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Hi folks,
I want to be able to uninstall all the bloatware that my DHD came with so I guess I need to root it. However in this regard I don't need a perm root? As I don't need to change the UI etc, just remove a bunch of unecessary apps.
I've tried using the rooting guide here but as an anroid newb the instuctions are too vague for me to follow and my attempts to infer what the authors mean have resulted in failure (no brick tho! ).
So, I have visionary and supersuer both installed and I tried the temp root and perm root function in visionary (which is granted supersuer permissions from the superuser app in the process) but when I go back to "manage applications" the uninstall button for all the bloatware apps is still greyed out.
Any ideas?
EDIT: Typing "su" in terminal emulator results in "#" so that appears to be working correctly. But still no go on uninstalling the apps. I don't care about not getting updates over the air as I value having greater control over my device more. Besides, I can always flash it manually.
dccxviii said:
Hi folks,
I want to be able to uninstall all the bloatware that my DHD came with so I guess I need to root it. However in this regard I don't need a perm root? As I don't need to change the UI etc, just remove a bunch of unecessary apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello 718 ,
I've read something about uninstall unwanted applications
in the adb description "Using ADB.pdf" and "How to install adb.pdf".
Hope it helps you, I'm in the searching and reading phase of owning
the HTC DHD (some weeks ago - and android newbee) -
it's a jungle of information here on xda-developers
WBR peschi
Use titanium backup or root explorer.
sent from my dhd
Thanks for the replies.
So far i've started using titanium backup as it seems easier to use then having to install adb shell. Although I installed that as well and start learning some basic commands.
For now, titanium seems to be the answer to my issue as it allowing me to uninstall a whole heap of useless apps. But I think in the next few days of tinkering i'm gonna come to the conclusion that I want even greater control. Which seems to indicate falshing an entirely defferent rom to HTC sense. Although the keyboard on the sense UI is second to none IMO but smoething tells me that there's a .apk file out there with that in it
So, I've rooted my Desire HD with VISIONary+ and mounted /system as r/w using that "Mount system r/w" app from market, to move some of the stock apps from the Desire HD (and to hopefully solve that Facebook for Android problem I described in another thread). I used Root Explorer to move the apps to a folder on the SD card, turned the phone off and back on, and the apps were back?
Is this because I haven't done that "S-Off" thing, does the quick boot option need to be disabled (even though I turned the phone off entirely) or something else, in order to keep the apps that I moved, from respawning in /system/app?
Thanks in advance (and sorry for borrowing your thread, OP).
I don't think i've got s-off (whatever that means lol) and I was able to uninstall the crapware using titanium backup. My process was somewhat convoluted but I guess it boiled down to 2 things. Visionary and Superuser apps.
Now I don't think my phone is completely rooted because when I go to the default "manage applications" list in the stock UI the uninstall button for the crapware system apps is still greyed out. But for when I run titanium backup, it gets granted superuser acces from the superuser app and is then able to uninstall all the bloatware.
I would like to know of a sure fire way whether my phone is completely rooted or not though. Namely because I think I want to start using completely different roms.
I temprooted using visionary+ then opened titanium back up to uninstall unwanted apps. But which are safe to remove? I want to get rid of Facebook, Friendstream and a few others but Titanium warns me they are system components and my phone may not work after uninstalling them....
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I got rid of all of that (twitter, myspace etc rubbish). Even some native htc ones that I know are ancilliary. You just have to use a bit of logic as to what might require what. Crap like friend stream or whatever wuold most likey rely on such apps. But since I uninstalled that too... you get the idea
I was gonna get rid of sound hound as well but it's actually kinda useful. One of the few apps I left on it from the factory.
EDIT: I've also been using titanium to backup more usefull HTC system apps so that when I do eventually move to a new rom, i can just install them later. Things like the HTC clock, office apps, calender, messaging etc are superior to stock android equivalents.
WTF...
I had to remove my sim card for something and when I reinserted it and turned on the phone all the apps I 'removed' were back as if nothing ever happened!
Did I miss something because I don't remember reading anywhere that that would happen if you rebooted your phone!
Agrrrr...I need some help >.<
If your DHD does not have S-OFF after every reboot it will restore everything you removed.
Ahh, thnaks for that. I've used the S-off radio tool to disable the security now. Hopefully those rubbish apps will stay away (tested with reboot and it seems so). However, now that i've rooted my phone and switched to S-off I am still curious as to why system apps are still unable to be uninstalled through the in-built android app manager.
Also, I attempted to use the clockworkrecovery mod to install new ROMS and so wanted to backup my current ROM install before trying new ones but the phone just goes to a black screen with a pic of a mobile phone with a red exclamation point in a triangle.
...unless of course after all this it STILL isn't rooted. In which case I think I might start looking seriously at the Nexus. *sigh*
The built-in app manager will not let you remove system apps regardless of being rooted. Install Titanium Backup from the market. This will remove it.
Download ROM Manager from the market, and "Flash Recovery" again, some users have issues with it working first time.
That did the trick! Thanks very much
One last question then, if I flash a new ROM e.g. cyanogenMOD, will that completely replace HTC sense and thus allow me to use the built in app manager to remove apps because...there won't be anymore 'system' apps?
andyharney said:
If your DHD does not have S-OFF after every reboot it will restore everything you removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have root + Radio S-Off but every restart the phone causes my default Smart Keyboard deactive. Do you have any idea about that, is it spesific for an app or a general problem?
I am asking because I did not do ENG S-Off I have done only Radio S-Off.
With S-ON every reboot will result in ANY change to the system being restored, You make system changes permanent you need S-OFF.
As for your keyboard being disabled, not sure about that. Installing & using an additional keyboard shouldn't make any system changes.
dccxviii said:
That did the trick! Thanks very much
One last question then, if I flash a new ROM e.g. cyanogenMOD, will that completely replace HTC sense and thus allow me to use the built in app manager to remove apps because...there won't be anymore 'system' apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even on CM system apps cannot be uninstalled through the Android App Manager. It's the way its designed, why would the system allow you to remove the "Android System" or "Dialer". Imagine the chaos if you uninstalled something you actually needed and Android let you do it.
You need to use 3rd Party apps (Titanium Backup) to do this, or ADB
still scared
so after rooting my HD what ARE the apps which are safe to remove?
Mat Buenaluz said:
so after rooting my HD what ARE the apps which are safe to remove?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you ever want to make use of ota updates (eg to improve camera performance) then none of the 'bloatware' apps are safe to remove as removing them will prevent the ota update installing.
Sent from my HTC HD so may contain typos, bugs and, if the battery lasts, pearls of....(battery 0%)
As the tittle says getting control over your DHD, so this might be the right thread, allthough might be off topic to op's post...
Anyway my last device was a N900 and that was fully rooted with no permission limits. I've learned that the rooted DHD has some limits and i've run into one. On the N900 i used the terminal for allmost anything, flashing, copying, installing, removing etc. and would like to do so here on the DHD. My problem is that i'm trying to flash the kernel/zImage through terminal emulater but get this error - failed with error: -1. -
Any help would be great
Sorry to go off topic...
You cannot flash a kernel using terminal emulator. If you want to flash manually, get android sdk and use fastboot.exe in platform-tools to flash.
1. Reboot your device while holding vol-, it will go to bootloader
2. Select fastboot in bootloader
3. In your PC, type: "fastboot.exe flash zimage c:\any_folder\zImage"
4. Type: "fastboot.exe reboot"
After that you have to remount your DHD's system to rw state: "mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mmcblk0p25 /system", and manually push wifi module to /system/lib/modules/ using adb. If you do not do that, your wifi does not work. You need ENG S-OFF.
A basic guide for those new to XDA and Android in relation to the essentials of improving your phone. Really just pulling together a few guides already done and a few basic essentials.
Rooting
Allows write access to system files. Similar to administrator mode in windows. You need this to flash custom firmware (ROMs) and certain apps. It wont wreck your phone, but it does void your warranty.
Best place to start with this is Chainfire’s kernels. The kernel is the central software component of Android. Chainfire has taken the basic Samsung kernels and modified them to allow root access and additional functionality. With this you also get an enhanced pre boot recovery menu.
Flashing custom kernels requires you to use ODIN – Chainfire has links to this program and detailed instructions THAT YOU NEED TO FOLLOW TO THE LETTER. Not to unduly worry you but really, you need to do this.
See here for Chainfire's goodies - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
The different versions reflect the different releases by Samsung. You can match to your own (Settings - About Phone - Kernel Version) or choose one of the newer ones.
ODIN
Software that runs on your PC that allows you to flash your phone with new software. It’s safe if you use it properly but has options you don’t want to touch. Intratech has compiled a selection of stock (ie official Samsung firmware) with detailed instructions about how to use ODIN to apply them. See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 for carrier specific versions see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928. The first post has the detailed instructions and also includes are rooting guide.
Recovery
A textual pre boot menu that allows certain key functions – principally allows updates to software and clearing data from your phone. The phone ships with one with limited functionality. If you apply a custom kernel like Chainfires you get an enhanced one called Clockworkmod together with an app installed on your phone to allow easy use. This has more functionality and allows you to apply more software updates and even flash ROMs. Pulsar 2G has info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134290 in relation to that.
What the heck are Custom ROMs
Modified operating systems to allow greater functionality and style. Basically the developers take and add from the basic Samsung ROMs and save you a whole bunch of time in modifying your system to improve it. It only takes a few minutes to flash a ROM but there are a few things you want to do before flashing one. There is more to it than this but at this stage, enough to know.
Also, you’ll see development of completely custom Roms that are built without using Samsungs Roms. Miui for example (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130951). There are Alpha stage at the moment so maybe leave those now.
Hosts of them in the Android development section. Each to their own in relation
to ROMs. Some you like, some you dont. But it doenst really matter, as if you dont like one, just flash another. Currently I’m liking Pursar G2’s Villian Rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1081368) and Novek’s TK Rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125140). But that’s just me.
Post Rooting Pre Flashing Essentials
EFS Folder
After you root your phone a key task is to take a backup of your EFS folder. Seriously essential - this stores both the IMEI number and carrier locking software. If you lose this you lose your IMEI. You dont need to know whats in it – just backup the whole folder. Put a copy on your SD card, your PC and your dogs PC. I lost my IMEI on my SGS, had formatted the SD card with the backup, had changed my computer and found a copy on a USB flash.
You need a program like Root Explorer (paid) or super manager (free) to do this. The EFS folder is a separate directory in the highest level directory.
APNs
In Settings – Wireless – Mobile Networks – Access Point Names. This is the access info for your data connection to your carrier. Note all details. You may lose them when you flash a ROM. Saves you hassle in having to google them afterwards.
Backups
When you flash a custom ROM you will likely lose all data (you should actually clear data) – that is your phone data AND all programs you installed. You can back this up using Chainfires CWM app that is installed on your phone when you flash his kernel.If you flash another kernel, you can backup and restore in recovery mode. Alternatively you can use a program like Titanium backup from the market to do this.
Personally I do both and Titanium backup is worth purchasing the full version as you can batch restore without having to accept the permissions for each app you are restoring.
I’d also recommend using a program like SMS Backup+ which backs up call logs and SMSs to your google account.
Your Firmware Version
If you want to return to your original firmware, take a note of the exact version in Settings – About Phone – down the bottom Baseband version. You will find a copy of this in Intratech’s post. Be aware you may some some specific carrier customisations in doing so. These are held in CSC files - also in Intratechs post. Yours might not be there so be aware. Mostly bloatware but also things like APNs etc. If you like your carrier specific apps, make sure to back them up using Titanium backup.
Questions/Problems
Go to the Q&A forum. Search. Trust me it’s likely already happened. If not, structure a query with detail in the thread title. “A problem with XYZ” will get a better response than “Help me Pleeze” with a tearful emoticon.
Most problems are ultimately solvable by resetting your software with a data wipe or going back to Samsung firmware. Just dont flash when drunk, on your bike etc.
Themes and Apps
The section that does what is says. Quick tip – you may find downloading apps fails. If you, get Astro file manager from the market and in preferences tick “enable browser downloads”.
Worth also checking out the general XDA apps dev section http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=564
And every other step you need to transform and gain control of your stock ROM!
Given the fact that T-Mobile and Samsung have made it clear that the Galaxy S Vibrant will not receive Gingerbread, Honeycomb, ICS, or any other functionality update, I made the decision that it was finally time to root my beloved phone.
I didn't want to root for the purpose of trying a ROM for any of the above OS's. I merely figured that since there are not going to be any future updates to my phone, I'm basically on my own. And if I'm on my own then I can and should get rid of the TMo crap software that came pre-installed on my phone (and which can't be uninstalled by any normal means).
Hopefully this process might also help make my phone operate a little faster and cleaner. And in general, the rooting process would give me full control over my own phone. But if you have ever rooted a device the experience can sometimes be challenging, even for tech-savvy folks like me.
There are lots of sites for advice and how-to’s on rooting your Android device, but most of these sites run you through the process in a way that assumes all will work perfectly the first time. There aren't a lot that take you through the root process with at-hand solutions to many of the commonly reported errors.
I've just finished rooting my stock TMo Vibrant, fixing signature/Multi-CSC issues from the root process, installing and using Titanium Backup (TB) PRO to handle bloatware, and finally installing ROM Manager for the purpose of installing ClockworkMod Recovery (for creating and restoring backups of my current ROM). WHEW! And while it's all fresh in my mind, I'm writing it all down to share the process with you so that it's all in one convenient place.
Let’s Start With Rooting The Phone By Using Super Oneclick
After doing some reading in the XDA forums and a few other places, I wanted to try rooting with a one click option. There are many out there that are available for use. But the very first issue that plagued my rooting process was the incompatibility of many of these root installers with my home Win7 64bit pc.
I tried downloading and extracting various recommended solutions that use the "one click" functionality (Super Oneclick--various versions with and without drivers, Galaxy S One Click Root, and Vibrant One Click Root). I also downloaded and installed AIO Vibrant Toolbox, a program which also features a “one click” method for rooting a Vibrant once it has been installed on your pc.
What many posts on rooting never really mention with these methodologies is that you might have issues running the programs on a Win7 machine, which was my issue. Not all Win7 machines, but some. I downloaded the zip file for each with generally with no issue. * But once I tried to run the exe (best done via "Run As Administrator"), I got the following error message on virtually all of them:
"CLR Error: 80004005 The program will now terminate"
AIO Vibrant Toolbox wasn’t any better even though it was an installed program. It terminated as well.
(*NOTE: Anti-virus programs will mistake parts of the root zip files for Trojans, usually quarantining them after download. You are then left with the uncomfortable choice of turning off your anti-virus and taking that chance, or looking for another zip solution. I opted for the latter. Never take a chance with a Trojan!)
These errors messages did not show up on my work pc which is also Win7 64-bit. But that was no comfort as most of my root work was going to be done at home. After much searching on the internet, I read a random post that mentioned two helpful suggestions:
Use a rear or powered USB port, not a front port (because they often can’t power the root install sufficiently)
Use Super Oneclick v1.7 as opposed to any newer versions. The newer versions can cause problems with this particular Galaxy S root.
Two simple suggestions that made a world of difference! The root process worked smoothly afterward, and was finally a "success".
Reminder - Remember to put your phone into USB Debugging mode for the root process, and don’t mount the external SD card when attached.
Along the way to “rooting” you might be confronted with messages about your Samsung drivers for your phone. You may see messages like these:
Device drivers not found
Samsung android USB composite device failed
A quick search on these forums will yield updated drivers for your phone. The successful install of these drivers can also be a function of using the proper USB ports, as in the situation above. The installation of Samsung drivers failed on the front USB ports of my Dell. Success was again found using the rear ports. The main point here: use the rear ports (or powered USB ports) no matter how much of a pain it is maneuvering under your desk and behind your pc!
You’re Almost There…Kinda!
You can check to see if you are successfully rooted by checking to see if Superuser is installed in your apps. It was there… whew. The next step was to install Titanium Backup so that I could have root control over my apps, allowing me to delete bloatware that was slowing my phone. I downloaded TB from the Market, opened it, tried to give it Superuser permissions, and was notified with an error message that permissions were unsuccessful because the phone was not rooted. WHAT???
More online research revealed that I had achieved a “soft root”, whereby you have successfully rooted your phone but you don’t have all root permissions because the install wasn’t complete. The solution? Basically you just have to keep doing it more than once. All steps of this process seem like they will take the first time if you do what you are supposed to do. But more often than not, you have to repeat your steps over and over to make sure that it takes. After two more Super Oneclick rooting attempts, TB finally gave me the thumbs up for root.
Some may say it’s not necessary, but I upgraded to TB PRO. It allows for more options and better functionality with the apps and system data on the phone. And really, at about 6 dollars it is more than worth the price. Heck, two Starbucks lattes will run you more than 8 or 9 bucks. So if I can get piece of mind with respect to app management on my newly-rooted phone, 6 bucks is more than worth it.
I immediately wanted to learn how to remove bloatware -- and it’s amazingly difficult to find clear directions on doing so. After my backup of all apps and data, I went to the backup/restore tab and found the programs I wanted to get rid of. Many online users recommend “freezing” an app first to make sure that removing it won’t make your phone all wonky. So after “freezing” the offending apps (by pressing the menu button, selection batch, and then scrolling down to the appropriate section on freezing apps), I long-pressed the desired app and only saw one option for uninstalling via an exploit. I selected it and long story short, it failed. As the phone boots to stock recovery, this message popped up:
E:failed to verify whole-file signature
E:signature verification failed
Applying Multi-CSC Installing
Multi-CSC Installation Aborted
In simple terms, the rooting tool (Super Oneclick) doesn’t contain all of the necessary items for a complete root. A fix is needed for the invalid signature problem that will help you get to a full root state. Fortunately there are fixes out there you can find for this particular fix.
Here are some helpful links:
http://androidforums.com/galaxy-s-a...iled-installation-aborted-one-click-root.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1052991
Read the instructions for the fix on the first page, but get the correct file from the second page as the link for the fix from Dropbox is a little messed up in the first URL. The second URL has the correct link. Use the automatic method so that you don’t have to use the terminal emulator. If you are like me, this process has already given you more gray hairs than you would really like to admit. So take the easy route.
Run the install.bat file and you will be fine. When you reach stock recovery again remember to reinstall all packages. This will make sure that the fix is installed properly. I didn’t know that was needed and was wondering why the fix wasn’t taking initially. So I’m sharing this with you to head off your frustrations at the pass. ;-)
Getting Rid Of The Bloat
Check to make sure that you are fully rooted by opening TB. It will automatically take Superuser permissions from the first time you allowed it IF you are rooted. If not, it will tell you. And by now you should be rooted. Heading back to the bloatware, I was able to figure out that the “long press method” was not the correct one for uninstalling apps.
Once again, press the menu button (bottom left) and select batch. Scroll down and you will see a section for uninstalling apps. Select uninstall user and system apps, and make sure to DESELECT ALL before you do anything else. From there you can pick and choose the apps to uninstall, then “run the batch operation” to complete the task. Bye bye bloatware!
The last crucial step to complete now that your phone is rooted is to make sure that you have a backup of your current ROM and configuration. The backup you created using TB is only for apps and data. It is not a backup of your current stock ROM.
Nandroid backup works best for the purpose of backing up and restoring ROMs. And if you have done any previous rooting on an Android device, you will recognize that Nandroid is a function of ClockworkMod Recovery. Sigh. I know... frustration starts to set in as you realize that there is yet another necessary install needed for a totally successful root process ON TOP OF and AFTER everything else you have had to do. So what is the next step?
ROM Manager To The Rescue
Install the free ROM Manager from the Market and you will be good to go. This app allows you to flash CWM Recovery as well as mount various ROMs on your phone. After installing the app (and declining the various offers that pop up), press “Flash ClockworkMod Recovery” at the top of the menu. It will cause the phone to reboot. And CWM will be downloaded…but not installed. To install after reboot, open ROM Manager and now select Reboot into Recovery. It will challenge you with a question on whether you really want to do this or not. Say Yes.
Important: This is another one of those places where it’s not intuitively obvious what to do for CWM Recovery.
When I first rebooted into recovery I didn’t see any changes from my stock recovery menu…because there were none. What I needed to do (which I found in yet another forum posting) was again to select Reinstall all packages. CWM had been downloaded and was ready to install… this would do so.
Happily, the phone went into Clockwork recovery*immediately after "Reinstall all packages" . If it wasn't clear earlier, use the volume buttons toggle up (or down) to select backup/restore. *You can then implement your selection by pressing the power button on the right side of the phone. On the next screen select backup, and then let it do its’ thing. It may take a while to complete, but will be well worth the time and effort if you have any future problems.
The Entire Process Is Finally Complete
So there you have it. In a nutshell, here were my steps:
1. Samsung drivers
2. Super Oneclick v 1.7
3. E. Signature fix
4. Titanium Backup PRO
5. ROM Manager (free version)
Use the rear USB ports or powered USB ports for the phone connection. Phone should be in USB debugging mode, and external SD card should not be mounted. For each process, it may take up to 2 or 3 attempts for successful completion. So keep trying after the first FAIL message. When applicable, “Reinstall All Packages” to make sure that downloaded files are actually installed.
And lastly, if absolutely nothing works correctly for you, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use Google for help. Many others have successfully worked through all of the problems you might encounter that aren’t listed here. Actively use Google to help find solutions to any problems, using the exact error messages shown and adding in your phone type. You will be amazed by the depth of experience out there that can help you.
Above all else, keep up a good attitude. Rooting might be a pain in the ass while you are doing it, but it’s for a greater purpose. My four days of rooting have now given me a phone that is FREE from all the bloatware that bugged me for the past two years. And soon I’m sure I will experiment with a different ROM. But for now I’m just happy that I have my phone, my way. After all, if they (TMo and Samsung) aren’t going to make our phones better, we can do so for ourselves.
Good luck, and I hope this complete set of instructions from my own past 4 days of experience will help someone else!
A good read. A few things though with the Titanium part.
First I whole-heartedly agree to kick down the $ for the Pro. It really ups the functionality of the app and what all it can do.
The part about "freezing". This part is tricky b/c you need to make sure he apps that you are freezing are indeed bloat and not something that is needed for something else (i.e. did you know that GTalk directly effects the market on some ROMS). I don't use Gtalk but I still have it installed and frozen so I can defrost at will. This is the reason for Freeze. It lets you know of any adverse effects on your ROM, other apps,...then you have the option to defrost if need be. I also always avoid doing anything in "Batches" on TBPro, as it can sometimes be a little wonky, especially when restoring batches, causes reboot and freezes resulting in batterty pull.
I freeze for at least a week on new ROMs so that I get the full experience with daily life to make my determination on uninstall, defrost or wait longer.
Another way to do it is once you know the apps that are frozen do not effect any other parts of your ROM, you can back them up with TBpro for later use and uninstall or you can do it this way. Since you have root, go into /system/app or and pull the APK out and put it in a folder or something like that on your SD card. You would do this to some of the /system apps that TB shows as only haveing a checkmark next to and not the yellow/orange circle with the M in it. If you uninstall these with the checkmark you will not be able to restore them b/c part of the executable portion of the APK is not able to be backed up. This is the reason to pull the app out of /system/app and put it on your SD card. Hit menu, more, Clean up Dalvik cache and viola!! you have some free space on /system and the offending APK's dex will be deleted too.
Sidenote: I have never been able to get SuperOneClick to work on any phone I have ever tried. Maybe I'll unroot and try again but the SU exploit is a flashable zip located here. Option A. Put it on your SD card, boot into recovery and Bam!!! you are rooted
Nice work though.
Where can we still get Super Oneclick v 1.7?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=739300 make sure you have ADB turned on and use the USB ports from the back not front
too lengthy.
Just got vibrant
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda app-developers app
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
Delete..
I recently rooted/installed CleanROM for my S4, but now I have some basic questions regarding what actually happened in the process and how I could improve it. (First smartphone, first Android).
1. Is flashing the exact equivalent of installing a kernel/ROM/app in a recovery like TeamWin that is zipped in an SD card? All I did was select my zipped file and install--the guide says to use GooManager but I never used it. Also, does updating TWRP, kernel, or ROM (same application/kernel/ROM, but newer version) require that you delete the old ZIP, copy over the new ZIP, then install it? Is there a cleaner method (I feel that since we have to wipe to prevent old files from interfering with new ROM that maybe parts of the old version of a ROM may be redundant or may interfere with the new ROM?
2. Is there a way I can save the phone settings when dealing with one ROM and transferring these settings to another ROM? I really don't want to spend 20 minutes to go through all the settings and change it to my liking every time I install a new ROM.
3. With TWRP I could backup the entire ROM and also be able to install that backup ROM if I don't like the new ROM installed? What does Titanium Backup offer in regards to this aside from backing up app data and the ability freeze/uninstall system apps?
4. Does Titanium Backup leave any residual files? I see other apps designed to uninstall system apps and Titanium Backup seems like an all-in-one jack of all trades.
5. I thought I wiped everything and to me, that sounds like reformatting the entire drive. I only wiped system, boot, and data though (good enough for ROMs, according to what I've read). I was surprised when I saw my videos that I had already backed up to my PC accessible on the phone. Should I just wipe literally everything (I assume it would be cleaner) like cache, preload, EFS, modem, recovery, etc.? Will wiping literally everything be like reformatting my phone (since my phone was not reformatted because my personal videos was still there when I installed my custom ROM? If I were to install completely different ROMs cleanly and wanted to keep my personal files, I would only need to wipe system, data, and boot?
4. Do I have to use CASUAL again to install an updated TWRP?
5. Does backing up a ROM also backup its root? I'm going to assume this is a dumb question and the answer is no. I'm also guessing I have to block OTA updates from AT&T to ensure I keep my root. How would I go about doing this? Also, would my phone be "safe" if I stick to my ROM (no updates or anything) for 4+ years? I'm asking this as an extreme case because I feel like I'm missing out on AT&T security updates that could protect my phone and also I don't think the developer my ROM (CleanROM) will do frequent updates).
6. I had problems with my computer not being able to recognize my phone and my SD card in the phone after I wiped everything and before I installed a ROM. I literally had to take the SD card from the phone and use an SD card reader to transfer my custom ROM/loki then put it back into the phone. Was I missing a driver?
7. What are some must-have apps a newly rooted user would want?
8. I read that you only need 1 EFS backup and you don't need to back it up every time you are going to install a custom ROM. Can I get a confirmation?
9. What does Goo Manager do and would I want it?
10. Is it essential that I keep up to date with news about my custom ROM/phone to ensure my phone is secured?
**Not Root/ROM related--Is swiping an app away from the Recent Apps List (long-press home button) the equivalent of killing an app? I use the Recent Apps List often but I don't want to go about swiping apps away if means it is killing it, since I read that killing apps are bad and actually drains battery life. Also, is there a mod that lets you access the Recent Apps List by long-pressing the menu one? I only see a mod that kills the app if you long-press it.
Also, any ROMs you guys can recommend me that is like CleanROM? It has to be TW-based because I use multi-windows. Basically, I want a stable, popular (popular ones tend to be more frequently updated, which is important because there are often bugs in custom ROMs), and optimized/debloated ROM (as debloated as possible, I rather use my own large list of apps than pre-installed ones). I was looking at GoldenEye but I'm not sure.
Thanks. I'm hoping for many responses as I have more questions to ask but not a lot of free time (I will check back on this thread every several hours until there are no more responses on the thread.
Hey there! Here is my take on at least some of your questions. I am not a super pro, but I will try not to give you any wrong info.
1. The zip files that are still out on your SD card are just the install files for whatever you are flashing. They won't be cleaned up automatically and you will need to delete them yourself if you want them gone. That being said I would recommend leaving the previous version's zip out there in case you need to back out of the new version.
2. If by phone settings you mean all of the settings in the various option menus baked into the ROM it is best to redo those when switching between ROMs. Many ROMs add and take away options and add whole new option sections so you will want to go through those and set things to your liking. Another option is to use a launcher like Nova Launcher that lets you back up its settings and restore them which is a big chunk of the things I change when going to a new ROM. Some people may have a different opinion on this one.
3. Yes if you make a backup in a recovery like TWRP and then restore from it it will be like you never flashed the other ROM. Titanium backup does what you say and also can backup individual Apps themselves and restore them.
4. Once you have a recovery installed you should not have to go through the hoops you went through to get it there to update it. Check the thread for the recovery for upgrade instructions.
5. Your SD card will not be wiped when you wipe system or data. There is also the internal "sdcard" that if I recall is not wiped when you do a standard wipe which will keep things like pics and videos between flashes.
6. So you were trying to access the phone storage/SD card while it was in recovery? I have never had much luck with that. I always just make sure I have all of the files I will need to install the new ROM moved over before I wipe it. That being said if you have the right driver it might be possible.
7. Titanium Backup, a file explorer that can leverage Root access like Root Explorer, maybe something like Greenify (I think it takes Root). Other than that check out the thread in the Apps/Themes subforum where people list their top 5 apps.
8. Pass (but I think what you heard/read is right)
9. Goo Manager can let you know if there is updated version of your ROM or what other ROMs are available for your device and download them. It can also be used to install a recovery. Personally I don't use it and just check ROM threads for updates if the ROM doesn't offer OTA updates.
10. I rarely see mention of security fixes/features in custom ROMs so I don't think you need to stay on top of threads for that reason. With that said, if security is crazy super important to you then a custom ROM might not be your best bet. Even though source code is available for most if not all of them that doesn't mean someone has gone through the code looking for security flaws (or even malicious code).
11. You can test this yourself. Go into the "Apps" section of the options and look at what Apps are running then swipe one away and check again. Personally I would go ahead and swipe away Apps as needed since that is a core Android feature. I haven't seen a mod for what you are asking.
12. The other two TW-based ROMs I have used are Goldeneye and Alpha. Both are good, but I am using Alpha now due to its higher degree of customization. Goldeneye hasn't been updated in a month or so, Alpha is being updated regularly at the moment.
---------- Post added at 08:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 PM ----------
Here is the link to the thread where people list out their top 5 apps!
Nice post, very good help...serious...
Incredibly helpful, thanks. I will post more questions if I have here, kind of busy at the moment.
Question:
What is the best way to detect whether a third-party app has a keylogger? I read from an article that it is incredibly easy for someone to put a keylogger on an app. Is Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus capable/overkill for this job? Also, I was worried that Avast may actually be bad because it would deteriorate (wear and tear on the SSD of the phone) through all the scannings? Or am I completely wrong? If I am wrong, I'm guessing it's because an antivirus only reads your files and therefore does not wear down a SSD (I'm not even sure if this is right).
mindstormer said:
Question:
What is the best way to detect whether a third-party app has a keylogger? I read from an article that it is incredibly easy for someone to put a keylogger on an app. Is Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus capable/overkill for this job? Also, I was worried that Avast may actually be bad because it would deteriorate (wear and tear on the SSD of the phone) through all the scannings? Or am I completely wrong? If I am wrong, I'm guessing it's because an antivirus only reads your files and therefore does not wear down a SSD (I'm not even sure if this is right).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can read a SSD all day long, that doesn't wear it out. Writing to a SSD will cause wear, not reading. I'm thinking that most antivirus apps can find that kind of stuff, but don't download from unknown sources or those you don't trust. Even Google Play has some shady stuff. I would recommend researching an app on Google if you have any doubts about it. I'm sure it can be done, but I really doubt any of your friends know how to reprogram one of your apps to have a keylogger, plus I wouldn't let them use my phone in the first place.
To answer your questions:
1. Antivirus doesn't wear anything out, it just puts load on your system.
2. Most antivirus apps should detect apps like the ones your talking about.
agent929 said:
You can read a SSD all day long, that doesn't wear it out. Writing to a SSD will cause wear, not reading. I'm thinking that most antivirus apps can find that kind of stuff, but don't download from unknown sources or those you don't trust. Even Google Play has some shady stuff. I would recommend researching an app on Google if you have any doubts about it. I'm sure it can be done, but I really doubt any of your friends know how to reprogram one of your apps to have a keylogger, plus I wouldn't let them use my phone in the first place.
To answer your questions:
1. Antivirus doesn't wear anything out, it just puts load on your system.
2. Most antivirus apps should detect apps like the ones your talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation.
Another question for anyone:
Clean Master found the folder of an app that I installed on a precious ROM, so I not wipe the device cleanly. I though wiping system, boot, and data was enough--what was I missing, or should I have checked everything to be wiped on TeamWin Recovery?
Are you sure its not coming from your SD card?
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Hello!
At first, I am sorry that I have so many questions this week, but I need a final solution with my phone.
I used to use some custom ROMs which didn't satisfy me, so I decided to stay on rooted stock rom and just delete the apps I don't need, as I did on my former phones.
Everything runs fine until I start deleting unnecessary apps.
I get a boot loop everytime I deleted apps, even if they are non system apps (like flashlight etc).
I stucks on the motorola logo and stays there, no matter what I deleted.
Anyone who made the same, without boot loop?
And because of that I have a second question, when I backup my system with TWRP, will everything be saved including Whatsapp Messages etc?
Or do I have to re-register my Whatsapp Account after restoring backup?
Thanks in advance
For, 2nd question, Whatsapp account and messages are saved on /DATA Partition, restoring /data will probably Restore your Google/Whatsapp/Other accounts as well installed user apps and their data too,.... Your saved games and whatever it was before backup, you will get same....
And why you are removing System apps..? If it gives you bootloops, Simply just disable them in settings > Apps....
__Madddy said:
And why you are removing System apps..? If it gives you bootloops, Simply just disable them in settings > Apps....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Because I want a simple rom, I don't want data of unused apps left on my phone, just of personal reasons.
It's like you have a keylogger or virus on your computer and just saying, "yeah I juxt disable it, that's enough"
I don't care about free space by deleting system apps, I just want to get rid of them because I don't like them
That's why I delete them with a root file manager, and I was always driven good with that way, but since I got the Moto G4, it ain't working no more without boot loop.
Yupp, i also did it with root File Manager.... It was simple to remove system apps till Android 4.4 KitKat, just navigate to System > apps find .apk and delete... But after it, in 5.1 Lollipop, they did change that structure and it became hard...
What i did till now is flash ROM and directly Remove system apps from Custom Recovery, then go for first boot.... During First boot it does optimization of system apps, so remove app before it get optimized or whatever process being done.....
__Madddy said:
Yupp, i also did it with root File Manager.... It was simple to remove system apps till Android 4.4 KitKat, just navigate to System > apps find .apk and delete... But after it, in 5.1 Lollipop, they did change that structure and it became hard...
What i did till now is flash ROM and directly Remove system apps from Custom Recovery, then go for first boot.... During First boot it does optimization of system apps, so remove app before it get optimized or whatever process being done.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's what I'm doing to.
Flashing stock rom, rooting, downloading root file manager, delete apps from /system/app and /system/priv-app, but whatever I delete there, the stock rom stucks in a boot loop, at first I thought it was build in by motorola, but that wouldn't even make sense..
Currently Running busy, will try removing system apps in my device and tell you what to do....?
HE4VYCR0WN said:
Thank you!
Because I want a simple rom, I don't want data of unused apps left on my phone, just of personal reasons.
It's like you have a keylogger or virus on your computer and just saying, "yeah I juxt disable it, that's enough"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Removing system apps is always iffy and sometimes not recommended. And no it's not like a keylogger or virus at all. I know you don't want them but you can expect problems on your quest.