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my MotoA953 using xda premium

[Q] Pacman Nightly for Motorola Atrix 2

Hiieeexx...
I am a newbie here...
I managed to root my device and want to experience Jellybean..can the following file(link for pacman nightly) be used with the steps below???
pac_edison-nightly-20131223.zip (m not allowed to post links, but it is from pacman basketbuild)
Steps:
1. Connect your device to PC using USB cable and then copy downloaded files to the SD card of your device. Important: Don’t extract any files.
2. Disconnect USB and then turn off your Motorola Atrix 2.
3. Now, boot into recovery mode. To do so, press and hold Volume Down & Power until you see the text "Fastboot" appear in the top left in corner of the screen. Then use the volume down button to scroll through all the options until you reach "Android Recovery". Pressing the volume up button will select the option. You should now see the famous Android Triangle Exclamation screen. Tap the bottom right hand corner of the screen, just above the search key and that should bring you into the main menu of the system recovery. In recovery use Volume buttons to navigate through options and Power button to select an option.
4. Perform a Nandroid backup of your existing ROM that you can restore later if this new ROM not work or you want to go back into your previous ROM. To perform a backup, select Backup and Restore, then on the next screen, select Backup again. Go back to main recovery menu after backup is complete.
5. Now, perform data wiping task. To do so, select wipe data/factory reset, then select Yes on next screen to confirm your action. Wait few minutes till the data wipe is complete. Now come back to CWM recovery main menu. Select wipe cache partition and after wiping process done, select Wipe Dalvik Cache under advance option to perform Dalvik cache wiping.
6. Select install zip from sdcard, then select choose zip from sdcard. Now, locate the pac_edison-nightly-20131109.zip file that you copied earlier in Step 1 and select it by pressing Power button. Confirm installation by selecting Yes – Install _____.zip on the next screen. The ROM installation will begin.
7. Once the ROM installation process end, repeat the step 6 but choose the gapps-jb-20130813-signed.zip file instead of ROM zip to install the Google apps package.
8. When installation is completed, go back to the main recovery menu and select reboot system now to reboot your Motorola Atrix 2 and boot up into customized Android 4.3.1 Jelly Bean ROM PAC-man. The first boot will take time, so be patient!
9. Returning to Previous ROM: To go back to your previous ROM, boot into recovery, select backup and restore then restore your previous ROM by selecting it from the list.
And next thing i wanted to ask is that since it's a custom version, how they are different from original one, and does it allow updates from playstore?
please help....

Yes the installation of the nightly is the same as the description above if you are currently on a stock or other ROM.
Check out the ROM features in the Feature Development forum.
If you flash the full gapps package, all PlayStore features will work as normal

Help to install ics on my phone

i have one mytouch 4g with s-off and android 2.2.1 with root and CWM recovery.
i want to install ICS on this but not sure how to proceed as i am really confused by reading all threads . so DEVs kindly help me to install ICS step by step.
thanks

Put a ICS rom onto your sd card. Then flash it.

Broken down version:
1) download an ICS ROM zip file (I recommend SteppNasty Aospx - link in the 'resource bible')
2) put that zip file (don't extract) on the root of your sd card (i.e. not in any folders)
3) reboot your phone into recovery (either adb reboot recovery or power off > battery pull > battery insert > hold volume down button + power > select 'recovery', press power button
4) using CWM recovery, do a factory reset/wipe data, then I think under advanced select 'wipe cache' and 'wipe dalvik' (I don't have CWM anymore). If you like, you can also wipe battery stats, but I'm not sure it does anything.
5) select 'install from zip', and choose your ROM zip file
6) either flash a gapps (google apps) zip file if the ROM thread says it needs it, or reboot if it already includes google apps (most don't). Sometimes (like I think with Stepp Aospx), its actually better to reboot after flashing the rom, then go back to recovery and wipe dalvik & cache and flash gapps after getting through an initial boot. Most rom threads will have a link to the gapps they recommend for their rom. You just need one that matches the android version (i.e ICS gapps for ICS roms)
That's the usual method. Most ROM threads will have instructions on them. Seems like a lot of steps, but it usually only takes a couple of minutes.