Database Users

★★★ guide - tips - tricks ★★★

THIS THREAD HAS A LOT THAT IS OUT OF DATE. ANYTHING DEALING WITH GOING BACK TO STOCK OR 2.1/2.2 SHOULD BE QUESTIONED. I HAVE LITTLE INTEREST IN MAINTAINING THIS SINCE IT IS NO LONGER A STICKY/NOT VIEWED AS MUCH. PM ME IF YOU NEED HELP WITH SOMETHING.
EDIT: I am not longer updating this. CHECK HERE FOR UPDATES, if any.
WANT TO HELP ME FOR CREATING THIS POST?
It would be so helpful if as a token of thanks you used MY DROPBOX REFERRAL. By using this, we both get an additional 250 MBs.
I want to thank everyone who has done this so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see my other thread I created to try and be more noob-friendly towards rooting and flashing. It includes videos and two methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be found by clicking here.
CHANGE-LOG
Change-Log is now in post #3, but here is a link for convenience. I know a lot of you wanted this at the top... best I could do and still look how I like it.
DISCLAIMER: I am giving shared information. You are the one messing with your phone. While everything on here has been tested by me, that does not mean that you have not done something incorrectly or something has changed since this was written. You are responsible for your phone and your actions. I did not invent crying babies or 180 degree coffee. Do not sue me.
XDA member cvibe88 made some very good videos to show the whole process. I believe by watching these and reading this sticky you should have everything you need to root, backup, flash and restore. I still encourage reading all of Post 1 & 2.
Here is a link to his post with his videos!
ROOT TOPICS
HOW TO ROOT
I used TO provide instructions. Now, I prefer you read my other GUIDE FOR NOOBS. No offense, but if you are asking, this thread is better for you.
HOW TO GET INTO RECOVERY
I hold my phone horizontal when powered off.
Both thumbs on the volume rocker.
Press and hold power and volume buttons.
When the Vibrant logo comes up, release power, keep holding the volume rocker.
** some phones are hardware locked. This means you can possibly not get into either Download Mode (used for ODIN) or stock recovery (used to root and get to clockwork recovery the first time). Those who got the JI6 OTA (over the air) update had this fixed. Some people upgraded from JFD to JI6 by other methods and may still be hardware locked. There is a fix for this listed below, just in case ** I reitterate, most people are NOT HWL.
HOW TO GET INTO DOWNLOAD MODE
* Read the noob guide if you are asking why you would need this *
On PC, open ODIN
Connect USB to PC (not phone)
Pull Battery on phone and replace it
Press and hold in both volume buttons
Connect USB to phone, wait at least 3 seconds (still holding volume)
Release when you see the Yellow Triangle
IF I ROOT, WILL I GET OTA UPDATES?
Yes. Rooting will not prevent this, unless you flash a custom ROM that will block receiving the OTA update. Typically, accepting an OTA will make you lose root. Some upgrading to JI6 state they didn't lose root, I did (using ODIN), but gaining root back is so easy.
Got Root? YOU NEED A CUSTOM RECOVERY!
Big props to XDA user Koush for his amazing Rom Manager App. In short, this lets you create system backups for those "oops" moments. It also gives you a directory of ROMs for easy downloading and flashing. Yeah, it is that cool. Please see his post for instructions. After successfully installing, be sure a make a Nandroid Backup of your system before flashing any rom's (see below).
Installation instructions:
1.Download ROM Manager from the Market.
2.Flash Recovery.
3.Choose Vibrant as your phone.
4.Accept the Superuser prompt.
5.On the very FIRST boot of Clockwork, you may need to manually select "reinstall packages" if Clockwork does not start. You should only ever have to do this once. It will be automatic from then on.
6.Watch the backup go!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* Note, do not use the Partition option as this will partition the INTERNAL SD card, yikes *
If you were one of the unlucky ones who DID do this by mistake, you can read this thread to save the day. Thanks farrisizdaman
Free:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Premium ($3.99):
HOW TO MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP *ALWAYS BACKUP BEFORE YOU FLASH A NEW ROM
1 - Open Rom Manager
2 - Click on Flash Clockwork Recovery (you can skip this if you have already flashed the recovery before)
3 - Click on "Reboot Into Recovery"
4 - At the prompt, click "ok" to reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery
5 - If this is your first time, you may be at the stock recovery on the Vibrant. Thats normal. Click on "reinstall packages" (ALSO: Volume up and down navigate, and power is used to select an item).
6 - Now, you are at ClockworkMod's Recovery. Scroll down (volume down), to "backup and restore" and select it (power button).
7 - Click on "backup." It will run it's course. After it finishes just reboot.
8 - You now have something you can always fall back on in case you F up. Thank Koush and all the testers.
* alternative method: Open Rom Manager and navigate to the backup/restore section, and just follow the prompts. I like to rename my backups (date/build/etc). **
HOW TO RESTORE A BACKUP
Follow the steps from above, but select "Restore" instead. They will be sorted by date YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
** alternative method: Open Rom Manager and navigate to the backup/restore section, and just follow the prompts. **
HOW TO FLASH A CUSTOM ROM
We have some amazing developers for the Vibrant. You REALLY need to try the custom ROMs for our phone that already exist. Here are two of the more popular ones:
** Please note there are always new ROMs coming out, these are just the ones I currently love. Check the Development section often (and don't ask questions there) **
The ROMs listed are only the Eclair versions. There are now Froyo builds available and they are all very tasty (I've tried 3, and they were all very solid builds that could be a daily driver, no FC's). Check the Development section or the site of your favorite developer (likely Eugene or Team Whiskey).
Bionix - #teamwhiskey has made this baby stable and fast. I personally OC with JACs kernel using SetCPU (200/1200/conservative/no profiles/no set on boot). I can say this made my phone so, so much better. Always make a backup so you can revert. If you flash a oc/uv kernel please note a nandroid backup does not restore the stock kernel. I have links in this thread for it, if needed.
Bionix Fusion - sombionix & #teamwhiskey have upped themselves from Bionix with this puppy in my opinion. They removed the TouchWiz and substitued LauncherPro in it's place. I am running this now, and will not switch from it. I think if you can live without TW, you will agree.
Frankin-Twiz Final - by Eugene373. This is another amazing developer/ROM. You are going to have to read about or flash both to decide which you prefer. Eugene seems to maintain multiple ROMs so it might be best to search the Development section for your preferred flavor. Same sentiments here that I said for Bionix.
STEPS TO FLASH A CUSTOM ROM:
- READ THE FIRST POST FROM THE DEVELOPER AND/OR THE CHANGELOG/INSTRUCTIONS
- Download the ROM to your PC (or directly to your phone if you have a good connection). I have done both, straight to the phone is nice because you can just move the file to your internal root /scdard and then flash it (quick method).. I also like downloading to my pc and check the MD5 before mounting my phone and moving it to /sdcard (safe method). Your choice.
** Rom Manager has a new Web Connect where from your PC you can download the file direct to Rom Manager if the developer supports it **
- If you use Rom Manager/Clockwork Recovery there are two methods to actually flash the ROM, again, your choice here:
Method 1: Use Rom Manager (make sure you have flashed clockwork recovery before proceeding, this is not needed if you already have CWR). Select to "Install ROM from SD Card" and the select the .zip file that is the new ROM which should be on your internal root sdcard/. You will then get a prompt where you can check to wipe data (not needed in my opinion as most ROMs do this automatically) and a check box to create a backup (always do this). One reason I like Method 1 best is because it makes renaming your backups easy (I typically rename so I know what the backup is). The system will then reboot into clockwork recovery, start the backup and when that is done automatically flash the ROM. All you need to do is reboot once it is done and BAM, new fast/stable ROM.
Method 2: (The manual way) Once the rom is at the root of sdcard/ use Rom Manager to reboot into clockwork recovery. Create a nandroid backup and then select to install a .zip.. select the rom, let it run its course and reboot.
DID YOU F'UP AND NEED TO GET BACK TO STOCK?
Well, thanks to XDA User justanothercrowd we have a Nandroid Backup to get you back to how the Vibrant shipped (and rooted of course). Hopefully you don't need it, but thank him after reading his post just in case you do!
** Please note this was prior to JI6. If you want stock JI6 search the development section or look in their sticky **
You should also check this thread by almyz125!
DID YOU F'UP AND THINK YOUR PHONE IS BRICKED? MAKE A JIG
jigga-what?
If you can get into download mode you are not bricked. If you are NOT able to get into download mode (but you can see something other than a black screen) that THIS THREAD WILL SAVE YOU PHONE!!!
HOW TO UN-ROOT *ie, sending your phone in for warranty work
The following code can be keyed in Terminal Emulator (could also be done in ADB or deleting the files using Root Explorer). If you do use Terminal, change the keyboard to the stock Android KB prior to opening Terminal. Apparently the backspace on swype does not work in Terminal. Each line should be entered separately. bahnburner gave the instructions in this thread, which you should review first.
su
rm -r /system/app/Superuser.apk
rm -r /system/xbin/busybox
rm -r /system/bin/su
reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* Alternate Method *
TGA_Gunnman in this thread created a one click root/unroot program. Thank him for his effort.
HOW TO CHECK A MD5SUM
Download HashTab. Install. Download your file. Right click on it. Click on Properties and then go to your new "file hashes" tab. Verify this matches the MD5Sum of the file you downloaded before installing/flashing.
THINGS TO DO WITH ROOT
FLASH A NEW MODEM
New modems can increase signal and data speeds. Here is an incredible list of each. Pay notice to the version of android you are running. CLICK HERE FOR MODEMS
TRY A CUSTOM BOOTUP ANIMATION
tonicacid posted both a great guide for making animations and some killer ones ready to be flashed. Before you read his post, a couple of things to know when changing bootup animations:
1 - almost all custom roms are going to allow this due to the kernel they use, but you may want to double check first.
2 - there are different ways of installing different bootups... some need to be flashed in CWR (like roms and themes) and some you simply take the file and move it to the appropriate folder, typically system/media and replace the bootanimation.zip file in that folder.
3 - follow the advice of the person posting the bootanimation.
Here is a link to tonicacid's thread. I personally am using the Bullet one on Axura 2.1 and I love it.
ALTERNATE BOOTUPS
Now, these may be a bit "too much" for some and they may prefer others like the ones in this thread.
There are plenty of bootups... try the theme section, development section and the Android Theme section.
TRY A NEW KERNEL!
** These are often updated, check the Development Section **
** Please verify what version of android these kernels are for, this list is not updated often **
PLEASE NOTE THAT IF GOING TO STOCK, YOU NEED TO FLASH THE STOCK KERNEL. IF YOU ARE ON FROYO, THE ECLAIR OC KERNELS WILL NOT WORK (CURRENTLY ANYWAY).
JAC has an amazing kernel, and it's super easy to install. Visit his thread. Download it, move it to /sdcard root, go to (in my case) clockwork recovery and install it. Be sure and follow his instructions in case something changes. There are many ROMs to choose from, this is just ONE example of a good kernel that I used when I was on an Eclair build.
Reboot and download SetCPU (there are alternatives, but this is what I know and trust). You can then overclock the processor to 1.2GHz. I am noticing great battery life and my linpack scores (I'm not a fan of benchmarks) jumped from low 8's to 9.6. Quadrant also jumped up to around 950 if I recall correctly. I do not use any lag fixes or anything, just updated the kernel.
If you want to go back to the stock kernel (please note this may not be the current stock kernel - depends on what build you are on), it can be found here. As always, perform a nandroid backup just in case. Nobody on here is responsible for your actions.
Also, I should point out that JAC was nice enough to provide a script, so you can overclock without using an app like SetCPU. Your choice. Be sure and thank him for his hard work. It really is a great kernel.
Eugene373 I believe currently has the best 2.2 kernel, CLICK HERE FOR SUPER I/O KERNEL
SetCPU ($2):
WANT THE STOCK ANDROID LAUNCHER FROM THE NEXUS ONE?
Grab the Launcher2.apk file attached below. Move it to system/app and press home. There, stock android. I have to say the 3d launcher is very nice. I still prefer LauncherPro (my fav).
View attachment launcher2.apk MD5 8804735190DEC0F2F42DEDF0DAB8A261
TRY THE CAPTIVATE CAMERA, ON YOUR VIBRANT ** thanks to chaoscentral for creating the flashable .zip **
Thanks to mikey98277 and his post here you can easily flash the Captivate Camera on your Vibrant. I have played with both and it's a matter of preference, but I think most agree the Captivate is a easier/cooler UI. ALSO, it sorts pictures in the correct order!!
REPLACE THE TW CALENDAR WITH STOCK ANDROID CALENDAR
I was not a fan of the TW calendar. I downloaded CM 5.0.8 and took the calendar from his rom and replaced it. Here is a great guide. Note, I use an app called quick boot for fast reboots! The Calendar and CalendarProvider .apk's are attached below.
* After using it, I noticed there is a white bar across the top of the month. I still prefer the stock calendar, but there is your warning. If anyone finds a fix, please let me know! *
View attachment Calendar.apk MD5 4EA76AAFD2911388A9E8DB12490A055B
View attachment CalendarProvider.apk MD5 A750B4D4964581D830F45A08B1A4CE34
USE THE GALAXY I9000 BOOTUP / SHUTDOWN ANIMATIONS & SOUND
** This was used when I had Eclair, not certain this will work for newer builds? Check the thread **
rko did an awesome job with these flashable bootup/shutdown animations (place them on the /sdcard (internal memory) NOT sdcard/sd (external). Be sure and thank him for his work!
CONTROL YOUR STARTUP (PLUS MORE)
I only know and use Autostarts (found here).
Download it. Install it. GO TO MENU > SETTINGS > APPLICATIONS > (can't recall the next menu name at the moment) AND ENABLE USB DEBUGGING (it will not work otherwise). Open Autostarts.
Go to the options and hide all of the system apps (no point in messing with those). After that, simply control what market/3rd party apps should be running given the task identified by Startup. You will be surprised what apps appear, for no good reason. Obviously if you are sending a text message you do not want to disable an app like handcent, so use common sense here. Any questions or issues, I would suggest emailing the developer or posting a question in the App section (perhaps there is already a designated Startup thread to ask this question, hint hint).
Autostarts (Approx $1):
RESTORE SETTINGS AFTER WIPING YOUR PHONE *If changing from one ROM to another, be courteous, and wipe.
XDA user SykesAT reminded me that Titanium Backup is a great app for restoring after wiping your system. I do not use it, so I asked him to do a small write up. He obliged, and here it is:
Backup Your Apps and System setting with Titanium Backup
It can backup/restore:
* All the applications you have installed, including protected ones,
* All the data and settings of these applications,
* Most (or all) of your phone's settings and data. (incl. SMS, bookmarks, call log, calendar, launcher, WiFi, etc)
* Market links when restoring apps.
* NOTE: It will not backup the system applications from your ROM. Only their settings will be backed up.
Titanium Backup is available from the market (free version only) or you can DL from the dev's site. There is a premium (donate) version with more features. Please see the Dev's site for more details, instructions and FAQs. Here is a link to his site!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup:
** chichu_9 had a GREAT post with more information/instructions/guides from TB's site, check his post here **
Update, I broke down and got the paid version. It is amazing. It runs MUCH faster and restoring your apps + data could not be simpler. Most Vibrant ROMs will wipe your data (ie apps), so this is a GREAT way to restore your phone back quickly.
Ti Backup (Free):
Ti Backup (Paid Approx $5.81 currently, it's worth it IMO):
DELETE THE BLOAT!
Download Root Explorer (i'm not associated with) and go to System/App to remove a lot of the bloatware that came on the phone. I strongly encourage researching what can & can NOT be removed. ALWAYS make a backup. Alternatively, you can use Titanium Backup (free) to uninstall the apps (I only know Root Explorer, it never fails me). Remember, I am not responsible. It will be some time before we have a custom ROM that removes this crap for us.
Here is a list of apps I recently used to remove a lot of bloat (I kept AllShare and ThinkOffice). After you backup, delete, go to settings > Applications > Menu > Filter > Show All and delete the leftovers from the apps, little traces left behind.
In that thread I also saw you can delete data_tmo/games (73MB) if you do not play/deleted The Sims.
Here is a list from the JFD builds (most of these are seen in future versions):
First off all the Standard Apps:
AccountAndSync.apk/odex -> The app in the drawer, not the settings.
AddToHome.apk/odex
AudioPostcard.apk/odex
Avatar.apk/odex -> The app that launches Avatar in the video player.
BuddiesNow.apk/odex
Dlna.apk/odex [Allshare]
FlashPlugin.apk/odex
GoGo.apk/odex
Infoalarm.apk/odex [Daily Briefing]
KindleStub.apk/odex
Layer-samsung.apk/odex
MediaHub.apk/odex
Memo.apk/odex
Mini Diary.apk/odex
MobiTV.apk/odex
MyAccountStub_4-5-10.apk/odex
Myfiles.apk/odex
Sims3_Samsung_Embed_Launcher.apk/odex
slackerradio.apk/odex
Swype-Tips.apk/odex
Telenav.apk/odex
thinkdroid.apk/odex [ThinkFree Office]
vvm-signed.apk/odex -> T-Mobile Visual Voicemail [can be re-downloaded from the market. for some reason that version is the preferred one.]
VoiceRecorder.apk/odex
VoceDialer.apk/odex
Writeandgo.apk/odex
TouchwizWidgets:
Day.apk/odex
DualClock.apk/odex
SamsungWidget_Calenderclock.apk/odex
SamsungWidget_Feedandupdate.apk/odex
SamsungWidget_stockclock.apk/odex
SamsungWidget_Weatherclock.apk/odex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
** If you are having issues with Root Explorer not being able to delete files (not mounting), the please see my post to see if this helps. If it does not, please let me know in the thread. **
TAKE SCREEN SHOTS!
If you have root, the easiest way is to download shootme or drocap2 from the market. You can also use the Android SDK, but I'm going to keep is basic here. Once you have your pic, upload it for all of the community to see!
Shootme:
DISABLE ADS WITHIN APPS! ** On Froyo it seems on websites it creates a URL with the android logo, odd but the ad is blocked nonetheless **
Download AdFree from the market... check for updates and voila, most, if not all apps should be ad-free. Ads help the developers. If you care, rather than block them, try clicking them to support.
AdFree:
HOW TO TETHER ** most custom ROMs and FROYO likely already include this **
There are apps like Barnacle and Wireless Tether, but I would now recommend the Tether app that came with the Galaxy (that was removed by a lot of the carriers). Ibingham was kind enough to post the .apk (JI6 Build click here) (JFD Build click here) and I can tell you it works perfectly. Please note the app is not in the app drawer (his first post has everything you need to know).
Thanks to chui101 for notifying me of the updated version for JI6 builds.
STOP THE BOOTUP / SHUTDOWN AUDIO NOTIFICATIONS!
This thread has it covered: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731059
I deleted these two files using Root Explorer (referenced below) and can attest it works perfectly.
The i9000 Galaxy bootup/shutdown animation/sounds were listed above if you want a new look.
Thanks to XDA Member PhilSlater I know that the File locations are:
Bootup: system/etc/PowerOn.wav
Shutdown: system/media/audio/ui/Shutdown_128.ogg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So Zaduma does not feel insulted here is an alternate method. You can see his post here.

Continued from post #1
VIBRANT TOPICS
ARE YOU HARDWARE LOCKED? ** Please note this is for JI6, if you are running froyo do not do this **
untermensch has a fix for those who are HWL'd that seems VERY effective. I always heard some who updated from JFD to JI6 had the HWL fixed automatically, but that was not the case for everyone. It appears those who updated OTA got the fix, but most who did ODIN or Kies did NOT get the HWL issue fixed.
Please see his excellent thread by clicking here. Hope this helps.
If you are using froyo, I imagine you could revert back to JI6 and flash this to fix the HWL.
HOW TO USE ODIN
I have the steps listed below (from when JI6 was leaked). For those who prefer a video, this video seems to do a good job of showing it.
TIPS FOR BATTERY LIFE
I have not tried this, but BruceElliot had a great post on his suggestions to improve battery life. You can read it here. I will try and add more as you guys report them to me.
GPS FIX THAT WORKED WONDERS FOR ME!
I have never had an issue with GPS until I flashed ODIN JI6. I could be outside 45 minutes and never get a lock... stock JI6, Eugene's or sombionix's ROMs.. nada. I was PM'd by kdf2833 about a GPS fix for the JI6 (no clue if it works for JFD, I would assume so). He told me to go read THIS POST from digatltoddy. Below is the post if you do not want to leave the thread:
You'll need to get into LBSTestMode by entering *#3214789650# from the dialer. Press Delete GPS Data, this will get rid of the bad GPS information that is probably still stored in your phone. Go to Application Settings and set the Start Mode to 'Cold Start'. Reboot your phone and go outside, run an app like GPS Test and let it lock onto as many birds as it can, once you get a good number (at least 5), go back into your LBSTestMode --> Application Settings and set the Start Mode back to 'Hot Start', reboot and all should be merry.
I had major issues w/ my GPS and was able to put this together with the help of various posts and a deeper understanding of how GPS on these phones actually works. Hope this helps!
Also, it's probably best to run the GPS Test application while you are driving around, let it lock onto as many birds as it can (I'd say let it run for a few minutes, I was able to get 9 the first time) before setting it back to 'Hot Start'. This way it will keep these birds in the list and allow you for a faster lock afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
** If this works for you too, and boy did it for me, please thank digitaltoddy and let me know in this thread - good or bad so I know **
EASY WAY TO GET THE JI6 UPDATE ** Huge thanks to VICosPhi, youneek, samfirmware.com, rhcp0112345,Viralblack and the3dman **
I went back to the stock kernel from JACs oc/uv kernel using this zip file (flash it in in clockwork recovery). I then downloaded this .zip from VICosPhi. and followed the following steps (given by youneek):
** please note that I was on the stock ROM (with alot of mods). If you are running a custom ROM, you may need to go back to stock (I do not know, n/a to me), which would wipe your data.... if you are stock (JFD) however, you will retain all of your settings/data when you update to JI6.
Those who want to go back to stock the file is included in the zip and youneek laid out all the steps in his thread. Below are the steps for people who are stock already (JFD) **
Step 1.) Open Odin.exe and plug a usb cable to your computer that will connect to your phone (do not plug it in to the phone yet, just the computer)
Step 2.) *Added this: Power off your phone before trying to get into download mode, and then....*
Hold down both volume buttons at the same time and while holding them down plug the usb into your phone. You should see a COM message show up in Odin.
Step 3.) Leave all check boxes the way they are. Do NOT check the repartition box.
Step 4.) Click the PIT button and select the 512.pit file
Step 5.) Click the PDA button and select T959UVJI6.tar and then click Start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone will reboot. It will take about 10 minutes at the Galaxy screen, this is normal.
VICosPhi:
[ People with hardware locked vibrants, make sure you have the drivers installed for vibrant on your PC and then connect your phone to pc with USB debugging turned on and open adb and type "adb reboot download"]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
** I lost root. I followed these steps again. I have clockwork recovery which you have to keep the update.zip in /sdcard.... well, to root, the file must be named update.zip and in /sdcard, so I renamed the CWR one "cwrupdate.zip"... when my root and reboot was done I went back and renamed the cwrupdate.zip back to update.zip (afterr I deleted the update.zip file that was used to root). This all may not be necessary, but it worked for me.
I rebooted in clockwork recovery (remember to reinstall packages for this update.zip at the stock recovery to get to CWR) and made a nandroid of stock JI6 so I have this fresh root to come back to. ALWAYS MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP!
QUICKLY REBOOT YOUR PHONE
Sometimes you need to reboot your phone. kizer & Gad13 informed me that you can press and hold the power button for 8-10 seconds and it will reboot. I also use an app called Quick Boot that works very well. Quick Boot does require root access. I have a shortcut on my LauncherPro dock, one press and I can reboot.
BUTTONS - Tap vs. Long Press (LP) Taken from www.androidcentral.com:
Home: Returns to the main home screen. If at the home screen, another tap gives a preview of all home screens.
(LP) = See your most recently used apps (GREAT for multitasking). On JI6 (update from Oct 2010) you also can see the Task Manager.
Back: Takes you back a level in an app, or back a page in a browser, etc.
(LP) = In your browser, quickly access bookmarks, history and most-visited sites. Thanks, Snapdragon0503! (EDIT: odd, doesn't seem to work for me now)
Menu: Tap this for additional options in an application, or from the home screens.
(LP) = Make the keyboard appear.
Search: Brings up the search function. Could be search within an app, Google search, or universal search of contacts, bookmarks, apps, etc. that are in the phone.
(LP) = Launches voice search.
WANT A NEW LOOK? CHANGE YOUR FONT!
In settings, go to sound and display. Change the "Font Style" is like 8th from the bottom. There are a few freebies, and about 50 for a dollar in the market. If you want to see more available, click on "Get Fonts Online." This will direct you to the Market.
I changed my system to helvetica, and I was amazed at the level it changed the phone.
EDIT: I used to have a thread linked here with 100's of free fonts, but some broke the rules and posted paid fonts so the thread was closed. If anyone starts the initiative to post more free ones, please let me know so I can add a link, thanks!
CHANGE THE DOCK BUTTONS ON TOUCHWIZ!
Open the app drawer, menu, edit, change to customizable. With the app drawer open now, press menu and edit again. You can now replace the two app docks in the middle (dialer and app drawer can't be replaced).
DELETE APPS FROM THE LAUNCHER OF TOUCHWIZ
Open the launcher, menu > view type, change to customizable. Now press Menu again and select Edit. All of the non-system apps will have a red subtraction logo. Thanks to XDA user erikrios and his post for this gem!
QUICKLY ADJUST YOUR BRIGHTNESS
Move your finger left to right across the notification bar. You probably need to cut off auto-brightness though. thanks to soklean (neat!)
NEED TO COPY AND PASTE?
If at a site, and you need to copy some text... click Menu > Select Text > Drag your finger over the text you need to copy. When you release your finger, the selected text is copied to your clipboard. Long press and paste when ready. I agree this is not perfect, but some of us may not even know you could do it. Froyo is coming soon, and with it the ability to easily copy/paste within gmail.
HOW TO CONTROL + F USING THE ANDROID BROWSER
Android makes this very easy when using their browser as well. Simply press Menu when in the browser, go to More, then select "Find on Page." You can then enter the keyword you are looking for and use the directional arrows (to the left of the word) to move from one entry to the next.
CHANGE THE HAPTIC VIBRATION INTENSITY
Love this feature. I often find haptic feedback is too much. To adjust the intensity, from the home screen: Menu > Settings > Sound and Display > Vibration Intensity. As you slide the bar it gives you an idea of the intensity.
TAP CONTACT IMAGE FOR MORE OPTIONS
XDA user jkang29 reminded me of another thing I took for granted. When you are in Contacts, click on the image of the contact for MANY options on how to contact/share with that particular contact. Thanks jkang29!
WANT TO DISABLE SD CARD NOTIFICATIONS?
To cut off the sound, from the home screen: Menu > Settings > Sound and Display > SD Card Notifications. You can uncheck this and never hear that sound again.
CAMERA / VIDEO SECTION
WANT TO ADD THE FRONT FACING CAMERA TO YOUR VIBRANT?
Thanks to siirial and Eugene's ROM you can actually have a working FFC on the Vibrant. It takes a little modification, and you will need to be running a custom ROM from Eugene (Root Needed), but if you want a FFC, this is an awesome mod. I have not done this myself, but please see his thread for everything you need to know (how to get the camera, how to mod the phone, and you can find a link to Eugene's rom).
* If someone can create a video for this mod, please let me know so I can post it for everyone. * Thanks to MTC44 for the suggestion.
PHOTOS IN THE DARK? WANT A PANORAMIC?
You can put the Camera in Night Mode and it will take amazingly good photos in a dark situation. I tried this for the first time at a concert recently. I was amazed. Pull out the tab on the left of the camera screen, go to settings and change Scene Mode to Night. Do some test shots to compare for yourself!
Also, I tried out Panoramic shots for the first time in Alaska. I was amazed at how simple/easy this was. Just like before, just go the settings and change the mode. Then just pan left to right. You can press the camera button again to stop the panoramic... I believe it can take up to 8 shots.
LOCK THE SCREEN WHILE VIEWING VIDEOS OR USING THE CAMERA
XDA user timekillerj just made a thread pointing out how to do this. It was new to me, and a nice feature. Simple press the power button and your screen is locked - helpful so you do not skip a scene by accident. You can see his thread here.
HOW DO YOU ZOOM IN?
XDA user antonio91282 pointed out that you can zoom in by pressing the volume rocker while using the camera. It goes from 1-4x.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RECODING VIDEO TO SD VS. INTERNAL MEMORY ** No noticable difference **
XDA user wphend00 asked if there were differences between recording video to the SD vs. Internal memory. Here is my post with links to the videos so you can see for yourself. Here is a link to the entire thread so you can see discussion about it, if any.
APP TOPICS
DOWNLOAD NOT SHOWING UP, MAKING YOU REBOOT?
I did not notice this on Eclair, but with the froyo builds most of the time my downloads (especially pictures) do not show in the Gallery unless I do a reboot. IF this was a problem on Eclair I just went to SD Card & Phone Storage an unmounted and mounted my internal memory. Froyo has taken this function away apparently.
I found that this app ScanMedia works like a charm (no permission needed)
COMPARISONS OF THE HOME REPLACEMENT APPS ** AS OF OCT 2010 **
I tried to write a synopsis of the apps that can replace TouchWiz. Please see this thread here and let me know if I missed anything. I strongly encourage new users to try these apps. I prefer LauncherPro - it just seems snappy.
INSTALL THE 2.2 MARKET ON YOUR 2.1 DEVICE ** I had hiccups, just flash a froyo ROM in my opinion **
Paul (a genius for rooting android devices) made a tweet a couple of weeks ago about how to install the 2.2 market on 2.1 devices. You can see his thread here.
XDA user JWhipple made a post with the .apk file and it's really been catching on. You can find his post and the file to download here.
Do not delete your existing market (vending.apk from system/apps) or move it. Just simply download the .apk file from the linked thread, and then open it up with a file manager. It may ask you to install or upgrade, click that, and then accept the prompt about a system app. Voi'la, you have one of the better features of 2.2 Froyo on your phone now.
** Please note this is just the updated market, you will not be able to install Flash on our Vibrants till we have Froyo OS **
Huge thanks to Paul, Liam Haynes and JWhipple. I have done this and everything seems to be working perfectly.
WANT SWYPE WITH VOICE INPUT? ** This may be irrelevant with JI6 rolling out OTA now **
Jr33 made a thread with a version of swype that has the voice input button. It works very well. Just download and install with clockwork recovery. You can find it here. If after installing it you would like to theme it, head over to this thread started by hoey2011. I have done both of these mods, and love it.
WANT THE NFL APP FROM VERIZON?
Mr_Creeper_98 made a post for the updated NFL app that Tnpapadakos posted. This is a must have app if you like the NFL. You can find the post here.
WHERE ARE APPS LOCATED?
System Apps:
system/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market Apps:
data/app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Market Apps (Private):
data/app-private
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded Apps (using browser):
sdcard/download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
* If you download an app using the browser, you can use Root Explorer to move the app to data/app so the apps are stored on the 1.9GB partition the system uses. Once moved you can click on it to install it.
TRY A HOME REPLACEMENT (ADW or LauncherPro) ** See my guide above for some Home Replacement options **
Go to the market and download either - both are free. Gravis86 started a good thread debating which is better, located here.
ADW:
LP:
This my LP setup on my Vibrant (OLD, much cooler looking now, ha). Notice the docks (these are also scrollable & there are 5 per each desktop screen you have). The Live Wallpaper is Aquarium.
XDA user afive720 had a nice post on how to revert back to TouchWiz (without uninstalling). You can read the thread here for more information.
WHAT WEATHER APP IS THAT?
It is Beautiful Widgets, found here.
BW is approximately $1.92:
WANT TO USE ALLSHARE: PC > PHONE AND VICE/VERSA?
I found this thread to be extremely helpful. I ended up using Windows Media Player and it was too easy. Great app.
XDA User BritCrit has also given some really good information in this thread you may also want to review.
USE AWESOME DROP TO MOVE FILES IF NO CABLES
If you are ever in a bind, or just being lazy you can use this app to move files from a PC to your phone. No hassle, no account setup and it is free. Just go to this site: http://labs.dashwire.com/drop and then enter the 4 digit code when you open the app on your phone. Drag whatever files to the browser on your PC, and voila, it will instantly start showing up on your phone.
REDUCE A PICTURES SIZE BEFORE SHARING IT?
Paul O'Brien tweeted about an app, Image Shrink Lite, that lets you adjust the size and then select the method you want to share (twitter, messenger, gmail, etc). I mention this only because a lot of people get frustrated when they take a pic and try and send it out, but gmail hangs on it (and it eventually ends up a draft email) because it is too large to send timely. Re-size the pics before you email them and you will not have this Fail.
Image Shrink Lite:
METAMORPH - Theme Your Phone!
junkdruggler has a great thread on everything metamorph. Please check it out here and thank him! Metamorph is great for theming your phone, but it can break your market requiring you to login again. I prefer to theme with .zip files flashed in recovery.
MetaMorph Donate ($1):
Free:
** Use Metamorph to theme Swype or your Notification Bar ** (these are old links, there may be better/cooler ones now, search)
Themed Swype - Huge props to hoey2011
Themed Notification Bar (Evo) - Huge props to bahnburner
*ALTERNATIVELY* YOU COULD FLASH THIS .ZIP AND NOT USE METAMORPH (This is what I am currently running, it is spectacular!!).
CONTACTS / DIALER TOPICS
HOW TO ADD UNWANTED CALLS TO REJECT
I was recently being spammed. About 20 calls a day (ANNOYING). After you get an unwanted call, go to the Call Log, long press on the number and then add it to the Reject List. Next time the number calls you will just get a pop-up letting you know.
EDIT YOUR CONTACTS (BIG IMPROVEMENT IMHO)
Please read my guide located here. It was moved to save space. This really cleans up the phone, so I encourage giving it a try!
FIND YOUR CONTACTS FASTER!
When you load Contacts, you will notice the far right has the alphabet running top to bottom. Good news, by simply pressing on the letter you will automatically jump down, instantly.
SMART DIALER!
Pull up your dialer and just start typing the number (or letters will work too, thanks sl0play) out. It filters down your contacts as you type each new digit/letter. Likely, after the area code and first 1 or 2 digits after should be enough. There will be a drop down on the right and a number above it (the # of possible contacts based off what you input). Just press the contact, and the press CALL, genius.
SLIDE CONTACT PIC TO TEXT/CALL
denny_1986 mentioned in this post, that by sliding the contact picture to the left you are sent to the messenger app (with the "to" field completed). If you slide the contact pic to the right, you call the default phone number. Works in both Contacts and Messenger.
KEYBOARD TOPICS
TRY A NEW KEYBOARD!
To switch... simply long press anywhere that you would normally input text (a text message or the search widget). "input method" will pop up, click on this. Now choose the KB you want to try out. If one is not showing up, go to Menu > Settings > Locale and Text and make sure it’s there & checked.
NEED A TRACKBALL? ** Other KB's can/may do this too, you can search this thread for how, I prefer Swype **
In swype, move from the "swype tips" button to the "sym" key. Voila, directional buttons appear + other goodies (see pic).
MISC. GUIDES
HOW TO RECONDITION YOUR BATTERY
If your battery seems to drain fast, or if you are changing roms, you might want to try the following to help your battery. Master posted the following instructions (this assumes you have root and clockwork recovery):
1.) Drain your battery to the point it shuts off on it's own..
2.) Plug it in & let it charge over night (While it is still off)
3.) Launch into ClockWork Recovery by holding the "VOL UP", "VOL DOWN", & "Power" release those buttons after you see the second Vibrant screen.
4.) Press "reinstall packages" (It should take you to the Clockwork Mod Recovery screen, If it didn't then press "reinstall packages' again)
5.) Go to "advanced"
6.) Press "Wipe Battery Stats"
7.) Reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
** I drain my battery to as low as it will go, but not all the way. I also charge it for only about an extra hour max, once it's fully charged. **
HOW TO MOUNT PHONE TO PC
XDA user DaMaDo reminded me Android does not auto-mount like some other phones on the market. When most of us connect the phone, the USB drivers are automatic (use the cable that came with your phone!). If not, there is a guide below to assist. For now, let's assume all is well on the first connection of the Vibrant to the PC. When you connect you will likely get a popup on the PC about installing drivers, great.
Okay, go to the phone's notification bar and pull it down. You will see USB Connected. Click on this, & then click on "Mount."
Shortly after, your computer should pop up automatically TWO devices, the "/SDCARD" (Internal Memory) and "SDCARD/SD" (SD Card). If not, go to My Computer and find the drives you just mounted to the PC.
NEPHRON'S GUIDE FOR ADB, etc (taken from the G1 forums)
This guide helped me a ton. I realize some things may be different, but I could not think of a better starting point. Please read this thread. You should attempt ADB, it's very nice to have.
CONVERT VIDEO FILES ON YOUR PC FOR YOUR PHONE
XDA user TGA_Gunnman did an excellent job putting a thread together for how to convert videos using HandBrake (get it here) and then moving them to your phone. Be sure and thank him if his how to helped you!
HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL A NEW SD CARD
XDA user techspy posted this question and I had recently done it so I responded. Like always, I'm certain there are people on here who know how to do this better/easier, but this works and is nothing difficult. Here is my post with instructions, and here is the thread for discussion.
HOW TO HIDE FOLDERS
achild made a great post with the instructions. Thank him for his effort on this post!
MISC. QUESTIONS
MY PHONE NUMBER DOES NOT SHOW UNDER SETTINGS?
It has happened to me on the G1, and I recently saw a Vibrant user post this. smerff has an excellent post with what you need to do!
WHAT ARE THOSE FUNKY BARCODES?
These are QR Codes. Download Barcode Scanner from the market. Scan any of these codes I linked. You will be sent to the app in the market. Download, enjoy.
NOTICE LAG? ** I do not use lag fixes so this may be old, please search the development section before creating a thread **
I do not encourage this, but some will want to play with it. There is a great thread on tweaks that can be done to speed up the Galaxy.
I personally think custom ROMs and oc/uv kernels knock out almost any of this issue. If you are stock/non-rooted.. please try a root/custom ROM setup before you give up on the Vibrant. Our developers are amazing.
DOUBLE NOTIFICATIONS?
If you are using a 3rd party app, you may be getting double notifications. For example, I use Handcent for texting (you should try it). First thing you need to do is open the stock Messenger app, go menu > Settings and disable notifications. This is basic, but sometimes it's easy to overlook.
SHOULD I USE A TASK KILLER?
Absolutely not. You have the best OS and one of the best spec'd phones ever. You would be doing more harm than good. If you do have one, uninstall, reboot and let me know what you think! If you have a bad app that is causing you issues, uninstall it, rather than installing a TK.
In addition, even Google at Google I/O 2010 addressed app developers and asked them to no longer include "quit" or "close" as options within their apps. I think Andronica (another great android site) summed it up well with their article, found here.
XDA user iunlock created a thread with some good debate based off this sticky. You can read all the thoughts by clicking here. In short, the overwhelming majority agreed and some have commented on seeing an increase in performance after deleting their task killers.
HOW TO DO A FACTORY RESET!
Rarely should you need to do this (I've never done one), but if you want to, simply press menu and go to settings. Scroll down to Privacy. In there is the option to perform a Factory Reset.
NEED HELP INSTALLING THE DRIVERS ON YOUR PC?
TGAGunnMan started a great thread with links for the drivers. You can view it here.
courtmagician also has a good thread discussing issues with USB Debugging as well. I would suggest reading this thread also.
THREE (3) LIGHTS/SENSORS - SURE THERE IS NO NOTIFICATION LED?
Yeap. I asked myself when I noticed there were 3 items. Two are used for the proximity sensor, the other is the light sensor.
Big props to XDA user gravis86 for answering my query so fast, see his post here.

CHANGE-LOG
01.13.11
- Removed link to 100s of free fonts since the thread was deleted (thank you to theotherguy)
01.05.11
- Added cvibe88's videos to the top of the sticky
12.12.10
- Link to Eugene's Super IO kernel
- Link to all of the modems for the Vibrant (thanks scrizz)
12.08.10
- Change the bootup animation
12.05.10
- Make a JIG - save your "bricked" phone
12.03.10
- Deleted how to flash a radio as it was not applicable to our phone (we have a MUCH easier process)
- Clarificatoin on a few things - HWL phone/rooting
- I'll try and add more during my work day.
11.29.10
- Link added to the Intro for noob friendly guide (Includes videos)
11.16.100
- Added the app ScanMedia to App Topics (useful when pics/ringtones/etc do not show after download)
- Deleted some stuff for space needed
- Added larger headings for the sections
11.13.100
- Added a fix for Hardware Locked phones - let us know if this does/does not work.
- Added at the top of the thread how to go from Froyo BACK to Eclair if wanted.
- Removed the old HWL fix I had... it actually was the same thing, but I like my new wording better, ha.
- Deleted the "how to enter safe mode" recommendation given to me
- Moved how to send calls to the Phone/Dialer section.
11.12.10
- Added farrisizdamans thread for those who MISTAKENLY (dont do it!) used the Partition feature in Rom Manager.
- More housekeeping. If you guys see things that need to be updated, PLEASE let me know. This has become more of a task with Froyo rolling out and multiple kernels.
11.11.10
- I went and tried to update/clarify a LOT of the material.
- Added how to send calls to a Reject List (Spam/telemarketers) - Vibrant Topics
- Moved Vibrant Topics to the top of post 2.
- As always, let me know how to improve and what to add.
11.10.10
- Added a video of how to use ODIN (not my video, random find on youtube). Its in Vibrant Topics, post 2.
- Probably going to update to 2.2 tonight... may try and post that later if people are interested.
11.1.10
- BruceElliots post on improving battery life (Vibrant Topics)
- chaoscentral gets credit for the Captivate camera previosly posted (my bust)
10.27.10
- How to enter Safe Mode (Vibrant Topics) - thank you so much patriot1973 for the PM/thread.
10.21.10
- JI6 GPS Fix. I used to pick on people complaining about GPS till I did this. Blew me away. (Vibrant Topics)
- Moved how to install JI6 to Vibrant Topics
- Added steps to take if Root Explorer is not able to mount/delete system files (Delete the Bloat post)
- Added more information on how to use Titanium Backup
10.14.10
- How to flash a custom ROM (Root Topics)
- A fix for hardware locked Vibrants (Vibrant Topics - post 2) Thanks Chui101 and untermensch)
10.13.10
- Comparisons of the Home Replacements (App Topics)
10.12.10
- Updated instructions for Rom Manager
- Updated a lot of posts for JI6 (please PM me if you catch something that needs updating)
- chio101 notified me of the JI6 Mobile AP (Wireless Tethering)
- I flashed Bionix 1.7 tonight with JACs oc kernel. I'll post thoughts later today. I encourage you to try it also!
10.11.10
- How to install the 2.2 Froyo Market on our 2.1 Device (root not needed so it's under App Topics)
10.08.10
- How to flash JI6 (be sure and go back to stock kernel if needed - this is also in the sticky - ctrl+f for "kernel")
- How to recondition your battery (Misc Guides - post 2)
- Task Manager by LP'ing HOME - thanks kuhan
10.08.10
- Added how to install the front facing camera (FFC) thanks to siirial (Camera section - post 2)
- Added panoramic shots to the camera section also. Will try and post an example from Alaska later.
- Updated the OTA/Root topic. It appears many did not lose root with the OTA update. Awesome to hear.
10.07.10
- Added JAC's kernel for oc/uv (Things to do with root)
- Added a link to the NFL app (App Topics)
- Added a link to Swype with Voice Input (App Topics)
9.13.10
- Flashable .zip GPS fix (huge thank you to frankencat) - Root users only
9.3.10
- Trying to get the format done
- Added how to reboot (long press power - thank you kizer and Gad13)
- Added a line about the stock android calendar not being perfect.
9.1.10
- Added the stock calendar .apk's needed to replace crap TW calendar.
- Added how to have a true stock android launcher, with the .apk attached.
- Noted the Captivate camera sorts pics in the correct order (make sure you aren't looking at your old Vibrant folders).
- Added a link to jonnybuenos theme (no metamorph needed) and gave a pic of my setup.
- Added link to list of all ROMs (thanks to almyz125)
- Please PM me suggestion and give feedback on what you want.
8.31.10
- Added how to change fonts (big kudos to those guys!!!)
- Added what to do if your phone # does not show under your settings (rare this would happen, but it does). Misc Q. section.
- Added list of bloat apps that can be removed. (high demand).
- Replace the TW calendar with the calendar from Cyanogens ROM
8.25.10
- Added how to install the Captivate camera on the Vibrant (Things to do with Root section)
- Added the "Will I receive an OTA update if I root" question to the top (this should have been here already, my bad.)
- Added how to get into Stock Recovery (seen a lot of posts on this recently. Hope there is no issue with new phones).
8.23.10
- Removed Barnacle as the suggested Tether app.
- Added the Tether app that came with the Intl Galaxy (removed by carriers).
- Clarified that the Intl Galaxy flashable zips are for the bootup and shutdown (I love them).
- Clarified that in the dialer pressing letters filters results too, not just numbers (thanks sl0play)
- How to put the Camera in Night Mode (amazing photos in the dark, I was impressed. I hate flash photos anyway!).
- Added zaduma's alternate method for removing the startup/shutdown sounds (since he whined so much, haha, jk). Thanks for posting it man.
- Moved the Disabling startup/shutdown sounds under "Things to do With Root" from "Vibrant Topics."
8.15.10
- Added to the App Topics section - how to theme swype and notification bar (both can revert to stock)
- Under Things to do With Root - Use the i9000 boot animation/sound instead (no more pink box)
8.9.10
- Slide contact picture to text/call (thanks denny_1986)
8.8.10
- How to check an MD5Sum (verify the integrity of a downloaded file)
- How to PROPERLY update your radio (please note this is for future reference, as there are no known updated radios)
- How to hide folders (thanks achild)

good job .....

nice.. I want helvetica.
Which weather/clock widget is that? Beautiful widgets?
oh and how did you get rid of those ugly numberd dots which let u select homecreens.

Thanks. Good call about the widget, that is asked a lot when an image is posted, so I added it too. The change in font was awesome. Didn't expect it to have such an impact.

sigeltek said:
nice.. I want helvetica.
Which weather/clock widget is that? Beautiful widgets?
oh and how did you get rid of those ugly numberd dots which let u select homecreens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it looks like Beautiful Widgets.. just select the Beautiful Home Smaller instead of Beautiful home and it'll appear like that on the screenshot. And those numbered dots are apart of the launcher alternatives, there are settings in there to get rid of them or customize.

BUMP
ive read many of these tips but only after hrs of reading.....nice to have them in one place
oh include the GPS fix...that sh*t was great

^ thank you. I was trying to hold off in the gps fix just because not everyone has an issue (our has not noticed) and some in that thread were still not getting it fixed. I'm confident the next update from Samsung will address this. please let me know other things that should be included though!

awesome thanks for this post, very informative

I had no idea about the swipe on the task bar to change the brightness. Thats nice.

great idea and thread

Maybe add (for rooted phones) the app lag fix, or at least a link to it?
Great list! This should be a sticky.
My phone is just so...VIBRANT

Great thread,i actually pm'd the mod asking about a faq and I did start one on my computer, but you beat me to posting it, and you have pretty much everything I documented. Great job!
Sent from my Samsung Vibrant with Swype!

Awesome man, appreciate that. There will always be room for more, let me know if I need to add to it! Feels good to be able to do something (albeit very little) for XDA, as much as they did for my g1.

How about something telling people how to use Metamorph, or a direct link to the Metamorph thread. Since we have two themes using it.
How to reboot phone into recovery or download mode.
How to use Odin, or what Odin is.
just some ideas.

Nice, will work on those this morning.

Okay, I have added some new items. I like some of the suggestions, and if they are not added it's probably because I am not comfortable enough with the subject to feel I should be teaching. I would love for others to help chime in... I'll add them to the list and do my best to make sure everyone gets credit for what they add to the list (some people care about this).

OP,
grear thread.
One addition
removing startup/shutdown audio files
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=731059&highlight=shutdown

^ appreciate that man. I actually already have that included. I was debating on adding the removal of the startup/shutdown boot animations too.... i guess it could not hurt, but will be irrelevant once we have a custom ROM.

[ROM] Vodafaone New Zealand Optimised JVP from Romkitchen

I want to tell you about my new Rom which offers blazing fast performance, SIP over wifi and 3g and staggering battery duration.
I have tried them all lately. Cyanogenmod 7, Insanity 014 (cm7) Miui 1.6.3 and the international Miui (both also CM7). Plus all the variations on stock JVH/JVP Roms on XDA.
I then tried Romkitchen.org and using it, cooked my own rom with Touchwiz 4, and all the useful tools available with that kitchen. I then flashed a theme by JKay - see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1037157
JKay had kindly updated the themes resources for JVP themes to enable SIP over wifi and 3g.... don't forget to choose a JVP theme if you use JVP in Romkitchen
Instructions:
You must be on some form of Gingerbread Rom with bootloaders. You must be able to get into download mode. There are loads of resources about this on the dev area but this is my basic procedure:
I used Ficeto's Rom to start, which you can get here under clean install. I flashed it with Hiemdall which does not brick phones like Odin does (I have bricked two requiring the resistor modified connector to get them back). For Hiemdall you must totally unpack the archive (use winrar for that). You can then put each part in the appropriate Heimdall slot. Its easy. Don't forget to use the .pit file and select repartition
Assuming you don't stay with Ficeto, go to Romkitchen.org and start cooking!
Select Galaxy and go to generator. Under Base Rom choose JVP, and wipe or no wipe (that's up to you). Its handy to have a nowipe around for repair purposes.
Under Kernel choose the Chainfire kernel (haven't tried the Talon one yet). For those who like Kernel flashing they all work but you are back to Hiemdall to get rid of Tegrak. There is a convenient kernel flashing tool in the apps. Remember , backup first!
IMPORTANT. Under Modem choose BUJP5 if you are Vodafone. Apparently the JL2 modem is required for Telecom but you should research this.
Under apps choose as many as you want. Pull in all the utilities for now. Under themes choose JVP stock
Generate!
Download the following:
A new gps.conf http://www.darkyrom.com/community/index.php?threads/guide-gps-quickest-fix-solution.2022/ (if you want good gps)
A VNZ csc file http://www.bitstream.co.nz/samsung/vnz.rar
If you are using Touchwiz 4, try upgrading to the better modded one http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13435895&postcount=1
Im sorry the VNZ.rar is not an installable zipfile. Unpack it and copy the VNZ folder to the phone.
Put the resultant zips on the phone and then reboot to clockwork mod by pressing up-home-on in the usual manner. Select install zip from sd card and navigate to the zip and install away. Install the generated file first and reboot. Don't bother to set the phone up.
Install Super Manager from market. Enable root on it and them copy the VNZ folder to /system/csc.
Use Nitrality tools set set the csc to VNZ. The phone will reboot and after that you can set it up.
Once all is good use Quickboot to go to recover and make a backup. Then you can apply the new JKay theme (or any other JVP theme) zipfile. Occasionally this seems to break some apps and you will have to restore the backup.
Once all is good then do the following if you want great battery duration:
Install the CFroot addon (http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=591080&d=1304947623) and use it to select conservative cpu governing. You might also select to change to ext4 lagfix if you want. With that I get Quadrant 2500 after a couple of runs before changing the cpu governing
Install Juice Defender. It's great on stock roms (but not so good on CM7). One caveat is that when you use sip (available under settings/call settings/Internet call settings if you flash a JKay or similar theme) you won't be able to receive calls when the screen is blacked as data is them turned off to save energy unless downloads are in progress.
Sit back and marvel how your phone does not drain the battery when you are not using it!! I get at least a day and a half now even when I use it a lot. I even went to bed with it nearly flat and when I got up it was still nearly flat, maybe 1% down.
If you want far better gps in New Zealand, use Super manager to copy gps.conf to /system/etc/ replacing the old gps.conf. Reboot.
I will post my rom if you want.

Hi tazzydemon
I followed your guide here, and wow the phone operates so well after. However, I just have one issue that since running through this, I no longer obtain 3G reception. And, going into the network settings, the option to switch between 2G and 3G is not there.
Have I done something wrong?
I have a suspicion that it's because I didn't follow through with your instructions regarding the VNZ csc code, because the link you provided to the vnz.rar file presents a 404 error.
Do you have any suggestions?
Cheers for your help.

Voda CSC
Hi Tazzy,
Appreciate if you could rehost the Voda CSC file somewhere and let us know of the link. Been looking for it for a while now!
Cheers mate.

tenchinz said:
Hi tazzydemon
I followed your guide here, and wow the phone operates so well after. However, I just have one issue that since running through this, I no longer obtain 3G reception. And, going into the network settings, the option to switch between 2G and 3G is not there.
Have I done something wrong?
I have a suspicion that it's because I didn't follow through with your instructions regarding the VNZ csc code, because the link you provided to the vnz.rar file presents a 404 error.
Do you have any suggestions?
Cheers for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it actually makes too much difference operationally..but a quick examination of the csc shows that it sets the emergency dialling numbers which I guess is quite significant.
I have enabled directory browsing now so please go to http://www.bitstream.co.nz/samsung/ and pick what you want. I am sorry the VNZ is not packaged as clockwork installable (I am making one right now)
I have changed to JKay 4_1 which you can find here and download here for JVP.
You might also consider the apk listed for V4 as it gives you different lockscreens and different power menus
However in settings/Mobile Networks I have VFNZ Internet as selected access point name and under network mode I have all three choices as expected
Use Super Manager to dump the vnz directory in to the same place as the others and use Nitrality to change the csc

I have now made my first clockworkmod installable zipfile for the VNZ csc file.
Please find it here VNZ-CSC-SIGNED.zip and install it via clockworkmod as usual.

I have to say I am blown away by how long the battery is lasting with conservative governance checked and with Juice defender. My only gripe is that that setting prevents me using SIP to answer calls.

tenchinz said:
Hi tazzydemon
I followed your guide here, and wow the phone operates so well after. However, I just have one issue that since running through this, I no longer obtain 3G reception. And, going into the network settings, the option to switch between 2G and 3G is not there.
Have I done something wrong?
I have a suspicion that it's because I didn't follow through with your instructions regarding the VNZ csc code, because the link you provided to the vnz.rar file presents a 404 error.
Do you have any suggestions?
Cheers for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are on Vodafone I take it (not Telecom) you will need a different modem for Telecom

By the way if you want accurate battery life then charge you battery to the max. Reboot to recovery and wipe battery stats.
All the flashing and rebuilds without full battery will alter the calibration.

Hi tazzydemon
thanks for your reply. I managed to change the csc to XEU and all is working well now.
I have switched to the Voodoo kernel from the romkitchen selection, because I couldnt find the option to disable the lagfix in the Chainfire kernel. (we need to disable and enable the lagfix for internal development).
I'm using the Jkay AllGreen theme, I think it looks nice and smooth. Also, the CRT lock screen animation is quite novel.
I've downloaded the VNZ CSC file and will give it a try, thanks for all of your help.

Hi Tazzydemon
Are you having problems with Bluetooth after applying the Rom Kitchen rom? I have tried n three Samsung Galaxy S devices and the Bluetooth just doesn't turn on, it just times out and never comes alive.
Cheers

(Guide) (Beginners) You have rooted your phone, now what can you do

(Guide) (Beginners) You have rooted your phone, now what can you do​Note – 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.

Issues with Accelerometer/Screen Rotation

Before I get shut down for posting about a topic that has been posted before - I am doing this so others can access all the info in one place without having to scour the web/forum/posts.
Firstly let me point out a couple of important topics of discussion:
- You may just have a phone that has a hardware error. If you run through this post and options and you don't have any success, give some serious thought to getting it repaired because no matter how many new rom releases come out it isn't going to fix it.
- Full SELinux Support - If you use TWRP2 they have recently updated to 2.7.0.1 - It's worth reading through the 'Note' listed in the changelog. They talk about how Full SELinux Support is needed for installing Kit Kat roms and some of their older versions didn't support it. (http://teamw.in/project/twrp2)
- Rom and App settings - The Rom has several places to tick/untick screen rotation. Some apps also have screen rotation toggles. The important one is the Rom settings, make sure you have actually turned rotation on. It can be found in the notifications menu at the top of your screen (if you haven't removed it through customisation), also in Settings>Display> which is not to be confused with 'Smart rotation'.
- Smart Rotation - You do not need this turned on for screen rotation to work. In fact I would recommend leaving it turned off as it slows screen rotation down. I'll leave it up to you.
- Samsung Bloatware - There has been some talk on the forum about how removing Samsung apps has caused screen rotation to break. This is possible as several library files are shared. Since you are running a "custom" Rom it's hard to know whether any scripts have been included in the installation that haven't been specifically listed in a changelog.
- Model Vs Region Vs Solution - There are quite a few S4 models available at present. Most of these have hardware differences and the solution that worked for someone else may not work for you. It's good for you to start by learning what the differences are and what components were included in the version you purchased (this will save headaches later).
BACKUP YOUR DATA - I will not be held responsible for any actions you take with your device!
Ok, let's get started with the options/work arounds that you may wish to use and how they work (You will need to have root access):
1. ReInstall the Rom - This is the first place to start. You can usually install over the top of the initial installation without any issues. This would replace any data that may be corrupt from the installation. If you have installed a custom kernel it will install the one that comes with the Rom.
2. Clean install of the Rom - Sometimes we have to strip it all the way back to like-new. This means you would need to Factory Reset the phone (this will remove all apps and sign in data). If you wish to go all the way in cleaning off your device there is a Format option available in TWRP2 and PhilzTouch. Don't format unless you know what you're doing otherwise you could format the EFS data and then you're screwed. Don't say you haven't been warned.
3. a) Install a Library file (through recovery) - This is a script that has been built to replace a library file that is removed when you uninstall Samsung Hub. There is a discussion taking place in the Note3 forum where you can get the file. Be sure to follow their instructions exactly. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50099965
b) Install a Library file (through Android) - Using the same ScreenRotation.zip file you can download from the link above, open the zip and save 'libgnustl_shared.so'. You will need to put this file on your phone somewhere you can find it so you can copy it to the correct location and set some permissions. You need root access to even attempt this one, if you are unsure about what you're doing I would proceed with caution. It's not rocket science however you want to make sure that you don't alter any of the other files. You need to place libgnustl_shared.so into the \System\Lib folder. If the file is already there I would rename the old file rather than copying over the top. This just saves you in case anything else goes wrong and you need to go back a step. You need to change the permissions of the file before going anywhere. I used ES File Explorer to move the file and it allows simple change of the file permissions (through properties). It needs to be -rw-r--r-- or if you are using ES File Explorer then it should read Owner: Read & Write, Group: Read, Other: Read. You will then need to boot into recovery and wipe cache and davlik cache (don't confuse this with Wipe: Factory Reset).
4. Install a Stock Rom from YOUR phone provider - Telco's spend time and money ensuring their releases work with all the features of the phone, this is sometimes the reason why they take so long to update their software. Some of these features are Telco specific and others are region specific (hence my comment about being aware of what you have purchased). If you have installed a stock rom and you still have screen rotation issues it is likely (not guaranteed) that there is a hardware issue. In my experience installing a stock unmodified rom often addresses the issues that crop up on custom roms. It's worth testing it for a day or two on stock to ensure it's not intermittent. If you are willing to go to all the trouble you could try installing a custom rom again. I have has success in the past doing it this way. I can only assume that the installation of the stock rom addresses issues with internal components/firmware.
5. Kit Kat Roms - If you have loaded a bootloader that excludes you from installing your carriers stock rom (due to it being Jelly Bean or earlier), there are stock Kit Kat roms you can download in the forum. You won't have the added support of carrier addons and tweaks, however you will still get stock Samsung which is the next best thing.
What to do if none of the above work?
There are two options 1. Send it off for repair 2. Continue to work on it yourself with the help of others on the forum.
If you wish to continue working on it yourself or you have voided your warranty here are some tools to help. You need to take a look at whether your accelerometer is working - This is indicative only (an indicator) and will help you narrow the problem down.
1. In your dialer (phone) put in the following *#0*#
This will allow you to go in and see how the components are responding - You want to take a look at Sensors.
2. Accelerometer Monitor/Test Applications
There are quite a few for free on the market place - They will show you how the X, Y & Z axis are responding to the movement of the phone. Sometimes it is quite obvious when certain axis are not responding at all. Some of these applications will allow you to calibrate the sensors. I am not 100% sure whether these calibration options will work on Kit Kat. If you are speaking with a developer of a custom rom they will often query you for log data, this is code that will help them work out what is going wrong. This doesn't guarantee they will be able to fix it. Not all of the accelerometer apps provide a log but is necessary information you'll need if you decide to go down that path.
(AndroSensor is relatively good - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fivasim.androsensor)
Let me know how you go.

[Q] Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 8.0 AT&T SM-T337A Root but NO Recovery

Hi Devs,
I've just joined and am uncertain of the proper place for this thread. Apologies if inaccurately posted.
I have the T337A, which I have rooted on ANF4, but I cannot find a recovery. I have read and read but am not finding the solution to my little project. I would like to get a safestrap on this locked bootloader so that I can install and learn to write custom ROMs. I have tried a safestrap but it was not for this specific device and did not work. I have also installed and purchased CWM Recovery and TWRP Recovery, in my learning process. The problem with the recovery is that there is no custom recovery written for this device and the bootloader is locked, as this is the AT&T WiFi/LTE version. So it looks to me like I need to figure out the partitioning image somehow in order to make a safestrap work on this device...as step 1. Is there anything else that I can do with this locked bootloader? I would love to have some help in writing a custom recovery and ROM for this device but I am a tiny tiny noob here and not a hard core programmer. If I could get some feedback on places to start for such a daunting task, it would be great. I guess one thing that I do not understand is why I cannot make my current rooted ROM the default recovery in TWRP. It asks me to choose from the list of supported devices. I understand that it goes: NAND --> aboot.img/bootloader --> recovery/or/kernel --> OS/or/ROM? If this is close to accurate then I would have to write something to the NAND?, which I'm not sure what is yet, in order to hijack the factory bootloader and then write the partitions on the sdCard for the ROM, like the safestrap folks wrote? It looks to me like they also included a version of TWRP touch which I used on the S4 yesterday and was really cool, so I guess that would be needed as well and is also why TWRP does not work for me now...it cannot hijack the locked bootloader. How do I hijack this hard headed thing? fastboot does not work to this device. In the process of this project, I have also run into a roadblock trying to update the /system/framework/framework-res.apk, in the manner that a flash needs to be done, I think. I want to change the /res/values/bools/bools.xml switch "voice_capeable" to true. AT&T or Samsung disable this on this version of the tablet, I guess to sell tethering or something else I'm not familiar with...but the way it looks to me, everything is configured on the device and I have a phone number provisioned for data at least. Why can't I turn on this switch and use the phone portion of the device? Any time I tickle the running framework-res.apk, it kills the OS. I tried compiling an update.zip aligned and signed with test keys or something like that but when I flash it, it fails with wrong footer and invalid signature...then it wipes me back to the stone ages. I warned I was a noob..! ...but not scared to brick some shtuff in order to learn this and write some custom solutions. An after thought...is there a solution for a bootable extSdCard for Android? This might lead to some options if it is possible.
Gathering phone info...
Collecting information. Be patient! Do NOT disconnect the phone!
Model: SM-T337A
Android Version: 4.4.2
Sales Code: ATT
PDA Version: T337AUCU1ANF4
Phone Version: T337AUCU1ANF4
CSC Version: T337AATT1ANF4
Product Code: SM-T337AZWAATT
HIDSw Version: T337AUCU1ANF4/T337AATT1ANF4/T337AUCU1ANF4/T337AUCU1ANF4
Board Platform: MSM8226
Serial Number: R32FA00PMRF
Imei: 3534.............
Unique Number: C1604.......
Connections: AT,MTP,MTP
Battery Status: 4.28V (94%)
Network Type: GSM
SuperSU Pro v2.40
TWRP donate latest
CWM donate v5.5.3.7
BusyBox Stericson donate v1.23.0
Titanium Backup Pro latest
xPosed v2.7.1
Wanam xPosed v3.3.1
NinjaMorph Pro v2.8.2
ROM Toolbox Pro v6.0.6.5
RootLogger Pro v1.9
Nandroid Backup v4.4.5
Next Launcher 3D Shell v3.20
Root Firewall Pro v2.1
SetCPU v3.1.2
w/respect. PitPin

Sir,
Please wait until mods will move this thread to the device specific forum for more relevant answers.
Stand by
Good luck

We had a dev working to get safestrap, but he struck out. So if you can get it, I'll test. I too have the 337a. Sucks to have a locked bootloader and no dev interest.

pre4speed said:
We had a dev working to get safestrap, but he struck out. So if you can get it, I'll test. I too have the 337a. Sucks to have a locked bootloader and no dev interest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks pre4speed. I am taking a look at the two tasks again tonight and decided to take the res/bool = voice_capable issue on first since this will determine how brickable this device can be for me. If I can use it as a regular modem phone then I might be a bit more careful with the bootloader project I did some more tinkering with the framework-res.apk ...specifically the /res/values/bools/bools.xml resource and tried the following:
-------
Factory wipe
Flashed sammobile.com T337AATT1ANF4 firmware
Rooted
SuperSU
Busybox
Froze AT&T update service and others involved
Titanium backup and pulled a good backup
Online Nandroid and pulled a good backup
Installed my XDA app. of course..!
-------
Framework-res.apk:
Used total commander to copy the running apk off to the sdCard and then my PC.
Decompilled in APKStudio2.0.3b-Windows (I am also using Ubuntu 14.04 if there is a better way here..also Android Studio on both OS...just learning).
Edited my value.
Recompiled with zip align/sign option.
***Now here in lies the problem, if I haven't already created one above ***
The random article I dug up said that in order to get past the wrong footer and signature issue, and stone-age wipe, when attempting this via abd sideload with an update.zip, is to now copy the edited file back into the original APK using 7zip in order to retain the original signing keys. When I open the original APK archive, it does not show the resource folders deemed "important and I should not jack with them" in the compiled APK (mainly values/* folder). The article mentioned the resource folders such as res/values/bools are compiled and hidden and that I needed to copy over the new resources.arsc file. I see this in the newly compiled APK I made but it also put the Manifest.xml and /res folder in there. Do I need to copy all of that or just the compiled resources.arsc file? I did all and it boot looped me so I'm guessing that I either did something wrong or this was not the right answer. The last part was to chmod the new APK, use total commander to mount the folder as rw, copy over the file, and reboot. All of that worked and I had to reboot many many times...loop.
That is where I am on the modem part and am going to attempt copying just the resources.arsc in a few. I will post more on the bootloader side soon, as I've been researching what goes on from the time I push the power button until the time I swipe the first screen. Lots of reading
w/respect - PitPin

Copying only the resources.arsc file from within the newly compiled apk back to the original framework-res.apk made some progress. Now I have the phone dialer app icon in my apps drawer... but it is failing complaining about contacts. On to the next round of research..!

PitPin said:
Copying only the resources.arsc file from within the newly compiled apk back to the original framework-res.apk made some progress. Now I have the phone dialer app icon in my apps drawer... but it is failing complaining about contacts. On to the next round of research..!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stalled out temporarily on the tab project as laptop hard drive bought the farm. Back in action and made some progress on the tab voice_capable issue. Everything appears to be there and in working order but the SMS modules. I think this has something to do with why the contacts app is blowing up but not sure yet. GoSMS and EXDialer seem to work together without blowing up but the dialer taps the modem and then dies. Taking a break from this to start a thread on rooting the AT&T Alpha. I'm about half way through the exploit on that project. Any input on what might be my SMS problem on the tab 4 would be appreciated. Attached are a few screens.

Does anyone know how to removed the caution sign on the left corner it keep telling me unauthorized action have been detected.

I am in the same boat, I so wish this would come through because I do love this little tab.

same boat
/baker said:
I am in the same boat, I so wish this would come through because I do love this little tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so did you finally get it going or what?I have been wanting to get my Tab going as well. I've Rooted it and paid for an unlock even, which worked fantastic by the way...Thanx XDA!!! The rooting guide I got from here was right on point,no problem at all!!But anyways, I have it on metro pcs now on the unlimited $60 plan which is awesome (.REAL unlimited internet with NO THROTTLING ) for me because now at home I run pda.net, which gives me very good, fulltime, internet for my home computers as well as the ability to stream everything onto a large screen or even via windows when we want to watch with all the bells and whistles! No lag at all usually,and I don't use my hotspot because of the usb internet connect on pda.net. When I do use the wireless connect, it doesn't take any of the allotted hotspot usage up either!!All in all it's a great deal for me. I just got a new sim for it, called in the imei to metro ,which in turn gave me a phone number and data account, and presto!Been on the net ever since! Now that I've had it for over a month ,I wanna get the voice capability to work as well, being that I am paying for 2 lines now. Although I can use the old trusty hangouts dialer with the GoogleVoice easily enough. I want to be able to use my metro number mainly because these phone companies charge and charge and charge, never caring about us,or our need to have communication at our disposal at all times.Cell phones are by far not inexpensive and the internet wasn't started for us to pay aan arm and a leg to use.Anytime I come out good while dealing with a wireless company. it's a stupendous event,I'm telling you!! Heck ,I'm writing from my home computer now, going through the Tab at this very moment! Nevertheless, I'm wanting for the devs, to come through as well. With maybe even a new rom,sans the at&t stuff, of course, since I do now have a different carrier? Heck, the Tab is even great for when we travel! 24/7 unlimited internet /streaming , and the screen size is much better than the phone screen ever was!I just really wanted to thank XDA for the work they put in to help us part - timers out,Ive been rooting and unlocking and bricking and un-bricking for quite some time now,I even repair phones now actually,but the programming and the putting it all out here for guys like me to have fun and tinker with these phones would be entirely impossible without the DEV'S and their hard work for SURE...Thanx Guys!!You ROCK!