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I've always fancied flashing my Kaiser (V1615) with a new ROM, but was always nervous because I wasn't sure of the process and didn't want to risk bricking the phone as well as all the effort needed to get everything back on it I needed. Well, a few days ago my old Kaiser met the floor and an untimely end. So I decided to take the risk and put a new ROM on it and decided on the latest Dutty WM6.1 ROM.
I read all about flashing on here and made as much sense of it as I could. Thing is, I'm very technical in general, but not very familiar with Windows Mobile or flashing. I found there was lots to read, but it was all written with an assumed level of knowledge and understanding of terminology. As a result I found it quite hard to understand. I took the plunge anyway and started, but things didn't work out as expected and I didn't understand why.
I'm not trying to be critical of all the work a lot of people have put into the documentation that is available online, it's just that when I originally approached this with zero flashing experience I found it difficult and confusing to understand. What I really needed was a concise and basic introduction to flashing. I've now been through the process and after re-reading the documentation it makes a lot more sense.
I worked out you need to run something called HardSPL before you could flash a new ROM. I'm still not sure what HardSPL does apart from CID unlock the device, but what does CID unlock mean?
I ran HardSPL v1 and it started ok, but then I ended up with a white screen. At this point I already wished I hadn't started, but no going back now. Is it known why some phones white screen? Turns out it's a common problem, so followed the instructions to recover. All was well again, but still with the original ROM.
I thought I'd be brave and stuck with it and this time tried JumpSPL1.56-KAIS instead of HardSPL as recommended on one of the tutorials. This went better and I ended up with the Tri-Color screen. I plugged my USB cable in and USB showed on screen.
Next step I thought was to flash a ROM onto the device. I ran the Dutty updater on my PC and all started ok, but when the update got to 18% I received a communication error. I tried to recover using the updater, but the same thing happened. At this point the phone wouldn't boot, so I was more than a little worried and wishing I hadn't started!
Found something that described several options for recovering from this problem. I decided to try and flash the device back to the original ROM from Vodafone. When I eventually found that ROM I ran JumpSPL again, got to the Tri-Color screen and ran the updater. This time the update completed successfully and the phone rebooted and was all working again.
I decided to leave the device as it was and started customising it myself. I'd still love to put a cooked ROM on there, especially if it helps with performance, but after the experience above I'm not very confident.
Can anyone tell me where or what went wrong? I'm going to get my old Kaiser repaired and want to try again on that phone.
My flashing routene (not ideal but it works for me)
1) run the first part of the Kaiser SIM/CID Unlocker & Changer
2) after device reboots, hold camera button and restart to check SPL
3) Flash rom/radio of choice
4) Follow HardSPL v3.07, v3.28, v3.29 and v3.56 by JockyW 's second guide "If you have problems with the above process, try this:" and flash my 3.XX SPL of choice.
Sam
Wow, I need a cuppa now
I'll go through 1 at a time... (and Sam has answered some questions already)
-CID unlock means that when the phone is loading a new device into the ROM the Carrier ID check is removed, each Mobile phone carrier has a different CID in thier OS ROMs. Unlocked means you can flash a OS ROM from any carrier or a cooked OS ROM from this site.
-The Jump SPL should only be used for replacing the SPL. Do not flash anything other than SPL's when at the Jump SPL (or SSPL). OS and Radio ROMs should be flashed from either in Windows Or By Manually Entering the Bootloaders. More info on SPL's is here: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=SPL Questions?
-Have a look at flashing from SD Card to avoid communication problems, http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=KaiserSDFlash
-The most clear instructions can be found here: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Kaiser#ROMx20.Upgrading
Hope this helps.
Dave
Thanks for the advice, but this is what I normally encounter when I read something on here, which is advice which no doubt makes perfect sense to the author or others experienced in flashing, but usually raises more questions than it answers in my head.
For example;
1) run the first part of the Kaiser SIM/CID Unlocker & Changer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by the "first part"? The thread you've linked to doesnt really explain what I'm downloading and doing.
2) after device reboots, hold camera button and restart to check SPL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I get this assuming you mean the device will reboot automatically and I restart it to check the SPL version that gets shown on the boot screen, but why do I need to do this?
3) Flash rom/radio of choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So at this point I can simply plug my device into my PC and run the ROM updater I've downloaded. Working out what rom/radio version to download is a minefield in its own right.
4) Follow HardSPL v3.07, v3.28, v3.29 and v3.56 by JockyW 's second guide "If you have problems with the above process, try this:" and flash my 3.XX SPL of choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought HardSPL needed to be run before I flashed? Also, why the different versions? Which one do I choose?
BTW, not trying to moan about everything, just posting my experiences to find out where I went wrong, but also highlight some issues hopefully other flashing newbies can relate to and authors of tutorials can draw some useful feedback from.
Only one question, do I need to CID Unlock before using Jump and HardSpl or, the Hardspl does the Supercid ?
I'm not referring about SIM since I don't care, for now
With WM6.1 - Oficiall HTC ROM
Thanks
Thanks for that one dave, on reflection i kinda missed the whole point of the thread, and as for the majority of the stuff you posted i didnt undertand that to begin with.
Also, DaveTME, if you are wanting to flash a custom rom to youre kaiser. from my experiance and from the number of times ive seen this happen. i advise against asking for reccomendations(sp?) (not saying you will but its worth saying) try a few roms out and decide from there.
Also another thing to note. if you flash to WM6.1 remember to use a 3.xx spl otherwise you'll encounter a few problems with youre device.
Sam
What do you mean by the "first part"? The thread you've linked to doesnt really explain what I'm downloading and doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download the Kaiser unlocker and run the first stage of it, the program is in the linked thread.
Ok. I get this assuming you mean the device will reboot automatically and I restart it to check the SPL version that gets shown on the boot screen, but why do I need to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, after the device reboots, youre given youre Rom, Protocol and Radio. if you hold the camera button and reset you'll get youre SPL displayed, youre looking for 1.01 olinex to be shown
So at this point I can simply plug my device into my PC and run the ROM updater I've downloaded. Working out what rom/radio version to download is a minefield in its own right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes, just run the RUU with youre chosen rom and thats it
2) its not a minefield, just make a decision on what rom you like and flash it. theres nothing to stop you flashing another one.
I thought HardSPL needed to be run before I flashed? Also, why the different versions? Which one do I choose?
Reply With Quote
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Click to collapse
The 1.01 SPL will allow you to flash a cutom rom. following that you need a 3.xx SPL as they are designed for windows mobile 6.1. as for yure decision. i use 3.29, yet other users have had better sucess with 3.56. Most rom chefs will say which SPL they reccomend anyway with their rom.
-CID unlock means that when the phone is loading a new device into the ROM the Carrier ID check is removed, each Mobile phone carrier has a different CID in thier OS ROMs. Unlocked means you can flash a OS ROM from any carrier or a cooked OS ROM from this site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. Thanks for that. Makes perfect sense now
-The Jump SPL should only be used for replacing the SPL. Do not flash anything other than SPL's when at the Jump SPL (or SSPL). OS and Radio ROMs should be flashed from either in Windows Or By Manually Entering the Bootloaders. More info on SPL's is here: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=SPL Questions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I think you mean that the SPL is a component on the device? What is the difference between HardSPL and JumpSPL?
-Have a look at flashing from SD Card to avoid communication problems, http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=KaiserSDFlash
-The most clear instructions can be found here: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Kaiser#ROMx20.Upgrading
Hope this helps.
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will have a read
DaveTME said:
Ok. I think you mean that the SPL is a component on the device? What is the difference between HardSPL and JumpSPL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the "SPL Questions" Wiki Page, it is all there and fairly clear.
Ta
Dave
hi,
i have an HTC touch (the 128/256 would be Elfin right?) to which i want to flash another ROM.
well i'm a total noob at this so i don't really understand where or how to start and what to do;
1-is the process reversible?in other words can i downgrade to my original ROM (downloaded it from HTC website)?
2-is it necessary that i upgrade/change the IPL,SPL,USPL,...etc?
3-when doing a CID unlocking,is it safe?or what's the worst case scenario?
4-does the ROM contain a radio by default or should i install it seperately?and is it necessary to upgrade/change it?
sorry for asking too many questions,but i wanna know how to do it right
thanks
suzaku said:
hi,
i have an HTC touch (the 128/256 would be Elfin right?) to which i want to flash another ROM.
well i'm a total noob at this so i don't really understand where or how to start and what to do;
1-is the process reversible?in other words can i downgrade to my original ROM (downloaded it from HTC website)?
2-is it necessary that i upgrade/change the IPL,SPL,USPL,...etc?
3-when doing a CID unlocking,is it safe?or what's the worst case scenario?
4-does the ROM contain a radio by default or should i install it seperately?and is it necessary to upgrade/change it?
sorry for asking too many questions,but i wanna know how to do it right
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) Yes, once you Hard Spl your phone you can flash any rom, custom or OEM
2.) Yes, you must change from a stock spl/uspl to a custom one.
3.) Yes, For the most part it is safe, but like driving your car, accidents happen and the worst case is you brick your phone.
4.) some roms contain radios and some roms do not, you can always flash your favorite radio after the rom flash.
Don't worry this is the right section to ask questions. Read this thread and other threads in the upgrade section. Re read until it makes sense and then go for it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=445666
1.) Yes, once you Hard Spl your phone you can flash any rom, custom or OEM
2.) Yes, you must change from a stock spl/uspl to a custom one.
3.) Yes, For the most part it is safe, but like driving your car, accidents happen and the worst case is you brick your phone.
4.) some roms contain radios and some roms do not, you can always flash your favorite radio after the rom flash.
Don't worry this is the right section to ask questions. Read this thread and other threads in the upgrade section. Re read until it makes sense and then go for it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=445666
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot denco,your help is really appreciated .
i did some digging myself about this,and i ran through this topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=408637
and now things are starting to become more clear,but now i have another questions:
1-if i dump my IPL/SPL,can i restore them again over the stock ones (in case i wanna sell my phone or something like that)?
2-it seems a bit dumb ,but i thought CID unlocking and USPL changing are 2 completely different things,but now i see that they are two different descriptions for the same thing,am i right?
thanks
suzaku said:
thanks a lot denco,your help is really appreciated .
i did some digging myself about this,and i ran through this topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=408637
and now things are starting to become more clear,but now i have another questions:
1-if i dump my IPL/SPL,can i restore them again over the stock ones (in case i wanna sell my phone or something like that)?
2-it seems a bit dumb ,but i thought CID unlocking and USPL changing are 2 completely different things,but now i see that they are two different descriptions for the same thing,am i right?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can restore everything to stock for warranty return, providing it is not your usb connector that is th problem.
They used to be two different things, but now with the new Uspls/Spls it is the same thing
so from what i understood,all i have to do is upgrade my USPL and dump my stock IPL/SPL for restoring purposes (or can i do that without having to dump them?) and i'm ready to flash...right?
I've read the wiki article about SPLs, located here
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=SPL Questions?
What is the difference between Flashing and installing?
And I've a few clarifications to make. There was this note that says "You should never use a SoftSPL to flash a full ROM to your device. You should only use them to flash a new SPL and once the new SPL is on your device, then flash the ROM! This is why you need to extract the SPL and flash it first and then once it is "HARD" on your device you can flash the ROM."
From what I understand, a SoftSPL cannot be used immediately until the SPL is extracted first, then flash it, then flash the ROM.
Then why not provide 2 things, the extracted SPL and the ROM, rather than both in one, and thereby create the need for the warning in the article?
Sorry if I sound like a noob, cos I really am!
Thanks!
ferns_mccanus said:
I've read the wiki article about SPLs, located here
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=SPL Questions?
What is the difference between Flashing and installing?
And I've a few clarifications to make. There was this note that says "You should never use a SoftSPL to flash a full ROM to your device. You should only use them to flash a new SPL and once the new SPL is on your device, then flash the ROM! This is why you need to extract the SPL and flash it first and then once it is "HARD" on your device you can flash the ROM."
From what I understand, a SoftSPL cannot be used immediately until the SPL is extracted first, then flash it, then flash the ROM.
Then why not provide 2 things, the extracted SPL and the ROM, rather than both in one, and thereby create the need for the warning in the article?
Sorry if I sound like a noob, cos I really am!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think of it in PC terms, installing is downloading a program Adobe Flash or
Itunes ans installing it on your hard drive. Flashing is like going from Windows XP to Vista, you are replacing your operating system.
Generally , anything installed will get erased after a hard reset, anything flashed will survive a hard reset.
Generally the spl's are extracted from the roms already and are available in the forum to flash to your phone. Once your phone is flashed with Hardspl there is no need to flash a new spl for every rom.
Stock roms come with a new spl for every version, cooked roms do not contain an spl. There fore your phone must be flashed with a hard spl prior to flashing a custom rom.
Some say that when flashing a cooked rom that you should , for performance sake, flash the patched spl (hardspl ) that came with the rom that the cooked rom is based on ie: 3.56hard for roms that are based on AT$T 3.56.xxxx 6.1 roms or 3.34hard for 3.34.xxxxxx WWE based roms. I personally have seen no " hard " evidence of this. I have always used 3.29Hard whether I was flashing stock or cooked roms.
For more info, Dave has a nice thread on this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=498320
Further clarification about ROMs
Thanks for the reply, I think I'm understanding all these a bit more.
Another thing to clarify:
Basically, my phone comes with PAPAGO, a navigation software pre-installed. In other words, after a hard reset, it's automatically installed. So if I do a ROM upgrade, does that mean I won't have this software anymore?
Thanks!
ferns_mccanus said:
Thanks for the reply, I think I'm understanding all these a bit more.
Another thing to clarify:
Basically, my phone comes with PAPAGO, a navigation software pre-installed. In other words, after a hard reset, it's automatically installed. So if I do a ROM upgrade, does that mean I won't have this software anymore?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct, you will not have it anymore, unless the new rom includes it.
but im pretty sure there is a program to install from a sd card to newly flashed rom. so if the navigator software is on card then you could do this
Hello everyone.
Yesterday I saw that there was a new update of my favourite rom EnergyRom. So today I downloaded it, installed it, everything went well. Until I restarted my Raphael ( raph300 btw). It kept stucking on the bootscreen.. even after I installed the rom again it still stucked at bootscreen. So I began trying to fix it with installing my hardSPL again, that didn't work either, still no further than my bootscreen.. after a while I decided to downgrade my spl to my stock-spl. that went well but still stuck on bootscreen. So I tried to install my stock-rom from my provider: (t-mobile netherlands). But then the Rom updater stuck at 0% and I received the well-known [262] error. Suddenly I saw that I stupidly accidentally installed the cdma version of EnergyRom instead of the one I needed: GSM. That explained why it wouldn't boot in the first place. Now I tried to install the olinex hardspl, but the updater stopped everytime with the 262 error. I connected my device to another computer with windows XP, but there I saw that the computer recognized it as a CDMA device.
I know it is a stupid mistake, but is there anybody who knows what I could try? I also tried to hard-reset it, but that wouldn't help either. Any help would SO be appreciated
try to search a tool called MTTY maybe it helps
lvxincad said:
try to search a tool called MTTY maybe it helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx, but how can I use this in combination with my problem?
As I remember 2 years ago,HardSPL is somehow depended on RadioROM. Maybe the ROM influenced the Radio with HardSPL,so try to reflash HardSPL again and Radio. Or it works absolutely not?
http://forums.techarena.in/hardware-peripherals/1161954.htm
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=371154
http://htcwiki.wetpaint.com/page/RUU+Error+List
TomasNM said:
As I remember 2 years ago,HardSPL is somehow depended on RadioROM. Maybe the ROM influenced the Radio with HardSPL,so try to reflash HardSPL again and Radio. Or it works absolutely not?
http://forums.techarena.in/hardware-peripherals/1161954.htm
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=371154
http://htcwiki.wetpaint.com/page/RUU+Error+List
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I can't update any ROM. So now i'm stuck with my stock SPL, therefore I wanted to Hard SPL my device, but that didn't work and since then I haven't been able to update any ROM.. would flashing on a different PC help maybe? now I am on a Win7 Pc but maybe it will work in WinXP..
It is also not a bad idea to try different PC with XP to flash. I remember apx.1 month ago I tried to update HTC Trinity with WM6.5 ROM and it keeps failed with some errormessage(nowadays I can't remember which,but the syndroms was similar). Then I considered it as "bricked",until I tried another PC and everything wents correctly and the phone is in its productivity again. Yes,tfirst PC was company notebook with lot of safety kind of software(firewall,this,that,etc...) and the second one was my private laptop at home,just equipeed with regular antivirus software,all updates disabled(instead of AV).
Btw,what about trying to flash official ROM,while you are with stockSPL? Maybe it helps you to startup again the device and then HardSPL again afterwards...
TomasNM said:
Btw,what about trying to flash official ROM,while you are with stockSPL? Maybe it helps you to startup again the device and then HardSPL again afterwards...
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Click to collapse
yeah, that's what I thought too. I tried that also, also tried other custom roms btw before going to the stock rom. But with the stock rom it also stuck at 0% on the update
so, today I tried to flash my rom with two different computers: one with win7 and one with winXP. didn't work either.. I read the MTTY thread and after I installed the custom driver I was able to connect trough MTTY. But what commands should I use to clear the ROM and is there any way that I can update my rom via MTTY?
search MTTY on the forums the first link has all you need to clear the rom and flash via MTTY
I think you may be screwed. You should've asked for help before you started messing with the spl. I don't understand why you thought reverting to the stock spl would be a good approach; it may well be the end of your device. What you should have done is just flashed a stock rom-that would probably have restored your device. Re-flashing hard spl is kind of pointless. The only thing that can over-write hard spl is the special 'stock spl' that olinex put together. It's not entirely stock, and I am not sure that it can be over-written by hard spl. The sole purpose of the 'return to stock spl' is so that you can flash a stock rom, then restore the spl so that you can return your device for warranty/service without being dinged for having unofficial firmware on the device. When you do this, you aren't anticipating getting the device back, so I'm not sure that hard spl can over-write it. I know there have been discussions on whether or not it can be over-written, but I'm not sure that there was ever a clear answer. Anyway, with the 'stock spl' on the device, you can't flash any cooked roms to the device. If you are very lucky, you may be able to flash a stock rom. So, my advice is to try a few stock roms.
I'm pretty sure you'll need hard spl to run mtty/task 29, so I wouldn't waste your time on that. I really doubt it works, and I'm not sure what it's going to buy you, anyway. You really need to be able to flash a rom to the device, and you can't flash a cooked rom with that spl. Maybe you can flash a stock rom, but maybe not. I'm not sure which carrier it will let you upgrade to, either.
NeoTokyo22 said:
search MTTY on the forums the first link has all you need to clear the rom and flash via MTTY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes I did, but the problem is that I can't access my Internal Storage, so I can't put any ROM's on that. Tonight I tried to flash a ROM via my SD card, but when I put my device in bootloader-mode it kept saying that it was 'loading...'
If the bootloader just says 'loading', then you probably need to either reformat the card to FAT32 or rename the image to RAPHIMG.nbh. Make sure you get the extension correct (not RAPHIMG.nbh.nbh).
But you're not going to flash anything with the stock spl, anyway. You need hard spl. I'm not sure you can even flash a stock rom off of the sd card-it probably needs to do it over usb.
I updated lot of smartphones already,but it was already few years ago. However I think,that SP's are flashed with MTTY. For that I needed ROM image in nbh file and with some commands you tell the PC,that it should flash it. Don't forget to disable USB connection in Activesync on XP in case MTTY will connect.
TomasNM said:
I updated lot of smartphones already,but it was already few years ago. However I think,that SP's are flashed with MTTY. For that I needed ROM image in nbh file and with some commands you tell the PC,that it should flash it. Don't forget to disable USB connection in Activesync on XP in case MTTY will connect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already managed to connect my device with MTTY, the only thing I need to know is which commands I can use to flash the ROM through MTTY. It just sucks that I am not able to go to my Internal Storage, otherwise it would be much simpler I think.
Farmer Ted said:
I think you may be screwed. You should've asked for help before you started messing with the spl. I don't understand why you thought reverting to the stock spl would be a good approach; it may well be the end of your device. What you should have done is just flashed a stock rom-that would probably have restored your device. Re-flashing hard spl is kind of pointless. The only thing that can over-write hard spl is the special 'stock spl' that olinex put together. It's not entirely stock, and I am not sure that it can be over-written by hard spl. The sole purpose of the 'return to stock spl' is so that you can flash a stock rom, then restore the spl so that you can return your device for warranty/service without being dinged for having unofficial firmware on the device. When you do this, you aren't anticipating getting the device back, so I'm not sure that hard spl can over-write it. I know there have been discussions on whether or not it can be over-written, but I'm not sure that there was ever a clear answer. Anyway, with the 'stock spl' on the device, you can't flash any cooked roms to the device. If you are very lucky, you may be able to flash a stock rom. So, my advice is to try a few stock roms.
I'm pretty sure you'll need hard spl to run mtty/task 29, so I wouldn't waste your time on that. I really doubt it works, and I'm not sure what it's going to buy you, anyway. You really need to be able to flash a rom to the device, and you can't flash a cooked rom with that spl. Maybe you can flash a stock rom, but maybe not. I'm not sure which carrier it will let you upgrade to, either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oke, thanx for your input. I tried to reset my ROM memory with mtty/task 29, but that didn't work, just like you predicted. So my next question is: 'Is there any app that can perform the task 29 without MTTY?'. I googled it, but I could only find the task 29 app for the HTC HD2.. And further, does anybody have a recovery ROM for my RAPH300? I tried the stock ROM on the XDA thread of HTC Raphael, but still got the 262 error
There's really no point in doing Task 29. The bad rom isn't what's killing you now, it's the SPL. It's going to block task 29, no matter what you try (that's one of it's jobs). You should just try to get hard spl back on the device, or try flashing every stock rom you can find. I tend to doubt that either will work, though. The only other option would be to look up the jump spl developed by PoF. I don't remember the name (search for threads started by him), but it was a universal soft spl that would temporarily CID unlock devices so you could flash custom roms. I've never used it before, and I don't know how it loads. You may not be able to load it onto your device with its current state, and it may not even be compatible with a Raphael (it's 3 or so years old), but it's probably worth at least checking out.
Edit: here's the jump spl link. I think you may have to activate it off the device.
Hi guys. I'm hoping my post hasn't broken any forum rules... but anyway, i am very new to android, and i'm still trying to read up on/learn about rooting a phone + flashing a ROM to it. I have a few questions that i'm hoping some experienced people could answer for me =]
1. Does my HTC sensation need to have a certain update before i can try archieve S-Off? (I'm on the Three network [UK] and my software number is 1.34.771.1)
2. How easy is it to brick a device? Im good with computers, and can follow instructions, but seeing as i have no past experience with android, i'm anxious to try flash new ROMs to my phone without insurance - as £500 for a new device would kill me... =P
3. When flashing a new custom ROM to my phone, what kind of 'wipe' do i need to perform? I've read a few articles, all of which say to perform different wipes.
4. I dont understand ' Radio Flashing' could someone kindly explain that to me please?
5. What exactly does CWM backup? =P
I hope i'm not wasting anyones time here, i have read through the articles for noobs, just need some clarification =]
Thanks for everyones time.
~Tbestie~
tbestie said:
Hi guys. I'm hoping my post hasn't broken any forum rules... but anyway, i am very new to android, and i'm still trying to read up on/learn about rooting a phone + flashing a ROM to it. I have a few questions that i'm hoping some experienced people could answer for me =]
1. Does my HTC sensation need to have a certain update before i can try archieve S-Off? (I'm on the Three network [UK] and my software number is 1.34.771.1)
2. How easy is it to brick a device? Im good with computers, and can follow instructions, but seeing as i have no past experience with android, i'm anxious to try flash new ROMs to my phone without insurance - as £500 for a new device would kill me... =P
3. When flashing a new custom ROM to my phone, what kind of 'wipe' do i need to perform? I've read a few articles, all of which say to perform different wipes.
4. I dont understand ' Radio Flashing' could someone kindly explain that to me please?
5. What exactly does CWM backup? =P
I hope i'm not wasting anyones time here, i have read through the articles for noobs, just need some clarification =]
Thanks for everyones time.
~Tbestie~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. As long as you are on Android 2.3.3 there shouldnt be a problem. 2.3.4 donesnt have a S=off just yet, i think
2. Bricking is actually very hard to do, if u follow instructions you should be good
3. all you need to wip is the system data, cache, and i reccomend wiping the battery status too
4. Radio flashing is chaning your radio number. this is actually a very easy process. Dont worry about this, all you do is put a zip on ur sd card, and the phone does the rest.
5. ClockWork Mod backs up quite literally everytrhing. Think "Macrium Reflect" for a PC. Or a "Ghost Backup" for a PC.
6. I just added this. don worry about wasting peoples time. We are here to help each other like a community. Let me know if u have any other questions.
I am following this thread, and when u reply i will answer you again. So feel free to ask any more questions.
If you feel like ur ready to root just go to the Development forum and see the 1st sticky thread. Or if u ask i will send u a few links on how to root.
Alankrut said:
1. As long as you are on Android 2.3.3 there shouldnt be a problem. 2.3.4 donesnt have a S=off just yet, i think
2. Bricking is actually very hard to do, if u follow instructions you should be good
3. all you need to wip is the system data, cache, and i reccomend wiping the battery status too
4. Radio flashing is chaning your radio number. this is actually a very easy process. Dont worry about this, all you do is put a zip on ur sd card, and the phone does the rest.
5. ClockWork Mod backs up quite literally everytrhing. Think "Macrium Reflect" for a PC. Or a "Ghost Backup" for a PC.
6. I just added this. don worry about wasting peoples time. We are here to help each other like a community. Let me know if u have any other questions.
I am following this thread, and when u reply i will answer you again. So feel free to ask any more questions.
If you feel like ur ready to root just go to the Development forum and see the 1st sticky thread. Or if u ask i will send u a few links on how to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much =] Think i'll give rooting a go within the next week... just want to make my sensation that much faster and improve the battery life!
If you don't mind me asking;
What exactly is a Radio number for?
I am on android 2.3.3 , just my software number seemed different to other peoples phones =P
So if i use this 'Clockwork Mod' to backup everything, once the new ROM has installed, will everything just be the same (apart from the changes on the ROM obv) such as app placements on homescreens etc. Or will i have to put everything back?
Also, say android releases 2.3.5 , im assuming i would just flash an updated ROM over the top of an older 2.3.4 ROM when it is released?
I've read through the 1st sticky a few times already, just to familiarise myself with certain words/actions =]
Finally, what is hboot =]
Thanks again for your time!
~Tbestie~
tbestie said:
So if i use this 'Clockwork Mod' to backup everything, once the new ROM has installed, will everything just be the same (apart from the changes on the ROM obv) such as app placements on homescreens etc. Or will i have to put everything back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clockwork Mod is just a recovery program to allow you to install new ROMs to your device, but most importantly, to let you backup and restore your current device configuration (like a sort of time machine). Most developers recommend Clockwork Mod (CWM) because it is so good at what it does. If anything fails, and you need to use your phone in a pinch, just revert to a CWM backup, and all's well!
So, to answer your question, unfortunately, no. One of the only ways to do that is with Titanium Backup, a program from the Android Market.
CWM is for reverting to previous incarnations of your phone's software and firmware.
Sorry I only answered one question, but it was the only one I knew how to in an effective manner.
Sorry, I can answer another!
tbestie said:
What exactly is a Radio number for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A radio is the way that your device communicates with your mobile networking. (wifi, 3G/4G, etc) Different Radio versions (numbers) work better for different people. Most developers will release a matched radio with their ROMs, which is usually what works best for them. Depending on your area, different radios may work better for you. Ultimately concerning radios, Your Mileage WILL vary. it's one of the other big trial and error pieces to flashing custom ROMs.
tbestie said:
Thank you very much =] Think i'll give rooting a go within the next week... just want to make my sensation that much faster and improve the battery life!
If you don't mind me asking;
What exactly is a Radio number for?
I am on android 2.3.3 , just my software number seemed different to other peoples phones =P
So if i use this 'Clockwork Mod' to backup everything, once the new ROM has installed, will everything just be the same (apart from the changes on the ROM obv) such as app placements on homescreens etc. Or will i have to put everything back?
Also, say android releases 2.3.5 , im assuming i would just flash an updated ROM over the top of an older 2.3.4 ROM when it is released?
I've read through the 1st sticky a few times already, just to familiarise myself with certain words/actions =]
Finally, what is hboot =]
Thanks again for your time!
~Tbestie~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Radio Number/Version is the version of ur radio. This is signal related.
So when updates come out they typically update the
radio and make the signal strength better.
This is something to be careful with, when changing ROMs
make sure that the some you are about to change into
supports ur radio version.
When u use ClockWork Mod to backup it will backup your current settings. So if u backup it consists of your rom , apps, settings, etc. so if u restore that then everything would be like the old one. So Yes, u would have the set everything back on the homescreen. Its ok, u will get used to that.
When they release android 2.3.5 you might have to "wipe" your phone and do it again. Maybe, depending on your rom, you might be able to flash on top of 2.3.4
H-Boot is similar to the Bios of the computer. And you know how carefully you have to be to change that.
But the H-Boot version that the 1st sticky says allows changing of certain things, thus allowing you to have root.
Feel free to ask away, im here to help you
Andresehn said:
Sorry, I can answer another!
A radio is the way that your device communicates with your mobile networking. (wifi, 3G/4G, etc) Different Radio versions (numbers) work better for different people. Most developers will release a matched radio with their ROMs, which is usually what works best for them. Depending on your area, different radios may work better for you. Ultimately concerning radios, Your Mileage WILL vary. it's one of the other big trial and error pieces to flashing custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. you posted both while i was writing up my response.
Its good though, because then the OP will get to read 2 times as much, which will make him even better at the terminology and the process
Lol. I'm just trying to be helpful so i can get to posting on the Dev. forums. There are plenty of easy questions there...
Appreciating the help guys =] Starting to understand a bit better!
So when i flash a new ROM, i must flash a new Radio? If i flash the recommended radio, how likely am i to get a good signal? And if im getting poor signal, i just have to keep trying new Radios? ( I Heard flashing radios is one of the ways you can brick your device)
Also with CWM - When the backup is made... do i have to keep it on the Sd card? Or can i move it to the computer so it takes up less space?
And if i understand correctly - CWM basically creates a backup just incase things go wrong you can always revert back?
... If i use titanium backup, what benefits does that bring over CWM? - Is it worth the money?
Thanks again
~Tbestie~
Also, how do i find my hboot version?
Ive started trying to get S-Off... just be reading ahead, it says that Custom ROMs come with root already? Does that mean i just need CWM with S-Off to flash a ROM? Or do i need to Root + Do the Super-Cid thing?
tbestie said:
Also, how do i find my hboot version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Hold the power button, untill you get Shut Down, Airplane Mode or Restart.
- Click on Restart then Yes.
- Wait until all the lights on your device turn off.
- Hold the Vol. Down Button until a white screen shows.
There you'll find HBOOT-XXXXXX
This is your HBOOT version.
To get to your OS again:
- Make sure FASTBOOT is hightlighted.
- Press the <Power> button.
- Go to REBOOT by pressing Vol. Down.
- Press the <Power> button.
Hope it helps
tbestie said:
Ive started trying to get S-Off... just be reading ahead, it says that Custom ROMs come with root already? Does that mean i just need CWM with S-Off to flash a ROM? Or do i need to Root + Do the Super-Cid thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need Root to install a custom Root.
Just S-OFF, CWM and SuperCID I believe..
Just note down your old CID before writing the new SuperCID as you may need it later if you want to flash RUU and afraid of doing something wrong
Later on, if you want to flash RUU (Rom Upgrade Utility) without the fear of flashing a wrong one, you can just write the old CID to your device again
Check this post to know more
Sorry for the silly amount of posts... i cant find how to delete them!
Just so you know - I've archieved S-Off now , and installed CWM successfully.
Am i ready to flash a ROM?
-Also i have save files in games... such as FF7 - FPse , which a really dont want to lose... is their anyway i can copy them/save them somewhere ?
claudenegm said:
You don't need Root to install a custom Root.
Just S-OFF, CWM and SuperCID I believe..
Just note down your old CID before writing the new SuperCID as you may need it later if you want to flash RUU and afraid of doing something wrong
Later on, if you want to flash RUU (Rom Upgrade Utility) without the fear of flashing a wrong one, you can just write the old CID to your device again
Check this post to know more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do i find/note down my old cid?
tbestie said:
Sorry for the silly amount of posts... i cant find how to delete them!
Just so you know - I've archieved S-Off now , and installed CWM successfully.
Am i ready to flash a ROM?
-Also i have save files in games... such as FF7 - FPse , which a really dont want to lose... is their anyway i can copy them/save them somewhere ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To flash a ROM, you mean Stock ROM (RUU) or Custom ROM?
If Custom Rom, please read my post #13 then do the SuperCID thing as you will need it for custom ROM..
About your saved games, the only way I know you can backup your saved data with is using Titanium Backup, which can be found in the Market.
Obviously, if you still don't know what you're doing, research more and then do whatever you want.
I take no responsibilities about anything that may happen to your phone using any of the methods above.
Good luck
tbestie said:
How do i find/note down my old cid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted all the instructions in the other link I posted.
You'll find CID: XXXXX, keep this code with you, in-case you need it later for installing RUU and confused about which one to use.
claudenegm said:
To flash a ROM, you mean Stock ROM (RUU) or Custom ROM?
If Custom Rom, please read my post #13 then do the SuperCID thing as you will need it for custom ROM..
About your saved games, the only way I know you can backup your saved data with is using Titanium Backup, which can be found in the Market.
Obviously, if you still don't know what you're doing, research more and then do whatever you want.
I take no responsibilities about anything that may happen to your phone using any of the methods above.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im going to try install Android Revolution 3.0.0 =]
Starting to understand what im doing. About to make a backup using CWM. =]
*UPDATE* - Performed backup with CWM - Everything seemed to go fine... however i noticed it said ''No sd-ext found, skipping backup of sd-ext''...
Does that mean my SD card isnt backed up?
tbestie said:
Im going to try install Android Revolution 3.0.0 =]
Starting to understand what im doing. About to make a backup using CWM. =]
*UPDATE* - Performed backup with CWM - Everything seemed to go fine... however i noticed it said ''No sd-ext found, skipping backup of sd-ext''...
Does that mean my SD card isn't backed up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what happened to me when I backed up.
I think you should ignore it, as it is trying to backup an extension in the SD-Card, as you can re-partition your SD-Card using CWM as I understand.
I would be pleased if someone explained to me what exactly sd-ext is and what I'm missing
Good day to you all
claudenegm said:
I would be pleased if someone explained to me what exactly sd-ext is and what I'm missing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignoring it is ok. sd-ext not being backed up is most likely an indicator that an EXT4 formatted portion of your SD card was not found. By default, your SD card is formatted as FAT32 because of its universal acceptance by all OSs. Some users report a performance boost/personal preference toward EXT4, YMMV.
tbestie said:
Does that mean my SD card isnt backed up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most importantly, ClockworkMod does not back up your SD card. that is something you have to do manually on your computer, should you choose to do so. CWM is only responsible for backing up the internal storage of the phone that can be changed or wiped by ROMs (or mike1986's SuperWipe.) ROMs shouldn't change the contents of the SD card.