Related
Given the law about releasing the source for their OS implementation, I.e. kernel and hardware drivers, when do we expect to have the 2.1 source, giving us a feel for the 2.2 implementation? Should have released the 2.1 by now for the 70 and 101....
EDIT: Looks like Android 2.2.1 (Firmware 2.0.54) was released Nov 30, 2010 - so we should expect to see the source for it by the end of this year.
EDIT: Looks like the source has been released - http://www.archos.com/support/download/software/sources/gen8-gpl-froyo.tgz
Now we need someone with good Linux abilities to start helping us compile a custom kernel.....
Sent with my fingertips and voice on my Evo
no custom kernel till we get rooted for the phone...once we get rooted we can do watever to it..im gonna have me a ball with this once we do...lmao
txtmikhail said:
no custom kernel till we get rooted for the phone...once we get rooted we can do watever to it..im gonna have me a ball with this once we do...lmao
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does the SDE not look attractive? We have root that way and can do kernels and such....
But I would rather have FULL root (NAND unlocked like we do with HTC phones) enabling us to fully take over the device - instead of essentially a dual boot environment that leaves the stock build on the device and takes up space....
There seem to be some people who think we can't unlock NAND - and don't see why we would want to.
Sent with my fingertips and voice on my Evo
jerdog said:
So does the SDE not look attractive? We have root that way and can do kernels and such....
But I would rather have FULL root (NAND unlocked like we do with HTC phones) enabling us to fully take over the device - instead of essentially a dual boot environment that leaves the stock build on the device and takes up space....
There seem to be some people who think we can't unlock NAND - and don't see why we would want to.
Sent with my fingertips and voice on my Evo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont know much about the SDE but i know i dont want to install it. with a lil work and time i think we can get this thing fully rooted .. The kernel
is most important to me cuz this thing needs to be overclocked to atleast 1.2ghz..
you don't want to fully root and reformat everything and may brick your device. it's just not worth it.
use the SDE: install custom kernel and if your satisfied remove default kernel and it will boot only custom kernel (until you install any archos firmware again)
with SDE you can use full internal storage (kernel is stored in another very little flash chip: /dev/mmcblk0, mmcblk1 = internal storage, mmcblk2 = sdcard), reformat it and install and do whatever you want. if you're not satisfied, start in recovery mode reformat the device and start all over again or install the archos firmware again. no real chance to brick your device.
why would anyone try to brick his device if he has full device access for free?
@topic building custom kernel and cross compile some linux libraries is quite easy, I'll post an HowTo and some shell scripts today or tomorrow, ok?
I want full root to do wat I want..I have a epic 4g wit root and a custom rom..one ...I don't need to boot up wit dual boot for the same os...
Sent from my A101IT using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
chulri said:
you don't want to fully root and reformat everything and may brick your device. it's just not worth it.
use the SDE: install custom kernel and if your satisfied remove default kernel and it will boot only custom kernel (until you install any archos firmware again)
with SDE you can use full internal storage (kernel is stored in another very little flash chip: /dev/mmcblk0, mmcblk1 = internal storage, mmcblk2 = sdcard), reformat it and install and do whatever you want. if you're not satisfied, start in recovery mode reformat the device and start all over again or install the archos firmware again. no real chance to brick your device.
why would anyone try to brick his device if he has full device access for free?
@topic building custom kernel and cross compile some linux libraries is quite easy, I'll post an HowTo and some shell scripts today or tomorrow, ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once we get root and a recovery image installed bricking the device is pretty hard to do. I seriously haven't heard of any people bricking their phones (other then people flashing different radios - gsm for cdma and vice versa). Rooting and making a 100% ASOP rom would kick ass. Not sure what archos was thinking for making it impossible to root. dumb decision. fail
how would you install a recovery image to a bricked Gen8 device??
there is no need for dual boot but an option in the recovery menu called something like "remove android kernel" which removes the default kernel so the device boots custom kernel only, no dual boot if you don't want it.
You have full root access with SDE, tell me what you can't do with SDE?
SDE = recovery bootloader --> nearly unbrickable device
chulri said:
you don't want to fully root and reformat everything and may brick your device. it's just not worth it.
use the SDE: install custom kernel and if your satisfied remove default kernel and it will boot only custom kernel (until you install any archos firmware again)
with SDE you can use full internal storage (kernel is stored in another very little flash chip: /dev/mmcblk0, mmcblk1 = internal storage, mmcblk2 = sdcard), reformat it and install and do whatever you want. if you're not satisfied, start in recovery mode reformat the device and start all over again or install the archos firmware again. no real chance to brick your device.
why would anyone try to brick his device if he has full device access for free?
@topic building custom kernel and cross compile some linux libraries is quite easy, I'll post an HowTo and some shell scripts today or tomorrow, ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A HowTo on this device would be great. Thanks!
As to custom ROMs, etc. - I echo other comments above. I have never had anyone truly brick their device doing custom ROMs - I work at a carrier and have not seen a truly bricked device that couldn't be undone with a custom recovery and/or reflash back to stock and locking NAND again and noone is the wiser. We can put together custom kernels all we want, but a lot of the holdup in devices is the bloatware that the manufacturers put in - and a lot of it is behind the scene in the frameworks. Just doing a custom kernel is great - but to unleash the real potential of the device is to remove all the unnecessary options and software and libraries that are not needed.
Not sure who all here has dealt with Android phones and the custom/AOSP/CM environment, but going to AOSP (or CM) without all the manufacturer bloat and only including the necessary drivers and such will show you how much of a performance boost and unending promise a device truly has. The possibilities are endless.
THAT is why we desire to have NAND unlocked and the ability to move this device to take full advantage of it's hardware.
HowTo is online: [HOWTO] Build custom kernel, libraries and applications on your own
jerdog said:
We can put together custom kernels all we want, but a lot of the holdup in devices is the bloatware that the manufacturers put in - and a lot of it is behind the scene in the frameworks. Just doing a custom kernel is great - but to unleash the real potential of the device is to remove all the unnecessary options and software and libraries that are not needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can replace the whole operating system, archos ships per default some buggy angstrom linux with SDE. maybe someone is able to put ubuntu or windows phone 7 onto it if he is crazy enough
jerdog said:
THAT is why we desire to have NAND unlocked and the ability to move this device to take full advantage of it's hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean with NAND? The Internal Storage (A101IT - 8 or 16 GB) or the flash chip where the kernels and the default android OS are stored?
eitherway, both are NOT locked. you can remove and replace the (signed by archos) squashfs from /dev/mmcblk0p2 and put your own android or any other operating system in it. or reformat /dev/mmcblk1 (internal storage -> 8 / 16 GB) and install your own operating system (e.g. some stripped ubuntu)
Gen8 devices aren't locked. Install SDE und you can do whatever you want with only little possibility of permanently brick it. you always can reinstall the archos firmware to restore default android OS
I'm looking forward to a clean/vanilla 2.2 rom with all bloat removed!
chulri said:
What do you mean with NAND? The Internal Storage (A101IT - 8 or 16 GB) or the flash chip where the kernels and the default android OS are stored?
eitherway, both are NOT locked. you can remove and replace the (signed by archos) squashfs from /dev/mmcblk0p2 and put your own android or any other operating system in it. or reformat /dev/mmcblk1 (internal storage -> 8 / 16 GB) and install your own operating system (e.g. some stripped ubuntu)
Gen8 devices aren't locked. Install SDE und you can do whatever you want with only little possibility of permanently brick it. you always can reinstall the archos firmware to restore default android OS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NAND refers to the flash chip where Archos (and all other manufacturers) put their system files.
When you delete something from the Archos OS (i.e. /system) and then reboot, does it show back up or is it permanently removed? Are you able to remove ALL traces of Archos' stock Android implementation?
jerdog said:
When you delete something from the Archos OS (i.e. /system) and then reboot, does it show back up or is it permanently removed? Are you able to remove ALL traces of Archos' stock Android implementation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you are.
install SDE
boot up the shipped angstrom linux
mount /dev/mmcblk0p2 and remove the androidmerged.squasfs.secure file inside
reboot to recovery mode and "uninstall android kernel"
reboot
without the default archos android kernel it boots always to the custom kernel (default: angstrom linux, but can be replaced with any other OS)
now you have a gen8 device without any archos android os and can use for whatever you want it
if you want it back to normal: recovery mode -> reformat device & install archos android firmware
chulri said:
yes you are.
install SDE
boot up the shipped angstrom linux
mount /dev/mmcblk0p2 and remove the androidmerged.squasfs.secure file inside
reboot to recovery mode and "uninstall android kernel"
reboot
without the default archos android kernel it boots always to the custom kernel (default: angstrom linux, but can be replaced with any other OS)
now you have a gen8 device without any archos android os and can use for whatever you want it
if you want it back to normal: recovery mode -> reformat device & install archos android firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aren't you just removing the kernel and putting your own in? The partition with the actual system still exists though, correct?
What it seems to me, is that Archos has given the ability to use your own kernel with their /system still in place - but this doesn't give the ability to install a completely vanilla system (ala AOSP and/or CM) or to strip out the bloatware and modify the existing frameworks....
I hate to repeat myself.. ( is my english really that bad? )
You DON'T replace the kernel, you install just another one (called custom kernel).
You CAN remove the archos' kernel (but you don't have to)
You CAN remove the archos' android filesystem (location: /dev/mmcblk0p2 -> androidmerged.squashfs.secure)
You have WRITE ACCESS to all flash devices (/dev/mmcblk[0-2])
When you install SDE it ships a vanilla angstrom linux, this has nothing to do with android and shows that you are ABLE TO INSTALL A COMPLETELY VANILLA SYSTEM (even side by side with archos' android if you want to)
chulri, I think you're missing the point. He wants the entire system opened up. Even though you can use SDE to write to any of the flash devices, can you use it to remove a single App from the existing android setup?
They (and I actually) are wanting a custom recoery (something ALA Clockworkmod would work fine for me), and have full access to the internal nand, so they can flash a completely custom ROM, or a pre-rooted factory rom, etc. They want this WITHOUT having to use SDE. With the squashfs secured like it is now, this makes it a bit more difficult to get what we're wanting... If we have a full system rom that's not secure like the existing one, then any app could be removed, upgraded, or themed however you want.
If you don't already own a rooted android phone, then I don't think you really understand the WHY of what they are asking for.
and again...
you can install whatever you want, and even if it is a customizied archos android
the squashfs is not encrypted, you can unpack, copy and replace it with an unsigned squashfs image or even another filesystem, install a custom kernel which ignores the signature (change one or two lines in initramfs.cpio.gz) and there you go...
why do you need another recovery image when you have SDE? it IS a recovery image..
chulri said:
and again...
you can install whatever you want, and even if it is a customizied archos android
the squashfs is not encrypted, you can unpack, copy and replace it with an unsigned squashfs image or even another filesystem, install a custom kernel which ignores the signature (change one or two lines in initramfs.cpio.gz) and there you go...
why do you need another recovery image when you have SDE? it IS a recovery image..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had thought the squashfs image was secured, which it's good to know it's not.
As for the custom recovery, it's more of a personal preference. Most people would rather have some sort of AOSP rom installed on their system, with none of the custom Archos stuff on it, no dual-booting, etc. And while it may be your opinion that it's not necessary, people want it. Being condescending whenever people request it or even ask about it doesn't help at all (all the , or is my english that bad, etc).
I use clockworkmod on my Incredible, and it's never once told me i had to have my device plugged into power to flash something, but I'm stuck at work right now with my Archos telling me that to flash my system with their SDE I have to have it plugged into the power adapter (even though I have 100% battery). That alone to me (again, TO ME) is justification for a seperate custom recovery...
after you have installed the sde you don't have to plug in power to flash custom kernels
anyway: only because some people want some own recovery image, go ahead, hack the sh!t out of gen8 and may brick it but for god sake don't tell the world you couldn't do the same with SDE and claim about the bad bad fail fail company not letting some stupid users brick their devices the ones who know how still can do whatever they want, with or without SDE. the ones who doesn't.. um.. nevermind
Can you dual boot or any other way to have 2 different roms installed at the same time,so i can switch back and forth?Like windows either at boot or logging in and out of 2 different desktops.
Maybe find a way to split the partitions.Any suggestions would be great.
Duel= 2 roms fighting. Make it dual. Thought it was funny, no malice intended.
lol - duel - dual...
It would be interesting if that was possible. There would have to be another program in there to act as the buffer between both OS's though - that would take control of the start-up, hold on a page that has both options and then would boot the option you want.
Not sure if that's possible since some files are right on the root and in order to have an OS work it can't have files in the same directory - they would just overwrite each other.
But, I too, have wondered if it would ever happen. Be a great way to test new ROM's if you didn't always have to overwrite the existing ROM but rather, you could place a new ROM in a special directory and then run it from that - or partition the internal memory with the new partition available to boot from and store.
partition the internal memory with the new partition available to boot from and store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats exactly what i was thinking,partition the system os,i rebuild computers and a little system modding in windows,but this is a linux based os,so it would be a little odd for me.I'm gonna look into this a little more.
You may try to contact the guys who developed boot manager. www.init2winitapps.com they have a listing of supported devices and a request form. Works on the thunderbolt 5 slots for 5 roms, I'm unsure how difficult it would be to add support for the iconia.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
ibsk8 said:
You may try to contact the guys who developed boot manager. www.init2winitapps.com they have a listing of supported devices and a request form. Works on the thunderbolt 5 slots for 5 roms, I'm unsure how difficult it would be to add support for the iconia.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,i submitted the idea,lets see if they will run with it,hopefully they will find interest.
Hello Diabblo,
Any update on that?
I think the idea of dual boot (or 5al boot) is just fantastic!
I have beside my iconia a501 a poor old zt180s and it can triple boot on android, ubuntu and WinCE!
Best,
Inji.
inji75 said:
Hello Diabblo,
Any update on that?
I think the idea of dual boot (or 5al boot) is just fantastic!
I have beside my iconia a501 a poor old zt180s and it can triple boot on android, ubuntu and WinCE!
Best,
Inji.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im guessing that device has a open non encrypted boot loader. The Iconia was encrypted at birth with the 3.2 push they tightened security even more from whqt I have read.So this is likely never happening unless acer changes ttjere boot loader policy.not likely to happen.
hope this helps you understand more of this issue.
I'm dual-booting my A500 right now with ICS and Ubuntu. The method for dual-booting is a replacement recovery.img which contains a Linux kernel and acts as a bootloader for Linux. Ubuntu itself runs from a rootfs.img on the internal storage (there's also recovery.img's available to run from external SD too). If I want to run Android, I just boot my tab normally. When I wanna run Ubuntu, I hold vol+ as I'm turning it on to force the modded recovery to load. It's a pretty cool setup more info in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1158260
Dear Erica Renee and Bloodflame,
Thanks a lot for your answers. Ok, I got it with the encrypted bootloader.
Will try the method described by Bloodflame.
Actually, since I got these tablets my main use of them is flashing new ROMs... I don't really have the use of new ROMs but I think it's so exciting!
Cheers,
Inji.
I don't believe the encryption is the problem.
The current boot loader is available unencrypted in update packages if anyone want to have a look at it.
Replacing the boot loader on the device is done as part of a down grade procedure described elsewhere on this forum.
So unless I'm missing something, the problem is more likely time and interest. Someone need to care enough about it and have the time to make some other boot loader work. Or patch Acer's. Either way it is likely to require quite a bit of time and patience.
So let me see if I have this correct. Acer's hardware bios code is 'locked down' enough to keep the average code manipulator out? A custom boot loader needs to be dev'd that can communicate correctly to be able to handle Android recovery and a linux/android boot screen etc. ? Could someone elaborate more blatantly if I am incorrect...
(Guide) (Beginners) You have rooted your phone, now what can you doNote – I will keep updating this guide as much as I can
Note - Please ask as many questions as you need, there is no question to basic to ask, it would be better being asked here instead of starting a new thread.
Note – Please don’t swear in this thread fu**ing is still swearing, using this - ** - still means you are swearing. Also please don’t call anyone a Noob after all this is a guide for beginners.
Final note – Can all beginners please thank people if they give you an answer to your question.
So welcome to the world of being rooted, you now have a nice shiny new rooted Android phone, but what can you do now. Well I have decided to start this thread to tell you what you can now do. This guide is for beginners and should be treated as it is intended, keeping it simple and just going over the basics. This guide will be broken down into main sections –
Post 1
• Super User
• Clockwork Mod Recovery (CWM)
• Apps
• Roms
Post 2
Further reading, it’s time to get you geek on
Post 3
More usefull apps that you might like
Super User
When you have a rooted phone you will need this little app called super user that has a massive job. When you rooted your phone it will have more than likely come with this app, if not then you can download it here. The basic idea behind super user is to control the root access to you phone. Your phone must have this app before you continue with the rest of this guide. Using Super User is easy when you open an app that needs root access a prompt will come up asking if you want to allow this app super user access, giving you two options deny or allow.
Clockwork Mod Recovery (CWM)
Once you have rooted your phone one of first thing you need to do is make sure you have Clockwork Mod Recovery. All phones have a recovery mode that can be accessed when turning on your phone or some root access apps allow you to access recovery mode through them. What CWM recovery does is modifies this recovery mode to make it better, allowing you to flash nearly anything you want or need, such as roms, themes and kernels. Also through CWM Recovery you can create a nandroid backup, which is a backup of your whole current rom, you can also carry factory data wipes and more advance features.
So how do you get CWM, well the first thing to do is check, depending what root method you used you might have it all ready (power off your phone and then hold the power, home and volume up buttons together until you enter recovery mode). You will know if you have CWM Recovery by looking at the top of the screen is should say “Clockworkmod Recovery”; if it doesn’t then you need to get it. The easy way to get CWM is by downloading the app Rom Manager (talked about below), open Rom Manager and there is an option to flash Clockwork Mod recovery, select that select which phone you have and it will do the rest for you.
Controls for CWM Recovery – Then volume buttons allow you to move and the power button is used to select.
Apps
Right there are a number of apps that will take advantage of you root access, and I am going to cover what I believe are the basics.
Remember when using any app that uses the root access of your phone it can come with risks.
Rom Manager – So Rom Manager and CWM sort of go hand in hand, being that Rom Manager is the nice user friendly app, giving you control of CWM from your phone home screen. Just like in CWM you can backup and restore your rom, flash new roms, fix permitions and partition SD card. As said above you can use Rom manager to flash CWM for you straight from the app, you can download this app here.
BusyBox – Trting to keep this simple, when you have a rooted phone there are sets of commands that you do not have, installing BusyBox will give these. This is required to run some apps that require root access. I think that was simple enough, oh and before I forget you can get it here.
Titanium Backup Root – Titanium Backup is an enormously useful app. Not only can it backup apps, but it can backup apps and all their data, and it can delete apps—even system apps or bloatware (bloatware are apps that come with your phone that you normally can’t remove like Games hub), making regular backups of all your apps and their data. You can download Titanium Backup here, also if you would like to know more about how to backup and restore most things when changing roms (more about roms just below) you can use my other guide here.
These are the very basic apps that you will need to see you of into the future of a android custom android experience, I will include other cool apps that use root access in post 3.
Roms
So the best part about having a rooted phone well for me anyway is the massive list of roms out there. If you don’t know what a rom is then here we go. When you get your android phone and turn it on, you’re faced with this impressive software that allows you access to apps throught the market, make phone call, txt, maps, voice commands, email and the list is never ending. This is all done through the software known as the Rom, the rom you get when have your phone is known as a Stock Rom. Now it this stock rom that we can change to improve our Android mobile experience known as a Custom Rom, and there are lots of custom roms out there. Some are made to give you a better battery, better custimization, improved features, so to provide a vanilla experience and some try to make a balance of them all, but the main idea is to make android better. So roms are broken down into different categories, here is a breakdown of them for you.
Stock Rom – As talked about before stock roms are the software that comes with the phone, some people prefer the stock experience but I don’t. The main problem with stock roms is that manufactures will place an extra layer of software on top of the rom known as a user interface (UI), such as Samsung wither their touchwiz UI and HTC with HTC Sense UI. The problem I have with these UI are they are power hungry and well not to sound mean but touchwiz is not very well made.
AOSP – Android open Source Project is the android rom in its basic form, so it has no bloatware or power hungry UI’s. This is where you will get most of your custom roms from, there are devs within the android community most found right here on XDA, that will use AOSP and make their own custom roms with this adding to and improving it to make the best rom they can. Just as a note there is no best rom and you will never get an answer as to which is the best. Each rom is to their own and suit different people with different needs, but as a starter rom to get use to the idea of flashing roms and learning everything that is needed then I would recommend a Cyanogen Mod Rom, as this is the most popular and you will get the most advice from the community is it is the most used. You can find the Cyanogen Mod website here. The best way to find roms is to look through the forum and look in the Development and Original Development threads.
INDEX - Android Development [29 March] - Here is a Rom list from the Android Development Fourm, the list includes both ICS and GB roms, thanks to daniel_costa_rj
There is a lot more to roms that just this basic overview and I will be adding more in the future as this will take just as long as writing this whole thread, so keep an eyeout for more updates, including AOKP.
EFS Folder (Important)
Ok this is more of a you must do and not a what you can now do. So the efs folder is a very important folder within your android system that contains infomation like your IMEI number, and just well important infomation trust me it's important. When people start to mod their phone such as flashing roms, kernels e.t.c, this folder can become corrupt, making you phone usless. So backing up this folder is important and their is an easy way in which you can do this, a more user friendly way using a great app by hellcatdroid. You can get this app from google play here, and it will give you all the tools to back up the folder. I will also include a guide on further reading for you to have a look over, so please backup your efs folder.
Well that’s it for now, this is my first draft and I will be making a lot on adding and changing over the next week.
Thanks for reading and I hope this guide helps even a handful of people.
Further reading, it’s time to get you geek on
[Guide] Back up your data before moving to a new rom
[REF] Guide to the Galaxy S II and Android (04/10/11)
[GUIDE] Fix an unflashable or soft bricked GSII
[REF][TWEAKS] Kernel Governors, Modules, I/O Schedulers, CPU Tweaks, AIO App Configs
Android Terms,Slang & Definitions
Forum & Marketplace Rules
[REF] Backup /efs folder. IMPORTANT.
More usefull apps that you might like
Root Browser Lite - Root Browser is for both non-root and rooted users. If you are rooted then this app will give you access to ALL of Android's file system. With a beautiful interface, tons of features and a cheap price Root Browser is a must have!#
ROM Toolbox - ROM Toolbox is the MUST HAVE app for any rooted user.
ROM Toolbox combines all the great root apps all tied up into one monster app with a beautiful and user-friendly interface. It also adds many more unseen features!, Check out the link for the full feature list
SGS2 Dual-Boot Setup (LolBoot) - Dual-Boot your Galaxy S2!
/!\ Requires root /!\
/!\ This is for the Galaxy S2 *ONLY* /!\
When the dual-boot is set up, you can (re)boot between two different, independent ROMs.
Just powering on boots into the primary ROM (duh!).
Using the recovery button combo (VOL-UP+HOME+POWER) will boot into the second ROM instead of recovery!
Pluggin in a USB cable or AC charger when the phone is powered off will make the phone boot into recovery.
AdFree Android - THIS APP IS FOR ROOTED PHONES ONLY!
AdFree removes most ads in the browser and other apps. It does this by nullifying requests to known host names in the system hosts file.
If you have problems with this app, or you know of additional host names not being filtered, please comment in xda-developers.com forum so it can be fixed!
kTool - Tool for a few functions after rooting. Kernel dump/flash, EFS backup/restore...
/!\ Requires Root /!\
/!\ Works on the >Galaxy S2< and >Galaxy Note< *ONLY* /!\
(i) the "lock pattern bug" is currently being investigated and worked on!
kTool is a small tool originally bundled with Hellcat's Root-Kernel for the Galaxy S2.
It offers a few functions usefull after rooting the device:
- Dump current kernel to /sdcard/zImage
- Flash kernel from /sdcard/zImage
- Backup the phone's EFS (sensitive storage are holding the IMEI and other vital data) as a raw .IMG dump and a .tar archive
- Restoring EFS from the raw .IMG or the .tar backup
- Format EFS (create fresh filesystem for cases where you want to restore seperate files or a .tar backup, but the filesystem is stuck/locked in read-only due to corruption)
- Reboot (normal, directely to recovery or directely to downlaod mode)
EFS Pro - EFS Pro - For Samsung Android Devices
Advanced Backup and Restore of your Device's '/efs' folder!
Features:
Supports Backup and Restore of Partition Image (*.img) and Compressed TAR Archive (*.tar) formats.
Automatically detects saved EFS Backups on Device and PC for hassle free restoring.
Re-Scan option to refresh Backup list for restoring Backups.
Automatically Re-Mounts '/efs' folder with Read/Write permissions during restore for users 'stuck' with Read Only permissions.
Automatic detection and prompting of Mass Storage Mode.
Automatic detection and termination of SAMSUNG Kies application on startup.
Supports Multiple Backup handling.
Option to Format '/efs' partition before restoring an EFS Backup.
Displays Device, ROM and BusyBox information on startup.
(NEW!) Attempt NV Recovery - Restores NV Data from '*.bak' files if they exist to fix corrupt or incorrect IMEI number.
(NEW!) Repair NV Data - Repairs NV Data file ownership to fix 'Unknown Baseband' and 'No Network / Signal'.
Introduction to Kernels
What is a kernel
So to keep this simple their 3 parts of your device the hardware, Software (rom) and your kernel. The kernel is the communication link between hardware and Software, although some of the seen as more important things are battery life, touch, wifi and more. You can also use a kernel to give you greater controll of your phone with such things (each kernel has its own conrtoll features).
You can swap your kernel just like you can swap your rom, although you need to check that the kernel you are going to flash with work with the rom you are using. some kernels will work woth all rom types such as SiyahKernel, others are made to be used on certain roms only such as Stock Roms, AOSP roms, AOKP Roms, and some even more specific such as CM9, MIUI and diffrent versions such as GB and ICS. So you will need to check the thread for that kernel and see what the features are and what Roms it will work on.
Their are many kernels on XDA Develpoers and the idea is for you to try a few out and see which suits your needs best, as their is no best kernel, the same as their is no best rom. So here is a list of a few kernels to get you started, and remember to check that the kernel you are about to flash will work on your device.
[KERNEL][ICS][ExTweaks][All-in-1kernel][DualBoot] SiyahKernel v3.2b6
[KERNEL][05.05][APP/PRO/OTA][AOSP&SAMMY] N.E.A.K. ICS - Designed by Nature (v2.0.4x)
[KERNEL] SpeedMod SGS2 ICS [K3-16 CIFS ROOT / NO-ROOT CWM5]
[KERNEL] SpeedMod SGS2 [K2-21 CWM5 CIFS ROOT]
[KERNEL] XPLOD 3.0.24 opensource kernel
Learn more about kernels
I will be adding more reading on kernels soon
reserved for later
My very own rom
Ok so here it is my very own rom go to the link to see more
[Rom][4.0.3][Vertumus][Apex & Galaxy 3 TW Launcher] Dark Angel
Gonna try Adsfree. My best improvement with my custom rom (resurrection remix 1.1) is that now i can tether. And overall is much better than the stock one.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
Great guide
u said that u can flash new roms now that your phone is rooted but my question is dont you have to unlock bootloader to do that
i'm still new so i'll ask alot of questions
If you install ClockworkMod Recovery, it will allow you to flash roms as it will unlock bootloader for you
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
ok then nevr heard of that but i'm still new to everything
would clockwork mod unlock the bootloader of xperia play r800i i recently rooted it(last night to be exact)
i know this may not be the xperia play section but i was searching and stumbled upon this thread
RealMcoy said:
ok then nevr heard of that but i'm still new to everything
would clockwork mod unlock the bootloader of xperia play r800i i recently rooted it(last night to be exact)
i know this may not be the xperia play section but i was searching and stumbled upon this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure you would have to look in the relevent thread for you device, i wouldent want to give you advice on a device i have never worked with.
Updating thread
I have started to add more to the thread -
Extra reading and more i have add some apps, their is a lot more to come.
fantastic post
I spent 10mins to go through the whole post and very helpful for me. As a newbie, I have learned a lot from you. Thanks for your work and keep updates.
AOKP sms related
I have rooted my phoen and installed custom ROM with AOKP sms, can some one please help me that how can i send sms to multiple ppl @same time, i mean how can i add contact group in AOKP sms, i tried a lot but not able to find it..
Did you install an aokp Rom or a custom AOSP rom and install the SMS.apk from AOKP source
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
Update to thread
I have updated the thread a little with more guides for you to geek up on, and i have added a link to a rom list................ Enjoy
Just a thought mate, how about linking up a thread on how to back up your efs folder after root, last few months been lots of threads about efs being messed up, there is also a guide to re-storing ya efs if ya screw it up. Nice thread btw
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
E_Goldstein said:
Just a thought mate, how about linking up a thread on how to back up your efs folder after root, last few months been lots of threads about efs being messed up, there is also a guide to re-storing ya efs if ya screw it up. Nice thread btw
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will make an edit to the 1st post and include a guide on efs backup, not that many people now how important efs folder is so thanks for the idea.
Great Guide
This is very helpful indeed.
★★★★[INFO]ANDROID ROM & How they Work★★★★
Parts of a ROM
i. The kernel.
Android (like many other Smartphone operating systems) runs on the Linux kernel. The Linux kernel was created in the early 1990’s by a gentleman named Linus Torvalds in Helsinki, Finland. It’s incredibly stable, incredibly friendly, and incredibly difficult for the layman to understand and modify. Thankfully it’s also very popular so it has been ported on to a multitude of hardware, including our Android devices.
Think of the kernel as an interface layer between the hardware and software on your device. The kernel decides when things happen, such as the LED indicator gets lit or when the soft button's LED gets lit. An application sends a request to the operating system to blink the LED. The operating system then sends the request to the kernel, which makes the light flash for the amount of time requested by the OS.
What sounds like a round-about way to get things done is also what makes the system so scalable and robust. Application developers only have to code in a way the operating system understands and the kernel makes it work on the hardware. This also keeps the application running in it’s own user-space and separate from the kernel. That means when you run the latest uber-cool app that wasn’t designed for your particular OS version, or is still very beta and it crashes, the kernel gives you the option to Force Close the application and the kernel can run untouched.
In a standard Android ROM (we will leave developer images and the like for another discussion) the kernel is bundled along with a set of instructions that tell the device how to load the kernel and the OS during boot. This is the boot.img that you see inside a zipped ROM that your not able to easily open. The device knows to extract this image to internal memory (the ramdisk) and follow a series of scripts (init scripts) to load the kernel and then the other portions of the OS. That’s what’s happening while you’re watching the boot animation. Interestingly enough this is done the same way for a PC, your smartphone, an Android tablet, or even a smart Linux powered toaster. If you’re feeling exceptionally geeky, plug your Android phone into the USB port on your PC and let the PC boot from the USB device. No, it doesn’t actually load, but you can watch the animation while it tries to match up the hardware support with what’s inside your PC. As I said, Linux is amazingly scalable and as a result so is Android.
What is a kernel? If you spend any time reading Android forums, blogs, how-to posts or online discussion you'll soon hear people talking about the kernel. A kernel isn't something unique to Android -- iOS and MacOS have one, Windows has one, BlackBerry's QNX has one, in fact all high level operating systems have one. The one we're interested in is Linux, as it's the one Android uses. Let's try to break down what it is and what it does.
Android devices use the Linux kernel, but it's not the exact same kernel other Linux-based operating systems use. There's a lot of Android specific code built in, and Google's Android kernel maintainers have their work cut out for them. OEMs have to contribute as well, because they need to develop hardware drivers for the parts they're using for the kernel version they're using. This is why it takes a while for independent Android developers and hackers to port new versions to older devices and get everything working. Drivers written to work with the Gingerbread kernel on a phone won't necessarily work with the Ice Cream Sandwich kernel. And that's important, because one of the kernel's main functions is to control the hardware. It's a whole lot of source code, with more options while building it than you can imagine, but in the end it's just the intermediary between the hardware and the software.
When software needs the hardware to do anything, it sends a request to the kernel. And when we say anything, we mean anything. From the brightness of the screen, to the volume level, to initiating a call through the radio, even what's drawn on the display is ultimately controlled by the kernel. For example -- when you tap the search button on your phone, you tell the software to open the search application. What happens is that you touched a certain point on the digitizer, which tells the software that you've touched the screen at those coordinates. The software knows that when that particular spot is touched, the search dialog is supposed to open. The kernel is what tells the digitizer to look (or listen, events are "listened" for) for touches, helps figure out where you touched, and tells the system you touched it. In turn, when the system receives a touch event at a specific point from the kernel (through the driver) it knows what to draw on your screen. Both the hardware and the software communicate both ways with the kernel, and that's how your phone knows when to do something. Input from one side is sent as output to the other, whether it's you playing Angry Birds, or connecting to your car's Bluetooth.
It sounds complicated, and it is. But it's also pretty standard computer logic -- there's an action of some sort generated for every event. Without the kernel to accept and send information, developers would have to write code for every single event for every single piece of hardware in your device. With the kernel, all they have to do is communicate with it through the Android system API's, and hardware developers only have to make the device hardware communicate with the kernel. The good thing is that you don't need to know exactly how or why the kernel does what it does, just understanding that it's the go-between from software to hardware gives you a pretty good grasp of what's happening under the glass. Sort of gives a whole new outlook towards those fellows who stay up all night to work on kernels for your phone, doesn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ii. The operating system.
Once the kernel is loaded, the init scripts tell the Operating System to load. Android is the user interface for a custom built Java virtual machine called Dalvik. Dalvik was written by Dan Bornstein, who named it after the fishing village of Dalvik in Iceland, where his family originated from. The debate of which Java VM is superior is best left for another discussion, so I’ll simply say that DalvikVM is a register-based machine versus true JavaVMs which are stack based.
The Dalvik machine creates executable files (.dex files) which can be interpreted by the OS and run by the end user. These .dex files are OS version dependant. That simply means that applications and core functions built to work with one version of Android may or may not work well with other versions. Google provides the tools through it’s Software Development Kit (SDK) for applications to communicate with the OS.
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Click to collapse
iii. Core functions.
No smartphone would be complete without a set of functions that allow the device to be used as intended. Things like the phone and dialer interface, the calendar, the messaging system are core functions of the Operating System. In Android, these are run on top of the kernel as separate applications. The merits (or lack of) of providing these needed functions as separate applications is once again best left for another discussion, but this is what allows developers like HTC or Motorola to replace the standard functions with alternatives that provide a different look and feel from stock. HTC’s onscreen keyboard or Motorola’s MotoBlur contact list are great examples of this. The “little guy” isn’t left out of the mix either. Handcent SMS or Chomp SMS can integrate into the OS very well, as most of us already know.
An additional set of Core Functions are provided by Google. Popularly called GoogleBits, things like Gmail, sync, Gtalk and the Android Market are applications written by Google that give an extra set of useful functions to the OS. You’ll find these on all smartphones, as well as many other Android devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iv. Optional applications.
These are applications provided by the manufacturer to give the device even more usability. Things like the Amazon MP3 store, PDF readers, Corporate Calendar etc. allow you to do even more with your device. Remember - Droid Does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B. How is a ROM packaged?
In most cases a ROM will come packaged in a .zip file. The recovery image’s kernel (yes, it has one too!) has the ability to unzip and copy the contents into the correct place. Inside this zip file is a folder (META-INF\com\google\android\) that contains a script prepared by the ROM “cooker” (another of those techie terms - it means the person(s) who developed the ROM) that tells the system what to format, what to copy and where, and any file operations that need to be done. Each device does things a bit differently, but this script is where it all gets done. More on this folder later.
You’ll also see a /system folder. This is the meat of the ROM. It has the necessary OS files, the Core functions, and any optional applications the cooker decided to include. The folder is structured the same way it is on your device - /system/app, /system/framework, etc. The whole tree is usually copied over and the existing /system folder is overwritten. The cooker uses the script to tell the kernel to erase the existing system folder, copy the new folder over, and set the file permissions.
Sometimes you will also see a data folder. This usually is space set up for optional applications, including optional system tools like busybox or SuperUser white list. These applications could be placed in the /system folder, but placing them in the data folder makes it easier for the end user (you and I) to remove or update them as needed.
You’ll also notice a META-INF folder. This contains the update script we talked about earlier, as well as secure keys that need to be provided so the device knows the update can be trusted. A special note needs made here. Trusted means that the update is trusted to be in the correct form to load the device. It in no way means the ROM is safe from malicious code. Anyone is able to use a set of test keys and create a ROM that will flash and run your device - even those people with bad intentions. Flashing and running a custom 3rd party ROM is putting faith in the cooker that he or she not only knows what they are doing, but are honest as well. Also, some Motorola custom ROMs will have a small update.zip stored inside this folder to be run on first boot of the device.
Finally we are left with the boot.img file. This is the kernel and ramdisk image we discussed earlier. Your phone copies this over to be decompressed and run when the device boots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. How do I install a ROM?
In this section we’re discussing how to install a custom 3rd party ROM. ROMs from the manufacturer usually have a utility that runs on your PC to flash and load the new image.
A. Got Root???
Yes ?:good:!!!
Custom ROM’s simply will not load on devices that aren’t rooted. In theory, it may be possible to sign a 3rd party ROM with the keys that the stock recovery image will flash, but for the most part you need to have flashed a custom recovery image before you can change your device’s ROM. Instructions and tutorials on how to root your device are all over the internet. Some are good, some are bad. The hacking forum is a great place to go and learn more about rooting and how to successfully get it done on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B. Recovery
Most Android devices have had a custom recovery image written for them. This will overwrite the stock recovery image, allowing you to flash 3rd party ROMs as well as giving extra functionality. Help with finding and flashing the custom recovery image for your device can also be found in the hacking forum. The installation of a custom recovery image also allows for a very important function. Backup and restore.
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Click to collapse
.C. Nandroid
Nandroid is a set of bash scripts and code written by that copies the state of your system and stores it in a folder on your SD card. You can then use the restore function of Nandroid to restore to this point at any time. This is a priceless feature and reason enough to root your phone. It’s included by default in most custom recovery images, and the code is freely available to use if you’re inclined to write your own recovery image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In most situations, using Nandroid to back everything up is easy:
1. Verify you have a memory card with enough free space (~300MB to backup, ~500MB to restore).
2. Reboot your device into recovery. It’s slightly different for each device, once again hacking forum FTW!
3. Navigate through the menu and select the Nandroid Backup function.
4. Apply your choice and wait for the device to tell you it’s finished.
It’s always good practice to copy the entire nandroid folder from your SD card to a safe place. You can then copy it back to the SD card if the card is ever damaged, lost or erased.
D. Copy and Flash
You’re rooted, have downloaded a custom ROM, have your system backed up and are now ready to flash your device. This is not nearly as scary as it sounds.
1. Mount your SD card to your PC, and copy the .zip file to the root folder of the card. Don’t unzip the file, and don’t look for a folder called root. The root folder in this case means the base folder, what you will see when you mount your card to a PC or the device.
2. Reboot your phone into recovery.
3. Navigate through the recovery menu and select the flash update option. Depending on your recovery image, the file may need to be named update.zip, or you may be able to select any zip file on your card as long as it’s the correct format. The cooker knows this as well and if the ROM needs to be named update.zip it will be.
4. Apply your choice and wait for your device to tell you it’s finished.
5. Reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s worth noting that many times a new ROM will require that you wipe and factory reset your devices data. While inconvenient, it’s often necessary to get rid of the old data as it may be incompatible. As long as you’re using the cloud for calendar and contacts, they will be re- downloaded and stored back on your device automatically.
Dirty flash and Clean flash
A dirty flash is only wiping cache and davlik then flashing your ROM....
a Clean flash is at LEAST factory reset/data wipe + wiping davlik(factory wipe takes care of /cache also)... Maybe doing a format /system also.
***Odin***
Odin is the ROM Flashing Tool for SAMSUNG smartphones. ROM files flashable with Odin come with .tar extension.
Most of the ROMs you are going to flash with Odin are the official stock Samsung ROMs (or leaked stock ROMs). Custom ROMs are rerely flashable by Odin because they come with .zip extension that Odin does not recognize (it recognizes .tar files).
Custom kernels, however, are sometimes provided in .tar format by their developers (e.g. CF-Root kernels), so that they can be flashed by Odin. When your phone is new and running official firmware you most often cannot flash a custom ROM to it because a Samsung phone often requires a custom recovery and root rights that are included in a custom kernel to be able to flash custom ROMs. That's why Odin often comes in handy in rooting and flashing a custom firmware to your phone because you (often) can flash a custom kernel with it that already includes root and custom recovery and enables you to flash custom firmware (custom ROMs). I use the word "often" very frequently in the previous sentence because every Samsung smartphone is different and requires various procedures for rooting it and flashing custom ROMs (see the section about using Odin below).
If it comes to stock ROMs, the best source of stock (official) Samsung ROM files is located at this excellent website: SamMobile.com/firmwares (link). It requires registration (it's free) and I encourage you to set up an account there because you will most likely use this site several times during your stay at XDA. You will most likely come across 1 .tar or 3 .tar file ROMs there, flashable by Odin. Refer to the Odin flashing guide below for more info.
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Click to collapse
****Heimdall****
What is Heimdall?
Heimdall is a cross-platform open-source tool suite used to flash ROMs onto Samsung Galaxy S devices.
How does it work?
Heimdall uses the same protocol as Odin to interact with a device in download mode. USB communication in Heimdall is handled by the popular open-source USB library, libusb-1.0.
Why “Heimdall”?
The flashing software Odin is named after the king of gods in Norse mythology. Loke, the software component on the Galaxy S that provides functionality to flash, may also to be named after an important character in Norse mythology, often translated as Loki. As such I have named my flashing software Heimdall, after the Norse god, and guardian of the Bifrost Bridge.
What platforms does Heimdall run on?
Linux, OS X and Windows (XP, Vista, 7 etc.)
Why use Heimdall when we can use Odin?
Odin is generally unreliable and only runs on Windows systems. Furthermore, Odin is leaked Samsung software that is not freely available or well understood by the community.
Is Heimdall safe?
No matter what method you chose, flashing firmware onto your phone has a lot of potential for disaster. We have tested Heimdall with a variety of phones flashing several different firmware versions resulting in a 100% success rate. As such we believe that Heimdall is generally reliable. However keep in mind, just like any flashing software, Heimdall has the potential to brick your phone if not used correctly.
How do Galaxy S phones get bricked when flashing?
Besides the inherent risks like power outs, accidental removal of the USB cable etc. The Galaxy S appears to be running extremely unreliable USB control software.
A failure to flash does not automatically equate to a bricked phone. However if you're extremely unlucky and the flash fails whilst transferring the primary boot-loader, secondary boot-loader or params.lfs (all quite small) than you've got yourself a paper weight that you're hoping Samsung will replace.
Please be extremely careful mixing files from different firmware releases. Don't do so unless you're certain it will work!
What Galaxy S variants has Heimdall been tested with?
We’ve tested Heimdall with a Galaxy S GT-I9000 (8 GB) from the United Kingdom and Galaxy S GT-I9000 (16 GB) from Australia. We don’t personally have access to any other devices to test with, however users have confirmed Heimdall functions correctly with the AT&T Captivate, Bell Vibrant, Telstra GT-I9000T, Epic 4G and the Galaxy Tab.
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^
CWM Errors and Solutions
ERRORS encountered in CWM Recovery
.
What is CWM Recovery ?
ClockworkMod Recovery is a custom recovery for many Android devices. It is considered to be the most popular recovery for Android due to its easily-ported nature, and integration with ClockworkMod ROM Manager by Koush(Koushik Dutta). The easiest way to recognize it is by the printed name when it first starts, and the background logo of a gear and hat.
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ERROR STATUS 6
This is usually caused by CR/LF EOL(Windows style End Of Line) in updater-script. Change it to LF EOL(Unix Style EOL) using Linux command: dos2unix updater-script, then re-signing the ZIP, will usually fix this error.
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ERROR STATUS 7
This is usually caused by a corrupt download, or bad file signature. Re-downloading (or re-signing) the ZIP will usually fix this.
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We have been consistently seen and heard people facing error “Status 7″ error while trying to flash or install
custom ROMs or firmware packages on their Android smart phones or tablets with ClockworkMod Recovery. Many
of the users are nowadays facing this problem with CWM Recovery while flashing .zip files of modded or custom
Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) or Jelly Bean (JB) ROMs on their devices. So, you have also downloaded a custom ROM,
placed its .zip file in your phone’s or tablet’s SD card, booted into ClockworkMod Recovery, selected – “install zip
from sdcard” and then chosen the .zip file of the ROM to get it installed on your device. But instead of getting
flashed successfully, if you are facing the issue mentioned below, then just keep reading this article to find out
what’s wrong and fix up the problem :
Finding update package…
Opening update package…
Installing update…
Error in /sdcard/custom-jelly-bean-rom.zip (Status 7)
Installation aborted
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Click to collapse
or the following error right after CWM recovery shows –
Installing update…
assert failed: getprop(“ro.product.device”) == “I9103″ || getprop(“ro.build.product”) == “I9103″ || getprop
(“ro.product.board”) == “I9103″
Error in /sdcard/android-4-1-1-ics-rom-latest.zip (status 7)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if you are facing any of these errors while trying to install the desired custom ROM package on your Android
phone or tab, then you may try a various things or steps which may turn out to be the workaround of this
problem. Here are a few tips to get this “Status 7” error fixed in ClockworkMod Recovery and flash the ROM
successfully on your device :
(1) First of all, make sure your device’s bootloader is unlocked. If it is already unlocked but you are still
not able to flash the ROM, then just extract the .zip file of the ROM into a new folder, find the boot.img file from
that directory and flash it up on your phone or tablet via fastboot on your PC.
(2) Make sure that you are having the appropriate Radio or Baseband version installed on your device which is
supported by the custom ROM you are trying to flash. Most of the ROMs requires the latest version of Baseband, so
just update or upgrade your device to the latest Baseband version and then try to install the ROM once again.
(3) Update your device to the supported / latest build of official firmware before trying to install the ROM. You can
do it from – Settings > About Phone / Device > Software Update.
(4) Make sure you are having the supported or required kernel installed on your phone or tab. If it’s not, then flash
a new kernel right away and try to install your custom ROM once again.
(5) Is the ROM which you are trying to flash really works ? Find out whether it is working for other users or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Error Status 0
Well sometimes while flashing some ROMs especially the cooked ones we get Error status 0 in the CWM Recovery
this error is an indicator of Wrong Update Binary.This is usually caused by an incompatible update-binary in edify ZIPs. Replacing it with a compatible one, then re-signing the ZIP, will usually fix this error.
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Click to collapse
Partitions
Now it's time for the partitions :good:
Let’s start with a list of standard internal memory partitions on Android phones and tablets. These are:
/boot
/system
/recovery
/data
/cache
/misc
In addition, there are the SD card partitions.
/sdcard
/sd-ext
Note that only /sdcard is found in all Android devices and the rest are present only in select devices. Let’s now take a look at the purpose and contents of each of these partitions.
/boot
This is the partition that enables the phone to boot, as the name suggests. It includes the kernel and the ramdisk. Without this partition, the device will simply not be able to boot. Wiping this partition from recovery should only be done if absolutely required and once done, the device must NOT be rebooted before installing a new one, which can be done by installing a ROM that includes a /boot partition.
/system
This partition basically contains the entire operating system, other than the kernel and the ramdisk. This includes the Android user interface as well as all the system applications that come pre-installed on the device. Wiping this partition will remove Android from the device without rendering it unbootable, and you will still be able to put the phone into recovery or bootloader mode to install a new ROM.
/recovery
The recovery partition can be considered as an alternative boot partition that lets you boot the device into a recovery console for performing advanced recovery and maintenance operations on it. To learn more about this partition and its contents, see the ‘About Android Recovery’ section of our guide to ClockworkMod recovery.
/data
Also called userdata, the data partition contains the user’s data – this is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go. Wiping this partition essentially performs a factory reset on your device, restoring it to the way it was when you first booted it, or the way it was after the last official or custom ROM installation. When you perform a wipe data/factory reset from recovery, it is this partition that you are wiping.
/cache
This is the partition where Android stores frequently accessed data and app components. Wiping the cache doesn’t effect your personal data but simply gets rid of the existing data there, which gets automatically rebuilt as you continue using the device.
/misc
This partition contains miscellaneous system settings in form of on/off switches. These settings may include CID (Carrier or Region ID), USB configuration and certain hardware settings etc. This is an important partition and if it is corrupt or missing, several of the device’s features will will not function normally.
/sdcard
This is not a partition on the internal memory of the device but rather the SD card. In terms of usage, this is your storage space to use as you see fit, to store your media, documents, ROMs etc. on it. Wiping it is perfectly safe as long as you backup all the data you require from it, to your computer first. Though several user-installed apps save their data and settings on the SD card and wiping this partition will make you lose all that data.
On devices with both an internal and an external SD card – devices like the Samsung Galaxy S and several tablets – the /sdcard partition is always used to refer to the internal SD card. For the external SD card – if present – an alternative partition is used, which differs from device to device. In case of Samsung Galaxy S series devices, it is /sdcard/sd while in many other devices, it is /sdcard2. Unlike /sdcard, no system or app data whatsoever is stored automatically on this external SD card and everything present on it has been added there by the user. You can safely wipe it after backing up any data from it that you need to save.
/sd-ext
This is not a standard Android partition, but has become popular in the custom ROM scene. It is basically an additional partition on your SD card that acts as the /data partition when used with certain ROMs that have special features called APP2SD+ or data2ext enabled. It is especially useful on devices with little internal memory allotted to the /data partition. Thus, users who want to install more programs than the internal memory allows can make this partition and use it with a custom ROM that supports this feature, to get additional storage for installing their apps. Wiping this partition is essentially the same as wiping the /data partition – you lose your contacts, SMS, market apps and settings.
With this, we conclude our tour of Android partitions. Now whenever you install a ROM or mod that requires you to wipe certain partitions before the installation, you should be in a better position to know what you’re losing and what not and thus, you’ll know what to backup and what not.
You should at least post the source of such a large copy paste post.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Source? How do you post a source for an article which is compiled from 10+ sites? Plus my own addition?
Started from the bottom
Good job man, this saves me the time to do all this researches.
Keep it up
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
sos_sifou said:
Good job man, this saves me the time to do all this researches.
Keep it up
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO tell me if you have some suggestions for the thread.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
I think that this is a pretty good summary of the basics. I even converted it to epub and stocked it on my e-reader for reference
You can get to the details if you want? Adding some info about flashing softwares like odin and the Linux based one (i don't remember it name)
The different recoveries available and their advantages vs désavantages
How to protect yourself from malicious applications, starting from knowing what are permissions...
Keep it up mate
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
sos_sifou said:
I think that this is a pretty good summary of the basics. I even converted it to epub and stocked it on my e-reader for reference
You can get to the details if you want? Adding some info about flashing softwares like odin and the Linux based one (i don't remember it name)
The different recoveries available and their advantages vs désavantages
How to protect yourself from malicious applications, starting from knowing what are permissions...
Keep it up mate
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heimdall?
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Tha TechnoCrat said:
Source? How do you post a source for an article which is compiled from 10+ sites? Plus my own addition?
Started from the bottom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you have a point, it's just the scientist in me with source-referral-ocd.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
adytum said:
I guess you have a point, it's just the scientist in me with source-referral-ocd.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO tell me if you have any problems or if you want something to be added.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Thread updated with Odin and Heimdall information.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Tha TechnoCrat said:
Source? How do you post a source for an article which is compiled from 10+ sites? Plus my own addition?
Started from the bottom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By listing ALL the different sources? And obviously crediting yourself with bits you've added.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
You should make the title of the thread more presentable though.
Simone said:
You should make the title of the thread more presentable though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would like some suggestions.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Tha TechnoCrat said:
Would like some suggestions.
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should think of your own. That would be the best
Make it more professional looking, though.
Everything else is good.
Guys I have got my Note 2 finally. Will compile some guides for it too.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
You bought a note 2? Congrats mate !
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
sos_sifou said:
You bought a note 2? Congrats mate !
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy. Get ready for more guides
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
I'm proud to present the first dual boot project for the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 Exynos version. This project started off as a feature in my ROM, but not anymore. This will allow any number of ROMs to be installed at the same time. It works by patching the secondary ROM's installation scripts and boot image to load the ROM files from an alternate location (/system/multiboot, /cache/multiboot, and /data/multiboot). Because of the way this is implemented, no changes to the primary ROM are necessary.
Donators
A huge thanks goes out to all of the donators for supporting this project! I if forgot to add you (and you want to be added), please send me a quick PM.
See all of our supporters here
It patches...
Custom kernels for dual boot support
ROMs so that they can be installed as secondary
Google Apps packages for AOSP-based ROMs
SuperSU so that it can be used in the secondary ROM
NOTE: If you want to dualboot a TouchWiz ROM, I highly recommend installing TW as the primary ROM. Otherwise, any mods will need to be patched before flashing.
How to use the patcher
Android
Download the patcher apk and run it. Tap "Patch Zip File" from the navigation drawer and choose the file you want to patch.
After patching the zip file, a new file, like some_rom_dual.zip file will be created. For example, patching ktoonsez's
KT-SGS4-JB4.3-AOSP-TMO-08.28.2013.zip
would create a new
KT-SGS4-JB4.3-AOSP-TMO-08.28.2013_dual.zip
Instructions for dual booting
Before doing anything, download the Dual Boot Patcher app and the DualBootUtilities.zip from the download section below.
The patcher offers several locations for installing ROMs:
Primary: This is normally used for installing a zip to the primary ROM. It is not required, but is strongly recommended because it has code to prevent the zip from inadvertently affecting other ROMs.
Dual: Dual/Secondary is the first multiboot installation location. It installs to the system partition. This is a good spot for installing a second ROM because it doesn't take any space away from the internal storage.
Multi-slots: There are 3 multislots: multi-slot-1, multi-slot-2, multi-slot-3. These install to the cache partition. This is specifically for devices, like the Galaxy S4, that have a massive cache partition.
Data-slots: There can be an unlimited number of data slots. These install to the data partition and eat up space on the internal storage. This is useful for devices where the system partition is nearly full and the cache partition is tiny. These slots are named "data-slot-[id]", where "id" is something you provide in the app.
Extsd-slots: There can be an unlimited number of extsd slots. These install to the external SD card, which is useful as it keeps the ROMs off of the internal storage. Note that the ROM's data files are still stored on the data partition.
With that said, let's get to the "how to"!
First, boot into your primary ROM and install the Dual Boot Patcher app
Open the app and go to "Roms" in the navigation drawer. It will ask if you want to set the kernel. Make sure that you do.
Go to "Patch zip file" in the navigation drawer and patch the ROM or zip you want to install. You can select one of the installation locations described above.
Well, Just flash the patched zip file via recovery (Custom Recovery, like TWRP of course)
A normal backup from recovery will backup every ROM. If you would like to back up ROMs individually, please see @rlorange's awesome tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2491299
How do I...?
Switch the ROM if something doesn't work properly?
You can flash the DualBootUtilities zip from recovery. It will provide a menu interface that allows switching to the various ROMs.
If you have TWRP, you can also switch manually by tapping Install -> Images (bottom right) -> Go to /sdcard/MultiBoot/[Your ROM]/ -> flash boot.img.
Wipe /cache, /data, /system, or dalvik-cache?
The easiest way is to do it from the app while booted in another ROM. Just go to "Roms" in the navigation drawer, tap the 3 dots options menu for the ROM you want to wipe, and tap "Wipe ROM".
Alternatively, flash the DualBootUtilities zip from recovery, which will also allow you to wipe a ROM.
NOTE: Don't use the recovery's built-in wiping abilities as that may delete non-primary ROMs!
Update the primary ROM?
Patch the zip for primary and flash it. The "primary" installation target is designed so that other ROMs won't be affected when you want to flash something for the primary ROM.
Update a non-primary ROM?
Patch and flash the zip exactly like how you did it the first time.
Flash a mod or custom kernel for the primary ROM?
Patch it for primary before flashing. If the zip does not wipe /cache, it is also safe to flash it directly.
Flash a mod or custom kernel for a non-primary ROM?
Just patch and flash it
Downloads
Patcher: Download
Utilities: Download
XDADevDB Information
DualBoot Patcher APP, Device Specific App for the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 Exynos
Contributors
simon151102
Source Code: https://github.com/chenxiaolong/DualBootPatcher
Version Information
Status: Beta
simon151102 said:
I'm proud to present the first dual boot project for the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 Exynos version. This project started off as a feature in my ROM, but not anymore. This will allow any number of ROMs to be installed at the same time. It works by patching the secondary ROM's installation scripts and boot image to load the ROM files from an alternate location (/system/multiboot, /cache/multiboot, and /data/multiboot). Because of the way this is implemented, no changes to the primary ROM are necessary.
Donators
A huge thanks goes out to all of the donators for supporting this project! I if forgot to add you (and you want to be added), please send me a quick PM.
See all of our supporters here
It patches...
Custom kernels for dual boot support
ROMs so that they can be installed as secondary
Google Apps packages for AOSP-based ROMs
SuperSU so that it can be used in the secondary ROM
NOTE: If you want to dualboot a TouchWiz ROM, I highly recommend installing TW as the primary ROM. Otherwise, any mods will need to be patched before flashing.
How to use the patcher
Android
Download the patcher apk and run it. Tap "Patch Zip File" from the navigation drawer and choose the file you want to patch.
After patching the zip file, a new file, like some_rom_dual.zip file will be created. For example, patching ktoonsez's
KT-SGS4-JB4.3-AOSP-TMO-08.28.2013.zip
would create a new
KT-SGS4-JB4.3-AOSP-TMO-08.28.2013_dual.zip
Instructions for dual booting
Before doing anything, download the Dual Boot Patcher app and the DualBootUtilities.zip from the download section below.
The patcher offers several locations for installing ROMs:
Primary: This is normally used for installing a zip to the primary ROM. It is not required, but is strongly recommended because it has code to prevent the zip from inadvertently affecting other ROMs.
Dual: Dual/Secondary is the first multiboot installation location. It installs to the system partition. This is a good spot for installing a second ROM because it doesn't take any space away from the internal storage.
Multi-slots: There are 3 multislots: multi-slot-1, multi-slot-2, multi-slot-3. These install to the cache partition. This is specifically for devices, like the Galaxy S4, that have a massive cache partition.
Data-slots: There can be an unlimited number of data slots. These install to the data partition and eat up space on the internal storage. This is useful for devices where the system partition is nearly full and the cache partition is tiny. These slots are named "data-slot-[id]", where "id" is something you provide in the app.
Extsd-slots: There can be an unlimited number of extsd slots. These install to the external SD card, which is useful as it keeps the ROMs off of the internal storage. Note that the ROM's data files are still stored on the data partition.
With that said, let's get to the "how to"!
First, boot into your primary ROM and install the Dual Boot Patcher app
Open the app and go to "Roms" in the navigation drawer. It will ask if you want to set the kernel. Make sure that you do.
Go to "Patch zip file" in the navigation drawer and patch the ROM or zip you want to install. You can select one of the installation locations described above.
Well, Just flash the patched zip file via recovery (Custom Recovery, like TWRP of course)
A normal backup from recovery will backup every ROM. If you would like to back up ROMs individually, please see @rlorange's awesome tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2491299
How do I...?
Switch the ROM if something doesn't work properly?
You can flash the DualBootUtilities zip from recovery. It will provide a menu interface that allows switching to the various ROMs.
If you have TWRP, you can also switch manually by tapping Install -> Images (bottom right) -> Go to /sdcard/MultiBoot/[Your ROM]/ -> flash boot.img.
Wipe /cache, /data, /system, or dalvik-cache?
The easiest way is to do it from the app while booted in another ROM. Just go to "Roms" in the navigation drawer, tap the 3 dots options menu for the ROM you want to wipe, and tap "Wipe ROM".
Alternatively, flash the DualBootUtilities zip from recovery, which will also allow you to wipe a ROM.
NOTE: Don't use the recovery's built-in wiping abilities as that may delete non-primary ROMs!
Update the primary ROM?
Patch the zip for primary and flash it. The "primary" installation target is designed so that other ROMs won't be affected when you want to flash something for the primary ROM.
Update a non-primary ROM?
Patch and flash the zip exactly like how you did it the first time.
Flash a mod or custom kernel for the primary ROM?
Patch it for primary before flashing. If the zip does not wipe /cache, it is also safe to flash it directly.
Flash a mod or custom kernel for a non-primary ROM?
Just patch and flash it
Downloads
Patcher: https://drive.google.com/open?id=18rN9RqiSWlbwBXPlZzdsXw4W4ZQD2tId
Utilities: https://drive.google.com/open?id=158n-YhyHqjvNfhZJWpFTYWgDIqsIBaaL
XDADevDB Information
DualBoot Patcher APP, Device Specific App for the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 Exynos
Contributors
simon151102
Source Code: https://github.com/chenxiaolong/DualBootPatcher
Version Information
Status: Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, there is official support for our device, what's different in this version?
sheepkill15 said:
But, there is official support for our device, what's different in this version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ofiicial patcher only supports the A5 2017 with Snapdragon SoC, it wont work on the Exynos version. Basically the only difference is the architecture.
A patched ROM for A5 2017 Snapdragon wont work on A5 2017 Exynos. So heres support for the Exynos version
simon151102 said:
Ofiicial patcher only supports the A5 2017 with Snapdragon SoC, it wont work on the Exynos version. Basically the only difference is the architecture.
A patched ROM for A5 2017 Snapdragon wont work on A5 2017 Exynos. So heres support for the Exynos version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. I didn't know that
sheepkill15 said:
I see. I didn't know that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem dude?
Wait, there is a version of the A5 2017 with Snapdragon Soc?
MinwooChong said:
Wait, there is a version of the A5 2017 with Snapdragon Soc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the US A5 2017 is powered by a Snapdragon 660. Other countries (like korea, germany, ...) have Samsungs Exynos 7880 instead.
Does it support Oreo and pie ROMs???
iloveoreos said:
Does it support Oreo and pie ROMs???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im able to boot Oreo and Pie ROMs, but I have not tested much ROMs (only tested RR with android 8 and PixelExperience with android 9).
For me they are working without problems
simon151102 said:
Im able to boot Oreo and Pie ROMs, but I have not tested much ROMs (only tested RR with android 8 and PixelExperience with android 9).
For me they are working without problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Hope I have success with this version.
I just tried pixel experience as the second rom. Failed with error 1 like normal. Is there a certain slot that works better? I usually do ext sd.
iloveoreos said:
I just tried pixel experience as the second rom. Failed with error 1 like normal. Is there a certain slot that works better? I usually do ext sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always use data slot, extsd isnt working for me(dont know why).
But make sure you checked the A5 2017 exynos, it normally checks the snapdragon one when patching a zip
Update 13 Feb
Patcher and Utilities built from latest sources with support for A5 2017 Exynos and (because someone in the main DBP thread asked) support for S9 Plus Snapdragon.
Patcher: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ND...Jh4imaAbgR1Chz
Utilities: https://drive.google.com/open?id=13H...1PlJ6bI8bpydSh
Update
Added a few more codenames (A520W, A520DS)
Patcher: Download
Utilities: Download
Update
Re-compiled the app with a different linker (got some errors before)
Patcher: Download
Utilities: Download
simon151102 said:
Update
Re-compiled the app with a different linker (got some errors before)
Patcher: Download
Utilities: Download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried with the last update and dual boot app keeps stopping..(force closes)
EDIT:The app force closes only when i press the tab ROMS.
broky said:
Tried with the last update and dual boot app keeps stopping..(force closes)
EDIT:The app force closes only when i press the tab ROMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ROM are you using as primary ROM?
I cant reproduce the error on any of my ROMs.
Sharing logs would be great
simon151102 said:
Which ROM are you using as primary ROM?
I cant reproduce the error on any of my ROMs.
Sharing logs would be great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m using Hades rom V6 for primary.
broky said:
I m using Hades rom V6 for primary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is a ROM-related bug Im not able to fix.
This bug has to be fixed in the sources I guess, and as Im not a programmer, I have no idea how to do this.
Im sorry
Boot loop on a520f after updating ramdisk
After updating ramdisk for primary rom (hadesrom v1.5) phone goes into bootloop.
But lineageos 16 as secondary works well even after updating ramdisk.